We had a lovely time playing with a group of friends yesterday, as well as baking pumpkin pies to be taken to a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving.  Our big kids were interested in helping with the baking, and Yessa was interested in being my shadow, so everyone was happy.

There were lots of kids of various ages running around playing together, Monkey being the eldest one there.  I really like all the Moms who were there, even though I don’t know all of them very well.  I did have one incident that came up that reminded me of some parenting differences.  And how annoying I find some of these differences.

I forget how Buds and I talk to our kids.  And how most of the people we are close to talk to their children:  No Baby Talk.  I don’t mean the baby talk that people use with infants.  The sing-song lilt of a voice talking to a happy baby is a wonderful thing.  I’m not referring to that.

I mean the adults who think that children–no matter their age nor intellectual capabilities–are deserving of easy censure and less respect than adults.

Our children are good at conversation.  They are comfortable talking to people of all ages.  In their child-ness, they are still very self-centered.  The Buster is generally going to want to talk to you about a game he has created or played.  Monkey will want to discuss the play she has written, and Yessa will talk about something random.  They won’t engage an adult in a back and forth conversation about work, or the weather, or political beliefs.  Still, they are comfortable conversing with anyone they choose to engage.

They don’t need to be bossed or spoken down too.  Nor do they need to be given guidance by every adult in the room if I am standing right there.  If you are playing a game with them, or working with them, and want to give encouragement or even if you need to redirect or intervene, as long as it is done in a loving, respectful way, then wonderful.  Thank you for caring for my children and being part of our village.

If you think you get to boss them just because you are over the age of 20, you are most likely going to get a not so kind look from me, and a verbal redirection for my children, indicating to them that they don’t need to pay attention to you.

Just like with adults, my children get to choose to whom they give their attention and affection.  We try to be respectful of all humans, but true connection comes from mutual respect, not just because you are an adult.

(Getting down off soap box, and taking a deep breath.)

Happy Thanksgiving.

I’m Mom, and I wanna shoot down everything you say so I feel good about myself.

Unimpressed with the selection of holiday wreathes available at local retailers, Alyssa decided to make her own.

With Buster supervising the production, Alyssa warms up the glue gun and gets to work.

Meanwhile, I get some work done in the office.  And by “get some work done,” I obviously mean “play Dead Space.”

The finished product.  One of three such wreathes that will adorn the front of the house.

Alyssa rewards Buster for a job well done.

Buster’s tennis ball rolls under the couch.  Alyssa assists.

Buster sits and shakes.

Buster down.  Alyssa’s been working on “roll over” but he doesn’t seem to cotton to that command.

Here’s an animated gif of Buster playing with his new rubber geo-dome toy.

Alyssa’s parents had to free up some storage space at home and bequeathed us this fine sombrero that had been occupying valuable real estate in the attic.  I plan to don it the next time I grill fajitas.  Till then it has found a home atop Goldie, our golden torso mannequin that Alyssa purchased at a roller derby fundraiser a few years ago. I think the sombrero compliments Goldie’s fish necktie quite nicely.

~Geoff

Many of the choices we’ve made about parenting are becoming more accepted in the main-stream.

• Extended nursing
• Child-led potty training
• Cloth diapers
• Home birth (Okay, this one not becoming more accepted, but it SHOULD be!)
• Homeschooling

Ahh, homeschooling, that last one.  I believe it is becoming more accepted, but, and this is a big but, it’s becoming more accepted in people’s perception of it, not necessarily the actuality of it.  People who have a vision of “school-at-home,” where the children are gathered around the table, with Mom or Dad spouting forth wisdom–that feels comfortable to people.  It’s wierd that you want to not send children to school, but as long as you are doing the same thing to them as school would be doing, it’s probably okay.

What if we accepted the idea that children’s hearts and minds and bodies lead them on the correct path–assuming the “correct path” is one that offers them healthy, safe, age-appropriate options.  In other words, why is it that our then-two-year-old is praised and encouraged for being an “early potty-trainer,” but our seven-year-old is a concern because she isn’t reading like a second grader?  Isn’t it possible that she understands her path just as well as the two year-old?  And that both of them, given support, and love, and time, will both achieve all that they are capable of–and choose?

