Friday, February 29, 2008

Leftovers

So I just left a Mexican restaurant. My leftovers are still on the table. I only box 'em up if they are likely be tasty the next day, which requires that they were tasty when I ate 'em, and that they will survive at least one night in the refrigerator without turning to mush. I think that every time I box 'em there is at least a 50% chance I will make it home without a second thought that they ever existed. Of course, the second I walk in the door empty handed, their absence is as painful as an empty stomach.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Adoringly Yours

So I LOVE music. Most types. All types. That said, I don't have a great CD collection, and dedicate very little time tracking down interesting music that I am sure I would love. However, I fell in love with this song from the Mac Notebook commercial and decided to do some tracking. Her name is Yael Naim, and the song is New Soul. Please leave a comment listing one of your favorite songs, preferably one you had to make an effort to track down.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Opportunity Cost

Economics. You have to love it. Even if you don't think you do, you do. If you haven't read Freakonomics, you should. And if you don't already think of your choices in life in terms of their opportunity cost, you need to, especially as a mother (or parent for that matter). Opportunity cost is, essentially, what you give up to get something. For example, in college, I lived close to a cousin of mine who loved to shop, had 2 kids, didn't have a lot of money, and couldn't drive. I liked to spend time with her and the kids, and had a car. Once, she called to see if we (I) could drive to Walmart where they were having a sale on some item (can't remember exactly what, but I do remember it didn't actually cost that much without the discount, under $5). Walmart was a good distance away, probably 15 miles. This was proably the height of her insanity. I remember thinking, you are willing to give up an hour of your time, an hour of my time, a comical trip to the store with two young children, at least $2 of gas in my gas guzzling Bronco II, just to save $1. Let's GO! Clearly, I enjoyed spending time with her more than pointing out her crazy thinking, but I would have rather paid her the $1 (remember I spent at least $2 in gas) and spent that hour hanging out at the park with her and the kids.

So, as I was trying to send an email this morning, and I could hear the LG in his room playing with the diaper wipe bag, all of the things that I am willing to give up for just 5 minutes of time to myself started running through my head. Here are some of the things I often trade for 5 minutes of time to myself:

* 25 diaper wipes strung about on the floor
* A whole shelf of books on the floor, often with the LG sitting in the middle of them with an open book that he appears to be "reading"
* Toothbrush in the toilet
* Content of purse emptied with credit cards from my wallet strung about on the floor
* Sippy cups overtuned with water all over the floor
* Toilet paper pulled from the bathroom into the computer where I am trying to send an email
* Tantrums with the LG's bear hands clawing at my arm ("free time" becomes a relative term with this one)
* Drapes pulled down
* Stroller pushed from entryway into the dining room

Considering the amount of time I have to spend cleaning up some of these things, it is usually better to just wait until he is asleep, but oh how I relish just 5 minutes of quiet during the tazmanian devil's "awake" hours.

Finished Product

Okay, so for all of you who have been holding your breath for the finished product of my "craft", here it is. Thanks to my laziness in taking this shot, you can also check out the BK's lovely hand, he has another one just like it. How lucky am I? Also, it should be noted that I finally put it in a box and sent it to its rightful owner (the craft, not my husband's hand).

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Happy Belated Chinese New Year


Clearly this is yet another example of my procratination. I meant to do this as a tribute to all my friends in China, who I hope will forgive me for being slow. In honor of the Chinese New Year, I offer up my list (I know I said no more lists, but at least this isn't a tag) of some of my favorite things about China:

1 - Jackey. China was as close to a life or death situation as I have ever come, and I can honestly say that this amazing young man was a lifesaver for me and BK. He stuck with us through many rough patches, one of which included a hospital trip for the BK where I had to attempt to spell diarrhea so Jackey could plug it into his pocket translator. This trip also involved an incident with a "sample" and a receptionist who dipped a stick in it and handed it back to us. With no biohazardous waste receptacles in sight, and no one who seemed the least bit interested in where it was deposited, it was laid to rest in a small trash can with no lid in the center of the reception area. That was just the first week. Enough said. Jackey, we couldn't have loved China without you. (PS - He also gave us the outfit the LG is wearing as a going away gift.)

