Today I put Maxine's favorite new toy (a soft cloth jingle ball) a few feet away from her and as expected she started crawling towards it. A few feet past the ball was one of the new books her cousins sent her for Christmas. It's a Winnie the Pooh book called Lots of Pots. I've read this book to Maxine at least 10 times in the last few days and she really seems to enjoy it.
Turned out that although she loves her jingle ball, she went strait for the book. Even more surprising was that she took the book her in her hands and tapped it a few times. Then she looked strait at me with a sort of sad face. Of course I went over and read it to her (3 times). Three more times she picked the book over the ball.
I can't tell you how happy this made me. We started reading to her at 3 months and she's gradually shown more and more interest. I hope to read to her every day and hopefully plant the seeds of a favorite pass time.
Though I'm thrilled she likes to be read to, I sort of wish she'd like some of the other books we've read to her and not just the one. Don't get me wrong. Lots of Pots is a literary jewel in it of itself (lines like "red paint, blue paint, lots of red and blue paint" are hard to come by), but He Bear, She Bear; Green Eggs and Ham; and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie aren't bad either.
But either way, I'll say this. If she's hooked on one book I'm glad it's Lots of Pots and not Lots of Pot. That would be a whole different kind of book and one I probably wouldn't be thrilled about it.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Songs
NBC recently aired a special about the best Christmas moments ever on TV, which I only caught the last 15 minutes of, but enjoyed any way. They hooked me by playing a clip of Phoebe singing her Christmas song, of which my favorite line is "spin the dreidel, Rachel" because she couldn't find anything else to rhyme with Rachel. Love that Phoebe. If you haven't seen it or don't remember it, check it out here.
One of their top moments (#2, I believe) was Nate King Cole singing The Christmas Song, better known to many as Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire. They played the music video (is that what they were called back then?) of him and I have to say I was immediately awed by him. His smile is quite possibly the friendliest one I've ever seen and the way he was singing was so heartfelt and genuine. It got me thinking that it's probably why all those classic Christmas songs were and remain everyone's favorites. I'll take Nate King Cole over Destiny's Child signing any Christmas song, any time. I do like Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas is You. That song rocks.
But my all time favorite remains Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee. No other song puts me the Christmas mood like that one. Paul's favorite, by a landslide, is Feliz Navidad. Every Christmas while driving around, we crank up volume and pretend to sing along because the only words I think either of us knows is the feliz navidad part. Imagine it: Chinese guy, Indian girl in a Toyota in Minneapolis singing at the top of their lungs to a Spanish Christmas song. God bless the melting pot that is America!
One of their top moments (#2, I believe) was Nate King Cole singing The Christmas Song, better known to many as Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire. They played the music video (is that what they were called back then?) of him and I have to say I was immediately awed by him. His smile is quite possibly the friendliest one I've ever seen and the way he was singing was so heartfelt and genuine. It got me thinking that it's probably why all those classic Christmas songs were and remain everyone's favorites. I'll take Nate King Cole over Destiny's Child signing any Christmas song, any time. I do like Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas is You. That song rocks.
But my all time favorite remains Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee. No other song puts me the Christmas mood like that one. Paul's favorite, by a landslide, is Feliz Navidad. Every Christmas while driving around, we crank up volume and pretend to sing along because the only words I think either of us knows is the feliz navidad part. Imagine it: Chinese guy, Indian girl in a Toyota in Minneapolis singing at the top of their lungs to a Spanish Christmas song. God bless the melting pot that is America!
Monday, December 8, 2008
My First Ebay Auction
Call me a bit behind the trend, but I just bid on Ebay for the first time...and won! Recently I fell in love with a brand of shoes I'd never before heard of called Keens. Supposedly they were designed by a guy who used to work on boats or ships and he was constantly getting sore toes from knocking his shoes. (No idea if this is a common occurrence when sailing, or if it was just him, but this is how the story was told to me.) So he created Keens, which have a distinctive black ribbing around the toes.
But the real reason I fell for them? The first pair I saw were in red and I instantly wanted them. But give their $90 price tag, I couldn't quite convince my wallet. So I headed to Ebay, for the first time with the intent to bid, and typed in "keen presidio". Believe it or not there was only one pair in the color I wanted (tomato) and it was serendipitously in a size seven. Highest bid at the time? A mere $10.50. I registered, bid, and 12 hours later, I won.
Sweet victory, you come to me in the form of shoes!
