Preggo 13

13 Things I'm Quickly (re)learning about Pregnancy

1. Tired, tired, tired. All the time, tired.

2. Potty breaks...waaaay too often

3. Queasy, ick tummy.

4. Crazy messed up psycho dreams.

5. Boobs...ache...alot.

6 No cocktails. No wine. No festive summer drinkies.

7. No rollercoasters. (I love rollercoasters.) (sigh)

8. I no longer have a clue about baby products. (How is it strollers are so different now?)

9. No coca-cola. Coke=caffine. (sob)

10. Baby clothes are just so dang cute.

11. Have I mentioned sheer exhaustion?

12. My husband is the best, even if he is overly protective already.

13. You can milk it for all its worth. (No, not me!)(blink, blink)

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My Bunny

I miss my daughter dreadfully today. I know, I've complained about her preteen arguing, and her stubborness a fair amount of times. But I love her more than anything/anyone on the planet, and while she spends the summer with her father, in another state...I miss her more than words can express. I know I'm going to have another child in 9 months, but she will always be my baby...my Bunny, as I've always called her. This is how I always think of her...my little girl with the long, long hair. My overdramatic, highly intelligent bookworm. Always loving to laugh. And I sit her today realizing just how much she's growing up, turning into a young lady. That in only 4 years she'll be driving. And in only 6 leaving for college. And today, all I want is my little Bunny to sit on my lap, read a book with me, and smother her with kisses. Why didn't anyone tell me the hardest part of motherhood was watching them grow up?

Thanks to the Rest o'the World

Today Americans celebrate the 4th of July...America's Independence Day. I know there are going to be blogs everywhere extoling the virtues of the United States, so I wanted to do something a little bit different. I want to recognize that many of the symbols we associate with our "freedom", actually come via other countries. Or the facts we know may be just a little bit squewed. I'm not trying to incite a riot or upset any patriots...I just want to look at things from a slightly different point of view.

First, let's begin with the day itself. Why do we celebrate today? I think most people will answer "Because its the day the Declaration of Independence was signed!" Wrong! It was the day it was adopted by the 2nd Congress. It was read on the 9th, when it was approved by the 13 colonies, officially created on the 19th, but it didn't actually get signed until August 2nd!

Betsy Ross created the original American flag, right? Wrong! The flag that was created to represent the new country was created before the Revolutionary War by Rebecca Young. It was the flag General Washington raised on New Year's Day 1776. It was also our official flag on July 4, 1776. Now, did Betsy Ross actually make our flag? Well, she was a flagmaker, and made flags for almost 50 years, which is where her notoriety comes from. The "Stars & Stripes" flag (originally with 13 stripes & 13 stars) however, was created by Mary Pickersgill in 1813. It was the flag that was flying over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 that was seen "by the dawn's early light" by Francis Scott Key.

Speaking of Mr. Key, the author of our American anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner", he was witness to the 25 hour retaliation attack of the British against the Americans at the fort during the War of 1812. Indeed, the in morning when the British ceased fire, the flag was still flying. He felt inspired and wrote the poem "The Battle of Fort McHenry". It was soon published in many places, and someone came up with the idea to sing it. However, the music ironically, is a popular English drinking song "To Anacreon in Heaven". It wasn't officially made our national anthem until 1931.

That same night's non-stop cannon & gunfire by the Brits is also the reason we celebrate with fireworks.

And let's not forgot that the quintessential figure of freedom, the Statue of Liberty, was a gift from the French in October 1886.

So today let's not be so ego-centric as to believe that we wouldn't have our freedoms of liberty, or the symbols of that, without the rest of the world.

The 13th Guest

13 People I'd Invite to Dinner (dead, obviously)

1. Andy Warhol…the king of Pop Art. I’d invite him because he’s be fascinated with everyone else at the dinner table.

2. Mary Queen of Scots…because she was a fascinating victim of circumstance and I’d love to ask her about things from her point of view.

3. William Shakespeare…because I want to know if he really did write all those sonnets & plays or if it really was someone else?

4. Jane Austen…because I’d be interested to hear her opinions about her modern fame. And she was a fan of Mary, QofS.

5. St. Joseph…I was going to say Jesus Christ, but would anyone else at the dinner table really be able to focus on anyone but Him? So I think it would be better to have His stepdad.

6. Lord Byron…because he’d shake things up a bit.

7. My friend Boyd…because I miss him and he’d have a blast.

8. Adolf Hitler…come on, who wouldn’t like to either find out what he was thinking or give him a piece of their mind?

9. Beau Brummell…he’d set the standard of fashion.

10. Jane Fitzalan, Baroness Lumley…because I want to know if I actually portray her accurately at RenFaire, and she was brilliant.

11. Wofgang Amadeus Mozart…he was a genius and a flirt.

12. Dorothy Parker…because someone has to add some humour to the group.

13. Some random person from the Elizabethan age…to get things from their perspective.


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Sunday Comics

I feel like I should write about something today, though I don't really know what to write about. I suppose I should share with you the news at hubby went to the doctor today to address the issue of our state of infertility, and despite future tests, the doctor's advice? "Stop thinking about it & trying so hard, just have fun!" Ugh. Are you kidding me?

So yesterday we went to the Milwaukee Art Museum's current exhibit "Masters of American Comics". Like most people I enjoy my Sunday Morning comics most of all. I can appreciate not only the humour, but the talent that it is. That said, I hated the exhibit! It was interesting to note that there have been colour comics on the newspapers since at least 1906 (who knew?) but the exhibit, on a whole, left me feeling depressed and bitter. Why? Because it really focused the just how policial comics have always been, and being a timeline presentation I could see the downward spiral of society. The early comics focused alot on fantasy and imagination. By the 40s they were filled with Nazis and anger. The 50s had a reprise with the Peanuts and all the simplicity that is CharlieBrown. But by the mid 60s & 70s, comics were literally laden with drugs, sex & hatred of family. You don't even want to know about the ones representing the current day! I don't know, maybe my idea of "Masters" is different than those of the exhibit curators, but give me the beautiful simplicity of a family oriented comic any day.
(Ok, so I hate clowns! That's what makes ths comic so funny!)

Summer 13

13 Things I'm going to do this Summer

1. Complete all of the books on my summer reading list

2. Support my public library through my reading

3. Take a getaway with just my hubby

4. Take a true family vacation

5. Perform a few days at theBristol Renaissance Faire

6. Work hard at my new job...and coordinate Lots of weddings

7. Go canoeing on the Mississippi again (it's been years!)

8. Learn to scrapbook the endless amounts of photos I have

9. Help finish painting our house

10. Spend quality "downtime" with friends

11. Visit places I've never been to in the state I now reside

12. Work some more on that whole "having a baby" thing

13. Make new friends!

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Just call me Lady K

No time to write, so this instead!

