Here's Ivan with our tree. Note his disinterested, "no, I wasn't just chewing on the Christmas-tree branch" expression.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
O Christmas Tree (and kittycat)
Here's Ivan with our tree. Note his disinterested, "no, I wasn't just chewing on the Christmas-tree branch" expression.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Christmas is coming!
Advent begins today! I spent part of meeting for worship with the children's religious ed group, where we talked a bit about Advent and lit the first candle in an Advent wreath. Very minimal ritual, just Ellie lighting the candle and saying "I light the candle of Hope" in a rather dramatic voice (she's very fourteen), followed by silent worship.
I'm full of hope for many things. For our adoption process, of course; for a F/friend and her husband expecting her first child; for improvement in our economy and environment; for my new job starting in January.
We've been preparing for the holidays in our new home. Ken struggled with our database of addresses for sending out our holiday letters. I put up the tree and ornaments, listening to my beloved Cambridge Singers performing some lesser-known traditional Christmas carols ("What Is This Lovely Fragrance?," "Quittez, Pasteurs," and "Still, Still, Still," to name just a few.)
Ivan has not discovered the tree, (non-breakable) ornaments, or Nativity figures. Yet. Last year he knocked over St. Joseph once, then left everything alone.
Happy Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Festivus preparations to all!
I'm full of hope for many things. For our adoption process, of course; for a F/friend and her husband expecting her first child; for improvement in our economy and environment; for my new job starting in January.
We've been preparing for the holidays in our new home. Ken struggled with our database of addresses for sending out our holiday letters. I put up the tree and ornaments, listening to my beloved Cambridge Singers performing some lesser-known traditional Christmas carols ("What Is This Lovely Fragrance?," "Quittez, Pasteurs," and "Still, Still, Still," to name just a few.)
Ivan has not discovered the tree, (non-breakable) ornaments, or Nativity figures. Yet. Last year he knocked over St. Joseph once, then left everything alone.
Happy Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Festivus preparations to all!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
A New Job!!
Well...I've accepted a new job. Sent in my resignation letter Monday at my current beloved but oh-so-very-far-from-my-new-home job.
So, starting January 5, I will be the head children's librarian at the Silver Spring Branch Library, in a new public library system that's only 1/3 of my current hideous commute away. And I'm making more money for roughly the same level of responsibility and probably a busier workday.
I didn't post anything before,because some bureaucratic bits had to be done, and I wanted to meet my future boss before saying "yes" as a bad boss can wreck one's job satisfaction no end. Thursday the bits were done, and when I got home that night there was a message from my new manager. He invited me to meet my coworkers and get an introduction to the community by taking part in the city's parade Saturday morning if I was interested.
I thought it would be a good way to meet him and my coworkers--and it was. Got there at 8am in freezing weather. We were all wrapped up in coats and hats, except for the staff members dressed in costume: Mother Goose (a children's librarian, very friendly and dedicated), the Big Bad Wolf (senior librarian), Red Riding Hood (library aide). Other staff, Friends of the Library and their assorted children were there (many of the kids wore their Halloween costumes). It was a great way to meet everyone: riding to our parade staging site in the Bookmobile, helping to finish up the float (the flannelboard animals kept falling off the flannelboards attached to the back of our float wagon), eating muffins and donuts, trying to keep warm, figuring out how to hang the sign with a teen shelving assistant (Josh and I hit it off almost instantly), and then parading down the street, passing out bookmarks and hearing enthusiastic shouts of "It's the Library!" Talk about community culture--we marched behind a Latin dance group and in front of a high-school band. Other cultural, community support, school and oh, all kinds of groups took part.
Back at the branch, I got an impromptu tour and was invited to share some of birthday cake, chocolate treats and heated cider (it was the manager's birthday) . Then I talked a bit with my future coworkers about practical stuff, including the weekly schedule and an upcoming program in Februrary (this with "Mother Goose"). I think I'm really going to like it there. Though I have a ton to learn--when I first browsed through the nonfiction section, I realized, "omigosh, I'm going to have to learn what their weeding policies are!" ("Weeding" is when you take items out of a library because they're outdated, not getting checked out, too battered, or otherwise no longer "right" for the library). But overall, I'm a lot less nervous having spent some time doing things (not just talking!) with everyone.
So, starting January 5, I will be the head children's librarian at the Silver Spring Branch Library, in a new public library system that's only 1/3 of my current hideous commute away. And I'm making more money for roughly the same level of responsibility and probably a busier workday.
I didn't post anything before,because some bureaucratic bits had to be done, and I wanted to meet my future boss before saying "yes" as a bad boss can wreck one's job satisfaction no end. Thursday the bits were done, and when I got home that night there was a message from my new manager. He invited me to meet my coworkers and get an introduction to the community by taking part in the city's parade Saturday morning if I was interested.
I thought it would be a good way to meet him and my coworkers--and it was. Got there at 8am in freezing weather. We were all wrapped up in coats and hats, except for the staff members dressed in costume: Mother Goose (a children's librarian, very friendly and dedicated), the Big Bad Wolf (senior librarian), Red Riding Hood (library aide). Other staff, Friends of the Library and their assorted children were there (many of the kids wore their Halloween costumes). It was a great way to meet everyone: riding to our parade staging site in the Bookmobile, helping to finish up the float (the flannelboard animals kept falling off the flannelboards attached to the back of our float wagon), eating muffins and donuts, trying to keep warm, figuring out how to hang the sign with a teen shelving assistant (Josh and I hit it off almost instantly), and then parading down the street, passing out bookmarks and hearing enthusiastic shouts of "It's the Library!" Talk about community culture--we marched behind a Latin dance group and in front of a high-school band. Other cultural, community support, school and oh, all kinds of groups took part.
Back at the branch, I got an impromptu tour and was invited to share some of birthday cake, chocolate treats and heated cider (it was the manager's birthday) . Then I talked a bit with my future coworkers about practical stuff, including the weekly schedule and an upcoming program in Februrary (this with "Mother Goose"). I think I'm really going to like it there. Though I have a ton to learn--when I first browsed through the nonfiction section, I realized, "omigosh, I'm going to have to learn what their weeding policies are!" ("Weeding" is when you take items out of a library because they're outdated, not getting checked out, too battered, or otherwise no longer "right" for the library). But overall, I'm a lot less nervous having spent some time doing things (not just talking!) with everyone.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The News from Lake Greenbelt
First off, we had snow flurries on and off most of Tuesday afternoon. Pretty! And it's gotten cold. We're learning our living room has some insulation issues. We definitely need to get a good storm door for the gardenside door this weekend!
Tuesday night we went to information night with "our" agency. The presentation was by the director of the infant domestic adoption program. This is the same person who sent the abrupt and upsetting email we got this spring about the huge increase in would-be domestic infant adoptive parents and how much harder it would be (and how much harder we'd have to work) to adopt.
We were not impressed with her. The information night was billed as being for all 3 programs (domestic infant, domestic school-age child and international) and running from 7 to 9 pm. She focused mostly on domestic infant, barely covered international (the main reason we were going) and closed everything down at 8:15 saying she "had to be somewhere at 8:30). Plus she put a rather negative spin on being able to adopt. She could have been more encouraging without actually lying.
The good news: there are still babies to adopt. We met many wonderful prospective parents (it's heartening just to be in a room with other couples and singles in the same boat we are). Plus a lovely couple who recently moved from Massachusetts who brought their 5-year-old son. They'd adopted him from Ukraine through a New-England based agency that was fantastic. I got the name of their agency (since we're encouraged to connect with agencies outside our area to broaden the "available birthparent pool") and gave them my email and our phone number. I loved hearing their adoption story and chatting with them.
Our plan: I'm going to call the international adoption director with my questions about Bulgaria to see if that might be a better option for us. We can't swap to the other agency we liked (I just called this morning) without doing an entirely new homestudy (expensive and a real pain in the rear!)
I'm still in the process about a possible (now likely) new job closer to home (more if it goes through; I should know by early next week).
We'll be having a Quaker Thanksgiving again, at F/friends' home with people from our meeting. We're bringing the acorn squash.
We should be with my family for Christmas Eve (and yes, I'll bring the hummous!), driving to Vermont on Christmas morning to spend some time with Ken's family.
That's the news from Lake Greenbelt, where the women are strong, the men are good looking (Ken lost 15 pounds in the last couple of months!) and the kitty cat is waaaay above average.
Tuesday night we went to information night with "our" agency. The presentation was by the director of the infant domestic adoption program. This is the same person who sent the abrupt and upsetting email we got this spring about the huge increase in would-be domestic infant adoptive parents and how much harder it would be (and how much harder we'd have to work) to adopt.
We were not impressed with her. The information night was billed as being for all 3 programs (domestic infant, domestic school-age child and international) and running from 7 to 9 pm. She focused mostly on domestic infant, barely covered international (the main reason we were going) and closed everything down at 8:15 saying she "had to be somewhere at 8:30). Plus she put a rather negative spin on being able to adopt. She could have been more encouraging without actually lying.
The good news: there are still babies to adopt. We met many wonderful prospective parents (it's heartening just to be in a room with other couples and singles in the same boat we are). Plus a lovely couple who recently moved from Massachusetts who brought their 5-year-old son. They'd adopted him from Ukraine through a New-England based agency that was fantastic. I got the name of their agency (since we're encouraged to connect with agencies outside our area to broaden the "available birthparent pool") and gave them my email and our phone number. I loved hearing their adoption story and chatting with them.
Our plan: I'm going to call the international adoption director with my questions about Bulgaria to see if that might be a better option for us. We can't swap to the other agency we liked (I just called this morning) without doing an entirely new homestudy (expensive and a real pain in the rear!)
I'm still in the process about a possible (now likely) new job closer to home (more if it goes through; I should know by early next week).
We'll be having a Quaker Thanksgiving again, at F/friends' home with people from our meeting. We're bringing the acorn squash.
We should be with my family for Christmas Eve (and yes, I'll bring the hummous!), driving to Vermont on Christmas morning to spend some time with Ken's family.
That's the news from Lake Greenbelt, where the women are strong, the men are good looking (Ken lost 15 pounds in the last couple of months!) and the kitty cat is waaaay above average.
If you think the media is hiding things from you, you're right...
Here are 25 stories neither the "conservative" nor the "liberal" media covered. And it's not just political--check out #23.
Yes, citations to support each story are included at the bottom of each one.
Thanks to my new online friend Patricia for emailing this to me!
Yes, citations to support each story are included at the bottom of each one.
Thanks to my new online friend Patricia for emailing this to me!
Friday, November 14, 2008
I've been thoroughly birthday'd!!
Everyone has been awesome!
It started Monday, when I got a box in the mail from Tom Z. He gave me a book (big surprise): Monkey Girl: Evolution, Education, Religion, and the Battle for America's Soul. Plus two other books that he'd intended to bring up as host gifts when he visited.
Tuesday I got a card from my Mom and Dad with a most generous check. I already spent part of it on a fashionable blue bamboo-and-organic-cotton dress at the Green Festival. (Picture to come...) Today or tomorrow I'm planning on hitting Behnke's for their sale (winter pansies!) And of course I'll be placing a manga order with Amazon.com.
