helloyvetty

new decade, new blog

2011-01-02T20:05:00.003-07:00

I've let this blog go. Goodbye, helloyvetty.

Go here to see my new page and new posts. See you there!

random likes and dislikes

2010-11-11T12:04:00.002-07:00

Because you know you've been dying to know these things about me . . .

Dislikes
Werewolves: Seriously, if you know me, then you already know this about me. I hate werewolves. No, I despise, loathe, detest werewolves. If you're wanting to give me a heart attack, show up anywhere I am dressed as a werewolf. I will undoubtedly faint, poop, and die. I just don't the exact order in which I'll do that. I'm just going to stop now. I'm getting all heebie-jeebied.

Baboons: I don't like them. Never have. I'm pretty sure it's their obscene ass and their unfortunate nose. What's more is that I think they're smug. Like a fat guy at the beach that thinks he's hot. You're not, fat guy and you're not either, baboons. Stop it.
I don't think I'd feel the least bit sad if I heard baboons were on the verge of extinction.

Likes
Sock Puppets: Seriously, need I say more? Sock puppets are all kinds of awesome and hilarious! If anyone ever wants to give me really bad news and does it with a sock puppet, I'd probably be cracking up. "You're fired", "Here are your eviction papers", and "The dog ate your wedding band" would all be gladly applauded if delivered by someone wearing a sock puppet. Awesome.

Looney Tunes: Again, total awesomeness. My husband says that I say at least one looney tunes quote a day. I'm not going to comment on that except to say that I've considered putting my name and "Genius" on my mailbox.
I also feel like a grumpy old man about Looney tunes because when I see some of the crap cartoons my kids watch now, I say something like "What's this? These cartoons aren't any good. Now, Bugs Bunny, those were cartoons!".

This link today. I was in tears while reading some of these. Mostly because I understood. I wrote muahahaha once and it turned into "mustaches". Not cool . . . and definitely NOT what I was going for.

{{almost}} right

2010-11-09T15:50:00.004-07:00

My mom has this tendency to get things almost right. Not quite right . . . just almost right. The latest was that she told me she wants to watch "The Girl that Played with Matches". It's "fire", Mom, she played with fire. I made fun of her for a while and started saying things like "The Girl with the Dragon Body Art". She's always doing this, especially with all things pop culture. She's talked to me about that "Kane" guy, you know, the one that interrupted the country-singer girl. She likes to watch Law & Order SVU. She recently asked if Brianna still likes Miley Montana. She wants to watch The Deadly Hallows.
It's really quite hilarious, but if I stayed here typing up all the "almost right" things she says, I'd be here forever. I should get her this for Christmas.

total Brianna post

2010-11-04T19:30:00.012-07:00

Today I'm making a quick post to congratulate my baby bird, Brianna. Although, she is a typical rotten tween, she saves all her rottenness for me. I have to admit that she is quite the lovely and smart young lady everywhere else. As a result, she is one of 33 students chosen from her school to attend a marine biology trip to the Catalina Islands towards the end of the school year. She is VERY involved in school. She's a cheerleader, a member of student council, a member of the enriched learning program, in choir, and in drama club. Yes, I'm proud. Busy, but proud. Here she is at one of her pep rallies. She's the 2nd one from the left.

Now, since I was missing from bloggyland for so long, I'm just going to make a total Brianna post. Let's catch up, shall we?

Brianna got braces last year. Here's her last "without" picture. There are three ostriches and Brianna. Guess which is which.

After the braces came the haircut. She LOVED it. I thought she looked very pretty, but it bothered me how grown up she looked all of a sudden.

Brianna cooking in class. I think it was a measurement lesson. She made something called puppy chow.

In Mt. Lemmon pretending to be a moose.

She joined OM again. Here she is helping a friend with his costume.

Here she is with her friend just after they performed in the school talent show.

Brianna playing a cop in their production of The Pir@tes of Penzance.

Brianna with my mom as we were leaving a baseball game. Her "C@mp Half-Blood" shirt will tell you what book series she's waaayyyyy into and which team was playing (Ann@beth wears their cap).

That's all I have time to post now. Doesn't she look sweet? I suppose it's a sign of good parenting to know that the eye-rolling, back-talking and "whatevers" are exclusively for me. Ah, I should call my mom and apologize for my own behavior from ages 11-13ish.

Pauper Yvett

2010-11-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

Within the past few days, my son has gone from saying that we "have a lot of dollars" to "we can't afford anything that costs more than $10". Let me explain . . . on Halloween night, we were SWAMPED with kids and ran out of candies. Rodrigo and Alec headed to the store for some things and Rodrigo decided to get some more candies. He saw a bag for $13 but casually mentioned (sort of like talking to himself) that $13 was "too expensive". In his defense, it was too expensive for last minute candies for the few trick or treaters we'd still get. We can, in fact, afford to spend $13.
I suppose Alec ran with this, though. . . .
We've been getting toy catalogs in the mail and he was looking through them. I heard him in the other room saying things like "Oh, this is cool, but it's too expensive. I like this! Too bad we can't afford it. Aww, I want this, but it's $20". Curious, I asked why he thought things were too expensive, he gave me the explanation I already gave you and I found it extremely hard to not laugh too hard.
Now I'll have to explain to him that we actually have more than $10, before he goes and tells half the school.

the non-musical

2010-11-02T17:23:00.003-07:00

For weeks now, Alec has been practicing for the 2nd grade musical. It's a patriotic theme (since it was scheduled for Election Night). He's memorized the songs and moves and has taken it very seriously. I made sure the camera battery is charged, remind Rodrigo that he has to leave work early today, just planned everything for today. So I go get him from school and just as I'd parked, my cell phone rings. It was the school nurse. Alec is running a fever of 102 degrees and isn't feeling well at all. Suck. He needs to be fever-free for at least 24 hours before he can go back to school. Poor thing. He was sooooo disappointed about not being able to be in the musical.
Oh well, he's been asleep pretty much since we got home from school. : ( I know that's the best thing for him right now. Soup, sleep and cuddles should do the trick.

Late World Cup update

2010-11-01T15:37:00.003-07:00

Let's talk sports, yes? I bet you guys thought that since I was MIA during the World Cup that you'd be let off scot-free. Wrong. I watched 64 matches. Yes, 64 and although I'm not going to go into detail about the matches, I HAVE to tell you about what was so different about this year. We. Were. Connected. That's right. I would sit and watch with my handy dandy arm extension . . er . . I mean iPad at my side and watch while "talking" with my friends all over the world. It was amazing! I loved being able to get reactions and talk smack with my friends. Wow, I kept thinking about just how different technology became in four short years. I don't think I'd heard about FB four years ago. I couldn't have even imagined the iPad yet. I wonder how it'll be four years from now . . .

Here's what I remember about WC's so far (since I'm sure you want to know) . . .

-2010: Totally connected WC. Amazing!
- 2006: We were moving to Arizona during this WC. We caught some of the matches at a hotel when we were here looking for houses. Oh, and that head-butt!
- 2002: This one was in Japan. We were living in an apartment and I was waking up at dreadful hours to catch live matches.
- 1998: I was a flight attendant living in Phoenix. My mom and brother went to spend a part of summer vacation there and we'd watch matches in the apartment.
- 1994: I honestly don't really remember much about this one. It was in the US, but this is when I graduated high school, so I suppose I was busy with other things. : S
-1990: I was about to go into high school. My grandparents went out of town and I was allowed to house sit for them. I remember watching some matches while listening to the radio at the same time thinking I could somehow get in trouble for that.
-1986: This one was in Mexico. My dad watched the matches in Spanish and I STILL remember the theme song.

That's all I remember.

Brianna's wrist

2010-10-11T16:23:00.005-07:00

Two of my babies (one furry and one non-furry) had paw issues within the last couple of weeks. This past Friday, Brianna went in to get a ganglion cyst removed. The pediatrician had seen it before and we were waiting to see if it would get smaller or go away. No such luck. We were told (jokingly, not as a recommendation) that people used to smash them with bibles. Not having one of those, Rodrigo and I considered smashing it with the Deathly Hallows. Briefly, and not seriously, mind you. Then, of course, we heard another old wives tale: placing copper on the wrist and wrapping it up. She never felt any pain on it. She did her normal activities including cheerleading without constraints. But, it had been a while and it was time to have it removed.
Here's now big the cyst was. . .

It was a full-on surgery, but she's a whole lot better now. I take that back, she can't text because her arm is in a splint, so the world is ending.

then and now

2010-10-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

I missed my blog. I really did. There were many, many times when I'd start "writing" a post in my mind but never actually do it. I also started lots of drafts and changed my template a couple of times without actually posting anything. I can't stress enough how much I think FB status updates contributed to my bloggy neglect. I wanted to share this, though. A lot of my FB friends and just overall friends I talk about are bloggy friends I've actually never met. We've been reading about each other for years and together have gone through weddings, deaths, moving away, having babies, careers . . just life. You guys know who you are. It's incredible to see my bloggy friends that have had babies and those babies are now kids.
I started my blog at the end of 2003 when my own kiddies looked like this. . .

Here's how they look now. . .

Ugh, I'm old. I have a daughter in middle school and a son in 2nd grade. Oddly, my maturity level hasn't changed.

What?!?! A Post?

2010-10-05T10:34:00.004-07:00

Yeah, it's me. Although most everyone that comes on here has kept up with me, I thought I'd pop in and give this another try. My blog was killed off by the 420 character status update. I've been asked if and when I was returning to blogging, asked about the kids and how they're doing, asked about how my hair is now, but believe it or not, being asked about Badger is what brought me back.
He's doing much better, thank you. So, here's the story . . . he goes outside every morning and every evening to "do this business" and run around for a while. Last week, he came back in and was licking his paw and sort of limping. It didn't seem like a big deal because he got over it quickly. The next day, he was still licking so we went and got him some first aid stuff at the pet store assuming it was a little cut. He treated him and bandaged it up. The next morning we noticed blood on the bandage, so off to the vet we went.
So, you know how dogs have an extra little paw pad going up their leg? Badger nearly tore his off. (wince here) It seems like he got caught on something and pulled away. We don't know on what seeing as to how we hardly have anything in the yard, but he found a way. Anyway, he needed stitches and apart from having to wear a cone, he's a lot better.

Badger after getting home . . bandaged paw and still a bit sedated.

Badger's better now, but has to wear the cone of shame until the 16th.

So that's the news on my furry baby. Maybe soon I'll post about my human babies and what's been going on with us.

salad overload

2009-08-17T20:06:00.004-07:00

I hosted a salad swap at my house this past weekend. It was DELICIOUS! I'd had the idea for a while, but just hadn't actually done it. I finally decided to, my friends loved the idea and so it happened. It was only six couples (and kids) and here are all the salads we had . . .

- rice salad (with beef, bacon and chorizo)
- black bean & corn salad
- tomato salad
- taco salad (oddly, with Doritos, but it was sooooo good!)
- potato salad (made with ranch dressing and bacon bits)
- Greek salad
- couscous salad
- pasta salad
- dessert ambrosia salad
- fruit salad

Seriously, I was wishing I had worn elastic pants or something. I had a little of each one and then went back for seconds. Everyone brought a huge bowl, so it was a lot of food. We all loved it and are looking forward to the next swaps: soup, cookies & ornaments, and of course, scary food! Yum! I can't wait.

feeling: I need to put on my glasses
watching: Countdown

me and you

2009-08-12T08:28:00.002-07:00

Brianna's teacher has a tickets prize system. Each week, they get a ticket for each day. Extra tickets are given out for good behavior and are removed as penalties. On Fridays, they can enter as many tickets as they'd like for a drawing.
Here's what I love . . . . as of this week, they are being charged a ticket for the misuse of subjective and objective pronouns. I. Love. It. Oh, and not only in their assignments, but in conversation too. Isn't that all kinds of awesome? Now if they'd do the same for double negatives (that don't make a positive) and gratuitous apostrophes, I'd be in grammar heaven.
Since then, Rodrigo and I have been purposely speaking incorrectly. We've said things like, "Me and Dada are going to watch this" or "Come upstairs with Badger and I". I am uber proud to say that Brianna has cringed at each of these instances. My job here is done. (imagine me bowing here).

feeling: I need a cleaning lady
listening to: Ra Ra Riot (Can You Tell) <--- I don't how many times I've heard this song this summer, but I LOVE it!

chez yvett

2009-08-11T10:34:00.004-07:00

Yesterday, on the phone, Rodrigo was on his way home.

him: what's for dinner?
me: pot roast
him: mmmmmm. What did you put in it?
me: salt, pepper, garlic and onion, of course. and carrots. and celery. and cumin. and worcestershire sauce. and sage. and thyme . . . and . . .
him: no bacon?
me. BACON? in a pot roast?
him: well, yeah, in anything

I have to tell you. He loves bacon. Who doesn't right, but he LOVES, loves, loves bacon. He loves it so much that for a while now he's been talking about opening a restaurant and calling it Bacon. I tell him it's not a good idea because it sounds really sort of unhealthy. His whole idea is that everything would have bacon in it. Eww. I mean, I like bacon and all, but not in everything.
I have a restaurant idea too. Well, it's not so much a restaurant but a place where people can go prepare their own dinners and cook them at home. I'd have all the ingredients (already prepped), recipes and "cooking" space. Families could choose the dinners (the amount of dinners, the food and the quantity) then assemble it, take it home, freeze it and cook it throughout the week. It's basically cooking without all the prep work and clean-up. I love my idea and think it would be a hit around here. Idea #2 is a mommy cafe sort of establishment. A full coffee house with a play area, play monitors, and a kids' menu. There are a lot of moms around here who want to be able to go hang out at a coffee place for a while and not have super bored kids. Now, if there are any independently wealthy people out there who are just willing to gift some money for business start up costs . . . . . I'm right here! If only.
I think everyone knows how they'd have their own restaurant. Doesn't everyone have their own dream place in mind? Do share. I love hearing everyone's concepts. (Be assured that I won't take it).

feeling: please rain, please rain, please rain, please rain
listening to: Muse (Uprising)

I'm not ready . . .

