THE MATERNAL OPTIMIST

Sanctified Times Two, version 2.0

2012-01-28T12:44:00.003-05:00

The girls both made their First Reconciliation today with the same lovely priest as their brother. They asked if they could go again next Saturday. I told them any time their little hearts desire to go, I will take them. Any time.

We celebrated with a brunch at The Waffle House. Big brother, who is now an altar server, is off with his Pinewood Derby. Tonight, the girls have the annual Father/Daughter Dance and I get the traditional Mother/Son date.

Time flows steady and strong and these babies of mine are being carried away from their childhood. I try so hard to preserve it, even if momentarily, against the ever-moving current.

If Ever There Were a Day to Write a Post Here...

2010-05-09T15:56:00.003-04:00

...Mother's Day would be it.

The perpetual tweet-and-flutter of Twitter keeps drawing me away from my own little blog. I love its brevity and terseness and emphemerality. Quickness and cleverness are assets there in a way they are not on a blog.

but

I feel compelled.

Last week, Zeke made his First Holy Communion. He was surrounded by family and was amid almost 100 other children dressed in suits and white dresses with veils. I even broke out the shapewear [Oh, MY! what did we ever do before Spanx?] and wore the same outfit I wore when he was baptized. It was sublime and joyful. Happy tears filled my eyes. I know his life will never be the same and that is a good thing.

Yesterday, he turned 8 [and made his 2nd Holy Communion!] and I wonder where that almost-decade has gone. In this little time, eight voyages around the sun, much has changed. My man has become a Catholic and I can hardly remember the longing I had when I journeyed toward the altar alone for Communion. Motherhood has filled the nooks-and-crannies of a life and I can hardly remember the longing I had during those years of presumed infertility.

Longings almost forgotten. Ah! That's what this blog is for.

Sanctified

2010-03-06T11:43:00.004-05:00

Today was a big day for Zeke. He made his First Reconciliation. He's now completed two of his possible seven Sacraments. My heart is full of peaceful joy that he has come this far. There were over 100 children making confessions today and six priests administering. The leaders wanted all the children to go first and then the adults could go. This was a good consolation for us who arrived at the last moment and were seated in the back. Zeke was near the end with Father Brian, our parish's former vicar, and I was the first adult in the same line. Father told me when I went in that my child is just delightful. So good to hear. When I came out, Zeke asked me what my penance was and his eyes got pretty big. Big people, big sins, big penances.

As a kid growing up, we would compare penances. It was sort of the thing to do as a kind of barometer of how you rated. Of course, if you had a different priest, it threw off the scale. David didn't grow up with this Sacrament and so he's very tight-lipped about what happens. He sees the confessional like high rollers see Vegas. It pleases me no end that my boy is growing in the faith and in knowledge and, hopefully, wisdom. I expect we will start doing the Saturday Confession as a family on a regular basis. I cannot count how many priests I know who said this was part of their growing up: regular Saturday Confessions with the family.

Little, Tiny Marker

2010-01-31T22:59:00.001-05:00

I see the last day of the first month of 2010 and I haven't got a post. Let this one be a little placeholder of the month we had. It was snowy, cold and good. We are all well, praise God, and moving along fine.

New Year 2010

2009-12-31T21:36:00.003-05:00

In many ways, 2009 was a 12 month extension of 2008. But some of 2009 just sucked--politics, the economy, the war--that I'm inclined to just skip it entirely and make 2008 a 24 month year. That means 2010 feels like a much-needed fresh, fresh start. I look forward to the new year. But after all these New Year's Eves, I realize January 1 is just another day. We think we're gifted a whole new set of 365 shiny new ones tonight. But we're not. It's just another day. And if you're blessed enough to draw breath another day, thank the One who made you. And go out and do what you ought.

Bye-Bye Magic Stick!

2009-11-20T17:54:00.004-05:00

We had an appointment with Mr. Tony today. Before we set out, I dug to the back of the closet and retrieved Annie's blue 'magic stick', her arm crutch, which was a demo loaner from Mr. Tony. She hasn't used it for weeks. She asked me to carry it to the van. The mantra, 'big girls don't need magic sticks,' was oft repeated to reinforce her new habit. It seems that her posture, balance and strength have also improved with her new habit. Duh. It was a crutch!

In the office, we heard the story of a young boy who had a traumatic amputation recently. Annie told Mr. Tony, 'maybe someone else can use this. Thank you!' The stick is a nice medium blue, perfect for a little boy who's learning to use his new leg.

I thought of A Christmas Carol and Tiny Tim and the potential-scary-future image of an unused crutch. Here, however, the unused crutch makes my heart glad with the thought 'God bless us, everyone!'

Nineteen Years; One Regret [UPDATED with Photos]

2009-10-20T11:02:00.008-04:00

It's a gorgeous autumn day in the south just like it was nineteen years ago today when I married my Officer and Gentleman in a military wedding at the Main Post Chapel at Fort Benning, Georgia. Ten fellow officers served as the Gentlemen of the Saber Arch. Our friend, George, then a first lieutenant and now a retiree, officially welcomed me to the Infantry as he ceremoniously swatted my bottom with his saber. The tradition is to say, "Welcome to the Army, Mrs. X." At that time, I outranked him and told him that I was already welcomed into the Army as my leave and earnings statements regularly proved. I also cautioned him that as a recent graduate of the U.S. Army Airborne School, I was also welcomed there as my Basic Parachutist's Badge proved. I warned him that, mess dress uniform or no, I would have no hesitation dropping him for push-ups if he violated my bridezilla edict.

He surprised me by saying, "Welcome to the Infantry, Mrs. Adams." There's a picture somewhere in the album of me laughing in surprise

and Dave smiling at me with a knowing look.

Duplicate that picture innumerable times over nineteen years. I'm often surprised and he's often smiling at my ability to be surprised.

I wouldn't change anything, really, about our married life together. There have been many challenges, some of which have been documented on this little blog, and many others that pre-dated blogging. And there are some which remain known unto us alone. Every marriage is a mystery, known only to its members.

I believe the one regret I have is in my faults--what I've done and what I've failed to do--in being more holy, more loving, and more loveable to the best man I've ever known. The only man who ever walked the earth who surpasses my man would be good St. Joseph. I have the extreme privilege of being married to a fun, funny, content & holy man who is a wonderful provider, father, beloved and friend. I was so happy on our wedding day that no tears fell from my eyes; I took it as a pre-figurement of Paradise. And every day since, I've had the privilege of living out what happily-ever-after means.