Wednesday my coworker Annette, who'd got my name in our birthday/holiday drawing at work, hosted my birthday celebration at work. I got a chocolate angel-food cake with whipped cream (low-fat and yummy), a card, and several little gifts. The most amazing was peppermint starlights: 385 of them!! I put some in my dish at work, some in Barbara's "free for all" dish, and some in my purse. The rest are stowed in the kitchen. Boy are they heavy!
Yesterday I got a card from Ken's Mom and Dad with a lovely Macy's gift certificate. I'm going there too, of course, for clothes shopping. Then, it being our anniversary, Ken and I had a lovely dinner at the 104th Aero Squadron (a restaurant my mom and dad discovered when they visited). I suggested, and he agreed, that we'll buy a solar and/or gravity-operated waterfall pump for our mini-pond as a mutual anniversary gift. Ecological and beautiful.
I spent my actual birthday driving all the way up to Roseland (east of Baltimore) to co-coordinate an all-day program on teen services for libraries. Specially for my birthday the traffic up was not horrible and drivers were not over-aggressive (not so good on the way home, which was during rush hour). The workshop was excellent--I learned a lot, especially from the experienced, funny, and gifted presenter on teen reluctant reader and great books to suggest (or leave around the teen section for them to "discover" and devour).
Ken had to work late at a special presentation, so I got home, popped in a soy-cheese pizza, and ate that and a slice of my angel-food cake with dark-chocolate sorbet while Ivan snuggled and then chased a hapless cricket around the room.
And this morning I got an email from Bev, our adoption-homestudy social worker, that she sent in her homestudy write-up on my birthday!! What a welcome and long-awaited gift!
An amazon.com box from Ken is forthcoming. So is my birthday dinner!
It started Monday, when I got a box in the mail from Tom Z. He gave me a book (big surprise): Monkey Girl: Evolution, Education, Religion, and the Battle for America's Soul. Plus two other books that he'd intended to bring up as host gifts when he visited.
Tuesday I got a card from my Mom and Dad with a most generous check. I already spent part of it on a fashionable blue bamboo-and-organic-cotton dress at the Green Festival. (Picture to come...) Today or tomorrow I'm planning on hitting Behnke's for their sale (winter pansies!) And of course I'll be placing a manga order with Amazon.com.
Wednesday my coworker Annette, who'd got my name in our birthday/holiday drawing at work, hosted my birthday celebration at work. I got a chocolate angel-food cake with whipped cream (low-fat and yummy), a card, and several little gifts. The most amazing was peppermint starlights: 385 of them!! I put some in my dish at work, some in Barbara's "free for all" dish, and some in my purse. The rest are stowed in the kitchen. Boy are they heavy!
Yesterday I got a card from Ken's Mom and Dad with a lovely Macy's gift certificate. I'm going there too, of course, for clothes shopping. Then, it being our anniversary, Ken and I had a lovely dinner at the 104th Aero Squadron (a restaurant my mom and dad discovered when they visited). I suggested, and he agreed, that we'll buy a solar and/or gravity-operated waterfall pump for our mini-pond as a mutual anniversary gift. Ecological and beautiful.
I spent my actual birthday driving all the way up to Roseland (east of Baltimore) to co-coordinate an all-day program on teen services for libraries. Specially for my birthday the traffic up was not horrible and drivers were not over-aggressive (not so good on the way home, which was during rush hour). The workshop was excellent--I learned a lot, especially from the experienced, funny, and gifted presenter on teen reluctant reader and great books to suggest (or leave around the teen section for them to "discover" and devour).
Ken had to work late at a special presentation, so I got home, popped in a soy-cheese pizza, and ate that and a slice of my angel-food cake with dark-chocolate sorbet while Ivan snuggled and then chased a hapless cricket around the room.
And this morning I got an email from Bev, our adoption-homestudy social worker, that she sent in her homestudy write-up on my birthday!! What a welcome and long-awaited gift!
An amazon.com box from Ken is forthcoming. So is my birthday dinner!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
lolcats strike again!
As I keep telling all of you, Russian Blue cats are brilliant....
more animals
Caption is cut off: it reads (in plain English): More light please... and hand me wrench.
Dad, you need an assistant mechanic? We can bring up Ivan at Christmastime....
Maybe I should get Ivan to balance my checkbook and manage my mutual funds. He is quite at home in front of the computer already.
more animals
Caption is cut off: it reads (in plain English): More light please... and hand me wrench.
Dad, you need an assistant mechanic? We can bring up Ivan at Christmastime....
Maybe I should get Ivan to balance my checkbook and manage my mutual funds. He is quite at home in front of the computer already.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Done!
We finally finished our adoption homestudy revisions paperwork last night. I dropped off the papers at the agency (a 15-min. drive from our home via the Beltway, which I actually drove on for 5 miles: go me!)
Whew! Now we wait to see if our homestudy is approved.
Meanwhile, we're going to an international-adoption information night because we qualify for adoption from Bulgaria. We may be able to be in both the domestic and international programs at the same time and get whatever child comese first. We'll see if it's a good idea...
Whew! Now we wait to see if our homestudy is approved.
Meanwhile, we're going to an international-adoption information night because we qualify for adoption from Bulgaria. We may be able to be in both the domestic and international programs at the same time and get whatever child comese first. We'll see if it's a good idea...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween
Our visitors included princesses and fairies, Spiderman, two ninjas (one in black, one in red), a glittery witch, a little brown bear, a parent who was a ghost and another who was a fairy-in-black-leather (cool mom!) and many more.
Gave out 2 1/2 bags of candy (mini Kit Kats and itsy-bitsy Tootsie Rolls).
Ate homemade chicken soup and watched season 5 of Bablyon 5 in between trick-or-treaters.
A very happy Halloween to you all, from here in our new home!
Gave out 2 1/2 bags of candy (mini Kit Kats and itsy-bitsy Tootsie Rolls).
Ate homemade chicken soup and watched season 5 of Bablyon 5 in between trick-or-treaters.
A very happy Halloween to you all, from here in our new home!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Gardening Success!
As of Sunday, all the narcissus bulbs are planted (with eco-friendly anti-rodent mint oil granules sprinkled around them) and the huge overgrown climbing rosebush is fully trimmed.
Ken cut the grass short enough last week that it probably won't need more than one mowing.
And we got lots of good food at the Farmer's Market: fresh sirloin and green beans for dinner Sunday, roast chicken and sweet potatoes last night.
Speaking of food, we have a local diner with good stuff: sweet-potato-and-pecan pancakes with (lightly) fried bananas for me; chicken-fried steak with scrambled eggs and roast baby potatoes-with-the-skins-on for Ken. Nutritious (except for that steak being fried) and yummy. Not exactly New Jersey diner fare but it's nice to have a diner to go to again...
Ken cut the grass short enough last week that it probably won't need more than one mowing.
And we got lots of good food at the Farmer's Market: fresh sirloin and green beans for dinner Sunday, roast chicken and sweet potatoes last night.
Speaking of food, we have a local diner with good stuff: sweet-potato-and-pecan pancakes with (lightly) fried bananas for me; chicken-fried steak with scrambled eggs and roast baby potatoes-with-the-skins-on for Ken. Nutritious (except for that steak being fried) and yummy. Not exactly New Jersey diner fare but it's nice to have a diner to go to again...
Just the facts, ma'am (and sir)
Want the truth about accusations made against the two main presidential candidates? Courtesy of the St. Petersburg (Florida) Times and Congressional Quarterly (the latter is a non-partisan publisher of information on actions of the US Congress).
I'm amused by the category for "worse than false" allegations... "pants on fire"
I'm amused by the category for "worse than false" allegations... "pants on fire"
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Gardening Joys and Woes
It's fall. So I started planting my bulbs: planted one dozen daffodil bulbs last Sunday. I got daffodils and narcissus because deer and rodents (we have mice and/or voles; can't tell for sure. And we definitely have squirrels!)
Tuesday morning I went out to water them: and half of them were dug up. Apparently the rodents either noticed the loose dirt or smelled *something* and thought they could get dinner. Then they got down to the bulbs and decided "Yuck! Narcissus bulbs! They're icky" and just left them there. Thanks, guys.
Well, now I have special eco-friendly mint-oil granules to keep them away. We'll see how well they work.
And I bought a pruning saw to finish the rosebush before it finishes me off (between the amount of labor and the zillions of thorns)
And the pond is nicely full again, with the net over it to catch most of the leaves (they are a nuisance to dredge out, especially since I don't have a long-handled net. Need to get one.)
Tuesday morning I went out to water them: and half of them were dug up. Apparently the rodents either noticed the loose dirt or smelled *something* and thought they could get dinner. Then they got down to the bulbs and decided "Yuck! Narcissus bulbs! They're icky" and just left them there. Thanks, guys.
Well, now I have special eco-friendly mint-oil granules to keep them away. We'll see how well they work.
And I bought a pruning saw to finish the rosebush before it finishes me off (between the amount of labor and the zillions of thorns)
And the pond is nicely full again, with the net over it to catch most of the leaves (they are a nuisance to dredge out, especially since I don't have a long-handled net. Need to get one.)
Friday, October 17, 2008
That's our Ivan!
Ivan just came galloping down the stairs, leapt off one of the lower ones, bounced off the top box in a stack of boxes by the door, and landed on the back-door rug, startled but unhurt.
Actually, it kinda looked like fun...
Actually, it kinda looked like fun...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Lawnmower Precision Drill Team: At Last!
Remember waaay back in August when I told you about the Lawn-Mower Precision Drill Team that performed at our community Labor Day Parade?
Well, Ms. Procrastinator here is finally posting their website for you, which has a video of their multiple-award-winning performance at the parade:
For Your Viewing Enjoyment
Well, Ms. Procrastinator here is finally posting their website for you, which has a video of their multiple-award-winning performance at the parade:
For Your Viewing Enjoyment
Thursday, October 09, 2008
One-word meme
Stasa posted this in her blog and I can't resist a good meme, so...
YOU CAN ONLY TYPE ONE WORD!
Not as easy as you might think. Now copy or forward, change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers. Be sure to send back to the person you received it from!
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair? salt-and-pepper (that's one word!!)
4. Your mother? warm
5. Your father? loving
6. Your favorite thing? words
7. Your dream last night? toilets!
8. Your favorite drink? cocoa
9. Your dream/goal? happy
10. The room you're in? living
11. Your hobby? writing
12. Your fear? torture
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Mom
14. What you are NOT afraid of? presenting
15. Muffins? fruit
16. One of your wish list items? manga
17. Where you grew up? mid-Hudson
18. The last thing you did? email
19. What are you wearing? pjs
20. Your TV? DVDs
21. Your pets? Ivan
22. Your computer? Oldish
23. Your life? full
24 Your mood? optimistic
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Your car? transportation
27. What you're NOT wearing? underwear!
28. Favorite store? TJs!
29. Your summer? moving!
30. Your favorite color? green
31. Last time you laughed? yesterday
32. Last time you cried/teared up? weeks
33. Who will resend this? Dad?
YOU CAN ONLY TYPE ONE WORD!
Not as easy as you might think. Now copy or forward, change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers. Be sure to send back to the person you received it from!
