Ready for Halloween!

The house has been decorated,

(the kids' bedroom doors)

(the black pumpkins are a craft I did with the kids this year)

the pumpkin patch has been visited,



pumpkin goop has been scooped,



jack o'lanterns have been carved,





the school's pumpkin carving contest has been entered,



and The Boy has baked cupcakes for his preschool class party!

(yellow cake, white frosting, yellow sprinkles, red fruit roll, scissors, and Mommy's help!)

We are ready for Halloween!

Politics

I'm halfway through a big political post that's in draft, which I started a while ago and am now trying to finish.

Even I am bored by it at this point.

Ugh, no more politics, please!

Obama for President!

Straights against 8!
Because I love my children, I'm voting NO on 8!

Rough day

I'm going to bed now, and I'm happy to say goodbye to today.

Nothing went smoothly, everything was rocky.

Most of it was just little inconveniences, but there was one big thing.

My cat is ill.

This cat.

I took him to the vet Sunday, talked to the vet again by phone today, and it looks like I'll be taking him back in tomorrow. It looks like there will be a lot of tests and procedures in his future.

My heartache and stress have colored everything I've done, written, or said today.

goodnight.

It's been a week?!

I can't believe I haven't written in a week! It feels like I just wrote that one.

Sooooo... what's been going on with me this week?

Well, I started going to the gym! Good for me, now keep it up.

Big Girl got glasses. She looks cute!

She is amazed that she can actually read the writing on the board! And see the pictures in the librarian's storybook! Poor thing, I wonder how long this has been going on. I'm glad we've remedied that situation.

When she showed up at school with them for the first time, SO EXCITED ABOUT THEM (she LOVES them), her best friend told her she did not like them and kept pouting all day about it when anyone would compliment Big Girl about them. Little snot. She doesn't like it when Big Girl gets any attention. Real nice.

Big Girl didn't seem upset about it, just a little annoyed that her best friend wasn't being supportive even though she was so happy with the glasses, and I said, "I bet it's hard for her to get used to you looking a little different, because she's the person who has been looking at your face all day for several years. She'll get used to them and after a while, they won't bother her anymore. And what matters is what YOU think about them anyway. They're cute, you like them, and you like being able to see, so they are a good thing!" She agreed with me and seemed no less happy with the glasses, so we let it go at that.

A big pat on the back for me, for not saying what I wanted to say about the best friend (I'm sure you can imagine!).

Also this week, Middle Girl showed more signs of being pretty much "back to normal," thank God because it's been MONTHS. Seeing her be silly and giggly again is so good for my heart.

When I think about this week, I realize it was full of little things: band rehearsal, getting The Hubby's car fixed, helping out in Middle Girl's class, putting up Halloween decorations (finally), cleaning the house (sort of)...

I also listened to a discussion on our local NPR station about Yes on Prop 8's latest ad, the one where the law professor tells us that in Massachusetts, teachers were forced to teach same sex marriage in schools, and it will happen here in California. I talked about this ad a few posts ago.

The law professor himself was on, as well as an awesome No on Prop 8 representative (unfortunately I don't remember her name). She did a great job explaining the TRUTH, that Prop 8 won't change anything about what kids learn in school; it's just trying to take away the rights of some of our fellow citizens.

The law professor said that Domestic Partnership already exists, so Yes on Prop 8. Huh? He said that when the court ruled our earlier ban on gay marriage unconstitional, it elevated a certain group to a special status. Huh? Does he not see that he wants gays to be kept in a lower status and making them equal disturbs him? How else to explain it? He said he was not a bigot and was deeply offended by people saying he is. Well, sorry guy, but you have to face the music.

----

I was in line at a McDonald's drive thru yesterday and a few cars ahead of me was a van with a Yes on Prop 8 sign (SIGN. Not bumper sticker) on the car as well as a shoddily hand-made sign saying "KEEP it REAL (man + woman)." I found myself craning my neck to try to get a look at the driver, because I honestly cannot understand - who are these Yes on Prop 8 people? What's wrong with them that they feel threatened by gay marriage? I only saw her arm. It didn't answer any of my questions.

Sigh. Election time makes me feel anxious and irritated. When will this country start thinking of others first, before ourselves? It's hard to be hopeful about this.