2 - Freedom/Communism Sandwich. China is like an oreo cookie with a really crunchy, black outside framed by strict communist ideals. In the middle is a sort of sweet freedom that isn't discovered unless you eat the whole cookie. Don't ask me where that came from, but my point is this - In America where we are "free", you can't walk outside the designated path at the park. In China there are no signs of warning, no park police, no fences or chains keeping you in bounds. You are free to walk off the side of the mountain and it won't be anyone's fault but your own.

3 - Toilets. I realize that the western world seems to look down on sanitation in China, particularly when it comes to toilets (or the lack thereof), but I am a convert. Don't get me wrong, I like to sit on a nice warm pot in a stall with a door, toilet paper close at hand, with soap and sinks to wash up after. That said, in a country with billions of people, efficiency seems like a reasonable measure of success, which leads me to my next point:

4 - Toddler Trousers. In China, toddlers don't wear diapers. What??? Yes, that's right. They wear toddler "trousers" that have a hole cut in the crotch and they are trained from a very early age to pee in gutters. I have pictures, but figure you can use your imagination. I honestly think it is brilliant. Again, billions of people, landfills, diapers... it just doesn't seem like a good idea. Plus, their kids are potty trained by one. As a mother to a child who waits until his diaper is changed to go #2, I can appreciate the logic behind the Chinese method. Stinky gutters and poo on the sidewalk are a small price to pay.

5 - People. Not people as in "people trampling each other to get on a bus", or "people waiting in line for any reason", but people as in individual Chinese people. Like Jackey, I found the Chinese to be very selfless with their close friends, and that once you became friends with someone, you became a friend for life.

I certainly hope that life continues to improve for these amazing people, and that they choose to protect their heritage and culture for future generations, and that they continue to move toward a society that more closely resembles a double stuffed oreo. To all my friends, I love and miss you.


Monday, February 18, 2008

Love and Laziness

I have been tagged again, this time by Love, and since I am being really lazy with my blogging lately, I will succumb, though I promise this will be the last list of its kind for some time. Time to out the BK.

What is your husband's full name? Big Kahuna (BK for all you blog readers)
How long have you been together? We were first "stuck" together on a 2 week trip to China for grad school in June of 2004. We decided to start being cordial not long after returning home.
How long did you date? About 10 months, engaged for 2.5 months.
How old is he? 35
Who eats more? Definitely BK
Who said I love you first? I think the BK
Who's taller? BK
Who's smarter? Depends on who you ask. BK would nominate BK. I would nominate me.
Who does the laundry? Both of us. I have been known to shrink valuable clothes, so BK does a lot of his own laundry, though I fold most of it, and his never seems to make it much further than the folded laundry pile.
Who does the dishes? Both.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me.
Who pays the bills? Me.
Who cooks dinner? Me.
Who drives when you are together? BK
Who is more stubborn? Tough. We are both pretty stubborn, but BK is better with humility.
Who kissed who first? BK. He actually asked permission. I think he was afraid of violating my extremely high moral code ; ) Cute.
Who asked out who first? Mostly we "hung out" for a long time, but even our hang time was probably orchestrated by BK.
Who proposed? BK over burgers. It was more romantic than it sounds.
Who has more siblings? Me.
Who wears the pants in the family? I am probably more bossy, but BK is better at avoiding being bossed around, which leaves us both relenting in frustration that neither of us cares. As you can imagine, with no one caring, sometimes there simply are no pants.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Tagged

I am feeling the peer pressure to respond to the latest tag. Since I like reading those of others, I best reciprocate. Here goes:

