Il Tonino had a big day today, where we spent almost 3 hours at a co-op preschool, checking it out and seeing how it went. He loved it. Lots of outdoor time in the afternoon.
He should be tired.
But after lying down for an hour, in the dark, with him, he is still wide awake.
Inside I'm screaming GO TO SLEEP!!!!!!!!!
I have things to do. Finally, I give up and he happily follows me around, jumping on the bed as I fold the laundry, put out clothes for tomorrow, etc.
It's bad because tomorrow is another big day, and he's not going to get as much sleep as he needs.
Sigh.
Patience for me and for those (my mom, nanny) who will be taking care of him tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
He dreams of squirrel
I looked out the window into my backyard this afternoon to see my male cat with a mouse. Not just with a mouse, but eating it! He has caught mice in the past, and presented them to me as gifts. One time a bird, even.
But I'd never seen him eating one of his kills before. I thought that was a skill only learned when the mother cat teaches it to the young. And since I know his mother and know that he was indoors from the time he was born until he landed at my house (sans mother), I am pretty sure she never took her kittens outdoors and demonstrated the culinary art of mouse.
Before I go on, let's all just let out a collective eeeeeeewwwwwwww!!! Eew, eew, eew!!!
Despite the total ick factor of this event, it nevertheless made me happy. I worry about an economic collapse and a drastic change in our infrastructure. And in the back of my mind I think, how would I fed my family, let alone my cats?
So to see him demonstrating not only his hunting skills, but also his ability to feed himself, gives me a little sigh of relief. Because in the bigger picture, the little things matter.
But I'd never seen him eating one of his kills before. I thought that was a skill only learned when the mother cat teaches it to the young. And since I know his mother and know that he was indoors from the time he was born until he landed at my house (sans mother), I am pretty sure she never took her kittens outdoors and demonstrated the culinary art of mouse.
Before I go on, let's all just let out a collective eeeeeeewwwwwwww!!! Eew, eew, eew!!!
Despite the total ick factor of this event, it nevertheless made me happy. I worry about an economic collapse and a drastic change in our infrastructure. And in the back of my mind I think, how would I fed my family, let alone my cats?
So to see him demonstrating not only his hunting skills, but also his ability to feed himself, gives me a little sigh of relief. Because in the bigger picture, the little things matter.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Get It??
Okay so after the last 2 posts we need something light-hearted. So I will attempt to tell a joke. Not just any joke, but a deaf joke.
One day, 4 deaf friends decided to go play golf. They arrived at the golf course, got to the first hole, and teed off. Playing right behind them was a group of hearing friends.
Every once in a while the hearing golfers would yell "FORE!" but the deaf golfers would have no idea. Luckily, no one was hurt.
The deaf golfers played, but also chatted. Deaf people are a very chatty bunch, and cannot golf and chat at the same time, so as a result they were golfing very slowly. The hearing golfers started to get frustrated with the pace of play and the number of times they were having to yell "FORE!".
Finally, they asked the deaf golfers if they could go ahead of them. They agreed. The hearing golfers went ahead, and were very happy.
The deaf golfers kept on playing, and were catching up to the hearing golfers. At one point a ball got too close to the hearing golfers and the deaf golfer who had hit the ball immediately held up four fingers.
The ball bounced close to the hearing golfers who said "what the hell!?!" and looked back and glared at the deaf golfers. The deaf golfer simply shrugged his shoulders and again held up four fingers. "FOUR!".
Ha. Ha.
One day, 4 deaf friends decided to go play golf. They arrived at the golf course, got to the first hole, and teed off. Playing right behind them was a group of hearing friends.
Every once in a while the hearing golfers would yell "FORE!" but the deaf golfers would have no idea. Luckily, no one was hurt.
The deaf golfers played, but also chatted. Deaf people are a very chatty bunch, and cannot golf and chat at the same time, so as a result they were golfing very slowly. The hearing golfers started to get frustrated with the pace of play and the number of times they were having to yell "FORE!".
Finally, they asked the deaf golfers if they could go ahead of them. They agreed. The hearing golfers went ahead, and were very happy.