My acquaintance, Stephanie, has a fantastic blog here:  http://www.throwingmarshmallows.com/.  The title comes from this quote, which has always resonated with me:

The Reston Community Center catalog came in the mail a couple days ago.  It’s always exciting when it arrives because–especially now that Yessa is 3–there are so many great opportunities for young and old.  (How funny that I, who balk at any sort of direction or intervention by outsiders, allow my children’s schedules to be at least partially dictated by the person who sets the time for classes at the Reston Community Center?!  Hmmm, best not to think about that too hard.)

I sit down and read through the catalog, ear-marking the classes I think the children would enjoy, and that fit into our schedule.  Then, I present the options to the offspring, and they choose what interests them.  It’s a lotto system for the most popular classes, so we never know what we’ll get to take until the magic email shows up, telling us what we’ve “won.”

The Buster and Yessa were simple.  Both were adamant about taking swimming lessons.  Luckily, their ages line up so nicely for classes right after the other, on the same days of the week.  They also both were semi-interested in a tumbling class.  Yessa not so interested because of having to leave me, until she learned the Buster would be in the class, too.  That made her smile and agree.

Monkey was tougher.  The only swimming classes for her age were on Saturday mornings or at 5:30 on weeknights.  I try to hold weekends sacred for Buddie time, and I don’t like to be out in traffic at 5:30 p.m. during the winter, so I told her that swimming lessons weren’t really an option this session.  She’s also been interested in Tae Kwon Do–also only on Saturdays–and there was an art class I thought she’d enjoy.

The art class was easy for both of us to pick.  Right at the Community Center we can walk to, during the week.

The swimming and tae kwon do I had to process through.  I am laying stock of camping supplies so that come Spring we can get right back out there.  (Thank you freecycle for the fantastic cooler yesterday!)  But these classes only run till March, and once we return from Costa Rica, there are no weekend plans for awhile.  Plus, with the UUCF Auction barreling toward me, there are plenty of weekends when I’m at church for several hours on Sunday morning, so obviously I haven’t held the weekends completely sacred.

So, we compromised.  She picked one of the Saturday commitments–TKD won out, and we’ll give it a shot.  It’s a really inexpensive way to see if she actually enjoys it.  If she does, we can switch to a class at a studio during the week.

For now I’m enjoying the anticipation of learning what classes they get to take.  Once we are settled into the new schedule, I’m sure I’ll start grousing about how, “We’re too busy.”

The excitement is fun for now.

With Buds headed to the Atlanta office on Sunday for a couple days, we both made a priority of him getting lots of kid time, and me getting some alone time, before he left.  With that in mind, he and the three kids headed into D.C.  Various venues were tossed around, but it finally came back to Dinosaurs and Gems. (Doesn’t it always?!)

They headed out around 10:40 a.m., and I headed over to our new garden plot to get the lay of the land.

When we finally all met at home around 3:00 in the afternoon, kids and parents were all tired and happy.

Although there aren’t pictures, here are some of the lessons I gleaned from talking to all involved about their day:

1)  Buds has a much more laid-back approach to…well…everything.  The kids handle things better with Chris, I think.  Or, at least it feels easier to him when they get overwhelmed.  I spend so much time focused on ensuring that nothing is forgotten that could potentially lead to a meltdown, that I sometimes end up just staying home because it feels like so much work just to prepare.

I packed a backpack of snacks for them to take, but if I hadn’t, it would have been okay.  Buds would have gotten food for them somehow.  Plus, the kids are older and can handle so much more than they used to be able to.  A fact I forget sometimes.

2)  Buds just doesn’t generally feel rushed.  I ALWAYS feel rushed, and it is always of my own doing.  When they got done with their adventure in the city, they headed back to this side of the Potomac, and decided to stop for gelato before they came home.  That would not occur to me.  For reasons of economy, time, calories, whatever, that would feel too indulgent to me.  And for the kids, it was a perfect ending to a really lovely day.

Please don’t think this post is a plea for someone to reassure me that I’m a good mom, despite being different from Buds.  I’m very comfortable with my Momminess.  I’m a great Mom.  Yet, there are many reasons that I am grateful to be raising these amazing children with this amazing partner.  He is a fantastic Dad, and…he is fantastic in ways that are very different from me.

What a blessing for all of us.

