I guess I got into some sort of mood . . .

Summer ends
as school begins.
Time to move the stack of books
that hides my alarm clock.

------------------------------

Puppy, you are so like a toddler,
with your favorite toy baby
and peeing on my floors.
Guess I don't need another.

Waxing Poetic

So, with a little over 24 hours to go before my baby officially starts Kindergarten, it seems I'm starting to feel the weight of the situation. So, I'm waxing poetic.

Kindergarten. Goodbye baby.
Time to live your life,
to find your own path.
Time for me to find mine.

____________

The journey ahead of you seems incredible
to you.
It seems incredibly intimidating
to me.

Whoa Nelly!

It seems like we just haven't been home almost at all this summer. It's been a whirlwind of catching up with family, learning important things about my past and that of some key family members, evading sharks, Ezra learning to swim, and a TON of driving. I got in Sunday night, and have barely left the house except to take Ezra's new puppy, Georgia, to the vet.

I imagine I'll be up to my old antics soon enough once school starts back up, but in the meantime, I want to bring two things to your attention.

1. For those suffering infertility, or just interested in more knowledge, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, is offering free teleseminars every week. You can get more information and sign up here.


RESOLVE does a lot of work on Capital hill working to reform healthcare and insurance regulations. Which brings me to my second point:

We need healthcare reform, and we need it now. I have long suffered with private insurance companies who make it damn near impossible to get the healthcare I need. Insurance companies often charge high co-pays for womens' healthcare. I also have to manage all of my healthcare records, and I have to constantly update each of my three doctors on what care the others have chosen for me. We NEED electronic medical records. We NEED universal healthcare. Without fast healthcare reform, America will continue to lose political ground to other developed countries. The American family should not have to worry about getting antibiotics for their sick children. Be wary that those who want to block this reform are the very same who make money off their investments in private insurers and pharmaceutical companies.

I ask you to join me in showing support for Obama's healthcare plan. All you have to do is sign the petition.

Funny That

I went to visit my cousin and her new baby girl in the hospital today. As expected, it brought back my yearning for a baby.

Unexpectedly, it was not holding the baby that did it. Not snuggling the baby that did it. Not even the sweet siren song of those first couple days holed up in the hospital recreating your family that did it.

I am reminded of my yearning for a baby not because of the baby I visited, but because of what my cousin told me. That while she was in labor, riding to the hospital, with her bag of water leaking all over, she was on the phone with her big sister. And her big sister kept making her laugh.

I am reminded just how much I want that for Ezra. Someone to belong to.

Decision Making

Okay internet, I might need you to weigh in on this one. I am considering applying for a full-time job. Realistically, I don't have much chance of getting it. I have the minimum requirements and not much else. But it's a great job. I'd love to have it.

The problem is, I don't know that my clan is ready for me to work full-time, outside the home. I really believe that a lot of the reason that Ezra is so well adjusted and intelligent is that I've been able to stay home with him and foster his interests. Of course, the same week that I am getting my resume in order, he got sick and has been home the last two days, which brings up a host of other issues to address, like childcare.

So, the problem lays out like this: Is it worth what I view as a major sacrifice on the part of my husband and child for me to go work full time at a totally freaking badass job? I admit that I am bored in my current situation. But, Ezra will only be little for a little while longer, and I have like, 40 more years to work.

*sigh* Tough decision. I should also note: If I go for it, and they do offer me the job, I will almost certainly take it. It's a matter of do I toss my hat in the ring, knowing that I will take it if offered?

Where Do We Go From Here?

The Naked Words show was amazing! We had approximately 138 guests, and are told that it is the largest turn-out for an event like this that the Carnegie Center has ever had! People were standing everywhere, sitting everywhere, the crowd bled out the door. We made them laugh, we made them cry. They gave us a standing ovation, and lovely, touching words of gratitude. We reached out to 138 people, and made a difference. A difference in peoples' perspectives, a difference in how people feel about themselves and their body issues. We made a difference in ourselves and how we feel.

The strange thing is- none of us seems to feel done with this project. We are all wondering, where do we go from here? We are thinking that it may be time to start packing our bags and taking it on the road. So, if anybody has ideas for good venues, please leave comments or email me.

We are sisters in Naked Words, and we might not be ready to let go. We are certainly not letting go of each other. These amazing women who sat behind me while I told my story, who I could feel rooting for me, supporting me, sending me strength and good thoughts the entire time I spoke. I hope they could feel me doing the same for them.

Thanks to all who came, who listened, who sat in that hot room and forgot that they were hot. Thanks to all who cried, and who laughed, and who stood up and applauded. Thanks to all who could not be there, but sent us sweet words of encouragement and thought of us the whole time. We felt your thoughts, your strength, your love too. Thanks to those who partied with us afterword, and repeatedly told us how great it was. How we moved you, changed you, fed your souls. Thanks to Donna Ison for putting this together, getting the grant, telling us a billion times that our words are wonderful and that we wouldn't fall on the waxed floor and embarrass ourselves. Thanks to Theo Edmonds for coming from NYC to decorate our after-party with amazing artwork, and allowing us to use Pork Chops and Applesauce (is that the real name of the painting? What is the actual title?) as our poster art.

Thank you Naked Sisters for having my back.

Naked Time

This evening, at the Carnegie Center in Lexington, KY, I have the honor of being one voice in a group of women talking openly and honestly about our body issues. I have read the entire script, and listened to many of these women read their original monologues. While most of us are not actors, this project has made brilliant writers out of all of us.

The show is at 7 p.m., admission is free. I hope to see many of you there. I am a nervous wreck right now, trying to get ready and the only part of me that is put together right now are my toes, thanks to the lovely lady at the nail salon. I know this: even if I fall on my ass in front of everybody, this show is still going to be great!

Also, at 5:30, several of my friends and my Mom will be enjoying dinner at Atomic Cafe-- all are welcome there, I like to think of it as my own little fan club ;)

-The Flaming Maiden out

(original artwork by Theo Edmonds, thank you Theo for contributing to our project!)

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend, Chris moved a few tons of landscaping bricks, and together we moved about 4 tons of dirt and compost. We turned ourback yard from this:

To this:

That bed is where we will grow our own organic veggies for the summer. I think I'm going to need to learn how to can.

Let summer begin!

(No really, I'm tired of this school year and am ready to have my kid back-- Let Summer Begin!)

