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Wednesday, July 27, 2005 Golden Moments in Creativity These two items were too good to pass up and I needed to share them. The first is a book cover Jane collected for her poster project. We both agree this is one of the best novel titles of all time:
The second is a piece of comic art I saw online that is soon to be up for auction. It truly proves that no one can beat Marvel at historical melodrama. Take that, Harlequin!
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Tuesday, July 26, 2005 Father, no! Not the Bore Worms! I was cutting the grass when I noticed that are neglected tomato plants looked a lot shorter. Every leaf was gone, and every stem was about two to three inches shorter than it had been. On the sole surviving plant, I spied a misshapen tomato hanging under the stem. On closer inspection, I had a moment of Obi-Wan clarity….that’s no tomato, that’s a worm. A tomato worm, to be exact.
Ironically, Jane had been working on an illustration for a Science Fiction Literature conference at the University. In images of 1940’s pulp art, the iconical image of the plastic domed space suit kept popping up over and over. That suit is actually based on an early atmospheric suit designed the Air Force, that, ironically, was named the tomato worm suit, as its hinges were based on the very same worm I just found in the garden. Mere coincidence, or fate? Believe it or not. By the way, doesn’t that Air Force guy look a lot like Deep Six? ------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 23, 2005 Is Logan a Big Mutant Baby?
I was reading this month’s National Geographic article on stem cells, and was struck by the statement that stem cells can be coaxed to grow into any other cell of the body. That ability sounds remarkably similar to Wolverine’s much vaunted healing factor, which allows him to nearly instantaneously recover from any injury by regrowing the damaged organ or part of the body. Could mutated stem cells be the source of Wolverine’s abilities? The more I thought about it, the more plausible this theory became. Consider these thoughts:
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Wednesday, July 20, 2005 Vandemonium Kristin called me from another driver's cellphone today in tears. The van hit a rock, which threw the belt, and the engine immediately went into near mealtdown, spewing antifreeze all over the place. Luckily, a passing patrolman was able to give them a ride back in a squad car, and Parker became an "honorary deputy". ------------------------------------------------
Sunday, July 17, 2005 Water's Edge We went to the lake house of one of Kristin’s friends from Kyra’s playgroup. If had a lovely view, but was a very scary ride to get through, along a muddy rut of a road which at times was only a few inches above the water level of the lake itself! On top of that, they had a full roost of chickens and a very large pig. Very picturesque, but I guess I’ve grown up with a man versus nature mentality, and expected to have to wrestle mano-a-mano with gator at any second. I loved the scenery, the scores of butterflies, and the solitude, but I the thought of perhaps getting completely stranded after a few days of rain was very off-putting. ------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 13, 2005 Robotix! Autobots, roll out!...erm...And I'll form the head!..erm...would you believe, Number 5 is alive? ------------------------------------------------
Friday, July 08, 2005 They'll let anyone talk on the radio Case in point number 1: Just the other day I heard a local radio talk show host expound on why he hates blogs, and the term blogosphere (I'll not challenge that second statement - I think the term blogosphere is both pompous and overblown, and gives the impression that if it were not there, the atmosphere would collapse). The crux of his primary argument was why anyone 'Would care to hear the political opinions of some guy in his basement." Pardon me, but does this not also describe the very callers you are always entreating to call your station. What makes their opinion more important that the blogger, the mere fact they were able to get past your screener? In my opinion, the blogger's opinion is just as valid as your callers, and for that matter, yours. Being on the radio doesn't make your opinion more valid. Furthermore, if I read someone's blog, I don't have to listen to you cut off and censor the opinions of those that don't fit your mindset, a trait that all radio talk show hosts share. I think your dislike is more motivated by the fact that unfettered opinion and commentary threatens your livelihood. Case in point number 2: I was listening to my alternative rock station this morning. Its a fun little station - a lot of the music I really dig, though there is also quite a bit of stuff that comes off as incoherent noise. Maybe Marty is right, and my kids are gonna love it. I digress. The morning hosts were talking about the London bombing, and one of the hosts talked about the reasons it occurred. He summed up his argument with he following paraphrased statement (it helps to picture Tom Cruise talking to Matt Lauer while reading this):