UPDATE: I dug and found the photos. My brother, a groomsman, took them back when he was a photojournalist and before he began his wedding photography work. All of them are copyright Paul F. Gero, all rights reserved.

Thanks go to Dave for scanning them. Natch.

Thank You, Saint Lucy

2009-10-12T21:47:00.003-04:00

I am privileged to be teaching a class called 'Alphabet Saints' to the K-2 students in our co-op. I love knowing about them and teaching the little ones to rely on this 'cloud of witnesses' as they go through life.

Today, Annie went for a follow-up eye exam. As a preemie, she suffered from R.O.P., retinopathy of prematurity, and she had laser surgery to save her eyes. She is still cared for by this wonderful pediatric ophthalmologist. She wears corrective lenses, but the eyes have a great disparity. If a strong eye is relied upon too much, the weaker eye's messages to the brain eventually get shut off. One way to combat this is to patch the strong eye to make the weak eye become stronger. We have been patching for years now and the doctor just couldn't get Annie past a plateau. Six weeks ago, he decided to throw everything and the kitchen sink at this vision disparity and we began 'mega-patching.' Basically, Annie has her patch on during all her waking hours. In that mix, I asked St. Lucy, patron saint of eye patients, to intercede yet again for Annie's clarity of vision.

We had a good exam. Both eyes got 1.5 lines better on the eye chart. We will continue with more mega-patching. So while thanking St. Lucy, I ask her again to work her heavenly magic and intercede on behalf of Annie's eyes.

Tears Stream Down

2009-09-28T22:29:00.002-04:00

Please read this post, from a Catholic priest, stationed in Iraq. The soldier in me and the Catholic in me could only speak through tears.

All the Single Babies...

2009-09-25T10:32:00.001-04:00

From our friends at From Both Sides of the White Picket Fence.

40 Days for Life

2009-09-25T08:56:00.003-04:00

Abortion is a pernicious evil. The pro-life movement has spent many [too many?] years working and hoping for a judicial/governmental solution. None has come. A somewhat recent, grassroots plan has taken hold. It is called 40 Days for Life. For 40 days, which began on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, there will be perpetual vigils outside abortion clinics in 213 locations across the U.S. The plan is for the faithful to pray, fast, and stand vigil. This happens twice a year.

This is the third time that I know of 40 Days taking place in our community. Last night, I was privileged to stand vigil with two men from my parish. Sadly, this is the same clinic I used to pray outside of almost a decade ago, when I was struggling with infertility. I believe those regular [Saturday morning] prayer vigils were sanctifying for me. The last time I prayed outside the clinic, Zeke was about 3 months old and nestled in my Baby Bjorn. I was overcome by joyful events and neglected this very important activism/ministry. I'm so pleased for another chance to be a witness for life in my own community.

Everyone Deserves an Aunt Ruthie...

2009-09-15T07:12:00.002-04:00

...and now there's one more who's achieved it.

Welcome to the world, Matthew Paul "Sparkie" Gero,

We've been waiting for you for a long time.

Love,

Aunt Ruthie.

Aesop's Mushrooms

2009-09-08T20:39:00.000-04:00

The morel? Don't be a spoil-spore. Be a fun guy!

10% Pun

2009-09-06T23:07:00.002-04:00

Regarding Miss Suri Cruise:

"I see the baby is wearing a fuzzy hat. Is that Suri, with the fringe on top?"

I'll bet they tried at least 10 puns to get a groan.

But, alas, no pun in ten did.

Vacation

2009-09-06T17:17:00.002-04:00

We're away at our favorite cozy cottage at the beach for a week. But, have no fear, we brought 3 computers with us and the cottage has free wifi. The only thing missing is my mom who has come with us for all our trips for the past several years. This year, she gets to go see the other ocean and help while my brother and sister-in-law welcome another niece or nephew. How cool is it that they don't know whether it's a boy or a girl? Retro-cool. I wish I'd had that sort of restraint!

It's still the same beach, but I sure do miss Mom.

Big Babies

2009-09-01T22:29:00.000-04:00

My beloved dad [God rest his soul] used to tell us as to the arrival of the first child in a marriage, "The first one can come at any time; all the rest take 9 months."

He used this to explain the phenomena of 8 pound preemies.

Back @It

2009-09-01T09:42:00.003-04:00

Back to work today, back to life, back to reality. Having been a little 'Twitterfied', I look at '@' a little differently and expect some Tweep's account name to follow it.

Vacation approaches. Can hardly wait.

Pun o' the Day

2009-08-31T16:30:00.001-04:00

Regarding sailboats: Schooner or later, someone would pun. But it's no hardship. There are a whole raft of problems: let's stem this tide with a stern warning.

Discovered amid the detritus, 8/31/2007

How I Spent My Summer

2009-08-30T08:21:00.004-04:00

Summer's not quite over. A week at the beach awaits us soon. Still...

In North Carolina, the homeschool year runs from July1 to the next June 30. I came to the realization that we're probably a year round school because I still work full time and thus, our actual school day is shortened. This shortfall can best be made up with more days of shorter duration. Zeke and I worked very hard to get 'caught up' in History/Geography, Writing and Grammar. It took a long time, but I believe we finally have a curriculum that works on most all the subjects for Zeke. I was strongly influenced by the neo-classical approach described in "The Well-Trained Mind," and adopted several of the authors' suggestions. I was also influenced by many of my fellow homeschool moms from the co-op who are taking a similar approach with their students. Finally, I'm reading "A Mother's Rule of Life" which incorporates Catholic monastic ideals and superimposes them on a Catholic homeschool mother's day. And here, I thought homeschooling was just teaching your own kids at home. Who knew it required a total commitment on my part and religious zeal!

Today, after Mass, our family fun outing will be a picnic with the co-op families at church. Our little co-op of 5 families is expanding to 9 families and this will be a chance to meet and greet all the spouses and kids. I feel excited, but at peace.

Found Object -- Lost 8-26-2005

2009-08-30T01:16:00.001-04:00

My husband has retina-searing red hair. His father is the 8th redheaded child of two redheaded parents. My man was the only of 35 grandchildren to keep red hair past childhood. My poor father-in-law's nickname is "Red" and he takes off his hat to explain why, but now it's just snowy white. Our three children all have daddy's red hair. [Believe me, that went a long way with the old man].

When my husband was in the Army, the Australian officers called him "Blue". Apparently that's funny to the Aussies... redheads are nicknamed "Blue" there. All his hispanic employees call him "Rojopelo". It's what every culture notices.

