Horoscope

So this, this is my horoscope for today...

January 30, 2009

Gemini (5/21-6/21)

Your creativity is stronger than most people's creativity right now, so you should take the initiative in the group when and if new projects need to get started today. It shouldn't be too hard for you to take the steering wheel, anyway, because folks know a powerhouse of ideas when they see one! They would rather step back and see what you can come up with than compete for power. It's time to celebrate your ability to contribute fresh, innovative and thought-provoking ideas to the discussion.

Frankly I don't have a single thought, let alone one that shows off my big brain flexing with creativity. Perhaps a junior horoscope writer sneaked in while the head guru was out getting his coffee and donuts this morning.

A Sickie

Yesterday, one of the kids fell ill to the dreaded 24 hour stomach bug.

The problem with this sort of bug is that once you hear that first retch, a thought pops into your head, "Uh-oh, who will fall next?" So you arm yourself with Lysol, bleach spray and copious amounts of hand soap to stem the spread. Will it work this time? Will you prevent it's spread? Will your Howard Hughes like fear of germs save you from ending up bent over the toilet pondering whether it would be better to die right then or vomit one more time?

The next day your child feels better and you're grateful. But also, you wait. Who will be next...

Library Books

Recent picks from the school library:

National Service Day

As many of you have heard, our Pres Elect has declared today (Martin Luther King Day) as a National Day of Community Service. The USA Service site has a whole list of events in your area making it easy to find a way to do your part. Oh and if you can't do something today, you can always get ideas for future projects there as well.

Today I've organized a virtual food drive for the Maryland Food Bank. Donating is something you can do from the comfort of your own home. So if you want a way to help but don't know what to do, click here. See how much I care about you? I made it so you can serve (and feel all warm & fuzzy) without even getting out of your jammies.

The Weather

This is our weather forecast for the next couple days. Schools were delayed this morning for what I'm assuming would be severe coldness. I didn't know that until our neighbor saw Dave taking Ellie to school. Thank goodness for kindhearted observant neighbors!

As I type this I can feel the cold draft coming in from the front door and window. It's going to be a very tough day outside.

I Want You to Keep Me Safe and Warm

It is inevitable. Once the dirt is washed off and all silliness has been had, Jonah will get out of the tub, look up at you and say, "I want you to keep me safe and warm." It is his way of asking to you to wrap him up all snuggly in a towel. I'm not sure how he came up with that sentence which is translated to mean I'm cold and wet, please take care of me, but I am certain to miss it terribly when it's outgrown.

Jonah video review of Thomas and the Magic Railway

The "film" stars Alec Baldwin and Peter Fonda.

Disclaimer: The upload of this video in no way endorses the film, and the uploader is not responsible for your lost time should you rent or God forbid purchase Thomas and the Magic Railway. This video is simply to demonstrate how beautiful and fun my son is.

Welcoming 2009

Well today the winter break ended. No more sleeping in. No more lazy mornings. No more thought given to that question, "hmmm, what should we do today?"

But it's okay. And do you know why? Because of a couple things I am grateful for this post-holiday season (even if that means I must again start setting my alarm clock to get the kids ready for school):

1. Clementines - The Cooper family has consumed three boxes of them in the past two weeks. Dave alone can pack away up to like 10 a day. TEN a day. I think someone's angling for a ribbon.

2. My pasta machine - I used the Christmas present Dave's mom gave me (a Williams Sonoma gift card) to purchase just the most beautiful device ever (well, next to the Microplane Zester—thanks Kirsten for the find!). I mean look at that thing. It's downright sexy! OOOooh fresh pasta....purrrr!

3. Post holiday sales - Oh man, I love the post holiday sales. I'm not ready to go out and actually buy anything, but I do love the altered reality that is created. The altered reality that coaxes me into believing I can indeed afford the items I really love.

So see, I consider it a trade off. And it's the idea of these things gained which helps me drag my tired behind out of bed in the morning so I can: rouse sleepy-headed ones, hover over children while constantly reminding them to make sure they brush the teeth in the back (not just the front), cook breakfast, tell the kids where the socks are for the third time in 10 minutes, pack lunches, and finally hurry them out the door. Well that and the three cups of coffee.