I want to make a button for my blog, but my computer doesn't have a good graphics program. I want it to say:

BECAUSE I LOVE MY CHILDREN,
I'M VOTING NO ON PROP 8

meme

No one tagged me.

But I saw it at Blackbird's.

11 things about me.


1. Clothes Shop: Ann Taylor LOFT, but I am now feeling like moving on. To where?

2. Furniture Shop: I wouldn't want everything to come from the same place. We've got Pottery Barn, IKEA, Cost Plus, antiques stores, an independent furnisher that's been in our town forever (if I had more money I would buy more there).

3. Sweet: The fudge they make at the Oregon Zoo is an annual treat for me (Maple and Pecan are my favorite flavors). I am also into Trader Joe's Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels and Trader Joe's Kettle Corn. For candy, my favorite is Swedish Fish. Out to a special dinner, I love an apple or pear tart of any sort: galette, crumble, etc.
My mother-in-law thinks I have a sweet tooth. I wouldn't say so, but looking at this entry...

4. City: Quebec City, Salzburg, Venice, Pasadena California.

5. Drink: non-alcoholic - hmmm. I mostly drink water, but I also like Gatorade. Fruit Punch flavor.

6. Music: It's the only way I'm earning any money these days (albeit not much). My varied musical tastes enjoy Sirius, the satellite radio! Right now, I'm feeling like hearing some Blink-182. In high school, I was the Broadway Musicals girl. Am I aging backwards, like in that new Brad Pitt movie? (Looking in mirror.... that would be a NO.)

7. TV Series: The Amazing Race. Project Runway. How I Met Your Mother. The Office. 30 Rock. House MD. Friday Night Lights. Chuck. Top Chef.

8. Film: Ugh, these lists! Why can't I ever just pick one thing? I'll restrain myself on this one.

9. Workout: Just joined the Y. Must start going.

10. Pastries: Maple, Cinnamon, Chocolate, or Pumpkin.

11. Coffee: Can't stand it.

two lovely thoughts for this morning

As dadgonemad said:

But this particular proposition [Prop 8] seems to have crawled much further up my ass than any other I’ve come across in my twenty years as a registered voter.

For me, there are two things about this election that have crawled farther up my ass than anything has before.

1) Prop. 8. Yes on Prop 8 is "Protect Traditional Marriage." UGH! I'm a firm believer in marriage, and believe that in our society at present, it is not the respected institution that it should be, BUT THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GAY MARRIAGE. Also, I am baffled that the same people who say they want government out of their lives seem to want THEIR RELIGION dictating EVERYONE'S lives. You want to keep government out of it? Great, so do I. Don't tell me who to love or what to do with my body.

2) Sarah Palin. Putting her on the ticket was insulting to me, as a woman. There are plenty of qualified, smart women out there. Why did they choose Sarah Palin for their ticket? Because they could control her, and tell her what to think and what to say, plain and simple. And I am insulted.

PR5 has come to an end.

Watching the finale of Project Runway 5...

I cannot help but remember how I felt going into Project Runway 1's finale. I wanted Jay to win so badly! I watched nervously, I loved his collection, HE WON, I whooped! Whoo! I thought I would be wearing his clothes by now, but the fashion business is harder than I knew.

Having seen that, the PR finales feel a bit different. Winning PR doesn't guarantee you anything: if the winner does become "the next great American designer," it won't happen for a while. The finale is still fun to watch, having gotten to know the designers during the season, but their careers remain to be seen!

_____________
Kenley's Collection.
I pick out these two as my favorites:

I would LOVE to wear this dress!

This look is not that feasible in the "real world," but what a pretty look. Beautiful shape.

_____________
Korto's Collection.
These two are my favorites:

I would totally buy this dress (if it were a bit longer).

This one was very striking on the runway!

_____________
Leanne's Collection.
Watching this collection, I think to myself: "this is the one that seems to be inventing something new, imagining a new direction."
These two are my picks for favorites.



____________
Announcing the Winner.

It's Leanne!
(The Hubby and I have been referring to her as "Portland Girl" this whole season -- YEAH! Go PDX! Rip City! Stumptown! The City of Roses! Bridgetown!)

I wasn't really rooting for any one of the THREE WOMEN finalists - I liked Leanne and Korto all along - but I do agree with this decision. Well done, judges!