2009-08-07T09:45:00.002-07:00

-sigh- I'm old. My baby is growing up quickly. Although I have to say that a lot of the things that little kids are doing now were unheard of when I was that age. I guess I've finally turned into that "when I was your age" type of person. I'm freaking out. My daughter, age 10, has been invited to a hotel party this weekend. I. Am. Not. Kidding.
The girl having the party is one of Brianna's bestfriendsinthewholewideworldforever (yes, that's one word because they pronounce it in a single breath). You know how that goes. Brianna was very excited when she got the invitation. Then I read it. I fainted, my eyes popped out cartoon style, then I quickly recovered and smiled at Brianna. I must have rapidly blinked about a million times to make sure that I was reading correctly. A hotel party? For 10 year olds? What kind of joke was this?
Once Brianna was in her room later, I called the mom giving the party. I immediately felt better because she went on to explain that her daughter has practically been begging for a slumber party at a hotel because of some show or movie that she saw. The mom finally gave in with certain rules. There are only going to be four girls (including the birthday girl) and the mom and grandmother are going to be with them at all times. I could tell she was struggling with whether or not this was age appropriate. She seemed to apologizing at the same time as explaining that this was her daughter's biggest wish, basically. The girls are going to be swimming and watching movies and basically just hanging out like they always do.

Another thing . . . . . I recently ran into another mom from school who asked me if Brianna and -boy's name- were still dating. WHAT? Dating? They're 10! I sort of laughed and she told me that her son (who is a the same group of friends) and other kids say that Brianna and -boy's name- are dating AND Brianna and -boy's name- know that their friends say that and are fine with it. Now, I don't know what dating as a 10 year old entails but from what I can gather, it's saying that you are, walking together and talking on the phone. In which case, yes, I suppose they are. I told Rodrigo and he sort of laughed and said that they should have lunch dates and -boy's name- should put Brianna's lunch on his tab. Bwah, ha, ha! Again, -boy's name's- parents have been fabulous. Both his mom and dad called, asked permission for their son to be able to call and email Brianna and let me know that I could call them about any concerns. I thanked them and asked them to do the same. His mom even made Brianna a pair of earrings for -boy's name- to give her as an end of year gift this past May. (Brianna and hotel party girl spent much of that afternoon giggling in Brianna room looking at the earrings and talking about -boy's name- and other crushes)

Doesn't this all sound like the kind of stuff we did in middle school and high school? By the conversations I've had with these two sets of parents and others, we all really feel that same way. It's just the kids are really more advanced than we were. I think we all feel like we have to have open communication with them rather than not allow them to do stuff. We all know what happens when we're forbidden to do things. -sigh- Isn't this all too fast? Am I being old fashioned? Tell me something to make me feel better.

feeling: like a bitter old lady
listening to: Phoenix (1901)

third of all . . . .

2009-07-29T09:00:00.004-07:00

Rodrigo was talking to me about work . . .

him: first of all . . . blah, blah, blah (what was said here is not important, plus I only understand a little of his work talk)
me: and then?
him: and then what?
me: I was expecting more
him: no that's it
me: oh, I thought it would be a list of things
him: why a list?
me: because you started off by saying "first of all". I was expecting at least a "second of all".
him: oh.
me: and you do that a lot; start off saying "first of all" when there's just one thing
him: (laughing) so I should say "last of all" or "only of all"?
me: no maybe just start off with what you want to say in the first place
him: finally . . .
me: (laughing)

He makes me laugh every single day. It may not even be things that are funny to others, but he cracks me up.

feeling: I can't wait for our TV to get fixed
listening to: Weezer (Dope Nose)

"summer" school

2009-07-20T15:40:00.005-07:00

You know what I like to do in the middle of the summer in Arizona when it's super hot and you can't even walk out without feeling like you're about to burst into flames? I like to send my kids back to school. Yes, today was their first day back to school. I do feel sorry for them because it is sooooooo hot outside right now, but I have to admit I love this year-round calendar. It doesn't allow them time to get bored either at home or at school.
We went supply shopping this past weekend, which I love. Well, I hate the crowds, but I love new supplies. I remember getting a big new box of crayons and reorganizing them all. With my kids, the big thing is choosing a new bag or backpack. That seems to be about as important as naming a child or something. That's the only part I dread.
This year, it was a breeze! Simone Legno of tokidoki fame designed a line of school supplies for Target. Brianna saw this messenger bag and went straight for it. No messing around. That's just all kinds of awesome!

What I loved even more is that she's getting a tokidoki-ish looking bag and I'm not paying the tokidoki price. This bag was $20.

feeling: OMG it is soooooo hot outside!
listening to: The Dead Weather (Treat Me Like Your Mother)

playing with my template

2009-07-15T22:03:00.008-07:00

Don't panic . . . I'm working on my template. If all goes well -keep your fingers crossed- I'll have finally managed to make something very, very close to what I've always had in mind. Yes, make it, as in by myself. If it doesn't turn out, well, we'll see how that goes. Wish me luck.

UPDATE
As it turns out, I'm an idiot. Yes. I. Am. I started this blog back in 2003. Yes, back when blogger was just blogger and had nothing to do with google. I've only ever upgraded anything that we were forced to. Meaning that I still had the old "classic" template style where you had to mess and mess with the code to make any sort of change. Well, I finally gave in and changed to the "new" template style. Oh. My. Goodness. It is soooooo easy! Why didn't anyone tell me?!?!?!?! You can just add links by clicking and not have to worry if you spaced it and remembered to put things like < li >. Oh, I've wasted soooooo much time. Why? (As I look up into the air, my hands balled up into fists)
I'm still not done with what I want to do. I'm trying to center my sidebar titles without actually centering the links and such. I'm giving up now because my eyes are shot and all I see is a bunch of jumbled letters.
Oh, and I also want to find a picture I really, really want. For now I'm sticking with crayons as that's what we're doing now. Can you believe my kiddies go back to school on Monday? Anyway, now I'm rambling . . . .

feeling: hopeful
listening to: Metric (Help I'm Alive)

the sun is out and up and down again

2009-07-11T06:40:00.002-07:00

It's my birthday today and though I usually tend to lean towards the dramatics of crying over getting older, I'm good with my age now. Mainly because I sort of skipped last year. For some reason, I never remembered my age and always said that I was as old as I'm turning today. So now it feels like I'm the same age for two years. I mean, I didn't do it on purpose. It was just one of those things. The same thing happened to be when I was 27, only it was backwards. I kept thinking I was 26.

Anyway, today I turn this many. Lovely song, lovely video, hopefully it'll be a lovely year.

hot, hot, hot!!!!

2009-07-09T14:53:00.002-07:00

My parents are coming over this weekend. I just got off the phone with my mom who was asking if it's going to be really hot here this weekend. "A little", was my response. What do you think?

To my defense, that was sort of a silly question. I live in Arizona. It's hot here in the winter, what would she expect during the summer?

. . . . . but it's a dry heat.

feeling: I guess I'll be indoors this whole weekend
listening to: Santigold (Lights Out)

lazy yvett

2009-07-08T09:32:00.006-07:00

I've done it. I've reached the epitome of all things lazy. I am now reading two books. Is it because . . . .

1. I can't decide which one I want to read more?
2. I crave literacy so much that one book at a time won't suffice?
3. I am now a book reviewer and I need to read both for an assignment?

If you picked any of these, you'd be wrong. The reason is that I'm keeping one book upstairs and one book downstairs. There. Now you know about me.
The truth is that I usually don't do this. Well, I've really never done this, but it just got to be really annoying waking up on a Sunday morning, being the only person awake and not really wanting to get out of bed yet, reaching over to grab my book only to realize that I left it downstairs. ARGH! Or sitting down on my super comfortable couch in the living room, having a nice cup of something, reaching over for my book and realizing it's up on my nightstand.

I now have this book up on my nightstand. . . . .

. . . . and this one downstairs.

Since I am now a total expert on laziness reading two books at once, let me give you some tips.
1. Don't read two from a series. That is, of course, unless you've already read them and already know what happens. I imagine it would be super hard to read two from a series at the same time. I'd have been saying things like "WHAT DO YOU MEAN SIRIUS IS DEAD?" or "so where the heck is Edward this whole time?"
2. Don't read two similar books. The kind of language in the books I'm reading now cannot be confused with the other. I'm not transposing the plot of one to the other. Now, I have a few books that deal with or have some sort of foot binding scene in them, for example. I wouldn't read those two at the same time. I'd probably read them and be like "what? she already had them bound, why are they doing it again?" Or I'd confuse the friends or something. Am I making sense?
3. I can't think of anything else.

feeling: super lazy
listening to: Manchester Orchestra (I've Got Friends)

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T16:26:00.002-07:00

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!

organic yvett

2009-06-30T20:48:00.003-07:00

I am forever looking for ways to make my blog cuter. About a week or two ago, I did a search for something like cute blog templates or something. I reached several sites, one lead to another and I ended up here. Oh. My. Goodness. I fell in love with her designs. They're exactly what I've had in mind for the longest time. Now, I never check my site meter, but some people do. If she does, I'm going to look like a complete stalker. I walked away from my computer once and didn't get back on until the next day. Anyway, I was in her page for at least 12 hours. Oops. -blush-
So, I've been going back again and again looking over her designs to order one of my own. Today I was reading her blog and I read she's starting up a new Organic Girls blog and is looking for contributors. Gasp! I've been wanting to start up my own blog about how we're trying to be greener. At the kids' school, it is a BIG deal to be green. A school in our same district was named
the greenest school in America by the Ellen show. You can imagine how the rest of the schools in the district are proud and trying to do their best. My kids drew some "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" posters and placed them on their bedroom doors. In fact, Alec just asked me the other day if it was true that not all families are "green". So, little by little, we've been making changes.
I applied to be a contributor to that blog. She only needs 5 founding editors but I sooooooo, sooooooo, sooooooo wish I could be one of them. I just feel like I would be a project that I could really get into. So, anyway, send me good vibes as I await the answer. Oh, and check out her designs. Lovely, eh?

feeling: hopeful, anticipation, making mental blog posts
listening to: Silversun Pickups (Panic Switch)

Update: I got it! I got it! I gooooootttttttt it! As you can tell, I am very excited! April is now working on the template and getting all our info. I can't wait. . . . .

that's not my name

2009-06-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

I know I've said before that I love names. I LOVE names. According to this website I found, my kids' names should be Anya and Anwar. Uh, wrong. But I did make some tags with the names we already have. I think my kids names go well with them. As for Rodrigo and me, well. . . . that's another story. I think Rodrigo sounds really latin like some sort of hot Spanish guy that walks around without a shirt. He 's more like a Matthew or Eric or Jonathan. Something like that. I think my name sounds like a French maid or a stripper. Something more like Nicole would fit me better. Anyway, here are the name tags I made . . . .

Find out what name you should have picked and/or make tags here.

feeling: I love the AZ monsoon time
listening to: Sonic Youth (Bull in the Heather)

10 Banana Cream Pies . . . . .

2009-06-17T17:07:00.004-07:00

Alec's 6th birthday is tomorrow. Happy birthday, Alec! We already had his party, though. It was the first time he had a party with his school friends and was very excited. The theme was Star Wars and I'd ordered those cakes that they print out a thin picture wafer for. I chose this picture from Alec's Padawan training in Disneyland.

The party was scheduled to start at 2:00. The cake was to be ready at 1:00.
Now, this is what always ends up happening at Casa Yvett . . . . . Rodrigo and I start getting ready at about the same time only I have to get Alec ready and get Brianna's clothes ready, then comb and style Brianna's hair and help Alec with something then comb Alec's hair then clean Alec's face again because even if he just bathed he always gets something on his face then Brianna asks if the earrings she picked out match then they all go into my room for something until I finally get them out, then and only then am I able to get ready myself. By this time Rodrigo is already ready and is wondering why I take so long.
This was the case. He was sitting around and asked if he should go pick up the cake. It seemed harmless enough. He left and I finished up. I was checking things off my to-do list to make sure I had everything ready (candles, camera, treat bags). Everything was fine. I kept waiting . . . I finally went to call him and noticed that the phone had a "Check Telephone Line" message. I fixed it and called him. Busy. He was calling me.

me: (I didn't even say "hello") where are you?
Rodrigo: I've been trying to call you. I dropped the cake
me: (total, complete silence)
Rodrigo: hello?
me: you're kidding, right?
him: NO! I dropped the cake. It's windy and I was trying to open the door and blah, blah, blah (I sort of drifted out or passed out for a while)
me: (quiet again)
Rodrigo: oh, so what, now you're mad?
me: uh . . . .no . . . . just . . . .well, go buy another one. I mean, what else can we do? (I was in a sort of daze really. I wasn't even mad, just numb)
Rodrigo: what kind?
me: It doesn't matter. Any cake. Just so long as Alec has a cake.
Rodrigo: OK, I'll call you back

He took the smashed cake back inside and they made him a new one at no charge. Plus it was ready in like 10 minutes. Aren't they awesome? I thought it was really nice of the bakery but joked that they must've felt really bad for Rodrigo. They must have imagined him with a Rodrigo & Kate style wife and were thinking he'd get the lecture of his life when he got home. I couldn't stop laughing at that because I am the furthest thing from a tough wife as possible. Luckily all went well. Scandalous interruptus.
Alec was oblivious to any cake drama and had a great time!

feeling: I can't believe my preemie baby is about to turn six
listening to: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Zero)

gamer yvett

2009-06-16T16:39:00.001-07:00

I've never been much of a gamer. The only game I can ever remember having looked forward to was the Wii Fit. I thought the whole concept was awesome.
Well, now there's a game I absolutely can't wait for. This one.
I. Cannot. Wait. Believe it or not, I've never played a Rock Band/Guitar Hero anything. I've been saving myself for The Beatles.

feeling: glad to have a whole day at home
listening to: Beatles (Day Tripper)

Reasons my blog is neglected

2009-06-02T07:57:00.002-07:00

1. I'm busy. I know that's a lame excuse, but it really is the truth. It turns out it doesn't make a difference whether the kids are in school or not, I'm still busy doing things with and for them.