Day 2

It seems I'm oily, or my soap is too nourishing or something. My patch literally fell off yesterday. A few hours later, I broke down and smoked a cigarette.

Today, I have used medical tape to keep this patch on. That's right tobacco giants, feel the sting of my resolve!

So, one small stumble, overcome by increasingly firm resolve.

Take This Job and Shove It

For about a decade, I have had the unfortunate job of helping to ensure that tobacco companies and farmers were employed. Well, today I told that boss where to go.
I have never been public about my attempts to quit smoking. In the name of taking full responsibility, I am here officially announcing that I Quit.

Today is Day 1. So far I've spent a significant amount of time thinking about cigarettes, but I had Chris put my patch on in such a place that I cannot reach it to remove it so as to smoke, so I'm staying strong. And I'm announcing it so that I cannot hide. I have to follow through.

Being that my last cigarette was last night, according to the smoking cessation timeline, I am now enjoying these benefits:

*Blood pressure and pulse have decreased, and the temperature of my hands and feet have increased, illustrating healthier blood flow.

*It has been over 8 hours, therefore my carbon monoxide level has dropped to healthy normal. My blood oxygen levels are well on their way back up.

Day's positive reason to quit: I will enjoy summer activities (like the pool) more if I'm not constantly wishing I could take a smoke break.

Re-employed

Chris is on his way to turn in the signed contracts. He starts tomorrow :D

We've known since Friday, so I apologize for the delay in relaying the happy news, but we spent all weekend working on the yard :D

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and encouragement! Our friends really got us through :D

What I'm Thinking About

As far as the current crisis goes: I don't want to talk about it. Hopefully it will be wrapped up soon, and I'll let you know once that happens, but for now- I just don't want to talk about it. I'm thinking about it enough as it is.

What I am thinking about right now is the upcoming summer. More specifically, what exactly Ezra and I are going to do with it. I must admit, I am partially dreading it-- in that Ezra is such a whir of energy and activity these days that the whole thing sounds exhausting. Simultaneously, I am really really looking forward to it. He's been in full-time school this year, and I miss him a lot. I miss really being a stay-at-home Mom, guiding him and learning with him. So, in the name of channeling his energy and giving him some time to learn on his own terms, I am looking into summer Unschooling and trying to plan out some ideas, at least to get us started.

I don't yet know much about Unschooling, other than that, on a daily basis, you follow the child's lead. That means that whatever Ezra is interested in, I will find activities and lessons to enrich his interest. I really like this idea. I feel like it will keep us busy and happy, and give both of us guidance on how to spend our time, without taking over all of our time.

Right now, Ezra is excited about summer swimming, so I'm thinking I will start with a "unit" on water. We will probably visit the local resevoire, and the park with the fountains for playing. Of course, the local pool is on the schedule for much of the summer, but I'm going to enroll him in swim lessons too. I'm thinking this interest in water might be turned into an interest in water ecosystems, so I'm working on finding a good creek or pond where we can chase frogs. If anybody has any suggestions for that, please let me know! Along with a "unit" on water ecosystems, we'll probably include some fishing days because Ezra LOVES fishing. Hopefully, our planned beach vacation will add a lot to the water "unit". Of course, we'll use a LOT of books to help us learn, which will help strengthen his reading skills.

Ezra's other current interest is math. That's not really my strong point, particularly where coming up with fun outings and activities to enhance his math interest goes. The way we do math now is just to find geometry in the world around us, and to use mathematical concepts as we go along (how many of x are there, categorize them, what if we took away y number of them). I would really like to build a unit on math that would include lots of outings. I'm sure I can come up with lots of crafts for a math "unit", but right now I'm coming up short on outing ideas. I have time though, so I'm sure it will work out.

We will also be expanding our food garden this year. Ezra is determined that we should grow corn, so a "unit" on plants and food will form from that, and with the harvesting of the corn, I envision a history lesson on Native Americans.

I know this sounds like a lot of planning for something called "Unschooling" and it probably is. But I'm a planner and need a bit of a framework to work from, or else we'll end up doing nothing at all the entire summer. I'm basically getting my framework together now, so that I can refer to it this summer. I think that will help us stay busy but remain plenty flexible. And as his interests change and he finds new interests from each subject, I think having a framework will help me to adapt.

For more information on Unschooling, check out This Vintage Chica's site on Unschooling: http://vintagechica.typepad.com/summerunschool/. I'll be following along with her all summer, and sharing our experience here.

Lessons learned

We are almost four weeks through this crisis, and though the end is not necessarily in sight, there are some hot irons on the fire. In the meantime, I've been reflecting on what we've learned in all this.
Lesson 1: Be open to the messages that God and Universe send to you. Take faith in them, even when it seems absurd, as this faith will help you get out of bed every single day.

Lesson 2: Love each other. I hear about people losing their jobs in this bad economy who then go on to lose their families as well. Chris and I are not about to lose our lives, everything that we've worked to build, over money and material matters. Our family is more than that, and we will not let it go because some power-money-hungry people fucked up the economy. The Republicans might cost me my house, but they will never take my life. Also, keep loving each other, even when the stress is so terrible, the worry so palpable that you just don't have the energy to even look the other person in the face. That love will soothe you at the end of stressful, terrifying day, and will make tomorrow easier to face.

Lesson 3: Don't just look at where you've been and what you've done before. Take this opportunity to think about where you want to go. Then reach for it with all your might. Reach high, high above your head. Reach for greatness, and personal expansion. Reach hard and long, and you will most likely come out on top.

Rose

It never ceases to amaze me how you can set out to help somebody and end up being the person who gets helped. This morning I set out with my dear friend Regan to volunteer at a free medical clinic being put on by several churches in our community. Neither Regan nor myself are church members, but my neighbor had mentioned this clinic a couple weeks ago, and Regan and I both jumped at the opportunity to get in a day of service.

Which brings up another curiosity. Regan and I both attended Transylvania University. Regan and I are both members of Alpha Omicron Pi. For four years each, we did mandatory volunteer work-- we had to get a certain number of volunteer hours each semester. We both have histories of volunteer work from our high school days. This begs the question-- do we enjoy volunteering now because we learned this behavior, or do we continue to enjoy volunteering due to some innate characteristic? Either way, a hearty day of volunteering leaves you feeling full and complete, and worn out in the best possible way. Like you've earned the right to sit in front of the tv for the rest of the evening, and fall asleep absurdly early. And it's worth falling asleep early because you know you will sleep well.

