Sickness. It's what's for breakfast.

Nothing is worse than having a sick family member in your household. This time Peanut is the victim - fever, sneezing, coughing...not fun. Let's hope whatever this is (we're thinking it's teething-related. Man, do I hope s0) clears up by her party on Saturday.

Though there is nothing funny about being sick...we did have a funny moment this morning. During breakfast, Peanut sneezed and cleared every last Rice Krispie off her high chair tray. Good thing she was pretty much done.

* * * * *

Wish us luck for Saturday's party. Looking at the list of things that have to be done...we're gonna need it!

Duct Tape

Today's post was inspired by receiving an "honorable mention" prize at Suburban Scrawl - a blue, green and white duct tape wallet, handcrafted by Melisa's son.

Funny that I would win this when just this past weekend, ShankRabbit's silver duct tape wallet (from Uncommon Goods, as seen here in all its new glory) bit the dust.



August 2005 - April 2009

Well, I wanted to see what things people have made with duct tape. You can purchase fashionable purses, guitar straps...or make your own dress/suit and submit it to a contest called "Stuck at Prom," sponsored by Duck brand duct tape.
You and your date make your prom attire out of duct tape and you could win a $5,000 scholarship (wow...where was this when I was in high school?!). If you click on the link you will see past entries - some basic, some super-intricate.

I'm thoroughly impressed...though I wonder how you'd manage in an outfit that has no ventilation whatsoever. Maybe they brought a change of clothes.

Because I can

Random photo time!

ShankRabbit and I have naturally (very) curly hair...so it is expected that our daughter will have the same. When dry, Peanut's fine baby hair is stick straight...but when it's wet, curl city! Look, I have proof:



* * * * *

Imagine our shock last spring when we saw flowers sprout up next to our house that we didn't have to plant. Gotta love those...uh...plants that come up every year (perennials? annuals? I never know which one). Our resident bunny does the garden upkeep (he lives under our deck...I've grown to like him. As long as he doesn't bring any floozy bunnies home and start babymakin', he is welcome to stay). We should probably check his credentials, though. He never takes care of the weeds, just the flowers. Hmm...



We really do have flowers this year. I'm sure it will be short lived if Mr. Bunny has anything to do with it.

* * * * *

Dance Party Time!
(Have no idea what I'm referring to?...read the bottom of this post)

Artist/Band: Gin Blossoms
Song Title: Hey Jealousy
Kid-friendly?: Yes (thematically, not really)

I'm back

I finally dusted off my keyboard today. If you didn't read in ShankRabbit's blog, I was struck Sunday night with a sudden, random bout of a stomach flu and it knocked me out hardcore. Thank goodness ShankRabbit is who he is and was able to deal with the crying pathetic whimpering sicky me. I'm a sad case when I'm sick.

Fun story about Saturday night...

We stayed at the in-laws on Saturday so we wouldn't have to travel too far for church the next day. Lots of fun to be had with the family.
Peanut decided at 12am - after 4 hours of sleep - she was done. I don't know if she was too hot (changed her jammies), still hungry (tried another bottle), not liking her surroundings (not home), or whathaveyou, but she was awake. Bouncing in her bed, smiling...which turned into whining...then crying. It took 2 1/2 hours, lots of cuddling and back-breaking rocking (on a twin size bed...no rocking chair in this room) before she finally passed out. ShankRabbit was in the other twin size bed trying to make it work with his adult size frame. Heh - I wish I could convey in words how funny this was, but you'll just have to take my word for it.
(Sorry, hun...I'm not laughing at you. Ok, maybe I am. But you'd laugh as well if you saw it from my perspective)
I am about to settle in for the night when I feel a little pinch on my leg. I pull back the covers and find an Asian ladybug - beetle - whatever those dang things are that infest every household.* Upon further inspection, I find another under my pillow. Since my bed was the closest to the window, I got to enjoy the bedmates. Fan-freakin-tastic.

I was done.

I packed up my pillow (sans bug) and a spare blanket and kissed ShankRabbit goodnight before retreating to the downstairs couch. It's not remotely close to any windows, so the chances of being attacked were slim. I settled in and finally a bit of sleep.