2. Facebook. Ugh, I wonder how many blogs this social network has ruined. It's sooooo much easier to just write a little condensed version of what you were going to say anyway and get it out to practically the same people. Seriously, if I were Blogger, I'd be looking to buy out Facebook and the likes.

3. Brianna. Oh. My. Goodness. My daughter has me living through things that I am absolutely not ready for. I can tell you that this definitely requires its own post, but to summarize . . . there is a boy that likes her, she likes him back, it is to the point that his parents have called and come over and the boy gave her a pair of earrings. They're 10 years old. Ten, not 17.

4. My kids have taken over the computer. Whether they're on Webkinz or Club Penguin, they're almost always on. It doesn't even help that we have a notebook, because Rodrigo is always with his iPhone app project things that are running or something when he's not home.

-sigh- How many more days until the kids go back to school? Oh, that's right, they've only been out a little over a week. Then again, when they go back, they'll both be in full day classes. What will I do then?

feeling: ohmygoodnessitissohothere
listening to: Jonas Brothers (Paranoid) <-- something about this song reminds me of Blur's Girls & Boys

photo blogging days

2009-05-18T07:46:00.018-07:00

I played along with Shanny's photo blogging days this time. It was a sort of weird time because there's things going on that are usually not this way.

- Rodrigo (my husband) just got back from a 12 day business trip on Thursday evening
- Friday was his birthday
- my parents came into town in Saturday for Alec's (my son's) kindergarten graduation

Anyway, here goes . . . .

May 15, 2009
8:30 a.m. My friend Jen dropped by to give me this gift. She said it was for being a good friend, but really, she's the awesome friend!

10:30 a.m. Laundry piles. Once everything is dry and folded, I put everything away.

12:30 p.m. Alec is now dropped off at kindergarten and I stop by the grocery store. I'm buying tomatillos for tonight's dinner: green enchiladas.

2:30 p.m. Alec's friends were over today and they all made a huge mess of his room. This is the "during" of me cleaning it. I would've rather shown you the "after" but this was picture time.

4:30 p.m. The laundry is done, the house is clean. Well, I think it's clean and then I notice my furry baby's toys thrown all over the living room.

6:00 p.m. Prep for dinner: boiling chicken, boiling green chiles, onion and tomatillo, and making Spanish rice.

8:30 p.m. Having birthday cake. Happy birthday, Rodrigo!

May 16, 2009

10:00 a.m. I slept in. I'm barely stepping out of the shower.

12:00 p.m. Saturday = no school = my daughter playing on Club Penguin.

2:00 p.m. My parents get here from Texas. They brought huge burritos for us.

4:00 p.m. Catching up with my mom and looking over the things my aunt sent me. A blouse, earrings, a pendant, perfume and a pair of shoes. What can I say, my aunt loves me!

6:00 p.m. Messing around with pictures of my hair. People are telling me they like my red streak, but it's actually pink.

8:00 Rodrigo's birthday dinner at Montana Avenue. Our wine list.

So there you have it. Two days in pictures. I can't wait to play again!

feeling: HOT
listening to: Muse (Starlight)

my gullible son

2009-05-11T21:52:00.004-07:00

If infomercials and those exaggerated commercials are going for a demographic of 5 year old kids, they got one here. Alec LOVES those commercials and thinks they're all absolutely true. The best part is that he repeats them to me.

- Alec: growing tomatoes is hard, back-breaking work. We should get the revolutionary topsy turvy for Dada. That way we can enjoy delicious tomatoes all season long.

- Alec: For my birthday I want the amazing bendable building sticks . . . Bendaroos!

He also wants something to stop snoring for Grandpa (my dad). For me, he wants an ab roller thingy, some thing to place hangers on and make more room in the closet and the chop thing that the sham wow guy promotes. I just can't remember what exactly he told me about these things.
I suppose I should be happy that he's really good at memorizing things. He's also a walking promo for shows he likes.

- Alec: (a couple of weeks ago. I caught him on video) I'm excited because this Saturday is the long awaited premiere of the new Disney Channel original series, Jonas.

It's hilarious to hear him say these things, yet I have to stand there with a straight face and not laugh at him. Aww, my baby.

feeling: sleepy
listening to: nothing once again. sleeping kids.

Gwalgreenz

2009-05-08T07:42:00.002-07:00

I just noticed that I never told you all about my recent visit to Walgreen's. Here is exactly what I posted on yelp . . . .

There's really no point in reviewing a Walgreen's other than the fact that I HAVE to tell you this story . . . .
So, I'm paying at Walgreen's and there's a sign at the register stating something like "if we don't offer you the special, you get a free water bottle". Something like that. Here I have to say that I know that it is completely trivial of me, but I love seeing signs like that. I don't care about the $1 water that I could win, I just like seeing if the employees actually do it, and well, I like to win something . . . anything. Anyway, the person before me was offered Orbitz gum or something else that were each 2 for $1 and told that that was the special. He said no. My turn. The cashier says hi, I say hi and she proceeds to scan my purchases. No offer of gum or anything else. I'm about to leave but I stop and ask if that sign was still valid.

her: uh, no
me: no?
her: well, yes but no
me: yes? no?
her: yeah, I guess
so: so, I get the free water?
her: I suppose you do. It's just sometimes it doesn't count
me: I'm sorry?
her: I didn't think you spoke English
me: Excuse me?!?!?
her: I didn't think you'd understand, so I didn't offer
me: so that sign is conditional? it only applies to certain people?
her: let me get your water
me: no thank you. I don't need your free water

I left there confused. Why would she assume I didn't speak English? I hadn't talked to anyone and even if I had, it would have been in English. Even if I didn't speak English, no free water unless I did? WTF? I should've just kept my mouth shut about that water because now I'm going to feel weird going there and I go there a lot. I'll only go now wearing a "Yo hablo Eenglich" shirt or something.

Mmm, hmm. I've been there since too but avoid her like the plague, or uh, swine flu.

feeling: dreading the heat this afternoon
listening to: Incubus (Black Heart Inertia)

TV Talk

2009-05-07T21:54:00.004-07:00

Let's talk about what I'm watching, yes?

- The Amazing Race: Good. I'm really going for the brother & sister team. I'd have been disappointed if they weren't in the final.

- The Celebrity Apprentice: I was pretty mad. It's obvious that the two finalists were picked for ratings. That way every one will watch to see if there' a fight. I wasn't a Jesse James fan before. Well, I didn't know much about him. I think he's smart and should have been in the top two. I don't care who wins now.

- House: I haven't seen this last one so don't tell me what happened.

- Dancing With The Stars: Yes I watch this. Yes, I'm totally uncool. I pretty much watch this season for the French guy. If he doesn't win, I'll eat my foot or something.

- American Idol: I LOVE Adam. Rodrigo hates him. Rodrigo's all-time favorite band is Led Zeppelin so now he hates him even more. As much as I love Adam, I'm OK with any of the guys left over being the winner. I like them all.

- The Biggest Loser: This is the first season I've watched this and I don't think I'll watch any more (OK, I absolutely know I will). I end up crying almost each episode. How I wish I could have Bob & Jillian for just a couple of weeks.

- The Office: I'm barely going to watch tonight episode. I'm glad Michael's back in the office.

-30 Rock: Again, I haven't watched tonight. This show makes me laugh out loud more than any other one. I LOVE it!

- Parks & Recreation: I really like that intern. Her character is hilarious. I'm actually on a committee at the moment, so when I talk about the progress I say we're on our way to turning that pit into a park.

- The Fashion Show: I just watched the first episode. It's basically Project Runway without Tim, Heidi, Michael & Nina. Eh. I miss them. I'll probably watch the rest of the episodes, I just really miss the others.

So that's what I watch. What do you watch? If you watch anything I mentioned, what do you think?

feeling: I love my DVR
listening to: nothing . . . .shh . . . .the kids are asleep

do i look?

2009-05-04T08:52:00.004-07:00

I have a two story house. My loft is on the second floor. This is where we have our desk, computer, bookcase and a loveseat. This is where I am now. I'm in here often. To the left of me is a window. In the morning, I open the blinds and the window. If I look out, I can see into my neighbors' yards. It's not that I stand there and look out . . . but. I have a neighbor lady that hangs out in her backyard to smoke and talk on the phone. She pretty much does that every day. The times that I'm at the computer and she's on the phone usually coincide. I think nothing of it. Now she's doing this topless. That's right, topless. I was opening the blinds and you know when you kind of get a glimpse of something then realize what you saw and do a double-take. That was me. I feel like an idiot because I think she saw me. She had to have seen the blinds open at the very least. Now, I'm not a smoker, but is that something that should be done topless? She's not a young lady, either, so I wonder why she cares so much about having a nice tan. Or why she's outside topless in the first place. Now, I know I should just shrug this off, but I kept thinking about it and it started bothering me. Part of what was bothering me was the fact that it was bothering me. My mind starts going off.
-What if she needs some sort of phototherapy and has to be out there?
-But what if Alec was up here, why should my child be exposed to her naked chest?
-She's in the privacy of her own home and probably expects privacy.
-Wait, she's not inside.
-She's still on her property, though.
-But she knows she can be seen from my house as well as another two-story neighbor.
-WTF? That other house has a boy Brianna's age. Inappropriate.
-Maybe she wants attention. She knows men live in these houses too.

I don't know. I feel like I'm being mega unsophisticated. Then again, we live in the middle of the freaking desert not on some European beach. -sigh- But, really, there's nothing to do. If she wants to be out there like that, she will be. It's up to the rest of the us to not look and/or shield or children if we want to. All I can do is completely forget what I was going to blog about and write about her instead. -insert evil grin and a cackle here-

feeling: missing Rodrigo (he's in the northeast again for business)
listening to: Muse (Starlight)

I got my tickets, did you?

2009-04-29T15:14:00.002-07:00

Granted, they're in the nosebleeds, but I'm still going! I absolutely can not wait. You know, they had some tickets on sale for $250 each. Now, U2 has been my favorite band since I was in 6th grade, but come on. For that money, I'd expect a chair right up on the stage. Or a private serenade with songs chosen by me and a lengthy conversation. Plus, I've been to U2 concerts before and really, you get a pretty good view anywhere.

5 months
2 weeks and
6 days to go!

feeling: I can't wait!
listening to: U2 (Heartland) <-- aww, it's too bad I can't pick out their playlist. I'd like to hear this live.

weekend breakfast

2009-04-27T08:38:00.004-07:00

We have breakfast everyday. Correction, my family has breakfast everyday, I make it. It's true that with all the running around, on weekdays, I usually only have coffee. I make sure they eat, though. Weekends are different. We're usually not in a rush to get anywhere and have more time to make something yummy.
Now, my kids really like routine. It used to be that they loved having some gross-out eggs every weekend. Now they like having the gross-out eggs in Sundays and this on Saturdays. . . .

I originally found the recipe here. I just changed it up a bit. I found it too dry. We use 4 eggs instead of 1, 5 tablespoons of milk instead of two, six slices of bacon instead of the whole package (I don't use the pre-cooked kind either), omit the chives but pour maple syrup on it once it's done. I make it for the four of us, but we always have some left over. Anyway, I thought I'd share because it's super easy, super fast and really tasty. Yeah, yeah, I know it's refrigerated dough, but the reason I was looking on their website in the first place, is because I'd gotten a bunch of those Grands on sale.
Yum, I can almost taste it all nice and warm with some good coffee . . . . . -drool-.

feeling: apparently hungry
listening to: Silversun Pickups (Panic Switch)

books, books, books

2009-04-21T11:23:00.002-07:00

There's no point in telling you what I've been up to. It's always the same thing . . . . the kids. Right now I want to tell you that it finally happened. I want to read the books that Brianna reads. Ugh, I feel so old. I thought some of the collections she's read and told me about are cute, like this one. Then she read this book. I seriously had to ask her to stop telling about it, because it sounded so interesting, I didn't want to know the end. Now, she's onto
this series and it sounds alright too. She's currently reading Alicia. This isn't a series I would've picked, but she and all her friends are into it, so you know how that goes.
Here's the thing, she asked if she could borrow my Twilight series and also wants to read The Uglies series. I think she's a bit too young for those, though. I haven't read any of The Uglies. Are they good? I definitely have to read them now to see if they're appropriate for her to read. As for Twilight, well a lot of her friends have older brothers and sisters and know all about the story. The kids are "playing" Twilight at recess. They pick an Edward and argue about who will be Bella. -sigh-.
Seriously, didn't Brianna just start kindergarten? How is she 10 years old so fast? I'm not ready.

feeling: old
listening to: Smashing Pumpkins (Cherub Rock)

Bunch o' babies

2009-03-31T14:38:00.004-07:00

This year, I am fortunate enough to absolutely adore my kids' teachers. I love them! Almost all of my "real-life" friends and bloggy friends have young children, so you know how it is. You want the person who will be spending a significant amount of time with your baby to be someone you like. This is most definitely the case this year. I lucked out.
So, anyway, Alec's teacher for the first half of the year just had her babies this past week. Yes, babies. She had to leave after Christmas but she's gone to school several times since and has really kept the kids posted on her progress, so they really still feel like she's there with them.
Her blog is a family one, so I was hesitant about linking to her, but I am fairly confident that none of my frequent readers are weirdos. Plus, like I said, we're all parents so we know how to respect a family page. Anyway, I just had to link to her today to share her hilarious post. See it here. (Her page has music, so turn it down if you're at work).
Congratulations, Mrs. Bunch. We love you, miss you and can't wait to meet the babies!