But back to my original point. I left out of here this morning intending to help somebody, intending to briefly enter a stranger's life and make it somehow a little bit better. Instead, I think I'm the person who was helped. I was assigned as an advocate, or buddy-for-the-day slash tour-guide, to a couple: Rose and James. They are your average lovely people, quite down on their luck. Absolutely the type of situation that breaks your heart and makes you entirely grateful for just how easy your life truly is. It seems Rose had a mini-stroke a few weeks ago, and has been living with it for weeks. She now uses a cane, and unfortunately all the clinic doctor was able to do is recommend that Rose go to a hospital for an MRI. Luckily, Regan and I were able to give Rose the peace of mind that when she goes to the hospital, there are programs in place to pay the medical bills. I hope that helps her. I hope knowing that somebody (me) cares deeply and desperately wants her to get help somehow helps her. I hope I was able to help Rose feel validated, like a deserving person. I just don't feel that I did enough to help her.

Rose did a ton to help me. Like I said, this clinic is a missionary outreach by several churches. In our morning's training, we were encouraged to proselytize (sp?) to our hearts' content. Uh-oh, I thought. My thoughts on Jesus are conflicted at best. I believe in God, but I also believe in Science. How am I going to lead people through this day when I'm expected to do it through faith that I might not have? How am I going to do the thing I am being asked to do? What if the people assigned to me are totally Godless? Will I be in trouble if I don't pray with them? What if they want me to give a prayer? Gosh, I hope don't freeze up.

But what happened instead is that I was assigned to Rose and James, who live a life steeped in deep faith. Instead of prostelitizing to them, they prostelitized to me, which was quite fine. All day long, I heard the word of God as translated by Rose and James. Some of it was questionable, but the point is this-- God reached out to me. And I really needed it. Then, quite at random, while standing in line for lunch, Rose told me to become a writer. I explained that it was a funny statement to make, particularly because I am a professional copywriter. A few minutes later, in chatty conversation she asked me a question about my husband's job. A question that does not match his current job, but totally matches a job that he interviewed for yesterday. I told her this, and she said "Oh, it must be one of my visions-- the job (with this particular characteristic) is his job, and though it will be new, he will excel at it. That's his job, and you all will be very happy."

So, I wanted deeply to help this woman, and instead God reached out through her and gave me the exact help I need. A boost to my Faith and a knowledge that everything really will be okay. I can't wait to find out if Rose is right about the job.

2 Down, 4 Left

Today marks the end of the second week of the job search. Mister has a phone interview this evening, and we're praying he gets some face to face interviews next week. Google announced this morning that it is laying off 200 people.

I openly admit-- I am scared stiff.

Are We There Yet?

I know I have been a bad blogger as of late, what with the not updating. Due to the poor economy, The Mister finds himself in the position of needing to find a new work position in the course of 5 weeks. As you can imagine, this has the entire household stressed to the max, what with the phone ringing off the hook and the iPhones beeping that Mister has email constantly. It's noisy, and stressful, and at the end of the day we all just want to collapse but the phones just keep rattling.

Which is great, we're just thrilled to have a sense that things will all work out alright in the end. But it is a long road to getting there. There are some very big decisions that must be made- like do we move and have to sell our house in this awful market when a comparable position is likely to be offered right where we are? If we move, with our sense of adventure flying like large red flags, will we regret it in a few years, only to find ourselves in a location with a smaller job market and longer commute? Perhaps most importantly, if we move to said location, can I have fancy-pants chickens? Where can I get some of those wooden shoes so they don't peck my toes when I feed them?

(Thanks to Curious/Funny Photos/Pictures for this guy.)

In the meantime, I am attempting to consider some Spring sewing that I had planned. I am currently coveting Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. All the sewing bloggers are going wild over it, and I really, really want this book-- on top of the clear instructions and detailed information explaining the point of what you are doing, it comes with actual paper patterns! Paper patterns! Say it again: Paper patterns! I am waiting for Mister's job mess to get cleared up before purchasing this fantastic wonder of a book, because I am a responsible adult like that. Geez, I hope it is very, very soon.

The Snuggie Extravaganza

A couple weeks ago, we spent what is hopefully our last frigid Saturday of this winter with some friends who have a most charming daughter. Over the course of our expedition, it was pointed out to me that Maddie (the most charming daughter) was yearning for a Snuggie-- that backward robe/blanket thing they sell on T.V. If you are not familiar with the Snuggie, please pop over to YouTube and familiarize yourself before reading further.

Good. Now that you know what a Snuggie is, you will understand that my sewing self simply could not allow this charming young lady to go around in one. If you still don't understand the inherent problems with the Snuggie, please pop back over to YouTube and watch this. As a matter of fact, at some point you really should go watch this parady, because you will laugh quite hard. Be forewarned, the parady is not appropriate for work or children. There, I've linked the parady several times-- I hope you understand just how badly I think you need to see it.

Got that? Good. Now, as I explained, I simply couldn't allow this darling of a young lady to go through life like an old person. So, we invented our own version of the Snuggie. It's not for sale, and there is no pattern, we just winged it. Also, the back is closed on ours- the whole thing pulls on over the head. And it turned out pretty OK. And, I think she can now get away with wearing a Snuggie - esque thing to sleepovers and still get invited back. Check it out:

Can you see the coolness dripping off of her? SKULL Snuggie, people. I understand her parents had to fight it off her in order to get her to bathe, the warm awesomeness is that great!

Of course, Ezra got one too. I had enough fabric leftover to make him some pants too, which was convenient as he's outgrown his other tye-dyed polarfleece pants and has been going around all winter with them several inches too short and making snarky comments about how that monster for Christmas was great and all, but geez, he sure could use some new tye-dyed polarfleece pants. Now, he has the pants and a homemade version of the Snuggie:

Oh yeah, he's also the Silly Face King.

Gratis

Last week, Ezra's teacher had his reading level assessed, and they found that he is quite advanced. In order to accommodate this, a couple teachers in the building will be working together to give Ezra the curriculum he needs, while balancing the much harder work with the fact that he is still a little guy. It's truly amazing that these teachers are going out of their way to help our family. As a show of gratitude, I gave them these:

These vases are so easy to make. Just hot glue colored pebbles at random. Of course, I had to include purple pebbles and purple flowers, as purple is the favored color of both myself and my kiddo. They were well recieved, but of course flowers are a small thanks for getting my child the help he needs at the very beginning of his academic career. These teachers deserve an award, and of course when I gave them the flowers, they both got teary and said "I'm just doing my job!" Indeed.