Red hair is so beautifully distinctive when natural [in all its variations from dark auburn to blaze orange] and so obvious when phoney. I think that's because other things like freckles and red eyelashes are part of the set.

Just a Courtesy

2009-06-04T09:25:00.002-04:00

I wanted to let you few, you blessed few, regular readers know that I might not be posting for a while. Everything's o.k. I'm in simplify mode, probably much overdue from a misspent Lent, and I will see you around the cyber place. If you're a relative or friend-in-person, you know I have a phone that works. There's also an email available if you click on my profile. Thank you.

Anniversary

2009-05-29T20:46:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow will be fourteen years since I began work for my employer. It's hard to believe. In another 14 year chunk of my life, I did high school, college, law school, and my short stint in the Army, including my first year of marriage.

What do I have to show for this 14 years? A big thick handful of pay stubs [336 of 'em if they hadn't turned to electronic record keeping a couple years ago] and a mountain of reviewed documents. Most importantly, I have a sense of gratitude for a decent job with good benefits that allow my family excellent medical care and flexible hours.

Feline-y-esque?

2009-05-29T11:09:00.003-04:00

We were tweeting about the 'loop' we were in...one thought it was an Endless Loop. I said I'm in the Curiosity Loop. It killed the cat, ya know? Then Annie sent this --rare!-- funny New Yorker cartoon:
Thanks, Ms. Gottlieb!

Pun o' the Day

2009-05-27T07:52:00.002-04:00

Did you hear about the hot-headed composer who ventured West in a Conestoga wagon?

He had a score to settle.

DVD Review: Life After Tomorrow

2009-05-24T17:55:00.003-04:00

I just watched "Life After Tomorrow" on NetFlix Instant View. It's a brief [72 minutes] documentary about the little girls from various shows and tours of Annie who, as grown women, share their memories and sometimes quite sad stories of making it big as a little kid and the feelings they had of outgrowing their fame. Ultra famous Annie, Sarah Jessica Parker, does an extensive interview and comes off as remarkably well adjusted. Another personal fave of mine, Martha Byrne, who I came to know as Lily Walsh on As the World Turns, does a nice interview, too. There are many, many, many others and their post-show biz struggles are poignant.

I think this film should be required viewing if you have any plans of putting your daughter in show business or on the pageant circuit.

I am an Anniephile. Dad must've belonged to some record club because I remember hearing Broadway Cast albums of many shows. Dad would play them on Sunday mornings after 7 a.m. Mass when he would cook breakfast for Mom and the rest of us. I wore out the grooves of my Annie album. We bought the piano music to "Tomorrow" and I played it always. I knew the words to every song. The National Tour came to Milwaukee when I was a junior or senior in high school. I bought tickets and dragged my boyfriend to the show. We made a day of it, riding with his folks there and back and having three meals on the road that day. I was in heaven. I bought the t-shirt and wore it until it became a gym shirt and then I wore it for gymnastics practices. I know there's a picture in a high school yearbook where I'm wearing it. That musical touched me. About 10 years ago, the show was coming to Winston-Salem and I won the easiest trivia question possible about Daddy Warbucks [first name 'Oliver'--duh!] and took my man to see it. I was way up in the balcony on the edge of my seat, enraptured. I still knew every word to every song, even though I had only seen the show the one previous time in the late 70s.

And then there's this.

It was a little sad for me to see this film and tarnish some of my golden memories. I highly recommend this pic, but only for people who loved the musical.

Superstitious Silence

2009-05-24T10:59:00.004-04:00

I've been tweeting up a storm and this little piece of cyberspace has gotten a little quiet. There are things to report but they all seem so mundane and unexceptional. Part of the reason I even began this blog was to mark the mundane for my children. There were moments of high drama and sadness and a commemoration of the NICU battlefield. But we're just being lately.

We are doing this thing called Catholic homeschooling and I don't say much about it because we're still doing it. I cannot report a finished product or great fruit because I'm still planting, pruning and praying. I don't want to 'jinx' it. It's humbling and satisfying. It torments me and uplifts me. It calls me to be so much more than I expected. It is a cross I took on before I knew I would need some kind Veronica to wipe my face and some conscripted Simon to help me carry it.

One new thing we took on in January is a homeschool cooperative. It meets on Mondays and is a place for several Catholic homeschooling families to gather to create for our kids an opportunity to be among other seriously weird and radically square kids...kids who call me 'Mrs. Adams' and 'Ma'am,' kids who are still innocent, kids who are just kids who happen to be Catholic. Academically, they took on some subjects that are more fun in a group: Science, Geography and Latin. We pray a Rosary at the beginning of the school morning and pause at lunch for The Angelus. We play and pray and it is good.

And the journey continues.

What's Your NPR Name?

2009-05-19T20:04:00.004-04:00

In the Twitter playground today, Mary Katherine Ham pointed out this old blog post, which asks "What's your NPR name?" and gives you the how-to of generating your very own NPR name. Mine?

Rauth Vaduz.

So I tweeted that. And behold, my Twitter pals played along. So thanks to the intrepid NPR reporters: Darrcy Oranjestad, Sijmon Cordes, Brucer la Bufadora, Rognald Windsor, and Randwy Bourton-on-the-Hill.

Seven

2009-05-11T23:50:00.002-04:00

A New Heroine

2009-05-10T19:37:00.002-04:00

You know, for all those who have been de-listed.

What to Say When a Trooper Pulls You Over

2009-05-10T18:53:00.007-04:00

It's not a sausage link, but Bacon is still in the family.

Eighty

2009-05-04T20:55:00.002-04:00

Today my thoughts turned to my father. It was his birthday. He would have been 80 had he not stopped celebrating earthly birthdays 3 years ago. I have nothing but happy thoughts when I think of him. It's a nice reminder of a very good man.

Premature Evacuation

2009-04-28T21:15:00.001-04:00

Vacation starts tomorrow. But I'm into vacation mode too soon! it seems.

There still is the little matter of packing left to do.

grrrrrrr.

NICU Wall Art

2009-04-26T19:01:00.004-04:00

A while ago, I allowed my girls to be photographed for an art project at their old NICU. This weekend, their nurse posted her pictures of the finished prints and her musings on the wall of fame that now graces her workplace.

Thanks, Sara. You are an amazing nurse and you have enriched our lives by being so good at what you do.

The Happiest Days are When Babies are Born

2009-04-17T07:56:00.004-04:00

This blogosphere thing is the darndest place. In my first year of blogging, I was found by Kevin, because of a pun I wrote and he commented. Shortly thereafter, he and Maria were married and I added her blog to the blogroll. A couple deployments, a new job and a move to DC later and they created a new joint blog. They had their first child yesterday. Welcome to the world, Mia!