It was a sad realization just the other morning that I may not even find a job before the holidays. To think that business upon business will be hiring for ’tis holiday season and possibly over looking my resumé is so aggravating! So, with a collaborative  touch between Buster and I…I’m putting together my “Threating Resumés“.

What is this you may ask?

I have taken it upon myself to trick my intended and future employer. Ah-ha!
I will be putting my amazingly laid out and creatively expressive resumé in a lovely olive green envelope with rope tie backing, and attaching a note stating: “DO NOT OPEN THIS!”
The human desire to do what one is told NOT to do is hopelessly strong enough to have this work 110% of the time. Addressing each envelope to the manager by name is also apart of the rouse.
_The fingers will be cross as accordingly.

Tonight is thee night! We’re going to be seeing, Them Crooked Vultures at the Roseland. Yahoozah! I highly suggest you subject your ears the tingly delight of this album. Elijah is completely man-crushing on these three legendary musicians. Small venue, big shot musical bodies, and the sweet,sweet bragging rights thereafter told in the form of a detailed account of the show that sold out in minutes and the tour that took less in selling all tickets nationally to those who couldn’t make it.

Bought some new reads.

And finally, set your sights on our lunch yesterday. Nom-nom!
Black label prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, salt/pepper, balsamic vinegar.
Courtesy of Martinotti’s in Downtown Portland.

…And biscottis cookies!

We were happy.

Later days…

I was lucky to stumble on it sa TV5 one boring Wednesday night while channel surfing (local, no cable tv in the dorm)  (Dating ABC) sometime this November (I think). 

I never thought I’d ever get a chance to see this. I was on night shift back then when it was shown in theaters. 

But like they say in Filipino, kung minsan, sadyang mapagbiro ang tadhana. 

I had high expectations about the film. Primarily because it’s indie. And then it’s about the call center industry (where I presume a lot of talented, creative individuals pass time while waiting for their rockets to come, and where I presume he had some experience with). 

And also because Ned Trespeces studied in the UP Film Institute. 

Pasensya na talaga sa director at screenwriters ng My Fake American Accent (this is very Filipino—I mean the apologizing), but i don’t think the movie is not quite ripe for production. They should’ve incubated this for a year more. That will give them a lot of time to think everything over (scripts, casting, dialogue delivery, etc).

I am suddenly reminded of Hiro Nakamura’s apologetic bow to a certain lady in Heroes before hitting her with a baseball bat.

The movie is very pretentious. Tapos parang wrong casting, lalo na si Buster at si Eric. ‘Di mukhang “galing PMA” si Buster. Parang pinipilit niyang magpakalalaki. The Eric guy’s kind of the same too. The movie appears to try to build an impression to the viewers that the Eric Guy is kind of a “sizzling hunk” but he looked (and acted) lame, pale and whimpy.

Mailes Kanapi’s acting of TL Joanna Seva’s character is an exaggeration. She could’ve toned it down a bit to make it look more authentic. Unless exagerration is the director’s main goal.

Also, parang di natural ‘yung exchange ng conversation between the characters. They appeared to be waiting for prompts (for the most part) or they’re probably just a bit too tensed the whole time. I would like to commend the QA guy (Martin de la Paz) though. In the movie, he is the closest semblance of what some L2 agents are when at work.

But that doesn’t save the movie from its crass dialogues and fake emotions (I guess that’s where the movie title gets its drive).

And Butch Francisco of the Philippine Star enjoyed watching it?

I don’t believe him.

And the burglar in the story! How he waxed poetic for the succeeding 5 or 10 minutes (and I can’t believe how “forever” five minutes is) was dumbfounding. Darn, I know putting a customer on hold for 2 minutes seemed such a long time (yes I tried that with Globe POSTPAID and SMART POSTPAID and the MERALCO HOTLINE back when an electric post in our area got torched sometime last year). But between listening to the hold music and the burglar’s elegy, I’d rather have the music. 

The gay director in the film who dumped Astrid’s screenplay is likewise worthy of note. Now that’s authentic. 

I have this sinister feeling that most Filipino Lit and Writing Giants in the Philippines are like that.

And that reminded me of the fast-rising Genaro Gojo-Cruz.  

There’s a lot of unbridled angst and political/socio-cultural commentaries everywhere in the movie, waiting to burst and impose itself to the viewers, and intensified by matching camera angles meant to underscore and ram hordes of statements heart rending “life lessons” in one sitting.