The deaf golfers kept on playing, and were catching up to the hearing golfers. At one point a ball got too close to the hearing golfers and the deaf golfer who had hit the ball immediately held up four fingers.
The ball bounced close to the hearing golfers who said "what the hell!?!" and looked back and glared at the deaf golfers. The deaf golfer simply shrugged his shoulders and again held up four fingers. "FOUR!".
Ha. Ha.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Bigotry Cuts Both Ways
My friend J and I grew up together. He and I were the athletic ones in our families. Our moms were, and are, best friends. Our sisters were 2 little blonde drama queens who played together. J is very intelligent, blunt sometimes to a fault, and articulate. I love what he has to say on various topics, either verbal or written.
Here is something he wrote yesterday, which is related to his thoughts on the No on 8 California propostition. It is so good, I wanted to share.
Subject: bigotry cuts both ways
What I find incredible is not that this piece of crap is probably going to pass. We have a lot of rural parts and even more upper middle-class white suburbs in California and those groups have never been too fond of 'the gays.' So, as the Wall Street Journal article below explains, it's the religious fanatics (Mormons in this case), hicks, and uneducated, white, suburbanites against the city folk, book reading, elites with their college educations and world viewernesses. These battles are typical in every state over every issue...can the cities out vote the non-cities?
There is no better way to highlight how deep the divisions run than taking a closer look at this Proposition 8. Whether it passes or not will have no effect on common law partnerships and the ability of gay people to get the tax benefits or visit each other in the hospital...it's about what how we are going to define the term "marriage." The opponents of Prop 8 think sexual orientation should have no bearing on whether or not a couple can declare their union to the State. Those in favor of Prop 8, as Tina Fey put it,"believe marriage is meant to be a sacred institution between two unwilling teenagers."
Is this as ironic as Governer Palin line-item-vetoing planned parenthood funding for unwed new mothers? I don't know. But doses of irony for everyone this year.
Here is a good article to read on the subject: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122463078466356397.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Here is something he wrote yesterday, which is related to his thoughts on the No on 8 California propostition. It is so good, I wanted to share.
Subject: bigotry cuts both ways
I typically don't crank these things out everyday, but this topic is perfectly juxtaposed with what I wrote yesterday. I couldn't resist taking 15 minutes. A friend of ours worked on (defeating) Proposition 8 in California, which is a measure on our ballot that, if passed, will officially define marriage as that between a Man and Woman only. So a YES vote would eliminate same-sex marriages in CA.
What I find incredible is not that this piece of crap is probably going to pass. We have a lot of rural parts and even more upper middle-class white suburbs in California and those groups have never been too fond of 'the gays.' So, as the Wall Street Journal article below explains, it's the religious fanatics (Mormons in this case), hicks, and uneducated, white, suburbanites against the city folk, book reading, elites with their college educations and world viewernesses. These battles are typical in every state over every issue...can the cities out vote the non-cities?
In Oregon it's Portland and Eugene against the rest of the state. In Missouri it's St. Louis and Kansas City against the rest of the state. In Pennsylvania it is Philly and Pittsburgh versus everybody else. This country isn't now and never has been divided by red states and blue states...it's divided by cities and non-cities. I attached the 2000 Presidential electoral map for good measure. See if you can pick out Oklahoma City in Oklahoma. See if you can pick out Las Vegas in Nevada. Washington: Seattle/Tacoma. Virginia: DC. I don't see red states and blue states, I see specs of blue in a sea of red in an election where there were more blue voters than red.
Take any state and look at who disagrees about what. It's usually pretty close overall and the winner is usually determined by the percentage of voters who live within a few miles of some sort of mass transit line.
The "Division in America" is not about the always Blue California against the always Red Texas and why do these people hate each other so much...It's about how I have no idea how much fun midnight possum hunts can be, and they have no idea why I pay $5 extra for the good nigiri sashimi. Both of us think the other guy is crazy even though we've never tried and have no intention of trying what the other does for fun. We both live in California. 60 miles apart.
I'm not qualified to dive deeper into a "why are we divided" discussion, I'm just pointing out that, contrary to what we are told, our deep divisions have nothing to do with what state we live in.
