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.

-

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.

-

(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.

* * * * *
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.

Lenten season joke

I forgot about this joke until Call Me Cate told the story of her 'fish as meat' argument.

-----

John was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood. On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling a big, juicy steak on his grill. Meanwhile, all of his neighbors were eating cold tuna fish for supper. This went on each Friday of Lent.

On the last Friday of Lent, the neighborhood men got together and decided that something had to be done about John. He was tempting them to eat meat each Friday of Lent, and they couldn't take it anymore. They decided to try and convert John to Catholicism. They talked to him and were ecstatic that he decided to join all of his neighbors and become a Catholic. They took him to church. The Priest sprinkled some water over him and said, "you were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, and now you are a Catholic."

The men were so relieved! Their biggest Lenten temptation was resolved.

The next year's Lenten season rolled around. The first Friday of Lent came and just at supper time, when the neighborhood was setting down to their tuna fish dinner, came the wafting smell of steak cooking on a grill. The neighborhood men could not believe their noses!

WHAT WAS GOING ON?

They called each other up and decided to meet over in John's yard. Did he forget it was the first Friday of Lent? The group arrived just in time to see John standing over his grill with a small pitcher of water. He was sprinkling some water over his steak on the grill, saying, "You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish."

* * * * *

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

Artist/Band: Dave Matthews Band
Song Title: Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back)
Kid-friendly?: Yes (as long as you don't mind references to kissing and smoking)

C. Beth giveaway

As you know, I'm all about the free stuff on my blog. Would I be the proper coupon-clippin', deal-seekin' gal if I wasn't?

There is a beautiful handmade giveaway at C. Beth's blog right now.

Her mother makes these gorgeous animal blankets:



You can choose "girl" or "boy" colors and the animal that you want. Hey, even if you don't have kids, this would make a great gift!


All you have to do is leave a comment - how easy is that?!

Please be sure to write that I referred you (because if you win, I win too!).

The Engagement

I said I'd tell you the story of ShankRabbit's proposal. Here it goes...

May 3, 2006 -
ShankRabbit and I head down to Deals Gap, N.C. for "MINIs on the Dragon." This is an annual MINI Cooper owners meet-up centered around the "Tail of the Dragon" - an 11 mile stretch of road of 318 curves that snakes through the Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee and North Carolina border (we'll save the story of my motion sickness for a later date). We had planned this trip for several months, so the fact that I had been down in this area a couple weeks before was a little bittersweet to me.*

May 5, 2006 - After a hearty, country breakfast made by the lovely owners of the Hemlock Inn (the greatest bed and breakfast. Period), we decide to take a hike around the property, as it is set in a beautifully wooded area.

My experiences with hiking - mostly in Galena, IL - were tarnished with the discovery of a tick or two on my skin and/or scalp. It never failed - no matter how covered up I was they'd find a way to latch onto me. Evil parasites!

Not knowing what the woods of N.C. had in store for me (I assumed since we were in the mountains, I'd probably encounter some kind of saber-toothed zombie tick), I threw on as much clothing as I could. Two sweatshirts (one with a hood), a long pair of jeans, tall socks, and a cowboy hat. I would have worn my baseball cap, but ShankRabbit didn't have anything to cover his head (and I refused to let him hike with me until it was properly protected. I wasn't ready to sacrifice his brain to the undead insects).

We hiked around the property for a while and came to a clearing. It was obviously the future site of a home, with a spectacular view. I was glad to take a rest as the 15 pounds of clothing I insisted on wearing were creating a mini-inferno on my body. After all, it was about 70 degrees that day.

We joked about how it would be our home someday. ShankRabbit then said he'd finished the song he was writing for me and wanted to sing it. This was not out of the ordinary as he breaks into song often, so I stood there and listened to these wonderful lyrics:

In a world that's so uncertain and veiled in a curtain
It's you I want to see
Apart from all condition with purest conviction
By your side is what I'll be

It's not just the way you look
Or the cute way that you smile that I love
It's the way your soul invades me
That's led to believing you're from above

And I know you're not expecting what I'm about to be singing
But believe
That when I look into my life
I only see you as my wife eternally

Now you know I wasn't lying
When I said you never could know how much I loved you
And I hope you've started seeing
And maybe believing that it's true

I want you for forever
I need you for forever
Just say the 'yes' and I'm yours

I didn't get it. He even got down on one knee for the last line and I thought he fell. I was about to help him up when it occurred to me, "oh...he's on ONE knee...OH CRAP!"
Cue uncontrollable sobbing.