Fortunately, Saturday night's crib rave had no ill effect on Peanut the next day - thank goodness. She was just as charming as always...and that combined with family time, coffee and fantastic pastries made my Easter morning way better than anticipated.

And what are the morals to my story?
1. Bugs don't make good bedmates
2. Babies, no matter what they do, will always win with their cuteness. Every time.
3. Forget dogs - coffee is man's woman's best friend
________________

* - Harmonia axyridis, the Asian lady beetle. I contemplated posting a picture, but this blog is the only place I have left where I don't have to deal with them. So, click the link for photos and information.

Fatherhood Friday: Remembering the Good Times

Visit Dad-Blogs to get more information on Fatherhood Friday. Great group of people - dads and moms alike!

I'm up way too late. I just spent a good deal of time power-cleaning our house for the arrival of my fosterdad tomorrow morning.

Normally, I just do the quick pick up before a guest arrives...but he has never seen our house nor met Peanut. This is a big deal.

And I just realized we are out of coffee. CRAP.

Anyway, to the point of the post. In honor of his visit, I would like for you to take a moment and think of the person (or people) that acted as a father figure in your life (hopefully you can find a good example and I'm not drudging up bad memories). Maybe it's a family friend, uncle, coach, adoptive parent, or foster parent.

Now...tell me what your favorite memory is with that person.

I will post my favorite memory on Monday.

My head is going to explode...

Last night, I was laying lying horizontally positioned on our kitchen floor. Peanut was playing peek-a-boo with my bellybutton and smacking me in excitement every time it 'surprised' her. ShankRabbit, in the middle of making dinner, looks over and says, "why do you look so sad?" I answer, "I'm not sad...just...too much." So, to prevent my head from exploding (and hoping that I can once again create full sentences when talking), let's explore the list:

1. My (physical) health - had to add that clarification, because we all know my mental state is slightly skewed most of the time. Not much to tell other than everything is probably fine, but the doctors don't know. A lot of fuzzy answers...and as Call Me Cate mentioned, "better to have fuzzy answers than fuzzy meat. Just saying." I couldn't agree more.

2. My fosterdad is visiting me Friday morning. This is the first time he'll see our house and meet Peanut (skipping over lots of details about why this is just happening in the interest of space and time). After The Great Furniture Move of 2009 on Tuesday, I have some major cleaning to do. Crap.

3. We are more than likely going to sell one of our cars and become a one vehicle family. I am a little excited about this (saving money - what a concept!, driving ShankRabbit to work, etc.), but I have an unnatural attachment to SR's car. Seriously. I cried the other night just thinking about it (If you're thinking, "who cries over a car?!" Just remember my warning about the month of April).

4. My checking account is anorexic.

5. I agreed to write an article about myself for our church's newsletter. They spotlight a volunteer in every issue. I just got a "friendly reminder" email yesterday saying it's due today.
The stream of words that came out of my mouth after reading that were not church appropriate.
Let me save you all the trouble and scold myself -
"geez oh Pete, Isabella, what were you thinking?! You hate writing, especially about yourself, and you agreed to write an article? Are you high?!"

--

I'm sure I have more of these swimming around in my head, but right now I'm plagued with writing something more interesting than "Jennifer is" on this newsletter article.

Random #20

I've decided not to give my Random posts a name other than "Random #[insert current number here]"...because when the fancy strikes me, it's never on the day I schedule. I am assigning the arbitrary number of 20, because I don't want to go back and count what actual random day we are on. So, # 20 here we go:

* * * * *
I think I should start with a confession. I've had two beers. An amount that typically has no effect on me, but tonight (as I am writing this on Tuesday night. Don't worry, I'm not a morning boozer) I feel like I've consumed a whole bottle of wine...and a few shots. Let the par-tay begin!

* * * * *
This past winter, we had to move around our living room furniture to accommodate our Christmas tree. This meant the TV stand (with receiver, record player, CD player, and Wii) collected dust in a corner of our tiny bedroom...until now. Today I moved it back to the living room - but that meant I had to move the big couch, the little couch, and the ridiculously heavy coffee table (I think it was originally intended for a Wookie frat house). And since Peanut's birthday party is a mere 11 days away, I figured the crap collecting desk dining room table could go to the basement now. Though, I'm saving that big project for when ShankRabbit can help. Peanut doesn't know how to dial 911 just yet.