There is no better way to highlight how deep the divisions run than taking a closer look at this Proposition 8. Whether it passes or not will have no effect on common law partnerships and the ability of gay people to get the tax benefits or visit each other in the hospital...it's about what how we are going to define the term "marriage." The opponents of Prop 8 think sexual orientation should have no bearing on whether or not a couple can declare their union to the State. Those in favor of Prop 8, as Tina Fey put it,"believe marriage is meant to be a sacred institution between two unwilling teenagers."
I'm in the minority on this one compared to the rest of the country. A large majority of American's don't believe gays should have the right to call "that thing they do to each other" marriage. It really is the last form of publicly accepted bigotry in this country. Racism is still quite prevalent, but if you're racist you're not allowed to talk about it publicly in most places without serious consequences. Just ask Don Imus.
What I find absolutely incredible is that Proposition 8 is most likely going to be pass because Team Obama has mobilized and registered so many minorities. The marginal "swing vote" on Prop 8 is the minority vote. Of categories, men, women, old, young, black, white, no "group" is more anti-gay than the African American community (see article below).
It just blows my mind. The new bigot movement, which tries to pass laws that distinguish one group of people as "lesser and undeserving of equal rights," is being supported most vigorously by the targets of the previous bigot movement.
It just blows my mind. The new bigot movement, which tries to pass laws that distinguish one group of people as "lesser and undeserving of equal rights," is being supported most vigorously by the targets of the previous bigot movement.
Is this as ironic as Governer Palin line-item-vetoing planned parenthood funding for unwed new mothers? I don't know. But doses of irony for everyone this year.
Here is a good article to read on the subject: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122463078466356397.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
No on 8
Thank goodness that this year Oregon doesn't have another one of those measures on the ballots again that want to take away rights from people, specifically same-sex couples.
However, California does -- Proposition 8.
I received this email from my cousin's cousin. Even though he is not directly related to me, I adore him and love it whenever I get to see him.
Family and Friends,
Even though I don't live in California, I believe the outcome of this proposition affects everyone. If you can donate, please do.
However, California does -- Proposition 8.
I received this email from my cousin's cousin. Even though he is not directly related to me, I adore him and love it whenever I get to see him.
Family and Friends,
I am asking you to take some time (one minute?) and think about defeating Proposition 8 here in California, a vote that could turn back decades of equal rights progress and eliminate the right to marry for same-sex couples.
Proposition 8 is gaining a lot of momentum with their recent false ads, claiming churches will lose their tax exempt status and kids will be forced to learn in schools that Princesses marry Princesses or something. By going out of state to entities like the Mormon Church for support, Yes on 8 is more than $9 million ahead in funding. Unfortunately, this campaign will come down to ad dollars and we have about 14 days to catch up to the other side. I have been volunteering at a call center for the last week, urging voters to think about this, and this is a very tight race.
You can do several things to help, and I ask in lieu of any personal gifts this year (or next!), that you help us vote NO on this unnecessary attempt to take away some very basic rights. Please contribute whatever you can to Vote No on Proposition 8, but for starters, the cost of a wedding license in this state is $72.
If you're in California: vote NO on Proposition 8
If you're not in California: No on 8 Needs Your Support!
Donate Online at http://www.noonprop8.com/
Prefer to Send A Check? No Problem:
You can send a check to (but remember to print, fill out the below form and send it in with your check)
No On 8
c/o ML Associates, 8581 Santa Monica Blvd., #504
West Hollywood, CA 90069
c/o ML Associates, 8581 Santa Monica Blvd., #504
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Thank you - I did not copy and paste this email. This request is coming from the bottom of my heart. Please help California be the best state it can be and help me Vote No on November 4th. I've never heard of a constitution that will take away people's rights, and I never thought I would live somewhere where I wouldn't be considered worthy of the same rights as everyone else.
Thanks, and much love,
T
Even though I don't live in California, I believe the outcome of this proposition affects everyone. If you can donate, please do.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
FedEx Story, Part 2
So this is part 2 of a story, only I didn't know there was going to be part 2. If you haven't read part 1, about the FedEx story, please do so, otherwise the rest of the post won't make as much sense.
