Happy New Year and birthday wishes

On the 30th, we had a dinner party. A few colleagues, friends and amazing vegetarian lasagna, best I've ever had. Paul was the chef of the evening (the guy at the head of the table). The conversation veered into some dicey topics like the military and religion but all seemed to survive. I get a bit nervous mixing my different worlds...and yet it worked. I even got to add table leaves, 3 of them.


On the 31st, Sushi. We made celebratory sushi for dinner. I glopped up the sushi rice, dang. I should have read the fine print. I should have enlisted Paul. It all tasted great anyway, just a bit sticky.

9pm PST/12am EST: We were banging pots and pans and screaming Happy New Year. I love celebrating with New York. I get to go to bed earlier and still get to see the ball drop. Where the hell is Dick Clark? I know he was celebrating somewhere, but not with Carson Daly on CNBC. By the way, who the hell is Carson Daly?

Happy Birthday Christine!!!!!!! Did you make it to midnight?

Vacation time

Its great to take a week off of work at the holidays. Not that it has been restful in the least. To give a brief review, we got ready for Christmas on Christmas eve, decorating our Ficus tree. I tried to go get a tree but Max didn't want me to get a "killed" tree. Dang it BZ!

Every year we seem to acquire more Santa hats and now we have one for each family member as well as a few others in case someone stops by and feels left out.
Aiden got sick Christmas eve-night, or at least, had a troublesome sleep, so, we were up with him trading off hours of rest. And then...it was Christmas morning and Max woke excited to see if Santa had actually come.

Ah, the magic of Christmas (translation: big pile of presents and stockings by the fireplace). Even though Max had rewritten his Santa list on Christmas Eve (much to my horror), he still proclaimed this the "Best Christmas Ever!"


In the afternoon, my cousin Pat and family came over for a holiday feast. Always fun.
Alison and Kathryn (in background of above photo) have gotten all grown up, its completely crazy. They have well thought out political views. And they don't just agree with their parents. They each have well thought out ideas and positions....this may seem obvious, like, of course, but to me its amazing since time has gotten way out of hand.

Elisabeth and family arrived about an hour after Pat and family left. I think they stayed for about...21 hours, but who's counting? It was GREAT to see them, just too short. I always end up feeling like I need at least a few days more. The kids just get bigger, smarter and more fun.

By Boxing Day afternoon, Liz and family had departed and we were wrecked.

The next day we began a 3-day trip to Napa, by way of Six Flags. We joined friends of ours and had a great time. We went to Discovery Kingdom, The Jelly Belly Factory and saw The Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga.


We are finally home. Its nice to be back. What a whirlwind.

I read Good Night Moon to Aiden tonight and he held my hand, saying the words with me and waving goodbye to each page of the book. He loves going to bed almost as much as I do. I love the ritual. He added a new element tonight after I turned out the light. He started singing Twinkle, Twinkle and I joined him. At the end of the song, he clapped his hands and said, "Good night, mommy." So this is my new cue to leave the room. OK.

Tomorrow, a dinner party. What was I thinking?

Sinuses and a sock

I have never had a sinus infection before. I know, yucky subject. But I have to say after 3or 4 days of being in hell, I must write about it. I feel like my head is in a vice, being tightened. My right jaw throbs painfully, worse than a toothache. I am not big on drugs or anything but about 4 or 5 days ago, I thought maybe a bit of Acetametiphen might be a fine idea, just to cut the edge. Nothing. Then the Ibuprofin, nothing. then the Cold medicine with way too much crap in it, nothing. Dang.

Friday, I went to Kaiser, out of desperation, and the doctor gave me a whole host of drugs, "just in case." I haven't ripped into the antibiotics yet but I broke down and took the Codeine to sleep. I also started the Sudafed and the saline spray. NOTHING. FUCK. IT HURTS.

I am clearly a wimp.

To distract myself, I parent. I take care of children, play, make them food, knit a sock. I knit a sock!!! After the world's worst sock knitting class at the beginning of the month, I figured out, with web help, how to make a sock. So it is MUCH bigger than expected but it will make a great slipper for ME.

My head is still in a vice but my foot is happy. Maybe I should put the sock on my head.

O Christmas Tree O christmas tree...

