Things That Drive Me Crazy

Why oh why can't the giggling teenagers in the mall just go ahead and open that bathroom door for the poor, struggling-with-a-stroller mommy trying desparately to use the bathroom?



Anddoes the salesperson in the "fake" jewelry store really think the person pushing the stroller needs a little basket to carry her purchases?



Or, and why would someone take a bite off of a sandwich and then share it? That's just gross.



Etcetera.

Hibachi

We are taking MIL to a Hibachi grill tonight. Do you know that lots of grills are not open on Thursday night? And when you call for reservations, there are tons of disclaimers. You must each spend $12 minimum. (Fine for the grown-ups, but do they mean Ander, too?) A reservation does not guarantee a table. Hmmm? Oh, and if you are ten minutes late, or any single member of your party is, you lose your seat. Normally, a policy that doesn't bother me - unless the restaurant is on College Drive. :/

Jake was joking when he said Ander is getting a lizard for his birthday, right?

And Coyote, where are you lurking from? Or is it top secret?

Etcetera.

Leap Day Is Friday

Maybe this is the stupidest question I ever asked. But if Leap Day comes every four years, making that year one day longer than other years, how does the summer and winter solstice manage to fall on exactly the same date every year?

See, I'm not even sure the question is intelligent enough to be understandable.

Yesterday, at the coffeeshop, Ander kept going up to Zoe and saying, "Baby. It cute." He he.

Etcetera.

Quarterlife: A TV Review

A tv show called Quarterlife premiered today. A show about 25 year olds. The perfect age. Makes me feel really, really old.

It's also a show about blogging. Loads of scenes are about blogging about other people. I try not to do that, at least if I think the blogging will be perceived as negative. (Positive things about others are, IMHO, meant to be shared.)

But apart from the dishonesty of the storyline where one purposely blogs negatively about ones friends, it's a really interesting show. The characters are likable. The art is interesting. And the vibe makes me miss my preparent days. Not enough to go back, mind you, but enough to not mind that I waited until my 30s to reproduce.

Etcetera.

He's Fine

He especially enjoyed the xray. Yah, I know that's strange. But, you see, he thought the machine was a telescope. And he thought that was pretty cool.

Etcetera.

Limpy

Ander was at a playdate this morning (where we saw Aidan, BTW) and fell. He hurt his leg. He can crawl, and he can take three steps, but otherwise, he collapses. Great fun. He's not complaining and doesn't seem to be in pain. Just waiting for the ped to call.

Etcetera.

The Oscars

Perhaps this is the five time in five years that no one at least invited us to an Oscar party. Not that we always go, as I'm not into the Oscars. I just thought that was weird.

Anyway, they are on tv. And they are sooooo boring. It makes me want to just go to bed. Isn't that old lady of me?

I always want to plan an Oscar party, with cool food and everyone dressy, but it's on a Sunday. And Ander's birthday party is always really close to the Oscars date. So, instead, I type my blog. Sigh.

Etcetera.

If Everyday Was A Weekend

It's so nice spending the entire day with my husband and child. For one thing, it's nice not to change all the diapers and make all the meals. But it's also nice to have an adult who I really happen to like to chit chat with.

Yesterday, we went to the toy store with Ander to buy his birthday present. Then we went to a Chinese restaurant for General Tso's chicken. Well, Alan eats the chicken. I like the sweet and spicy sauce over my fried rice.

After a long nap, we went to the Observatory with the D's and JD. We actually saw Saturn (and its rings and moons) through a telescope. We roasted marshmellows around the fire. And we hung with grownups. It was pretty cool.

Ander discovered some new things to like, like sword and aliens. Oh, and telescopes. The boy loved the telescopes.

Etcetera.

Sneezing

Sneezing makes it really hard to type. And to eat. And to breathe. Just saying.

I've noticed that my family doesn't say "bless you" when I sneeze. Others do; they just don't.

Etcetera.

Being Okay With Who I Am

I know I come off as a pretty secure person. And actually, when I am fighting for someone else's rights, I am confident and sure of myself. I am realistic about what I can acheive, and usually manage to acheive the goals I set.

But for myself, I always feel like I have to change to make people happy, or live up to their expectations (even if they are not the expectations that I hold for myself), or like no one really just likes me for who I am, without me having to change some major stuff.

But I need to work on this. No one else's approval, even my husband's, though I love him dearly and he has nothing to do with this self-reflection (which was actually spawned by a comment someone made on NPR this morning), is really necessary.

And if I can just make peace with that, I can start living up to my own standards. I can stop trying to please everyone else, and do what I think is best for me. I can stop and do things I enjoy. I can put things I value first. I can relax, a little, maybe.