P.S. Alec was telling me the babies' weights last Monday. According to him they range from 37 lbs-100 lbs. : )

feeling: I can't imagine having more than one baby at a time
listening to: Incubus (Echo)

knock knock. who's there? KGB.

2009-03-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

The art of the knock, knock joke is completely lost on Alec. He just doesn't get the concept. Brianna tried to teach him for a while even providing one of her own for him to use. Here it is as she told it to him . . .
Knock, knock
who's there?
buck
buck who?
buck, buck. I'm a chicken
Here's what he turned it into . .
knock, knock
who's there?
buck
buck who?
chicken to eat at my house and stay home
See? Lost cause. He loves them, though and what's more is that he thinks his versions are hilarious. I, being the mom, have to force smile/laugh at his jokes. Brianna, on the other hand says they're not funny, then he says they are, they fight, well, you know the rest.
This past Friday, Alec had two friends over. One is his age, one is a year older. They started telling knock, knock jokes and they all told them the same wrong way. See, what I now get is the longer and sillier it is, the funnier it is. Oh, and it really helps if it ends in something about a butt or a fart. Some of their jokes were something like . . .
knock, knock
who's there?
Anakin
Anakin who?
Anakin who doesn't know how to use a light saber and then he tried but he fell on his butt
Bwah, ha, ha, ha!!!!!! They would burst into laughter and went on and on for a few minutes. I was laughing too because of the fact that none of them knew how to tell a proper knock, knock joke. Well, they thought I was laughing at the actual jokes and went on. -sigh-
Here's the kind I like . . .

feeling: I wish I had a maid
listening to: Seether (Careless Whisper)

we're back

2009-03-22T15:56:00.002-07:00

I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things after spring break. I have about a million pictures to sort through/edit. Until I do, here are a few pictures which pretty much summarize this break.

Day 1. At the lighthouse in Long Beach. No one is tired yet.

Day 2. Alec asleep outside of the Indiana Jones ride.

Day 3. Alec asleep at our table during lunch.

Day 4. Alec asleep during the fireworks show.

Day 5. Pleased with their purchases and pretty much sitting down whenever they can.

You'll see more pics on flickr soon. For now, I need a break from our break.

feeling: tired
listening to: Franz Ferdinand (No You Girls)

wanted: fake cake

2009-03-12T07:53:00.004-07:00

Jenn's posts always make me laugh. It was for a different reason today, though. I'd just been talking about fake food a few minutes before I read her post and then I see that she has a picture of her kid holding fake food. Hilarious!

Let me explain. . . My mom gave us a crystal cake stand that I absolutely love. Right now it is displaying some cookies I baked yesterday. That's just it; I feel like it always has to have something. Rodrigo was saying that we should get one of those fake cakes like they have in model homes for when we don't have something fresh baked.

me: (laughing) yeah, we should. You know people use fake cakes for weddings
Rodrigo: huh?
me: yeah, they make a fake wedding cake and only the bottom layer is real so they could cut into it, then they send it to the back and just slice off some sheet cake
Rodrigo: OK, but a wedding cake wouldn't fit in there
me: (laughing) I know, I'm just saying. I don't know where I'd get one, though
Rodrigo: a fake wedding cake?
me: no, just a fake cake for the stand. Where do they buy those?
Rodrigo: we should just into a model and take one

Both of us just laughed.

We weren't being serious, but I started thinking seriously about it. I don't think I've ever seen a whole cake at those places. Just slices like they have in restaurants. I started wondering . . . where do they get those?
Of course, when I don't know something, I always ask Mr. Google. I was shocked to see the results. There are sooooo many fake food manufacturers. I'm having a blast looking at all the fake desserts I'd like to display in my stand. Just now I was looking at all the pictures I took in model homes and Alec came up behind me.

Alec: what are you doing?
me: looking through pictures
Alec: of me?
me: both of you playing with fake food
Alec: oh yeah, look they're I'm making eggs
me: yes, you are
Alec: and there's Brianna in front of a giant cookie
me: what? a giant cookie? -pause- Bwah, ha! ha!

It turned out to be this picture . . . . .

What might be nice wall decor for us equals a giant cookie for a kid.

feeling: I need to start packing
listening to: U2 (Magnificent)

same old, same old

2009-03-10T10:19:00.002-07:00

When we were moving to Arizona, I was very excited at the fact that I would be able to stay at home. I imagined I'd have just loads and loads of left-over time. Yeah. That's not the case. I'm am absolutely grateful that I am able to stay at home. I don't know how I'd manage to throw in work with all my running around. Right now work would definitely take away a lot from the kids.
So, if you ask me how I am the answer is busy with the kids.
What have you been up to? Stuff with the kids.
What's going on? The kids.
Anything new? No, just things with the kids.

I am a taxi driver, events coordinator, builder, hauler, chef, planner, doctor, tutor, designer, stylist and dog trainer. My services are free of charge other than hugs and kisses. I'd get into the specifics of all the activities we've been up to lately, but I'm afraid your head would fall off. Without the details, we've been up to OOTM practices and competition, choir practice and performances, karate practice, district fair, school carnival, school volunteering and finally a lovely bout of fifth disease (this went around the whole school and included Alec).

They're on a two week spring break now and I finally had time to breath for a bit. We're leaving this weekend for a SoCal holiday. I'll try to post some more before we leave because I've been driving around and I get all these ideas of things I want to post about. When I have time, I have no ideas. When I have no time, I have about 75 million ideas. Right now I have to get back to typing out a manual for my housesitter/dogsitter/mom. (There are lots of instructions to our techy home).

feeling: I hope I don't forget something
listening to: Beck (Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat)

experience the warmth

2009-02-24T13:13:00.004-07:00

We had record breaking heat yesterday topping off at 91 degrees. That's right, in February. I know to a lot of you that would be super hot weather. To me, all I could think was "ahhhhhh". It felt like a warm hug.
I'm neither bragging nor complaining. I'm telling you all this because of Alec. He hasn't wanted to have a haircut in a while. He says he wants "hair like Joe Jonas". Yes, those were his exact words. I thought it was cute at first and went along with it, but it's hot now and he's sweating. My mom says he's five and shouldn't even be allowed to make decisions about if or when he gets a haircut. I get it. I mean, I'm not going to have him in blue hair if he suddenly feels like it. Or if he suddenly decides he wants a perm or a mullet, I wouldn't let him. I just sort of thought this was cute and not tremendously out of the ordinary. Plus, it's really hit or miss at his school right now. Little boys either have a crew cut or they're letting their hair grow/have long hair. He kind of looks up to a couple of Brianna's friends right now, both of whom have Joe Jonas-like hair. I guess we'll see how it goes. If I see that he's going to be dripping in sweat, that's too bad for his longish hair. It'll have to go. For now, let's just hope he's not, uh, burning up (rimshot). <-- Consider yourself lucky if you don't get that.

feeling: I think we're going to have a HOT summer
listening to: Depeche Mode (Wrong)

drunk yvett

2009-02-19T17:03:00.002-07:00

I got drunk last night. I'm not bragging like some kids who thinks it's cool to drink. Quite the opposite, actually. I think it's pretty sad. We were watching Top Chef and as part of their challenge they had to make a cocktail. I thought they looked soooooo good that I really wanted one. Now, we have wine in the house but I have to admit it's mostly used for marinating. We have an occasional glass once in a while. We also have a hutch with liquor bottles, but those are mostly for display. For some reason, people would give my grandpa bottles for Christmas and he just collected them. He's since passed away and my grandma saved them for years. When we got this house, she decided to give us that awesome antique hutch and gave all the bottles to Rodrigo as a gift.
So anyway, back to my story, I decided to make cocktails for us. We had some unopened vodka in the freezer and some cranberry juice. That's what I made. Only I think that the fact that I added too much vodka and the fact that I have zero tolerance now made a bad combination. My chest felt all warm and my face felt hot. I started speaking gibberish about how I now understood why St. Bernards carry alcohol around in that little barrel of theirs. Or whatever it is. Rodrigo was just laughing at me. We came upstairs and I started trying to change my blog banner. That didn't really work. When I went to bed the pattern on my pillowcase was moving. I couldn't focus.
Isn't that just pathetic. I mean ONE cocktail. Sad. Really, really sad.

feeling: I lost my cool
listening to: The Ting Tings (That's Not My Name)

you deplete me

2009-02-04T09:09:00.005-07:00

The books I've been reading lately have been leaving me just plain exhausted. Emotionally drained. This is really the kind of book I love, but I don't remember feeling this way from a book since The Kite Runner.

I just finished reading The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. I loved it. It's about a husband and wife in a troubled marriage who both work in Columbine HS. He has to go away because of a family emergency and that's when the shootings happen. This is basically everything that happens to them afterwards. While reading it, I found myself feeling just sort of worn down. It actually depressed me. I don't think I'd ever gotten a grasp of just what a horrible tragedy Columbine was.
Still, I'd absolutely recommend it. I've read both of previous books and I suggest you do the same before you read this. Characters from his previous novels pop in and it's nice to know who they are and follow up.

Now I'm reading Revolutionary Road. Oh. My. Goodness. I really want to see the movie, but I hadn't read the book. It makes me soooooo grateful to be happy with my life. Still, reading about them exhausts me. How could anyone feel like that all the time? Exhausting. Still, a must read.

Let me know of any good books you've read lately. I am forever compiling a "to read" list.

feeling: looking for a rag doll pattern
listening to: U2 (Get on Your Boots)

No Soup for me

2009-01-27T08:01:00.003-07:00

Hello. My name is Yvett and I'm a soupaholic. I love, love, love soup. Imagine my surprise when I found out that January is supposedly National Soup Month. What? Why. Didn't. Anyone. Tell. Me?!?!? Besides, who makes these things up anyway? ARGH, I could've been making soup after soup after soup this whole month by having the excuse that it's soup month. : P I've only made some a few times this month. I've made chicken noodle soup, tortilla soup, a roasted tomato soup with bacon and yesterday I made egg drop soup - with perfect, no clump egg ribbons thankyouverymuch.
Although I love soup, I try to avoid canned ones like the plague. I am forever trying new recipes. So now I'm asking you to share your favorite soup recipe with me. Pretty please? I like any kind. Yum, tonight I think I'll make albondigas (meatball soup). I can't wait.

feeling: in the mood for warm soup
listening to: Rufus Wainwright (Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk)

my furry baby

2009-01-26T14:38:00.008-07:00

It's been a while since I've shared pictures of Badger. Here are some . . . .

A-ha! Badger caught on a couch. Big no-no.

Alec and Badger like to watch Dada leave to work each morning.

Badger likes lying down wherever there's sun. Except for outside, of course. If the sun is right on the stairs, then that's where he is.

Nap time.

OK, everyone say "aww". I love my puppy.

feeling: what's with this cold weather?
listening to: The Ting Tings (That's Not My Name)

. . and then she scared me at the store.

2009-01-21T12:37:00.002-07:00

A lady I know always talks to me as if we were in the middle of a conversation. I love it! Of course, I love it mainly because it amuses me. We know each other casually; not enough to call each other up. I wish we would, though. I'd love to pick up the phone and have her talk to me like she does.
So, the kids and I are the grocery store picking out produce. She was there but I hadn't seen her. Then she came up behind me and said something like "well I had to come back because I was here earlier and didn't buy what I came for". I laughed and said I hated when that happened to me. The thing is that I laughed because she startled me and started off as though we'd already greeted each other. My theory is that she does this because she's always in a hurry. By the time I answered, she was already walking away. I figure she doesn't have the time to properly begin or end conversations.
At home I told Rodrigo about it and he said I do that too. I suppose I do, but only with him. Even then if I start talking about something it's about something that we had already started talking about. Even if it was days earlier. (Hence his usual question, "you're still with that?) Anyway, I'll tell you stuff that's happened here in the last few days already begun.

- but he said he didn't like snakes anymore and we had to do another project.
- they were cheaper because I can fit into children's size shoes.
- and that's why I only have 7 hours left to record on DVR.
- she pretty much made me explain why I wear the clothes I wear if I don't work.
- because he says he wants his hair as long as Joe Jonas.
- so I guess I'll find out what new phone I'll have once I get it in the mail.
- that's why I think the dog is obsessed with him.

feeling: hungry . . what time is it, anyway?
listening to: Zoot Sims Quartet (Blinuet) <-- I call this "Badger's song"

Happy Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T23:02:00.003-07:00

Finally! Don't ask me how many times I cried. The kids were really excited today. They wore their shirts all day long. Alec asked me if he looked like Barack Obama once he put it on. I answered no and he looked really disappointed almost on the verge of tears. I explained I hadn't gotten a good look and told him that yes, he definitely looked like Obama. : )
Look at the cake they decorated. It looked really nice. The kids had some then Badger helped himself to some too -- A Christmas Story style. He's lucky I'm in a really good mood.

feeling: the sun is shining, the birds are singing, strawberry fields forever
watching: coverage of the inaugural balls

am I a bad parent? . . . . 7,249th edition

2009-01-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Alec loves this movie! When I friend told me that a bunch of artists had redone the soundtrack, I bought it immediately. Now he loves this soundtrack and I end up feeling like a toad for having my kindergartner listening to the likes of Marilyn Manson and Korn while I have a ten-year-old that listens to all the popular Disney artists. Is that super horrible of me?
I have to admit it's pretty good, though. Find it here or itunes, of course.

feeling: excited!
listening to: Jack's Lament from above album

100th Day

2009-01-13T18:28:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was Alec's 100th day of school. Well, I suppose it was Brianna's too, only her grade didn't celebrate. Anyway, we had this conversation . . .