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair? salt-and-pepper (that's one word!!)
4. Your mother? warm
5. Your father? loving
6. Your favorite thing? words
7. Your dream last night? toilets!
8. Your favorite drink? cocoa
9. Your dream/goal? happy
10. The room you're in? living
11. Your hobby? writing
12. Your fear? torture
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Mom
14. What you are NOT afraid of? presenting
15. Muffins? fruit
16. One of your wish list items? manga
17. Where you grew up? mid-Hudson
18. The last thing you did? email
19. What are you wearing? pjs
20. Your TV? DVDs
21. Your pets? Ivan
22. Your computer? Oldish
23. Your life? full
24 Your mood? optimistic
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Your car? transportation
27. What you're NOT wearing? underwear!
28. Favorite store? TJs!
29. Your summer? moving!
30. Your favorite color? green
31. Last time you laughed? yesterday
32. Last time you cried/teared up? weeks
33. Who will resend this? Dad?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Progress on the Adoption Front!
Our social worker, Bev, came for her final visit and to check out our new home on Friday. She loved the place, had no problem with the pond, and was encouraging about our chances to find a match with a child despite the tighter "competition." We expressed our fears about prospective birth parents not wanting us because we're "old and nerdy" and she reassured us, mentioning a family with a disabled parent that had recently adopted a child and saying she thought we would be able to find a child in a year or two.
She's sending us some additional paperwork to do because of our home change.
And after she left, we set up our fire-safety inspection (our last inspection of all!!) for this coming Friday morning!
So, progress is being made. We'll get to work on our "niche marketing" soon!
She's sending us some additional paperwork to do because of our home change.
And after she left, we set up our fire-safety inspection (our last inspection of all!!) for this coming Friday morning!
So, progress is being made. We'll get to work on our "niche marketing" soon!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Another Squirrel Story
It all started when my coworker S discovered a baby squirrel on her front porch. She waited for the mom to come get it, but Mom didn't show. S didn't want to call Animal Control and had no idea what to do with the little thing herself so she decided to call our coworker D, who is famous for being good with animals (they have at least 4 species of pets in their household).
So D came over, fearlessly picked up the little squirrel in a towel, and took it home. She bought cat formula and fed her (it's a girl squirrel) with a syringe every three hours. She named the little squirrel Peapod after a squirrel on a TV show.
Little Peapod went to the vet, who said squirrels should get puppy formula, not kitty formula. Since Peapod needed to be fed every few hours, D. brought her to work in a cat carrier, along with the formula, syringe, grapes and peanuts. (Peapod loves grapes!)
Coworker M referred to Peapod as "that rat."
D: well, they are in the rodent family.
D lets Peapod climb on her shoulder (like Ralph used to do with our cats) and even around to the back of her neck. I petted Peapod cautiously, once with one finger.
We all swear D missed her calling and should work for a vet or an animal rescue place.
So D came over, fearlessly picked up the little squirrel in a towel, and took it home. She bought cat formula and fed her (it's a girl squirrel) with a syringe every three hours. She named the little squirrel Peapod after a squirrel on a TV show.
Little Peapod went to the vet, who said squirrels should get puppy formula, not kitty formula. Since Peapod needed to be fed every few hours, D. brought her to work in a cat carrier, along with the formula, syringe, grapes and peanuts. (Peapod loves grapes!)
Coworker M referred to Peapod as "that rat."
D: well, they are in the rodent family.
D lets Peapod climb on her shoulder (like Ralph used to do with our cats) and even around to the back of her neck. I petted Peapod cautiously, once with one finger.
We all swear D missed her calling and should work for a vet or an animal rescue place.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
A Greenbelt Labor Day--updated!
Today was one of our city's biggest celebrations: The Labor Day Parade. There's actually a weekend-long festival with carnival rides, information and food booths by various organizations (everything from the Literacy Council to the local Bahai community). But the parade is Very Big Deal. In this New Deal city (we were founded as a New Deal program, with the coop I live in being built as affordable family housing.)
So we caught it right at the beginning, with Scottish bagpipers. Lovely music, I mean that (heard outdoors, as bagpipes are meant to be). There's a wonderful tradition of most groups throwing wrapped candies--one of our local politicians did it in a big way, throwing mini-Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Some highlights:
The local high school cheerleaders! They did an incredible dance to a hip-hop tune: awesome moves and fine synchronization!
The Greenbelt Pride group: theme was Olympics of Marriage Equality. Husband and I gave them a huge cheer. One couple had a baby in a front pack.
Our co-op's float: theme was "It's a Small World" (without the song, I might add). Included some people in ethnic dress, including traditional Turkish clothes and a woman in a cowboy hat, star-spangled shirt, and white shorts with three European flags stuck in the pockets. "I love your American costume!" I thanked her.
The elementary school PTA had a "bookmobile" car with a Cat in the Hat bowtie on the front bumper and tall hat on the hood. Members gave out free secondhand books.
The Greenbelt Democratic Club combined with the county Obama-supporters group: They got one of the biggest cheers of all (oh, how I love living in the Great Green Successful Social Experiment instead of Redneck Republicanland!). The announcer asked, "Can anybody tell me who Obama is?" I called out, shortly before he answered, "The next President of the United States!"
Near the end was...
The Reel Lawn Mowers Precision Drill Team. They had their little push-mowers decorated with tissue-paper flowers and Christmas-tree garland. They each had a card with a letter, spelling out "KICK*GAS". And they were a precision team--"presenting arms," at the start, doing "the wave, " spinning out and making two pinwheels, and more (I even saw at least one high kick in there!"
And there were the usual fire engines (some fine-looking antique ones), Girl and Boy Scouts, politicians, the town pageant winners (poised and attractive young girls--we need one for boys!) and so on. Oh, and I almost forgot, the Lone Ranger and Silver.
Sadly, we did not bring our camera. Next year!
All in all, a great parade. Next year I wanna march with our coop.
So we caught it right at the beginning, with Scottish bagpipers. Lovely music, I mean that (heard outdoors, as bagpipes are meant to be). There's a wonderful tradition of most groups throwing wrapped candies--one of our local politicians did it in a big way, throwing mini-Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Some highlights:
The local high school cheerleaders! They did an incredible dance to a hip-hop tune: awesome moves and fine synchronization!
The Greenbelt Pride group: theme was Olympics of Marriage Equality. Husband and I gave them a huge cheer. One couple had a baby in a front pack.
Our co-op's float: theme was "It's a Small World" (without the song, I might add). Included some people in ethnic dress, including traditional Turkish clothes and a woman in a cowboy hat, star-spangled shirt, and white shorts with three European flags stuck in the pockets. "I love your American costume!" I thanked her.
The elementary school PTA had a "bookmobile" car with a Cat in the Hat bowtie on the front bumper and tall hat on the hood. Members gave out free secondhand books.
The Greenbelt Democratic Club combined with the county Obama-supporters group: They got one of the biggest cheers of all (oh, how I love living in the Great Green Successful Social Experiment instead of Redneck Republicanland!). The announcer asked, "Can anybody tell me who Obama is?" I called out, shortly before he answered, "The next President of the United States!"
Near the end was...
The Reel Lawn Mowers Precision Drill Team. They had their little push-mowers decorated with tissue-paper flowers and Christmas-tree garland. They each had a card with a letter, spelling out "KICK*GAS". And they were a precision team--"presenting arms," at the start, doing "the wave, " spinning out and making two pinwheels, and more (I even saw at least one high kick in there!"
And there were the usual fire engines (some fine-looking antique ones), Girl and Boy Scouts, politicians, the town pageant winners (poised and attractive young girls--we need one for boys!) and so on. Oh, and I almost forgot, the Lone Ranger and Silver.
Sadly, we did not bring our camera. Next year!
All in all, a great parade. Next year I wanna march with our coop.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Ready for more Otakon pictures?
You know you want to.
Me cosplaying a teenage boy (Hikaru from Hikaru no Go), tons of gorgeous costumes, and a loooooong kitty!
Please post comments, either on the Picasa album or here! I want to know what you think!
Me cosplaying a teenage boy (Hikaru from Hikaru no Go), tons of gorgeous costumes, and a loooooong kitty!
Please post comments, either on the Picasa album or here! I want to know what you think!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Speaking of lolcats
This one's for Sheila, our family Hello Kitty fan...
Behold the Hello Kitty Cat Humiliation System!
I would not do this to Ivan. Ever.
The translation from the Japanese at the bottom is to die for. (Warning: one four-letter word in comment at the end.)
Behold the Hello Kitty Cat Humiliation System!
I would not do this to Ivan. Ever.
The translation from the Japanese at the bottom is to die for. (Warning: one four-letter word in comment at the end.)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Otakon pictures!!
Ken took these, which is why he's not in any.
First batch of selected Otakon pictures--you know you want to see the gorgeous costumes and fun times!
First batch of selected Otakon pictures--you know you want to see the gorgeous costumes and fun times!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Dangerous Gardening
I've learned that when pruning climbing roses, watch out for falling branches! I got scratched by a thorn.
No harm done. (Stop worrying, Mom.)
In other new-homeowner news, we (thanks to Ken's brilliant use of our garden hose and gravity) have drained the miniature garden pond (it's about the size of a plastic kiddie pool). Tonight we get to clean out the gunk left at the bottom!
No harm done. (Stop worrying, Mom.)
In other new-homeowner news, we (thanks to Ken's brilliant use of our garden hose and gravity) have drained the miniature garden pond (it's about the size of a plastic kiddie pool). Tonight we get to clean out the gunk left at the bottom!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
More about reading and books...
In case you don't have time to read this entire article it's about how the Fairfax County school system didn't have budget money for summer school so they had students who needed to extra academic help read books that suited their reading level and interests during the summer, with occasional postcards communication with teachers. Studies have shown that the simple act of reading during the summer keeps kids from losing their reading skills and can even increase their standardized-test reading scores.
One thing I know...reading keeps my skills up and my brain working! (For those of us way beyond summer school: reading challenging books and other materials has been shown to reduce memory loss in older adults!)
One thing I know...reading keeps my skills up and my brain working! (For those of us way beyond summer school: reading challenging books and other materials has been shown to reduce memory loss in older adults!)
Another reason to love Unshelved, the librarians' webcomic
Ever wonder why history textbooks are so boring?This comic explains
Challenged and controversial books are juicy books. Read one today!!
If you want to see what I'm reading and have read in the past year (plus some of my all-time favorites) just click on the Goodreads bar at the left and click on a book category you'd like to explore!
Challenged and controversial books are juicy books. Read one today!!
If you want to see what I'm reading and have read in the past year (plus some of my all-time favorites) just click on the Goodreads bar at the left and click on a book category you'd like to explore!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Finally, pics of Ralph and the kids!
Ken uploaded the pics to our computer, and I got them here with the aid of Picasa! (Thanks, Dad, for recommending Picasa--it's great!)
Just click on the picture to see more...
We had an awesome time together in case you can't tell.
Just click on the picture to see more...
 |
| Ralph and the kids |
We had an awesome time together in case you can't tell.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Settling-in update, and family visits!