She's a beauty and known only to me via blog.

Daughter of Retweet Theatre.

2009-04-16T00:12:00.003-04:00

The first line is my most recent Tweet. I bow to the master of Retweet theatre: James Lileks.

The Big Fiscal Plunge

2009-04-15T14:03:00.002-04:00

Via a tweet from Freeman Hunt:

Althouse & Meade

2009-04-06T06:39:00.004-04:00

The intra-blog love story I've been following in real time, Althouse and Meade, went public in a big way this weekend with a feature story in the New York Times. From personal experience, I knew that Althouse was a teacher. Until the Times article, however, I didn't know Meade's occupation. So, after learning he's a 'garden designer and estate caretaker', this image sprang to mind.

Congratulations Mrs. Krabappel and Groundskeeper Willie! May you have a long run and a good life in Springfield.

Welcome to the World, Wally!

2009-04-03T09:49:00.003-04:00

Just got the tremendous news that Annie's physical therapist, Miss Ashley, and her husband welcomed their first child into the world. Going old school, they waited until he was born to see the wee of he. His name is Walton Lyle, and I'm told he's going to be known as "Wally". This wonderful young couple will make tremendous parents. We're glad that Wally is not an April Fool. Congratulations, Ashley and William!

Four Weeks

2009-04-01T22:09:00.001-04:00

I looked on my calendar today and noticed that exactly four weeks hence, we'll be on vacation. Easter will have come and gone, Mom will have arrived, laundry and packing will be completed and my toes will be in the Atlantic Ocean.

Can hardly wait.

Misheard on the Elevator

2009-03-27T21:01:00.003-04:00

I got on the elevator tonight, 10th floor, heading home for the weekend.

It stops on the 9th floor and picks up a gentlman headed for the 5th.

By about 7, I blurted, 'You have great hair!', and he did...thick well-groomed, blonde-gray.

He turned to look at me, weirdly, and I added, 'I bet people tell you that all the time,' and smiled nervously.

'Yep, it's gray' he said as the doors opened on 5.

Grabbing at my miscommunication like Wile E. Coyote grabs for an overhanging limb, I reblurted 'Great hair...you have great hair.'

The Power of Blog

2009-03-22T17:48:00.005-04:00

Earlier today, I emailed my BlogFather, Hugh Hewitt, about the inside-Althouse news that she is engaged to be married. I wrote to Hugh:

Another feature of blogs: find true love. Uber-bloggress Ann Althouse teased, teased, teased her readers but announced today on her blog [natch!] that she and long-time commenter, Meade, are engaged to be married. Tentative date: August 1, 2009. First date was only a couple months ago. My theory, which I twittered a long time go: reading and commenting on someone's blog eliminates the need for the first 48 dates. Anyway, I thought you'd find peculiar delight in that bit o' news.

He encouraged me to post and I am happy to oblige.

Personal to A &M: As Wisconsin is a marital property state, I urge you in the strongest terms possible from one who received a law degree from one of Wisconsin's most venerable law schools to consult, hire and use separate counsel to draft a pre-nuptial agreement. It is nothing whatsoever to do with the sincerity of the love, but has everything to do with making sure the offspring's portions are kept unentangled. And best wishes.

ADDED: And, since I saw the shamelss plug for a dress from Trooper's Lee Lee's Valise, I'm gonna' put the plug in now for the best wedding photographer in the world, my brother. You could do much worse than a Pulitzer-nominated former photojournalist who wrote the book on wedding photography. Oh, and he's also a blogger. And if you have the wedding in early August, that should be well before his next baby arrives in mid-September.

Mourning with the Medveds

2009-03-12T08:41:00.004-04:00

The father of my favorite radio talk show host passed away this week. He is eulogized lovingly by his daughter-in-law and it makes me sad that I never met the man. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, among many other interesting achievements. Mostly, he embraced life completely, and loved greatly. May he rest in peace.

New Feature

2009-03-11T10:13:00.002-04:00

I updated my blogroll in the right sidebar yesterday. I had been a pretty happy and loyal 'customer' [it's a free service] of Blogrolling.com until they went dormant for several months to create an update version of their product. The update was promised for months before they delivered. Then, when they rolled it out, they installed an ad with every click of my blogroll. This changed the URL on the link and made many web pages difficult/impossible to open. It's the worst innovation since New Coke. In Althousian lingo, it's 'dustless black pepper'--an unnecessary fix to a problem that never existed. So, I created the blogroll anew from within the Blogger.com program. The added feature is that there's a time on screen for when that link was last updated. It saves me the wasted time/effort/frustration of going around the horn and not seeing new blog content. I hope you like it as much as I already do.

R.I.P. Everyday Hero

2009-03-06T11:34:00.001-05:00

Dear friend of this blog, Sippican Cottage, reposted a lovely tribute to his father, a ball gunner from World War II. His father, an everyday hero, passed away on March 1, 2009 after 80+ years doing what he was supposed to do. We mourn with our friends in the Swamp and know that the dignity, the daily heroism and the honor of the father was definitely inherited by the son.

Lent List

2009-02-25T00:47:00.003-05:00

I once had a mind like Raymond Babbett, remembered trifling details. I was trying to recall what I did for Lent last year and could not recall! [And, too slothful from Mardi Gras, didn't even want to comb my archives to find out.] I went through a mental list of Lenten rigors. Some were pretty fruitful but, for whatever reason, I didn't need to repeat them. Here are some of my Lenten hand-me-downs that might serve your spiritual needs this year. Perhaps you would leave yours in the comments for my edification.

"Give Ups"
Gave up chocolate.
Gave up yelling when angry
Gave up nagging my husband
Gave up commenting on blogs
Gave up blogging every day
Gave up saying 'no' [to God and spiritual requests]

"Take Ons"
Daily Mass
Rosary
Doing the daily Mass readings
Reading "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Sr. Catherine Anne Emerich
Stations of the Cross on Friday
Adoration whenever possible

I have a friend who always looks toward the rigors of Lent with anticipation. In her many years of holy living, she told me that a well done Lent has always taken her to the next spiritual level--a level she would not have obtained without the study in self-denial. That is the gift of Lent.

Tyrannosaurus Debt

2009-02-21T13:49:00.003-05:00

I was showing Zeke some of the Grammar Rock the other day and came upon the Money Rock part. I don't believe I ever saw this before. But these days it seems pretty useful. It might need to be updated to go to squillions, though.