They arrive later this week. Hopefully there won't be a post about the evils buying shoes on Ebay next...
But the real reason I fell for them? The first pair I saw were in red and I instantly wanted them. But give their $90 price tag, I couldn't quite convince my wallet. So I headed to Ebay, for the first time with the intent to bid, and typed in "keen presidio". Believe it or not there was only one pair in the color I wanted (tomato) and it was serendipitously in a size seven. Highest bid at the time? A mere $10.50. I registered, bid, and 12 hours later, I won.
Sweet victory, you come to me in the form of shoes!
They arrive later this week. Hopefully there won't be a post about the evils buying shoes on Ebay next...
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Mahjong
For Thanksgiving this year we went to Florida to visit Paul's family. It was a 9 day trip filled with good food, great company and some hard core mahjong.
If you've never played, I highly recommend it. It's a bit complicated at first. There are several different tile types and many different to win. One series of tiles features the Chinese characters for 1-9, which I rarely play because so far I've only memorized 1-6. You'd think it wouldn't matter because it's all fun and games, but think again because the Yu family plays for cold hard cash. Is it any wonder we get along so well? If you know me, you know I love me some gambling.
The down of mahjong? You can't really control how much money you lose. Unlike poker where you lose only what you wager, you won't know how much you're going to lose until the hand is over because the winnings are calculated by the type of win it is. For example, a hand with all pongs (3 of the exact same tiles) and the same suit with a self-pick last tile will get you $7.50 from each of the other 3 players. But a hand with pongs and chows (sequence tiles) of mixed suits will only get you $1.50. Feels great on the winning end, but not so much when you're losing.
Thanks to help from Connie, Didi and Paul, I did much better this time than in the past. Win or lose though, mahjong is one of my favorite's when visiting Paul's family.
If you've never played, I highly recommend it. It's a bit complicated at first. There are several different tile types and many different to win. One series of tiles features the Chinese characters for 1-9, which I rarely play because so far I've only memorized 1-6. You'd think it wouldn't matter because it's all fun and games, but think again because the Yu family plays for cold hard cash. Is it any wonder we get along so well? If you know me, you know I love me some gambling.
The down of mahjong? You can't really control how much money you lose. Unlike poker where you lose only what you wager, you won't know how much you're going to lose until the hand is over because the winnings are calculated by the type of win it is. For example, a hand with all pongs (3 of the exact same tiles) and the same suit with a self-pick last tile will get you $7.50 from each of the other 3 players. But a hand with pongs and chows (sequence tiles) of mixed suits will only get you $1.50. Feels great on the winning end, but not so much when you're losing.
Thanks to help from Connie, Didi and Paul, I did much better this time than in the past. Win or lose though, mahjong is one of my favorite's when visiting Paul's family.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Black and White Cookie
For years I have wanted to try the black and white cookie featured on Seinfeld (and less famously on Sex and the City). I have seen "The Dinner Party" episode of Seinfeld more times than I care to admit and each time I get such a hankering to try it.
Today was my lucky day! We are in Florida visiting Paul's family and met up with Paul's brother, Tom, and cousin, Didi, who took us to a great hole in the wall Mexican restaurant called El Toro Bravo. Awesome food! They put cilantro on the chimichanga and all I can say is that food can get in my belly any time.
Afterwards as we were walking to our car the smell fresh baked bread and cookies wafted up to my nose like a tsunami of gourmet goodness. Didi said it was the best Italian bakery in town and being that I'd never been in any real Italian bakery, I stopped dead in my tracks. Inside Paisano's there were dozens of cookies and breads and if I weren't so full, I would have tried several. Instead I "looked to the cookie", as Jerry would say.
Let me start by saying the presentation alone is quite appealing. The contrast of the dark brown and white frosting was an instead taste bud teaser. However, I am sad to report that while it was good, it was not the best cookie I've ever had. In fact it fell quite short of the expectations I had built up in my head. But it was still very good. The inside is like a cookie equivalent to yellow cake. The frosting was sweet but not too rich, just like I like it.
So will I look to the cookie again? Probably not, but I'm sure I'll get crave it each time I see that famous episode of Seinfeld.
Picture coming soon...
Today was my lucky day! We are in Florida visiting Paul's family and met up with Paul's brother, Tom, and cousin, Didi, who took us to a great hole in the wall Mexican restaurant called El Toro Bravo. Awesome food! They put cilantro on the chimichanga and all I can say is that food can get in my belly any time.