It turned out annoying in every true sense of the word.

* * * * * * * * * *

At some point I doubted my thoughts about the film. Which somehow explains why it took me long to publish this online. But when I browsed the net for comments about the film, I realized I am apparently heading the right direction.

I still could not forget how many scenes and dialogue exchanges sent shivers to my bones. I thank God I never attempted watching this in a theater. I didn’t have the time anyway when that was shown in theaters.

It could’ve been a waste of cash.

URL : http://www.flashgame-girl.com/Puzzle-board/Poppit-Stress-Buster.html

Game description :

Reduce your stress level by popping balloons!
Release prizes by popping groups of two or more balloons of the same color.
Release all the prizes to win the game levels.

Game controls :

Play with mouse.
You can undo moves as many times as you want (bottom left button)

Gather parts of a magic scroll to find hidden treasures, solve puzzles to unlock secret areas and collect keys to unleash the might chain ball. This brick buster will send you on an adventure to find the Fairy Treasure, which has been stolen by an evil and greedy troll. May the fairies be with you on your quest for the Fairy Treasure!

150+ levels.

Amazing power-ups.

3 difficulty levels.

System Requirements:

OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista

CPU: 600 Mhz

RAM: 128 MB

DirectX: 6.0

Hard Drive: 26 MB

It Takes Just A second To Say Thanks,

It Takes Longer To The Work On This.

Fairy Treasure

Stainless steel clamp buster tool is made in the USA. This tool removes 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ stainless steel clamps. Fast and easy to use! Slide the ear of the SSC into the end of the tool and rotate the handle until the clamp is broken. Hold the fitting while you move the handle for more leverage.done

While Buster did build a faster bike, he neglected to build the brakes.

After having the chance to spend lots of time with 7 other parents this weekend, all of whom I really like and enjoy, I have been pondering the parenting phrases that must feel unique and shocking to each new generation of parents, but have actually been said over and over for hundreds of years.

1)  “(S)He is just getting so big (tall, old, brave, mobile, independent…)”  We parents are just constantly amazed at these evolving humans we created.  Even as homeschoolers, who, on average, spend a heck of a lot more hours in the day with their children, we are still stunned by the changes in these children.  And it is really a joy to notice these changes.  Mary, another camping parent, and I were talking about how sometimes a photograph gives an insight into the future child within your child.  Especially of The Buster, we’ve got several snaps that tell me exactly what the 16 y.o. Buster is going to look like.  What a cutie, and what an imp!

2)  “Just when you think you have these kids figured out, they change.”  Yessa didn’t walk until she was 16 months old.  Neither did her father, so it wasn’t a concern to us since he obviously turned out mostly normal, and fully mobile, but it was still a stunner when she decided to start walking one day.

Not so dramatic, but just as fascinating are the changes in attitude and ability which happen:  The Buster tried a piece of grapefruit on Friday.  Not a big deal for many children, but that is huge for him.  And it was a great reminder to me to keep offering food choices and not just to pigeon-hole him as a selective eater.  And suddenly one day, Monkey could buckle and unbuckle her own seat belt!  It made a slight, but noticeable difference in the amount of time it takes for us to get in and out of the Funny Van.

3) “Time goes so quickly.”  I KNOW parents have been saying this since forever, yet it still seems so timeless.  That our eldest child is nearly 7 1/2 years old.  That Yessa just turned 3.  That my dad has been gone for 3 years?!  And even the number of times I have had parents tell me while looking at our young children, “My kids are in college/married/pregnant with their first baby, and it seems just like yesterday that they were that age.”

I’m putting together books for the children for the time on the plane trip to Costa Rica, and I came across pictures of when we first moved to Virginia.

Followed by pictures of all three children taken in the last few weeks:

Time truly does fly.

4)  “My child isn’t perfect, but I’m so thankful my child doesn’t/isn’t/won’t…”

I believe the things that come into my life are the things I need.  They aren’t always pleasant, nor fun, nor even something I want, but I choose to feel there is a lesson in whatever comes my way.  So it is with our children.  These are exactly the children I need.  (Luckily I find our children fun, and I wanted them, and they are generally very pleasant.)  And just as I am so thankful for these children, I am so thankful that they are who they are.  They fit our life so perfectly.  They are so obviously our children.  (How my mother put up with me as a child, I’ll never know, because talking to Zoe is exactly like talking to myself.)