You Are 92% Lady

No doubt about it, you are a lady with impeccable etiquette You know how to put others at ease, even if their manners aren't the greatest.

Are You A Lady?

Domesticated Bliss

Ok, I've never exactly been what you'd call a "domestic goddess" by any stretch of the imagination. And yet recently I've planted many flowers & plants (including a large lilac bush...my favourite), put in a vegetable garden in my backyard (tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, basil, onions, carrots, grapes, raspberries, etc.) and now today I made strawberry freezer jam for the first time ever!
Ok, I know this is dull and boring compared with my once-upon-a-time life I used to live when the most important fruit in my diet was the cherries in my Cosmopolitan, but I find myself somewhat proud of this little domestic accomplishment.

Spoiled for Summer

I was a very lucky kid...I grew up living on a lake. Pretty much every waking moment of summer was spent swimming or boating with friends. I grew up never having a fear of the water, and yet profound respect for it. I understood the power of it, that it isn't our element...and yet it was my friend. I still am drawn to the water; the rhythmic tempo of the waves, the breeze upon my face, and the yearn to be one with it. I could spend hours simply sitting on the shoreline, being invited to share the beauty.

Now, as the sounds of kids laughing & playing outside drift on the winds as only summer vacation can bring, I am all too aware of the sheer joy of summer that becomes lost as an adult. Our days are still rife with responsibilities, worries, and work. If only we were able to appreciate & embrace summer the way we did as children, perhaps, just perhaps, people would be more peaceful? Imagine conflicts being settled with simple games of Red Rover or Hopscotch...ah, to be a kid again. Meet you at the beach in an hour??

Summer Music 13

13 of my favourite songs for Summer

1. Save a Prayer - Duran Duran

2. Fins - Jimmy Buffett

3. Love of my Life - Clay Aiken (my wedding song)

4. (Don't) Steal My sunshine - Len

5. Opportunity - Pet Shop Boys

6. Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves - Cher

7. Scarborough Faire - Simon & Garfunkel

8. Oh L'Amour - Erasure

9. People are People - Depeche Mode

10. Let's Fall in Love - Cole Porter

11. Pure - the Lightening Seeds

12. Bizzare Love Triangle - New Order

13. Head Like a HOle - Nine Inch Nails

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"I don't have time to read"

I love to read. I've always been a voracious reader. From the time I was a kid, I'm always reading something...from cereal boxes (I loathe & don't eat ceral by the way) to epic novels...I simply find great joy in books. Books are my friends. In fact, I'm completely anal about taking care of them. I once loaned a close friend a book (always makes me nervous) and he had the nerve to return it with the cover off, and the binding broken! I was furious, and refused to accept it. He was forced to buy me a new copy, and I don't think that's unreasonable!

Anyway, we all get so busy with work, kids, life, that sometimes its hard to find time to read as much as we'd like. Or we'd like to read something other than our current find, or want something new, but we just don't know what. So, I found a couple of great online resources, I'd like to share!

Read It First c/o of St. Martin's Press offers a free membership to join and each day they send you another chapter from a soon-t0-be released book, that doesn't take any more than 5 minutes to read! It's great for that small break!

Dear Reader offers the same sort of thing, they will send you another chapter in your email each day, but you actually get to choose which bookclubs you want to join. From mysteries to romance to classics. (I'm rereading "Little Women" c/o the Classics book club this week.)

I hope someone else enjoys reading as much as I do, and will benefit from these few minutes of literary enlightenment!

Nuts!

So, my weekend didn't go as planned. The shower was nice enough (sunny, but very cold)though very few people came, which was disappointing. I don't understand how people can either just not RSVP or when they do, not show up. I am continually amazed at the rudeness of people. I didn't get to Pug Fest, unfortunately, though we did get alot of cool stuff at the Wilton sale. My daughter leaves for her father's house, out of state, for the entire summer in a couple of days, so while I have a few days off work, I've been trying to spend as much time with her as possible. We had her hairs cut (very cute short bob), have had lunches out together, saw "Over the Hedge" (hilarious movie, completely recommend it to anyone no matter if you have kids or not, no matter what their age if you do!), went to the Jelly Belly factory tour (it's only about 15 min. from our house, and we'd never gone...it was cheesy, but fun...and FREE Jelly Bellys to boot!) I'm going to miss her all summer, but I think it will be good for both of us.

On our way back from the cinema we rescued a pug! A little black pug was dodging cars on a busy street, so I pulled over, grabbed him, and we called the number on his collar...only to get a message that number was disconnected! We were so upset worrying about the little squishyface guy (named Teddy). We started to walk to some of the surrounding houses, when I hear someone calling his name. We walk the pug toward the voice, and this nasty woman (I hate to say it, but the epitome of white trash) comes gulumping across the street looking all angry with me. I tell her the pug was in the middle of the busy street, so I wanted to make sure he wasn't hit. What does she do? Glare at me and says, "yeah he's always running away from me". So then I say, "Well, I called the number on his collar but its disconnected. Maybe you should update that" as friendly as I possibly could. She grabs the dog from me and gulumps again back across the road with Teddy. My daugher & I just stood there dumbshocked for a moment. Are you kidding me? No thank you, no nothing?! Here we stood, both of us wanting a pug of our own, and this woman had zero appreciation for her pet! Oh, we got back in the car and were so upset! I'd say, how can people treat pets with such distain, but look how she treated the people who just saved her dog from being run down! UGH! I seriously HATE stupid people!

Nuts.

Fear Me

Ok, so I came across this today...and I have to say, the results were amazing:

Behold the Power of Kimba

Indeed.

Weekend Madness

Saturday I will work with 2 weddings at my new job, plus host a bridal shower...all of them outside. Please say a prayer for no rain! The shower is for my friend, Jo, and it's a Garden Party theme. Gerbera Daisies & big hats!

Sunday we're heading down Chicago way to go to the Wilton Tent Sale...everything for cake decorating at a huge discount! Looking forward to that, since we started Course 3 last night. I are going to learn all about fondant, so I'll be able to make some Amazing cakes! Then, we'll go to...PugFest! I know, isn't that hilarious?! Nothing but pugs! No, I don't own one, though I would. But they totally crap me up! I'm certain I'll be laughing the whole time. Then dinner w/the in-laws. His mum is heading to Eastern Europe next week to "pick up" his sis in Poland, then they'll tour around for 3 weeks. Good way to start summer vacation, eh?