Say what? Maybe this DJ better do some more research before giving us political facts. Seems he forgot the Munich Olympics massacre in 1972 or the Rome Airport hijacking in 1973, which had a far higher body count and are the real beginnings of modern terrorism. In contrast, not any of the hostages in Iran were killed during the Carter administration. and as for Clinton's presidency being terrorist-free, that is a huge falsehood. The two he named were two of the highest profile attacks in the history of terrorism. He also neglects the Tokyo Subway attack, the increase in suicide bombings in Israel, the killings of tourists in Egypt in 1997, the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole, the Kobar Tower bombings, the Kenyan Embassy bombings, etc. I'd go as far to say that the Rwandan genocide was largely a terrorist action, and that also happened under Clinton. Terrorism is not tied to the political ideology of the U.S. President. World terrorism has been steadily on the rise since the 1960's. It is the modus operandi for any radical group that want to take physical action to draw attention to their cause and to influence the public. I'll grant that media coverage of terrorism has increased since Bush took office. That's because daily terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan directly affects Americans and American families. If there were no troops in either country, and the same level of terrorism was occurring, it would only get at most a brief 10 second blurb on the newscasts. Case in point number 3: I turned back to conservative talk radio. A caller was expressing her relief that the morning host had gotten back from a week's vacation. She expressed her disappointment at the 'liberal lefty' who hosted in his absence, and how she and her friends almost decided to stop listening to the station. How petty is that? They know this is a guest host. They can't tolerate listening to someone who has a different political opinion for a week? I try to listen to both sides, as much as I can, even if I vehemently disagree with their position. How else do you understand where someone is coming from? From your half-formed perceptions and conclusions? I find it also appalling in that I would say last week's host was not liberal. He was pretty much in the middle on most issues, and was more open to listening to people's opinions and starting a dialogue than the ordinary host. But center of the road is extremist to that listener. I wonder what she'd think of Al Franken. To cap it all of, when the host assured her he wasn't planning on leaving, she responded: "We'll pray." ...uhm. Okay. ------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 05, 2005 But I Never Saw the Good Side of the City Back when I parked over by Criser, I never really appreciated the beauty of the University of Florida campus. My trip from the parking garage to the office went by several dozen buildings constructed since the mid-70s, which showcase the design styles of those period and that are about as attractive as slabs of concrete (in fact, there is an art sculpture right next to the architecture building that consists of a bike stuck in a concrete block). Amazing how changing buildings can change one's perspective. Sure, Turlington Hall does resemble in an respects the nuclear-proof bunker it was designed to be, but the walk from the lot to this post-modern clunker goes straight through the oldest section of campus, and the artistry that went into building these halls and dormitories is amazing. Every nook and cranny contains some bas relief depicting the history of the college and the state of Florida. The landscapes are meticulously maintained with lovely hedges and shade trees. A bubbling fountain playfully throws water into an open plaza. It is quite a pleasant way to come to work. Going back to my car is quite another matter. By then, Florida's summer thundershowers have begun, and the lack of proper drainage soon becomes evident as the roads and walkways that meander through the old campus becomes one large puddle. Beauty and tranquility come at the price of soggy socks and trousers. ------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 02, 2005 Pick a Protest! Any Protest! CNN was just covering the marches in Edinburgh, Scotland, to push the End Poverty campaign at the G8 conference. However, their clip of marching protesters focused mainly on a gigantic banner at the forefront that proclaimed: "9-11: Inside Job Frame Up". As stymied I am at how that message speaks to world poverty, both Kristin and I have to ask why of all the possible footage CNN could have chosen to run of the protest, they chose this particular image? Because it is a dig at the current administration? Whatever the reason, it truly detracts from the real message and purpose of those march. ------------------------------------------------
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Sunday, July 31, 2005 Squash: Review Kira seems to like squash, which is good, because I don't remember Parker liking a whole lot outside of applesauce and sweet potatoes. I am definitely planning on introducing her to a very varied diet, since she seems so into food and is happy to eat. But MAN, she can make a mess! ------------------------------------------------
Thursday, July 28, 2005 Rice Cereal: Review Not too sure, but more of a "take it or leave it" attitude. We used the boxed rice cereal, as we bought it and she isn't quite 6 months yet. It was so sad, me pumping beforehand to get a measly ounce! Still, it made quite a bit of rice cereal, as I kept adding more and more to the bowl because it kept seeming runnier and runnier. She liked it even better when I mixed in bananas to it. ------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 27, 2005 Officially potty-trained!! Well, we just made it through a playgroup with NO ACCIDENTS!! Parker's reward is a shiny, brand-new James. I've finally caved, and there is a Thomas train in our house.  ------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 26, 2005 Food sensitivity or other? Well, Kira got some sort of rash, either from the heat (and boy, is it hot!) and sweating, or from the food. I honestly would be shocked if sweet potatoes and bananas were allergenic for her, but still -- I've only given her sweet potatoes yesterday and today. If it clears up tomorrow, I'll do bananas tomorrow. Hopefully there'll be no recurrence, and she'll be clear on both. THIS is why they have the "introduce one food at a time", and "4-day wait rule". Oh well, seems a little silly, but if your child does have a reaction, it is important. ------------------------------------------------
