Saturday, September 6, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Votes Are In (pretty much)...
And it seems the first choice for vice president in my little blog-sphere with 44% is Sarah Palin. Coming in second is Rudi Guiliani, with Hillary Clinton and Michael Phelps sharing a distant third.
No one opted for Joe Biden, who is the actual vp nominee on the democratic ticket. Hmmmm.....very curious.
Anyway, reports are coming in that the high ratings enjoyed from the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics now seems minuscule compared to the viewership of both conventions, especially the speeches by both Palin and Obama.
So, even if you are still undecided in your vote, there is certainly one apparent certainty: America is very much tuned into this election, and that is a very good thing.
With the conventions behind us, I'll throw up another poll and promise that my blog will be politics-free....at least until the debates.
No one opted for Joe Biden, who is the actual vp nominee on the democratic ticket. Hmmmm.....very curious.
Anyway, reports are coming in that the high ratings enjoyed from the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics now seems minuscule compared to the viewership of both conventions, especially the speeches by both Palin and Obama.
So, even if you are still undecided in your vote, there is certainly one apparent certainty: America is very much tuned into this election, and that is a very good thing.
With the conventions behind us, I'll throw up another poll and promise that my blog will be politics-free....at least until the debates.
Guess Who?
My husband had two questions for this week's pick:
Why would you pick him?
and
Who would know that?
(Oh, and the Guess Who? pertains to the individual on the left...
though the spunky lady on the right has me intrigued too)
I Totally Stole This From Megan
In case you have not checked out the blog "Stories of Pure Genius and Stupidity", you simply must. She's on my blogroll and SHE IS FUNNY.
Anyway, I stole the following right from her site, which is a must visit.
Oh, and there are only NINE of me...
Anyway, I stole the following right from her site, which is a must visit.
Oh, and there are only NINE of me...
| HowManyOfMe.com | ||
|
Picture of the Day
Since Spyware also got a hold of my husband's computer, I have been unable to upload any new pictures.
Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com
So here's an old one, from when he was new...
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Blogturnal
HOW does my post about 90210 generate more comments than the one about Palin????
I know people are talking about this.......let's hear it!
I know people are talking about this.......let's hear it!
Preschool Days
I dropped off Olivia at preschool for her second day and, though I am still grappling with the inevitable growth of my little girl, she was even more excited to go back. I watched her go to her cubby as if she'd been doing it for months, and I watched in disbelief as she greeted little people I have never seen before.
She now knows people I do not?!
Anyway, I kissed her goodbye (she gave me a quick cheek) and as I left her teacher grabbed me and said:
"She is smart as a whip! WOW!"
Smart? A whip? You can tell what I've always known after only one day?
What did she do that impressed her already? I mean, I know she's a genius, but how did she realize it so soon???
I sailed out of the building, my nausea all but gone. How wonderful school is!
The hours flew by in one big happy blur and, before I knew it, I was waiting in line with the other moms retrieving their children. I wonder if they'd be jealous of my child? I'd have to play it cool.
As each child was matched with his or her approved adult, I wondered if her teacher had more to say about my little wonderkind. Gee, maybe they'll move her up with the four year olds....
And then I saw it.
Miss Teacher leaned over to the mom two kids ahead and said, "He is SO smart."
The mom returned a knowing nod and seemed to float out of the room.
What? That kid?! The one with two different socks and a perpetually runny nose?
She couldn't mean it...she just must say it to all the moms to make them feel special.
Everyone except me, of course.
She now knows people I do not?!
Anyway, I kissed her goodbye (she gave me a quick cheek) and as I left her teacher grabbed me and said:
"She is smart as a whip! WOW!"
Smart? A whip? You can tell what I've always known after only one day?
What did she do that impressed her already? I mean, I know she's a genius, but how did she realize it so soon???
I sailed out of the building, my nausea all but gone. How wonderful school is!
The hours flew by in one big happy blur and, before I knew it, I was waiting in line with the other moms retrieving their children. I wonder if they'd be jealous of my child? I'd have to play it cool.
As each child was matched with his or her approved adult, I wondered if her teacher had more to say about my little wonderkind. Gee, maybe they'll move her up with the four year olds....
And then I saw it.
Miss Teacher leaned over to the mom two kids ahead and said, "He is SO smart."
The mom returned a knowing nod and seemed to float out of the room.
What? That kid?! The one with two different socks and a perpetually runny nose?
She couldn't mean it...she just must say it to all the moms to make them feel special.
Everyone except me, of course.
A Mom Partisan Post
Based on the sentiments I shared in last night's post, I stayed up to watch Palin's speech in the hopes that she may offer some better insight into her decision to accept the vice preseidential nomination.
Though my feelings on her decision to run remain, I do have to acknowledge that her speech was everything it needed to be. She demonstrated intellect, strength, and a likability that always seems to evade Hillary. She also proved with Obama, that the art of oration is alive and well in our nation's politics.
Among the highlights, she defended her own young experience by comparing it to Obama's...both have few years under their belt, which has prompted many to question their ability to lead. She handled this particular point well, which should certainly weigh in with the debates.
