One Hand On The Wall, One Foot On The Floor

Wow, occasional room spins. Gotta love the drunk blog (and thank god for spell check, right?)

Okay, I spent from 1pm until 5:30 ish IRONING. In case you have never read this blog before, or you have forgotten, I HATE ironing with a passion. It was much more palatable because I was listening to the two discs that Beck made me for Christmas. Ironing to SexyBack and several Pussycat Dolls selections was actually okay. And also, the fact that it was mostly placemats and a few of Corwin's dressy shirts and some of Clara's dresses and skirts, it wasn't so bad. Fucking laundry, though, it will be the death of me. In between all the ironing, I was doing laundry, and getting all the new clothes washed (in divided loads in case anything has runny dye) is just a pain in the ass.

So Hubby rented us Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest tonight. I had seen it, he had not. Guess who went to bed before it was over? Yep, that would be Hubby. Guess who stayed up, continuing to drink wine from the awesome glasses that Weasley gave her for Christmas? Yep, that would be me! An excellent Sancerre left from Tuesday, and a half-decent Sauvignon Blanc, also from Tuesday. All I can say is that Canada is a happy girl at the moment!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow night, when Gordon (the choir director) and Gaston come over for dinner. I'm making Calypso roast pork and rice cooked in coconut milk. Any ideas for vegetables? I think I'm going to make "hot" chocolate cake for dinner (there's cayenne in it, gives it a neat flavour with some warmth, but not spice).

Okay, it's time for bed, I swear my eyes are crossing. I am one cheap drunk lately!!!!

Testing, Testing . . .

If I am high-tech savvy enough, you will get to see the living room tree. This is the one with all the collectible and unique ornaments. This is where we put the wrapped gifts to each other (Sanata doesn't wrap - he sets stuff up around the kids' tree). This is the real tree (a balsam fir)

"Twas the Night After Christmas . . . and I'm Heading to Bed

I really did mean to post something yesterday, or on Christmas Eve wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Big surprise, I missed the boat on that one. I had good reasons, really. It was Christmas, after all.

Seriously, though, Christmas Eve was crazy! I spent most of the day at church. Three times. And it's a 20 minute drive, too!! In the morning, it was service as usual (since Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday, it added extra things, like Advent 4). I had to be there to play my flute for the lighting of the Advent wreath. Left the house at 9, home by 12:15. Left again at 3 for the children's service, which is always totally adorable. It went from 4 - 5. For the first time in 15 years, there was no real baby in the manger - they had to use a doll. So the minister mentioned this at the end of the service, and how we would like to avoid having to use a doll again, so "parents, if you start now, you can have a baby in the starring role this time next year". Too funny. Hey, six years ago I provided Jesus and an understudy (Corwin and Clara, respectively), and my job is DONE!!! (did I mention that there WILL BE NO MORE?!!!). Anyway, kids' service done, headed home and had dinner, left out cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer, tucked the kids in, sat for a few minutes, then headed back to church again. My Dad came with me for all the services (obviously, the whole family made the Children's service), and Dad and I picked up Weasley on the way to the midnight service (which starts at 10:30, following a half hour of carol singing). Good service, headed home and went to bed. Oh, first I had to make Santa's footprints on the hearth, and stuff Hubby's stocking. And mine, too, since Hubby brought the stuff up, but went to bed before filling the stocking.

Morning was crazy, but not insanely early (Corwin was up at 7, Clara at 7:20, me at 7:35). Then we had breakfast before going downstairs to the kids' tree, where Santa comes and delivers toys, and sets them up (Santa does NOT wrap). That was fun - Clara was thrilled with her new doll stroller, and Corwin was very happy with his harmonica (let's just say that the thrill for the rest of us wore off throughout the day), and his Home Depot toolbox with REAL tools. After that, we headed up to the living room to unwrap the gifts to each other. We all got spoiled. Gramma and Pappy (my parents) gave the kids lots of clothes, and some lovely gifts for us. And Hubby surprised me with a digital camera (yay!!! bloggy photos soon!!), and a blender (woo hoo!!!! Frozen vodka beverages for New Year's!).