Here's what Danny Seo says...go with a live tree. He makes a good case, here's an excerpt:

Choose a live tree. Believe it or not, I lived on a Christmas tree farm for three years of my life. Even though I didn’t work on the farm, I did learn more about evergreen trees than any person should ever really know. The greenest choice when it comes to real vs. fake is choose a live tree. You see, these farms are using land that’s unsuitable for most crops, except hardy trees. So they’re saving land from development. Plus the trees provide habitat for wildlife and help combat global warming while looking all so charming and idyllic. And unlike a fake tree which is made from petroleum based materials and shipped from overseas, these trees are renewable and easily recyclable.

Well? I'd love your opinion, and, I am still waiting to hear about protecting the ornaments. One idea is to avoid all breakables...smart thinking.

Gotta go, kids returning soon and I need to jump back into my sick bed so no one thinks I'm recovered (i.e. able to do things for others).

In conclusion

The Dreidel went back to Big Spring. It was packed in BZ's mom's carry on. Unbelievable. I don't know how the decision got made but I was told they wanted it for next year's big Hanukah celebration in Texas. I suppose it'll get more TLC in their home.

Now that it is gone, I miss it. Really. I could say, "Yes, but can you beat this?" And nothing could come close. Ah well. It was good for a laugh.

Now for Christmas. And speaking of, what do we do about the tree? We have a debate over whether or not dragging in a dead tree for a week or two is un-green or if it could be made part of the whole sustainability deal (i.e. tree farms-grow trees for Xmas, always have trees growing, produces H2O, etc)? BZ is really against supporting the murder of innocent trees. He was very excited to see Tod and Linda going with Tinsel.


I grew up with Christmas trees. We would drive somewhere far away, in the woods, and cut down a tree. My dad would then put it on the back porch until Christmas eve. On Christmas eve he would spend hours setting it up in the stand, cutting it down to fit in the room (the trees were always ridiculously tall) and stringing the lights. We could then put up the decorations. I love the decorations. I still have some of those from my childhood as well as ones that I have collected over the last 20+ years. I love the smell of the tree, the crazy ornaments, and memories of Mahalia Jackson singing Silent Night.


Perhaps a live potted tree? Expensive. A table top? Can't do it. First of all, it would just be an invitation to Aiden to climb up and knock it over. Second of all, there is no second of all, I don't want a stinking table top tree. I have high ceilings, I want to use them.

Finally, if we do get a tree (of any sort) How do we convince our 2 year old to not knock down the tree, or pull down the lights or break ornaments? Friends say, just let them know the rules, "Just say no."

To which Aiden will respond, "Sorry." And continue on.

Out of gas

Literally. Yesterday, I yacked on the phone in a parking lot for, clearly, way too long. I pulled out of my spot, noticed "low fuel" and looked around for a gas station. Less than 30 seconds later, the steering wheel locked up and that was that. The car stopped, blocking the exit (completely) from a shopping area. It mainly irritated the drive-thru Starbuck's patrons who were forced to go around the back way to exit.

Lame. Out of gas in a brand new car on the way to a dealership. They mocked me. And they mocked me some more.


In other unrelated news, I saw Project Runway. Wow. Reality TV. The fun part was hanging out with the neighbor gals. Odd to hang out across the street with an actual cocktail, getting to cuss and giggle, and scream at the TV. All the while, BZ and boys leaping around across the street (I could actually see them from the neighbor's living room window, leaping).

Time to sleep. I am really running on low.

The big surprise

BZ's parents called a few weeks ago to say, " A big box is coming. Open it immediately and plug it in." We were very curious. My mind was working overtime, what could it be?

A big screen TV? A Wii game player? These are things our family dreams of in the plug-in category. We then calmed ourselves down, remembering that BZ's parents are practical folks who don't like to waste money. They helped buy us a refrigerator, dining chairs, a college fund.

Think. What could it be? Ugh. Right. They are coming for Hanukah. Its gotta be some giant light up menorah or Star of David to twinkle in the window. Crap. Well, the kids will love it.

We were on the right track. It arrived today. It is literally 6 feet tall. Actually it is more than 6 feet tall when completely pumped up.

This definitely calls for a "Dear Lord..."



But wait, there's more...