* * * * *
I made a kick-butt pork roast today.
*looks to see what part of the pig a pork roast comes from...after 5 minutes of searching, realizes it said "shoulder" on the packaging. Saddened I cannot make intended butt / rump joke*
And because I like you, here is the recipe (I would love to give credit where credit is due, but I can't remember where it came from):

Plagiarism Pork Roast
1 pork roast (4-5 pounds)
1 garlic clove, halved lengthwise
salt
pepper
1/4 c. maple syrup
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp corn starch
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard (I used what I had on hand: Jack Daniels horseradish mustard)
*optional* about a 1/4 tsp of Sriracha...because we put it on practically everything in our house.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Rub roast with garlic and discard the clove halves when done. Sprinkle salt and pepper over roast. Put on rack and bake for 2 hours (this is where I got creative with a metal wok rack and a Pyrex baking dish. Worked great!). Mix rest of ingredients together and cover the roast with it. Bake for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 155 degrees. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Supposedly serves 6 (bahahaha...more like 3-4).

For feeling like I'm buzzin' I did an AMAZING job at recalling all the details of this recipe with no visual assistance.
I better re-read this tomorrow and make sure I didn't just give you a recipe for a shepherd's pie truffle. Or feet.


* * * * *
I use the oven a lot. You'd think with all the baking and cooking I do, I'd remember to preheat the darn thing - especially when the first direction is always "preheat the oven to..."
I forget every time.

* * * * *
ShankRabbit is at his desk, playing a computer game. I stretch and without missing a beat he says, "SOOOO BIG!"
Can you tell we have a kid?

* * * * *
Leave a comment on Code Monkey Daddy's blog to enter the "Song About You" contest. No purchase necessary.

* * * * *
Dance Party Time!
(Have no idea what I'm referring to?...read the bottom of this post)

Artist/Band: New Radicals
Song Title: You Get What You Give
Kid-friendly?: Sorta...there is one swear at the end of the song

Want a song written about YOU?

ShankRabbit, a.k.a. The Code Monkey Daddy, has a contest going on right now on his blog. Your comments are entries for a chance to win a song about YOU. He'll write it, record it, and send it along in a nifty MP3 format for your listening pleasure.

This part is specifically for Call Me Cate - finally, a contest where you don't have to reveal your name or address! WOO HOO!

No need to mention my name over there - since I'm married to the fella, I can't win the contest. I just thought this was too cool not to share with my readers.

So, go to his site, read the rules and get commenting. Good luck!

Hotel Tips

I spent a good deal of my employment life as a slave worker in the hospitality industry. Most of this experience was spent behind the front desk, though I did have a stint in the executive offices (ah, the Monday-Friday 8-6 life. A rarity in the hotel business). Anyway, I feel this list is important to share.

Here are 10 tips for anyone planning to stay in a hotel:

1. Call ahead (maybe a couple days before or the night before) to confirm your reservation. That way if there is any problem or the hotel can't find the reservation, it can be resolved at that time - not when you are at the desk (and there are a bazillion other people in line waiting to get their rooms).

2. If a guest service agent (A.K.A. GSA) asks for your last name, please don't spout off your reservation number, unless the person specifically asks for it. You have no idea how frustrating it is to have this conversation:

"Last name please..."
"I have confirmation number 1234567"
"...right, but what is your last name?"
"I just gave you the confirmation number"

If they wanted the number, they would have just asked.

3. Your confirmation number is tied to your reservation. If there is a discrepancy with your rate, room type, etc. giving them the confirmation number again is not going to fix anything.

4.1. ROOM TYPES ARE NOT GUARANTEED!! I cannot stress that enough...especially if you book online. Yes, the screen said "king bed non-smoking," but in actuality you are REQUESTING a specific room type, not guaranteeing it. They should do their best at check in to get your room type you requested...but if they don't have it, please don't get mad. Getting mad won't get you anywhere (see point number 6).