Enough self-reflection for today. Back to work.

Etcetera.

Going To Work Today

My throat hurts, my nose is runny, and I feel generally like crap, but I have stuff to do. So off to work I go. Plus, this weekend, I won't really get to rest a whole lot. Alan is working on Saturday. I have to clean the house for the party. I do think I'm going to wait until MIL comes to town to shop for the party, though. She can either come with me or watch Ander while I shop.

Ander's *theme*, though I use that word loosely, is Cookie Monster. So I'll make (and by make, I mean use Nestle Pre-made Cookie Rolls) chocolate chip cookies and some sugar cookies with the number 2, since the party is sponsored by the number 2. Also, I am looking on the internet for a Sesame Street sign to color and put on my mailbox. But really, I'm keeping the party really simple. No games or anything like that. And my sister is making the cake, so I don't have to do that.

Etcetera.

Mamaebeth

This blog is for you! I just got comment after comment from you on my blogs. I have a pop-up e-mail notifier, and time after time, it said mamaebeth.

People, I think I may have a fan of my blog. ;)

(Or maybe a state worker whose bored in those last few minutes. :( Yah, that's probably it.)

Anyway, comments = love. You taught me that one.

:)

Etcetera.

Prudie On Breastfeeding Advice

On Dear Prudence, a new mom complains about all the breast-feeding advice she is receiving. Prudie recommended that she basically ignore the advice. You can read the exact question and advice here:

http://www.slate.com/id/2184251

The thing about the lady's question is that it sounds absurd. That a perfect stranger would approach her and ask why she wasn't breastfeeding? That friends would send her literature on breastfeeding? That people think it's, in any scenario you can imagine, their business?

Except it's not absurd. When I had Ander, and was dripping with post-partum hormones and craziness, and could barely get through the day, people did the exact same things to me. Yep, there are wackos who approach you in Babies 'R Us, ask if you are breastfeeding, and when you say no, say "why not?" Like it's their business. There are medical professionals who ignore the capital letters on your chart that say "NO BREASTFEEDING" and try to convince you otherwise. There are friends (not family, in my case) who advise you, again and again, to read one breastfeeding book or another. There are acquantices who ask about it, and then explain to you why breastfeeding is the right choice.

I've read that people who don't breastfeed are uneducated. Hmm...four degrees...one doctorate level...but whatever. They are lazy. I know breastfeeders who are self-proclaimed lazy people. They are not doing the best for their kids. (Depends on your definition of best, I guess.)

Anyhow, the Prudie advice made me flashback to those times. People do act the way portrayed in the question, despite how weird it seems.

And Prudie's answer? I think Prudie was wrong. I think the correct answer is, "hey, tell you what. Instead of discussing my breast and how I use it, how about we discuss your rear end and what we should stick up it." But I'm cranky and sick and bitter, so what do I know?

;)

Etcetera.

Not Better

I took a nap from 12 noon (right after Ander fell asleep) until 2 p.m. (right after Ander woke up, apparently). I should be feeling better. But the sneezing has gotten worse since I woke up, and I feel more stuffy.

I thought naps were good for you?

Etcetera.

At Home and Miserable

Last night, I left my mom's group dinner early because I was sneezing and miserable. This morning, I woke up feeling crappy. And now, I have a fever and I feel beat up. My nose is stuffy and my head hurts.

I'm am tempted to go to work anyway. I could actually probably rest more at the office than I can at home, with Ander. But Rachel is coming back today. And I definitely don't want to get preggie lady sick. Plus, it's the whole driving for 30 minutes. I am so groggy and sleepy and muddle-headed, and driving just seems like an impossible obstacle.

I haven't had a cold in forever. Ander's coughing a little, but he doesn't seem sick. Shrug. I guess I just got lucky.

Etcetera.

Would It Kill Pixar...

...to have Monsters Inc start immediately, sans previews, so my kid doesn't kick and scream while mommy chooses menu, waits, chooses play, waits, and the chooses widescreen. Seriously, people, it's a movie for kids. And kids are even more impatient than I am.

Blah!

Life can only improve at this point, right?

Etcetera.

You Let Your Kid...

...visit his aunt one time, and he comes back saying, "Mommy took my balls." Nice.

Etcetera.

Nice Weekend

The weekend was so pretty. And it felt fairly relaxing. The house is less cluttered than before, although still not clean enough for houseguests...as it needs to be by February 28. :/

Alan's only been in special session for a week or so, but I already cannot wait until late June, when overtime is over. It's so different taking care of everything by myself. Especially with an almost 2 year old.