Yesterday the daughter had a tooth pulled. The dentist was amazing, and it was done before she even knew they'd given her a shot & yanked it out. I realized just how strong & non-quesy you really have to be for your kids. And that distraction is a good thing! She had a tooth that wasn't growing in correctly, as it didn't have enough space, so by removing one, it will move down into that gap & fill it in. Cool, eh? Amazing how the body can heal itself.

Hubby goes in to be tested for his fertility today, and then I have tests Monday. Hopefully that will give us some answers and a "plan of attack". I've now decided to approach getting pregnant like a battle. "Troops attack!" (tee hee)

Broadway 13

13 Songs from 13 Musicals
I love musical theatre, and have been fortunately enough to have been performing most of my life. Most of my friends are performers, in some capacity or another. And nothing can express your mood better than a tune from a Broadway show! Here are some of my favourites (no, they aren’t always the most popular ones...and they are listed oldest to newest). Wouldn't it be great if people would break into song in the middle of the work day? Imagine a whole office or grocery store singing & dancing!)

1. Consider Yourself from Oliver!
2. You Gotta Get a Gimmick from Gypsy
3. Wouldn’t It Be Loverly? from My Fair Lady
4. Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music
5. This Plum is too Ripe from The Fantasticks
6. Better to Live & Die (Pirate King) from Pirates of Penzance
7. Turn Back O Man from Godspell
8. Another Suitcase, Another Hall from Evita
9. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Miserables
10. Tomorrow Belongs to Me from Cabaret
11. When You’re Good to Mama from Chicago
12. You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray
13. Defying Gravity from Wicked

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Step Outside of the Circle

Today was kidlet's last day o'school, and I realized while she is moving on toward the teenage years, there is much of her that is, proudly, still a little girl. Her enthusiasm over yearbook signings (really the first year for that), awards ceremonies, and their fieldtrip to the zoo, all remind me that despite the frustration we share with one another these days, there is still an innocence in her eyes that I don't ever want to go away.

I look toward the future too with some hope as the doctor gave me an A-OK on the checkup, then promptly ordered blood tests and ultrasound tests, and tests for the hubby all with the proactive approach of "Let's make this happen"! So, hopefully a baby will be in the not so distant future, even if we need help.

But looking forward means I also have to recognize where I've come from. In 6 years I've come from unexpectedly divorced and practically destitute (I'll never be able to thank the Gilbert and Rife clans for their generousity & kindness) to happily married in a nice house, working a job I'm really liking, and feeling peace. But I've come from even more. Kassi shared a brilliant bit of writing recently that inspired me to creatively recognize my past. You write your own c/o this template.

I am from a snapping turtle filled lake so private motorboats were not allowed. I am from miles of biking trails through Autumn's splendor. I am from demembered Barbies tossed gleefully into the water to dive for. I am from baklava, Baskin-Robbins, and 5-star restaurants.

I am from the Better Homes & Garden's photo feature spotlessly tidy and invitingly warm. I am from the white 4-poster bed with Holly Hobbie sheets and antique ballerinas on the wall. I am from rooms too pristine to be allowed to walk into.

I am from the tall trees, seaweed, ferns and slash of Geranium red.

I am from Sunday brunch buffets and talking to strangers, from Raymond's confidence, Barbara's kindess and cattiness, and NanaDoll, whom I never knew but from whom I share a passion for stylish hats & gloves.

I am from forgotten birthdays and friendly teasing.

From being the "Chosen Baby" and more like my parents than their biological children.

I am from traditional but loving Catholic faith with priests who were family friends and taught it was alright to question.

I'm from Flint not knowing my personal ethnicity so feeling free to embrace them all; from kibbe and mom's stuffing and saurkraut.

I am from dad lying about his age to join the Navy in WWII to sail to all the countries the Pacific touches. From mom taking 2 Chicago trains & buses daily to be a professional figure skater at the age of 13, and a great-grandfather who was rich in the 1930s and helped to "take down" Al Capone, who had a rival Speakeasy.

I am from albums without descriptions needing to be organized and have their story told.

In Working Order

Today I go to the OB/GYN for an exam, specifically to check that everything is in working order "down there". We've been trying for 6 months now to get pregnant, to no avail. Truth be told, I'm a little bit nervous. Fearful they will tell me "Nope, too late, you can't have any more kids" or something equally disappointing. I know I've written about this before...but it there each & every month...and I've never been known for my patience. This so-called natural act should just happen, right? I mean, come one already! I've had more sex lately than a hooker at a convention. I read yesterday that the average male "release" contains upwards of 35 MILLION sperm! You'd think just ONE of those buggers would find their target. (giggle...now I'm imagining all these lost sperm refusing to ask for directions!) I'll let ya know how it goes.

Pests

Today I've been bothered by pests all day. Let me start by saying my day began at the DMV...need I say more? After 1 1/2 hours of waiting, I was finally called, only to be told they couldn't do what I needed done. (Insert explative #1 here.)

Then it's off to the grocery to pick up a couple of things...of course they don't have what I'm looking for. Finally I make my way back home, put some laundry in...and my washer decides it stop mid-cycle, leaving clothes soaking wet & the machine 1/2 full. (Explative #2 goes here.) Another hour spent figuring out the problem while the phone begins to ring upstairs. Not wanting to go run to get it, I let it ring...for the next hour!

Ok, so I sold this guy my car and somehow in my move I can't seem to find the title. (The reason I was at the DMV to begin with today.) I told him I'd call him sometime today AFTER I had gotten a replacement. He called the house 40 times...in a row!!!! It became a game to me because, quite simply, I REFUSED to answer it at that point. (Feel free to insert explatives 3-40 at this time.) So I call him back finally & tell him "We have a problem". He had the nerve to get angry with ME when I told him not to call my house so much! Hello, when someone doesn't answer, maybe there is a reason?!? I explained that apparently there was a glitch when I moved from Michigan to Wisconsin, meaning I now have to contact the Michigan DMV and for him to give me a couple of days to try to clear up the confusion.

I go about my business, doing laundry, cleaning the house, etc...the oh-so-much-fun for a day off...when there's a knock at my door. His father & girlfriend are standing there asking me what's up with the title? Are you kidding me? I tell them exactly what I told the buyer guy, when they tell me they had gone to the DMV themselves & asked for information on the title of my car...and the DMV not only gave them the information but physically showed them the screen (you know, the screen that has all your information like social security numbers, etc. on it!!!) Now I don't know what to do, scream at them or file a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation for invasion of privacy?!? (Yeah, about 100 more explatives wouldn't even begin to cover it at this point!) I'm livid...what the hell???