UPDATE: I'm just a bill, just a 'stimulus' bill, I got so much pork I'll make you all ill.

Proofs

2009-02-19T00:01:00.003-05:00

[Photos by Sally Gupton, all rights reserved.]

The girls were asked to be photographed for an art display at the NICU. Photos of some graduates will be displayed on the walls as a sign of hope for the families who are currently in the NICU. I thought that sounded like a great idea. The photographer is Sally Gupton and I think she did an excellent job. Click on the photo to embiggen it.

Test Anxiety

2009-02-18T23:48:00.003-05:00

I will take Zeke to have some school testing tomorrow morning. As with many unknowns in his life, this news made him anxious. He worried himself all the way to bed. I told him some test strategies--seeing it as a game, a chance to show off, something fun--and nothing seemed to work. Then I told him to ask Jesus for help. He couldn't quite get the whole process. I told him to take his anxiousness and fear and to give it to Jesus on the cross. This made him a little mad. "How is He gonna' help me when he's nailed to the cross?!" I spent a little while explaining the Good Friday/Easter thing. He got that Jesus was invincible and triumphed over death and would help him over his troubles, too. Peaceful sleep ensued.

"[T]he loving wound of instruction is too tender for her to touch..."

2009-02-18T11:20:00.001-05:00

The Anchoress describes today's meeting of Pope Benedict XVI with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and creatively fills in the silences. I am reminded of the Anchoress' exhortation to remember that more is unseen than seen. As a work-in-progress myself, I believe that humility is the lubricant to personal growth. I'll pray that SanFran Nan gets a boatload of that unguent.

Prayerful Uplift to the Miracle on the Hudson

2009-02-15T13:32:00.004-05:00

I tweeted this story yesterday and realized that it needs its own blog post. The flight that landed safely in the Hudson was headed toward Charlotte. Our diocesan Catholic paper added this story to the mix. It seems that one of the passengers had recently picked up the devotion to the Divine Mercy. Hmmm.

Sully's Other Co-Pilot

2009-02-11T08:01:00.004-05:00

Stumbled Upon

2009-02-04T19:27:00.003-05:00

I was checking my SiteMeter and looked at the Google search that lead a reader to my blog. In that search, I stumbled upon an online article which quoted me. I puzzled over my name, lit up in cache highlighting, wondering how did this author got a quote from someone exactly like me without me knowing it? [Long pause for synapses to fire...] Several months ago, my blogger friend Rachel Balducci of Testosterhome conducted a telephone interview of me which I had forgotten. I never got a copy of the article in the mail and so I never saw the finished product.

Must be old age.

Mr. Tony version 3.0

2009-02-04T17:52:00.005-05:00

Annie had a physical therapy session today and afterward, we went to see Mr. Tony and pick up her third prosthesis from him. She seemed to grow two inches in that hour. He continues to tweek and rework and adjust her prosthestics for her and her growing body and expanding physical needs. As she learns to do more, she wants to do even more. This leg has a new, larger foot [to match her fleshly one] and the leg itself is shaped like an oval and less like a circle to minimize the leg turning on her while she's wearing it. It comes up much higher on the outside of her leg and it will accommodate a knee joint when we decide to try that out. It's so obvious that Mr. Tony loves our little girl and puts all his skill and creativity into her prosthesis. We are so blessed and grateful.

News from the Front

2009-02-03T08:29:00.004-05:00

My nephew Little Dave just wrote from somewhere in Iraq:

The elections over here went off very well actually. There were some shady people there but we basically cleaned up the scene a week before the elections went off. We found two IED's right outside the IP station and also down a main route leading to where the elections were going to take place. Once we took care of that everything was really smooth though, we were standing by on QRF (Quick ReactionForce) and didn't get called in for anything. Intel was gathering alot of threats but none of them went through which is a good thing.

Yup. That was a good thing. We continue to pray for him, his comrades and all our military every day.

Four Years

2009-01-30T06:42:00.003-05:00

A few days ago, this blog turned four years old. I completely missed the anniversary. One of my first posts was about President Bush's first press conference of his second term. Now we have a new guy. In the 48 months since I began, I've met a goodly handful of really wonderful people who blog or comment elsewhere. I've supported their businesses by buying things from their stores that are hundreds of miles from me. I chronicled my kids' days in a way that I hope they'll enjoy when I'm dust. I'd say my blog experience has been half-full.

Military Precision re: Cleaning

2009-01-27T11:41:00.000-05:00

I couldn't get this to embed. It takes about a minute. It's cute and reminded me of my nephew, a new Infantry soldier currently stationed in Iraq.

What Really Brought Down US Airways Flight 1549

2009-01-22T19:57:00.001-05:00

Hat tip: Birdie Bob

Do Well, PEBO

2009-01-20T07:37:00.003-05:00

I giggle a little when I see PEBO, referring to our next president. PEBO is President-Elect Barack Obama. Shortly after noon today, that little acronym is obsolete. I hope he does well. I recall having a case of Clinton derangement syndrome in my youth and watching the storm of Bush derangement syndrome sullying many a conversation in my life. I plan to not develop a case of Obama derangement syndrome myself. I will disagree with his policies, no doubt, but I am praying for a return to a little civility in all matters political.

"We are officially out of computers."

2009-01-18T12:02:00.003-05:00

Thus spaketh my beloved husband this morning. Zeke's playing a game downstairs, Mary Jo is on the laptop computer in Zeke's room, Annie is on the laptop computer at the kitchen table, I'm on my laptop while watching my talking heads shows. Dave seeks solace in his iPhone. Thank goodness his office cast off a couple laptops our way when they switched to Apple.

Beloved Furniture Maker

2009-01-13T11:48:00.003-05:00

The wonderful fellow who made my kids a table and four beautiful chairs was featured on TV recently. He's the one wearing a vest ['to hold in all the awesome'] and distressing his freshly-made antiques.

In addition to the custom 5-piece set, we also own the 10 Fingers Stepper. I believe we own the first one he made in South Portland Straw and ours has no finger holes, because it was not available until he made our kids' chairs with finger holes like the four card suits. His work is superb and sturdy and charming. He hits all three requirements of good furniture and we are pleased to be his happy customers.

So go over and spend a few minutes to get acquainted with Mr. Sullivan of Sippican Cottage Furniture. Then buy something.

Charge!

2009-01-09T18:10:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow morning, I'm leaving for a quick 24-hour get-away. I'm making a women's retreat sponsored by my ladies' church group. The retreat director is a priest who was my spiritual director for many years and is the best Confessor I've known. It's gray and cold and January and I am in need of some light and warmth and eternalness. I am quite grateful for Dave taking on the whole task of kid-care as he did a couple weekends ago while I went out of town overnight for a wedding. So that means I not only owe him, but I really owe him.