Etcetera.

Giftie Linkage

Apparently, I somehow ended up on the LSMSA website as a "social networking site." Here's the link:

http://lsmsa.edu/content.cfm?id=273

So there you are. Network, people, network.

Etcetera.

Business Woes

Owning a small business really is tough. Suddenly and without warning, no one needs legal advice. Well, no one who is willing to pay for it. I went from 2-3 inquiries a week (with about 1 inquiry every other week turning into a client) to no calls. Other attorneys in town have told me the same story.

The thing is, you still have to keep the office open, for when business picks up. The expenses don't go away. And though most people probably believe attorneys make tons of money, we are required to supply so much stuff (storage for files, fax access, secretarial staff, office space...the list goes on and on). We are required to handle each case a certain way, and if we cut any corners, we risk a lawsuit and lose of our license. These things do not go away.

So while an attorney might charge $175 an hour for legal work (not what I charge, BTW), they might actually only make $25 an hour in income. Or even less, if they are still paying ongoing expenses but suddenly have fewer clients.

Etcetera.

For Those Who Wonder...

...what it is, exactly, that I see in my Valentine. For the rest of you, who are also madly in love with my Valentine, and feel your heart flutter at the very thought of him - you don't need this post. This post is only for those who wonder why? What does she see in him? (I'm sure it's a very small minority. ;))

He makes me smile. And laugh. And giggle. As first he seems dry, then, when you least expect it, his humor sneaks up on you and attacks. It's the kind of humor that brings sunshine to your day.

It's the way he is with kids. Not just his kid, although certainly that, but even before we had kids. He's fun and dedicated and awesome with kids.

His enthusiam for things he likes is compelling. It's not that I like Xbox; it's that I like the animated way he talks about it.

He is predictable. You know what to expect from him. You can depend on him.

He's sweet and loving. He never hesitates to give me a hug or hold my hand, if that's what I need.

His independence is nice. It means he and I can sometimes just be, in separate places, and still be sure of each other.

He is snarky about other people sometimes, and says to me exactly what I wanted to say about those same people, but failed to say. :)

Most of all, he has the biggest, softest heart ever created.

Etcetera.

Need To Clean The House

Not today, but over the next couple of weeks. I have to, because Ander's birthday is coming up, and we'll have company over for his party. Alan's working overtime because of the special session, so we are not around together much at night. And when we are, it's the little bit of free time that we have together, so we end up trying to steal a few minutes together. In the meantime, the mess is piling up.

I would be a horrible SAHM. I need structure in my day, or I get nothing done.

I spoke to a mom's group about wills yesterday. Sometimes I forget that other people (especially other intelligent people) don't know the things I know about wills. It was really cool.

Etcetera.

Long Hard Day

Yesterday pretty much sucked. I'm still having medical issues, so the day started off with me having to deal with that. I had an appointment in Baton Rouge, so I didn't get to work until noon.

Once I got to work, I had to tell my student worker that I've redone the budget and can no longer afford her. That was hard. I've made lots of budget cuts after a few months of either not making enough or bigger bills than I ever budgeted for. I am refilling ink instead of buying new. I am cutting errands (which mean reimbursing staff for mileage) to three days a week, and doing them myself whenever I can. If I get another student worker, I will probably just get a high school student to stop by after school, run errands, do the filing, and clean the office. I just don't have enough work for a student for 15 hours a week. I mean, we have tons of work, but it's too complicated for a part-time employee to learn to do.

Then, my office manager had to go to the doctor, because she was having problems with her pregnancy. The doctor put her on bedrest. I'm nervous for her and the baby, plus I don't have any help in the office now. :(

To say I am a bit stressed is an understatement.

Etcetera.

Stolen From A Friend - About My Hubby

What is his name? Alan aka Box
How long have you been married? Since May 31, 1996
How long did you date? Since August 17, 1992
How old is he? 35
How old are you? 33
Who eats more sweets? Me
Who said I love you first? He always ended phone calls with I love you, even long before we were dating
Who is taller? Him
Who can sing better? Him by far
Who is smarter? I probably am, but it's hard to tell, because I'm a quick thinker, but he can figure things out that I never could, if you give him enough time.
Who does the laundry? Mostly him.
Who does the dishes? Mostly him.
Who pays the bills? Him.
His guilty pleasure? XBox 360
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Him currently. I always sleep as far from the door as possible.
Who mows the lawn? Mostly me.
Besides you, who is his best friend? Hmm...tough question. Maybe Ron.
Who cooks dinner? We both cook our own on the rare ocassion that we cook.
Who drives? If we are together, he mostly does.
Who kissed who first? He kissed me first.
Who asked who out first? There was no real asking out.
What was your first date? Hmm...we drove down to the Riverwalk in BR at 5 a.m. Does that count?
Who proposed? Him.
Who has more siblings? Me.
Who wears the pants? We are a team.
What is your favorite thing about him? The way he plays with Ander.