We've done a buttload of yard work--clipping hedges (mostly Ken), weeding (me) transplanting our flowers and herbs (me), and mowing our lawn (Ken). Number of boxes in the living room is down to about 8, about half of them being my scrapbooking and other craft stuff. We have maybe 6 boxes in the master bedroom. The spare room, on the other hand... We won't talk about it. I'm just impressed that I finally was able to move the bed away from the hutch so I could rescue the spoons trapped behind the hutch drawer and put away our electric blanket. Ivan is very disappointed abou the latter--that blanket was his favorite nap spot!
Ralph and the kids came to visit and we had a wonderful time! (pictures to come). Toninght I'm picking up Ken's parents from the train station after work (9:30 pm, works out nicely with my evening shift) for a long-weekend visit.
Ralph and the kids came to visit and we had a wonderful time! (pictures to come). Toninght I'm picking up Ken's parents from the train station after work (9:30 pm, works out nicely with my evening shift) for a long-weekend visit.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
One of the zillion reasons I love Unshelved
On the effect librarians have in the world...
Other things we change:
PINs
computer mice
due dates
procedures
call numbers
where the Young Adult books are kept
Other things we change:
PINs
computer mice
due dates
procedures
call numbers
where the Young Adult books are kept
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Advantages of the move
Last night I came home to Ken making his excellent spaghetti sauce. He'd also done the dishes and bought me a bottle of Riesling.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
We're no longer drowning in boxes...
...but there's still a heck of a lot of them unopened, let alone unpacked. We have accomplished a lot since we got back from FGC Gathering, though. (More on the Gathering later, with pictures!)
As of last night, we have air conditioners installed and working both upstairs (in the master bedroom) and downstairs (in the living room). We found Ivan's hairbrush a couple of days ago and have been giving him much-needed combings (three and a half full combs the first night!) We know when recycling and garbage pickup are and how to separate items. And a lovely woman from a nearby "court" in the co-op came over last night with a bagful of welcoming goodies (coupons, info on the co-op that wasn't in our blue official homeowner bider) and, on her own, a plant. Turns out she's a Quaker too! As well as a cat person--she was duly admiring of our Ivan.
Heard a major crash this morning--fortunately, all Ivan had knocked over was our metal clothes-drying rack (and it was even empty, so no clean undies on the floor!)
We love the neighborhood--fairly quiet (very quiet except when a bus goes by), highly walkable, lots of nearby shopping ranging from the grocery co-op to Starbuck's to an awesome tiny pastry shop (yummy Napoleons!) And certainly more amenable to our social and political interests, judging from the bumper stickers and area events.
More later as we have more time. I should take some pics of our still-box-laden living room...
As of last night, we have air conditioners installed and working both upstairs (in the master bedroom) and downstairs (in the living room). We found Ivan's hairbrush a couple of days ago and have been giving him much-needed combings (three and a half full combs the first night!) We know when recycling and garbage pickup are and how to separate items. And a lovely woman from a nearby "court" in the co-op came over last night with a bagful of welcoming goodies (coupons, info on the co-op that wasn't in our blue official homeowner bider) and, on her own, a plant. Turns out she's a Quaker too! As well as a cat person--she was duly admiring of our Ivan.
Heard a major crash this morning--fortunately, all Ivan had knocked over was our metal clothes-drying rack (and it was even empty, so no clean undies on the floor!)
We love the neighborhood--fairly quiet (very quiet except when a bus goes by), highly walkable, lots of nearby shopping ranging from the grocery co-op to Starbuck's to an awesome tiny pastry shop (yummy Napoleons!) And certainly more amenable to our social and political interests, judging from the bumper stickers and area events.
More later as we have more time. I should take some pics of our still-box-laden living room...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
We Are Homeowners!!
We closed on our townhome Friday! We signed, oh, at least fifteen different documents (okay, a few of them were duplicates) in a big room with the lawyer, realtor, loan officer and rep from the co-op. Tina (our loan officer, lovely woman) gave us a sheet of address labels, a National City Mortgage cloth bag, and a bottle of champagne! Kathie from the co-op gave us a packet from the co-op including a fridge magnet with the most important numbers (24-hour maintenance service!). And we got the keys!! We will have the locks changed next week, for safety's sake--free service of the co-op! Well, part of the $325-ish we pay every month, actually.
We went over after the closing and did a bit of work: Ken pulled the crown molding off the living room walls (it's *plastic*--ick!) and I investigated the upstairs rooms, pulled the bedding of the bed the former owners left (tossing the pillows which were in sad shape but the sheets, blanket and comforter are fine), and picked up fallen branches around the yard. I was never so happy cleaning up a yard, because it's ours!
Ken put in a day at the place today (mowing the lawn, doing laundry in our washing machine and dryer!) I worked at the library--we had more kids and a few teens signing up for the Summer Reading Club--are you joining the one at your local library?--and possibly one dad. Yes, we have an "adult activity sheet" that encourages them to check out our wonderful databases, book-news emails and other cool stuff. And my coworkers congratulated me on the closing!
Tomorrow I have Ministry and Worship Committee meeting, then more work on the townhome! I made measurements of major living room furniture (sofa plus all the bookcases) and am bringing the measuring tape to see what can fit where.
We'll let you know when we're ready for visitors! We have that extra double bed (mattress is in fine condition!) and can rent out a "guest house" through the co-op. There are also several hotels around.
We will email the address and our new phone number out soon, and send by snail mail eventually.
We went over after the closing and did a bit of work: Ken pulled the crown molding off the living room walls (it's *plastic*--ick!) and I investigated the upstairs rooms, pulled the bedding of the bed the former owners left (tossing the pillows which were in sad shape but the sheets, blanket and comforter are fine), and picked up fallen branches around the yard. I was never so happy cleaning up a yard, because it's ours!
Ken put in a day at the place today (mowing the lawn, doing laundry in our washing machine and dryer!) I worked at the library--we had more kids and a few teens signing up for the Summer Reading Club--are you joining the one at your local library?--and possibly one dad. Yes, we have an "adult activity sheet" that encourages them to check out our wonderful databases, book-news emails and other cool stuff. And my coworkers congratulated me on the closing!
Tomorrow I have Ministry and Worship Committee meeting, then more work on the townhome! I made measurements of major living room furniture (sofa plus all the bookcases) and am bringing the measuring tape to see what can fit where.
We'll let you know when we're ready for visitors! We have that extra double bed (mattress is in fine condition!) and can rent out a "guest house" through the co-op. There are also several hotels around.
We will email the address and our new phone number out soon, and send by snail mail eventually.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
New home--update
We close on the townhome this Friday at 2 pm. Eeeeeeeeeek!
We're moving the 20th. Double Eeeeeeeeeek! I plan on buying a new White Mousie for Ivan, throwing it in the cat carrier (of course he'll follow) and hoping he won't be too traumatized by the trip.
Packing completed so far: 1 suitcase, 1 large box.
We're moving the 20th. Double Eeeeeeeeeek! I plan on buying a new White Mousie for Ivan, throwing it in the cat carrier (of course he'll follow) and hoping he won't be too traumatized by the trip.
Packing completed so far: 1 suitcase, 1 large box.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Ants! and one kittycat
Now that we've vanquished the sugar ants (the teeny kind about the size of chocolate sprinkles only skinnier) after three weeks' battle, we have the BIG ANTS. Some of them are the size of tractor-trailers! Well, SUVs. (Would you believe, Matchbox cars?)
Two applications of Orange Guard didn't work, so I think I'll try a repeat of what finally worked for the sugar ants:
1. serious cleaning of kitchen countertop
2. wiping down countertop with bleach
3. letting bleach stay on a while.
4. washing off bleach and applying Orange Guard.
Oh, and speaking of chocolate sprinkles, for the libray's Summer Reading Club kickoff (theme this year: bugs) one "Bug Olympics" event will be "eating bugs"--that is, eating chocolate sprinkles off a plate without using your hands. I hope I get stationed in that room for part of the time, though I did volunteer my face-painting skills to paint butterflies and such on kids.
Speaking of the library, we are in Major Budget Turmoil. I won't trouble you with the detail. No one will lose their jobs but we could get some deeeeep materials budget cuts (which I suspect will just about kill any chance of picking up new manga series) and close on Sundays.
Ivan has a new meow--specially for letting us know he wants to play with the Feline Flyer, The Greatest Toy Ever! Speaking of Ivan, he was just making mysterious noises in the bathroom. He'd opened the vanity drawers and was looking for toy mousies to play with. (Of course Ivan can open drawers! What do you think, we have a stupid uncoordinated cat?) Sooo, I got a mousie out of the High Hide-Things-From-Ivan drawer and let him go at it. Poor mousie's nearly lost half his tail already.
Two applications of Orange Guard didn't work, so I think I'll try a repeat of what finally worked for the sugar ants:
1. serious cleaning of kitchen countertop
2. wiping down countertop with bleach
3. letting bleach stay on a while.
4. washing off bleach and applying Orange Guard.
Oh, and speaking of chocolate sprinkles, for the libray's Summer Reading Club kickoff (theme this year: bugs) one "Bug Olympics" event will be "eating bugs"--that is, eating chocolate sprinkles off a plate without using your hands. I hope I get stationed in that room for part of the time, though I did volunteer my face-painting skills to paint butterflies and such on kids.
Speaking of the library, we are in Major Budget Turmoil. I won't trouble you with the detail. No one will lose their jobs but we could get some deeeeep materials budget cuts (which I suspect will just about kill any chance of picking up new manga series) and close on Sundays.
Ivan has a new meow--specially for letting us know he wants to play with the Feline Flyer, The Greatest Toy Ever! Speaking of Ivan, he was just making mysterious noises in the bathroom. He'd opened the vanity drawers and was looking for toy mousies to play with. (Of course Ivan can open drawers! What do you think, we have a stupid uncoordinated cat?) Sooo, I got a mousie out of the High Hide-Things-From-Ivan drawer and let him go at it. Poor mousie's nearly lost half his tail already.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Life...lemons and lemonade
I didn't get that promotion I applied for. All I have to say about that is, [commentary in video below; rated PG]
Our loan and mortgage were approved, and things look good so far for our application to get into the co-op, so we'll be moving next month anyway (Yaaay!!) That will keep me plenty busy!
Our loan and mortgage were approved, and things look good so far for our application to get into the co-op, so we'll be moving next month anyway (Yaaay!!) That will keep me plenty busy!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
NerdPic of the day (specially for physics and cat lovers)
When you're bored at work and type "lolcat" into Clusty's Image Search you find something cool likethis.
We're still wading through financial paperwork on the townhome, and the co-op has received our application.
It's raining. A lot.
We're still wading through financial paperwork on the townhome, and the co-op has received our application.
It's raining. A lot.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Our new home!!
We met with our mortgage loan officer yesterday--delightful woman, very helpful and explained everything cheerfully--and took another look at the co-op townhouse, partly to decide whether we want to keep the mattress the sellers left. For details on the mattress, and numerous pictures by Ken the excellent picture-taker, see the web album on my Picasa site!
Gotta download some financial data for our loan officer now before I go to work...
Gotta download some financial data for our loan officer now before I go to work...
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Now that the homestudy is just about done...