4.2. Please know the difference between the words guarantee and request.

5. Having all of your documents out and ready is recommended. This includes any or all of the following (depending on where you go): Photo ID (drivers license, passport...), credit card (or other form of payment), and confirmation number (in the off-chance they can't find the reservation).

6. This is true for almost any hotel you go to...if you have a problem and want it resolved, getting mad will not work. Majority of the time you will get the absolute minimum that person can give you. If you are nice, they are more likely to give you free stuff not only for the inconvenience, but just because (side note: don't go to far...hitting on the GSA could backfire).

7. So maybe you are a frequent traveler...that's great! They appreciate your patronage, but don't throw it back in their face. Some properties offer more for their club members than others - if you end up at a property that gives you bubkis, don't scoff at it...just accept it and move on. Otherwise, you seem like a spoiled little brat and will probably incite a slew of evil hexes thrown at you when you're not around.

8. Walk in reservations are risky. While you can sometimes get a lower rate if you don't book a reservation in advance, you run the risk of not finding a room at all. There are several times a year that the whole city of Chicago (including properties at Midway and O'Hare) will sell out...so much so that they have to relocate guests to the suburbs. If you still don't want to book a reservation, check availability over the phone first...save yourself the trouble of walking to every property looking for rooms.

9. Relocations...while they aren't pleasant for the guest or the GSA, they happen. Hotels are just like airlines in this respect - they overbook on rooms. So, if you have to be relocated, stay calm...they'll take care of you. More than likely the GSAs have been yelled at all day and it doesn't help your cause if you do the same (I have a built-in emotional "off" button as a direct result of these situations). The hotel should pay for your room at another hotel and transportation costs. So look at it this way...you get a free room - score! If you have a reservation, but think (or know) the hotel is sold out, ask if they are taking any volunteer relocations...this way you can get in on the free room deal as well.

10. Last but certainly not least - the employees are there for you, the guest. If you have a request, problem, recommendation, compliment, what have you...share it. You'd be surprised what they do for people each day just because you asked: complimentary ice cream from room service for a kid's birthday, complimentary upgrade for a newlywed couple...the concierge desk can even plan your whole weekend if you'd like (just remember to tip them and the doorman/bellman if used).

After re-reading this list, I realized I have some interesting stories from my time behind the desk. I think I'll revisit some of them for your reading enjoyment in the future.

* * * * *
Dance Party Time!
(Have no idea what I'm referring to?...read the bottom of this post)

Artist/Band: Katrina and the Waves
Song Title: Walking on Sunshine (how can you NOT dance to this song?!)
Kid-friendly?: Yep

Fatherhood Friday: Dads are the Best!

Visit Dad-Blogs to get more information on Fatherhood Friday. Great group of people - dads and moms alike!

I decided to take this Fatherhood Friday and focus on dads (wow! What an innovative concept, Isabella!).
Back story: I felt bad last night because I inadvertently made ShankRabbit feel "not good enough" in relation to parenting Peanut. It was certainly not my intent...and I want all the fathers, not just ShankRabbit, to know how important your role is in your child's life.

I don't want to bore you with my never-ending emotional babble (seriously, falling asleep at the keyboard is never recommended), so I'll just inundate you with photos...sound good? Here we go -

Why Dads Are The Best

No one can do nap time quite like a dad





And even when he's not sleeping, he's still great to fall asleep on





He doesn't just feed the child...he bonds, he connects



And he can multitask like a mo fo (dishes AND baby wearing)!









He is passionate about his interests and eager to share all he knows







even making sure the child has a "well-rounded" experience (e.g. cheesy cover band at State Fair)




He knows how to have fun (photo shoot, FTW!)












No matter the time or place, he'll get right in and play








even coordinate costumes on Halloween...'cause he's just that cool

Simply put...there is no one like you.

I'd say I'm more turquoise...

I'm not "green." I don't use reusable grocery bags, I use paper towels like a fiend, and plastic sandwich bags are a hot commodity in our household.

Now, before the environmentalists out there beat me over the head with a tree branch, I'm not a complete dolt when it comes to the environment. We recycle, I use the "light" setting on the dishwasher and clothes washer, and I save the various containers from Peanut's baby food for reuse...but that's about as far as it goes. However, there is another big step toward the "green" arena that I'm contemplating. Something that could be groundbreaking in this household.