Etcetera.

He Knows Just What To Say

Alan put together Ander's toy box. We'd had it since Christmas, but it has taken three tries to put it together. The first time, some of the nuts and screws were missing. The next time, a piece of wood was broken coming out of the box. Even the final product has a piece of wood that separated. But we are done reordering and putting the pieces together again. So the toy box is officially done.

And Ander loves it. He put all his toys in it. It's a bench, too, and he sits on it. I asked him about it. He said, "Daddy made it." It was really hard for Daddy to *make*, so that was the perfect thing to say. Now Ander won't come out of his room, because he is playing with his toy box. He must be related to his Mommy.

Etcetera.

Voting

So, I am going to vote in a few minutes. I'm still not sure who I am voting for. I am relieved, however, that I feel confident in either of the Democratic candidates. That is different than my experience in the past.

I actually like Obama a little more, but I am considering voting for Clinton. I guess I just think she seems more qualified for the job. It's all gut, though. Politically, I don't quite match up with either one. That makes sense, seeing as I am pretty liberal in my politics but pretty conservative in my actions and choices.

Etcetera.

Good Things

Last night, Ander (and Jacob...yep, Jake is in town for good) went to the LSU gym meet with us. And Ander was Good, with a capital G, for the entire three hour event. He loves the band, so we sat next to the drums and tubas. The drummers recognize him from last time. The drummers spoke to me a little, and I told them that Ander makes us sit by the drums because it's his favorite part. They were beaming. My favorite part is when the music stops, and Ander yells, "AGAIN, AGAIN."

In other good things news, Alan said I looked the skinniest I have in years. Nice.

Etcetera.

Thank You Paca

You rock! If you are ever in Louisiana, don't forget to give your Baton Rouge peeps a shout out.

Etcetera.

Who Reads My Blog

Isn't there a sneaky way for me to check who reads my blog? I'd love to know if any perfect strangers actually bother. Especially since I read several perfect strangers' blogs, obsessively.

Are they bothered that I never proofread?

Or that I spend so much time talking about mundane stuff?

Jake moved to town today. Woohoo! And Brien had a second interview for a job down here. Yep, I said down here! Keep your fingers and your toes crossed. Ander wants his Parrain home. And Mommy wants a babysitting who is ethically, morally, and spiritually bound not to say no. He he. He claims he doesn't change diapers, but I figure if Ander walks around saying, "stinky...nakey...stinky Ander...stinky diaper," eventually Parrian will be converted. :)

I'm working on gerunds (those are -ing words, right?) with Ander.

"Ander, who's driving?"
"Mommy driving."
"And who's riding?"
"Ander riding!"

Etcetera.

And The Mystery Continues

There is now a gnome in front of my office door, too.

Hmm...

And yep, I am posting at 3:20 a.m. How's that for sleeplessness?

Etcetera.

Politicos and No Sleep

Last night I attended a local political event. Ander stayed home with MIL and apparently ate a lot of cookies.

The politicians were very busy shaking hands, as there is a big upcoming election in town. Many of them are running for District Attorney, and since I will have to work with, and possibly someday for, the new DA, I had to remind each candidate that I met them at a bar association event. ;)

Once we got home, I could not sleep. I keep dreaming my body was melting away. My muscles ached, because they were asleep, but I wasn't. I probably stayed up until 2 a.m. And here I am posting at 7 a.m. Today is going to suck.

Etcetera.

MIL...

...will be here any minute. Hmm...Ander is still napping, and doesn't want to wake up, Maw Maw Rose or no Maw Maw Rose.

I've been drinking decaf coffee for a while now (because of the whole trying to conceive thing) and I really don't notice the difference. I must admit, I just like the taste of coffee. And I never really drank a lot, anyway.

I've also been making tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic vinager salads at home. Yummy! I used to just order this in restaurants, but I think it's even better at home.

Etcetera.

Two Cool Things

1. A man on Airline Highway in Prairieville, at a major intersection, had several cases of water bottles fall out of his truck. They covered both lanes of traffic. No cars could get by. There must have been three hundred water bottles. And all the nearby drivers stopped their cars, one by one, and helped him pick up the bottles. It was unusual, but very cool.

2. A month ago, a gnome showed up near my mom's garden. Yesterday, one showed up in her mailbox. Cool.