OMG! I'm engaged!



And there you have it - that is why I wore that hideous get-up and didn't have a stitch of makeup on.

_______

* - In the process of writing this post, I realized the story would not be complete without detailing what happened two weeks' prior. It's not as fun and happy, but in my mind this is an important part to tell...at least for me. That post will follow on Thursday.

Where'd I go?

ShankRabbit decided to get sick this weekend...so I was busy keeping him fed, hydrated and medicated so he'd return to tip-top shape. Well, he may not be 100% just yet, but he's much better.

Due to "sick patrol," I didn't get a chance to read everyone's blog posts this weekend. Expect comments on old posts, because that's how I roll.

* * * * *

The heat just kicked on and Peanut is on all fours over the floor vent. She's having a great time letting the air blow the hair out of her face and laughing.

Such simple things amuse us - kids and adults alike.

* * * * *

One of the coolest things I witnessed this weekend was ShankRabbit, B.C. (before the cold) and my brother-in-law, playing their guitars in the backyard while Peanut crawled around. I love warmer weather.

* * * * *

I seriously messed up my knee cap on Saturday night. I won't go into specifics, but I will tell you that a metal-framed doorway + one klutz = a lot of pain. Let's hope it's only bruised and nothing more serious.

* * * * *

I just said the following to my daughter, "Let me see what's in your mouth...stop trying to swallow it!...Plastic is NOT for eating!"
Why must she clamp her mouth shut and attempt to bite me at the same time when I'm fishing for something in her mouth? I could have sworn I gave birth to a human being, not a puppy.

Now I will try to find the source of said plastic.

* * * * *

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

Artist/Band: The Bangles
Song Title: Walk Like An Egyptian
Kid-friendly?: Yep

Fatherhood Friday

I wish I could say I had a post all lined up for this week's Fatherhood Friday...but I don't.  You see, I inadvertantly posted what I was going to write about for today yesterday.  Ugh.  I know this probably breaks some obscure blogging rule somewhere, but I'm going to tell you to read yesterday's "You're right" post.

I know, I suck.

I'll be back to my regularly scheduled randomness on Monday.

Link-a-rific...and Giveaways!

This time, I'm not doing the giveaway...I'm promoting giveaways.

"Wait, wait, wait. I'm sure you meant 'giveaway' in its singular form, no?"

No, giveaways - PLURAL!

You just have to stop by Look What Mom Found (it can be done by clicking the link or using the button on the left of my blog). Her spring blog party is in full swing and she's giving away some awesome stuff -

Like a pair of Pedoodles shoes...

Or a RuffleButts diaper cover...

How about some Baby Rock Apparel?

There are other items offered in the giveaway for all those who don't have kids - so everyone, GO CHECK IT OUT!

(A big thank you to Peanut Butter and Smelly's Dad for leading me over there through his blog)

You're right

ShankRabbit used to be the type of person who never liked to admit when he was wrong. In the early part of our courtship whenever I was right, he'd never say, "you're right." Instead, he'd opt not to say anything at all. He has gotten much better about this - even going as far as saying, "you're right honey."
I dare to say I may have been the same way...but, moving on...

Peanut's first birthday is on the 19th of April. We are planning a small* get-together the day before for close friends and family. Our house isn't equipt to accommodate everyone we'd like to invite, so I suggested renting our church's banquet space for the party. ShankRabbit was confident we could do it at home. I disagreed.

Fast forward to yesterday. I had several days to think about his idea and I came to the conclusion that he was right. We'd have to move some of our furniture to the basement and borrow chairs from people, but other than that - we could do it. And with the money we'd save, we could use it for more food and decorations.