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

My family are at church right now. I didn't go today. I couldn't. I would have been going for all the wrong reasons. I feel angry today. With God. I feel angry that my father is gone. I feel angry that my mother can no longer live life, but instead exist in a nursing home, unable to walk or barely feed herself. She was a vibrant woman, a professional figure skater once upon a time, always on the go, always full of life. Now she is forced by Multiple Sclerosis to sit in a bed or wheelchair day in & day out, no even capable of pushing it. I feel angry that my daughter hates me most days, and despite much of it being pre-teen hormones, I can't help but think there is so much more to it than that. And I want a good relationship with her again, and I feel like I don't know what more to do. I feel angry that after months and months of trying, I'm still not pregnant.

So rather than going to church today, I drove down to the lakefront, and sat on the rocks, and talked to God. And questioned God. And questioned if there even is a God. And I received no answers. At least not yet. I suppose there is a fragment of hope that God will give me something to take away some of this anger deep inside of me...but the skeptic in me has to wonder. I can't help but wonder if all my prayers to God to bring romantic love into my life came only at a cost?

La La La La...L!

TLC over at "Send Chocolate" (gotta love that name!) tagged me to play, and since I love games, I had to! The plan is I have to come up with 10 words that represent me in some way that begin with the letter L. (If you'd like to come out and play too, leave me a comment, and I'll get back to you with your own letter!) (I'll be adding photos to go with the words later)
LILACS...my favourite flower! I love the delicacy of the bloom, the rich colour, and the fragrance. Nothing is more calming to me than the smell of lilacs! (It saddens me every year they only bloom such a short time.)
LITERATURE...I love to read! I'm always reading something, and a good book that will suck me in & make me feel that I know the characters is the best! I like many genres of literature...historical fiction probably being what I read most often. Some of my favourite authors are Anne Rice, Jane Austen, Lord Byron, Alexander McCall Smith and Linda Berdoll, to name a few.
LEGOS...possibly the greatest toy ever invented. Simple design, bright colours, the quintessential imagination builder. While I like some of the sets (like the Harry Potter ones, for example), nothing is better than the basic set that forces you to use your creativity.
LAUGHTER...especially my daughter's. What's better than being able to laugh?
LIPSTICK...no matter what, I will almost never go out without lipstick of some sort on. The absolute best red, that is actually red no matter who wears it, is L'Oreal British Redcoat.
LEAVES...I love the fall colours. It is my favourite season. The bright crisp colours make me much happier than green.
LONDON...my favourite city. I lived there for a couple of years, and visit whenever I can (which isn't often enough). I love the markets (Petticoat is my fave), the culture, the shops, history. It's just a great place.
LUMLEY...at the Bristol Renaissnace Faire I portray Jane Fitzalan, Baroness Lumley. She was an amazing woman during the 16th century who was fluent in 9 languages, wrote books that are still studied today, was a staunch Catholic in the Protestant country who stood strong for her faith, and was powerful despite being a woman.
LADY...I firmly believe there is a difference between being a woman and being a lady. (Likewise being a man or being a gentleman.) It takes effort to act with decorum, manners, and etiquette. I, unfortunately, believe most people in this world are not ladies.
LOVE...what can possibly be said about Love, other than it makes life worth living.

Thirteen Treats I'm Hungry For Right Now

(I haven't had breakfast or lunch...as you can tell)

1. Real Lemonade (you know, the good fresh squeezed kind!)

2. Saurbraten Goulash (mmmm...German food!)

3. Raisin & Biscuit Yorkie Bar (my favourite candy bar in the world...from England)

4. A Cherry Slurpee (yes, from 7-11...there are no 7-11s in Wisconsin...how evil is that?)

5. No Bake Cookies (haven't had them in years!)

6. Warm gooey chocolate brownies (mmmm...chocolate)

7. Coke with lemon (Coke good, Pepsi bad)

8. BBQ ribs (gooey with sauce)

9. Shrimp Scampi (garlicy goodness)

10. Thai food (spicey yum)

11. a Cosmopolitan (made w/Absolut Mandarin...my drink o'choice)

12. Mandarin Chicken Salad (yes, something healthy now & again)

13. Ice cream...with chocolate (of course)

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Male PMS

I have discovered that women have nothing over men when it comes to irritability, stress and irrational behavior. Fortunately for my husband, I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt and proclaim him another victim of Male PMS. Today I wish to inform the world at large about Irritable Male Syndrome(IMS). It seems that men also suffer from this sort of menopausal condition.
"Irritable Male Syndrome," that state of hypersensitivity, frustration and anger is now used to describe men who suffer from testosterone deficiency. And while the condition may have been around for ages, the diagnosis suggests that men may be just as vulnerable to the complexities of biology as women. "This is very common," said Dr. Philip Aliotta. "Low levels of testosterone manifest in irritability, depression, weak muscles, loss of self-esteem. Men have no interest in the joys of life. Their libido has dropped. Their interest in intimacy is declining. Sexual function diminishes. Work performance suffers. Oftentimes they are misdiagnosed as being depressed."—Jane Kwiatkowski, "Goodbye, testosterone," The Buffalo News, January 28, 2003
I'd like to say "Oh poor thing", but the truth of the matter is...Get Over It! I don't really believe my husband suffers from this so-called Male PMS, I think he's just having a few bad days. But I'll tell ya...I'm ready to scream! Last night he was justrude to everyone, grumpy (VERY unlike him), and proceeded to proclaim "what's the point of relationships or emotions? We all die in the end and are forgotten anyway". *sigh* I swear I'd ram a stick through his brain (or up another orifice) right now if it would do any good.
This behaviour raised its ugly head while we were painting the house. Yes...we are idiots and painting the whole exterior of the house...by hand. (Don't get me started...I don't understand why we can't use a sprayer?) I'd like to think he's just frustrated because he didn't get as much done as he wanted to yesterday. But I just don't know why he's behaving like a spoiled 4-year-old (or more aptly a hormonal teenager). As a woman who really doesn't suffer from PMS...I'm ready to scream.

A New Job!

Today I start my new job! yeah! I've been unemployed since last fall, so this is particularly exciting! I will be working at this building here...the Wustum Fine Arts Museum! How lucky am I? I get to work in a lovely old house that has been converted into an Art Museum, look at art everyday, be surrounded by Master Artists who come in from all over the world to teach, and I even get to assist with the weddings performed there! I think I'm going to like it here!

13 Things I Miss About My Dad

My father died a year ago today. I miss his terribly.