So what else is new?

Pun o' the Day

2009-01-08T00:02:00.001-05:00

Greeks can't stay out late because they have a Corfu.

Happy New Year everybody! It's about time I got a post up for the new year.

Last of Oh-Eight

2008-12-31T23:30:00.004-05:00

Several days ago, I lost track of the day and my watch lost track of the time because it has no battery but relies on motion to keep running. I haven't been at work and have had no need to know the day or the time. I can understand why my little ones will ask 'what day is it today?' and 'who's coming today?' They have their little routines, too, and me being home all day everyday is a little out of their ordinary.

2008 was quite fine. I hope 2009 is even better.

Royal Tannenbaum

2008-12-25T01:46:00.002-05:00

Last year was the first year for a Christmas tree in a decade. Santa was kind enough to leave it with us. It went up several days ago. Annie has nicknamed the tree "Shrubby" and begs to go downstairs to check on 'him.'

I just checked. Bedecked with lights and garland and Santa just dropped off a load of presents. O Shrubby-Tree, O Shrubby-Tree, how lovely are thy branches.

Pixel Dust

2008-12-20T20:34:00.003-05:00

Behold our first ever picture taken with Santa Claus. We thought of photoshopping the cowlick, but then we'd have photoshopped out all the whimsy.

Merry Christmas from the Adamses!

Double Date Nights

2008-12-15T07:26:00.003-05:00

Dave and I had two Christmas parties to attend this weekend, necessitating two different baby-sitters to cover for us at home. The first party at the home of a couple from church/Marriage Encounter, is one we've attended for several years now. I told the hostess that it's one of those events that tells me, "Okay, now it's really Christmas." They provide abundant beverages and main dishes and they ask everyone to bring an appetizer, salad or dessert. I had a holiday-manic mood and I took the girls to the store with four recipes in hand and wound up making and taking all four things to the party. We got to touch base with friends we haven't seen in months and it surprised us that midnight rolled around so quickly.

Last night we attended a new-to-us party: Dave's Fourth Degree Christmas party. Dave looked handsome as can be in his evening wear and I got to wear a new frock. The food was good and the company was even better. I got to dance with Dave and he serenaded me along with The King and The Righteous Bros. We are the only couple in this group who had to leave to take the sitter home and we are the youngest, too. We've been officially squares for a long time and this just reinforces that we like squareness.

Tiger Cub

2008-12-12T11:22:00.007-05:00

A new chapter begins chez Adams: scouting. Last night Zeke attended his first pack meeting and received his very first badge [Bobcat]. He had to learn the Cub Scout motto, rules of the pack, the handshake and salute. David was enlisted [without resistance] to be the leader of the den. He is an Eagle Scout from his youth and proud Daddy as well. The Tiger Cubs are: Michael, Zeke and Connor.

From the Front

2008-12-11T08:54:00.005-05:00

My nephew, Little Dave, just arrived in Iraq. Amid his most recent email was this which I believe is worth sharing with any of my readers:

Oh and tell everyone I appreciate their support, the Iraqi's here are starting to really enjoy us being here, almost too much, so we have completely changed the mindset of the people around here. There are still a few little bits of terrorist cells here and there but the Iraqi people are turning them in left and right. So the more the merrier on the support factor, me and my brothers could really use it.

He's as green as new-mown grass, and I hope he is correct.

Good Enough to Eat

2008-12-10T22:27:00.003-05:00

The kids' vocabulary is growing. We recently added 'siblings' to their lexicon. When I showed Annie the picture of all the children with Santa Claus, I asked her who's that with you? And she said, 'my dumplings.'

She learned that word on Thanksgiving.

Battery-Powered Conversations

2008-12-09T19:31:00.003-05:00

Lately I've been graced with many phone calls from dear ones. Often, the conversations go on and on in the most delightful way. They conclude not because we have run out of interesting things to discuss. No. They end when our phone batteries are spent.

I count myself very fortunate to have a handful of friends who drain my battery but never exhaust me.

Male Movie References

2008-12-09T19:20:00.003-05:00

Before David came into my life, I was woefully uneducated on some classic movies that appeal to men. Over the years, I have learned to incorporate references to "Cool Hand Luke," "Apocalypse Now," and "The Godfather," among others, into conversations. Here's a new one that I added today to my male movie reference repertoire:

The little birdie told me about it from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in reference to today's news about Illinois politics and the 'rules' of Chicago pols. Apt.

Big Ole Juicy Palin Smooches

2008-12-04T12:17:00.000-05:00

Two of my favorite women-who-blog have seen Sarah Palin in person since the election on November 4th. First off, it was my pal Victoria at Sundries who played high-class stalker to Palin [and even had a brush-with-greatness with Gov. Jindal and revealed the sanctimoniousness of Santorum and the eunuch-like male staffers] . Just this week, it was my pal Rachel at Testosterhome [she also a mother-of-five] who took her boys to the early-morning rally in Augusta, GA for Senator Saxby Chambliss where Palin was the big draw.

I don't know what Palin's plans are, but I do know that I will be avidly watching and cheering her causes. The good impression from these two blogfriends just sets that in stone.

A Two-fer

2008-12-03T06:15:00.003-05:00

I really enjoy GaryVarvel's style of political cartooning. Today's is a good reminder of what we might expect if Hillary becomes Secretary of State.

And I say 'if' because of a little-heard word: emoluments.

Surprising News: Military Execution Scheduled

2008-11-28T17:21:00.003-05:00

This recent story came my way and it really did surprise me. The Army is planning to perform its first execution since before I was born. Ronald Gray, former soldier, will be executed via lethal injection on December 10, 2008 at the federal prison in Terra Haute, Indiana. [Simon?] All appeals have been exhausted and he will be put to death for serial murder and rape in and around Fort Bragg, North Carolina from April 1986 to January 1987.

If you look at the old photo of the murderer, you'll notice the background has dark brick and a covered window. I know that backdrop. I worked in that building once upon a time.

Felonious Spunk - Part II

2008-11-24T21:55:00.003-05:00

The kiddy bedtime routine was disrupted tonight when Dave's business partner called to tell him that their office was broken into tonight. Dave went to the office and was met by the local constabulary and his partner. They discovered broken glass, things tampered with, and things missing. He's off now to get some plywood to board up the window for the night. It's been a good long while since my robbery, but it hasn't been so long as to forget.