So, I hopped on gmail and we had the following conversation:
me: So...I've been thinking
Shankrabbit: uh oh
me: We should have the birthday party at home
Shankrabbit: um
whoa
OK
hold on
Let me ask you something
What were you wearing when i proposed to you?
me: We could move the dining room table out and replace that with seating...(borrow chairs from others if we need to)...
Oh...uh, bears sweatshirt, guard sweatshirt, jeans, cowboy hat**
Why?
Shankrabbit: Just want to make sure it's you
and not... some crazy possessed version of you
'cause I'm pretty sure you are asking me if my idea was good
me: I'm not asking...I'm telling
I've really had time to think about it
And if it's not nice out, we can still accommodate a good amount of peeps in the house
Shankrabbit: Yeah... see
This is going to take like 5 minutes to sink in
'cause
it just makes so much sense
and... I'm not used to you making sense
me: Hey now!
Shankrabbit: And I'd be glad to help you now that all my ideas can come in to play too
me: Well, there go all my ideas and half my brain cells! (I just smacked my head into the ceiling). Owie!***
Shankrabbit: Since... you know... all my ideas were based on us at home. Ooouch. I'm sorry.
me: OK, butthead...I get it! You rock! You have the BEST. IDEAS. EVER. Bow down to the almighty SHANKRABBIT!
Shankrabbit: thank you.

---
* "small" used to mean 8-10 people to us. But since Peanut was born, we've added more people to our close circle. Now, a "small" party is about 25 - give or take a few.
** I'm sure you're very curious why I was wearing this particular outfit. This requires a post all its own.
*** We have slanted ceilings in our upstairs area...I smack my head on it quite often.

Spring - the good and the bad

I think it's going to be a two-nap Wednesday...for Peanut, not me (though I should). Because we went out last night, Peanut had her nightly routine interrupted - which is why she sawin' logs on me right now.

* * * * *

We were outside enjoying the fantastic weather yesterday and I noticed little green sprouts in the flower beds. Tulips will be here soon! (and then disappear almost immediately, as our bunny-friend that lives under the deck loves to consume them).

* * * * *

Speaking of spring...

I'm sorry to all the entomologists out there, but I can't stand bugs! If they are outside, fine...no big deal. It's the moment they enter the house, MY territory, that I get peeved. I've had two unpleasant bug encounters today. Ugh.

* * * * *

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

Artist/Band: Something Corporate
(you should check out Andrew McMahon's side project as well - Jack's Mannequin. Also a good listen)
Song Title: Punk Rock Princess
Kid-friendly?: Yep

Tuesday short

It is not your typical St. Patrick's Day in the Midwest:



70 degrees? In the middle of March?! Wow.

Although I'm certainly not complaining (who would?), I can't decide if I'm happy about this or not. It's gorgeous outside and I fully intend on taking Peanut out after her nap, but it's just a tease. It goes back down to the 50's tomorrow. Just one brief day of warmth.

* * * * *

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here is an Irish saying my grandfather used all the time:

May those who love us, love us.
And those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he can't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping.

Thank goodness it's...Monday?

It has been one crazy ride this weekend. You all read about "my fault" Friday, a baby shower on Saturday, and then today - visiting the brother-in-law in the hospital after an appendectomy. Oy. Crazy, crazy, crazy.

I hope my week is less eventful...maybe a few hours of watching the paint dry or dust accumulate. Oh, who am I kidding - I have an 11 month old! Calm, quiet days do not exist.

* * * * *

I really need to remember to photograph my craft projects before I give them away. I made 2 blankets (1 jersey, 1 flannel and fleece), 1 pair of baby booties, a personalized onesie, 2 burp cloths, and a set of three baby blocks for the baby shower. I was pretty excited with how everything turned out. Though, there are the nit-picky thoughts of "oh, I could have done this different/better..." infiltrating my mind every 5 minutes before I give away any homemade craft. As a perfectionist, I know that those thoughts will never go away.

* * * * *

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

Artist/Band: Matisyahu
(an orthodox Jewish man does reggae/hip-hop songs about God. For real!)
Song Title: King Without A Crown
Kid-friendly?: Yep

It's all my fault - the long version

I'm admitting that it's my fault now so please don't say, "well, you have no one to blame but yourself." I get it...so let me whine, OK?

Let's start with Thursday night. I put Peanut directly into her jammies after dinner. I normally don't do this, but I thought since she SOAKED her day clothes with water during dinner and it's so close to bedtime, why find a new outfit to wear?
(this will be important later...remember this)

I'm getting Peanut to sleep and I put a binky in her mouth - a freshly rinsed one. For anyone that has rinsed a binky and put it into a baby's mouth knows that it makes a squishy noise (from a little water getting trapped inside the nipple). Peanut starts to squirm and wake up from this noise. I frantically find a new binky and settle back into the rocking chair with her - now our typical 10-15 minute bedtime routine is now a half hour.