Today I honour him.
1. The way he’d tease me
2. Being called “Tailend Charlie” (I'm the youngest of 8 kids)
3. His potato soup (the best in the world!)
4. His good advice (even when it was unsolicited)
5. Thursday nights out to dinner, just he & I, while mom was at bingo.
6. Watching him with mom…they were always in love with each other.
7. The random, surprise cards he’d leave on my pillow or in the mail that had no purpose other than to say “I love ya, kid!”
8. Going out on the boat with him, late in the afternoon, and just enjoying the wildlife together.
9. His oh-so-loud snoring!
10. The embarrassing way he’d walk around in his underwear & undershirt, and not care, because he was just so comfortable with himself.
11. The way he could talk to anyone on the planet, and make them feel special.
12. Watching him transform from being this strong man to a mushy teddybear when he’d play with my daughter.
13. His hugs.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

The Blue & The Grey

So this past weekend's event went beautifully. All of my stress helped me to create a positively lovely reception (for a extremely grateful couple) that I can say with all sincerity, was picture perfect. There was more than enough food, which everyone enjoyed, there was entertainment (violin music and impromtu dancing), lots of conversation, lovely gifts...everything a good party should be. Don't get me wrong, I worked my butt off...but I think everyone was really happy, and I feel proud of myself to boot. It was also very enjoyable to spend two days living in the past, so to speak. I have to admit I am an anglophile, and know far more about European history than American history. I had never really held the Civil War in much regard, at least not beyond the abolishment of slavery (which really wasn't what it was all about anyhow). I thought of it as the dowdy version of the Victorians. Yet I really learned alot about life & history, about the battles, and the mindset. It's definately an era I would NEVER want to actually return to, yet there is something we should definately learn from the simplicity of the time. I saw children playing, using their imaginations, drawing from the history they had just learned. In a day of Nintendo and GameBoys, I think there is something profound to say about that. I had children awed by showing them a few stitches of embroidery. I had kids (and adults) giddy about learning croquet. Maybe if we simply made the time to do more with children, teach them about history or art or music or dance or anything that expands their creativity...and make it fun...then just maybe we can recapture some of that innocence of life again...in ourselves as well.

Farewell My Friend

This morning I sold my car.
I know, people buy & sell cars all the time, but this effected me in a way I never expected it to. This car was a friend when I felt alone. It gave me freedom. I had a car given to me by my parents when I was in college, but when it died, my ex-husband had a few vehicles that were mine to drive, as well.
When we divorced, he took the car, leaving me to have to get my own transportation. That's when I purchased my Ford Taurus. It is the only car I've ever purchased on my own. It was liberating to have the knowledge it was all mine (no car payments), at a time I felt I had nothing left. It meant a new found freedom. I drove everywhere, including to a new state, a new life with my daughter, and a new approach to life in general. This car gave me independence. It was a great car, and I replaced a good many things in it to keep it well. But last fall it died. Engine troubles that would amount to over $1600. I'm not employed still, so I can't afford it. Besides, arguments come down to it not being worth investing in, and so when someone randomly came to my door asking if it was for sale, I had to let it go (for a measly few hundred dollars). But emotionally I feel like I'm not only losing a friend, but any chance of freedom I have. I feel that once again I'm dependent upon a man. And even though my new husband is kind and loving, I don't like feeling that way. Even with the car not running, as long as I had it, I had independence & freedom that was mine alone. Now I will have NO car (except his to borrow as I have for months anyway), and it's a difficult reality to face. I know we'll get me a new car one of these days, but for now I can't help but feel the pangs of guilt as I prepare to turn my friend over to someone else.

But where I belong apparently...

You Belong in London (ironic since I once lived there...)

You belong in London, but you belong in many cities... Hong Kong, San Francisco, Sidney. You fit in almost anywhere. And London is diverse and international enough to satisfy many of your tastes. From curry to Shakespeare, London (almost) has it all!

What European City Do You Belong In?

Where I wish I was right Now

Ah, to be on the top of the Raptor...Or Millenium Force...or...I love, love, LOVE Cedar Point! I love Roller Coasters! It's a rush, a thrill like no other I can explain. Sheer fun! It's the pinnacle of proof that summer is here. And going with friends just makes it a perfect sort of day.

Growing up in Michigan, it was just what you did. You never even contemplated going someplace else. Since moving to Wisconsin, everyone goes to Six Flags Great America. It's a nice enough amusment park...a nice SMALL park. Don't get me wrong, my one experience was fun enough (Deja Vu & Raging Bull being the best bets in my opinion), but everything seemed...I don't know...minature. I'm spoiled by "America's Roller Coast"!

And with the stress of the week, I can think of nothing I'd enjoy more right now than to be able to let out a blood curdling scream that only a roller coaster allows you to do (without a visit from the local police department, anyway). To laugh incessantly with my friends (and play MadLibs while waiting in the line), and release all of the stress. *sigh*

Into the Past

This week I am overwhelmed with the anticipation and preparation of a weekend about to be spent in the 1860s. We, as a family, will be attending the Civil War Days at the Naperville Settlement . We have our clothing (lovely dresses & suit courtesy of Kaufmann's Emporium), and a multitude of accessories & items to occupy our days. My stress comes from the event Saturday evening...an evening engagement party that my event company (A Turn of Events) has been hired to put together. Now, I'm good at party planning, and if it were just a party it would be one thing. But I'm having to cater this event. AH!! I'm so worried right now, and desperately wish I had a partner. *sigh* I think it will turn out lovely...I just hope they will be happy with it. I'd hate to disappoint anyone. I guess I'll be able to relax later...I'm off to prep.

I Should Have Known...

New & Improved!

HI! Welcome to my new & improved blog. Same old content, whole new look.
I know, it isn't shocking. It isn't even bright & amazing. But I did it all myself, which is a huge accomplishment for someone as computer programming illiterate as I am.

It's proof that 1. You truly can learn anything you set your mind to, and 2. You can find almost anything on the internet! Let me know what you think, please!!

Wedded Bliss

Inspired by posts from both Niff & Kassi, I too am about to run headlong into the "official" wedding season. It's rather strange & interesting in my life.

See, years ago when I was first married, none of my friends were. One couple came along a few years later, but now, after I've had a child, had a divorce, moved away, and have now remarried, my friends are finally jumping on the bandwagon.

I have had weddings every summer for the past...hmmm...5 or 6 years...usually more than one.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love weddings. I think they are wonderful celebrations, and hopefully, wonderful marriages. It is my goal to make my event planning business a success, so I have to like wedding to help plan/coordinate them. I just am overwhelmed at the amount of them that are happening right now.