You're going to hate me for this

A couple friends and I have been on a fondue kick lately, namely of the cheese and chocolate varieties. Purely by accident, I found this nifty little, very simple recipe for pure indulged happiness. It's so good, you're going to hate me for it.

In a pot, over low heat, gently heat a bit of heavy whipping cream. Stir in a bit of baking vanilla. Using a wooden spoon (the wooden spoon is Very Important), slowly and gently melt in dark chocolate (often found with the baking chips, but in my Kroger it is marked 62% Cacoa, not 'dark chocolate'). This makes a very simple, basic chocolate fondue. You can eat it with strawberries, bananas (my favorite), nuts, bits of pound cake, and some strange persons even enjoy dipping marshmallows. Personally, I think marshmallows are much too sweet to go ruining a perfectly lovely fondue with. Marshmallows belong in hot cocoa and s'mores. But whatever. Dip whatever suits you. I'm sure your dentist will appreciate it when you're paying for the new addition on his home.

Now here is where things really get good. Store the unfinished portion in a covered something in the fridge. Several hours later, or the next day, get a spoon from the drawer. Use that spoon to taste the hardened fondue. It is creamy. It is wonderful. Keep that stuff around. I'm sure it will keep for a few weeks in the fridge. Give it to sad friends. That way you'll have a gym buddy when it's all gone.

If you live in Georgia

You all have a problem on your hands- one of your state Senators has gone rogue. New state legislation that appears to do away with the chance that Georgia will also end up with an OctoMom, contains language that certainly puts Georgia on the slippery anti-abortion slope. To read more about Georgia Senate Bill 169, click on over to a little pregnant-- she even gives you information on how to stop this rogue legislation. Do it today, before you lose all of your reproductive rights.

Learning To Speak Boy

Friday night, Ezra and I curled up on the couch and watched Madagascar 2. It is surprisingly funny and enjoyable. I generally do not like Disney sequels, but this one's a keeper.

We had such a sweet time snuggled up on the couch, laughing together. It was one of those moments with your child that helps you understand him better, to better know who he is right now and who he is becoming. We needed that.

Where The Wild Things Are

The weather is changing. I can smell dirt and green, ever so faint on the air. I haven't slept well in weeks. I can feel something waking up inside me, something that doesn't fit into this tidy life. Something wild. Something that wants to move, to do, to become larger than life. Something secret, and dark, swelling up. Something that wants to take over. Something. Something that shows up every Spring, when the ground is wet and warm. Something that might come from belonging to a large clan of women. Something that makes me play the stereo too loud. Something that makes me dance inside my house like dancing will set me free of the house. Something that makes me feel like it's all just preparation. For Something.

Aging

The overwhelming theme for me this week is age. I saw it a few days ago when I was getting dressed to go to lunch with an old friend. Bonnie Rait said it best when she said "Those lines are pretty hard to take when they're staring back at you."

I saw it yesterday when I was just too worn out to care about much.

And I definitely saw it this morning as I met with the insurance adjuster about the missing shingles on my roof. I feel unprepared. How do you know what questions to ask? What questions to avoid? How much damage is there? What will it cost to fix? Is it worth making an insurance claim? Who should I call to get the work done? How many slams in old screen door? What child is this that's laid to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping?

How do I pull off all my dreams in a timely manner?

Playing Dead

We've had a particularly busy and off-schedule few weeks, and now that most of the things that were running us raged are done, we are all rather deflated and worn out. To that end, we purchased and downloaded Pop! to our Wii.

This game is great, you just pop bubbles. You can play it timed, against each other, or cooperatively. All in all, the game is much better conceived than I had expected for $7.

And I really must insist that you watch this demo on YouTube. Just so you'll truly understand just how mellow we are being over here. Now it's time for my nap.

Reprieve

I finished the great big overwhelming project yesterday and immediately set myself to putting my house to right. Before I could clean, though, I had to take a few minutes to make pillow covers:

I know it's not the most exciting thing to talk about, but it sure felt great to sew a little something. I haven't had time to sew in weeks. That fabric is taken from the stash, and while it's not the world's most lovely fabric, the colors match the room and it's a huge improvement over what those pillows actually look like. And who doesn't love a bit of free decorating? Those are simple covers that just fold in on the open side. I'm all about removable covers so I can wash stuff.

Washing stuff is exactly the plan for today, and I need to get to it.

Comments

This blog is starting to get some comments action on- I just want to make a note recommending to my readers that you read the comments, and of course, leave comments! It lets me know who's reading, and I like a bit of discussion going on!

Goals

One of my goals this year is to start dressing and grooming myself like the grown-up, professional woman I am. It is time to toss the Mommy clothes and allow a little of my focus to rest on making myself look and feel better. I'm just saying, it's hard to look somebody in the face and tell them that you are a great professional when you're wearing baggy cargo pants. Even if it is just at school pick-up.

It just happens that our Macy's recently opened a Lush shop! I went there last night, and the smell of clean that emanates from the Lush space is amazing. I mean, that's the squeaky clean smell I wish my house had after I clean it. They really should bottle the Lush smell so I can deodorize my carpets with it. Lush is pricey (in my opinion), but it's all natural, vegetarian and often vegan person care products that certain friends of mine swear by. To that end, I got myself this:

Sorry the picture is fuzzy, it's hard to take a self-portrait in the morning. That is the Ayesha mask from Lush. It is made with artichokes and lots of herbs and earthy clay. A little goes a long way, and because it is all-natural you have to use it up in the course of a few weeks. I reckon I'll be doing this often in the next few weeks- I don't want my $7 to go to waste.

I can't find Ayesha on the website, probably because it is made in the store and has a short shelf life, but it is suppossed to lift and make the face more radiant. The label says the effects last long enough for a night out, and the clerk swears that it's true. As she was very open and honest about her habit of tasting their products, I'm apt to believe her. Also, it smells fantastic.

(*sigh* back to work)

Valentine's Day

This V-day really has me thinking a lot about Ezra. About him as a changing person, about my relationship with him, about ways that I can use this holiday to help him find the joy of giving (I know, that's supposed to be a Christmas thing). And a lot about this little family of mine, and the intimacy that we enjoy. While it is hard to give up the idea of another child, I really love my little family and the dynamic we have.