So my question is, where should we put it? Did I mention that the Dreidel goes up and down? That we live on a steep slope? I need some suggestions. Really.

Damned hats

Yesterday I was ill. Was it the curse of the too-big-hat? Perhaps.

I took pictures to show evidence of my knitting problem. Some of you have been saying I am too hard on myself...see for yourself, I am not hard enough, apparently.

Let's go over a brief history of my hat making and perhaps I can figure out where I have gone so wrong.






My first hat:

The first hat was a small pink hat with lace and it worked well, except it was big enough for a football player.

I washed the hell out of it and brought it down to size for a toddler. Check.



Next hat:
Max really wanted a cool hat that his mommy made. So I began. It was fall, so, we picked fall colors. I lost my place at one point and messed up some stitches but, what the hell, its for a 4-yr old.

When I finally finished...I could clearly see that it could fit yet another football player (with a giant head).

So, I just gave it to BZ, who, BTW, loves it. Very Rasta.




Next hat:
I will learn from my mistakes.

Time for sweet little Aiden. I have learned to stick to cotton so it isn't "itchy." His hat actually fits, wow!

But, he loves to pull apart the pom-pom. Shit. Still cute. Hard to get a photo, he doesn't actually like wearing the hat...details...





Most recent hat:
December 1 was my sister's birthday-Happy birthday, Elisabeth!

Her kids all play ice hockey, it is very cold at ice hockey rinks, very cold. It seems there are games and practices 7 days a week. Elisabeth must have a very chilly head. Ahah!

I made a big fat hat this weekend. It worked except the stitching at the top is ugly. BUT the hat is warm and cozy.




Lessons learned:
1. Follow directions, don't make them up
2. When making up directions, make it much smaller than you think you should
3. Follow directions, any directions

So what about that too-big Max hat?


Well, BZ can make anything look cool. Well, almost anything.

Go dog, go!

Making a hat

Warning: Today's blog is about knitting gone bad. If this is offensive (or boring) to you, read no further.

The thing about knitting is that it is not a perfect science. It can be very emotional. It can be completely deflating. I was very proud of my little red hat until I finished. For the last several inches I was thinking that I should probably start decreasing and just end the hat before it goes the way of the others (above picture, this is where I should have stopped). No, I followed the length-of-your-hand rule and made a tall goofy hat...AGAIN!! Crap. I suppose it should be the length of the wearer's hand and not mine.

The red hat is now in the washing machine getting the crap kicked out of it, and hopefully a few inches. Pictures will come later. Maybe.

I need coffee. Waaaah.

Thanks Part 3

I had a dream last night that BZ had to go fight Iraqis with a group of fellow musicians. It was very upsetting thinking of how he might fare guitar vs. gun. It was a very upsetting dream, as absurd as it seems as I explain it. I did wake up thankful that BZ did not really have to go to battle this morning, that would be bad and he would probably be killed and that would not be acceptable.

I am also thankful that although Aiden woke up in puke this morning (again) he didn't get it all over me or the bed. For this I am very thankful. And, I am super thankful that he is now, end of day, not lethargic and sad and puky. This is good.

I am thankful to have a job, even as ridiculous and lame as it sometimes becomes. I'd be more thankful if they sent next year's contract before Christmas eve.

I am thankful to have a roof over my head. I'd be even more thankful if I could afford to turn up the heat a wee bit higher. Ah, details.

Thanks Part 2

I was out all day today for work, and all evening. My ears are ringing. I need sleep but...have a responsibility to my readers. All three of you, you know who you are. OK so maybe there are more than three...five?

OK, so its almost a week later and I missed writing on Thanksgiving day. That's because I was trying to enjoy every moment rather than writing about the moment.


Thanks Part 2: My parents came for Thanksgiving. We had a great visit. It made me miss them even more. Max was sad to see them go. He said he wanted them to stay for 7 more days because "Papa is so funny and Nanny gives me lots of stuff."


Kim came for Thanksgiving as well. We had a great visit. It reminded me of the importance of friendship. And pumpkin pie.

And since I missed out on writing in any detail of Thanksgiving, I will leave you with a final, "last man standing" image of our Thanksgiving Feast:

Thanks Part 1

I'm beginning to feel thanks...a few days early. Who are these crazy kids? Where did they come from? I know, I know, I am their mother, I know WHERE they came from but really, how lucky am I to know such wacky, fun beings?