I am two this summer to attend. They should both be very nice, though very different. One will be a highly traditional church service. The other will be a lovely outdoor ceremony. I wish each couple nothing but joy.

The third wedding in my life, I'm not actually attending, though it affects me directly. It is the marriage of my ex-husband. I'm not certain what to think or feel about this. Part of me wants to scream "Run! He's a cheat & a liar!" But part of me, the part who has found peace with life and love in a way I never knew was possible for me, wishes him well. He isn't marrying some freak that I'll be terrified for my daughter to be around. He seems to be getting his life in order, possibly for the first time ever. So despite the wierdness of it all, particularly for my kid, I do hope for the same happy future I wish for any other couple.

I hope that's ok.

Happy Mother's Day

To moms and moms-to-be everywhere! Have a wonderful, relaxing, and joyful Mother's Day this weekend.

She Walks in elegance
whose heart is filled with beauty,
like the spring.
Her gentlenss is but a part
Of all the joy her graces bring.
The things she taught me at her knee
Are honesty and faith and love,
No one is lovelier than she
Whose soul is joined with things above.
- Charlotte Carpenter


YOU KNOW YOU'RE A MOM WHEN...
Your feet stick to the kitchen floor...and you don't care.

When the kids are fighting, you threaten to lock them in a room togetherand not let them out until someone's bleeding.

You can't find your cordless phone,so you ask a friend to call you, and you run around the house madly,following the sound until you locate the phone downstairs in the laundry basket.

You spend an entire week wearing sweats.

Your idea of a good day is making it through without a child leaking bodily fluids on you.

Popsicle's become a food staple.

Your favorite television show is a cartoon.

Peanut butter and jelly is eaten at least in one meal a day.

You're willing to kiss your child's boo-boo,regardless of what body part it happens to be on.

Your baby's pacifier falls on the floorand you give it back to her after you suck the dirt off of it because your too busy to wash it off.

Your kids make jokes about farting, burping, pooping, etc.,and you think it's funny.

You're so desperate for adult conversationthat you spill your guts to the telemarketer that calls and HE hangs up on YOU!

Spit is your number one cleaning agent.

You're up each night until 10 PMvacuuming, dusting, wiping, washing, drying, loading, unloading,shopping, cooking, driving, flushing, ironing, sweeping, picking up,changing sheets, changing diapers, bathing, helping with homework,paying bills, budgeting, clipping coupons, folding clothes, putting to bed, dragging out of bed, brushing, chasing, buckling, feeding (them, Not you),
PLUS swinging, playing baseball, bike riding,pushing trucks, cuddling dolls, rollerblading, basketball, football, catch, bubbles, sprinklers,slides, nature walks, coloring, crafts, jumping rope, PLUS raking, trimming, planting, edging, mowing,gardening, painting, and walking the dog.

You get up at 5:30 AM and you have no time to eat, sleep, drink or go to the bathroom,
and yet ... you still managed to gain 10 pounds.

In your bathroom there is toothpaste on the light fixtures,water all over the floor, a dog drinking out of the toiletand body hair forming a union to protest unsafe working conditions.

You buy cereal with marshmallows in it.

The closest you get to gourmet cooking is making rice krispie bars.

You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal.

You have time to shave only one leg at a time.

You hide in the bathroom to be alone.

Your kid throws up and you catch it.

Someone else's kid throws up at a party.You keep eating.

You consider finger paints to be a controlled substance.

You find yourself cutting your husband's sandwiches into cute shapes.

P&P on stage

My husband, Paul, has just landed the role of Col. Fitzwilliam in the UW-Parkside production of "Pride & Prejudice"!! While he's not a student, he auditioned, nonetheless. The show doesn't actually go up until October, but I hope friends (and family) will come see the show! I'm very excited for him!

My First Thursday Thirteen

13 Things I enjoy about Reenacting 1. Spending time with friends. 2. I own authentic clothing of different time periods 3. I get to experience life through someone else’s eyes. 4. Sharing history with people in an entertaining fashion. 5. I force myself to learn something new everyday. 6. Who doesn’t want to play dress up? 7. I have been able to visit unique historical places because of my knowledge. 8. My family & friends are anything but boring! 9. My daughter knows more about history than her teachers. 10. I could easily (and willingly) walk onto a PBS/BBC history reality show (like Manor House, etc.) 11. My husband looks HOT in period clothing! 12. I actually enjoy wearing corsets! 13. How many people can say they live in the 16th, 17th, 18th AND 21st centuries?!

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. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Mini Me

Without our knowledge, my daughter's school did Spring school pictures a few weeks ago. They happened to be during their spirit week, a week the kids were encouraged to dress up each day. I call this bad planning on the school's part, especially since we parents weren't informed photos would happen.

So, lo & behold, the day photos were actually taken was on that Friday, the culmination of the week, the big day that ended with a big school party. They were encouraged to dress in the styles of the 70s or 80s. Now, I wasn't about to let my kid walk out the door dressed as a hippie or in a side ponytail & legwarmers...how common is that? I was a child of the 80s! I was a punk! I loved the 80s and was determined she'd look great. She did...she won the school-wide costume contest, dressed ala' Souxsie Souix (of Souxsie & the Banshees).

Now my past has come back to haunt me, as I will forever have my 12-year-old daughter's 6th grade picture dressed in a burgandy fishnet shirt, skulls tanktop, ratted out hairs, heavy 80s makeup, and my vintage British flag pin & bracelets. I'd like to say this bothers me, but the truth of the matter is, I love it! I can never deny that she is certainly my daughter!

Irony

Warning! This blog contains political statements & opinions!

Today illegal immigrants (mostly Mexican) across the U.S.A. are staging a protest to attempt to prove the effect they have upon the economy. They are purposely not going to school, work or spending money at "gringo" owned companies. I find this all particularly ironic since today is Labor Day in Mexico (and other countries worldwide)!

Perhaps someone can clarify for me what this solves? To begin with, unless you are 100% Native American, we are ALL immigrants! The point is...YOU'RE ILLEGAL! Perhaps enough English needs to be learned to know what ILLEGAL means?? (As defined by Miriam-Webster's dictionary: "not according to or authorized by law".) Consequently, their thesaurus gives these related words: Synonyms: criminal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful
Related Words: bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible; banned, barred, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned; corrupt, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous.