A few days after I had resolved the FedEx debacle regarding shipping the cochlear implant, I happened to take another look at the paperwork that FedEx had sent me with that precious tracking number. I then noticed, much to my horror, that the company received said package on July 28th and not June 28th, which is what would have made sense given when I shipped said package. Once I discovered this crucial piece of information I didthe honorable thing nothing. What did you think I was going to do? Call the cochlear company and say "whoops, my mistake. Looks like that tracking number wasn't actually for the package I sent you. Go ahead and charge me $4500 for a package I am damn sure you received."
So nothing has happened.
Then today Urban Shaman came home. A little background information -- he has bilateral cochlear implants, which means one in each ear. Right ear was implanted in 2004, and he has a processor called the Esprit 3G in that ear. Left ear was implanted in 2008 and has a processor called the Freedom. We had shipped an Esprit 3G back to the company.
Urban Shaman: I found an Esprit 3G in my coat pocket today.
Gaia Hippie: What? Oh do you mean the other Freedom? (He has 2, but only wears 1.)
US: No, I mean the Esprit 3G.
GH: What the hell? Show me.
US: Goes to coat, which is a black hole and from which many miscellaneous items have suddenly been recovered. He brings back an Esprit 3G.
GH: Checks to see that there is one Esprit 3G on his ear, and another one in his hand. It suddenly dawns on Gaia Hippie that this could be the missing Esprit 3G that the company was charging us $4500 for.
It never made it inside of the box.
We shipped them an empty box.
Whoops.
A few days after I had resolved the FedEx debacle regarding shipping the cochlear implant, I happened to take another look at the paperwork that FedEx had sent me with that precious tracking number. I then noticed, much to my horror, that the company received said package on July 28th and not June 28th, which is what would have made sense given when I shipped said package. Once I discovered this crucial piece of information I did
So nothing has happened.
Then today Urban Shaman came home. A little background information -- he has bilateral cochlear implants, which means one in each ear. Right ear was implanted in 2004, and he has a processor called the Esprit 3G in that ear. Left ear was implanted in 2008 and has a processor called the Freedom. We had shipped an Esprit 3G back to the company.
Urban Shaman: I found an Esprit 3G in my coat pocket today.
Gaia Hippie: What? Oh do you mean the other Freedom? (He has 2, but only wears 1.)
US: No, I mean the Esprit 3G.
GH: What the hell? Show me.
US: Goes to coat, which is a black hole and from which many miscellaneous items have suddenly been recovered. He brings back an Esprit 3G.
GH: Checks to see that there is one Esprit 3G on his ear, and another one in his hand. It suddenly dawns on Gaia Hippie that this could be the missing Esprit 3G that the company was charging us $4500 for.
It never made it inside of the box.
We shipped them an empty box.
Whoops.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Children with Siblings
When I was younger, I had a very best friend from 1st grade through 12th. We were in every class together for the first 8 years (the benefits of going to a school with one classroom per grade) and then in the same high school. We had a great time together.
However, there was one thing that made me crazy -- she would occasionallyspank slap me on the butt. I really, really, really disliked that. It always took me by surprise and felt like more like a punishment rather than a form of affectionate touching. But that is how she meant it -- she was the 2nd of 4 children, each spaced 2 years apart, and they were a rowdy, affectionate, physical bunch. I, on the other hand, am the oldest child with a sister born 6.5 years after me. We were raised that it was *not* okay to hit each other (which we did sometimes -- we would hit each other when our frustration levels with each other got out of control. As the older sister, I got the brunt of the punishment for it.)
Il Tonino is very gentle. It is very rare that he hits anyone or anything. Thus when someone hits or shoves him, he gets very surprised and upset and it usually results in tears. I am starting to notice that when he plays with kids who are the oldest/don't have other siblings old enough to play with, physical rowdyness rarely happens. However, when he interacts with those with older siblings or many siblings, he will sometimes be pushed/shoved or something happens that is not physically nice.