This may not seem like such a big deal to non-parents but I just find it amazing that these tiny people are actual...people...with their own humor, thinking, imagination, love, anger and dangerous ideas.

Okay. This is Thanks Part 1. I'm sure there will be more.

My shiny car

Today I was in a car accident. It was very frightening. I am okay, the car is okay, but I was really freaked. It was like a hit and run on the freeway. I say "like" since it wasn't like plowing down a pedestrian, it was "bumping" into another car and taking off. A large pickup truck and cargo van were slamming down the freeway and came to a slow down...but didn't, slammed into each other, one spun out, the other spun into me. They both adjusted and then sped off. I was sure they had destroyed the side of my car but I was wrong. When I finally pulled over and stopped shaking, I got out, checked...nothing. The side mirror was pushed in, but not broken.


On my way home, I stopped at an overpriced car wash and got the works. They vacuumed, cleaned windows, hand washed the car. They threatened me with car freshener but I declined. My car now sparkles. I am proud of my big old minivan for protecting me.

I have been debating whether or not to trade it in for a smaller, more environmentally responsible vehicle. Forget it. I am alive. I would have been mush in a small vehicle. Oh, and on a GM note, I used OnStar to get help filing a report. They connected me immediately to CHP, who then dispatched an officer to the scene. The OnStar lady offered to stay on the line while I waited in case I was still freaked and needed company. How cool is that? I declined but was very thankful.


So yes, the following day I traded in my faithful Venture for an Uplander (Chevy minivan speak). This new one has side airbags for the back seats, where the kids sit. There is also more of a front than my other van, a lot safer. New. Pretty (for a minivan). I know, its not a Prius, but I am alive thanks to my giant, gas guzzling vehicle. And we recycle and have twirly light bulbs, alright?

The politics of kindergarten

Max goes to Kindergarten next year.

The enrollment period begins in December, less than a month away. What's the big deal,you may say (only if you don't live in Oakland), its just kindergarten, what's the rush?

In Oakland, there is a lottery system in choosing your school. There are only so many openings per school, per class year, and based on where you live, there are sometimes no openings at all for the incoming year.

For those of you who know that I live in a great school district, you might wonder what crack I've been smoking to even worry about this. So here's the thing:

We do live in a well scoring district, Montclair, and, even by lottery, should probably get in. But is it the best school for Max? There are 20+ kids per class. There are split classes at each grade level (K-1, 1-2, 2-3). It feels very large. On the plus side, the teachers seem cool and experienced, the principal seems great, the PTA/parents are unbelievably involved. I just felt depressed at the end of the tour, it seemed really big...

Today we toured Thornhill Elementary, up the hill from Montclair (addressed above). We loved it. We really loved it. Same size, same basic curriculum, as a base. Very different, cozier feel. No split classes, More extra stuff aimed developmentally, really neat teachers, much more organized parent organization. Tons of computers. Really pretty setting, very cool field trips. It just felt better. This is one of those schools that pretty much only accepts neighbor kids, those in the district. We are a block or two out of that district. Crap. This school felt like how a school should feel.

After Thanksgiving, we tour Chabot elementary and I am still trying to set up a visit to Canyon. Canyon, isn't in our district but they do take 1 or 2 kids from their Kindergarten waiting list each year. That list currently has 50 kids on it. The school is tiny, beautiful and seems exactly right. Oh well.

Perhaps in the scheme of things, it will all be fine no matter what. I just want Max, and then Aiden, to LOVE school. To absolutely love learning as I did. I want a school that really sees and knows each of my children and addresses their needs and what drives them.

Perhaps, parent involvement at the school is what will make the difference. My sister is completely and crazily involved with her kids' schools and it makes a huge difference. She knows what they are getting and when they are not getting what they need. And then she does whatever it takes to get the job done-no child left behind in her household.

Thank goodness for Bernice and Joe's Playschool. The kids are happy there and are being prepared through play and caring teachers for the next step. And what a big step.

Aiden is 2

Yesterday, Aiden turned 2 and today we get to celebrate. Birthdays sure are fun.
Aiden is near impossible to photograph unless under lock down or taken by surprise, so, if he looks a wee bit blurry, well, that's cause he is ALWAYS moving.