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:10. It's been a really good week!
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.
3. What was the last movie you saw? Things You Can Tell Just By Looking at Her (wouldn't recommend it). I would recommend the Painted Veil.
4. Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been? Tough, there are many. Most beautiful place lately was the Getty Museum overlooking LA on a sunny day with no smog, or the Oregon Coast. Ever? Maybe Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, surrounded by magnificent volcanoes.
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? English muffin and egg, or cereal
6. What is your favorite food? Ben & Jerry's Half Baked Ice Cream or a veggie burrito from Chipotle
7. What food do you dislike? Not much. I will eat almost anything, except turtles and sea cucumbers.
8. What is your favorite CD lately? Sountrack to Kikujiro
9. What kind of car do you drive? Honda Accord
10. Favorite sandwich? Portabello mushroom, or chicken salad
11. What characteristics do you despise? Stupidity, disregard for others, and giggly squealing (not sure that is a characteristic, but I REALLY don't like it)
12. Favorite item of clothing? Leggings and hoodie - though I wouldn't leave the house wearing them
13. If you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go? Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique to start)
14. What color is your bathroom? Tan and UGLY
15. Favorite brand of clothing? Ann Taylor
16. Where would you retire? That's too far away to say, but hopefully close to my family and children.
17. What was your most memorable birthday? 30th - we also blessed the LG that day, and all my family was there, and 30 was sort of exciting
18. Favorite sport to watch? Football or gymnastics
19. Favorite saying? Put your feathers down.
20. When is your birthday? Feb 4th
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night. Definitely night. Me, the owls and a good book or movie.
22. What is your shoe size? 9 1/2
23. Pets? Not now, but love 'em. Don't like the hair though, so it will take some arm twisting, and DOGS only. Don't like the cats using the "facilities" in my house somewhere, running around in their litter box and then climbing on the table/counter/etc. and sneaking around where you can't see them.
24. What did you want to be when you were little? Architect
25. What are you today? Writer, mother, multitasker, wife
26. What is your favorite candy? Reisens
27. What is your favorite flower? Hydrangea
28. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Saturday, when the BK gets home from his 2 week business trip
29. What are you listening to right now? The LG waking up..I'd better hurry
30. What was the last thing you ate? 1/2 wheat bagel w/cream cheese
31. Do you believe in Angels? Yes and no. Yes as in I believe they exist. Typically no or at least a high degree of skepticism if others claim to have seen them.
32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Emerald green
33. Pet peeves? Mike Huckabee. Bureaucracy. Rules that make no sense.
34. Favorite Television show? Law & Order, House, Office, Brothers & Sisters
35. Last person you spoke to on the phone? An intern at my old office
36. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Of course
37. Favorite soft drink? Favorite is Root Beer (the kind in glass bottles), most often consumed drink, however, is definitely Diet Coke
38. Hair Color? Brown. Always brown, except once when I got highlights and it was too much for me to handle.
39. Favorite restaurant? Anything new.
40. Siblings? 2 brothers, 2 half brothers, and 1 half sister
41. What was your favorite toy as a child? Legos and Barbies (I liked to cut their hair and then they were done being useful)
42. Summer or Winter? Can't love one without the other, so both.
43. Hugs or kisses? Depends on who is doing it. From the BK - KISSES. From the LG - HUGS. From friends - HUGS. From strangers - cheek kisses (my rationale here is that a peck on the cheek requires less physical contact than a hug).
44. Chocolate or vanilla? Mmmmm, both so tasty, but I have to go with Chocolate
45. When was the last time you cried? Watching Across the Universe - don't ask me why and I would really only qualify it as welling.
46. What is under your bed? Lots of organized plastic containers - just don't ask me what is in them.
47. Who is the friend you've had longest? Other than blood relatives, probably my "girls from middle school" (JLJ & JEH)
48. What did you do last night for dinner? Celebrated Valentine's Day early with my mom and the LG at Macaroni Grill
49. Favorite smell? The BK, and my Apple Lavendar Salt Scrub
50. What are you most afraid of? Someone taking or hurting the LG. I have nightmares, and a bat by my bed.
51. How many years at your current job? 6 if we are talking about work, 14 months and counting if we are talking about being a mother
52. Favorite day of the week? Sunday. A bit of quiet time in church, lazy naps, reading, and the BK home all day.
53. How many towns have you lived in? 11 moves, 6 cities - Logan, Salt Lake City, Cleveland, Alexandria, Arlington, Hefei (China), Portland
54. Do you make friends easily? No. It takes me a while to warm up to people.
55. Are you happy? Content, very content and experience happiness frequently.

I tag all blood relatives that read this blog. I know who you are and where to find you.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Pictures

As promised, here are some pics from our trip to LA. You can all thank my sister-in-law for bringing her camera with usable batteries.