Seems to me this is a trend? Usual? If nothing else, it just makes me want to watch a little bit closer when Il Tonino is playing with others who have siblings. Not in a bad way, just keeping my eye out... I certainly don't think this applies to everyone who has siblings, but that is what I have experienced so far. Your thoughts?
However, there was one thing that made me crazy -- she would occasionally
Il Tonino is very gentle. It is very rare that he hits anyone or anything. Thus when someone hits or shoves him, he gets very surprised and upset and it usually results in tears. I am starting to notice that when he plays with kids who are the oldest/don't have other siblings old enough to play with, physical rowdyness rarely happens. However, when he interacts with those with older siblings or many siblings, he will sometimes be pushed/shoved or something happens that is not physically nice.
Seems to me this is a trend? Usual? If nothing else, it just makes me want to watch a little bit closer when Il Tonino is playing with others who have siblings. Not in a bad way, just keeping my eye out... I certainly don't think this applies to everyone who has siblings, but that is what I have experienced so far. Your thoughts?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
More Drugs
I'm a normally very optimistic person.
But yeast infections? HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE!
Sigh. I think I have to give up my amaretto nightcaps...
But yeast infections? HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE!
Sigh. I think I have to give up my amaretto nightcaps...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Zoo Blues
I took Il Tonino to the zoo today. Gramma came over to my house this morning to help take care of him while I had 2 conference calls totaling 2 hours to attend. Il Tonino really was wanting to be with me so she bribed pacified him by saying we'd all go to the zoo when I was finished. Totally not what I was planning for the day (laundry, cleaning, and the playground were on my list) but it was fine.
So we went. Il Tonino really loves it there. He'll run from exhibit to exhibit, just marveling at all the animals. I think they're pretty cool, too, but..... I get just a teensy bit depressed when I see how small their homes are. I mean, the cougar has less square footage than the house I live in -- there is no way he can get into an all-out run! And I tend to think that the sea lions, who do the same loop through the water, day in and day out, must have gone mentally insane a few years back.
On the other hand, I wonder if any of the traditional "prey" animals ever feel happy that they never have to worry about being preyed upon. The elk looked really content, but then again, they had a roaming area the size of 2 football fields. The predators are shit out of luck. The poor tigers are asleep every time I see them. Luckily, today one of them was sleeping where he could easily be seen, rather than way, way back in his den.
Sigh... such a dilemma for this Gaia Hippie mama.
So we went. Il Tonino really loves it there. He'll run from exhibit to exhibit, just marveling at all the animals. I think they're pretty cool, too, but..... I get just a teensy bit depressed when I see how small their homes are. I mean, the cougar has less square footage than the house I live in -- there is no way he can get into an all-out run! And I tend to think that the sea lions, who do the same loop through the water, day in and day out, must have gone mentally insane a few years back.
On the other hand, I wonder if any of the traditional "prey" animals ever feel happy that they never have to worry about being preyed upon. The elk looked really content, but then again, they had a roaming area the size of 2 football fields. The predators are shit out of luck. The poor tigers are asleep every time I see them. Luckily, today one of them was sleeping where he could easily be seen, rather than way, way back in his den.
Sigh... such a dilemma for this Gaia Hippie mama.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Little pink pills
Amount of ibuprofen taken in the past 2 years: 800mg when I had my IUD put in.
Amount of ibuprofen taken in the past 3 days: 1200mg.
Oy. I think the hardest part is over, though.
Amount of ibuprofen taken in the past 3 days: 1200mg.
Oy. I think the hardest part is over, though.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Back at Work
Yesterday was my first full day of work in 2 years. TWO YEARS. Up until now I had been working part-time, and getting my hours of work in here and there, a nice bonus of working from home and not having set deadlines or hours.
So yesterday I went into an office just 12 minutes from home to monitor a local site doing a study that I am working on. I honestly, really enjoyed it. It was fun getting dressed up and feeling like a 'professional' woman again.
So I worked all day. But by the end of the day I remembered why I hate working in offices.
Fluorescent lights.
Argh!!! Why they still make those and use those must have to do something with cost because it sure ain't for aesthetic or health reasons.