Why do people who are not US citizens, who have not made any effort to become US citizens, think they actually have the same rights as anyone else who is?? Come on people! This isn't the 1500s and this isn't the "New World" where anyone can simply arrive and attempt to claim to their piece of land and call it their own. Laws were established, as a citizen we are expected to follow them. Oh, but that's right...you AREN'T a citizen! Yet you expect to be given tax-free paychecks, health care, a USA driver's license, education, and the rights to own property. Hmmm...aren't those the rights to LEGAL citizens? Take the test, learn the common language so you can sing the national anthem (which, by the way, is in English) and have the rights you so desperately want!

I would just like to point out that American citizens do not have the right to legally go to ANY other country in the world to live & work unless they are sent by a US company. We can no longer get work visas elsewhere, especcially not in the European community. So, in this "land of the free" we can't leave. What give you the right to think you can just do as you wish just because you crossed a border into the USA?

Now, I am FAR from being a patriot. Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact I don't have alot of respect for our government, and quite honestly would prefer to be in Europe. However, I am a citizen of the USA, and I don't believe that anyone has the right to take advantage of the country's resources or citizens.

Baby Remember My Name...

My favourite TV show ever is finally out on DVD! I'm so very excited about this! I don't know how many of you remember the TV show FAME, but it ran through the early to mid-80s and it effected my life greatly.

Having been the kind of kid who was involved in theatre, dance, figure skating, piano, etc. from the age of 2, performing was all I ever knew. I had ambitions of being a skater, like my mother, but after an ankle shattering car accident, that wasn't a reality any more. Seeing the movie "FAME" gave me the ambition to focus more on acting (and writing). The TV game me the courage to do it.

I would spend hours singing & dancing in my basement to the music from the show, with lyrics that inspired, I was certain I could be good. And I wasn' t too bad. I did quite a bit of theatre over the years. I never had ambitions to be on Broadway (and never wanted anything to do with Hollywood), but I still have been pretty damn good. And most of all, I still pull out the music from the show now and then. And I still feel inspired to try hard. I still feel like I can make any dream happen when I listen to the lyrics. I dance around my house, and know, somewhere deep down, I still have "it".

So, as you can see, having the first season out on DVD now means I can rewatch all those episodes and feel inspired again! I will remember many, many Thursday nights glued inches from teh TV set in my parent's living room, wanting nothing more than to sing & dance. "I'm gonna live forever..."

Desperate Plea for Help!

Ok, perhaps not so desperate, but I really want to customize this blog (and others) to look the way I want it to look. The problem is, no matter how much I read about it, I just don't get it! I have the graphic I want on the pages. I just don't understand HOW to put it in! If ANYONE can please be kind enough to explain how to do this sort of thing for me, I'd really be grateful. I hope to someday give in an own a domain, but until then, I'd at least like to feel like this space truly is mine. Anyone????

Let Them Eat Cake! (the film)

Today is my final cake decorating class, of this session. It was fun to take as a family, though we've had more cake than we knew what to do with. (Shoving it off on people as often as possible!) So I have more frosting to make. ugh. I did make a lovely cake for the party over the weekend though, which I was quite proud of. Blue w/white roses all round the edge and a large W in fancy script, a shell border around the bottom. Today I'm opting to make a "brownie cake" instead of the usual cakes...I like them better!

Speaking of Cake, I simply cannot wait for the new film about Marie Antoinette to come out in October. It stars Kirstin Dunst (who I think is really a fine actress...and totally should have won awards for her portrayal of Claudia back when she was in "Interview w/a Vampire") and the film is directed by Sophia Coppola. Anywho, here's a link to watch the trailer.

We pick up the final pieces of our lawn furniture tonight, too. Yeah! Of course, the weather decided to jump backwards to winter (hello...it was just 75 degress, and now it's 34!), but it will be nice to have & enjoy the backyard this summer. The tulips & other flowers are just gorgeous right now (having gone & planted lots to restore our gardens) and we plan to do even more gardening. Stop by and see it!

In the Pink

Ok to begin with, the b-day party went great. Everyone seemed to have a good time. They were dressed appropriately to their characters, the food turned out well, and my hubby's character turned out to be the murderer. I think everyone had a good time. We painted pottery in the morning (I chose a square vase, that I hope turns out well). Overall, it was a really fun day!

Today, I rest.

I have found that, yet again, I really like the singer Pink. If you haven't heard her new single "Stupid Girls", here are some of the lyrics and a link to the video.

Stupid girl, stupid girls, stupid girlsMaybe if I act like that, that guy will call me backPorno Paparazzi girl, I don't wanna be a stupid girlGo to Fred Segal, you'll find them thereLaughing loud so all the little people stareLooking for a daddy to pay for the champagne.
What happened to the dreams of a girl presidentShe's dancing in the video next to 50 Cent.

They travel in packs of two or threeWith their itsy bitsy doggies and their teeny-weeny teesWhere, oh where, have the smart people gone?Oh where, oh where could they be?

Disease's growing, it's epidemicI'm scared that there ain't a cureThe world believes it and I'm going crazyI cannot take any moreI'm so glad that I'll never fit in. That will never be me Outcasts and girls with ambitionThat's what I wanna see Disasters all aroundWorld despairedTheir only concernWill they **** up my hair.

Happy Birthday Part 2

Today is MY birthday! Yeah! I'm not admitting my age...I find it irrelevant. I feel many year younger than my actual age, I'm healthy, happy, and ready to celebrate!

Ok, so my day is pretty much going to be spent cleaning the house, baking, prepping food for our b-day party tomorrow. Not exactly the most exciting birthday day. But tomorrow we are having a day out w/friends painting pottery and then having a 1930s murder mystery dinner party here at the house. I think it should be fun. Wish you could be here too to celebrate! We'll save ya a slice of cake!

Happy Birthday Part 1

Today is the hubby's birthday. Happy!!
Not certain if I'll do a special dinner for him or not...he'd be happy with leftovers. (Trust me, he told me this.) I have a few small gifts for him, though his big one has yet to arrive (sigh). I just believe that everyone's birthday should be special. It's your day alone, and it should be celebrated as such.

Since my b-day is Friday, we are having a joint party on Saturday. yeah!
Mi

Cold....

I hope everyone had a GREAT Easter. Mine was. Saturday we spent with Paul's family. This was the first Easter I've celebrated with them, it was pleasant enough. It felt somewhat rushed though...I'm not certain why. But dinner was good, the kids loved their Easter egg hunt. Sunday we started the day with a very nice mass at church which I enjoyed, except for the music. Why must we sing Victorian hymns? They are so...droning. I grew up in a church with fun, bright, celebratory music. The church I attend now has THE worst music director. I seriously dislike the music 99% of the time. Which I hate feeling that way, since I really do enjoy the mass otherwise. The priest is a good speaker, and I always feel refreshed and connected, the way I think you should feel after going to church. Oh well....