5)  Which brings me to my last example of parenting “pick up lines.”  “(S)He is just like…me, my husband, my dad, my brother…”

It’s completely obvious.  Thanks to the combination of genetics and lifestyle, of course our children are generally going to be “just like” someone we live with or are related to, yet, we keep saying this as if it is some inspired insight.

And yet, though it is trite, I take great comfort in feeling like Zoe is a lot like me as a child.  She loves the story of me telling my mom to “stay in the car,” when Mom took me for my first day of preschool.  And she loves it because she is coming into her own as an independent, yet still very dependent child.  She loves feeling in control, and she likes knowing she can choose to be shy and have me go with her out into the big world.

And all the children have Buddie’s love of rough and tumble, wrestle and scrum.  Well, of course they do.  He’s been tossing and twirling them since they were old enough to have head and neck control.  It’s so completely ingrained that it’s become part of their biology.

“Dad, let’s go upstairs and wrestle,” is generally the first request he gets when he walks in the door.  Starving he might be, but he always has time to toss them around.

I’m sure there are many more phrases that make parents feel connected.  Already I’m thinking of some along the lines of, “I’m just doing my best.”  “I understand my parents so much better now.”  “Wow, kids are expensive…”

And my favoritest of all time:  “I sure love my kids.  They’ve helped me become a better person.”

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas – I grew up just outside the shadow cast by Amon G. Carter Stadium, yet I only went to one Texas Christian University football game before I joined the Coast Guard in 2001. I only recall the game I went to because I went with my dad and Michael Reeder kicked a school-record 57-yard field goal to end the first half. He also booted one from 51 the same day, by the way. I kept tabs on TCU after that game and before I left for the Guard because, if you recall, a certain up-and-coming coach and a certain Heisman-hopefull running back were starting to turn a perennial loser into a consistent winner.

Well since then, Dennis Franchione has run his career into the ground, Ladanian Tomlinson has run himself toward a first-ballot hall of fame invitation, Gary Patterson’s Horned Frogs have averaged nine wins a season, and I have traveled to several TCU games.  Through it all, three things have remained steadily unchanged: Gary Patterson’s mood, poor attendance, and the Frog’s uniforms.

While last night’s 55-28 stomping of Utah – which in an un-PC world would have been billed as “The Holy War on the West Side” – did sell out,  that wasn’t the only thing that was dramatically different:  Introducing Nike Pro Combat

Click here to see a video that explains how the new technology works

Usually I’m not too fond of over-the-top, brand centric, crazy uniform changes in midseason, but the fact that Nike digitally recreated a horned frog’s skin for the helmet and pants is actually quite impressive.  The red stripes on the helmet represent the blood that horned frogs shoot out of their eyes when they are attacked.

Now, I make no claims of being a manly-man, who is impressed with macho stuff like blood, guns, MMA, pink shirts (yes, nowadays that’s manly), yelling at the TV in a sports bar, free weights, big trucks, or stupid stunts.  I like air conditioning, big TV’s, fast internet connections, soft couches, and instant replay.  Nonetheless, even I thought the blood from the eyes thing was pretty cool.

Now the big question is whether or not the Frogs will wear the new digs again this year, and if so, when.  Will they wear it against the winless Lobos?  Is there a road version to take to Wyoming to play the Cowboys?  If they do choose to don the lizard skins again, I hope they wait until a BCS game against what will undoubtedly be a heavily favored opponent.

That, of course, assumes that the toads can avoid a complete let down after such a huge win against the Utes.  Anyone recall 2005?  TCU went into Norman and beat Oklahoma 17-10, for arguably the program’s greatest victory since Davey O’Brien led the Frogs to a 15-7 victory over the Carnegie Tech Tartans to finish the 1938 season 11-0 to secure the national championship.  They followed the OU victory with a 21-10 loss to SMU in the “Battle for the Iron Skillet.”  That would end up being their only loss of the season and it likely cost them their first BSC bid.