Survived the dinner at my in-laws. The oldest sister was surprisingly chatty, and the parents-in-law were in good moods, too. Could have done without the microwaved dinner (yes, the turkey was cooked on the 24th, as was the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, the turnips, and the sweet potatoes. They did the carrots and the pea pods just before dinner, though, so that's something. ). Came home and got the kids to bed (late, for them, it was about 9:15. ) And sat around and chatted for a bit. When I went to bed around 11:30 or so, it was pouring rain. Woke up to snow this morning. A day too late, dammit!!!

And we had our turkey dinner today, with my parents and Hubby and the kids and Weasley and Beck. Beck heads to Florida tomorrow, and Weasley's new man, CF, was getting back from Christmas with his family, so we know Weasley isn't getting much sleep tonight. :) My parents head out tomorrow, and I'm going to try and figure out how to upload some pictures. Hey, I can show you all 5 trees!!!! Okay, that's tomorrow's project. Now, it's time for bed. Early, I know, but there hasn't been a whole lotta sleep since November - time to catch up!!

Nighty-night.

A Requiem At Which I Will Not Sing

'What" will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Holiday Thirteen

Thirteen Things That Canada Would Love To Find Under The Tree, But Won't

Okay, let's be serious for a moment - I don't really want to find all of them literally under the tree.

1. A nice cheque that covers all of our mortgage and line of credit.

2. A second vehicle. Because this living in the 'burbs with one car and all the rehearsals, and activities and birthday parties is getting dicey.

3. A new kitchen reno.

4. A Miele canister vacuum with the HEPA filter.

5. New washer and dryer, front load, in the nordic blue colour. (this wish inspired by the disturbing clunk that my washer keeps making, and that I am ignoring).

6. All expenses trip for two to Sandals St Lucia. In my dream room (which I really only want because of the private plunge pool on the balcony). One week.

7. All expenses trip for 6 (Hubby and I, kids, my parents) to Walt DisneyWorld. In the Animal Kingdom room overlooking the Savana. Two weeks. And while I'm at it, a magic pass to skip all the lines at the attractions.

8. CDs of all my vinyl records.

9. New flute. You know, the one I keep pricing on the Powell website. In rosegold (hey, this is my fantasy, I know I'll never need rosegold, but a girl can dream!). With soldered toneholes, offset G, and a gizmo. Or, even better, this flute (he's no longer making flutes, so . . . guess that won't ever happen!)

10. Guarantees that Corwin and Clara will outlive me, and be healthy and happy into old age.

11. Peace on earth. Really. Enough fighting over who's religion and God is the "right" one. Just get along!!!!!!

12. A horse (NOT a palamino!). Make that two horses - Acorn can come and live his final days here with me, too.

13. Trivial Pursuit, the 80s version. Who knows, maybe this will actually be under the tree.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. crse

2. Born On The Psych Ward

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

Rather Disturbing

So, I was checking my site meter to let Luckybuzz know if anyone had Googled me with the phrase "fake kissing ball", when I stumbled upon a bizarre Google hit. From the Pentagon. The Google words that they used? Blow up reindeer sleigh. I only hope that some clerk was looking for the same sort of inflateable decoration that I was describing, and not trying to thwart some nefarious plot to make Santa explode. 'Cause that would just suck, huh?

FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm done!! I'm done, I'm done, I'm done!!!!

Okay, shopping is done. I guess I should shut up and start wrapping and assembling the doll stroller and the Hot Wheels stock car track. Oh, and maybe make and write the Christmas (New Year's) cards (I addressed the envelopes last night).

Back to work - just had to do a little gloating.

The C List

The mission: to name ten or more things I love beginning with the letter designated to me by Nimue .


So, ten (or more, we'll see) things I love beginning with the letter 'C'.