Cloth diapers.

I was a first-hand witness to the prefold cloth diaper days of my cousin P.J. (who is turning 18 soon...geez oh Pete!). They were ugly, cumbersome, and created an unnecessary amount of work. Knowing all this, I didn't even consider the cloth diaper option...even after seeing the "new and improved" options.

Here we are, a couple weeks away from Peanut's 1st birthday, and I'm seriously considering cloth diapers. A list of the reasons why this popped into my head all the sudden:

1. Buying disposable diapers takes a nice size chunk of cash every month
2. Now that I'm at home during the day, I have more time for washing the diapers consistently (and spending 11.5 months on the front lines of baby mess, rinsing the cloth ones out in the toilet doesn't gross me out in the slightest)
3. For a few months now, Peanut has been using the potty on occasion (don't get me wrong, I'm not potty-training her. I just know when she's gonna go and take her to the toilet. Much better than cleaning up a stinky crap diaper, in my opinion). Usually the diaper we remove is barely soiled...and I feel like I'm just throwing money away when I trash it.
4. Gone are the days of ugly white, plastic covered cloth diapers. They come with easy closures, fun colors, and uber-soft fabrics.
5. They can be saved and used for the next munchkin.
6. If I have any issues whatsoever, there is an insane amount of information online to help me out.

So, there you go. I'm thinking we'll start with 3 or 4 and see how that goes. I've talked with ShankRabbit and I think he's gotten past the "what the...?" stage and is on to "well, if that's what you want..."

We'll see what happens.

Hello, April 1st

I don't like practical jokes, ergo, I don't like April Fool's Day. So, I will welcome the day as April 1st, not April Fools. Capiche?

Now that that's out of the way...

The month of April has always been an emotional one for me, on both sides of the spectrum - everything from anniversaries of people passing to the birth of my daughter. This emotional Sit 'N Spin leaves my mind reeling by month's end (and, just like the toy, a little queasy). So, if I get introspective or moody or goofy as all get-out, you now know why.

* * * * *

Have you ever had one of those moments where you think, "man, it would be perfect if they had [fill in invention]." Well, that is what Pandora is for me. I always thought that idea of something suggesting music you might like based on your current favorites was just a pipe dream...and here it is, in all its glory.

My "chill" list includes names like Joshua Radin (duh), Iron & Wine, Matt Nathanson, and Ray LaMontagne. I liked the music it shuffled and rarely had to skip over a song or give it a thumbs down.

I recently added a few more names to the mix, but I'm not sure if I like it or not. It has taken my "chill" station and thrown it for a loop. Not that the recommended music is bad...it's just different. I don't know how I feel about different.

I just wrote 9 sentences about Pandora and the musical drama I've created in my head. These things don't need to be said outloud (or written for that matter)...but I don't want you to think I skimped out on a post (again), so I'll leave it for your non-enjoyment.


Hey! They're not looking...RUN AWAY!

* * * * *
Dance Party Time!
(Have no idea what I'm referring to?...read the bottom of this post)

Artist/Band: The Tokens
(this is who recorded the most common version we all know. Interesting back story to this song, if you want to read it)
Song Title: The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Kid-friendly?: Yep


*reason for this choice - Peanut Butter and Smelly's Dad made a post a while back about the happy hippo video and his daughter dancing to the song. While it was playing on my laptop, Peanut started dancing along - the same exact way. So, this Dance Party song is for Peanut.

Correction

ShankRabbit didn't want to call me out on my post (he's a smart one, that husband of mine), so I'll do it myself.

For those who would like to know the real way to write "feet" in computer-speak...here is a conversation to read:
Shankrabbit: well, you weren't "wrong" per say

as far as how humans interpret numbers

you were right

but if i fed that to a computer... it'd take a sh!t

well, it'd give you something you weren't expecting
Me: lol

computer poops...rad!
Shankrabbit: computers don't process numbers "base 10"

they do it "base 16"

or, as you know it, Hex

Shankrabbit: so, if you'd want a computer to understand it

it'd be
01000010 01000001 01000001 01001010

66 65 65 74

or base 10

102 101 101 116

or

feet

you did the binary representation of the base 10

Twitter me this...