Point is, they definitely played well and with a ton of emotion in the sci-fi inspired outfits, so they should save them for the next big game.  It might sound silly to think a uniform provides an edge in a big game, but why else do players do everything they can to look cool and tough on the field?  Wrist bands, forearm bands and biceps bands have replaced headbands.  Skin tight rubber sleeves have replaced elbow pads.  Microfiber jerseys have replaced the ones that had those gigantic holes in them.  Why?  Because players want to look as bad as they can because it helps them get in the right mindset.  Plus, their a bunch of kids who want to impress the chicks…

Anyhow, save the jerseys for the next “big one,” and Gary Patterson might want to remind his players of when SMU crushed the Frog’s BSC hopes with one lucky swing of a big old Iron Skillet in 2005.

Choosing to homeschool has changed so many of my pre-conception ideas about children.  Truly, back when I was teaching K-8 Special Education, I thought I had it all figured out.  I knew I would have been a better parent to some of these children than the parents they had.  That might still be true, but in general, I think I had it mostly backwards.  Those parents were doing the exact best they could and the best they knew, with what they had.

There was one 3rd grader girl I remember in particular:  She could write amazing, beautiful, intricate stories.  Her handwriting was atrocious, and she couldn’t spell.  Here’s the interesting thing.  She had moved to my school from a different school, and it wasn’t until mid-way through the year that anyone realized she had an IEP and a “diagnosis.”  She’d been doing just fine, until her teacher started feeling like her writing was just too messy, and she just didn’t understand spelling.  She was a joy to work with, but spending time in my room, out of class, was more of a hindrance than a help.  The school just needed to adapt to her strengths, and get out of her way.

Which brings me back on topic:  Getting out of the way of my own children.  These kids have these fantastic, creative, amazing ideas.  And the path to creating these adventures and stories and plays they develop is often messy and involved.  They drag out costumes and bags, and tape, and paint, and books, and games, and legos–sometimes all at once–and they use these things to populate a world I’ve never conceived of.  And sometimes all I can think when I see these elaborate story universes is:  What a freakin’ mess!

I, who love order and organization and knowing where things are.  I, who have worked so hard to get everyone to put their shoes in the bin in the closet.  I, who ask them to put their dirty clothes in the basket, not on the floor.  I, who have trouble sitting down to read with the kids if the house is messy–this is very difficult for me–to get out of their way.

I’m unschooly, in many ways.  And it has served us well.  These kids are engaged and interested in learning and dreaming and planning.  They are also independent of thought.  They balk at being ordered around (God bless them for that.), and they do not follow rules blindly.  If it doesn’t make sense, they want to understand, and if you have a valid, explainable reason, they will value that as well.  They are learning lots–on their own schedule, and it is a pleasure to watch.  They can engage with people of all ages, and they are kind and respectful of each other and people outside our family.

But, my goodness, they can be so messy!  And I’m not sure where the balance is.  What if Picasso’s Mom made him put away all those paints every night and throw out any scraps of paper he had drawn ideas on.  What if Marie Curie’s mom told her to stop messing around in the lab…you get the idea.  But maybe their moms did tell them those things, and that just made them more determined to keep doing what they loved.  (I don’t really think it was like that.)

I read about an artist or a chef once who created a huge elaborate meal for his mother.  He made a horrible mess, and when his mom walked in, she saw only the love and joy of creation.  The cleaning up of the mess came later, first came the thrill of the gift.

I try to remember that when I see that Monkey has brought down the laundry basket from my closet yet again.  It makes such a perfect “walker” when she has injured herself and needs to limp around the house for a few hours.  Or, last night, it was the ideal nose to a rocket ship that was crafted in the living room.  And all I could think was, “Now my closet floor is covered with stinky, dirty clothes.”  Bless the child, she tries to reassure me, “I piled them into the corner.”  But all I want is for her to leave my laundry basket alone.  And isn’t that petty to write.

Yessa just came upstairs with three containers of playdough she wanted me to open.  And Zoe has stuck a label on Yessa’s chest which said, “Noa Moxie Gemignani.”  Yessa has been very enthralled by practicing reading of late, but that’s a story for another post…

So, I’m going downstairs now, to see what they’ve been up to.  The playdough is out, and stories are being told.  The dining room table is covered with plastic bags from the fashion designing that went on yesterday.  Markers and label maker are out.  Monkey has rearranged the living room so that each child has a separate “private space” in which to withdraw when needed.