1. Christmas - well, this is an obvious one, especially at this time of year. But anyone who knows me, or has read my previous post, is aware that I am somewhat insane about Christmas. And the decorating that goes with it. Not too many people have five decorated, full size tress.
2. Cooking - I love cooking, finding new recipes, and getting everything coordinated and timed out just right so that all the elements of a meal are ready at the same time. I don't get to do as much of the fun and elaborate kind of cooking as I did before we had kids, but it's getting better.
3. Chocolate - GOOD chocolate, not that waxy crap that they sell in some places. Not too sweet, but very creamy. And I know it's not really chocolate, but I love white chocolate, too.
4. Coladas (as in pina or strawberry) - made with dark rum. Yum.
5. Cantering - on horseback. Such a comfortable gait, and the feel of the wind in your face and your hair blowing . . . the best.
6. Choir - last June I realized how important choir was to me when we ended for the summer. I really, really love singing with everyone, and I have made some awesome friends in the choir (especially Weasley and Beck)
7. Cheese - Oh, yeah. A nice glass of wine and some fine, artisanal cheese . . delicious. I absolutely adore Roquefort, and brie, and oka, and . . . the list goes on. Hmmm, cheese and chocolate. No wonder why my pants are snug!
8. Carols - back to the singing thing again. But it's true, you only get to sing them once a year, and it's so fun. My favourite is The Huron Carol.
9. Children - I love working with kids. And I especially love my own two darlings, Corwin and Clara. They have their moments, but I wouldn't trade them for the world!
10. crse I'm totally addicted to her blog. I would also put Clare, but she's disappeared, and been replaced by Nimue :)
11. Cleaning - Okay, I admit it. But no ironing!!

Edited to add:
12. Canada - the country. I like being Canadian.
13. Cooper, Jilly - okay, not exactly high-brow literature, but her Riders series is very entertaining. I love Rupert Campbell-Black, and the whole horse and show-jumping thing. It's just so . . . so . . . British. Also, my son's real name is in the series, a character I really liked (not the first place I'd heard it, but one of the most memorable).

Christmas Meme (stolen from crse

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate: Both (esp with alcohol!)
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Set them up under the tree. But the gifts to each other are wrapped (and under a different tree)
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? multi on kids' tree, white on others. Outside, white, and white and red.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I have a fake kissing ball.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Well, usually Nov 25, but since I started decorating for all the galas and stuff, it takes me longer to get the whole house done
6. What's your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? stuffing. And my amazing cranberries (well, Bon Appetit's amazing cranberries that I make. I don't put them ON anything, they are more of a side dish for me)
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: most of them. One fave in first year university - my parents were living in Atlanta, and it was unseasonably warm (in the seventies). On Christmas morning, my Mom went to open the shutters in the bay window where the tree was and I asked her not to so I could pretend there was snow. My Dad took this one step further and cranked up the AC so we could have a roaring fire in the fireplace.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? grade one - I had been asking my Mom for ages about whether Sanata was real and she'd been dodging the question. Then Suzie Crush told me, and I confronted my Mom. Her answer? As long as you have people who love you, there will always be a Santa.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?Not since we had the kids - too flippin' tired, or too busy setting up Santa's toys!!!!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? which one? The kids tree with the ornaments they make, and teddy bears in sweaters and a few other ornaments, with a rustic star and birch bark garland (purchased, I did NOT peel the bark off any trees). Oh, and a lot of large bells. The real tree in the living room has all the collectible and unique ornaments, red glass balls, real tin tinsel, pearls, and gold coils. The tree topper is a glass finial, but the tree this year is too tall, so this year it's an angel ornament. The family room tree has a silver star, silver non-breakable balls (shiny, mottles, and sparkly/glittered), white snowflakes, white ribbon with snowflakes, and these crystal droplets that belonged to these ugly lamps of my mother-in-law's that her mother gave her (what a cool way for Hubby to remember his grandmother), the porch tree has red and white lights, a silver star, and red bows. And the tree in the bedroom has white lights and fake snow (and Hubby's disdain - secretly, I think he likes it!).
11. Snow: Love it or Dread it? Love it. But if we don't have it for Christmas, then we don't need any at all!!!!!!
12. Can you ice skate?Hello, I'm Canadian - of course.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? my piccolo from my Dad. My cedar chest from Hubby the year we got engaged, the unicorn pendant from Hubby the first year we dated. All the awesome table linens my Mom has made for us.
14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Spending time with my family, and watching the kids enjoy the whole magic if it all. And the kids' Christmas service that is kind of a pageant, kind of a service
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? My mom's shortbread.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? All of our traditions (which do not include microwaved turkey, but I have to deal with that this year, so I'm doing my own dinner here on the 26th, but I digress. . . )
17. What tops your tree? See #10.
18. Which do you prefer: Giving or Receiving? Both. I love finding the perfect things for people, and this year, I can't wait to see what Hubby got me - he's all grinny and weird about it!!! (my guess - 80's trivial pursuit, but maybe not)
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? The Huron Indian Carol ('Twas in the Moon of Wintertime). Since we had the kids, we haven't been to the carol service, and I keep begging Gordon to add it somewhere else, but it's only Advent music until the evening service. Well, this year we did the first ever Christmas concert at our church, and I was grinning like an idiot (and thanked Gordon profusely) because he put it in. I, of course, was unable to sing the last two lines of the last verse because they always choke me up, but it was awesome (esp with the orchestra!!!!)
20. Candy Canes? Only peppermint, not weird coloured or flavoured. Esp good when crushed and mixed into melted white chocolate to make peppermint bark. Yum!