I go to bed way later than normal. I'll blame the siren song of the internet and ShankRabbit for that one.

That brings us to Friday...

At 6:45am I hear wailing from the baby's room. It is way to early for her to be awake...so I go in there thinking the job will only require a replaced binky and some back rubbing. I look in her crib to find a HUGE wet spot on her bed. Remember the early pajama time? Well, I forgot to change her diaper before her final bottle of the night - hence the overflow.

I call in ShankRabbit to change out her bedding and make a new bottle (hoping the soothing warmth of a bottle will lull her back to sleep). I realize this is fruitless when she starts smiling and barking at me. She's awake, dang it all! I'll just take a nap when she does...yeeeeah right.

We go upstairs to our TV room and cuddle on the futon to watch some kid shows. She's done with "cuddle time" around 9am. We do breakfast and then play a bit. 12pm rolls around and she's rubbing her eyes heavily. She has to eat lunch before her nap since she has a tendency to sleep right through meal time. We do lunch, get cleaned up, and it's time for a nap!

She's 3/4 of the way through her bottle and it dawns on me - I didn't change her diaper AGAIN! Seriously...where are my brain cells?! Instead of having a repeat of this morning, I decide to change her after the bottle. Oh great...she's sleeping. What do you think happens once I expose her girl parts to the cold room air - I'M AWAKE!

I try soothing her any way I can. I even leave her in her crib (praying that she'll lay her head down). For a while, everything is quiet...then I hear the binky tapping on the crib. Then her head. Then a cry. Then the binky, then her head...I think you can guess what's next.

I was upstairs listening to her over the monitor, so I decide to go save her before she knocks herself out. Once I hit the kitchen, I'm overwhelmed with the smell of crap. I sniff the garbage disposal, the garbage can...nothing. It's not until I give up searching and reach Peanut's room that I find the source.

I've heard of a sound barrier before, but never a smell barrier. I crossed the line between the bathroom and her room and about died. No wonder she wasn't trying to sleep...she had a diaper full!

I clean her up and try to get her to sleep. Giving up, we go back to playing. She so tired she's sitting up, with a blanket to her face, rocking back and forth. I try this nap thing again. Success! Now my turn, I lay down and I'm just about to enter the world of rainbows and flowers and sunshine when....WAAAAAAAAAAAH!

20 minutes. That's all she had to give.

Fast forward several hours and here we are. It's midnight and I'm still awake. Why, you ask? Because I like to torture myself, obviously.

Fatherhood Friday: An important holiday!

READER'S WARNING: I'm pretty sure I don't have a following of children reading my blog, but if you have nosy little ones peering over your shoulder while you catch up on blog reading, you may want to send them in the other room while you read this post.

I don't want to be responsible for having your child ask "what's a BJ?" (and I'm not talking about the yellow dinosaur on Barney and Friends)

* * * * *

STEAK AND BJ DAY

Here's the story...taken from an email I received several years back. You can read about the start of this holiday in the Urban Dictionary.

"You know the drill. Every 14th of February you get the chance to display your fondness for a significant other by showering her with gifts, flowers, dinner, shows and any other baubles that women find romantic. Every Valentines day you rack your brains for that one special, unique gift that will show your wife or girlfriend that you really do care for them more than any other. Now ladies, I'll let you in on a little secret; guys really don't enjoy this that much. Sure seeing that smile on your face when we get it right is priceless, but that smile is the result of weeks of blood, sweat and consideration. Another secret; guys feel left out. That's right, there's no special holiday for the ladies to show their appreciation for the men in their life. Men as a whole are either too proud or too embarrassed to admit it.

Which is why a new holiday has been created.

March 14th is now officially "Steak and BJ Day." Simple, effective and self-explanatory, this holiday has been created so you finally have a day to show your man how much you care for him.

No cards, no flowers, no special nights on the town; the name of the holiday explains it all, just a steak and a BJ. That's it. Finally, this twin pair of Valentine's Day and Steak and BJ Day will usher in a new age of love as men everywhere try THAT much harder in February to ensure a memorable March 14th!