Alec: let me read you my 100th day paper
me: OK
Alec: I wish I had 100 me.
me: 100 of you?
Alec: yes. 100 robot me's so that they could do my chores
me: (thinking) chores, huh?
Alec: I'm glad I don't have 100 red
me: red?
Alec: yeah, red
me: red what?
Alec: (scoffing) red zits, you know, like on my face
-here I have to try super hard not to laugh at him
Alec: I could eat 100 apples. I can not eat 100 candies.
me: that's really good!

So, he has a project due this week where he has to make something out of 100 somethings. It was a little easier helping Brianna with these kids of projects because we tend to think of the same sort of things. 100 flowers? Yes, please. 100 sparkly thingies? Absolutely! Alec, on the other had, wanted 100 storm troopers or 100 ninjas. He finally agreed to a snake. I made 100 little poms almost like these . . .

(those I'd made when I was coaching cheer) Anyway, I made 100 of those but in "snake color". Then we took some more yarn and are tying all those poms onto the string to make the snake. It's taking a little long because I'm having Alec do a lot of the tying. It is his homework, afterall. We're not going any faster by having him pretend to be Voldemort every five seconds. I'll share a picture once I'm done.

feeling: hungry
listening to: Korn (Kidnap the Sandy Claws)

guilty Christmas Morning

2009-01-12T16:34:00.002-07:00

I hadn't told you anything about the holidays, so here goes . . . . The very same day that the kids were let out of school, I came down with what I think was the flu. I wasn't sneezing or coughing, I just hurt all over. I didn't want any noise and really just wanted to stay in bed. Now, the kids have a tendency to run into our room and jump up on the bed as soon as they wake up on days they don't go to school. Rodrigo was awesome when I was sick. He took care of the kids and Badger and just let me sleep as long as I wanted to. He asked the kids to please not run into the room in the mornings. Keep this in mind.
As long as I've been alive, we've always celebrated on Christmas EVE. My family would always stay up late for gifts. Of course I liked this as a kid, but I really, really wanted a Christmas morning . We decided to stay home this year and do the whole gift thing in the morning. I made Christmas Eve dinner. The kids went to bed at their normal time. Christmas morning I heard them at about 7:00 AM. I waited for some screaming or something but nothing came. I figured maybe they'd gone back to sleep. I was awake still waiting to hear their reaction to Santa having come the night before. Nothing. I finally went to check in on them. They were both in Brianna's room sitting on her bed. They looked like they had ants in their pants saying "There's presents! There's presents!" I asked what they were waiting for and they said they weren't supposed to wake me. They had to wait until I got up myself. Can you imagine? I felt like Snow White's evil stepmother. The one time they decide to listen to something we tell them. Geez. They ran downstairs and started passing out gifts. I told Rodrigo and all he did was laugh. I felt sooooooo guilty. Poor kids. But, yeah, it is kind of funny. (cackling)

feeling: I know I was supposed to do something today
listening to: Ride (Vapour Trail)

iPod Meme

2009-01-08T16:22:00.004-07:00

I'm short on time again (surprise, surprise) but I really wanted to play this meme that I received from the lovely Giao.

To Play Along:

1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 12 friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the game from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Speak Free - Incubus

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Where is My Mind? - Nada Surf

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Zero - Smashing Pumpkins

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Everything'll Be Alright - Joshua Radin

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Starlight - Muse

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Connection - Elastica

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Shake The Disease - Hooverphonic

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
No Brakes - The Bravery

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
All Sparks - Editors

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Across The Universe - Fiona Apple

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Never Enough - The Cure

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
I Want You Now - Depeche Mode

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Shaft! - Incubus

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Blue Monday - New Order

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Upside Down- Jack Johnson

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Under The Milky Way - The Church

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
In God's Country - U2

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
The Bends - Radiohead

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Say It Ain't So - Weezer

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Three Imaginary Boys - The Cure

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Anyone Else But You - The Moldy Peaches

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Consequence - Incubus

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Wild Horses - The Sundays

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Theses Photographs - Joshua Radin

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Stay - U2

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Punk Rock Girl - Dead Milkmen

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Comfort Eagle - Cake

WHAT WILL YOU REPOST THIS AS?
Twisted Logic - Coldplay

I loved this! The answers that fit, really did. I was laughing here by myself. Badger thinks I'm crazy. I won't tag 12 people but I hope you play! Let me know if you do!

feeling: I ADORE my iCal
listening to: Coldplay (Twisted Logic)

popping in

2009-01-06T16:32:00.006-07:00

I just finished putting away all the Christmas decorations. The house is a mess. I'm sleepy and seem to be having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I don't think I'll be away from home for over a week anytime soon. I feel like a need a break from the break.
Meanwhile, my vow to blog more in the new year is not going well. I've been working on this for little moments at a time for a few days now, so here it goes. Happy new year, all!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Got married.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Pretty much, really. I was into organization this year. I feel I accomplished a lot.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yeah, it was baby year. Preggy is in style right now.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank goodness.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More time, more time, and more time. Better yet, better time management.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm horrid at dates but I remember events (along with what I was wearing). I'll remember when we went to get the marriage license because I was having a laughing fit, the day we got married, Alec starting kindergarten, election night, getting Badger, Brianna turning TEN, and our first Christmas with just the four of us at home.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
keeping my sanity.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not managing my time wisely. . . . . again.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
nothing more than colds.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
my living room set. I love it.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom's. I'd have strangled some people if I were her.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A certain vice presidential nominee and some parents who don't take care of their kids

14. Where did most of your money go?
The house, the car, the kids, the kids, the house, the kids, the house . . . .

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I won't bore you with details any longer . . . getting married and the election.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Burning Up from The Jonas Brothers because it was constantly on around here. Constantly. Both the kids love it.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a. happier
b. thinner, sucka
c. richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
just random projects I keep putting off like decorating my loft and organizing pictures in REAL albums. Oh, and blogging. I was a total blog slacker this year.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
cleaning

20. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?
At my mom's in Texas.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
absolutely

22. How many one-night stands?
None but we bought two lovely night stands, does that count? ; )

23. What was your favorite TV program?
30 Rock

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Yes, people I hadn't heard of this time last year. -insert evil grin here-

25. What was the best book you read?
The last book in the Twilight series is all I can think of now. I liked that one the best. Oh and I really liked The Namesake which I also barely read this year.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
My Morning Jacket (I know they're not new, but I didn't pay attention before) and Coconut Records.

27. What did you want and got?
a bunch of boring house things I really wanted.

28. What did you want and not get?
a maid/chef/chauffeur

29. What was your favorite film of this year?
There Will Be Blood but I think it's from 2007,

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On the actual day, we had the open house for the kids' school to meet their teachers. I turned 30 something.

31.What one thing made your year measurably more satisfying?
you know, I'd have to say it was getting a pet. We all love Badger and he's definately a new family member.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
strawberry : )

33. What kept you sane?
Rodrigo and caffeine.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
This would still have to be Brandon Boyd. -sigh-

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Come on, you know this would take days.

36. Who did you miss?
My mom and grandma. I was used to seeing them anytime not just once every couple of months.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
The kids' teachers. I really, honestly like them both sooooo much.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
If you want something done, you can't sit back and wish for it to happen, you have to do something about it.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I give up. I've been searching lyrics for over an hour trying to find something fitting. No such luck.

feeling: busy, busy, busy
listening to: Weezer (Velouria) <-- yup, the Pixies one

yvett the blog slacker

2008-12-08T20:11:00.002-07:00

Yes, I've been a total blog slacker. I haven't updated nor even checked in on other blog pages. (Well, other than ljc for gift ideas.) I'm in kind of an ornery mood right now which might not be the best time to be posting, but here it is anyway. I give you a list of things that are bothering me right now. . . . .

- Alec's toe. WTF? Even with reinforced toes in his socks, he somehow manages to make a hole in one of them. His big toe is always sticking out. Does my son have freakishly pointy toes or what?

- That the new Harry Potter movie isn't out yet. Yes, I get mad when I think that I could have already seen it.

- People who are still parading around wearing shorts. I get it; we live in Arizona and it's warm here. Only it's not that warm. Unless you're here visiting from like Wisconsin or something, stop it. Please.

- Brianna's little Santa scheme: She and her little friends have decided to test the whole Santa theory. They've decided to not tell any of their parents what they want for Christmas. If Santa is real, then he'll know without the parents having to know. Great. She won't budge either. I'm this close to just telling her the truth and saying "there now, so now what do you want?"

Hmm. . . I knew there were more things only I can't remember anymore. I'm not as ornery as I was. I made myself laugh by talking like snagglepuss . . . . I'm immature even . . . . exit stage left.

feeling: in a better mood
listening to: Rivers Cuomo (I Was Scared)

foodyvett

2008-11-19T09:47:00.004-07:00

I have a friend who likes to make dinner using one pot only. That's it. No other pans or dishes. One pot. She often complains that she doesn't really like her own food. I'd like to suggest that she maybe use a little variety but I know that is out of the question. I thought about her last night while I was making dinner. I think it would have been her absolute nightmare. For green chile enchiladas, I used . . . .

- one pot to make the roast (the enchiladas are quite tasty when made with nice, tender roast. I like them that way rather than chicken)
- one pot to boil beans
- one pan to refry the beans
- one pot for spanish rice
- one saucepan to boil tomatoes for chile sauce
- one pan to make the green chile sauce
- one pan for the tortillas
- a baking tray to melt all the cheese on the enchiladas

Of course I don't have that many burners, so not everything is being made at the exact same time. Oh, and for your info, I'm still on the low-carb deal. Sucks. I had salad with some of the meat on it. I was practically drooling over Rodrigo's plate. Anyway, all this talk of food reminds me of a meme I saw on Jodi's page. Here are my answers . . . .

The Rules:

Type your answer to the questions into Flickr search.
Using only the first page of results, pick an image.
Copy and paste each of the URLs in the Mosaic Maker

And now for the questions:

1. What is your favorite restaurant? My local favorite is called Poca Cosa

2. What is your favorite type of cuisine? I love Asian cuisine. I know that's broad, but that's my answer.

3. What is your favorite comfort food? Soup. I loves me some soup!

4. What is your favorite childhood food? Chop Suey. Really. I grew up on Mexican and Chinese food. There's a really good explanation too, but that's for another day.

5. What is your favorite dish to prepare for company? I love making mole for people who have never had it. I love the "you're feeding me chicken with chocolate and red chile?" look. But by far the dish I get the most compliments for is what I made last night . . green chile enchiladas. So I'll have to go with that.

6. What is your favorite wine? I'm not a good wine drinker, so a Riesling because it's light and good for beginners. And I only know that because a sommelier told me.

7. Who is your favorite chef? Rocco DiSpirito. Yes, please. By the way, I made his shells with cheese and bacon recipe and it was soooooooo good! So not only is he easy on the eyes, but he really can cook! : P

8. What is your least favorite food? Avocados. I hate them, hate them, hate them, hate them. Don't try to change my mind. Many have tried. My throat constricts just thinking about them.

9. What is the most adventurous food you’ve eaten? Cow tongue. Known as "lengua". To my defense, I was a kid and my mom didn't tell me what it was. We were at her friend's house and that's what she served us. I don't know how it was cooked (fried or boiled or what) but it was in a tomato sauce with cilantro. I didn't like it, but then again I didn't like to eat anything back then. If I'd have known what it was, I wouldn't have tasted it. I won't now either.

Play along!

feeling: time has been flying lately
listening to: Clay Aiken (O Holy Night)

chubby face

2008-11-14T11:58:00.003-07:00

One of the first things Badger does each morning is go outside. He'll then scratch at the door when he's done and is ready to come back in. One morning last week, I noticed he looked a little weird a little while after he'd come back in. He was fine when he woke up, but at that time, his snout was looking like it was getting a little bump. I remember when I was a kid one of my dogs was bitten by some ants and the swelling reduced with milk. I thought Badger might have been bitten by an ant, so I gave him some milk too. The morning progressed, Brianna went off to school, Rodrigo left for work and I took Alec to school. As soon as I got back from dropping off Alec, I noticed that Badger had gotten worse. His snout was completely swollen. It looked all roundish like Snoopy. I immediately called the vet and was asked to take him in.
They took his temperature and vitals and everything looked good. It turns out that he either got stung by some sort of insect or maybe ate some insect. Either way, he got an allergic reaction and that's why he was all swollen. Badger wasn't telling us what had happened. : ) He received two shots and we were on our way. I love my vet and her whole staff. They were all kissing Badger and calling him "Chubby Face" trying to make him feel better. I'd be giving him treat as they took his temperature and when he got his shots. I think he likes going there because of all the attention and treats he gets. His tail is always wagging when we're at the vet's.
We had to give him Benadryl twice a day for three days after that and just monitor him to make sure he didn't have any reaction to the medication. By that afternoon, all the swelling was gone. I felt very relieved and I'm sure Badger did too. So, we had Benadryl for the kids at this time (the liquid kind) but we weren't prepared for Badger. I realized I have to prepare for him as well, so I'm putting together a Doggy First Aid Kit. My furry baby tends to get into more mischief than my two-legged kids, so I think this is a good idea. Now I just need to find the perfect box for it.

feeling: I know I'm going to be a wreck when I watch Marley & Me
listening to: U2 (Miracle Drug)

the last election post

2008-11-13T12:46:00.002-07:00

Unless I get invited to the inauguration ceremony or something, I pinky swear this will be my last post about the election. (hold out your pinky and hook it with mine). It actually even isn't about the election as much as it is about Brianna. See, she is super upset that neither Rodrigo nor I are old enough to run for president. She is a really into what is going on with the Obama girls. She wants to be pens pals with the one that is her age and is always talking about how she likes the clothes the girls wear. I guess as a little kid, it is super exciting to think of all the things that you'd do if you got to live at the white house. Her latest reason for wanting to be a first kid is because she heard news that the Obama girls are invited to be on any Disney show any time they'd like. Yesterday during dinner, she and Alec were discussing what shows they'd be on if they could. (It ended up in a fight and with Alec crying, as usual).
One other thing that has her really concerned is the puppy. I think that was her favorite part of the acceptance speech because she talked about it for a long time after the speech. She did some research (she has several books on dogs) and has come to the conclusion that the girls should get a Bichon Frise. Now she wants to be pen pals even more so that they can discuss puppies. I think it's really cute. My apologies to Brianna for not being old enough to be the president. Maybe I'll be the president of the PTA and that way I can run for VP in 2012. Yeah, I had to throw that in.

feeling: even though we have most bills sent electronically, we still get a ton of mail
listening to: Radiohead (High & Dry)

catching up with yvett . . . . mode

2008-11-12T11:45:00.003-07:00

It's been so long that I don't even know when to start.