Of course, every holiday is an excuse for some great crafting. Ezra made valentines for his Aunt Regan and his Daddy. He helped me put together the valentines for his classmates. And, he made felted soap (from The Little Travelers tutorial) to give to each of his teachers.

You start with wool roving. I got mine at a fiber festival a couple years ago and have managed to keep the moths out:

Isn't it lovely? Though I realized after taking this picture that this particular roving is a wool/silk blend. I wasn't going to waste it on soap, so we used my turquoise and purple all alpaca wool roving, which worked well as the soaps we used are purple.

You fill a bowl with warm water and add a little all natural soap- The Little Travelers suggests Dr. Bronner's and of course I was thrilled to oblige! Then you wrap each bar of soap (all natural bar soap works best, though we used glycerin), dunk it in the sudsy water and basically just wash your hands with it until the wool felts nicely. Young children will need help with this, though Ezra really loved it. It was a great way to fill an hour and get wet and sudsy!

You end up with something like this:

Let them dry a few days on parchment paper, then wrap them in butcher paper, parchment paper, or wax paper. The heart stickers I intended to use to hold the little packages closed wouldn't stick to the parchment paper, so I tied each with a little yarn bow. Ezra was very excited to give them out today.

Of course, I had to steal some time late one night to make some Valentine's home decor:

And the scrap bird fabric from the baby quilt decided where it wants to be.

Too Many Words

Blog, I am sorry I've been missing. I am neck-deep in a work project which I am not at liberty to talk much about, but I can say it has me working day and night and weekends packing my brain with legal information. That's what I love most about my job- I get to learn so very much.

But it has put me in the position of not having enough words to go around. And since the blog doesn't pay me, my words have been going to the job that does.

Of course, life doesn't stop just because Mom is on a big project (though housework apparently does). We are also in the middle of school registration season and as the boy child will be starting Kindergarten in the fall, this situation bears much weight. In a nutshell:

"This whole application process is a bit stressful, and it seems that the parents are put into a position of trying to find the best school fit for their children with really very little information to go on. Add that to the pressures of combining a parent's own ways of thinking about education with the particular child's needs and interests. I actually think it's a great thing that we have some say-so and choice- it makes (our school system) very unique.

When I was a kid, we just went to the school that sent a bus by the house and that was it. Because of the new redistricting, it seems everybody I've come in contact with is a bit confused and stressed about enrollment this year-- and that bleeds over to the parents who, at least in my area, are frustrated that we have to make selections from the other side of town. So, I'm just generally uneasy about the entire process, trying to find the perfect match for my son and our family on the whole. I'll be glad when the letters come out in a month or so, and I feel like we at least know where we stand!" -- Taken from an ongoing correspondence regarding registration.

It's like there is some kind of hysteria going on amongst the parents. A friend of mine who has a toddler and is not yet in the throes of this frustration, told me that her best friend (whose daughter will be starting Kindergarten in the fall) literally THREW the paperwork at my friend and bellowed "Here's what you have to look forward to!" before crashing on the couch and asking if there was any chocolate in the house.

Here's a little extra special "go screw" to the asshole who sued the district and made them over-complicate the registration process and distribution of students. You owe us all some damn chocolate.

Ssshhh

Do you hear that? The sound of a quiet house? At the risk of sounding like a horrible mother, I really have to admit that I'm really enjoying the quiet now that school is back in session. I wish I didn't have so much work to make up- I'd love to take a nap in all this quiet.

As it happens, I don't really have time for a nap. Instead, I will take a minute to share with you some things I'm trying out this week.

Hanes Her Way panties. A friend turned me on to them, and yesterday I bought the Boy Briefs with ComfortSoft Waistband, and the No Ride Up ComfortSoft Waistband Bikinis. I tried them on when I got home, washed them, then showered and shaved my legs before putting them on. That's right- these are so good, I shaved my legs for them. I realize that they are not the pinacle of sexy, but a girl needs cute, comfy daily-wear underoos. And, the boyshorts are so comfy that they make me feel kicky and sexy. Suck it, Victoria's Secret.

I have thick, curly hair that seems to only get thicker and curlier the older I get. About a week ago, I noticed that my hair dryer of about 15 years wasn't really getting hot or drying anything exactly. Being that we are in the throes of winter, I have to dry my head every day, so yesterday I sucked it up and bought a Conair Ion Shine with Cord Keeper, for the exhorbinant price of $20 USD.

I guess in the years since I've investigated hair dryers, they've all gone Ion. I like it so far, and have to admit that it does indeed create less frizz -- really very important for a person known for having great big hair. I really love the cord keeper function as I don't keep my hair dryer out (that would be cluttery) and have to lug it out of the closet every freaking day. But the absolute, very best thing about this dryer is that the diffuser stays on. My old dryer dropped the diffuser on my head on a daily basis, and I'm pretty sure I've suffered brain damage over the years by being beaten in the head with this necessary attachment (remember, big curly hair. I have to use the diffuser).

I actually opened the box in the store, attached the diffuser to the dryer and proceeded to wave it around frantically. Ezra didn't even notice this wild display, but a few other customers regarded me with wariness. When it held, I knew I'd found what I'd always dreamed of. A dryer that really holds the diffuser. Not being maimed in the mornings is worth $20, and I must admit that I'm thrilled the old one finally died and allowed me the freedom to not get knocked in the head daily.

Thanks to the Hive Mind over at Ask Metafilter, I am also trying out a new (for me) cleaning product this week. Those who know me well, well know that I take my cleaning and cleaning products very seriously. I don't like harsh chemicals, but I do love a clean home. Many months ago I read a thread on Metafilter about Dr. Bronner and his magic soap. It's worth checking out just because the guy was such a nut. As it turns out, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap is good not only for cleaning your body (though I'm not about to try castile soap on my body, I need MOISTURE), it is also good for cleansing your soul. And your house. Mix a little of it with water in a spray bottle and go to town. Walgreens was out of the Lavender scent, so I got the Peppermint scent. So far I'm liking it, and I just have to say it-- now our shit don't stink. My bathroom now has a faint peppermint scent, and the stuff really did a decent job of cleaning without leaving yucky chemical residues behind in my shower. I'm usually a Method girl, and I doubt I'll give up Method entirely, but for cleaning sinks and showers I might be converted. It's just hard to argue with a soap that cleans, deordorizes, and saves your soul.