La Grenouille

Yes, that is me, sounding quite like Kermit these days. But I made it through all the concerts and rehearsals and general craziness. Hmmm, maybe now I should start my Christmas cards. Make that New Year's cards, at this point!

Stuff

Okay, it's been a while since I did any decent posting about stuff going on. So here are the highlights.

• Weasley has a new man in his life. And this is serious and romantic. Can't wait to meet him (and then I will give him an alias, or Weasley can think up one). Yay Weasley!!
• Gerhard visited. It was great. Unfortunately, didn't get see Ms Nordic (his wife), as she left early on the Sunday. Gerhard arrived at church just as we were finishing up. Beck could tell he'd arrived because I had a stupid grin on my face. She was dying to see him, too, because she remembered him a bit from the time MANY, MANY years ago when Hubby and I ran the youth group that she was in, and Gerhard was here for an awesome Christmas party that I had, and the youth group made Christmas ornaments. She still has it - it says "Gerhard is crazy". Funnily, Gerhard and Hubby share the same first name, so she thought it was about Hubby, and then it all came back to her. Anyway, they said hi, and then we went to the in-laws. (yes, G, I owe you big time, esp since crazy sister was there!!!). Had some time to hang out at our house, and Corwin dragged Gerhard all over, showing him his fish, and all kinds of stuff. I drove Gerhard to the airport and hung out for about 45 minutes before he had to go through security. We had a beer and just chatted. He's going to be a Dad at the end of January, so it will be pretty hectic for a bit. He's also planning a sabbatical next year, and has one or two conferences in Ottawa, so hopefully we can hang out a bit more next time. The huge bonus of this whole visit - I am over him. After almost eighteen years of being completely in love with him (I met him the year after Hubby, and don't worry, I am still in love with him, too - I never said I was normal). Anyway, this is the first time I have seen Gerhard and actually not had that whole thing going on (and I wasn't deluding myself that I was over him before I saw him, because I have thought that in the past, and then felt like I was kicked in the stomach once I saw him - not fun, easier just to accept it and go on as usual). So, this time - actually over him. Weird, but very, very good.
• My Dad gets here today for the two concerts on Sunday. Hopefully, I will actually be able to sing by then. Last night, my voice started disappearing for certain notes again. And we have a three hour rehearsal tomorrow. I'm trying not to talk too much today (stop laughing, all of you who know me, I am capable of being quiet occasionally!). And I'm really excited about playing my flute and piccolo in the flute quartet concert.
• Yesterday, I pretty much finished my Christmas shopping. I still have to get some stocking stuffers, but I can do that next week. Oh, and the gift card for Hubby's nephew - their debit was down, and I wasn't going to the ATM and then lining up again.
• I'm excited about going to Beck's for dinner tonight - yes, I am ditching my Dad, but dinner is simmering in the slow cooker, and Hubby and my father get along great. They can chill out once the kids go to bed, and before that, I know Corwin and Clara will be all over him.
• Today is the day that PoD returns from Sudan. Not sure if this is his departure date, or whether he arrives in Edmonton today, but barring any major disasters, I don't have to worry about his safety in scary military zones for a while.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is all the news that's fit to print (the rest is just too unexciting to bother with).