When I finally stepped outside at the end of the day and embraced the fresh outdoor air, I suddenly felt as if I'd been holding my breath all day. Sitting and working all day is so different from chasing a toddler all day -- in and out of the home.
I am so glad I am still working part-time. Meaning I only have to be in an office, at the most, 2 days each week. The other day that I work I get to be in my own home office, which does not have fluorescent lights and where I can open windows for fresh air.
And go downstairs and eat a nice meal that is non-Chinese and not filled with MSG. *Shudder*
So the work was great, the atmosphere -- eh. That's why home offices are so lovely!
Still, feels great to have the mental challenge again.
My next challenge is tomorrow -- making it on a 6:15am flight to Boise, working all day, and then flying home in the evening. Wowsers.
So yesterday I went into an office just 12 minutes from home to monitor a local site doing a study that I am working on. I honestly, really enjoyed it. It was fun getting dressed up and feeling like a 'professional' woman again.
So I worked all day. But by the end of the day I remembered why I hate working in offices.
Fluorescent lights.
Argh!!! Why they still make those and use those must have to do something with cost because it sure ain't for aesthetic or health reasons.
When I finally stepped outside at the end of the day and embraced the fresh outdoor air, I suddenly felt as if I'd been holding my breath all day. Sitting and working all day is so different from chasing a toddler all day -- in and out of the home.
I am so glad I am still working part-time. Meaning I only have to be in an office, at the most, 2 days each week. The other day that I work I get to be in my own home office, which does not have fluorescent lights and where I can open windows for fresh air.
And go downstairs and eat a nice meal that is non-Chinese and not filled with MSG. *Shudder*
So the work was great, the atmosphere -- eh. That's why home offices are so lovely!
Still, feels great to have the mental challenge again.
My next challenge is tomorrow -- making it on a 6:15am flight to Boise, working all day, and then flying home in the evening. Wowsers.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Mean People Suck
Man, it's been one of those days...
Il Tonino and I went to the playground this morning. It was nice and sunny on the way there and the playground was empty. We had a great time together. Il Tonino has not wanted to be on the swings at all for over a year now, but has recently become interested in the tire swing. So the two of us went on it together and had a great time. It was really heartwarming to play with my boy that way.
A while later, the school next door let their kids out for recess. This is a Montessori school that is on the list for me to look at for Il Tonino. A group of boys, ages 4-5? had banded together and were running around the grass. Il Tonino loves nothing more than to run with other kids, so he went running after them. They had stopped in a corner of the field and turned on the 2 year old as he approached and were pretending they had claws and were growling at him. Il Tonino didn't quite know what to do, and just kind of froze in place. I quickly went over there and asked him if he was okay, and explained that they were playing monsters and did he want to be a monster, too? One of the boys informed me that they were, in fact, dinosaurs, and you had to run really fast if you wanted to be one of them. Then they ran off.
Il Tonino kept running after them, and laughing. A few times they turned on him again, but very briefly. Once Il Tonino tripped and fell, and the boys started laughing at him and pointing. Then I saw one of the older ones twice deliberately try to trip Il Tonino from behind. Luckily he didn't succeed, and I quickly went over to them and the boy took off running when he saw me. Sheesh! A very short time later Il Tonino somehow got in the middle of the boys as they were running off and one of them (not deliberately, but thoughtlessly) cut Il Tonino off, almost knocking him over, and then another boy pushed him from behind. At that point Il Tonino, while not physically hurt, realized how much that hurt emotionally, and sobbed on my shoulder for a minute. My heart, as a mother, just broke.
I had to explain to him that sometimes people are mean, but it is not about him, it is about them not being happy/content inside (okay, so I simplified it a bit more, but you get the gist). I asked if he wanted to go home but he wanted to keep playing. The resilience is good.
We left just 5 minutes later and on the way out the playground Il Tonino was running, tripped, and busted his upper lip. There was blood all over as soon as I picked him up. He scraped the outer part of his upper lip, and cut the inside of his upper lip with his teeth. So just a lot of surface wounds but his teeth were fine, whew. But ouch. His lip totally swelled up during the day. Thank goodness for breastmilk. It is much better now.
Oh and it started raining on the way back from the playground.