Since I am the family photographer, I am usually taking the pics rather than posing on the other side. I have been asking (and asking) to have some pictures taken of me with the kids from time to time so they will have a few images of me...their mother, to share with their kids. After some very agressive begging last night, I got this:



More pictures to come....probably not with me in them.

Officiant

So I'm a bit nervous about being an officiant. Max tells me I will be fine if I practice. He's right, as usual. So its time to begin the research. Its time to ask the couple what they would like.

The weddings that most appeal to me are the ones that "feel" like the couple. I loved our wedding for that reason. It got a bit weird toward the end when the rabbi pushed our heads down suddenly for some last minute prayer in Hebrew (translation anyone?) but mostly, it really felt like us. It had our sense of humor, our values, our own vows, more humor...it also included our family and friends.

That's what I want for my friends. I went to the library to pick up this book on planning weddings. The librarian smiled and asked who was getting married. I told him I was helping my friends out by marrying them but he didn't understand. When I explained further, he was still confused until I told him about the online reverend thing and that pretty much anyone can be part of the church of the web.

He forgave our overdue books and I saved a bit over $10. It pays to be a reverend.

A good day

OK. For all my bitching, I ended up having a pretty good day. My throat hurts and I am exhausted but, we still had a good day.

We went to Redwood Bowl off of Skyline with Jessie and Will and had a fun time. Just being out in those trees. Getting to bitch with a friend about life, work, relationships, parenthood...great.

We got home and luckily, Aiden was out cold for 2+ hours. Max let me semi-nap on the couch while he messed with my Iphone.

I think a very fair exchange.

Runny noses

How long should a runny nose last? OK. So in a toddler it can last for years. In my toddler it has lasted for over a year but at least no more ear infections. How about in an adult? I have had this annoying cold for almost a week. My throat hurts, my nose runs (great in a meeting), and I am not quite sick enough to not work, or to not get up when the kids get up.

Example: 5am Saturday morning, Aiden wakes up. So....that means...I get up. Even though I've been up most of the night with my little naggy cold, I must get up since BZ has to work today. I think that is why he gets to continue to sleep. On other days, the excuse is that Max kept him up all night. This is the ongoing battle. Who got less sleep, who gets to sleep in...The answer is always BZ for some reason until I become a nightmare and then, I win.

So this is where my friend the TV comes in. Jojo's Circus, Playhouse Disney, whatever. I let them get their brains sucked out for an hour or so as I sip old tasteless tea, and come up with a plan for the day. I love me a good Saturday.

Miscellaneous meanderings

One more view of Halloween. Here we are with our beautiful friend and neighbor, Dana. Hard to tell in her, uh, witch (?) costume.


Interestingly, there were many more dogs dressed as bees this year than last time we wore these crazy outfits.

OK. Halloween is over. In Target, all the Halloween stuff is 50% off and the Christmas stuff is already being displayed, ack!

Just when I am ready to buy a giant laughing Santa for the front of the house, I remember...we are also Jewish, and need to find a giant Rabbi or Hannakah Harry as well. Ah, so much to do.

We have a bit of time though, and need first to focus on Aiden's 2nd birthday on November 9th. In sad news, our baby and maternity clothing has been rejected by three different consignment shops. Gosh, is our taste that bad? They even rejected the cute French stuff. Bastards.

In sadder news, Lucy Kaplansky is performing tonight and I won't be there since Kim is busy playing around in the Middle East. I don't want to go alone. Crap. I love her so and want to have her baby. Really, she is so good. OK, so I don't necessarily want to have her baby and that would be impossible but I am feeling whiny about the whole thing. Now I must go to a 4 yr olds pizza party. Woohoo, Friday night!

Halloween

Halloween for Max was all about the costume and being a robot. Halloween for Aiden was all about the candy. He didn't really understand why he couldn't just keep eating it. The pictures got too desperate to post.

After the Montclair Halloween Parade, Aiden and I had hit our limit. Max announced no need for trick or treating since he had enough candy. After dinner he changed his mind, and off he went with Mr. Bee.

Reverend Margaret

It is very easy to become a reverend. all you need is a name and an email address. If you want the official certificate, well, then its an extra $4.99 plus shipping, total a bit under $10.