So, happy me roundup. I'm really following my dreams this week. Underpants that don't ride up, a hair dryer that doesn't beat me about the head and shoulders, and now our shit don't stink. The temperature is falling to 20 degrees Feirhenheit this afternoon, so I have to close up the curtains in anticipation of le Cheney sucking the heat out of my windows. And I have to get back to work.

My Second Quilt

This is for
Mollie. A baby who surely thought she was being born into a terrible, hard, cold world. And the amazing people who took one look at her and knew that she is theirs.

I must admit that I'm thrilled at how well it turned out.

I'm really smitten with the dove flannel. I have plans to see if I can find more. Click the picture to see the lovely details.

For some mysterious reason, it even has a little loop with which to hang it up.

This is the second quilt I've made, the first being a few years ago for my son. Ezra's really doesn't count as I had no idea what I was doing and the whole thing is wonky. While Mollie's quilt definitely has issues (see hanging loop, above), I put a lot of time into figuring out how to best do it properly.
Quite fittingly, all those squares of fleece are scraps from baby blankets past. I used over half my scrap pile practicing with two new sewing machine feet (walking foot and free-motion foot). The quilt itself went together pretty quickly, but I spent days figuring the whole thing out. I loved every minute of it, and am absolutely smitten with the quilt. I can't wait to make more, and am adding a quilting machine to my wish list, since my machine can't handle anything much larger than a baby quilt.

I have one more baby quilt to pull off before May, but the next small sewing project in the queue is a draft dodger, then I have my sights set on some spring pants for Ezra and myself, and a top or two from a pattern I picked up. I need to work on my pattern skills. so the clothes should be a lot of fun.

Snow Week Craft Recap

Tuesday: Fannie the Squirrel feeders out of cardboard tubes, peanut butter, and bird seed.

Wednesday: Snowball fight and work for Mommy

Thursday: Cardboard tube kaleidoscope (Have the child decorate the tube. Then have the child use a cheese grater to grate a bit of crayon onto some parchment paper or wax paper. Fold paper over, and iron on very low, allowing the wax to melt inside the paper just slightly. It will cool very quickly. Then, put the colored part over one end of the tube and secure with a rubber band. Produce bands work well. Ta-da!)

Friday: Footprint snowman t-shirt

I'm running out of ideas and we might get more snow next week! Luckily, I have to work all weekend, so Daddy will be in charge of child-entertainment!

Snow Day Redux

Well, I guess somebody at the top got the message that last week's snow day didn't turn out too well. We got a do-over, and boy oh boy have we been snowed and iced in! We're going on day four of cooped up, but yesterday even the men-folk were home, so in the name of getting the kids out to play, a snow-ball fight ensued amongst children and adults alike. Yesterday was a great day, the kind of day that makes you really love the place you live.

The men-folk returned to work today, though the women and children were still mostly iced in. Today was fairly calm and peaceful. I fell on the ice and hurt my arm, but I don't think it's broken, though it hurts like the devil. Luckily, Mr. TFM and I both suffer bouts of carpel-tunnel syndrome (WoW), so I had a wrist brace handy. While I could have done without the injury, I have to admit that I love shoveling snow. When you've been cooped up for a couple days, shoveling snow really takes the anxious right out of a person. I shoveled all the snow I could reasonably shovel, up until I realized my wrist was really too hurt to go on. I will sleep the pure sleep of the clean-conscienced, worn-out.

Onto the photos!

That tree is seriously encased in ice. The tree damage to this neighborhood's old trees would make the Lorax mad at Mother Nature. I did NOT edit out the background on the above photo; it's really that white out.

That tree is entirely encased in ice. We've gone way above and beyond raising a tree-hugger. We're raising a tree-licker. The adult behind the tree is throwing snowballs. I'm telling you, it's a great neighborhood. It was a great day.

Unphenomenal Woman, That's Me

Somebody recently called me a Feminist. I've been called many things; crazy, bitch, obsessive-compulsive. Hell, there has even been the occasional "C" word thrown in a few times for good measure. But I don't think I've ever been called a Feminist.

I am the sort of person who does not make a habit of aligning myself with particular groups of people. I am not a Christian by name, nor a Pagan. I spent a few years dutifully running around with The Mommies, but I abandoned that social order as soon as I possibly could. I am not an entrepreneur, as I do not currently own my own business. I am not a house-wife, as I do have a paying career (it just happens to be from my own house). I am not a philanthropist, though I do as much charitable work as I can manage. I don't like labels.

What I am is Myself. My status as Mother and Wife does not immediately classify me with any of the social assumptions about those positions. I am a writer. I am driven to write in much the same way I am driven to breath. My life is spent writing-- everything I do, every small task I accomplish, is done with a running monologue in my mind. But I am not full of angst, suffering for my craft. I am a crafter. I love creating lovely little things then giving them away to spread love and joy to others. Everybody should have at least a few handmade items in their home.

I am all of these things, and many more. But I am also none of these things. Any moment I might decide to pack away the sewing machine, or change my name and disappear into the wild blue yonder. I do these things not because they are who I am, but because I enjoy them. I am wary of being labeled "Feminist" because I just think that I truly am NOT a Feminist. "The Stepford Wives" is one of my favorite movies. When I'm ironing my family's clothes, I often sigh and think how wonderful it would be to be a brainwashed robot and not care that I have to do housework. To me, that sounds like freedom.

Some have said that my forging ahead and creating a career of my writing makes me a Feminist. That following my dream is what Feminism is all about. But I worry about the dichotomy there. Writing isn't a choice for me-- it is something that I am constantly, unrelentlessly driven to. By the same token, so is Motherhood. I am driven to have children. To raise them, teach them, play with them. Even to sew monsters for them. I cannot do both if I label myself. I cannot be Feminist and Stay-at-home parent. Every stitch I sew for my son is one stitch away from Feminism, and every word I am paid for is another word away from Mommy.

Call me what you want. But I know that I do not fit into any category. I am simply me, getting through my days.

_______________

This post is being cross-posted at the Oxdown Gazette. I have been invited to become a regular poster there, and will do my best not to cross-post much, so keep an eye out here and at Oxdown for more TFM!

Modern Times Call For Desperate Measures

I love Barbie. I love to dress them up and make them CEO's of everything. When I was little, I had a Barbie who wore a career suit. She owned her own company and GI Joe was her right-hand man. Because his underwear was molded on, Ken stayed home and cooked and cleaned and whined a lot.