The Thirteen of the Week of the Thirteenth

Thirteen Things That Canada Should Be Doing Instead of This

1. Grocery shopping. I have to get regular stuff, plus dinner stuff tomorrow as my Dad gets here and I am ditching everyone to do dinner at Beck's. Hence nice dinner in the slowcooker.

2. Finishing my Christmas shopping. Need to still get stuff for my Dad (what do you get for people who have everything and are downsizing?!), Hubby (know what I'm getting, just have to shop. Oh, and I have one thing hidden at V's house), kids from us (pj's, outfit each, stocking stuff), kids from in-laws (couple of games), picture frame for in-laws, gift card for nephew. Oh, and treats for Jazz-dog!!! Oh shit, and teacher gifts!! And wrapping all of the above mentioned stuff.

3. Laundry (of course!). Washing, as well as folding and putting away 3 baskets full.

4. Finishing decorating the real tree in the living room - it is a BIG tree this year, almost 9 feet (I can't put the topper on, it's too tall!), and I need to get the rest of the ornaments, the beads and the gold coils on.

5. Moving the chair from our bedroom to the family room for the holidays, because . . .

6. I am putting the other artificial tree that Hubby has forgotten about in the bedroom. Just a few lights and fake cotton snow as decorations. You'll probably hear the "what the hell is that?!?!?" yell all across North America!

7. Finish the bows on the tree on the porch. Wow, Scotch pines are really prickly! And the little lights on the arbour and along the fence, set the timers, figure out how to put the spotlights on the birch trees.

8. Make/write/address/send Christmas cards. I guess they will be New Year's greetings.

9. Practice flute for Sunday concert.

10. Clean Corwin's fish tank. Clara's has been cleaned and Whiskers the second was smuggled in without her noticing the difference.

11. Make up guest room.

12. Put all Christmas decoration boxes away (and there are a lot of them to put away)

13. Vacuum (what? You knew it was in there!!!)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. crse

2. Born On The Psych Ward

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

Future Diva?

Well, I did it!!! Thanks for the encouragement, my bloggy friends. I made it through, and I am tired, yet completely unable to sleep. Also, hungry, but I have no idea what I want to eat.

So, as we've established, I was a tad nervous about this whole endeavour. I got there early, warmed up with AVT, and folded programs. Around 7:15, we all ran through the Hallejah chorus together, and then headed up shortly after to get seats. There was not (thank God!!) a very big turnout. The performances were varied. I was not the only nervous singer there, and several others had never sung in public at all before (I had my little psalm experience in the summer, so I'm practically a seasoned pro - haha!). The tenor who sang first was great, and then there was a baritone who was also wonderful. A couple of women had some difficulty starting (many of us have colds and phlegmy issues), so restarted after the first note or two didn't start clear. I had heard all these people sing on Saturday. I hadn't heard AVT's husband play his organ solos (he's great), and another soprano, who had been unable to make it. Well, let me tell you, she was frickin' amazing. As in, I was having a huge helping of "Holy shit, I have to follow THAT!?!?!?!?!". Breathe, breathe, breathing is good.

So, it was our turn. Right after the fabulous soprano, actually. There were three of us. I sat while the first woman did the recitative, and then she sat while the alto sang. And I had two bars of transition to stand up and trade places with the alto. And I had to sing "Come unto him . . . ", starting on an F. It's unfortunate that I started on C. So, after the first two notes, I stopped and said "Sorry. Can we start again?" He gave me the F, and I started (and then he had to catch up, because he would have given me the intro again, but I just kept going). Anyway, it was good once it got out of the gate. I am very pleased that I actually did it. Of course you all know I was really pissed off at myself because of the bad start, but I got over it by the time we sang the Hallelujah chorus at the end (which is a first for me, usually I beat myself up a lot more). But hey, I didn't fall to pieces even with a bad start, so . . . I guess it will just get easier. Prepare to hear more singing stories, esp in June (apparently there is a recital - hoooold me back!).