Anyway, if you missed the speeches, do yourself a favor and spend some time on YouTube (btw: Who knew Guiliani could be so funny?). Given these conventions, this election promises to be as exciting as it is important.
And there's never been so much at stake.
FINALLY....the true highlight of the night came when Palin's youngest daughter licked her palm to smooth out her infant brother's hair. I believe My friend Amy used to call this "the hansomes".
See below.....
Though my feelings on her decision to run remain, I do have to acknowledge that her speech was everything it needed to be. She demonstrated intellect, strength, and a likability that always seems to evade Hillary. She also proved with Obama, that the art of oration is alive and well in our nation's politics.
Among the highlights, she defended her own young experience by comparing it to Obama's...both have few years under their belt, which has prompted many to question their ability to lead. She handled this particular point well, which should certainly weigh in with the debates.
Anyway, if you missed the speeches, do yourself a favor and spend some time on YouTube (btw: Who knew Guiliani could be so funny?). Given these conventions, this election promises to be as exciting as it is important.
And there's never been so much at stake.
FINALLY....the true highlight of the night came when Palin's youngest daughter licked her palm to smooth out her infant brother's hair. I believe My friend Amy used to call this "the hansomes".
See below.....
Quote of the Day
"Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves." ~Abbé Dimnet, Art of Thinking, 1928
Picture of the Day
Hitting a homerun with 14 layers of clothing
and a knit cap-choker combo is next to impossible.
Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A Mom Partisan Post
When I first acquainted myself with John McCain's choice for a running mate, I was genuinely intrigued by this mother of five who also ran marathons and a state. She impressed me as smart, together, and a woman who somehow managed a big family that included a special needs child.
And then the news broke about her pregnant 17 year old daughter's unplanned pregnancy and it seems the media could talk of little else. My first reaction was to defend the privacy of this family, to applaud this woman for supporting her child in crisis, and to proclaim my disgust of a media that seemed to dance with the news of salacious scandal.
But here's the thing....
You have a 5 month old with special needs and a teenager who is probably as terrified as she'll ever be, do you really think now is the best time to accept the nomination for the second most important job in the country?
Yes, she can. And yes, her husband certainly could step in. But "can" and "could" are a lot different than "should".
And here's the thing that I just can't get past: Your vulnerable, terrified, young daughter can barely face the humiliation of a pregnancy in high school...why in the world would you accept a position that will knowlingly thrust that child in the public spotlight for everyone to judge, defame, and use for public consumption?
Your daughter is in dire straits and you accept a position that will make it a national hot topic?
Not me.
I know people have opinions about this one....so feel free to comment. I guess I should close by saying that the only thing that bothers me more about her decision, is the opposing party's apparent joy in their hardship.
Disappointment all around.
And then the news broke about her pregnant 17 year old daughter's unplanned pregnancy and it seems the media could talk of little else. My first reaction was to defend the privacy of this family, to applaud this woman for supporting her child in crisis, and to proclaim my disgust of a media that seemed to dance with the news of salacious scandal.
But here's the thing....
You have a 5 month old with special needs and a teenager who is probably as terrified as she'll ever be, do you really think now is the best time to accept the nomination for the second most important job in the country?
Yes, she can. And yes, her husband certainly could step in. But "can" and "could" are a lot different than "should".
And here's the thing that I just can't get past: Your vulnerable, terrified, young daughter can barely face the humiliation of a pregnancy in high school...why in the world would you accept a position that will knowlingly thrust that child in the public spotlight for everyone to judge, defame, and use for public consumption?
Your daughter is in dire straits and you accept a position that will make it a national hot topic?
Not me.
I know people have opinions about this one....so feel free to comment. I guess I should close by saying that the only thing that bothers me more about her decision, is the opposing party's apparent joy in their hardship.
Disappointment all around.
Battle of the Sexes
Though my home looks like the site of a Toys R' Us plant explosion, most of the objects of entertainment are either pink, floral, or pink.
My daughter has two years on her younger brother; a lot of time to accrue more toys.
Until yesterday, however, his toys conisted of singing monkeys, some always appealing trains, and number of sports balls.
Yesterday, however, saw everything change.
Since his sister was enjoying her first day of school, I actually managed to put some of my nausea aside to enjoy some rare one-on-one time with my little guy.
We played on the swing set.
We read boy books.
We went to the park.
We went for a walk.
We even attempted to get his first hair cut (but the place was closed).
And we ended our three hours by making a quick stop at Rite Aid to pick out a very special, little toy just for him. Since he had just been introduced to the matchbox car, I thought that might be a good choice.
Next to those little green army men that never let go of their aim, there is no boyer boy toy out there.
So which car does he pick??
A blue Shleby Cobra with a white racing stripe down the middle.
M-U-S-C-L-E
My daughter has two years on her younger brother; a lot of time to accrue more toys.
Until yesterday, however, his toys conisted of singing monkeys, some always appealing trains, and number of sports balls.
Yesterday, however, saw everything change.