Now that I'm an adult, I love to buy Barbies for the little girls in my life. Now that I can read labels, I feel certain that my CEO*Ruler of Everything Barbie was probably actually something along the lines of "I Can File Alphabetically and Service My Boss Under His Desk" Barbie. I resent that there is "Animal Doctor" Barbie. Call her a Veterinarian. I resent "Preschool Teacher" Barbie. Why not "Highly Acclaimed and Professionally Sought After PhD Professor" Barbie?

So, when I give the girls in my life Barbies for their birthdays, I make a point of repackaging them. Instead of "Some Stupid Girls Never Amount To Much" Barbie, I cover the boxes with paper and write something like "Follow Your Dreams, Realize Your Own Potential" Barbie. Or "The Sky Isn't The Limit, Even The Sky Is Too Low For You" Barbie. Or my favorite, "Burning With Her Own Potential" Barbie, who even has a note asking "What dream will she fulfill today?"

The first little girl to receive such a Barbie from me was my friend Rebekah's first daughter. Several months later, Rebekah repaid me in kind by giving Ezra a Military Ken. Ezra never really cared much about Ken (smart kid), but a few weeks ago some of the adults decided to try on the non-regulation clothes that Ken had come with. Apparently, Ken doesn't understand what "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" really signifies. His shirt is too short and his pants ride too low.

I give you "Don't Ask; I'll Tell" Ken:

Praise The Lord and Pass the Ammunition

On MLK Day, we were also gifted with a snow day:

Ezra made snow angels all the way around the block:

I hope lots of people encountered them and smiled:

I sure did.

---------------------

For those who have heard tidbits and are confused, yes the day was partially ruined by a Golden Retriever, now called "Cujo" who barreled out of an open garage and attacked Ezra. Ezra is fine-- thank God for over sized puffy winter coats. The dog had no interest in me, even though I made myself as threatening as possible by kicking it and yelling for help. I guess this dog doesn't have children, or it would have known not to mess with a Mommy. The owner is obviously an idiot, and did not seem to comprehend just how bad the situation was or could have been. He obviously also does not have children, or he would have also known not to mess with a Mommy.

I guess he will find out soon, as Animal Control is labeling this an "Aggressive Dog Investigation" and just as soon as the idiot returns from wherever he's been for the past couple days, he will find a large man with a gun knocking on his door. The large men with guns have already knocked on my door twice because of this, and even though I'm the one who called them and my son is the victim, even I am intimidated by them. Did I mention they have guns? Also, they have rabies poles. They have informed me that they also have the ability to hit the idiot with a pretty severe fine, and the number that was quoted to me made me break out into a cold sweat.

Yes, I witnessed the guy let the dog out of a frontal door unleashed AND unattended. Yes, I want the dog gone, and (God help my immortal soul), I have to admit that I want to get one good last kick in before it goes. I am scared, and very very angry. However, I also do not want some freaking fight with one of my neighbors. Therein lies the problem. Ezra is not the only person that this dog has terrified. Many of the neighbors feel that this is the last straw as they are tired of being terrorized by a ninety-pound dog and an owner who insists that "Jake just thinks he's a Cocker Spaniel".

So, if you happen to see an angry mob carrying torches and yelling "Get the Monster!", please just stay inside. And now that you've read this and been brought up to date, please scroll back up and ponder the beauty of a little boy making snow angels in 1/2 inch of snow. It's important to focus on the beauty in life, and do our best to let go of the ugly. Snow angels.

This Changes Everything

Ezra has been working on learning to read. He's been working very, very hard. So far, we've still been able to get away with spelling some things in front of him. But just now, he picked up a toy from his train set, looked at it, and said "Mommy! This says Toys R Us!".
It'sway imetay otay earnlay igpay Atinlay.


(Also, Alicia over at Posit Gets Cozy has put up a link to the legal copy of the Inaugural poem. You can get it here.

Happy Inauguration Day!

Okay Universe, now that a new Era has begun, let's chill things out a bit.

I am blessed enough to have been invited next door to watch the Inauguration with friends, both old and new. I did indeed make a new friend today, a woman whom I think I have much in common with. It was just what my Inauguration Day needed. :) The hope of a new friend.

I thought that the poem Praise Song For The Day, by Poet Laurette Elizabeth Alexander was perfect. Perfect for America, and perfect for me right now. You can read the poem over at Posie Gets Cozy.

Congratulations America!

Last Night I Cried

I wept for my husband, who is married to a woman that can't give him the family he wants.
I wept for my son, who is so very lonely for another child to share his life with.

Yesterday, I took Ezra to McD's after school so he could burn off some energy and have some time to just play with other kids. At one point, he studied a family that included a brother and sister. He came over to me, buried his face in my neck and said "Mommy, I don't have a brother or sister. I really want one."

I held it together then. But last night, I cried.

Magnetic Personality

The art studio has become our new family room. Ezra rushes in there every day as soon as he gets home, and it just seems the natural place to hang out. I was looking for a fast Valentine's craft to make, and decided I felt like making magnets. I've been making these for years, and I love that it is inexpensive, can be done on a small space like a coffee table, and cleanup is super easy if you put down paper first (which you absolutely should do). I used not martha's tutorial. Megan does a great job of explaining things, so I recommend checking it out.

Dr. Seuss magnets! The Pottery Barn Kids catalog is great for finding tiny pictures. They just launched a Dr. Seuss bedroom series and I was thrilled to make these magnets! Ezra loves them. Note the Lorax with his truffula trees on the top right.

Hearts and sweet animals for V-day. My favorite is the owl:

Isn't he cute peeking out at you?

And because I'm starting to get desperate for spring (it's - 1 degree this morning), lady bugs:

I love the little Miss on the stalk (bottom left).

On My Own Island

So, we won't be having any more children. My son is in school all day. Therefore, I am no longer a stay-at-home Mom. I only work very part time.

So what does that make me? (Other than lost?)

6 Degrees of Mental Separation

The high temperature today seems to be 10. That's 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Whitney, Katie, Matt -- shut up. Also, the low tonight will be 1. That's the kind of thing they tell you when they don't want you to know the truth. If we think it's 1 degree, maybe we'll be fooled into being grateful for just how warm that really is. 1. Just 1.

It's been pretty cold around here for a couple weeks, and that mostly corresponds with the kids being back in school. So, I'm starting to get a little tweaky. It's so cold, I don't want to open the curtains because I'm convinced that when I open the curtains Dick Cheney comes and sucks the heat right out of my house via the windows. Really, with his big sucker-fish mouth and everything. It's very disturbing.