And me, I got to vaccum today, and maybe, for today, that’s enough.

when i was in californ-i-a this past august with the fam we ate a lot.  (see previous post).  there were burgers, chinese food, fried chicken- you name it, we ate it. and my god, it was most definitely delicious.  one day brother took us to eat at the hump.  it’s this fancy little sushi spot along the edge of a private jet runway (obviously) where we feasted on fish so fresh some of it was still alive!   needless to say the food was delicious (when do i ever talk about food i don’t like?  if i don’t like it, you best believe i’m not talking about it!)  anyway, as i was saying: the sashimi was like buttah, the flavors were bold without being overpowering (actually i was just talking about myself…i am so cool right now.)

fried.

line it up

maids in waiting

eggy

click the shrimp heads to see them move!

aaaaand now they're not moving anymore.

Bubble Buster
Bubble Buster

Bubble Buster Game
Bubble Buster Game Description : Look for 3 or more adjacent bubbles and click to pop them.
How to Play Bubble Buster Game? Use Mouse to interact.

I have to be. I’m more or less, showing…and telling.

Purchased today, baking goodies and a to die for set of copper pots/pans. Buster is spoiling me, and the ideas on what to cook and bake are reeling!

Photos with discrips to match. Hope all is well, planning my flight down to Hell-Lay at the end of this month. Two weekaroonies!

____________________

So, we bought the five piece set (that’s including the lids.) and a crepe pan! CREPES! Yahhozah.
Shipped in this awesome little crate, made in France.  The handles are wrought iron, what we’ve been looking for.

Crazy eyes! :

Elijah checking out the goods :

Baking goodies consisted of what I’ve been jonesin’ for… baking cookies season! :

Life saving silicone baking mat! A couple of steel mixing bowls, decorative bags for design work:

Beautifully heavy organic marble roll pin, with matching marble cradle. :

This little spatula, I’ve had my eye on. Sparkles! Never bought it because I couldn’t justify spending that on a dealy-bop simply because it has a little shimmer. :

Cookie cutters in a little modern of a shape… I’ll be working with these tomorrow for cookies.
And a box set of dye. So many colors, so much creative wiggle room!:

And now, I’m done with my complete nerding-out session. I’m off to play with my new things.

Photos of goodies and maybe even some tutorials on some classic Argentinean sweet-treats too.

I thought I’d give a recap of what’s been happening these past few months. Moved to another apartment end of Sept. About 7 min drive from my old place. Downsized to a smaller more affordable place. It’s cozy and it’s a short walk to public transport and the shops. The place is an older style apartment and has its quirks. Hot showers are a challenge… (There is no hot water tank, but an instant hot water system underneath the sink…)  And, I’ve managed to wash clothes now by hooking up my clothes washer to the kitchen sink. We painted the living room furniture white to make the place feel bigger and look brighter… Did the trick. Attempted to dye the sofa cushions wine colored but they came out hot pink instead…

Joined a softball league in Oct. My team name is the “Pink Mitts.” We play every Tuesday night and I’m hoping to get a position other than catcher for a change. Enjoying the game, but I really wish our team would practice more…no wins yet, but I’m optimistic.

Celebrated my 29th Birthday in Oct. No big affair. Ate a nice dinner out courtesy of Mom and Dad’s credit card. (Thanks Mom and Dad!) Was actively involved in the World Dog Games held in Nov. (Was called “World” Dog Games, but there were no dogs from overseas because of apparent quarantine issues.) Did vet checking of all the canine competitors, a demo on pet first aid with my dog Buster and held a stall where I answered vet questions, sold home made dog biscuits and distributed info on my business. Was a great experience overall.

Immigration finally came through on my grad visa which means I can leave the country now. Still don’t have permanent residency yet, which has been further delayed because I’m not on the critical skills/jobs in demand list… I need to consider a career in hair dresssing, plumbing or nursing…

Thinking of coming back to the USA to visit family in Spring or Summer when air faire prices settle down.

Went for a stroll with Cherylene to Manly beach last weekend. Lots of surfing and beach volley ball competitions going on. Came across a much coveted Dr. Pepper at an import candy store. Tasted wonderful all the way from good ol’ USA!

I’ve posted some recent pics below.

Yummy dog treats in the making.