But I Don't Have Time To Get Sick

I have been trying very, very hard not to get sick. I have consumed way more Airborne than is recommended, and sadly - I'm out (not available in Canada). It was working, but I am now a bit stuffy, and the Monday night choir rehearsal (from 7:30 - 10)killed my voice in the last half hour. Uh oh.

So, yesterday's voice lesson was passable - we rehearsed the aria, and Awesome Voice Teacher (AVT) plyed me with lemon tea with lots of honey (did you know that honey is very moisturizing for the throat?). We also went over the Hallelujah chorus, which we will all sing at the end. Of tonight's performance. Yes, today is the day. I have been so busy with rehearsals and decorating (mine) and Christmas shopping that I have found little time to blog. Also, I am so freaked out by the thought of singing ALONE in front of people that I have just been trying to keep busy with other things.

On Saturday, I did manage to get through the aria no problem in front of the rest of the performers. The only tricky part for me was not running off stage as soon as I was done. But AVT reminded me that I have to stand there until the music is finished. That's 8 bars, ladies and gentlemen!!!! Let's hope the accompanist plays fast.

Okay, I'm off to flute quartet rehearsal (no rest for the wicked), and then I have to get in the zone for tonight. I already coloured my hair (had to hide the grey, thank you Natural Instincts). Picked up my dry cleaning, my new brown suede boots are ready to go, and I have my music. Now I just have to remember to breathe.

Sorry this is so disorganized, but . . . lack of concentration and organized thought caused by major anxiety and all.

Oh, I also played my flute in church on Sunday for the lighting of the Advent candle. It went well, and I wasn't too nervous. Baby steps, people, baby steps.

I'm Not Sure What To Make Of This . . .

As usual, thanks to Luckybuzz

Thursday Thirteen Stolen From Beck

Thirteen People Canada Would Sleep With 1. Dead - Raul Julia. 2. Disney Character - King Triton (Ariel's Dad in The Little Mermaid. Have you seen his body? The tail could be a problem) 3. TV Drama Character - Derek Sheppard aka Dr McDreamy 4. TV Comedy Character - Chandler Bing 5. TV Personality - Simon Cowell (it's all about the accent) 6. Movie Character - Aragorn from LOTR. Not so much in Return of the King - too much beard. 7. Character From Literature - Rupert Campbell-Black from Jilly Cooper's Riders series (no one said "classic" literature!) 8. Canadian Actor - C. David Johnson 9. Movie Star - Clive Owen. Or John Hannah. 10. Famous Musician - Simon Le Bon. 11. Dancer - Baryshnikov (esp around his dancing with ABT years, or when he was in White Nights) 12. Historical Figure - Mozart. Or the Marquis de Sade (well, maybe not) 13. Real Life - Refusing to answer on the grounds it may incriminate me!!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. crse 2. Born On The Psych Ward

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Ah Yes, The Gerhard Stories . . .

I've been called on the tiles by crse for not posting about Gerhard yet. I will, I promise. I was just enjoying the happy glow of seeing my best friend, and watching Corwin and his Godfather hang out for a bit. And I owe G bigtime for enduring my in-laws for the afternoon, too. Again, a teaser post, but I'll write more tonight or tomorrow.

I'm Still Alive

Okay, I have been very very busy - some decorating, some frantic cleaning, some decorating of my OWN house, a party, a failed tree-cutting (due to freezing rain), some more decorating (well, undecorating), and I have a lump IN my tongue. Just a suggestion - if you have some odd ailment or affliction on the weekend and don't want to wait at the clinic, DO NOT look it up on the internet. It is almost definite that all the info you find will tell you it is cancer or something else equally awful and terminal. FYI -I went to the doctor this morning. Apparently, it is an acute fibroma (a lump). It should disappear within the week. It has already gone down a bit, and that is good news. It's not that common, but it's nothing to worry about. Whew!

More later on all the goings on around here, including Clara's fascination with Beck on Friday. It was very cute, and Beck is fully adored by both kids.