The word is already beginning to spread, but as with any new idea, it needs a little push to start the ball rolling. So spread the word, and help bring love and peace to this crazy world. And, of course, steak and BJ's."

Random Thursday #2

One of my blog friends, Liz, is going to look at a preschool for her daughter tonight. Here is my train of thought:

Wow...that's got to be one heck of an emotional roller coaster for her - her baby all grown up and stuff. Wait...Peanut is going to be a year old in a month! Holy crap! She's that much closer to preschool!

Here's the plan: I'm going to find that Peter Pan fellow, jump him for all his magical, Neverland fairy dust, and douse Peanut in it. She's never growing up, got it? GOT IT?!

* * * * *

Has anyone else watched the show "Word World?" Little did I know the word drawings I used to make in grammar school would become a show.

Time to...(dum dum dum dum dum) BUILD A WORD!


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Are you having a so-so day right now? Need a little laugh? Stop by the Daddy Files blog and listen to his son laugh uncontrollably at bubbles. There just something about hearing a baby laugh that makes your day better.

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We're still feeling like poo warmed over in this household, but Peanut slept from about 9:30pm until 8:45am. I am a (somewhat) well-rested mama.

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Today's post was brought to you today by the letter H:

Ugh.

Me, sick + hubby, sick = baby, sick

baby, sick = horrible sleeper

That's the story of our life right now.

Gotta go comfort the screecher.

Wednesday whatnots

Happy Johnny Appleseed Day!

In honor of this random holiday, I share with you a camp song/meal prayer I learned a long time ago:


Oh, the Lord is good to me (clap clap)
and so I thank the Lord (clap clap)
for giving me the things I need: the sun and the rain and the apple seed
the Lord is good to me (clap clap)
uh huh (clap clap) uh huh (clap clap)
uh huh uh huh uh huh LET'S EAT!

Now, you could do the educational thing and find information on this fellow and enrich your minds...or you could just go eat an apple. That's mind-enriching AND you get to eat. What could be better?

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I missed out on wishing you a Happy Mario Day yesterday (Mar. 10 looks like the word "Mario"...get it?). He was launched as a character in 1983. What a way to make a person feel old, huh? I can still remember blowing on the old school Nintendo cartridges before putting them into the machine. Ah, memories...

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It's Wednesday...you know what that means...

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

Artist/Band: Journey
Song Title: Any Way You Want It
Kid-friendly?: Yep (seeing as there is only 9 actual words to the whole song, just repeated in different configurations...I think it's OK)

If you're a Celiac, I hope you're not Catholic

As made evident by my profile message to the left, my husband has Celiac disease. Simply put, he cannot have wheat (and many other grain) products. We are not sure if Peanut has a gluten intolerance yet or not, so we are holding off introducing gluten into her diet until well after her first birthday. Anyway...

I am part of a discussion board for "gluten-free" families. One mother brought up an issue - her daughter, who is gluten intolerant, wants to take part in communion in their church. However, they are Catholic and they were told that a gluten-free alternative could not be provided...only a "low-gluten" option. End of story.

I found this odd. Why on earth would the church not be accommodating to people with this disease? A gluten-free communion wafer is still a bread product...it's not like she's asking them to bless and administer a Snickers bar. Our church is happy to provide a gluten-free option for our family, but we are Lutheran.

I won't bore you with all the research I did (it certainly fascinated me, though). I will tell you this - apparently, in order for it to be "valid" Eucharist, the bread must be made from wheat. You can read about it here.

You take gluten out of the communion wafer and *poof* it's not suitable to be used as the body of Christ?

Wow. Is there anyone out there that understands this?

I used to be Catholic...and with as much as I know, I still don't get it.

My head is in a slight fog today. The weather here in the Midwest is all over the map, so my sinuses have to suffer. So, let me apologize ahead of time for any "what in the world is she talking about?" moments.

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I'm watching Sesame Street with Peanut. They were reading the story of the princess who kissed the frog. According to them, once she kisses the frog and he turns into a prince, they "became friends and lived happily ever after." Just friends, huh? Wow...you'd think after all she did for the frog, he'd at least ask her to be his girlfriend. Who'd want to buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

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I was watching "Muppets Take Manhattan" last night (I really do watch big kid shows...I swear!). It's been a long time since the last time I saw it - and I apparently forgot the Swedish chef has human hands. For some reason, this really creeped me out. Anyone else?