Since his sister was enjoying her first day of school, I actually managed to put some of my nausea aside to enjoy some rare one-on-one time with my little guy.
We played on the swing set.
We read boy books.
We went to the park.
We went for a walk.
We even attempted to get his first hair cut (but the place was closed).
And we ended our three hours by making a quick stop at Rite Aid to pick out a very special, little toy just for him. Since he had just been introduced to the matchbox car, I thought that might be a good choice.
Next to those little green army men that never let go of their aim, there is no boyer boy toy out there.
So which car does he pick??
A blue Shleby Cobra with a white racing stripe down the middle.
M-U-S-C-L-E
What's Cuter Than Cute?
Watching her wear a backpack almost as big as her (with polka dots).
Peaking through the window of her classroom to watch her sing from her spot on the mat.
And most of all....
Watching her excitement when she answers the door to find a special delivery of flowers from her doting dad.
Peaking through the window of her classroom to watch her sing from her spot on the mat.
And most of all....
Watching her excitement when she answers the door to find a special delivery of flowers from her doting dad.
90210
In case you missed the premier of the new 90210, the show promises lots of new drama and even more unintentional comedy than the original. The "new Brenda" would give Tori Spelling a run for her money in the bad acting category and the "new Brandon" is more like Steve, only African-American and more attractive.
The highlights:
1) A cameo by Nat who longs for the coffee of old while struggling to conquer a latte (shout out to Joe E. Tatatatatata).
2) The spawn of Andrea Zuckermann and Jesse Vazquez is the anchor of the school's cable channel. Her appearance makes one of the teachers remark, "What, is that girl like 30?".
3) The drunk grandmother.
4) Kelly speaking surreptitiously to her 4 year old son's mystery father (his name rhymes with felan)
5) Kelly's much younger sister, Erin, is now a teen at West Bev and goes by the nickname "Silver". (Geepers, those writers are clever).
6) Shannon Dougherty
Did anyone else watch?
Quote of the Day
"If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers." ~Edgar W. Howe
Picture of the Day
My little girl is getting less and less little...
Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The First Day of Preschool
We survived!!
Though I'd been a ball of anxiety all weekend, that quickly gave way to nausea as the family car headed to school this beautiful Tuesday morning.
The school had recommended a number of tips to ensure that the first "drop-off" goes well, including a good breakfast, a organized, unrushed, peaceful morning, and happy talk about school on the ride in. I did all of this.
Of greatest importance, O and I picked out her clothes the night before to ensure the one battle I can always count on was avoided. And everything went great.
Except the nausea part.
My husband and I (with little man in tow) walked her into her classroom, helped her locate her cubby and stow away her overpriced Pottery Barn Kids backpack (feel free to make fun of that little extravagance....I refuse to apologize), and reintroduced her to her teacher.
Leave it to the professionals to have a well-laid out table of vibrant Play-doh and cookie cutters (something NO kid can resist) to distract from the disappearing parents. Our own little O barely deigned us with a goodbye kiss as she scooted into her seat and went about the business of sculpting.
Don't get sick. Don't get sick.....It'll frighten the children (and probably resemble the Play-D0h).
I slowly found my way to the exit, clutching my stomach and trying not to notice the sprinkle of kids who would not be fooled by the Play Doh.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. I thought I'd be fighting back tears, not tummy spasms.
Making it to the car was a small miracle, and making it the three hours without picking up the phone was a big one.
Oh, and she did great; can't wait to go back....and "earned" the Star Student of the Day recognition.
And I earned a cocktail for tonight, with a twist of tums.
Though I'd been a ball of anxiety all weekend, that quickly gave way to nausea as the family car headed to school this beautiful Tuesday morning.
The school had recommended a number of tips to ensure that the first "drop-off" goes well, including a good breakfast, a organized, unrushed, peaceful morning, and happy talk about school on the ride in. I did all of this.
Of greatest importance, O and I picked out her clothes the night before to ensure the one battle I can always count on was avoided. And everything went great.
Except the nausea part.
My husband and I (with little man in tow) walked her into her classroom, helped her locate her cubby and stow away her overpriced Pottery Barn Kids backpack (feel free to make fun of that little extravagance....I refuse to apologize), and reintroduced her to her teacher.
Leave it to the professionals to have a well-laid out table of vibrant Play-doh and cookie cutters (something NO kid can resist) to distract from the disappearing parents. Our own little O barely deigned us with a goodbye kiss as she scooted into her seat and went about the business of sculpting.
Don't get sick. Don't get sick.....It'll frighten the children (and probably resemble the Play-D0h).
I slowly found my way to the exit, clutching my stomach and trying not to notice the sprinkle of kids who would not be fooled by the Play Doh.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. I thought I'd be fighting back tears, not tummy spasms.
Making it to the car was a small miracle, and making it the three hours without picking up the phone was a big one.
Oh, and she did great; can't wait to go back....and "earned" the Star Student of the Day recognition.
And I earned a cocktail for tonight, with a twist of tums.
Quote of the Day
"Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day. It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken." ~Bill Dodds
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