Afterwards as we were walking to our car the smell fresh baked bread and cookies wafted up to my nose like a tsunami of gourmet goodness. Didi said it was the best Italian bakery in town and being that I'd never been in any real Italian bakery, I stopped dead in my tracks. Inside Paisano's there were dozens of cookies and breads and if I weren't so full, I would have tried several. Instead I "looked to the cookie", as Jerry would say.
Let me start by saying the presentation alone is quite appealing. The contrast of the dark brown and white frosting was an instead taste bud teaser. However, I am sad to report that while it was good, it was not the best cookie I've ever had. In fact it fell quite short of the expectations I had built up in my head. But it was still very good. The inside is like a cookie equivalent to yellow cake. The frosting was sweet but not too rich, just like I like it.
So will I look to the cookie again? Probably not, but I'm sure I'll get crave it each time I see that famous episode of Seinfeld.
Picture coming soon...
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Five Years
Five years ago today Paul and I got married. I could gush and gush about how I have the best husband ever, but I'll leave that between just us.
So I'll keep this one short.
He is the best. I was fortunate enough to marry my best friend. Not only is he an amazing husband, but a wonderful father. I am one lucky girl.
So I'll keep this one short.
He is the best. I was fortunate enough to marry my best friend. Not only is he an amazing husband, but a wonderful father. I am one lucky girl.
Friday, November 21, 2008
I'm Going To Say It: Grey's Anatomy
I could throw up on the producers of Grey's. There, I said it.
Just when you think Izzie couldn't get any more annoying, they find a way. I found myself so irritated I actually started fast forwarding through her scenes. Supposedly hot ghost sex is not cool. Enough said.
I love British things as much as the next guy (just check out my DVD collection of The Vicar of Dibley, Chef! and Mr. Bean), but just because it has a British accent, doesn't make it good. Sadie, who I seriously hope is not going to be a regular, is possibly even more annoying than Izzie. Where do I begin? First, going around calling Meredith "Death" because it's her super cool secret nickname is lame. Second, no one who is smart enough to get through medical school would also be stupid enough to let a bunch of interns perform unnecessary surgery on them. I know, I know, it's a TV show and not real life, but keep in mind this show used to be awesome and SORT of believable at the same time.
Enter ghosts and Sadie, and it's all gone down hill. Bring back Addison, cut Sadie and enough with Denny.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Walking Through the Park and Reminiscing
As I walked to my car after work, the cold wind catching the gap between my scarf and my coat, I couldn't help but reminisce about this past summer.
Let me back up for a second. In the spring, when people would ask me when I was due, I'd say early summer. I'd usually add that it was going to be one of the most exciting summers of my life. A part of me reveled in the idea of having 3 months off again with no work, no school, no real schedule. The other 80% of me was scared shitless about having a baby.
The first several weeks felt impossible. I never slept more than 2 and half hours at a time and just as I did fall asleep, I'd wake up from a nightmare. I'd dream Maxine was falling off the counter or playing with a rattle snake. My mom and dad constantly offered to take Maxine so that I could have a nap while Paul was at work, but a big part of me felt that if we couldn't do it all on our own, that we'd somehow failed her, failed as parents. I'd begrudgingly get into bed for a nap, but instead of sleeping, I'd lay on my side, eyes wide open. My mind raced with "what if"s. What if something happened to Paul and I was a single parent? What if something happened to Maxine? What if something happened to both of them? Within minutes I was sobbing instead of sleeping.
Then one day, as if magic or miracle, Maxine slept for 6 hours strait. I woke up, not to the sound of a crying baby, but the light coming in through the curtains. I put my face close to hers. She was fine, breathing in and out, in and out. Paul and I briefly, and I mean briefly, discussed waking her for a feeding, but decided against it. I fell back asleep in seconds.
The rest of the summer was more about trips to the State Fair, walks through the park, eating ice cream to stay cool, and any other activity my little family could find to relish those hot, warm wind days. Strange, how much more fun you can have when you're not worried about the the worst happening to the best people in your life. I also learned to readily, and happily, accept the help I could get.
So was it the most exciting summer of my life? Sure. But in addition to exciting I would add: crazy, scary, sleepless, amazing, life changing, life affirming and beautiful.
Next summer we may walk through the same park and reminisce about last summer. Then again, I hope we don't. I hope we just enjoy the walk for what it is right then and save the reminiscing for another time. Which reminds me -- I have to get off the computer and go kiss my husband and kid good night.