Portland must be excited tonight!

what's on my mind right now

I saw a new "Yes on Prop 8" ad on TV tonight. It says that in Massachusetts, after they legalized gay marriage, it really did happen that they required teachers to "teach gay marriage in second grade."

OK, first: that "Law Professor" on the ad? He should just wear a big sign across his chest that says, "PREJUDICED." (or how about "I think I might be gay and I'm scared; because why else would I be threatened by the idea of gay marriage") In fact, I think that everyone with a "Yes on 8" sign or bumper sticker might as well just replace it with an "I AM PREJUDICED" sign.

Now, second: it's silly and ludicrous, this argument about teaching gay marriage in public schools. Like they have ever taught one thing about marriage in any way in public schools.

And besides: what is the big deal if a child learns that girls can marry girls OR boys? Are we concerned that a heterosexual man will grow up and marry another man because he learned as a boy that it was not illegal to do so? Knowing that some people are gay when you are a child does not make you gay, IDIOTS.

And more importantly, BEING GAY IS NOT A BAD THING, I.D.I.O.T.S.!!! Feeling horrible about yourself because you think you might be gay but have been taught that it's not okay? Now that's something I don't wish on anybody.

______________


The other thing I watched on TV tonight was "Chuck." (We're a bit behind, and watching on the DVR.)

I think that the writers of "Chuck" are living inside my very own brain. Did I write this show?
1) Chuck went to Stanford.
2) Chuck wears Converse Chuck Taylors (((LOVE))).
3) Huey Lewis & the News music has been featured prominently in two episodes in a row, now!
4) Whoever cast Zachary Levi in this show did so knowing that he is way too hawt to be a nerd, but cast him anyway, as EYE CANDY FOR ME.

Gollygarshdarnedit, I love that show.

Progress

Here is where things stand today:


Definitely coming along!

The first few days, Dino just hissed at Turbo and then left the room, giving us the cold shoulder and his patented glare of disapproval.

Then, he started to hiss and swat at Turbo. (Turbo seemed unfazed.)

The next step was Turbo starting to swat at Dino (mostly trying to get him to play & wrestle). Then Dino would bait Turbo with his tail, get him to pounce on his tail, and then hiss and swat at him when he did!

Finally, Dino consented to being in the same room without any drama.

Turbo still wants to get him to play!

We're not at the two-kitties-snuggling phase yet, but I hope it's on the horizon.
____

Here are a couple of other cute pictures:


That's a tired kitty!

Commenter's Remorse

Have you ever been reading a popular blogger and a post touches on one of your pet peeves and you just HAVE to vent a little?

And you start venting in the comment box and then you lose track of how long your comment is because the box doesn't really show you?

And then you hit "post" and you see a ridiculously long comment sitting there, with your name on it?

And you think, boy, do I sound lame....?

It's probably just me... you guys are all such good writers that you can keep track of your thoughts & words....

BUT I DID JUST THAT TODAY OVER AT BOSSY'S.

Don't go look! I'm embarrassed! (Well, go look at Bossy's today, just please ignore my comment! It's such a stupid pet peeve of mine, too...)


You know how sometimes communicating by email is not the best way to go, because the recipient could misconstrue your meaning and your tone?

Well, I think commenting can be even worse that way. I try to be succinct and I think that can make my comments come across sharply.

(Although I WISH I had been more succinct at Bossy's today...)

Oh, the perils of the internet...

Friday Report, written by Middle Girl (some in third person)

Middle Girl has fun at school because she is good at reading.

And the new kitten named Turbo is fun. Two times he fell asleep on me. Now he has a collar.

Today we were working with Q. I drew a picture of a queen. I got finished just in time.

At recess the boys who were mean the other days decided to play our game today. We played dogs and owners. The dogs crawl around and the owners feed them using play food from the play house. I was an owner. I had lots of dogs: David, Marshall, Eric, and James. They were not as well behaved as the other people's dogs.

We went to music and we sang a song I love called "Alleluia."

I saw Marshall's new puppy with his mom picking up Marshall. She was a French bulldog named Coco. I got to hold the leash and walk the puppy.

At home I made lunch. Carrots, yogurt, and of course raspberries. Grandma will say, "she ate raspberries? Mmmmmmmmmmmm."