- I have 18 drafts of emails I started and have never sent. I've you've sent me in an email in the last two months or so and are expecting a reply, it's coming. Slow and steady.

- Brianna's Halloween party went off without a hitch. The food was all up to their gross standards. I haven't even uploaded the pictures, but you'll see when I do.

- The election. Ah, the election. That day I was helping out at the kids' school. They had a mock election there. The person who didn't win in the national election won at the school. What I found interesting, though (and by "interesting" I mean sad) was the things the kids were saying about Mr. B.O. It was unbelievable! I mean, Alec is in kindergarten and they already had things to say. Obviously it was from hearing the parents but I think it was a little extreme. Things like "my daddy says Ob@ma wants to come and steal our money". To which I thought, "yeah, your non-existent money". Another little boy was saying that his dad said he wanted to "beat him up". Alec was telling them that they couldn't beat up a president because then they'd go to "jails". I felt uber proud. Brianna's class had their own voter cards and were asked for them at random. They read up on both candidates' biographies and on some of their stances on issues. I nearly laughed out loud when one kid said that Ob@ma would raise every one's taxes. The teacher then asked "And just what are taxes?" Of course he didn't know.
That night I let the kids stay up late. I can't imagine them as adults thinking about this election knowing that mom made them go to bed. We were all awake watching. When the announcement came, I started sobbing. So that's where I was . . . on my couch with Rodrigo and the kids, all of us in pajamas. I called my grandma shortly after the announcement and she was crying too. I cried again the next day and still get a little teary once in a while.

- Since I'd been glued to the TV, the house was starting to look a little, uh, dirty. I spent a few days doing all the stuff I'd been neglecting and I feel a whole lot better. I'm sure my family does too.

- While putting away all the Halloween decor, I really considered just skipping the Thanksgiving stuff and decorating for Christmas early. Lots of families have their tree up by Thanksgiving, right? I really, really thought about it and almost did it, but I'm just not in the mood yet. It's hard to get into the Christmas spirit with these Arizona temperatures. Sandals and Santas don't make a good mix. You know on Halloween night we were in the 90's (temps). Seriously. We've only been in the 80's these past few days, but still it's no hazy shade of winter around here.

- I miss reading blogs. I'm about to do that now. . . . . . .

feeling: -sigh- good to be back
listening to: Depeche Mode (Blasphemous Rumours) <-- hence the post title

picture decor

2008-10-26T21:33:00.001-07:00

This documentary came out a few years ago, but I just saw it last week. It's called Other People's Pictures. I found it fascinating to know that someone would collect people's old photos. All for different reasons. I wonder if the pictures I take would someday be something that strangers would want.
This got me thinking about our Halloween decor this year. Last year, I did a search for the words "victorian" and "civil war" and printed some of those images. I put them on the wall going up the stairs. This year, I actually had them made out into different sized photos and placed them in frames. I added a few spiderwebs, some candles and black roses and it really has the creepy effect I was looking for. We were heading up to bed one night when we started talking about these pictures. Both Rodrigo and I were creeped out for a minute thinking that these were real people that are now dead and we have no idea who they were. -shudder- Heebie Jeebies!

This is what you see as soon as you walk in through our front door. . .

This display is in our living room (on the other side of the above picture) . . . .

A close-up of the same display . . .

I have to admit it looks way better at night!

feeling: into the Halloween spirit
listening to: I just realized I'm not playing any music. All day I've had "A Kiss is not a Contract" stuck in my head. Too funny!

new camera

2008-10-25T13:16:00.001-07:00

My Husband Went to Rhode Island and All He Brought Me Was This Awesome Camera.

I don't think Rodrigo has ever really understood what souvenirs should be. Me? Let's see, I'll buy a shirt or a mug or a keychain or any small thing as long as it has the name of the place I visited. Him, not so much. I got a sweet camera from this last trip he took. I'm not complaining, but I'd have been happy with a mug. The one time I did ask him specifically for a mug was when he went to Montreal. He brought me a beautiful blue glass mug with a pretty stand and no where on it was the word "Montreal" or "Le Montreal" or "Montreal, eh?".

Oh well. Here are some of the "real autumn" sites he got to see while away.

I'm jealous of New Englanders for having such lovely everything. Poor Rodrigo must be in shock to be back in the land of heat and cactus.

feeling: glad he's back
listening to: Coldplay (In My Place)

my kids talk too much

2008-10-22T11:51:00.003-07:00

Some of you might be wishing your babies would talk already. I remember those days. It' really not like that anymore.

At the table the other night . . . . .
Alec: Maaaamaaaaa! (even though I'm right next to him)
me: what?
Alec: I finished all my dinner
me: that's good
Alec: now the food is having a party in my tummy
me: (laughing) yeah
Alec: they're having a game
me: oh yeah?
Alec: they're trying to see who can turn into poop the fastest. That's the winner (pronounced vinner).
me: oh, uh, (fake smile) how, uh. . . nice.
Alec: yeah, it is nice.

At a meeting for a extra curricular club . . . . .
Brianna's friend: why is your blouse so long?
Brianna: -scoffs- it's a tunic. It's supposed to be like that. Don't you know anything about fashion? (walks away)
me: (eyes wide open, mouth wide open at a complete loss for words)
- we had a talk at home about rudeness-

Picking Alec up from school . . . .
Alec: I know what that sticker says ( a bumper sticker)
me: oh yeah?
Alec. yes. it says McCain.
me: yes it does
Alec: who put that sticker on there?
me: I suppose the owner of the car (I know whose car it is too, I just didn't tell Alec because we have regular contact at the school office)
Alec: they like McCain?
me: yes, of course, and they put a pretty sticker. Isn't that nice of them?
Alec: no! Don't they know McCain turned into a troll?
me: What?!?! (looking around hoping no one heard)
Alec: yeah, I saw it on TV, he turned into a troll
me: please don't say that
Alec. OK. . . . . . but it's true.
-as it turns out, when I was making dinner, Alec was hanging around and there was a segment where a certain show was comparing McCain to gollum. I really need to change the channel once in a while. I sooooooo don't want to be influencing my kids or having them say stuff like that at school.-

Brianna after school . . . . .
Brianna: everyone liked my haircut
me: I'm glad, Bird, your hair looks very pretty
Brianna: yeah I know. Even though it's shorter now, I still have the prettiest hair in my class. I think maybe in the whole school.
me: uh . . . . .
Brianna: I don't make it up, all my friends told me too.
me: (thinking): great
- I don't know what to say to her sometimes. I want her to be modest, but it's kind of hard to change someone's mind when all their life you're telling them they're beautiful and smart.

feeling: I wish I had a mute button for the kids sometimes
listening to: J0n@s Brothers (Lovebug)

election exhaustion

2008-10-19T20:23:00.003-07:00

For someone that loves politics as much as I do, it pains me to make this confession. I'm tired of this election now. I'm seriously worn out, emotionally drained and just overall exhausted. Physically and mentally. I'm physically exhausted because I'm staying up late to watch all the news shows. Then mornings like today, Rodrigo calls me with breaking news. He apologizes since he is on east coast time, but says he thought I'd like to know the news. I do want to know. Are you kidding, I have shows like Meet the Press set up on the DVR (shut up, don't laugh).
I'm just wishing we could have the election already. I want to know if I'm going to be cheering in the streets or asking for a transfer to Europe. I'm tired of hearing a new "WTF? Are they kidding?" story each day. National and local elections are at this point right now. I'm tired of being at a store and overhearing people say the most racist, uninformed comments and having other people agree with them. I hate having to hold back because I have my kids and they don't want to see mommy call that nice old lady mean names. -sigh- I just want this over with already. Who knows what I'll be watching afterwards, but at least I'll be sleeping better. . . . . or will I?

lonely, lonely yvett

2008-10-16T15:41:00.003-07:00

I know a lot of women get happy when their husband or boyfriend has to leave town. I am not one of those people. I hate when Rodrigo leaves. Everything feels so, I don't know, not the same. He's in lovely "real autumn" New England and will be gone until next Friday (not tomorrow). Suck.
During the day, everything is the same routine. Kids to school, volunteer at the school, cleaning house, etc., but the evenings are odd. I'm so used to being together, it feels really sort of lonely. We tried watching last night's debate on the phone together (because we're in high school). That didn't work our too well. We were watching the same channel but the sound wasn't synchronized and it was driving me batty. Plus, I pause the TV a lot. A lot.
Each time he leaves, I have some sort of huge plan. "When he gets back I'll have reorganized the whole garage" sort of plans. They don't ever really work out. Mostly because we spend free time on the phone or on chat.
Cooking is also odd. I always make dinner for everyone plus enough for him to take for lunch the next day. Not having him eat makes a big difference. We're on day 4 of a pot roast I made on Monday.
Brianna has been on the phone with him asking him every possible thing there is to ask about the city he's in. Alec has been making drawings he wants me to mail. Poor Badger has been looking for him. When Rodrigo gets back I'm going to record Badger greeting him like that lion video on you tube. LOL!
OK, well, anyway, time for you to tell me "aww" and stuff like that. . . .

feeling: see the above title
listening to: Death Cab for Cutie (Soul Meets Body) but now I have that I'll Always Love You song stuck in my head. Thanks a lot, me

frugal yvett

2008-10-14T09:13:00.002-07:00

Fugal? Me? Really? That's not a way I've ever really been described, but I have to admit I am super proud of myself. So, everyone is talking about the economy. A lot of people are worried and/or in trouble. I'm happy and grateful to say that we are doing well. Still, just because we're fine doesn't mean that I should pay attention, right? For a while now, we've been cutting back on going out to eat. We used to go out every single weekend. We still go but now we're paying attention to where we go. Lots of places are having deals in order to get people to still come. Places are having kids eat free promos or dinner for the price of lunch. I'm surprised at how many deals I've found. You just have to look. Don't you love google?
Another thing I made a point to save money on is the the Halloween costumes. Alec will wear his costumes until they tear. He LOVES playing dress-up, but Brianna wears it once and that's it. Plus hers are usually the ones that are more expensive. Back when she had to be a princess each year, I was paying like $60 for the dress, shoes and accessories. This year her entire costume is going to be less than $5 (pink leggings and turtleneck that she already had, a pair of pink socks for $1, pink nylon netting for 90 cents a yard, a wire hanger that they gave me at the dry cleaners and a collar we bought from a Halloween store for $2). Alec's costume was less than that (white shirt and pants he already had, black felt sheet for 25 cents, a foam visor for $1 and black foam for the ears). I know I've said it before, but they're going to be a Pink poodle and a Dalmatian.
This past week, I caught a segment about a lady that saves a lot by clipping coupons. I'd never been a coupon person before, but her savings were impressive. I found out about doubling and tripling at my grocery store. We bought the Sunday paper, made an extensive list (this took about 40 minutes) and went shopping on a mission. We saved . . . . . drumroll please . . . . $75.58. Yes, $75.58! I couldn't believe it. I'm am converted for sure.
I really hope to keep this up. It's a good deal regardless of how the economy is.

feeling: still cold
listening to: STP (Down)

update of sorts

2008-10-13T09:13:00.003-07:00

Let me fill you in on what is going on around here. . . . . . . .

-sigh- Since the kids are in a year-round school schedule, today they went back to school after a three week fall break. A very lengthy three weeks. They were to the point where they were together all the time, but fighting most of that time. It was time to go back. Time for them and time for me.

- Congratulations to Nanette and Brent on their new lovely baby girl! I hadn't had any bloggy reading time and I just found out this morning!

- Thanks to all you who offered to look for the mesh sponges for me. I ended up buying some nylon netting. It was a super good deal at 90 cents a yard. That's right, 90 cents. Then yesterday I walked into my grocery store and they had a bin full of pink sponges in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. So, I would have found some anyway.

- Brianna's birthday isn't until late December. Poor Brianna always gets the shaft as far as parties go. It's just such a busy time for everyone. She decided she wants an early party. A costume party to be exact. I've been looking for all sorts of gross recipes for her party. I'm surprised at just how far people go. I was literally gagging reading some of the stuff. So now she's at an age when she and her friends want to be "ewwing" at the food, but not so much that they can't eat it. A lot of the stuff is gross just because of the name. Think dried cranberries in a bowl labeled "dry scabs". Bleh.