Sunday, July 24, 2005 Sweet Potatoes and Bananas: Review Well, OOPS!! I gave Kira sweet potatoes this morning (which she loved), and while I was running baby girl clothes over to our playgroup friend, Salina (who had a beautiful baby girl AND a successful VBAC), Kira got bananas, too. She wasn't as thrilled with those, but still ate. I still can't believe how into eating she is. What a change! ------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 20, 2005 First Food: Pears I just can't believe that Kira is ready. I planned to wait until she was exactly 6 months, like I did for Parker (okay, he got his ONE DAY before 6 months -- sue me!), but she just wasn't having it. I'd bought pears a few days before, because part of me felt that she would be ready soon (Parker's first food was also pear sauce). Well, today she was so fussy, and wouldn't nurse any more, so I decided that we should go for it. Jeff was as frustrated as me, and agreed.  She LOVED it!. Ate half of a container of Stage 1 pears!! Probably would have eaten more, but I cut her off.  She kept grabbing the spoon and shoving it into her mouth, like we were starving her! We ended up losing a spoon during the process. It was a very different experience than with Parker. ------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 19, 2005 Is it possible? Potty-training ...  Parker has been consistently going poo on the potty since we instilled "Poo presents", thanks to the suggestion of my friend, Jenn. Basically, each time Parker poos on the potty, he will get a present, ranging from a Matchbox/Hot Wheel car, to some M&Ms, to something like toy binoculars, Silly Putty, a Boynton book, etc. We even have a Thomas train (actually James) as the "grand prize". Of course, he's been running around here sans clothing -- which is quite the thing, since I'm constantly worried that someone'll come to the door!! It is actually pretty exciting, especially since in his playgroup, he is the oldest and yet the only one not using the potty. ------------------------------------------------
Monday, July 11, 2005 Kira and Parents  Kira and Daddy  ------------------------------------------------
Sunday, July 10, 2005 My floors are happy. The vacuum cleaner is fixed. Hallelujah!! ------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 09, 2005 Lower left central incisor Tooth #2 has FINALLY arrived!!!  And a close-up:  ------------------------------------------------
Friday, July 08, 2005 Tripod Sitting Look at what Kira can do!!   She does it for several minutes unassisted. I'm sure it won't be long until she has the trunk stability to sit fully upright. I am amazed at how quickly she's developing -- she's faster than Parker, and HE was fast!! She even seems surprised!!  ------------------------------------------------
Belly Laughs Kira has started to belly laugh this week.  Peekaboo is lots and lots of fun when you hear her totally crack-up over it.  ------------------------------------------------
All About Parker Parker has really become a funny fellow (when he isn't "angry", like in this picture from just after a nap).  He normally has a running dialogue throughout the day that I can only sometimes follow. He also has really funny faces he'll make on occasion,including sticking his tongue out.  What's really funny is that he consistently sticks it out to one side.  ------------------------------------------------
Thursday, July 07, 2005 The Timing Of Terrorism I've heard about the London bombings, and Jeff and I briefly discussed the timing of it -- just awarded the Olympics in 2012, the E8 summit, the Live8 campaigns -- and of course, I asked Jeff what the date was when he first told me -- 7/7. I have to wonder if there is significance to it, besides the repetitiveness of it. Like 9/11 had the same numbers as our emergency services number. I don't doubt that that symbolism was taken into account in the planning. ------------------------------------------------
Our vacuum cleaner isn't working right. Because of all the hair I've been shedding in the past few months (normal post-partum hair loss, or so I've been told), and the fact that the hairs were over a foot long each, they got caught within the vaccuum rotating brush/motorhead, and there was this burning smell when I vaccuumed. So, I took it apart to remove the hairs and save my vaccuum cleaner before it burned out the motor. Well, I have yet to get the thing screwed back together right. I tried vaccuuming with it anyways yesterday, and it was spewing stuff out of the top of it. I NEED to vaccuum, desperately. ------------------------------------------------