Let me back up for a second. In the spring, when people would ask me when I was due, I'd say early summer. I'd usually add that it was going to be one of the most exciting summers of my life. A part of me reveled in the idea of having 3 months off again with no work, no school, no real schedule. The other 80% of me was scared shitless about having a baby.
The first several weeks felt impossible. I never slept more than 2 and half hours at a time and just as I did fall asleep, I'd wake up from a nightmare. I'd dream Maxine was falling off the counter or playing with a rattle snake. My mom and dad constantly offered to take Maxine so that I could have a nap while Paul was at work, but a big part of me felt that if we couldn't do it all on our own, that we'd somehow failed her, failed as parents. I'd begrudgingly get into bed for a nap, but instead of sleeping, I'd lay on my side, eyes wide open. My mind raced with "what if"s. What if something happened to Paul and I was a single parent? What if something happened to Maxine? What if something happened to both of them? Within minutes I was sobbing instead of sleeping.
Then one day, as if magic or miracle, Maxine slept for 6 hours strait. I woke up, not to the sound of a crying baby, but the light coming in through the curtains. I put my face close to hers. She was fine, breathing in and out, in and out. Paul and I briefly, and I mean briefly, discussed waking her for a feeding, but decided against it. I fell back asleep in seconds.
The rest of the summer was more about trips to the State Fair, walks through the park, eating ice cream to stay cool, and any other activity my little family could find to relish those hot, warm wind days. Strange, how much more fun you can have when you're not worried about the the worst happening to the best people in your life. I also learned to readily, and happily, accept the help I could get.
So was it the most exciting summer of my life? Sure. But in addition to exciting I would add: crazy, scary, sleepless, amazing, life changing, life affirming and beautiful.
Next summer we may walk through the same park and reminisce about last summer. Then again, I hope we don't. I hope we just enjoy the walk for what it is right then and save the reminiscing for another time. Which reminds me -- I have to get off the computer and go kiss my husband and kid good night.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Big 41
Yesterday my baby turned the big 41 -- .41 of a year that is. Maxine's 5 months already. I remember holding her in the hospital when she was under 6 pounds; I didn't even know how to move with her in my arms. Now I just toss her around like a football...which perhaps paints an ugly picture given my total lack of athletic ability. I should say I carry her around like the free tote bag I got after spending over $32.50 at the Clinique counter, which I no longer do by the way. I’m strictly MAC and Aveda now.
In any case, Maxine is growing into her own personality and it’s a laugh to watch. I can tell from her cry if she’s hungry or wants to be held or is bored and wants more attention. She shrieks angrily when I can’t tell.
She has more smiles than I have Chipotle charges on my Discover card. That's a lot of smiles -- trust me. This is her pre-giggle smile. Her pre-laugh smile is even better. I've tried to catch them all on film, but after a while realized that it's better to be a part of it, rather than to always be trying to capture it. Not that that will stop me from trying.
In any case, Maxine is growing into her own personality and it’s a laugh to watch. I can tell from her cry if she’s hungry or wants to be held or is bored and wants more attention. She shrieks angrily when I can’t tell.
I'm Going To Say It: The Hills
The Hills has been sucking lately! There, I said it.
I have a theory as to the why. Where's Lauren? Lately her part has been diminishing and she's become a side kick to all the story lines. I know that in "real" life sometimes you're the one with all the drama and sometimes your friends are the ones losing their jobs, having boy trouble, etc., but as a Hills fan, I have to say the show sucks when Lauren is on the back burner.
I'll keep watching, but I'm not happy about it. I fear my reason for not hating Mondays may be no more... :-(
I have a theory as to the why. Where's Lauren? Lately her part has been diminishing and she's become a side kick to all the story lines. I know that in "real" life sometimes you're the one with all the drama and sometimes your friends are the ones losing their jobs, having boy trouble, etc., but as a Hills fan, I have to say the show sucks when Lauren is on the back burner.
I'll keep watching, but I'm not happy about it. I fear my reason for not hating Mondays may be no more... :-(
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The People's President?
I can't help but wonder if Obama will be the People's President the way Princess Diana was the People's Princess. When you hear and watch him speak, he somehow seems reachable. Like, if he wasn't running the country, I might just run into him at CostCo.
Well, maybe not, but if I did, I'd look at his cart for sure. I bet you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their CostCo cart. Our's always has spinach and some kind of dessert.