LG Playing with the Barnacles

The LG and Me Checking Out the Sharks at the Aquarium in Long Beach

The LG's Cousin Drying Off

The LG and Me Enjoying the Getty Museum

Miracle

It finally happened. The LG slept in until 8am. Perhaps he read my birthday wishlist or perhaps it is because the early bird (BK) has been on a business trip.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Confession

I can't believe I am putting this out there for the whole world to see, but I love crafts. There it is. I love making crafty little things for my home and other people, and I really love knowing that I did it myself. I don't know why I feel ashamed of this to the point that I see it as a confession, but I do. Anyone else out there who feels the same? It just seems so domestic. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Anyway, here is my latest project. I can't find my USB connector to my camera so you can't see the finished product - yet. But they are made of gold wire and shiny fabric and hang from really pretty ribbon. It is a gift for the LG's BFF. I should be more ashamed of the fact that I have had it done for a month now and haven't mailed it. I also like to make weird fabric pictures of sailboats and other various things. Be prepared.



Monday, February 4, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me

So my birthday was 2 days ago. Yes, I know, happy birthday to me. Personally, birthdays aren't really my thing. I prefer to feel like me everyday, and birthdays make me feel like I am supposed to feel different every year on February 4th (New Year's is another trash holiday in my book). I should probably put on my rose colored glasses, and simply accept the festivities in my honor, but I can't help but feel that this celebration is like celebrating every number on the countdown 10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1.....to DEATH. I am fully aware that there are other ways to look at this, so in an effort to see B Day as something other than the earth's eventual victory over my mortal body, I am providing a list of my perfect birthday week in honor of my many friends who enjoy dragging on their own festivities for 7 days.

DAY 1: Somehow the LG is transported safely (don't worry, his particles will remain intact) to a holding tank where he is well cared for by his former nanny who he adores for the entire day while both me and the BK sleep in until 10am. Long, hot bath with my Apple Lavendar bath scrub. Off to the spa where I get a head massage that lasts 2 hours. Body massage, haircut, manicure, pedicure, hair removal, mud bath, and anything else that feels, smells, or makes me look good. I expect that this would take up the remainder of the day. Make it home to adore LG and play with him before he falls asleep on my shoulder and I tuck him into bed. Enter Nanny. BK and I head out for a quiet dinner at a nice restaurant. Home, bed early.

DAY 2: LG magically sleeps until 8am at which point the BK and I go to get him out of bed so we can coo and adore our most beautiful creation yet (we'd like to work on more of them, so in order to be truthful and fair to potential progeny, I can't rightfully say our most beautiful creation ever; ). Bath routine same as Day 1. Shopping for a new wardrobe with my girlfriends who now live on the other side of the country. Nap. Birthday party with friends and family where we chat about politics, kids and the insanity that is life (luckily, my brother and sister-in-law pretty much fulfilled this part for me this year - picture to follow so stay tuned). White creamy cake. MMMMMMM. I don't have to clean up, or feel guilty for not lending a hand. Sleep.

DAYS 3-5 - BK and I get to spend 3 days on vacation (and we get to use the transporter so as not to waste time on a plane). 5 star hotel with a nice soft bed with a great view. Warm and sunny. Near the water. Maybe Hawaii. Some hiking, swimming, walking, sleeping, and other things that married people without kids do.

DAY 6: I get to clean and organize my house without interruption. Yes, I would like to clean it myself - no maid, no cleaning service, no abracadabra. Just me, some rubber gloves, a sponge and some great music. BK and LG out spending quality time together. Family has pizza together at a restaurant where the LG is charming and smiley (this does happen on occasion, so not completely unrealistic) and doesn't throw food or scream. LG goes down for bed. BK and I watch (no sleeping, whining, or complaining from the BK) a romantic movie, after which he looks at me with doting eyes and kisses me like they do in the movies. Then we go to bed. Seriously, we sleep. Keep in mind we have just been on a 3-day romantic getaway.

DAY 7: Forget that I spent 6 days of my life celebrating my death.

In all seriousness, I had a wonderful birthday in LA where the LG and I stayed with my brother, his wife and 2 beautiful chillins. We went to the beach, aquarium, Getty Museum, and the American Apparel Outlet. I also got to see my sister and her family who I haven't seen in a long time, had 2 cakes, and ate more than I should have. Photos will follow.