Laughs amid tears Last night, I finally got Jeff to hear Kira's belly laughs (for a few days she's been really doing it) by playing "Peek-a-boo". I LOVE baby belly laughs. I'm surprised she found it in herself to be happy, considering how badly her mouth obviously hurts. Poor sprout. :( ------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 06, 2005 They say it flies by with the second. Kira is rolling all over the place now, and her second tooth is just BEGGING to break through. We're begging too, as she is NOT herself -- very irritable and upset -- nothing makes her happy. :( She is all plumped up, too -- I wonder how much she weighs! That was a really fun thing about the weekly postpartum luncheons at the hospital -- watching her grow by weighing her each week! I might have to see on the "regular" scale tomorrow. ------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 05, 2005 A Mothering Curveball Just when you think that things are running smoothly and you have a handle on being a mom to two, a curveball is thrown. No, I'm not pregnant (I can't even imagine!!), but Parker has entered a new stage of independence. He was up before me this morning, and only woke me up because he had a poopy diaper. What gets me is that he was apparently quiet enough being industrious that I slept through it, since the bedroom is right by the kitchen -- he pulled a chair into the kitchen, pulled down the Fig Newmans (organic Fig Newtons) and helped himself. He also pulled all of the thumbtacks out of the bulletin board and was playing with them. He also pulled the cabinet stoppers off of three cabinet doors and stuck them to the microwave. Kinda freaks me out because we store out vitamins/medicines in a kitchen cabinet. Luckily he isn't hurt, but I think Jeff and I are going to have to put the kitchen gate back up. Of course, I'm sure he'll learn to defeat that too. ------------------------------------------------
Monday, July 04, 2005 Little Update So, a little update on the goings on at the Stevens house. Kira: still teething -- maybe working on a companion tooth? Rolling over all over -- definitely mobile. She's even trying to get up on hands and knees! She's got the knee part down. She seems okay after the "dinosaur" incident. She hasn't been sleeping as well through the night, but still sleeps reasonably well. Interestingly, one of my mom-friends made a statement this past week saying that Kira is a fussy baby, and that I probably don't really see it because I'm comparing it to Parker (who was THE poster-child for Dr. Sears' High Needs Baby). It was interesting to hear that, because it honestly hadn't even crossed my mind. But I see her point. Parker: still potty-training. He's pretty consistent AT HOME about peeing, and today, instead of pooping in what he was wearing, he asked for a diaper -- definitely better than what was going on. If he doesn't want to poo in the potty yet, I am NOT going to push it. He drew letters the other day -- I'll have to upload some to share. He did pretty well!! His new "thing" is to do everything independently, including getting into and out of the tub! We are not pleased with that. He's been enjoying his nakedness -- Wednesday will be a big test, as I'm going to attempt underwear out and about. EEK!! Jeff: very busy, very tired. The level of freelance is high, and he did make extra effort this weekend to spend time just with the kids, so that was really good. I know he's thinking like me that as much as the freelance is needed and wanted, we need a break!! He got really sunburned two weekends ago, and I think it is finally completely healed, including the majority of the peeling being done. Me: I feel exhausted. I think I need to start retaking my iron supplements or something. I've been helping out with the freelance, but have been staying up WAY too late to do it. I need to just say to myself that as much as I want to get ahead of it all, staying up late just makes things worse. I got my hair chopped this weekend. I'm enjoying going to my playgroups, though I'm not sure what'll happen to my daytime Kira playgroup once the summer is over and Jeff's work schedule returns to "normal". I can't worry that far in the future, though. So, that's pretty much it. Busy, busy, busy!! ------------------------------------------------
Sunday, July 03, 2005 Uh-oh -- Sibling Issues It happened today -- being a sibling isn't always fun. Kira can attest to that. Parker decided to be a dinosaur and BIT her. There were teeth marks and crying,and a very shocked and angry mama. She seems fine, but my trust is shattered. I don't want to hear cries of pain again!! ------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 02, 2005 Chop-chop Well, I finally got my hair cut again. It had been a long time. I had thought I was going to grow it long enough to donate to Locks of Love, but - alas - they require 10.5 inches. I cut off 8 inches. Here's the before:  Please ignore how exhausted I look. Even with make-up I look that wiped. I don't know if it is because I have absolutely no tan (nor will I have, and I'm afraid to use self-tanners) or that I'm wearing no make-up (which, in my opinion just make me look like a painted half-dead woman), or because I have yet to recover from my post-partum anemia. Whatever it is, I HATE how ghostly I look. And, here is the after:  The stylist kept talking about making it "sexy", and I kept saying "functional". It can still be pulled back into a ponytail, so it is functional. And I am glad that I have my bangs back -- I truly don't like the way I ended up looking without them. She was going to do long bangs, and then I asked, "And how do I keep these out of my face" to which she said, "You don't -- that's what makes them sexy". Ummm -- no. It isn't sexy when your 5-month old is tugging at them. Or your almost-4-year-old is constantly telling you to blow them out of your face. If I had more alone time with Jeff, it might be worth it to have "sexy" hair, but he loves me regardless, so practical it is. ------------------------------------------------
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