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There are roughly 349 craft projects that I want to do right now. Ok, maybe only 200 - but close enough (first though, I have to complete a gift by Saturday). If I ever won the Lotto or came into a lot of money, after taking care of the necessities and donating a good portion to charity and our church, I'd lavish myself with fabric, yarn, a super-deluxe sewing machine, and other fun craft things. Heck...I'd create a tricked-out craft room. With tons of ORGANIZATION! Oh man...a girl can dream, can't she? Do you think I could get Xzibit to sign on for "Pimp My Craft Room?"

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I finished the giveaway elephants on Saturday. So, C. Beth and BeckwithAni, they will be in the mail very soon! Check your email though, because I have a question I need you both to answer before I ship them.

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

Artist/Band: Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
Song Title: Sing, Sing, Sing
Kid-friendly?: Yes

A body part by any other name...

Ah yes, another Fatherhood Friday. Today's topic: body part names

I'm not talking about your arms or feet...

I hope you know where I'm going with this.

In our household, the women-folk have a "hooha" and then some variation of ta-tas/boobies. I would like to clarify that our child will know the proper terminology for each part, but it won't be our 'go-to' word. This applies to any body part, really - how often do you call your collarbone a clavicle?

I know some mothers prefer not to use nicknames for these parts, going straight for the medical terms. They argue that if the child had to communicate something about these parts (lets say, to a doctor or police officer) they wouldn't understand.

I'm all for teaching your child the proper terminology, but the reason above is not a strong argument.

Children are pretty adamant about trying to make you understand what they are saying...so a little thing like a nickname for a part isn't going to stifle what they have to say - they'd probably just point and say "this thing!"

So, here's a question to you: What do you think? Do you have nicknames for these parts?

Random Thursday #1

Since I started doing Fatherhood Fridays last week, I decided it was best to save my random post for a different day and focus my Friday post on one idea (lest the new readers get all sorts of confused).

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Peanut learned how to pivot-crawl in a circle. This lead to a hilarious scene the other night of her circling a toy. If only I had thought to capture it on video.

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Peanut's "Silent Night" book is losing its battery power. She was playing with it yesterday and it sounded like a distorted horror movie tune - complete with creepy flickering lights. Who knew "Silent Night" could be so fear-inducing? I was freaked out. So, it shall remain turned off until we buy a replacement battery. I'm not looking forward to the day when her stand-up monkey toy starts to do the same thing.

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We are raising a howler monkey. She loves to screech, as loud as she can, whenever ShankRabbit and I are hugging...or when we are playing tag around the house she uses this ear-piercing holler as a defense mechanism.

Upon researching 'teh intarwebz' for a picture of this crazy monkey (the real one, not Peanut), I realized our nickname of "howler monkey" is more appropriate than we thought:

...the din can be heard up to three miles (five kilometers) away. ...The noise sends a clear message to other monkeys: This territory is already occupied by a troop.

Wouldn't it be great if I could share video of this with you? Oh, you don't want your ears to bleed? I understand.

Short Wednesday post

I've had this "new post" screen up for an hour and a half. It's not that I can't think of anything to write today, I'm just in the middle of three things...and as all parents know, you try to get as much done during nap time as possible.

A few tidbits...

- I just downloaded the new Joshua Radin CD from Amazon.com for $1.99. Word.

- It is supposed to be in the 40s today! YAHOO! Warm weather, here we come!

- I had a dream last night about going to a job interview .I blame my best friend for that subconscious suggestion. And if you are reading this Beamer, good luck!

Crap...Peanut is awake. See what happens when you try to make a quick post?

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

Artist/Band: Cheap Trick (or the Letters to Cleo cover works, too)
Song Title: I Want You To Want Me
Kid-friendly?: Yes

The concert.

I had the great idea of taking several pictures from the Joshua Radin concert and using them for my post today. However, I was WAY too wrapped up in the concert to think about busting out the camera. I took only one photo...and as you can tell by the quality, I wasn't really focused on making it a great shot:










I enjoyed the concert...that's all that matters.


A HUGE thank you goes to my brother-in-law for inviting me to this concert. I had a blast!

Well, I got a post idea now...