The rest of the day has not been so easy, mostly because he is hurting, I think. His lip hurts, and I think whether or not he realizes it, his heart hurts just a little, too. He's seen people being not nice to other people, but this is the first time that it has happened to him in a way that is not 'a little kid playing with you and then just bonking you on the head' type of scenario. We took some sage and smudged him, and are just trying to give him lots of love while being patient while he lashes out a little. He's been unusually destructive today, and I was glad to have some bubble wrap in the garage for him to use as a safe outlet. He LOVED popping all the bubbles. Not the greenest thing to do, but makes for a saner family?
Hoping for a more gentle day tomorrow.
Il Tonino and I went to the playground this morning. It was nice and sunny on the way there and the playground was empty. We had a great time together. Il Tonino has not wanted to be on the swings at all for over a year now, but has recently become interested in the tire swing. So the two of us went on it together and had a great time. It was really heartwarming to play with my boy that way.
A while later, the school next door let their kids out for recess. This is a Montessori school that is on the list for me to look at for Il Tonino. A group of boys, ages 4-5? had banded together and were running around the grass. Il Tonino loves nothing more than to run with other kids, so he went running after them. They had stopped in a corner of the field and turned on the 2 year old as he approached and were pretending they had claws and were growling at him. Il Tonino didn't quite know what to do, and just kind of froze in place. I quickly went over there and asked him if he was okay, and explained that they were playing monsters and did he want to be a monster, too? One of the boys informed me that they were, in fact, dinosaurs, and you had to run really fast if you wanted to be one of them. Then they ran off.
Il Tonino kept running after them, and laughing. A few times they turned on him again, but very briefly. Once Il Tonino tripped and fell, and the boys started laughing at him and pointing. Then I saw one of the older ones twice deliberately try to trip Il Tonino from behind. Luckily he didn't succeed, and I quickly went over to them and the boy took off running when he saw me. Sheesh! A very short time later Il Tonino somehow got in the middle of the boys as they were running off and one of them (not deliberately, but thoughtlessly) cut Il Tonino off, almost knocking him over, and then another boy pushed him from behind. At that point Il Tonino, while not physically hurt, realized how much that hurt emotionally, and sobbed on my shoulder for a minute. My heart, as a mother, just broke.
I had to explain to him that sometimes people are mean, but it is not about him, it is about them not being happy/content inside (okay, so I simplified it a bit more, but you get the gist). I asked if he wanted to go home but he wanted to keep playing. The resilience is good.
We left just 5 minutes later and on the way out the playground Il Tonino was running, tripped, and busted his upper lip. There was blood all over as soon as I picked him up. He scraped the outer part of his upper lip, and cut the inside of his upper lip with his teeth. So just a lot of surface wounds but his teeth were fine, whew. But ouch. His lip totally swelled up during the day. Thank goodness for breastmilk. It is much better now.
Oh and it started raining on the way back from the playground.
The rest of the day has not been so easy, mostly because he is hurting, I think. His lip hurts, and I think whether or not he realizes it, his heart hurts just a little, too. He's seen people being not nice to other people, but this is the first time that it has happened to him in a way that is not 'a little kid playing with you and then just bonking you on the head' type of scenario. We took some sage and smudged him, and are just trying to give him lots of love while being patient while he lashes out a little. He's been unusually destructive today, and I was glad to have some bubble wrap in the garage for him to use as a safe outlet. He LOVED popping all the bubbles. Not the greenest thing to do, but makes for a saner family?
Hoping for a more gentle day tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Toiletry Update
So I thought I'd do a no 'poo update. I'm still at it after 2 months!! I've just gotten into the habit and found that it is not a big deal. Still using the baking soda and then apple cider vinegar for the rinse but what I've found to be key is making sure that I brush my hair out before I get into the shower. If I don't do this, I don't seem to get my hair as clean as it could be. My hair is looking good and I can easily go 2 days without washing my hair, which is awesome.