I am not trying to be blasphemous, a friend asked me to marry him. Rather, he asked me to "officiate" his marriage. What an honor. He didn't think it was possible but I assured him that since living in the Bay Area, most of the weddings we've attended have been by officiated by friends and family of the bride and groom.

So I am a reverend of the Universal Life Church Monastery. It's a non-denominational church, that believes that everyone should have the right to have ceremonies like weddings, memorials, rites of passage, in whatever way they wish that reflects their beliefs.

OK, its ridiculous. I know but, my certificate is in the mail. I am officiating a wedding for someone I really care about. What's so wrong about that?

Uh oh, gotta go get ready...Happy Halloween!

The strawberry nose

Max has been to the dentist 3 times in the last 6 weeks. He is having a hard time with the x-rays. They make him gag. He has quite a gag reflex. When he cries, the dental assistant says something stupid like "don't cry" or "be quiet." Very soothing words.

So we came home this time with a new appointment and a strawberry nose. This nose is for Max to practice with. During our next visit, they will put on this nose and pump nitrous oxide and oxygen into his little face, laughing gas they used to call it when they gave it to me, and then, they will get their damned pictures.

Poor Max. I wish he wasn't so scared. I wish I didn't give him my fear of dentist, sure hate pointy things genes. I also feel bad that I gave him the really soft, full of cavities gene as well. Crap.

Hiking with the pig

This weekend was filled with good friends. We had a sleepover last night and this morning I got treated to Eggs Benedict. Yum. It went really well, for all of us. The kids did great, the grownups had fun. I can't wait to do it again.

Today's plan was to get together with another set of friends for a hike in the beautiful Oakland Hills.

Since Monica's car broke down (over heated) in the Berkeley Hills, we ended up hiking at Tilden Park, just off Grizzly Peak. As we got out of the car, a small plastic pig fell out of my door jam. Ah, hiking with a pig.

The day was beautiful, being with Linda and Monica was perfect.

The only thing missing was a bathroom. Monica doesn't like the whole hide behind a tree thing so, we began the hunt for a porto-anything. We ended up WAY off our trail on a road that we THOUGHT was Grizzly Peak. We were wrong. We found a bathroom, but not our former trail. We continued to walk in the completely wrong direction, getting help from strangers that we mostly ignored. We finally got back to the car after hours. It felt like hours and in fact, it was almost three hours. Here's a picture of our fearless leader, on the long road back to our car. Lame urban hikers.

We three women and the pig were very happy to be back in the car, very happy to get lunch and very happy to get Monica's car back on the road.

On my drive home, back on Skyline, within 5 minutes of my house, I spotted a downed cyclist. He was standing in his socks holding a tire in one hand and waving madly at me with the other. I stopped and he begged for a ride down the hill. Seeing as no one gave us a ride on our endless hike, I figured that this man deserved a break. I drove him down the hill and then continued to drive him home. Jeff thanked me and then, stupidly, shook my hand with a very sweaty bike glove still on. Yuck.

The pig and I drove home.

Odd bits

Cleaning up my office yesterday led to odd discoveries. Its easy to forget parts of your past..until the index cards fall out of a box. I used to present "The gross slide show" for Planned Parenthood, usually at Juvenile Hall. I was most effective when I stood in front of the screen and let whatever image of a gross penis malady cover my face. It really freaked them out. And, if there were very scary boys in a given group, I would look directly at one of them while talking about the symptoms, as if they knew what I was talking about. This was my favorite technique. Tough scary teen boys crossing their legs...this top index card describes "Saxophone Penis." How great is that?

Yesterday, BZ asked me, "What is a caper?" We eat them all the time, love them...but what are they?

Immature buds of a shrub in the Mediterranean that are pickled. They may be packed in the brine or in coarse salt.
www.apinchof.com/glossary1009.html

Capers are dance steps, little leaps or bounds in the air!
www.glosmorrismen.org/misc.htm

A bit of a relief really. I knew it was pickled something but, what? We are loving a shrub. Not the first, we love our rosemary bush as well.

Finally, 3 finished knit projects. The first two are for Arden (baby leggings and lace hat), the third, a scarf, for Max:




Yippee. Time for more projects...