First, I would like to thank the sponsors:

A big thank you to Marvy LePens. Your slim style and excellent ink flow make for a great writing instrument

And, of course, to Peanut. For without your curiosity in things that you're not supposed to have, you wouldn't have tried to steal this from me.

-

When you combine one arm-flailing, angry 10.5 month old and a writing instrument (thankfully capped), one might get an eye injury.

I can't properly see out of my right eye right now. Let's all hope my vision isn't affected for very long. I would prefer to watch Joshua Radin with both eyes, if possible.

Nothin'. Nada.

I have been sitting here for a good 1/2 hour or so trying to think of what to write. Normally, I can think of at least 5 things...today, I got nothing. So, in a total "I just can't make a real post today," here is a list of 25 random things about me for you to enjoy:

1. I speak about it fondly, but there very few things I miss from my "Chicago" life. I miss living in the city and the friends I had, but I certainly don't miss my dating life. Or the overpriced tiny apartments. Or the noise.

2. I have a very sensitive nose. Too much of a scent/odor can give me an instant headache. That is why I hold my breath when passing people on the street - I don't want to smell them. Maybe it's because of this that I have great lung capacity. Think about it – walking down a street in downtown Chicago. Yeah...enough said.

3. We definitely want to have another kid someday...but seeing as how great our little one has been, we've half-entertained the idea of only having one.

4. I used to work at Victoria's Secret when I was in college. My favorite task was “bunching” the cotton panty tables.

5. Because of #4, I (used to) meticulously organize my underwear drawer – by type, color, and size. Though with a kid, I don't do it as much anymore.

6. I love love love love organization. The Container Store is my porn. I like having containers for everything...but since I don't, a lot of stuff gets thrown into piles/boxes. It makes me sad.

7. I went to a therapist every week from 11 years old until I graduated high school. I miss it.

8. I like to think that I am the same fun, outgoing person I was in high school, but I'm not. I used to love being on stage...now I have severe anxiety attacks just thinking about it. I had to sit down on the stage stairs to give a speech at my best friend's wedding (my legs were shaking so bad I couldn't stand up).

9. It's no secret that I had a rough childhood. Maybe it's insensitive of me, but I hate when people overplay the 'victim' card.

10. I probably would have been a veterinarian (or at least been a volunteer at an animal shelter) if I didn't get so emotionally attached to animals.

11. Giving up my dog was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I check the humane society website on a consistent basis to see if she was returned...even though I know she ended up with someone who could give her the attention I couldn't.

12. I have never felt completely at home in any place I have lived. That is why I don't decorate – I leave that to ShankRabbit. I am hoping that changes with the first house we buy.

13. I've started several art projects to give to one specific person. I can never finish one because I'm nervous what he/she will think of it.

14. If ShankRabbit came up to me today and said his job was taking him to a different state, I'd pack up in a heartbeat. I'd miss friends and family, but I'm tired of the Midwest.

15. I'd love to live in a small town (as long as there was a big town/city not terribly far away).

16. I want to play the uilleann pipes someday.

17. I've had several ideas for possible dream jobs – forensic scientist, miniature maker, the person who makes the clay sculptures for an animation company (like Pixar), luthier, piano tuner, art therapist, microbiologist...the list keeps going.

18. I hate the font Comic Sans. I don't know why.

19. I was thisclose to visiting England for a modeling event, but the trip fell through. I used the money I saved for the deposit on my first apartment.

20. I hate watching fights (fist fights, UFC, etc). In school, kids used to run to watch them, I ran the opposite way. Though, when it comes to people I care about, I'd throw down in a minute. In third grade, I punched a kid because he and his buddy started fighting my brother. They were all two years older than me.

21. I love that my memories are associated with all 5 senses. It makes them very real.

22. My biological mom was a hippie – so pot was no stranger to our household. I had no idea that a glass pipe was drug paraphernalia until I was in 8th grade.

23. I love hearing people's life stories (that probably explains why I love reading people's blogs).

24. My mom was 17 when she joined Ringling Bros. circus. She rode elephants, spun around on the high rope, wore elaborate costumes...I sometimes wish I did the same thing at that age instead of going right to college.

25. One of the most meaningful gifts I ever received was my friends' version of “While You Were Out.” I hope that someday I can do something just as special for them.

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

Artist/Band: The Police
Song Title: Message in a Bottle
Kid-friendly?: Yep