We're buying a townhome!! Ken just heard from the realtor that the buyer has decided to go with our bid (for a 2 BR one bath townhome in, yes, Greenbelt Co-op (see previous blog entry for details.) Ken fell in love with this one Saturday; I went to see it Sunday and fell in love too. The yard is fantastic--large (the townhome is an end unit) and beautifully landscaped, with azaleas and a fishpond (!) The best is, though, on one side it links to a common lawn and on another it backs onto a forest preserve (part of a national agricultural station). The other two sides are the side yard and a side street and of course the townhome. Which is in move-in condition with a nice galley kitchen (a bit larger than ours), a dining/living room, and then two bedrooms and a bath upstairs, and an attic above that.
Pictures to come!!
Since we will be moving very soon (mid-June!), we may hold off on submitting our homestudy till we can get anything necessary (sanitary inspection, etc.) done on the new place till we submit the final homestudy. Our social worker is checking on that.
Oh, and tomorrow I have an interview for a promotion at work...
Pictures to come!!
Since we will be moving very soon (mid-June!), we may hold off on submitting our homestudy till we can get anything necessary (sanitary inspection, etc.) done on the new place till we submit the final homestudy. Our social worker is checking on that.
Oh, and tomorrow I have an interview for a promotion at work...
Thursday, May 01, 2008
And now for something completely different...
Well, now that the homestudy paperwork has been submitted, we've started looking for a home to buy. We are both very impressed with Greenbelt Homes, a co-op community started as a New Deal initiative in the 1930s. Most of the buildings were built in the 1930s and early 40s so they are very sturdy! We went to an information night, because a co-op is not quite like a condo--see the website's section "what is a cooperative?" for details. (No, it's not like a commune...much)
We saw our first townhouse (most of the community is made up of townhouses in blocks of 4 or so) Monday night. It's a 2-bedroom, small but nicely built and impeccably maintained (though we weren't crazy about the paint colors in a couple of the rooms.) The coop rarely allows rentals or sublets so just about everyone has "buy-in" to the welfare of the place, and they're big on preventive maintenance.
We're looking at the frame-construction 2-bedrooms. As I said, small but there's storage space (an attic crawlspace where you can stand up in the middle--I said I'd send Ken up there with his laptop though with a baby he may want to go there for peace and quiet!) There are also family events both in the coop community and in the town. And, as the name implies, trees and a woodland trail (and playgrounds!)
Lastly, Ken's commute would be about 1/2 hour each way; mine would be about 45 min.
On the adoption front, we meet one more time with our social worker next Wednesday, and the paperwork is in process. We should get the "green light" from the agency in a month or two. In the meantime we've been encouraged to select pictures for a family photo album and to start writing a "dear birthparent" letter for people considering placing a baby for adoption, so they can see what wonderful parents we would make!
We saw our first townhouse (most of the community is made up of townhouses in blocks of 4 or so) Monday night. It's a 2-bedroom, small but nicely built and impeccably maintained (though we weren't crazy about the paint colors in a couple of the rooms.) The coop rarely allows rentals or sublets so just about everyone has "buy-in" to the welfare of the place, and they're big on preventive maintenance.
We're looking at the frame-construction 2-bedrooms. As I said, small but there's storage space (an attic crawlspace where you can stand up in the middle--I said I'd send Ken up there with his laptop though with a baby he may want to go there for peace and quiet!) There are also family events both in the coop community and in the town. And, as the name implies, trees and a woodland trail (and playgrounds!)
Lastly, Ken's commute would be about 1/2 hour each way; mine would be about 45 min.
On the adoption front, we meet one more time with our social worker next Wednesday, and the paperwork is in process. We should get the "green light" from the agency in a month or two. In the meantime we've been encouraged to select pictures for a family photo album and to start writing a "dear birthparent" letter for people considering placing a baby for adoption, so they can see what wonderful parents we would make!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Homestudy Paperwork Is In!!!
*huuuuge sigh of relief*
We handed in our paperwork, after a wonderful two-hour talk with Jennifer about cross-racial parenting and families (She's an expert--not only a social worker and an adoption educator but a Caucasian mom of two African-American teens!) She seemed quite pleased with our perspectives and thoughts. Ken also thought she simply enjoyed talking with us. He was definitely humorous at times!
Sooo... now we wait for our social worker to compile our stuff, send us a copy to review, and then the agency people decide if they want to take us on and put us in the "baby pool." All signs indicate we're likely to be accepted, but it's still just a bit unnerving, waiting for approval. That and we need to start getting together a "dear birthparent" letter (telling a potential birthmom and dad about us and why we want to adopt a baby) and a scrapbook of our lives. This will be one of the most important "projects" of our lives--choosing phrases and pictures to express who we are and what sort of parents we would be, with the intention of convincing someone to choose us to be their biological child's "forever family."
We handed in our paperwork, after a wonderful two-hour talk with Jennifer about cross-racial parenting and families (She's an expert--not only a social worker and an adoption educator but a Caucasian mom of two African-American teens!) She seemed quite pleased with our perspectives and thoughts. Ken also thought she simply enjoyed talking with us. He was definitely humorous at times!
Sooo... now we wait for our social worker to compile our stuff, send us a copy to review, and then the agency people decide if they want to take us on and put us in the "baby pool." All signs indicate we're likely to be accepted, but it's still just a bit unnerving, waiting for approval. That and we need to start getting together a "dear birthparent" letter (telling a potential birthmom and dad about us and why we want to adopt a baby) and a scrapbook of our lives. This will be one of the most important "projects" of our lives--choosing phrases and pictures to express who we are and what sort of parents we would be, with the intention of convincing someone to choose us to be their biological child's "forever family."
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Nearly Done with Adoption Homestudy!
Hooray!!!
We're nearly done with the homestudy paperwork! We got Ken's NJ driver's record the other day, I found Ivan's latest vet records, and we attended the agenc'y transracial adoption seminar (it's the third one down--yes, we'd be taking the first two later on also!) We're considering a child of any ethnicity (or, more likely, combination of ethnic origins, this is the US!).
All we have to do now is finish our net worth statement, sign a few papers, and get our sanitary survey approval (the water people didn't send their test results to our Health Dept. sanitary-survey guy so I plan to fax them to him Monday).
Thursday we meet with Jennifer, who handles adoptive-parent training, and (I hope!) hand in the homestudy packet!
Then...
We wait for approval from the agency to be put in their domestic "baby pool."
Then "all" we have to do is take more classes (as mentioned above), do a scrapbook about our lives and what great parents we'd make for potential birthparents to read, and wait for a birth mom or birthparents to decide they want us to adopt their baby! Then of course there's getting the baby, the 30 days' wait to finalize the adoption in the courthouse for a child to be truly ours!
Almost makes 10 lunar cycles of pregnancy ending in labor and delivery look easy, doesn't it? Almost.
We're nearly done with the homestudy paperwork! We got Ken's NJ driver's record the other day, I found Ivan's latest vet records, and we attended the agenc'y transracial adoption seminar (it's the third one down--yes, we'd be taking the first two later on also!) We're considering a child of any ethnicity (or, more likely, combination of ethnic origins, this is the US!).
All we have to do now is finish our net worth statement, sign a few papers, and get our sanitary survey approval (the water people didn't send their test results to our Health Dept. sanitary-survey guy so I plan to fax them to him Monday).
Thursday we meet with Jennifer, who handles adoptive-parent training, and (I hope!) hand in the homestudy packet!
Then...
We wait for approval from the agency to be put in their domestic "baby pool."
Then "all" we have to do is take more classes (as mentioned above), do a scrapbook about our lives and what great parents we'd make for potential birthparents to read, and wait for a birth mom or birthparents to decide they want us to adopt their baby! Then of course there's getting the baby, the 30 days' wait to finalize the adoption in the courthouse for a child to be truly ours!
Almost makes 10 lunar cycles of pregnancy ending in labor and delivery look easy, doesn't it? Almost.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Soon the story will be told...
Pictures from my Anime Boston experience are coming! As soon as I can figure out Picasa's Web Album feature, that is...
here's one for now of me and my friend Mariella cosplaying (dressing up and acting like characters from a manga or anime).
We're Hikaru (me, in yellow) and Sai from Hikaru no Go. More details and pics later!
here's one for now of me and my friend Mariella cosplaying (dressing up and acting like characters from a manga or anime).
We're Hikaru (me, in yellow) and Sai from Hikaru no Go. More details and pics later!
ignore this message
You didn't ignore it! What did I tell you???
I messed up using Picasa and Blogger, okay? I'm not the great ubergeek webmistress you all think I am!
(hee hee hee)
I messed up using Picasa and Blogger, okay? I'm not the great ubergeek webmistress you all think I am!
(hee hee hee)
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Argh!
Note to my subconscious: this is not a funny April Fool's joke.
I had my first homeowner nightmare last night. We bought a Greenbelt Coop* frame house (they're a lot cheaper than the brick or block ones) sight unseen and OMG it was awful. Gaps between the floorboards, nothing underneath them but the first floor, and a running gap between the floor and one whole side of an outside wall. And the building swayed when you jumped hard. It really felt real, which was the truly scary part. Oh, and it was in either North or South Carolina. Mom and Dad had to come rescue me because I was practically hysterical (Don't know where Ken was, probably working.)
Fortunately I was awakened by the water-testing guy calling to say he was coming around 9 or 9:30.
*Ken and I have been eyeing that community because it's affordable, has a close sense of community, and has lots of great amenities like a woodland trail, coop nursery, and community center.
I had my first homeowner nightmare last night. We bought a Greenbelt Coop* frame house (they're a lot cheaper than the brick or block ones) sight unseen and OMG it was awful. Gaps between the floorboards, nothing underneath them but the first floor, and a running gap between the floor and one whole side of an outside wall. And the building swayed when you jumped hard. It really felt real, which was the truly scary part. Oh, and it was in either North or South Carolina. Mom and Dad had to come rescue me because I was practically hysterical (Don't know where Ken was, probably working.)
Fortunately I was awakened by the water-testing guy calling to say he was coming around 9 or 9:30.
*Ken and I have been eyeing that community because it's affordable, has a close sense of community, and has lots of great amenities like a woodland trail, coop nursery, and community center.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Adoption update
The fire department guys have just left after doing our fire safety inspection. We flunked!! We flunked! The apartment numbers our landlady bought for us to put up are waaaay too small (they need to be 6 inches high, omigosh how unesthetic!). Also we need a smoke detector in the bedroom, and although it's not required we should get a new fire extinguisher.
They were very nice about it all (even after getting horribly lost trying to find our little roadway) and will be back next Sunday for a re-inspection.
Other stuff we have yet to do...
Get the Guardianship statement back from Ken's sister and brother-in-law, once they get it notarized.
Financial data: writing up our net worth, copying our recent pay stubs and tax returns, etc.
Photocopying lots of other documents (birth certificate, recent pay stubs, etc)
And Ken's NJ driver's license history. We got the Maryland forms back already and they're squeaky clean. We've already been investigated for criminal convictions; I guess the fact that we're not criminals isn't enough; the agency wants to make sure we aren't reckless drivers.
Aren't you bio parents glad "all" you had to go through was medical intervention as needed, morning sickness, maternity clothes, assorted health annoyances and, of course, labor?