- We woke up this morning to record low temperatures. It was 40 degrees this morning. FORTY!!! WTF? In Arizona . . . in October. We were obviously unprepared and freezing. I went into a panic until I heard all the meteorologists saying it was just a front and will be back to normal 90 degree temps by the end of the week. Good. Seriously, I complain about the heat, but I'm totally used to it. I can't handle cold weather anymore. As if I ever could.

There are a few things I wrote that I want to elaborate on, but I really need to get Alec ready for school. He's soooooo excited to see his teacher and friends again. I can't wait to get into his room and clean it in a way I can only do when he's not around. You know what I mean, getting rid of some toys. -insert evil grin here-

feeling: freezing!
listening to: Alec talking to me about Jedi's

that elusive sponge

2008-10-06T09:02:00.005-07:00

After weeks of begging Brianna to please, please, please tell me what she wanted to be for Halloween, she finally decided. This is the first time she's actually going to wear a costume I make for her and I'm super excited! Every year I want to make her costume and every year she'd rather me just buy her one. This year, I showed her about 75 million homemade costumes and she chose a pink poodle. I was tres happy and started getting the things we need to make it. Everything seemed simple enough. We'd need some pink leggings, a pink turtleneck, a pair of pink socks, bubble wrap, and eight pink mesh sponges. Easy, right? Not so fast. . . . . I can't find pink mesh sponges anywhere. These things should be easy, right? They're just like these. . .

I've been to every discount and dollar store in the area and can't find them in pink. I found two in our grocery store of all places, but I still need six. Friends were telling me about several other discount stores that are not too far from here where I could maybe find them. I'll be going there. Plus my mom is on the look-out in Texas. I've seen some online, but I'm not willing to pay $4 on each. Is that super stingy of me? I mean, I want these from like a dollar store, not Sephora (which are the ones I keep coming across). I went looking at a body shop in a mall this weekend and each one was $6.99. No thanks. I didn't even stay to look for the right color.
If I'd have known that this was going to be a hassle, we would have picked another color. She could have been a white poodle. We have everything in pink now, though. Isn't it always the case that when you're looking for one specific thing, you can't find that? I bet you after I don't need them anymore, I'll be seeing these things everywhere I look. -sigh-

feeling: it doesn't feel like Monday to me
listening to: John Mayer (Free Falling)

judge shows

2008-09-29T14:31:00.004-07:00

You know, if I felt like it (and I don't) I could watch 23 of those judge shows every week day. That's right. I counted them. I was flipping through channels and noticed all these judges I'd never seen before. Are these shows really that popular? Oh! I forgot to count the ones in Spanish too. Pshh. . . then it's easily more than 30. Hmm, if I ever do, there's only one I watch . . . very, very rarely. Ms. Judy. I love to see her get mad at people. Still. How long has she been on, anyway?

feeling: really mellow with this coffee & music
listening to: Mazzy Star (Fade Into You)

what is the deal with . . . . . ?

2008-09-26T09:36:00.002-07:00

Let me put on a skinny tie, wear a suit jacket with the sleeves rolled up, make my best 80's comedian voice and ask you "What is the deal with . . . . . . . . .

- kids and cereal boxes? Why must they have the box right in front of them when they eat cereal? It's the only food they do that with. Yeah, I used to do it too, but why? Are those the only entertaining packages? Hmm . . . a lot trader joe products have pretty funny packages, so why not those?

- hair salons and their have-to-be-witty names? Why do salon owners feel they have to name their salon something like The Mane Idea or Hair we Are or Live and Let Dye? Why? I don't even know if these are real places, but you get the idea right? What would you name your salon?

- the phrase "at the end of the day". I know I've written about this before, but this phrase really irks me. Not if you say something like, "I go home at the end of the day", but when it's used to mean something like when all is said and done. EVERYONE uses it. ARGH! I think one day I'll count how many times I hear it. I'm going to watch a news channel and take a shot whenever anyone says it. ;P

- living close to a foreign country giving you foreign policy experience? In that case, since I was born and raised on the U.S./Mexico border, I'm a foreign policy EXPERT! I could see Mexico while driving every day.

- this apartment? Ewwww. . . . .

feeling: ready for 2 digit temperatures, even if it's in the 90's . . . the low 90's
listening to: that Kings of Leon song. It reminds me of Dancing in the Dark

Genius!!! Brilliant!

2008-09-24T12:01:00.003-07:00

I love, love, love play lists. Yes, I was one of those kids who used to make mix tapes. So I am completely LO-VING the new "genius" feature on iTunes. If you haven't used it, do so. Basically, it makes playlists off your music library with songs that go well together. You click on a song, select the genius option and it customizes a playlist. Awesome.
Here's mine. I clicked on Touch Me, I'm Going to Scream Part 2 by My Morning Jacket (because I can't get enough of that song) and here's the list I got . . . .

1. Touch Me, I'm Going to Scream/ My Morning Jacket
2. Time to Pretend/ MGMT
3. No Brakes/ The Bravery
4. Tulips/ Bloc Party
5. Ladykillers/ Lush
6. Goodnight Moon/ Shivaree
7. Fascination Street/ The Cure
8. Gouge Away/ Pixies
9. World Wide Suicide/ Pearl Jam
10. New Slang/ The Shins
11. Trip Through Your Wires/ U2
12. Munich/ Editors
13. Tyrant/ The Bravery
14. A Certain Romance/ Arctic Monkeys
15. Burning/ The Whitest Boy Alive
16. Expectations/ Belle & Sebastian
17. Level/ The Raconteurs
18. Velouria/ Pixies
19. Vapour Trail/ Ride
20. Lazy Eye/ Silversun Pick-ups
21. Age of Consent/ New Order
22. Phantom Limb/ The Shins
23. Never Let me Down Again/ Smashing Pumpkins
24. The National Anthem/ Radiohead
25. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road/ Faultline & Keane

I love this feature! Did I already say that? No? Well, I love this feature. I love the new mixes it's making for me.

feeling: I love technology. I love Apple
listening to: Expectations (Belle & Sebastian)

airhead yvett Part 75 million

2008-09-23T15:52:00.005-07:00

I was having coffee at a nearby coffee house with a friend. I was desperately looking through the menu trying to figure out what I could have that was low-carb besides water. . . . . .

friend: (reading a sign that reads "We have Boba!") What's Boba?
me: bubble tea. It's really good. It has these little things called tapioca pearls and they're chewy and delicious
friend: sounds good. I'll try it sometime
me: you should. I love it!

Here the super friendly barista tells me and my friend how they use fat straws so that the pearls fit through.

me:. I tried making some once and it was horrible. I'd gotten some tapioca pearls. They were horrible. We had to spit them out.
barista: how did you cook them?
me: -blank stare-: excuse me?
barista: how did you cook them?
me: uh . . . cook them? (sheepishly) I didn't know I had to cook them. I just made the tea and threw in the pearls. It was awful
barista: yeah, I ate a raw one on a dare once. They're pretty bad.
friend: (laughing) that's AWESOME!
barista: didn't the package come with instructions?
me: the writing was in Chinese or something

They both laugh at me. Yes, I was laughing too. She was nice enough to explain how they cook them while my friend was laughing in the background and I stood there with egg on my face.

To Rodrigo: I'm sorry I had you taste raw tapioca pearls. I had no idea. Sorry!
To my friend: you can stop laughing now or next time you come over for dinner, I'll make you some bubble tea . . . . MY style.
To the barista: You're quite welcome for giving you a story you must have shared and laughed at several times.

feeling: I'm a dork
listening to: Morningwood (Sugarbaby) <-- this video is hilarious!

Yvett vs. Carbs

2008-09-18T16:15:00.002-07:00

I finally broke down and decided to do the low-carb thing. Uh, it's torture. I started about two weeks ago and have lost ten pounds. I don't know where, but that's what the scale says. It's awesome, but I miss rice. Tasty, tasty rice . . . and bread, and potatoes, and fruit, and pasta. I still cook the same for the family, so they're not missing out. I'll keep you guys updated on the progress.
I know several people that have done this successfully. Have any of you? If you have, do you have any advice? I mean, I'm so bored already. I've never been much of a meat-atarian, so this is really, really hard. I've been having lots of beef and/or chicken with salad for dinner, tuna salad for lunch and eggs for breakfast. Any recipes or things you'd like to share. Help!

feeling: missing real food but it's for the greater good of looking super hot
listening to: Someone I call Jason Nesferatu (After Tonight)

Badger vs. P@lin

2008-09-11T11:29:00.002-07:00

I swear I didn't do this on purpose. . . . . .
We were watching the convention last week and S@rah P@lin was giving her speech. Badger's ears stood up. I guess something about her voice bothers him. She's been on everything, so Badger started growling when he'd hear her speak. Maybe he's tired of the repetition (rimshot). Anyway, he moved on to barking at the TV whenever she was on. I pounced on that right away. I'd see that he would start barking and I'd egg him on. I'd say "It's S@rah P@lin, Badger, go get her!". He'd go crazy running around, barking and growling. We kept on saying it whenever he'd be barking and praise him afterward. Yes, I'm just using the situation to amuse myself. So now he's actually barking and going wild at the S@rah P@lin command. It's been several days and it still works. I think it really sunk in. Brianna started adding "she eats moose and puppies", so I thought we should maybe stop. I haven't though, I just asked Brianna to stop saying that. Not that I'm putting eating puppies beyond Ms. P@lin, it's just that I don't want Brianna saying that at school or something. (Yes, of course I'm kidding. No, I'm not calling anyone a puppy eater). :P
Anyway, so I guess now Badger is sexist or something, no?

feeling: like I exploit my puppy
listening to: Cold War Kids (Tell Me in The Morning)

Sleepy Yvett

2008-09-10T19:34:00.004-07:00

- As a kid, my mom and I would stay up all night some Friday nights watching movies. My dad used to have to wake up at about 4:00 a.m. and we'd stay up to wake him.

- In high school, I'd stay up to watch all the late night shows (unbeknownst to my parents). I especially did this once Conan went on the air. I had no problem waking up the next morning.

- My first "real" job's schedule was from 4pm-1am. I loved that schedule and would still go out after I got off work.

- As a flight attendant, I had the choice to pick either a.m. or p.m. flights. I picked p.m. They'd start off in the afternoons and with all the delays and everything, we'd usually end up flying all night. In one particular weekly trip, we'd arrive at Mexico City at about 6:00 a.m. After a couple hours sleep, we'd be out having brunch.

- When I first started seeing Rodrigo, I'd go into work at 6:00 a.m. This meant that I'd wake up at around 4:30 a.m. If Rodrigo and I weren't together, we'd be on the phone. Our usual hang up time was around 2:00 a.m. I remember one time that I had 20 minutes sleep before I went to work. He thought I was going to call in sick, but I had a meeting I HAD to attend.

-sigh- That's not me anymore. I'm soooooo behind on sleep. We've been getting by on very little sleep. It started off with the Olympics, went through the political conventions, and continued this weekend with a preview weekend my cable provider offered. I thought I'd have gotten some sleep by now, but we're addicted to the news. I am baffled, outraged and completely glued to the news channels. Ah, Election '08, the best reality show ever!
Plans for this weekend include sleeping, sleeping and when I'm done with that, sleeping. -sigh- I can't wait. I'm pretty tired of having my alarm go off and me just incorporating it into a dream.

feeling: sleepy
listening to: some song from Gene Loves Jezebel

TV Corruption

2008-09-03T13:04:00.004-07:00

A while back, my Bestie and I were having a conversation about how she thinks that 90210 corrupted our youth. Even though we hadn't met at the time the show was on, she had all these hilarious examples that made me absolutely agree. I saw a marathon this weekend and was getting really upset. Even as a kid, I could appreciate that the Brenda character was a brat. Still, I thought Dylan was super dreamy and that Mr. Walsh was way harsh.
Pfft. That is hardly the case now. I felt sorry for the parents this time around. The whole Dylan & Brenda relationship was too intense and they were way too dramatic. Man, they were supposed to be in high school. Lighten up. I hate the way they spoke to the poor dad. I was telling Rodrigo to imagine them as Brianna with a boyfriend. We agreed he'd have been kicked out of our home a looooong time ago.

I brought up the whole TV corrupting our youth conversation with him. We didn't really get into an explanation then, but later . . . . . . So, we were watching music videos because we think we're still kids. We saw a video with some disturbing images. Things we agree should have shocked us, yet we were really matter-of-fact about it.

me: this is horrible
him: yeah
me: it looks like a type of video NIN would've have made
him: yeah!
me: or Marilyn Manson
him: oh, yeah, it does look like that
me: this should shock us
him: we're desensitised because we saw those kinds of videos already
me: no kidding
him: nothing's shocking
me: hey! that's the name of a Jane's Addiction album
him: I'm not surprised

We went on to talk about which videos shocked us back then. Our list is pretty much the same. I started feeling like I'm completely jaded then I saw a piece of a video that really disturbed me. It was in The Kill from 30 Seconds To Mars. There's a part where there's a guy in a bear costume. I gasped at the scene and immediately felt better. I'm not a totally horrible person afterall. -sigh- Now I'm going to start working on not being shocked by political news. That riles me up to no extent.

feeling: mad at an article
listening to: Faultline & Keane (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road)

tips

2008-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

I rarely give tips because I think mine are all things people already know. I also kind of feel pretentious. Whenever I've told friends any of these things. though, they loved them. I'm sharing . . . don't call me pretentious.

- Credit report: Please, please, please tell me that you know you're supposed to check up on your credit. I know there are a lot of catchy commercials telling you where you can check yours and sign up for a service with a fee. By law, you're entitled to one free credit report per year. I tend to do it around my birthday, just so I won't forget. Click here to check yours.