I have a few things I wanted to write about today, but that was eclipsed by what I just read on Twitter:



Twitter is "stressing out a bit right now?"

I'm sorry you're stressed out, Twitter. You know what, take a break today - put your 01100110011001010110010101110100* up, grab a cup of tea and relax. I know being a social networking service is one tough job.


___________________

* - binary for "feet"...at least I think so.

Brief break

I am feverishly working on Peanut's birthday invitations (can't just buy pre-made invites...noooo, I have to make my own), so no in-depth post today.

To tide you over, here is a photo of Peanut during her "photo shoot" for the invite (taken by the amazingly talented ShankRabbit. What can't this guy do?) -

Crafts from me to you!

This came from Liz's blog, who got it from Momza's blog (and so on and so forth I'm sure). I can't believe I'm doing this. Just when I think I have more than enough craft projects to keep me busy...I...I can't help myself.

But don't worry about my serious crack craft addiction. All you need to know is that I'm offering you a chance to get something - HANDMADE - by yours truly. No real catch...just leave a comment. This will be for the first 5 comments (yes, even you international folks...though I can guarantee it will fit in an envelope if that's the case).
Here are the rules (original text in red, my additions in blue) -

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be just for you (no sweatshop mass-produced products here. I save my young workers for more menial tasks).

3. It'll be done this next month (As in, by the end of April. Peanut is turning 1...gotta allow time for me to lose my mind planning a party first).

4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or something sewn. I may draw or paint something. I may bake something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5.The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same on your blog. (This is not necessary for entry. I know a lot of you that read as lurkers don't have a blog...so just leave a comment. I'd *heart* you if you promoted my blog in some way, though - blog, twitter, facebook, a passing conversation with your dentist)

Ok...and go!

Fatherhood Friday: Can't Touch This

Visit Dad-Blogs to get more information on Fatherhood Friday. Great group of people - dads and moms alike!

I believe in equality in the household. ShankRabbit usually takes the garbage to the curb, but it's not "his job." I typically put Peanut down at night, but ShankRabbit would do it in a heartbeat.

However, there are certain things I'm just not allowed to do. As you will see by my list, I was put on "limited use" or completely banned from certain things because of my stupidity and/or lack of self-control. Observe:

1. Using the garbage disposal - more specifically, putting potato peels in the garbage disposal. ShankRabbit had to use a pipe snake (or whatever that thing is called) and disconnect the plumbing in an attempt to repair it. It eventually had to be replaced. Now, I throw away 99.9% of food items. I can't take that chance again.

2. Handling the food processor blade - I have managed to slice open my hand not once, but twice, on this evil device. I still haven't figured out how to separate the blade from the white plastic stand without cutting myself. Right now, it is either a) wait for ShankRabbit to do it or b) put on a pair of thick oven mitts and hope for the best. I had a minor panic attack when I found out that the pesto I made the other night required the use of the food processor. Maybe if I learned to chop stuff up like Yan Can Cook I could avoid this appliance.


(Side note: if you ever want to make cheapo-bulk-buy frozen chicken breast taste absolutely esquisite, stuff it with a Neufchatel cheese/basil pesto mixture and bake it. Oh. My. God.)

3. Rice Krispies Cereal - I'm not banned from eating it, just opening the package. Apparently, I have no finesse. I find pouring the cereal from a shredded bag and half-torn box to be a fun challenge - will it go in the bowl or all over the floor?! Oh, the suspense!

4. Making my own cup of coffee - I am fully capable of pouring the coffee and adding sugar and milk...it is the ratio of such items that I fail at every time. I cannot walk away with a decent cup of coffee until I've adjusted said ratio at least 4 times - and by that time, it's cold. As a trade for making me the perfect cup of coffee, I painstakingly prepare ShankRabbit's coffee (black, in a mug).

5. Going to Target with money - I think when Peanut was born, the crack dealers Target higher-ups implanted a microchip in me that prevents leaving the premises without walking through the entire store...and finding things that I NEED from the clearance rack in the baby section. Or the office supplies/stationary section. Or the dollar section.