World Dog Games Stall

I got my Dr. Pepper. Woo hoo!

Her official birthday is November 9th, but Yessa was properly celebrated on Sunday, November 8th this year.  Though 6 of our favorite people on the planet couldn’t come due to sickness (get well soon–Lombardi crew), the rest of the beloved family and friends came out to cheer and sing for this sweet three- year old.

Buds took our three children on a ramble around the lake so that Mom and Grandma could get the house cleaned and decorated, so Yessa wasn’t quite sure she could stay awake for the cake:

First, before we sing songs and unwrap presents, here’s how the party unfolded.

When people arrived, or in most cases, walked out their front doors, they were met by the “Slide of Death.”  Buds and Neighbor Aaron had the fantastic idea of using some cardboard boxes we freecycled to create a giant slide in front of our houses.  It was quality tested a couple weekends ago, and deemed such a huge success, it became part of the birthday extravaganza.  Here are some random shots of the kids and adults having a great time.

After the Slide of Death exhausted everyone (especially Noa,) we headed inside for the Web of Fun.

When people walked in our front door, they were greeted by this:

Each child had a stick with her name on it, attached to a piece of yarn.  They followed that piece of yarn, wrapping it around the stick, up, down, all around, until it finally led to their special bag at the end.  In the bag was a wooden picture frame with wooden letters to spell out that child’s name.  After finding the bags, everyone trooped out to the back deck for decorating time, which was enjoyed as much by some of the adults as the children.

It was a perfect 70 degree day, so we utilized all our spaces.  And adults might consider the leaves on the back deck a nuisance, but with wonderful open-heartedness, the children just saw another place to play.

After the crafty urge was quenched, we moved indoors to sing to the sweet girl.  She was a little overwhelmed by everyone singing and cheering for her, but mustered her resources to blow out the candles with gusto. 

The Dora cake was a big hit with Noa, as well as the mini-cakes Ms. Jenny made in gingerbread and pumpkin, which went well with the green cream cheese frosting. 

Yessa is enjoying her presents, and everyone slept like logs last night.  Thanks to all for a wonderful day.  And thanks for loving our youngest.

Sherlock, Jr. – 1924

Directors – Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, Buster Keaton

Starring – Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, and Joe Keaton

The strength of any Buster Keaton performance is his supreme physicality. The man’s ability to use props, his co-stars, as well as his own body to carry out extremely fun and inventive sight gags and stunts is second to none.

Especially considering the fact that his subject of his derring-do often revolves around moving vehicles (trains and cars are what I’m thinking of specifically), it is made only that much more dangerous, and consequently impressive. The weak area of the Keaton films that I’ve seen thus far (The General, and this), are the parts where he has to carry the parts in between the major stunt set-pieces. While far surpassing a lot of the action sequences in most movie of his day, Keaton is trumped when it comes to the dramatic acting. In that arena he is bested by other comedians like Chaplin, and the Marx Brothers.

Sherlock, Jr. is a short film, lasting only about 35 minutes, which I think works in the film’s favor. If it were too much longer, it would drag, and if it were feature length it would eventually become agonizing! As it is, I was more than entertained by film the entire time, and caught myself checking my watch only because I was watching some food in the oven.

The music for this production, just like in The General, serves the purpose of helping pace the film. During the action sequences, the piano music is peppy and lively. Likewise when the story wants us to dwell on the Keaton’s love interest, the music slows down and we know what’s going to happen. This tendency of using the music this way helps to keep the slower parts interesting, but allows for no surprises in the plot. We know immediately what the tone of the scene is going to be. That being said, I don’t think anyone really watches a Buster Keaton movie wondering if he’ll actually get the girl, they watch to see him do what he does best…perform.

Now I realize that Buster Keaton is a pioneer in the movie industry, but he has so many films in this book of 1001, yet some who have carried on in his name like Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung are not recognized at all in this list.  While I am looking forward to seeing whatever else Mr. Keaton has in store for me in his other films, it seems only right that other performers get recognition too.  So if you liked Sherlock, Jr. check out Dragons Forever, Eastern Condors, or Armor of God (also known as Operation Condor 2: Armor of God).

I posted a new updated version of Steam Buster, it is available at the Steam Buster Revolution page on this website.  Again please support the original creators of the original SBReV platform and support the game companies by buying their games first.