Then it was off to spend the day with some friends. It was an interesting way to spend such an important Christian holiday...with two Jewish friends, an ex-Catholic, a Baptist, a pagan, and us (Catholics). But we each held the day in some sort of esteem, and no "you're wrong" sort of attitude to one another, so it made the day celebratory, nonetheless.

I miss spending the day with my parents. But I'm certain I felt my father beside me at church, and it was a great comfort. I only wish I could be with my mom too. She's so far away in Florida. I hope her day with my sister down there was a good one. I tried calling too late, and they said she was in bed. I'll try again.

I made it through Lent without breaking my promises. As a reward the hubby gave me a 2 liter of Coca-cola and my favourite chocolates (which I'd given up for Lent). It was a happy reward. He & the kidlet got "Narnia" and "Avatar" dvds, respectively. They were happy. Now I have to hope my birthday gifts for him arrive before Wednesday!

MEME...because I'm too busy for anything more

Once you have been tagged (and if you're reading this blog, I have tagged you) you have to write an entry with 6 weird facts/things/habits about yourself.

After the last fact, choose 6 people who you want to tag and list their names (except for this blog, if you're reading this, you've been tagged) Then leave a comment that says "You are tagged" on their page telling them to read your blog. (If you haven't gotten it yet, "YOU ARE HEREBY TAGGED!")And I'm adding a rule, after YOU get tagged, you have to go back to the blog of the person who tagged you and let them know you have fullfilled your tagging obligation and put up your list of six things. That means you have to come back HERE and let me know you put up a post with your six items. The more people you tag, the more comments you should get with other people's lists. Got it?

And here are my 6:
1. I'm trying hard to be more "domestically creative". (I'm learning crochet, and sewing again)
2. I love the taste of garlic and use it in everything (almost).
3. I'm a magazine addict. As much as I read books, I also have this wierd thing for magazines.
4. I actually get depressed if I can't perform for long. (I guess that explains the amount of years of doing Renfest & why I'm now venturing into other eras of reenactment.)
5. I prefer candlelight to bright "modern" lights.
6. I am double jointed.


Here is where I tag 6 people, but I don't know that I know 6 people to tag. I can tag Niff & Kassi, but whom else?... So if you are randomly reading my blog...YOU ARE TAGGED.

Wind in My Hairs

Sunday I was gifted with an early birthday surprise from my husband...my own, brand new bike! I'm giddy with excitement. It's more pink & silver than the one in the photo (given the fact I'm so short, find a bike of the appropriate height tends to mean finding one a little girlier than I'd prefer, but oh well, I'll embrace my girliness!)

You have to understand, it has probably been about 17 years since I last rode a bike. I've wanted one for at least that long, but for a multitude of reasons (some just, some not) I either wasn't or couldn't get one. So now, at long last, I can hop on and pedal to my hearts content. Ok, so I was a little fearful for a moment, worried I'd end up scraping my arm or leg in an inadvertant fall. But I started to move, confidently gained my balance, and within moments felt that breeze that only comes from the movement of two wheels beneath you.

I guess riding a bike really is alot like life. You have to find your own balance, not give into fear, and just ride. You, after all, are the one in control. You steer the course, and can brake when you want to. And there is nothing quite as fun as feeling that wind on your face, the one with the girly smile.

Phaedra and Theseus by Girodet
We went to see a great exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago by Girodet on Saturday. Very enjoyable Pre-Raphaelite works, many of which were created for Napolean. It made me realize just how much of life is the spin you put on it. I've recently been wrapped up in the Regency world, reading alot of Jane Austen and the like. From the British perspective, Napolean (obviously) was the bad guy. At this exhibit, you saw a French perspective of the Napolean Hero. It made me think about just how much of everyday is like that.

Let Them Eat Cake!

See what I made last night in my cake decorating class!!!
Ok, so I didn't really make this cake. It's from a great bakery called Simma's, in Milwaukee. But I did start a cake decorating class last night...with the hubby AND the child! I'm really excited to learn how to make beautiful cakes, with all the groovy details, rather than just plain cakes, that taste yummy, but aren't particularly spectacular in any way. Of course, it also means I now want ALL of the groovy tools and gadgets that go with it...even though I don't even know how to use them yet. Oh well...if I have the tools, it will inspire me, right?? Well, it s a good theory anyway.

I'm being overtaken with the need to be creative. Perhaps its the (finally) warm & sunny days outside? I've planted, I purchased a book & yarn to teach myself crocheting (so far I can do two stitches successfully...I have along way to go). And new pencils & paper and have doing some really good drawing lately. (hmmm...maybe I'll scan one to put up here?)

The GREAT news is I've officially been hired as an event planner! The Great Lakes Re-enactment Guilde has hired me to do a civil war inspired bridal shower...at their event in May! I'm really excited about it. I'm also working with two brides on their weddings. A Turn of Events is officially off the ground and running!!

Chai Green Tea

Today I'm tired. There really isn't alot to say. I'm cold and have drank so many mugs full of Chai Green Tea, I'm going to be in the bathroom all night. (Tea being the diauretic that it is.)
At least I'm drinking it out of a cool new mug...hubby & I went pottery painting last week, and I made a groovy mug in teal & lime green, with polka dots and stripes. I'm very proud of it. The coolest part is the fish I put inside the mug, so when my tea is done I see the fish in the bottom. It's a crazy little smile. I also put one on the bottom so anyone who looks at me while I'm drinking my tea sees a fish too. Yeah...I need to get out more.

I'd post a pic, but my digital camera decided it wanted to die for no apparent reason, and I haven't figured out the new video camera yet to know how to take a snapshot and download it. I guess that's my task for tomorrow.

Fashionista Lil' Kate!

Me & my wedding gown designed by Kate Bennett
I want everyone to know my dear, dear friend, Kate Abraham (nee'Bennett) (aka "Lil'Kate") auditioned for the upcoming season of Project Runway yesterday. I want everyone to know how amazingly talented she is, whether she makes it onto the show or not! Tim Gunn and Nick Verreo gave her a definative "maybe". Ok, so what does that mean guys?! With a personality like hers, and talent to boot, she sooooo should be on that show! Check out her website...send her some positive vibes! Go Kate!

Please visit...

Today I'm proud to announce I have started a new daily blog to get me working harder on my book. You will be able to visit it daily to learn about the holiday of the day, as well as ways to celebrate, and recipes too! I hope you'll enjoy it!

I've also finally put up my website! It will have some similar pages, as well as information on my Event Planning business!
Please check them! (and leave feedback!) Thanks!!