They were very nice about it all (even after getting horribly lost trying to find our little roadway) and will be back next Sunday for a re-inspection.
Other stuff we have yet to do...
Get the Guardianship statement back from Ken's sister and brother-in-law, once they get it notarized.
Financial data: writing up our net worth, copying our recent pay stubs and tax returns, etc.
Photocopying lots of other documents (birth certificate, recent pay stubs, etc)
And Ken's NJ driver's license history. We got the Maryland forms back already and they're squeaky clean. We've already been investigated for criminal convictions; I guess the fact that we're not criminals isn't enough; the agency wants to make sure we aren't reckless drivers.
Aren't you bio parents glad "all" you had to go through was medical intervention as needed, morning sickness, maternity clothes, assorted health annoyances and, of course, labor?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Adoption Update, and Russian Blue cats!
First, we passed the Sanitary Survey!! The big question was whether our bedroom was big enough. I'd tried two books and one database of county law, and was working on my second federal law website and hadn't found the regulations, but we passed anyway--had to have a 135 sq. ft. bedroom and it was 151 sq. ft. Yay!
We should get a call about scheduling our fire safety inspection next week. Meanwhile, our motor vehicle records are in process (I hope).
I found this link to an article from Cat Fancy magazine on Russian Blue cats, Ivan's breed. Ivan runs pretty true to form: intelligent, able to amuse himself, shy but affectionate with the family (also Mathew and Stasa, cat-loving friends whom he adores) and looking as if he's up to something (which he often is!)
We should get a call about scheduling our fire safety inspection next week. Meanwhile, our motor vehicle records are in process (I hope).
I found this link to an article from Cat Fancy magazine on Russian Blue cats, Ivan's breed. Ivan runs pretty true to form: intelligent, able to amuse himself, shy but affectionate with the family (also Mathew and Stasa, cat-loving friends whom he adores) and looking as if he's up to something (which he often is!)
Saturday, March 15, 2008
My first flower!
Today I peeked out on the deck (while Ivan was enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of The Great Out There) and my first Johnny-Jump-Up has bloomed!
Many thanks again to Tom for sending me pansy and Johnny-Jump-Up seeds when mine in the front pot were uprooted.
Many thanks again to Tom for sending me pansy and Johnny-Jump-Up seeds when mine in the front pot were uprooted.
stuff for expectant adoptive parents!
I was surfing on Cafe Press, which has t-shirts, bumper stickers, buttons, and so on for everything. I simply had to check out their adoptive-parent stuff again (remembering to type in "adoption" and "baby" because there's a lot on adopting pets. The AdoptionMama site had some wonderful things so I surfed over to them!
The shirts/pins I most identified with were, of course "paper pregnant" and the "Still Waiting" shirt, which says: "Yes, I am still adopting. No, I haven't heard anything yet. "But each day brings me closer to my child." Hard to remember that sometimes...And I'm not even waiting to hear yet, just working on my paperwork. Which brings me closer: best encouragement possible to do it!
Wish they had more stuff for dads (e.g. Ken), though some stuff is unisex...
Speaking of Paper Pregnant, my cold is sadly keeping me away from Palm Sunday in New Paltz with the family. Sooo...I have plans to get the NJ Motor Vehicles info form for Ken to fill out, and to pester him to do that--we just did the MD one this afternoon! Also we'll put in a call to Karen & Ben about the guardianship papers. Then we'll only have the financial stuff and a lot of photocopying (birth certificates, etc) to do.
Tuesday we have the Sanitary Survey and get to find out whether our bedroom is considered big enough for two adults and an infant. If not, everything goes on hold till we find a new place and move. In that case, oh *$%(!
The shirts/pins I most identified with were, of course "paper pregnant" and the "Still Waiting" shirt, which says: "Yes, I am still adopting. No, I haven't heard anything yet. "But each day brings me closer to my child." Hard to remember that sometimes...And I'm not even waiting to hear yet, just working on my paperwork. Which brings me closer: best encouragement possible to do it!
Wish they had more stuff for dads (e.g. Ken), though some stuff is unisex...
Speaking of Paper Pregnant, my cold is sadly keeping me away from Palm Sunday in New Paltz with the family. Sooo...I have plans to get the NJ Motor Vehicles info form for Ken to fill out, and to pester him to do that--we just did the MD one this afternoon! Also we'll put in a call to Karen & Ben about the guardianship papers. Then we'll only have the financial stuff and a lot of photocopying (birth certificates, etc) to do.
Tuesday we have the Sanitary Survey and get to find out whether our bedroom is considered big enough for two adults and an infant. If not, everything goes on hold till we find a new place and move. In that case, oh *$%(!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Turning Political Hanky-Panky into Catchy Advertising
When you see an online article titled "Politicians Spanked by Virgin" you simply have to read it...
This from Al Kamen's "In the Loop" column at the Washington Post:
A photo of Spitzer, Love Client No. 9, has a bubble that says "I'm tired of being treated like a number."
Well, not to worry, gov'ner. "At Virgin Mobile, you're more than just a number," the ad says. "When you call us we'll treat you like a person, not a client. Whether you're #9 or #900, you'll get hooked up with somebody who'll finally treat you just how you want to be treated."
A Virgin ad last week focused on lower rates and featured Hillary Clinton with this thought bubble: "I wish my bill wasn't so out of control." Switching to Virgin Mobile's "no-con contracts" the ad says, will let you "finally put your bill back in its place," and show you "how you can get your bill to behave."
*snigger*
This from Al Kamen's "In the Loop" column at the Washington Post:
A photo of Spitzer, Love Client No. 9, has a bubble that says "I'm tired of being treated like a number."
Well, not to worry, gov'ner. "At Virgin Mobile, you're more than just a number," the ad says. "When you call us we'll treat you like a person, not a client. Whether you're #9 or #900, you'll get hooked up with somebody who'll finally treat you just how you want to be treated."
A Virgin ad last week focused on lower rates and featured Hillary Clinton with this thought bubble: "I wish my bill wasn't so out of control." Switching to Virgin Mobile's "no-con contracts" the ad says, will let you "finally put your bill back in its place," and show you "how you can get your bill to behave."
*snigger*
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Evil Fun New Novel
I subscribe to three "Dear Reader" e-mailings through work, so I get to read a couple of chapters' worth of a recent general fiction and mystery fiction book each week, and a science fiction every other week. This week's general fiction is Anonymous Lawyer by Jeremy Blachman. So far it's a howl! Here are a couple of excerpts:
"I see you. I see you walking by my office, trying to look like you have a reason to be there. But you don't. I see the guilty look on your face. You try not to make eye contact. ...You think I'm naive, but I know what you're doing. But she's my secretary, not yours, and her candy belongs to me, not you. And if I have a say in whether or not you ever become a partner at this firm--and trust me, I do--I'm not going to forget this. My secretary. My candy. ..."
"And stop stealing my stapler, too. I shouldn't have to go wandering the halls looking for a stapler. I'm a partner at a half-billion-dollar law firm. Staplers should be lining up at my desk, begging for me to use them."
I can understand how Anonymous Lawyer feels about his stapler. My desk is near the copier. And the volunteers' work table. And the door. I can't keep a pencil for more than a week, and my scissors periodically disappear. The stapler? I keep it in the drawer at all times unless *I* am actually using it myself. I also hoard pencils in the drawer.
Barbara has the candy, though. She's not a secretary (only major honchos at Headquarters get secretaries and then they have to share them with another honcho), but a part-timer who likes to keep us (staff, volunteers, pages and the delivery and maintenance guys from Headquarters) in miniature wrapped candies. We like Barbara.
"I see you. I see you walking by my office, trying to look like you have a reason to be there. But you don't. I see the guilty look on your face. You try not to make eye contact. ...You think I'm naive, but I know what you're doing. But she's my secretary, not yours, and her candy belongs to me, not you. And if I have a say in whether or not you ever become a partner at this firm--and trust me, I do--I'm not going to forget this. My secretary. My candy. ..."
"And stop stealing my stapler, too. I shouldn't have to go wandering the halls looking for a stapler. I'm a partner at a half-billion-dollar law firm. Staplers should be lining up at my desk, begging for me to use them."
I can understand how Anonymous Lawyer feels about his stapler. My desk is near the copier. And the volunteers' work table. And the door. I can't keep a pencil for more than a week, and my scissors periodically disappear. The stapler? I keep it in the drawer at all times unless *I* am actually using it myself. I also hoard pencils in the drawer.
Barbara has the candy, though. She's not a secretary (only major honchos at Headquarters get secretaries and then they have to share them with another honcho), but a part-timer who likes to keep us (staff, volunteers, pages and the delivery and maintenance guys from Headquarters) in miniature wrapped candies. We like Barbara.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
yuck...
I'm down for the third day in a row with an awful cold--I think every cavity in my head is full of one substance or another. I'm going to the doctor to see if I'm doing something wrong or if there's a drug that will help other than the spray decongestant and massive amounts of salt-water gargling and water-and-Throat-Comfort-Tea-drinking and resting I'm doing.
I must get better--Thursday I'm scheduled to host our Goth/Ninja/Monster/Whatever sock-puppet making at work (which I'm so excited about!) and Saturday we're supposed to go up to Mom & Dad's for Palm Sunday! I'm also afraid Ken will get this awfulness just in time for Palm Sunday/his birthday.
Could be worse, though, it's just a bad cold ...
I must get better--Thursday I'm scheduled to host our Goth/Ninja/Monster/Whatever sock-puppet making at work (which I'm so excited about!) and Saturday we're supposed to go up to Mom & Dad's for Palm Sunday! I'm also afraid Ken will get this awfulness just in time for Palm Sunday/his birthday.
Could be worse, though, it's just a bad cold ...
Friday, March 07, 2008
More Adoption Paperwork progress, and thoughts
More inspiration this week at work: I've helped delightful children of various ages find everything from mystery stories to books on ducks.
So far I've sent out all 3 reference questions and sent out requests for fire and safety inspections. Today I plan to fill out our part of the guardianship paper and the Motor Vehicles info request (yes, they want to make sure we're safe drivers, even though they've already had our fingerprints and police records checked out!) Then I need to find and copy birth certificates and fill out assorted financial data.
I kinda wish bio parents had to do all this before they were allowed to get pregnant, like they have to on Beta Colony in Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga. Just minimal stuff, no need for lots of money or sanity, just enough to be able to safely care for a child.
Next weekend we'll be back "home" for Palm Sunday! And Ken's birthday (right on Palm Sunday this year).
So far I've sent out all 3 reference questions and sent out requests for fire and safety inspections. Today I plan to fill out our part of the guardianship paper and the Motor Vehicles info request (yes, they want to make sure we're safe drivers, even though they've already had our fingerprints and police records checked out!) Then I need to find and copy birth certificates and fill out assorted financial data.
I kinda wish bio parents had to do all this before they were allowed to get pregnant, like they have to on Beta Colony in Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga. Just minimal stuff, no need for lots of money or sanity, just enough to be able to safely care for a child.
Next weekend we'll be back "home" for Palm Sunday! And Ken's birthday (right on Palm Sunday this year).
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Finally, some adoption-paperwork progress!