6. Visiting WebMD - ShankRabbit suggested I add this one. I don't know why. WebMD is the only place that confirms my fears about the plethora of life-threatening illnesses I have. He should be thankful that I'm still alive and fighting the good fight.

A short, late Thursday post

For 5 minutes, I was a prisoner in my own sweatshirt. I've had this article of clothing for at least 5 years now, so you'd think I'd be well-versed in removing it.

Because the bungee cord-like elastic closure at the bottom got caught on our banister twice today (recoiling me into the wall both times), the knot was WAY too tight to undo. A claustrophobic panic began to set in, causing me to sweat (the original reason I was taking of the darned sweatshirt in the first place!) and ran through a billion ideas of how to get it off without destroying it. Plan A was using my teeth to pry the knot open. Plan B was to call ShankRabbit at work in tears.

Fortunately, Plan A worked.


Don't tell my dentist.

Engagement - The Prequel

See this post for the story of the engagement and the reason for this particular story.

April 19th, 2006 -
I was working at a prominent hotel in Milwaukee, dating the greatest guy on earth, and just lovin' life. On this day, I got a frantic phone call from my Uncle J telling me that my mom's husband, Scott, was in the hospital after a sudden heart attack the previous weekend. He was on life support and he wasn't going to make it. They were going to disconnect him that afternoon.

My mother is not one to keep in regular contact with anyone. We'd go months at a time without any kind of communication. At this point in my life, we hadn't spoken in years.

My uncle put her on the phone. She seemed distracted, but relieved to hear my voice. I could hear the need for my presence - she didn't have to say a thing. Knowing how she'd never ask for help (a trait I know all too well), I understood, but still asked -

"Mom, do you need me to come down there?"

"You'd do that?"
-

My emergency-organizer self kicked into action. Within 12 hours, I:
1. Got the OK from my boss to take a few days of bereavement
2. My discounted flight lined up (through the generosity of a close friend's father who worked for an airline)
3. A dog sitter confirmed
4. A rental car to take me from Charlotte, N.C. to the small town where my mother lived.

The next day (Thursday), I was on a flight to North Carolina.

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I stayed at the hospital with my mom. The wonderful hospital staff arranged for a second recliner chair to be brought into the room for me.

Scott was a fighter. He held on longer than anticipated. It took until Friday evening for him to pass away. For the first time in my life, I saw my mom cry.

I handled the arrangements and addressed any other details needing attention. I was back in Milwaukee by Monday evening, exhausted, but thankful for the time with my mother.

This wasn't a pleasant circumstance by any means, but a lot of good did come of it. I reconnected with my estranged mother. My faith in God was tested and, ultimately, strengthened. And my extended absence gave ShankRabbit the opportunity to visit my fosterparents and ask for permission to marry me.

When we returned to the area two weeks later for MOTD, I was able to call up my mom and introduce her to ShankRabbit. This would have never happened if I didn't have that time with her.

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(Clarification: I left my biological parent's home when I was 11. My biological father has been out of the picture for a LONG time. My fosterparents entered my life when I was 13, so they are who I'd consider the parental figures in my life)

See Isabella Write.

My baby needs SHOES, people!

Ok, maybe "need" is a little strong.

Peanut is not walking yet, but her unassisted standing has increased exponentially over the past couple weeks. Walking is so close I can taste it - "it tastes like FEET!" (one of the best "Friends" episodes ever). And why shouldn't she be able to do that in style?

I'm not willing to donate a kidney to afford some of the other children's shoes on the market (I won't name names, but it starts with a Stride and ends in Rite). I also don't want to put cardboard cutouts on her feet, either...they just don't go with anything.

Look What Mom Found's giveaways keep getting better and better. I'm coveting a pair of See Kai Run shoes (visit their website here).

I bet most of you are thinking, "Would you just quit it with your giveaway posts already?"

If making a simple blog post means I get an extra entry...then you are out of luck for now.

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On the docket for tomorrow - a serious post (for once). Titled - Engagement: The Prequel.

Methinks this is not an appropriate "serious" sounding title for the subject matter...but it will have to do.