So this has been great for reducing the bottles of shampoo and conditioner that I have to buy. Another recent development is that Urban Shaman has finally found a great shaving soap -- an olive soap that a store in our village sells. He seems to like this better than all the different ones he has tried at the store, and now that is one less bottled product to buy! Now we just need to have his stainless steel shaving blade professionally sharpened, and have someone teach him how to keep it sharpened, and he'll totally have a sustainable shaving system down!
And Il Tonino is easy, he just gets Dr. Bronner's soap from head to toe, and those bottles are refillable at the store :)
So this has been great for reducing the bottles of shampoo and conditioner that I have to buy. Another recent development is that Urban Shaman has finally found a great shaving soap -- an olive soap that a store in our village sells. He seems to like this better than all the different ones he has tried at the store, and now that is one less bottled product to buy! Now we just need to have his stainless steel shaving blade professionally sharpened, and have someone teach him how to keep it sharpened, and he'll totally have a sustainable shaving system down!
And Il Tonino is easy, he just gets Dr. Bronner's soap from head to toe, and those bottles are refillable at the store :)
Monday, October 6, 2008
All You Need is Bliss
Hummm...
Sometimes there is just nothing better than an after-dinner shot of amaretto and some live (raw) chocolate...
Despite everything happening in the world right now,
Life is Good.
Sometimes there is just nothing better than an after-dinner shot of amaretto and some live (raw) chocolate...
Despite everything happening in the world right now,
Life is Good.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Earring
For my birthday recently I went to Nomad and had a new earring put in. I had been thinking about this particular piece for months and had ordered it awhile ago. The new earring is on a ring and is a white moonstone.
I just love it and keep looking in the mirror to admire it.
I was with a whole bunch of family recently and nobody said anything about it. We were all raised that "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" which is really nice, but at the same time sometimes I just want to roll my eyes at their limited and boxed-in concept of beauty.
Anyway, I love it, and am thinking about a new piercing soon...
I just love it and keep looking in the mirror to admire it.
I was with a whole bunch of family recently and nobody said anything about it. We were all raised that "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" which is really nice, but at the same time sometimes I just want to roll my eyes at their limited and boxed-in concept of beauty.
Anyway, I love it, and am thinking about a new piercing soon...
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Work I can believe in
It looks like a new study has been found for me to work on. The most awesome, awesome, AWESOME thing is that they need me to monitor a site here in Portland, so I wouldn't have to be away from my family at all except during work hours!! Couldn't get any better than that.
The funny thing is that the study is for a flu vaccine. Don't you think I am the perfect person for that? Hilarious.
The funny thing is that the study is for a flu vaccine. Don't you think I am the perfect person for that? Hilarious.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
I Heart New Seasons
I'm sure it's happened to most of us. You get to the grocery store, take 30 minutes to go though all the aisles, picking out your groceries for the next 1-2 weeks, your groceries are rung up, you reach for your wallet, and it is not there.
This has happened to me twice now, the first time because I had my wallet upstairs and forgot to put it back in my purse. The second time because Il Tonino took it out to play with.
Most stores you would then have to leave your groceries, jump in the car, drive all the way back home, grab your wallet, and drive back to the store. Such a waste of gas and time.
Not New Seasons. They have a system going called a "suspended order" system. You get your groceries rung up, you write your name and phone number on the receipt, and you walk away with your groceries. All $200 worth of them. Then you pay the next time you come in. So awesome. It is so nice to shop at a place that shows such a trust in customers and consideration of their time and needs. Especially when you have a child with you who would not be happy making a second round trip to the store in as many hours.
So thank you, New Seasons!
This has happened to me twice now, the first time because I had my wallet upstairs and forgot to put it back in my purse. The second time because Il Tonino took it out to play with.
Most stores you would then have to leave your groceries, jump in the car, drive all the way back home, grab your wallet, and drive back to the store. Such a waste of gas and time.
Not New Seasons. They have a system going called a "suspended order" system. You get your groceries rung up, you write your name and phone number on the receipt, and you walk away with your groceries. All $200 worth of them. Then you pay the next time you come in. So awesome. It is so nice to shop at a place that shows such a trust in customers and consideration of their time and needs. Especially when you have a child with you who would not be happy making a second round trip to the store in as many hours.
So thank you, New Seasons!
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