There was an eye witness who called the police while the robbery was in progress. The witness got a description of them from a somewhat safe vantage point. No one got physically hurt. But I think when the concept of 'personal property' is violently violated, we as a culture are indeed hurt. Pissed off at least.

Movie Recommendation: Fireproof

2008-11-23T08:37:00.004-05:00

Dave and I had a date night and scrambled across town to walk into the movie 'Fireproof' about 4 minutes late. I was surprised that the theater was crowded. This surprised me because the movie has been running for two months. The movie is a story of a young married couple, Caleb and Catherine, who are unhappy in their marriage and are contemplating divorce. Caleb, played by former kid actor Kirk Cameron, is a fireman and Catherine, played by an actress I have never seen before, Erin Bethea, is the public relations manager at a hospital.

The movie is undeniably Christian, though it never shows a denomination and never ventures into controversial theological waters. It has a PG rating and we were wondering where that even came from in the car ride home. Because he's a fireman and there are some scenes depicting danger, and because there are marital adult themes, that garnered the PG. But there is not a bad word uttered or a lewd image portrayed. It squeaks. The downside of the movie is that its acting is uneven. This is mostly because the cast is composed almost entirely of real people who are not actors. If you can get past that and delve into the script, the story and the relationships, you are set for a good movie. I cried a few times throughout the movie. It was very intense and very earnest and it was very worth my time to see it.

If you are married, go see this with your spouse.

ADDED TIDBIT: Actor Kirk Cameron, who is in real life 37 years old and married for 17 years to his wife Chelsea Noble, promised her that he would never kiss another woman on or off-screen. To fulfill this promise, wife Chelsea appeared in silhouette for the one and only kiss in the movie. They must be doing something right. The last report is that they have six children.

Taking Suggestions

2008-11-21T22:57:00.002-05:00

We're planning a date night Saturday. The sitter is lined up and I'm off from work for a whole week. [I will experience that most awesome of feelings on Sunday...the feeling of it not being a work night!]

Now we can do mundane and boring [dinner-and-a-movie or just dinner-at-the-movies], or not. I'm open to suggestions. And if you suggest 'movie' also recommend a picture that's playing now and why.

As I did my Christmas shopping tonight online [5 different stores, thankyouverymuch], that option is off the table. It's cold here in North Carolina, so al fresco anything is not an option either. This morning we woke to a dusting of snow everywhere but the roads and sidewalks. They postponed school two hours.

Can you hear me happily humming as I type this?

Happy Birthday, David

2008-11-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today is Dave's birthday. He's lucky it falls on a Saturday. I have the gifts purchased and wrapped, the cake on order, the sitter lined up and a couple surprise guests at dinner. And, of course, I'm certain that he won't read this before the day unfolds.

Or, if he does, he's much better than me at keeping a secret.

Placeholder

2008-11-12T21:09:00.005-05:00

Dennis Miller does a regular segment on The O'Reilly Factor. He was excellent and hilarious tonight. I'm just holding this place so I can embed the bit. I miss him on SNL's Weekend Update.

"Leave it to the Germans to concoct an intricate glossary of pain terminology."

Inside the White House

2008-11-12T20:28:00.003-05:00

One of my longtime blog friend is a military officer, assigned to the White House. Want to know what happened the other day when a certain Senator paid a visit to the Bushes? It's a nice story. But even more important for this lovely gentleman is that he and his wife are expecting their first child and they are about half-way through the pregnancy.

The Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month

2008-11-11T11:00:00.001-05:00

I'm very proud to be a veteran of the U.S. Army. I'm so grateful to my fellow veterans especially those in my family. I learned much from the good men and women who lead me. There's an adage that there are only three ways to lead: by example, by example and by example.

Also, my thoughts turn to my nephew, Little Dave, who is deploying to Iraq later this month. Godspeed Little Dave. You are a credit to your country.

Hopey Change

2008-11-08T09:04:00.005-05:00

I kind of liked this one from cartoonist Steve Breen.

But this one by Eric Allie made me laugh.

I Owe You a Few

2008-11-07T11:33:00.001-05:00

[Top to Bottom]: My dashing, incredible son, Zeke, as Dash Incredible; Annie as Ariel, Zeke as Dash, Mary Jo as Tinker Bell, Hallowe'en 2008; Mary Jo and Annie leaf nothing to the imagination; Zeke, Joey and Annie astride an alligator at Alligator Adventure, September 2008.

Might I Say

2008-11-07T08:20:00.003-05:00

...that I have been very impressed by the transition focus by President Bush and by some of the early selections of President-Elect Obama.

It is sooooo much different from the petty/childish pranks of the previous administration. We are all the better for it.

Purple PUMA

2008-11-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

I hope we all can agree to improve the voting process. Purple fingers are my new passion.

Perhaps Starbucks can be a corporate sponsor of this movement.

Old Enough to Vote: Part II

2008-11-03T21:56:00.004-05:00

Eighteen years ago, when I married my husband in Georgia, my sister and brother-in-law who were living in Minnesota at the time, could not attend. The reason? Mary was expecting their first child. Tomorrow, that sweet little peanut [gooberschnitzel to her German Grandma] Stefanie turns eighteen. She intends to vote in her very first election and I hope to God the people at the polls allow her to at least cast a provisional ballot. She's a smart, talented, young lady and she has been well raised. [Seen here with her awesome Dad].

Happy Birthday, Stef! Welcome to the club!

Respectable Republicans

2008-10-30T07:28:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I went to a small political gathering just around the corner from where Annie's physical therapy was being held. I got to greet my two U.S. Senators [Dole and Burr] and my 5th District Congresswoman [Virginia Foxx]. The backdrop for the rally was Mrs. Dole's bus and her young staffers had set-up a podium and sound system. I arrived in the midst of a gentleman's testimony about how his son, just returned to Fort Bragg from a full tour in Afghanistan, to discover barracks in such severe disrepair that sewage backed up to knee-high. He contacted her and within a brief time [a week or so], she had a small bill with funding called 'The First Sergeant's Barracks Initiative' which allowed local commanders to contract locally to fix these things. This gentleman introduced Senator Burr and he made some brief comments. He also directly spoke to the [very respectful] protesters, dressed in Dorothy and Tin Man outfits, and told them that they were mistaken. Mrs. Dole has never been a Kansan but has always been a Carolinian. Senator Burr introduced Mrs. Dole.