I got off my butt this week and did some paperwork. Our requests for fire and sanitary surveys (from the appropriate county agencies) are mailed out. I've also sent out two of our three references, and gotten one back already (from our landlady, who "wrote nothing but kind things because that's all I know about you")!
Ivan was literally bouncing around the living room as I worked on the computer with our 50-odd-page adoption packet, printing things out. If he thinks it's hard to get my attention now, just wait, little kitty! (I suspect he'll end up cuddling with me and the baby.)
Met a foster grandmother this morning at the library with a beautiful one-month-old boy--sweet little African-American boy with lots of hair. They're waiting for the call that his "forever family" is ready for him!
Our turn, we hope, in one to two years! First we have to get all our paperwork and inspections done.
Ivan was literally bouncing around the living room as I worked on the computer with our 50-odd-page adoption packet, printing things out. If he thinks it's hard to get my attention now, just wait, little kitty! (I suspect he'll end up cuddling with me and the baby.)
Met a foster grandmother this morning at the library with a beautiful one-month-old boy--sweet little African-American boy with lots of hair. They're waiting for the call that his "forever family" is ready for him!
Our turn, we hope, in one to two years! First we have to get all our paperwork and inspections done.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Random life-stuff again!
First off, some cool forensic work: what J.S. Bach looked like!
I think he looks kind. (I hope he was, considering the passel of kids he had!)
Ken's parents agreed to the trip to the Mutter Museum the day after Easter! So we will have fun geeking out together (probably after lunch).
I'm applying for a promotion, again--but this time to be the Collection Development Assistant for our library system. I plan on brushing up my resume and doing a cover letter this weekend. I'm very excited about the possibility--I'd love to work on buying books & media and doing other things related to our collections!
Ivan is as adorable and demanding as ever. I've never heard a cat give such a single long "Meeeeeeeeeeoooooowwww!"
I think he looks kind. (I hope he was, considering the passel of kids he had!)
Ken's parents agreed to the trip to the Mutter Museum the day after Easter! So we will have fun geeking out together (probably after lunch).
I'm applying for a promotion, again--but this time to be the Collection Development Assistant for our library system. I plan on brushing up my resume and doing a cover letter this weekend. I'm very excited about the possibility--I'd love to work on buying books & media and doing other things related to our collections!
Ivan is as adorable and demanding as ever. I've never heard a cat give such a single long "Meeeeeeeeeeoooooowwww!"
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
geeking out and other random stuff
First off, Blacker than Black: A scientist has created a black substance that absorbes more than 99 percent of light, according to the Washington Post. The substance could render something invisible, which means yes, it's of great interest to the Defense Department. It's also ideal for highly efficient solar panels since it absorbes virtually all light. And then, one could make a Harry Potteresque Invisibility Cloak from it...
This invention has wonderful applications for science fiction stories. I'm definitely keeping it in mind. And it was invented in NY State (at RPI, not all that far from you, Dave...)
Secondly, I have a master's degree and I can't close out a frigging cash register. I must have turned the key the wrong way and once I did that no amount of hitting the "clear" key or even turning the machine off would help. Finally I called my coworker who uses the *$%& thing regularly and she got me to the point where I could get the cash drawer out and lock it up safely. Bah.
Nothing new on the adoption or home-hunting front.
I did tell you all I'm going to Anime Boston, didn't I? Have to decorate my T-shirt for my day costume. Yes, I'll post pictures. I'm going to look like the kid on the cover of this book. Well, kind of. You might even want to try reading Hikaru no Go (Ralph, it's about right for your older kids--they'll get some Japanese culture and learn about a complex strategy game as well as reading a fun story! I think it may be up Brian's alley).
This invention has wonderful applications for science fiction stories. I'm definitely keeping it in mind. And it was invented in NY State (at RPI, not all that far from you, Dave...)
Secondly, I have a master's degree and I can't close out a frigging cash register. I must have turned the key the wrong way and once I did that no amount of hitting the "clear" key or even turning the machine off would help. Finally I called my coworker who uses the *$%& thing regularly and she got me to the point where I could get the cash drawer out and lock it up safely. Bah.
Nothing new on the adoption or home-hunting front.
I did tell you all I'm going to Anime Boston, didn't I? Have to decorate my T-shirt for my day costume. Yes, I'll post pictures. I'm going to look like the kid on the cover of this book. Well, kind of. You might even want to try reading Hikaru no Go (Ralph, it's about right for your older kids--they'll get some Japanese culture and learn about a complex strategy game as well as reading a fun story! I think it may be up Brian's alley).
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day
We had a lovely elegant dinner last night, and when I got up this morning Ken had left me a most beautiful Valentine, rose-colored velveteen with beautiful sayings and words of his own written in his Japanese-calligraphy pen.
There's so much around about "love" today, but love is so much more than the romantic relationship between a man and a woman that I am so blessed with.
Here's to the many other kinds of love...
...to friends who support you by words or hugs or humor or whatever is needed or wanted
...to parents, grandparents and other caretakers who sacrifice so much in loving care to children of all ages, especially those allegedly "difficult" to love
...to same-sex romantic couples whose love is treated as an oddity at best and evil at worst, instead of as the blessed gift it is
...to people in unrequited love with all the bittersweetness of that particular adoration
::hugs to all::
There's so much around about "love" today, but love is so much more than the romantic relationship between a man and a woman that I am so blessed with.
Here's to the many other kinds of love...
...to friends who support you by words or hugs or humor or whatever is needed or wanted
...to parents, grandparents and other caretakers who sacrifice so much in loving care to children of all ages, especially those allegedly "difficult" to love
...to same-sex romantic couples whose love is treated as an oddity at best and evil at worst, instead of as the blessed gift it is
...to people in unrequited love with all the bittersweetness of that particular adoration
::hugs to all::
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Cool scientific advancement!
Scientists have created an embryo with three parents as part of research to prevent congenital defects that result from abnormalities in the mother's mitochondria.
Practical results are far off but the research is exciting and promising.
I loved cellular biology in school, can you tell? I love the idea of healthy babies even more.
Note to Lisa: I got the Hudson Valley brochure last Wednesday, Jan. 30. I lost your email and didn't get an answering machine when I called you, so I'm trying here...
Practical results are far off but the research is exciting and promising.
I loved cellular biology in school, can you tell? I love the idea of healthy babies even more.
Note to Lisa: I got the Hudson Valley brochure last Wednesday, Jan. 30. I lost your email and didn't get an answering machine when I called you, so I'm trying here...
Saturday, February 02, 2008
My life--random bits
After more than a year of waiting for my very own PC at work (Every Librarian I was supposed to have one over a year ago), two weeks of it not working partially or entirely, two in-person visits and numerous remote fixing attempts by our computer staff, it finally worked yesterday.
That same day we had leaks again at work over some tech equipment. Amazingly, not over my new PC. Yes, I was in charge.
Season 2 of Torchwood started on BBCAmerica last Saturday. I've linked to Wikipedia because those bloody Brits have their link closed to non-UK people for rights reasons--and no link to an alternate site. It's a great combination of science fiction, amazing character interactions and, well, sexual innuendo galore. Not to mention Capt. Jack Harkness is totally hot.
I've applied to attend the Maryland Library Leadership Institute this summer. Gah, it was like applying to college again--six mini-essays and three recommendations. Even if I don't get in, writing out my accomplishments and what inspires me in detail was good for me, and reading the recommendations was wonderful for my self-esteem!
Still dragging our heels on adoption paperwork except that we both now have our physicals done. You'll be glad to hear neither of us have TB, our EKGs were normal and we have our diphtheria/tetanus/whooping cough shots. The psych evals come later (you think I'm kidding?)
Ken & I caught an hourlong special on The Mutter Museum on TV this morning (this is our idea of quality bonding time). Mom & Dad C, we're thinking we could all go the day after Easter for a visit. I am not kidding (Mom and Dad J. breathe a sigh of relief that they aren't being asked--yet.)
I'm going to Anime Boston in March--attending and staying with one of my anime friends and hoping to meet another one. Need to make my Amtrak reservations and haunt Goodwill for shirts to cosplay Hikaru from Hikaru no Go--the kid in front with the blond bangs. (on the right in the ancient Japanese court costume). Yes, I'm going to pretend I'm a 12 year old boy.
Going to have lunch and do laundry soon and hit Goodwill for a yellow T-shirt...
That same day we had leaks again at work over some tech equipment. Amazingly, not over my new PC. Yes, I was in charge.
Season 2 of Torchwood started on BBCAmerica last Saturday. I've linked to Wikipedia because those bloody Brits have their link closed to non-UK people for rights reasons--and no link to an alternate site. It's a great combination of science fiction, amazing character interactions and, well, sexual innuendo galore. Not to mention Capt. Jack Harkness is totally hot.
I've applied to attend the Maryland Library Leadership Institute this summer. Gah, it was like applying to college again--six mini-essays and three recommendations. Even if I don't get in, writing out my accomplishments and what inspires me in detail was good for me, and reading the recommendations was wonderful for my self-esteem!
Still dragging our heels on adoption paperwork except that we both now have our physicals done. You'll be glad to hear neither of us have TB, our EKGs were normal and we have our diphtheria/tetanus/whooping cough shots. The psych evals come later (you think I'm kidding?)
Ken & I caught an hourlong special on The Mutter Museum on TV this morning (this is our idea of quality bonding time). Mom & Dad C, we're thinking we could all go the day after Easter for a visit. I am not kidding (Mom and Dad J. breathe a sigh of relief that they aren't being asked--yet.)
I'm going to Anime Boston in March--attending and staying with one of my anime friends and hoping to meet another one. Need to make my Amtrak reservations and haunt Goodwill for shirts to cosplay Hikaru from Hikaru no Go--the kid in front with the blond bangs. (on the right in the ancient Japanese court costume). Yes, I'm going to pretend I'm a 12 year old boy.
Going to have lunch and do laundry soon and hit Goodwill for a yellow T-shirt...
Saturday, January 19, 2008
For nerds and other Trek fans
First, of all, a warning: the link has bad words in it.
Two of my Internet friends posted this interpretation/adaptation/parody of "The Trouble with Tribbles." I think it's a hoot but then I love classic Trek, cats, and parodies:
LOLtrek
PS: Ken, this is the link I told you about but you were too tired to come and look...
Two of my Internet friends posted this interpretation/adaptation/parody of "The Trouble with Tribbles." I think it's a hoot but then I love classic Trek, cats, and parodies:
LOLtrek
PS: Ken, this is the link I told you about but you were too tired to come and look...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Commentary on formula fantasy...
...and on Redwall in particular.
(go see the cartoon in the nice link...)
Seriously, a lot of fantasy rehashes The Lord of the Rings, or fairy-tale memes, or both (*cough*Harry Potter*cough*). I started reading Redwall (the book) several years ago to see what the fuss is about, and felt I didn't need to finish the book, let alone the series. It's entertaining, interesting, and I can see why many thousands enjoy it. Same for HP. But it doesn't capture my heart, not the way LOTR did and certain other fantasy and science fiction series still does (Just one example: Lois McMaster Bujold's "Vorkosigan Adventures" series).