Well, maybe not, but if I did, I'd look at his cart for sure. I bet you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their CostCo cart. Our's always has spinach and some kind of dessert.
Our New President
Obama is president-elect and gas is under $2.00 a gallon for the first time in a few years. Maybe things aren't as bad as we worried they were.
Okay...there still bad, but it does feel like they could change.
They're saying you'll never forget where you were when you found out Obama won the election. I was in bed trying to get Maxine to fall asleep. Paul was brushing his teeth. "He won! He won!" Paul ran over with toothpaste still in his mouth. Maxine didn't seem to be swayed by the news, but then again she was busy blowing spit bubbles only moments earlier.
Okay...there still bad, but it does feel like they could change.
They're saying you'll never forget where you were when you found out Obama won the election. I was in bed trying to get Maxine to fall asleep. Paul was brushing his teeth. "He won! He won!" Paul ran over with toothpaste still in his mouth. Maxine didn't seem to be swayed by the news, but then again she was busy blowing spit bubbles only moments earlier.
I hate to admit it, but I fell asleep during Obama's speech (I've got a newborn, so you can't really blame me) but I did see all of McCain's concession. He was sincere and thoughtful, making it easy to see why so many like him. You can't blame his supporters for booing when McCain said he'd called Obama to conceed, but it was great to hear them cheer at what Obama's win means for the progress we've made in terms of racial equality.
Although I'm thrilled about the Obama win, I'm really disappointed about Prop 8 in California, which will ban same sex marriage. And even worse than that was the ban on unmarried couples being able to foster and/or adopt children in Arkansas. The supporters are mincing no words about the target of this ban being gay and lesbian couples. Right - because God forbid a kid finds a nice, safe, loving home with a gay couple. The fact that so many people believe a child is better off in the system, rather than in a stable family environment with parents who happen to be gay, boggles my mind.
As corny and cliched as it sounds, I really do believe change is coming and I'm excited. I'm thrilled I got to vote for it and I can't wait to watch it unfold over the coming years.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Final Debate
Last night's presidential debate seemed quite repetitive, with the exception of one statement from McCain:
“My friend, we have increased the size of government by some 40 percent just in the last few years."
My feelings on this are strong. Obesity is a big problem in our country. I say, Weight Watchers for everyone, starting with the senate. Losing 10 lbs? Now that's change I can believe in.
“My friend, we have increased the size of government by some 40 percent just in the last few years."
My feelings on this are strong. Obesity is a big problem in our country. I say, Weight Watchers for everyone, starting with the senate. Losing 10 lbs? Now that's change I can believe in.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Economic Bailout
How much is $700 billion dollars? Those who know me well, know that I like to measure things with the almighty Chipotle burrito.
The math has been done and... $700 billion dollars is over 127 billion burritos. The population of American being ~350 million, that's ~360 burritos per person.
Which means -- that's enough burritos for everyone in America to have 1 per day for an entire year.
In short: that's a lot of burritos.
The math has been done and
Which means -- that's enough burritos for everyone in America to have 1 per day for an entire year.
In short: that's a lot of burritos.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Rest In Peace
Paul's Grandfather passed away on Friday, August 29th at 9:00pm in Sarasota, FL. He'd been in the hospital for the last few months trying to fight both lung cancer and pneumonia.
From the first time I met him, almost 5 years ago, I felt an immediate fondness and kinship for him. Perhaps because I never got a chance to get to know any of my own grandparents. Or maybe it was just him and the energy he carried. I will never forget his warm smile or his gentle way. Even more so, I will always regret that Maxine didn't have the opportunity to meet her Great Grandpa.
From the first time I met him, almost 5 years ago, I felt an immediate fondness and kinship for him. Perhaps because I never got a chance to get to know any of my own grandparents. Or maybe it was just him and the energy he carried. I will never forget his warm smile or his gentle way. Even more so, I will always regret that Maxine didn't have the opportunity to meet her Great Grandpa.
It is of some comfort to know that is he no longer in pain and that is he watching over us. I know Maxine will always have a guardian angel in him.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Fist
I've decided I too will use the closed handed fist whenever I want to make a point. Even for things that are a sure thing anyway. Pass the salt please. Now imagine that with the Clinton speech fist. My point exactly.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I can't wait until 2009
I'm still not thrilled about Obama over Hillary, but anything's better than Bush...although I don't disagree with him on all issues. I, too, believe human beings and fish can coexist peacefully.
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