Standing in the back, I couldn't quite see her until after her talk. It was brief, but she outlined what she stands for and how her opponent doesn't share many of these ideals. She told a short inspirational story about a conversation she had with President Reagan in the White House and even quasi-imitated him when she quoted him. She encouraged us to vote and get our whole email address book to do so as well. She sounded strong and genteel. Afterwards, I sidled up toward the bus and could see that she was wearing a gray-blue coat that fell to mid-calf. I also noticed that she wore black velveteen ballet flats. As she was exiting, I snapped a photo and told her, "Senator Dole, I love your respectable Republican cloth coat, " and she paused a quick moment and then smiled broadly.

Now if I could only get my phone photos downloaded, I'll post them.

Punny Prediction

2008-10-29T10:11:00.000-04:00

Tonight's infomercial from Barack Obama: a Barry-uhhmmmm enema.

Old Enough to Vote

2008-10-20T06:29:00.004-04:00

We celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary today Chez Adams. It feels like we've been married a long time by length of years [now legal to vote!], but I still feel like a newlywed. That has to be partly because our oldest child is only 6 years old and time in our marriage from year 12 to today has been measured by baby and toddler and preschool measures. And the difference from 12 to 18 seems immense!

And yet, I'm hoping for another 18 or 36 or more years with my beloved. He, now graying slightly at the temples of his otherwise flame-red-head, is crinkling a little at the eyes but is even more beautiful in my eyes. He is the embodiment of manliness to me. My heart still skips a beat when I watch him with the power tools or the sidearms or snuggling with the children. He is the real deal. In October 1990, I suspected I was marrying a good man. I just didn't know that this great good man would inspire me to become so much more as a woman by his example.

Thank you, God, for the gift of my beloved.

Huck and Joe

2008-10-19T15:47:00.003-04:00

Joe Wurzelbacher, aka 'Joe-the-Plumber' appeared last night on Huckabee. Joe said, "When you can't ask a question of your leaders anymore, that gets scary, and that bothers me."

Part I:

And Part II:

It bothers me, too, Joe.

Identical Cousins

2008-10-18T21:20:00.004-04:00

Prognosticating about tonight's SNL: perhaps Tina Fey and Sarah Palin will open the show with the theme song from "The Patty Duke Show."

And, of course, there's a possibility of doing a political twist on "The Parent Trap" [and not the Lindsay Lohan lame-o version, either].

I think they'll make the humor come from the uncanny resemblance and not from politics. That would be too risky for NBC to do because Palin might come off looking good.

ADDED: Wouldn't it be hilarious if Amy Poehler just went into labor on national TV?

Comedy Gold

2008-10-17T00:42:00.003-04:00

John S. [for 'Schecky'] McCain did a super job at the annual Al Smith Dinner in NYC. He has pretty good timing for a politician and an obvious comfort with Catholics.

Part II:

Even Hillary laughed heartily. Katie Couric not so much.

Sarah Palin Autographs Young Woman's Prosthesis

2008-10-16T00:41:00.003-04:00

I saw this via my pal, Victoria, at Sundries. One of her commenters went to a Virginia rally for McCain/Palin and asked Governor Palin to autograph her prosthesis. Faithful readers know how close this comes to my home.

Way to go, Bekah!

Ultimate Ambivalence

2008-10-15T08:44:00.002-04:00

Here's the Kenny Chesney song that's been my earworm.

And here's the original unembeddable link to the official made-in-Jamaica video. Kenny is joined in this number with The Wailers.

Annie PT Update: Cheerily Victorious

2008-10-11T19:30:00.003-04:00

I haven't written about Annie much lately. She had a really good session of PT last week. In fact, it was her best one since her injury in August. Turns out that the injury was indeed a fracture at the same place that her knee was fused to the thigh oh-so-long ago. The wire that's been in her bone kept the leg together. The x-ray showed the wire bent, but did not break and that the bone's fracture was so small as to be known only to Annie at the time and x-rays several weeks later after healing had begun. These days she's hopping and climbing without her prosthesis as if nothing had happened. With her prosthesis, she's a little less certain. Yesterday, we took her in to see her prosthetician, Mr. Tony, and he did his creative magic to buy us a little more time on this leg. Annie's grown quite a bit since he first fashioned the leg, but most of the growth has been vertical. So he added a little length and filled the interior of her prosthetic with some foam to help give her a more snug fit. We're happy about the progress and glad that the kid is so remarkable and determined.

Funny Sonny

2008-10-11T13:38:00.001-04:00

Zeke: Mama, why did the chewing gum cross the road?

Me: Hmmm. I don't know. To get to the other side?

Zeke: No! Because it was stuck to a chicken!

[Whereupon he falls into a laughing puddle on the rug.]

Gone With The Wind / Carol Burnett Show Spoof

2008-10-06T08:40:00.004-04:00

The previous post got me thinking about Carol Burnett and this send-up of my favorite movie. It takes about 20 minutes. Clear out some time and enjoy.

and part two:

Dinah Shore as Miss Melanie is inspired and Harvey Korman as Ratt Butler is beautiful.

SNL Funnay

2008-10-06T07:31:00.001-04:00

This is the sketch that had David and me laughing into the commercial break. I don't know if it just struck a funny bone with us. But it's definitely not political.

Veep Debate

2008-10-01T09:05:00.003-04:00

I have a small blog with little traffic. Much of my traffic in the past several days is coming from google hits for the Clinton-Lazio debate. You think people are interested in how a male politician debates a female politician? My sources say 'yes'.

And I saw that Gwen Ifill, moderator for the Veep debate, recently broke her ankle but still will moderate. It's also all over the 'net that she's got a political book coming out in January 2009 mostly about Obama. I think it's probably too late to replace her, even if it were desireable to do so. However, I do think that a disclosure from her at the top of the debate might be in order. This side of judgment day, there's no one who's completely impartial. Just put the info out there and let the voters decide. I suspect she'll ask all the questions that need to be asked. She'll work very hard to appear fair in her questions. I don't think she wanted to become the story.

I had a softball coach who reminded me that there were three teams on the field: the home team, the visitors and the umpires. The goal was to beat the other team so soundly that it didn't matter if the umpires came from the other team's home town.

Beachy WiFi Joy

2008-09-21T19:23:00.004-04:00

We loaded up [too?] much of our belongings and set a personal best land speed record on our way to the beach today. Three adults, three children, zero stops. Dave recalled his best First-Lieutenant-with-a-map skills and found the fastest, shortest way to the ocean. Geez, I love that man.

We're in our little four bedroom cottage for a week. Mom and I did the shopping and the kids are getting jammied for their bedtime. The greatest update is this: free WiFi in every cottage. Now if I can start losing track of time, we'll know that it's officially vacation.