So, no open curtains means no sunshine, means these walls they are a closin' in. Also, we turned off the cable. So, I go to the gym every day now. The gym has big windows with no curtains. The gym has CSI right there on my own little personal tv mounted to the machine. *Sigh* I love the gym.

Also, say hello to Fannie:

Fannie used to be named Archimedes, until I decided that she is a she, and she most likely has little squirrely babies up in that big nest in the tree in the driveway. Fannie had a habit of getting into the shed and eating bird food. That was pretty okay with us, until she started searching our stuff to pilfer it. So, I had to move the bag of seed into the house. I felt bad about it (I mean, she does have those squirrely babies to feed, and did I mention it's going to be 1 degree tonight?), so I made her a feeder out of a toilet paper tube, peanut butter, and bird seed. This photo was taken about 10 minutes after I hung it out. About 10 minutes after the photo was taken, the entire feeder was gone. Squirrelled away up the tree to those sweet squirrely babies.

Also, this all happened while the guy was here last week turning off the cable. That guy may have overheard a conversation between myself and Fannie. I may have had to explain that there was a squirrell, right there on that branch, looking at me, and that I needed to explain some things to her.

(Ps. I just read the above and it appears that I think that eating will keep Fannie warm. I might have a screwed up relationship with food)

Worth Getting Excited Over

Jessica, over at How About Orange has a post up today about a new movie coming out in which EVERYTHING is Made. By. Hand. I love that. I'll have to go see it in the theatre. Hopefully I can find somebody to go with me (hint, hint). Check out the info and the trailor over at Coraline.

So Good, You Can't Read It At Bedtime

My friend and neighbor, Anna, introduced me to the book series that HBO's "True Blood" is based on. The books kick the tv show's butt. They are so good, I'm having hard time doing anything other than reading them, and laundry is really piling up around here. They are hard to get at the library, as they are so ragingly popular, but are so good they are worth buying. Amazon has the box set at a very reasonable price, and also has used books available. Run out and get yourself started. Your only regret will be that you will have to put them down long enough to feed yourself.

The author is Charlaine Harris, the series is "The Sookie Stackhouse Series" and the first book is titled Dead Until Dark. Harris has created a rich, magical world that you won't ever want to leave. Girl meets vampires. Vampires get girl into all kinds of trouble. Vampires take good care of girl. Readers swoon.

Chasing My Tail

So, I found a new Ob/Gyn that specializes in PCOS. I went to see her a few months ago, and she prescribed a mood drug called Lexapro. The hope was that the Lexapro would counteract the effects of the hormone imbalance and I would be able to go off the birth control pills without going crazy.

I took my first dose of Lexapro last Friday night. On Saturday I felt totally out of it, nervous, twitchy, and disconnected. Uh-huh, I thought. That could be normal. These things often take several days to adjust to. Saturday evening I decided to turn in early and took my second dose of Lexapro. An hour later I began having serious muscle jerks in my arms and legs that lasted all night and into the next day. Sunday I spoke to the doctor on call who instructed me to never take Lexapro again. All day Sunday I suffered muscle spasms, muscle tightening, muscle tremors, and was very zoned out and couldn't stay focused. I spent seven hours watching Star Wars on tv. Chris kept suggesting that I put in the dvds and not have to watch commercials, but I just didn't care.

So, Thursday I saw my Ob/Gyn and we discussed my severe reaction to the Lexapro. Since our last meeting, she had obtained and read all my prior medical records. So, the new trying-to-concieve (ttc) plan looks like this:

Step 1: Try as many mood drugs as it takes to find one that works
Step 2: Providing we find a mood stabalizer that works, stop birth control pills
Step 3: Begin Clomid
Step 4: Begin Progesterone (not orally) every cycle beginning cd (cycle day) 17 and up until I get my period
Step 5: If we actually manage to get pregnant, begin daily blood thinner shots of Lovenox. In the ass. With the blurning and bruising. For the entire freaking pregnancy.
Step 6: If we actually manage to get pregnant, stay on Progesterone through pregnancy week 12
Step 7: Hope that the pregnancy progresses healthily and all these drugs don't have a negative effect on me or the baby.

We've been through most of this so many times in the past three years, I've lost count. Clomid, progesterone, lovenox. I just don't think I can handle another round. But I just can't handle the heartbreak either.

It is done! Sort of.

Yesterday we cleaned up the paint supplies, though we still need to paint the trim a fresh white. We can do that when we paint the kitchen cabinets and trim-- I couldn't wait any longer to get our art studio up and running!


The furniture is currently mismatched. That sewing table is a treasure given to me by my dear friend Regan. Appearantly her family has several of them just collecting dust, so they were kind enough to send me this one. I love it! It's my first real sewing table! A place for my machine to live, without ever having to be packed away!

This is Ezra's work station for now. He and I each have old card tables. I covered them with old table cloths because the card tables are in terrible condition. Plus, the purple cloths are kind of fun.

You can see Chris's work station to the right. He has the sturdiest table for now, because he carves miniatures and needs a sturdy table to work on. You can also see his new DayLight lamp that I got him for Christmas. It has a great magnifying glass on it too. Last night was the first time he was able to set it up. It's a winner :)

We are planning on figuring out just exactly what we need over the next few months, then doing an Ikea run. We are thinking maybe mounted cabinets above, with lights coming down, then something this like for work stations:
That's the Ikea Vika Amon/ Vika Annefors combination. We're giving ourselves a few months to use the space before we make any final decisions. When we do, Ezra will get his own new workstation too.

So, the furniture is mismatched, but even so, I really love it. It is great to have my sewing maching off my computer desk, and just to have a designated space for each of us to craft. We had to pry Ezra away last night to put him to bed, and this morning he took advantage of a few extra minutes before school to sneak in there again. Of all the ideas we've tossed around for the tiny bedroom next to ours, this is absolutely the best.

A New Year, A New Setup

Sometime this morning the cable guy is coming to turn off our cable and take away our digital box. We have finally had enough of paying through the nose for commercial-laden television. This happily coincides with the completion of our in-house art studio. I imagine not having readily-available T.V. will change our family for the best.

This comes after much research into the availability of shows we like on the internet. Last night, I lied in bed and was determined to watch television, as a goodbye sort of thing. I found that there was nothing on at all and turned it off, certain that our decision is the right one. So, stay tuned here for what is certain to end up being a lot more crafting!