My criteria for a great (as opposed to good, or enjoyable) story is:
1. The story has substantial original elements (The aforementioned Vorkosigan Adventures are one example. Babylon 5 (yes, the 1990s TV show) is another and if you like manga, Fullmetal Alchemist is a third. If you aren't familiar with at least one of the three you've been sadly deprived (in my opinion)!)
2. I half-believe the characters really exist somewhere. Like the original Star Trek characters, LOTR, The Left Hand of Darkness (by the immortal Ursula K. Le Guin) and the Vorkosigan stories. And that I start talking about them like they're real. Okay, okay, fellow feminists, all those stories have male main characters. But in LHOD only one character is male (my favorite, Estraven, is neither/both gender--read the book to find out, for heaven's sake, it's a brilliant work of genius) and the female characters in the Vorkosigan stories kick major butt in every way--especially Cordelia and my alter ego, Ekaterin.
Stories that fit both categories have my undying love. Stories that fit one of the two get my obsession (such as The God in Flight, soon to be on my Goodreads under "historical fiction").
I welcome commentary, disagreements (politely) and recommendations...
(go see the cartoon in the nice link...)
Seriously, a lot of fantasy rehashes The Lord of the Rings, or fairy-tale memes, or both (*cough*Harry Potter*cough*). I started reading Redwall (the book) several years ago to see what the fuss is about, and felt I didn't need to finish the book, let alone the series. It's entertaining, interesting, and I can see why many thousands enjoy it. Same for HP. But it doesn't capture my heart, not the way LOTR did and certain other fantasy and science fiction series still does (Just one example: Lois McMaster Bujold's "Vorkosigan Adventures" series).
My criteria for a great (as opposed to good, or enjoyable) story is:
1. The story has substantial original elements (The aforementioned Vorkosigan Adventures are one example. Babylon 5 (yes, the 1990s TV show) is another and if you like manga, Fullmetal Alchemist is a third. If you aren't familiar with at least one of the three you've been sadly deprived (in my opinion)!)
2. I half-believe the characters really exist somewhere. Like the original Star Trek characters, LOTR, The Left Hand of Darkness (by the immortal Ursula K. Le Guin) and the Vorkosigan stories. And that I start talking about them like they're real. Okay, okay, fellow feminists, all those stories have male main characters. But in LHOD only one character is male (my favorite, Estraven, is neither/both gender--read the book to find out, for heaven's sake, it's a brilliant work of genius) and the female characters in the Vorkosigan stories kick major butt in every way--especially Cordelia and my alter ego, Ekaterin.
Stories that fit both categories have my undying love. Stories that fit one of the two get my obsession (such as The God in Flight, soon to be on my Goodreads under "historical fiction").
I welcome commentary, disagreements (politely) and recommendations...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
That new thingie on my blog page
That little logo thingie to the left of this entry that says "Goodreads" (it's called a 'widget'--I'm serious!) is a link to my Goodreads page. If you click on it, you can find my reviews of the books I'm reading and have read, and a list of books I plan to read. It includes fiction of various kinds (including manga, of course) and nonfiction. Click and take a look if you like!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Political commentary
In case you haven't seen it yet, here's a notable new reporter's coverage of the Republican Presidential candidates' debate on Saturday night, right from the original webpage (which happens to be my husband's favorite blog community.)
The nicknames are the best part, I think.
The nicknames are the best part, I think.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Another day at the library...
This is another one of those things they don't teach you in library school that comes in handy.
On Friday, one of our part-timers flushed one of the staff toilets and broke the plastic arm that connects the handle with the "chain" (everything's plastic, really) that lifts the plunger to let the water in and out.
Walking into our maintenance closet, I found a replacement mechanism conveniently in front of my stomach.
So, after some scrutinizing of the mechanism (and, believe it or not, the directions,) I managed to install the piece, gave it a test flush, and proclaimed the results "working, though it may need slight adjustments) in a memo to my boss and our custodian.
I think I may change careers to "plumber." I'd make a lot more money...
On Friday, one of our part-timers flushed one of the staff toilets and broke the plastic arm that connects the handle with the "chain" (everything's plastic, really) that lifts the plunger to let the water in and out.
Walking into our maintenance closet, I found a replacement mechanism conveniently in front of my stomach.
So, after some scrutinizing of the mechanism (and, believe it or not, the directions,) I managed to install the piece, gave it a test flush, and proclaimed the results "working, though it may need slight adjustments) in a memo to my boss and our custodian.
I think I may change careers to "plumber." I'd make a lot more money...
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Crazy prospective adoptive mom
I've been reading Launching a Baby Adoption (yes, I'm reading about a zillion adopting books)--the part about decorating a nursery while waiting for a child, which set me searching for decorating themes I like. So, I was looking for Totoro-themed stuff and found Totoro knife-spoon-and-chopsticks set, a drinking cup, and of course lots of toys!
Don't even think of telling me you don't know who/what Totoro is. Just go to your local public library or video store and rent yourself My Neighbor Totoro. It's in the kids' section.
[added morning of 1/3/07]
Then I went and got a W&M Sears baby book on attachment parenting (some friends had highly recommended the Sears books as baby-care references) and just about had tears in my eyes picking up my first baby care book. And then while I was reading, a woman came up to the desk with a baby carrier asking if we had Microsoft. I helped her with the computer and she took the cover off the carrier (it was freezing outside!) to reveal her 7 week old son, who blinked blearily and opened his eyes as if to say "where the heck am I?" I said, "Hello! You're in the library for your first time!"
I am too sentimental for words.
Don't even think of telling me you don't know who/what Totoro is. Just go to your local public library or video store and rent yourself My Neighbor Totoro. It's in the kids' section.
[added morning of 1/3/07]
Then I went and got a W&M Sears baby book on attachment parenting (some friends had highly recommended the Sears books as baby-care references) and just about had tears in my eyes picking up my first baby care book. And then while I was reading, a woman came up to the desk with a baby carrier asking if we had Microsoft. I helped her with the computer and she took the cover off the carrier (it was freezing outside!) to reveal her 7 week old son, who blinked blearily and opened his eyes as if to say "where the heck am I?" I said, "Hello! You're in the library for your first time!"
I am too sentimental for words.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year, everyone!
First off, we're ploughing through our homestudy and paperwork for the adoption process. For those of you who heard about the possible birthmom we talked to in mid-December, no we still haven't heard from her and have given up. Meantime, we're preparing for the child we're meant to have in our family, whoever he or she will be!
Meantime, I've had lots of time with kids: Babies in Bloom 2 weeks ago at work; then a horde of husband's cousins' kids at Ed and Bonnie's holiday party. One of my favorite parts was Christmas carol singing with sorta-uncle-in-law Joe playing piano, cousin Eric playing trombone, and kids on rhythm instruments. Then, teenagers (eep!) with our anime club holding a computer-game day (2 hours actually, enough time to try and keep adolescents sorta reined in though they were also entertaining as all get-out). I got to see a Wii in action! No, I don't want one but I do want to learn Guitar Hero, or I would if I already didn't have a zillion other hobbies.
Then last Sunday/Firstday I did Nursery Care with five preschoolers. The new little guy--Aidan, age 4 1/2--wanted to play "housekeeping" so we made a play cake, were joined by another boy (awesome!) and we "made" muffins, hot dog with waffle (no plastic hot dog rolls in our pantry), hot chocolate and other goodies. Afterward Aidan wouldn't leave me alone. Fortunately his parents were charmed rather than alarmed (we were right by them the whole time), and my husband introduced them to our library and some basics of Quakerism (he's on the Library committee) while Aidan stuck to me like glue, literally.
No wonder everyone tells me I'd make a good mom!
Then Christmas eve at Aunt Sheila and Uncle Tony's with my family and grown-up "kids" to hear about Megan's stories of Spain, Chelsea's job (she supervises 9 times as many people as I do--amazing!), and a bit about Christine's life too. And lots of good wishes about our adoption plans. We also got to know Sarah (Dave's girlfriend) better, and eat the luscious rum cake they made! And to pet Kyra, who's finally stopped growling at Dad every time she sees him.
Now for New Year's Eve: After work yesterday (uneventful except for the seemingly-weekly stuffed-up toilet) we went to Szechuan Cafe for delicious Chinese steamed dumplings and two big plates of maki rolls. Then home to read, drink luscious maple liqueur (thanks to Karen and Ben--friends of theirs just started selling this creation of theirs, sadly in Vermont only), and go to sleep early. Hey, we both have colds, and we may as well sleep while we still can pre-baby!
Oh, speaking of Chinese dumplings, I read a great book--contemporary mainstream fiction, but it takes place in China so it's not completely mundane (for non-science fiction fans, that's what we call anything related to the "normal" world we usually eschew)--The Last Chinese Chef. Highly recommended if you love Chinese food, and culture as well as contemporary East meets West and oh, a touch of romance.
Meantime, I've had lots of time with kids: Babies in Bloom 2 weeks ago at work; then a horde of husband's cousins' kids at Ed and Bonnie's holiday party. One of my favorite parts was Christmas carol singing with sorta-uncle-in-law Joe playing piano, cousin Eric playing trombone, and kids on rhythm instruments. Then, teenagers (eep!) with our anime club holding a computer-game day (2 hours actually, enough time to try and keep adolescents sorta reined in though they were also entertaining as all get-out). I got to see a Wii in action! No, I don't want one but I do want to learn Guitar Hero, or I would if I already didn't have a zillion other hobbies.
Then last Sunday/Firstday I did Nursery Care with five preschoolers. The new little guy--Aidan, age 4 1/2--wanted to play "housekeeping" so we made a play cake, were joined by another boy (awesome!) and we "made" muffins, hot dog with waffle (no plastic hot dog rolls in our pantry), hot chocolate and other goodies. Afterward Aidan wouldn't leave me alone. Fortunately his parents were charmed rather than alarmed (we were right by them the whole time), and my husband introduced them to our library and some basics of Quakerism (he's on the Library committee) while Aidan stuck to me like glue, literally.
No wonder everyone tells me I'd make a good mom!
Then Christmas eve at Aunt Sheila and Uncle Tony's with my family and grown-up "kids" to hear about Megan's stories of Spain, Chelsea's job (she supervises 9 times as many people as I do--amazing!), and a bit about Christine's life too. And lots of good wishes about our adoption plans. We also got to know Sarah (Dave's girlfriend) better, and eat the luscious rum cake they made! And to pet Kyra, who's finally stopped growling at Dad every time she sees him.
Now for New Year's Eve: After work yesterday (uneventful except for the seemingly-weekly stuffed-up toilet) we went to Szechuan Cafe for delicious Chinese steamed dumplings and two big plates of maki rolls. Then home to read, drink luscious maple liqueur (thanks to Karen and Ben--friends of theirs just started selling this creation of theirs, sadly in Vermont only), and go to sleep early. Hey, we both have colds, and we may as well sleep while we still can pre-baby!
Oh, speaking of Chinese dumplings, I read a great book--contemporary mainstream fiction, but it takes place in China so it's not completely mundane (for non-science fiction fans, that's what we call anything related to the "normal" world we usually eschew)--The Last Chinese Chef. Highly recommended if you love Chinese food, and culture as well as contemporary East meets West and oh, a touch of romance.
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