- dryer sheets: Yes, I use them. I don't feel like I'm totally destroying the environment, though because once they've been used, I save them in a bucket we have for Badger. We use those sheets to dry him off if he's been out in the rain, wipe his paws, or just wipe him down for a little freshening. My puppy smells like lavender & vanilla.

- more dryer sheets: I also use dryer sheets for more than just the dryer. I have a few in my linen closet to keep towels and sheets smelling good. I also place one or two in suitcases whenever we pack. Those are left in there after the suitcases are put away to keep it smelling all nice. Yeah, I'm a little obsessed with nice smelling things.

-text google: no one uses this anymore because everyone has a iPhone, but when we first moved to Arizona, it was sooooo handy. If you text the name of a place and the zip code to GOOGLE, they text you back with the address and phone number. I didn't know all the zip codes around here, so I'd just text mine and it would send me the closest location. I can't tell you how great this was for me living in a new city.

I could write a book on the million uses for sandwich/snack bags, but I'd rather not get into that now. That's all for now.

feeling: like I need to catch up on sleep
listening to: The Bravery (Tyrant)

the last series

2008-08-27T12:48:00.003-07:00

I finished Breaking Dawn sometime last week. If you still haven't read any of them, you should. It's worth reading the whole series just to be able to read the last book. It was my favorite of the series.
That said, I think this is the last series I'm going to read. Maybe it's because I'm a huge dork, but I make an emotional investment into the series books I read. Then they finish I'm left feeling like I miss my friends. I hate that feeling. I had Harry Potter withdrawal and now I'm feeling like I didn't get enough Edward. Even Jacob grew on me and I'm now feeling like I want to know more about what happened after the books finish off.
I also made the mistake of finishing the book without having anything new to read. I hate that too. I looked up some recommendations and have started reading Map Of The World. It makes me feel pretty horrible and that's the kind of book and movies I like best. I also have another book ready for when I finish this one.
It's that time again . . . any books you'd recommend. What's the one book you tell people they should read. Keep in mind that I like feeling horrible. Think The Kite Runner or House of Sand and Fog. At the same time, I didn't realize I like wizards or vampires until I read about them. Give me your recommendations, please.

feeling: LOVING this rainy weather
listening to: 30 Seconds to Mars (From Yesterday) <-- I constantly have this song in my head now because of the book I'm reading

shower envy

2008-08-20T14:45:00.003-07:00

Things you must know before I go on a rant . . .

1. I have a friend that is pregnant. (Well, I have a few, but this one is the one I'm posting about).
2. Another friend of ours offered months ago to host the shower.
3. Shower throwing friend hadn't mentioned anything else about the shower which is supposed to be coming up soon.
4. Another friend got concerned and wondered if there was going to be any shower at all.
5. We met at my house to offer help with the shower and see what the deal was.
6. They decided that we would each be in charge of something for said shower and divided up the responsibilities.
7. I hate it.

Why? Why? They hate me, really. All I want is to throw a nice, pretty, MATCHING shower. I want a theme. Is that really too much to ask for? For now, it seems the theme is "stuff". There's sooooo many different things going on. The nursery is going to be pink, green, and dots and each color. I figured we could make everything those colors. That's not complicated, right? They don't want to give out invitations or favors because "it's only going to be a few of us". I'm serious! I thought I was going to faint when I heard that. I insisted on invitations and now I'm also doing the favors since I'm the only one that wants to give them out. -sigh-
Here's my question and please tell me what you would do . . . do I just go along with it and be unhappy with the non-theme, do my part as pretty as I can and shut up or do I say something, pretty much tell everyone that I'll be in charge of everything and end up going over board and possibly stressed out to put everything together in a couple of weeks?

Here's what I'm wishing . . . .

1. I have them over again, go onto Jenn's page and Nanette's page and show them how a shower should look like.
2. That I would have mentioned it first and just made the shower myself.
3. That my friends don't find my blog. Heh, heh.

feeling: frustrated
listening to: The Airborne Toxic Event (Sometime Around Midnight)

glued to the TV

2008-08-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

The title tells you where I've been. Better yet, I should say glued into the family room and kitchen (it opens up into the family room). We've been there since the amazing opening ceremonies and have kept up with all the events ever since. Aren't these games really, really awesome this time around?
After the games finish, I'll still be glued to the TV since the conventions are starting. Yes, yes, I'm a dork but I LOVE talking politics, listening about politics, learning new stuff about politics. I'm quite excited for the conventions. You can stop groaning and/or laughing now.

About my last post . . . thanks all for your suggestions. No, Alec hadn't complained about the amount of snack I was sending him. I made a nice compromise by sending him the same snacks I used to send only now in a little lunch bag. He loves carrying that lunchbag with his name on it. He's happy, I'm happy, problem solved.

That's my quick little post for now. I've got a busy TV viewing evening ahead of me.

Note: Brianna's math homework depends on the results of the games and medal counts so I don't feel too bad about watching. I'm doing it to help her, see?

feeling: American pride
listening to: 30 Seconds to Mars (From Yesterday)

yvett the bad snack mom

2008-08-08T08:15:00.001-07:00

Both the kids have to take their own snacks to school every day. They don't have a snack schedule where they take turns having one kid take enough for the whole class.
Here's the set-up . . . . Alec is in school for 2 hours and 45 minutes. That's all. Not all day. There's also a list of acceptable snacks that they can take. You know, healthy snacks and such. I send the same kind of snack for both kids. Brianna happens to have her snack time at the same time that she has reading group, so it's always something small. I send fruit and/or cereal bars, trail mix, cheese & cracker packages, gummy fruit, mini rice cakes, you get the picture, right?
So I was shocked to see that the kids in Alec's class were taking lunch bags full for snack. They're taking meals for snack. I feel like a total jerk sending my child with a little fruit bar while other kids are having sandwiches, carrot sticks, fruit and a juice box for a "snack". WTF? They only have about 10-15 minutes for snack. Alec could never eat that much in that time. Plus he's already had breakfast and mid morning snack at home. As soon as he gets home he has lunch. Am I a horrible mom for thinking he'll be fine without a meal for less than three hours? (Here's the part where you tell me that I'm not horrible). They have little cubbies where they place their snack in. Poor Alec places his little snack while other kids put their whole bag. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Now I don't know what to do, again. Do I ask about it? Should I just send lunch too even though I know he won't eat it all? Do I just leave it alone? Do I make an issue of it (I mean, other than blogging about it?) If that's how it's going to be, I'm going to show up at Alec's snack time with a plate of warm fideo and a quesadilla or some chicken soup and homemade bread. I'll out-snack them all. -insert evil laugh here-

feeling: it's soooooo hot
listening to: Cracker (Low)

a post about nothing

2008-08-07T10:12:00.002-07:00

- The phrase "At the end of the day" is at the top of my sh*t list right now. The trouble is that I hear it EVERYWHERE. Ugh, it makes me cringe.

- Brianna was picking on Alec and he told her she was the worst person in the world (it was more like "the vorst person in the vorld". He said it just like they do on this show. I probably shouldn't watch it every single day.

- I know you all know it's hot in Arizona. Duh. But it's been so hot and HUMID. It's awful. The poor emo kids walking around have their make-up melting off. I figure they're depressed enough already and laughing at them might not help, but I couldn't help it. I guess it's hard to be emo in Arizona.

- No one I know in person is as far as I am in the Twilight series. I totally pressured my friend into reading them, but she's barely on the second book. I'm dying to tell someone "Can you believe that Bella . . . . . ." I considered joining a book club but I'd hate to be the only adult there.

- It's J@nas Brother/C@mp Rock fever around here. Brianna got one of those book order sheets from school yesterday. Three of the four books she wants are about those certain brothers. That and ohmygodicantbelievethenewcdcomesoutnextweek! <-- to be read exactly like that without taking a breath. Rodrigo and I were joking about having a bunch of more babies to make a band.

- I just found out that the kids' school prohibits skulls on clothes. Uh, nice timing. Brianna's messenger bag has skulls and flowers on it. Plus several of her new school outfits have little skulls on them. They're in style. You know the skulls with a tiara and/or flowers. I wonder if cute skulls are an exception.

That's it. I know I had more things I wanted to say but I can't think now. It's way too hot and my brain is fried.

feeling: weak from the heat
listening to: Folk Implosion (Natural One)

gross-out eggs

2008-08-06T16:50:00.003-07:00

By far, my kids' favorite way to eat eggs is "banana eggs". It's a pretty simple recipe, really. You take a banana, eggs, (I use three), a teaspoon of cinnamon, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a tiny bit of salt and blend everything until it's super smooth with no lumps. Then you take that mix and fry it up in a pan like scrambled eggs. They LOVE it. They have it with toast and chocolate milk and are in eggy heaven.
Me, uh, not so much. It tastes good, but the look of it grosses me out. I play it cool in front of the kids. I'm sure the last thing they'd want if for mama to be all "eww" about food. That's their job. But, really, the eggs end up looking like undercooked ground beef. Ugh, I'm getting the dry heaves just thinking about it. I'm not kidding.
Neither Rodrigo nor I like them just because of how they look, but the kids love it sooooooo much and even ask for more. What should I do? Do you think I should add some food coloring? Would having colored scrambled eggs just make it worse? Should I just leave well enough alone? I keep thinking of what to add but everything I come up with would turn it totally unhealthy (chocolate, gelatin) Should I skip the vanilla? The cinnamon? Help!

feeling: busy reading emails from school
listening to: Muse (Starlight)

weekend wrap-up

2008-08-04T09:46:00.002-07:00

Friday
I had been freaking out about a little white dot on the TV screen. I was sure that I'd done something that had created a burn-in and was just about to schedule a repair man to come out. Then I heard this news. Whew! You can tell which channel I watch a lot. I usually stick to three channels. I'm surprised Tim Gunn or "Michael Scott" aren't burned into my screen yet either.

Friday/Saturday
I wasn't sure whether or not to go to the midnight release party for Breaking Dawn. I did. I also took Brianna which made me think I was bordering on child abuse. She really wanted to go with me, though and so I gave in. I also thought I might be able to say that she's a really advanced reader and we were really there for her and not me. :P I was number 613 in line. Nice. The kids in attendance went all out! I loved the shirts with Team Jacob/Team Edward on them. I'd be the latter, by the way. I really wanted to take pictures of several of the shirts and outfits but I thought I'd be the creepy old lady there and so I refrained.

The rest of the weekend was spent at home. I can't believe it! It felt good to be home for a couple of days. Rodrigo and Alec seemed to be getting one of those horrible summer colds and neither really felt like doing anything. It gave me a chance to read. Sunday I pretty much lived in the kitchen. I cooked my grandma's style food which takes hours to prep (homemade sopes, gorditas, green chile, shredded beef and spanich rice).
I hope your weekend was good as well.

feeling: sooooooo tired of the humidity. I can't handle it
listening to: STP (Unglued)

the size of a dash

2008-07-31T09:45:00.004-07:00

Sometime last week . . . . .
me: bloggy Nanette was in my dream
Rodrigo: is that the one that bakes?
me: no
Rodrigo: The one that got married?
me: yeah her. I told you she's having a baby, right?
Rodrigo: yeah
me: well, they call their baby Em Dash and in my dream . . . .
Rodrigo: (interrupting) en dash or em dash?
me: Emmmmm. In my dream they were naming the ba. . . . .
Rodrigo: (interrupting again) why Em Dash?
me: I think the baby was the size of an em dash when they started calling her that
Rodrigo: and what size is an em dash?
me: (making "little fingers") like this
Rodrigo: how do you know? what about the font? Or what if it's an em dash on a billboard?
me: -blank stare- (then after a while) I don't know. I didn't ask. I just figured it was their baby and they could call her whatever they want to call her. What about Alec? We called him Banana because he was the size of a banana. Nobody said "What kind of banana? Is it a banana or a plaintain?
Rodrigo: if we meant the size of a plantain, we'd have called him plantain.
me: -just walked away- Unbelieveable

A couple of days later as soon as I woke up . . . . .
me: Nobody asked you "A real banana or a banana on a billboard?"
Rodrigo: (laughing) you're still with that?
me: yes, it really bothered me
Rodrigo: it's not the same. If someone asks if you want a banana no one thinks it's a symbol for a banana or a representation of a banana. You know it's a real, tangible, physical banana.
me: physical banana. Sounds like some band name. or a long lost Led Zeppelin album
Rodrigo: (laughing) you never told me what your dream was
me: and I'm not going to either
Rodrigo: (still laughing) awww
me: (under my breath) jerk
me: bloggy Ani called her baby Cheese Doodle and you didn't ask what size cheese doodle.
Rodrigo: I didn't know. And how many size cheese doodles are there
-here we went into a lengthy conversation about cheese doodle sizes including those Cheetos that used to be in the shape of paws with a hole in the center. That led into a conversation about high school and a kid who used to wear those on a string around his neck . . . . .

The day after . .
So I went and looked through Nanette's posts to find out the reason and I was right. It was about the size and in the book it said something like "your baby is this size" and showed an em dash. I knew it had to be something like that. Ugh, now Nanette is going to hate me and/or Rodrigo.

feeling: I hate Rodrigo ;P
listening to: a new Radiohead song

I already can't wait!

2008-07-30T09:28:00.004-07:00

Let the countdown begin!

Catch a teaser trailer here. Books three and six and well, maybe seven are my favorite, so I can not wait for this movie! They're getting less and less kid friendly, huh?
OK, well, I'm off to email the link to my mom. Dorkiness didn't skip a generation here.

feeling: excited
listening to: Travis (Sing)

cleaning house

2008-07-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

I'm bored of my daisy template. I'm playing around with new ones so please bear with me if it looks a little weird for a while. I tend to mess them up really easily. Ugh, codes. How do computer people understand this?
I'm also getting rid of a lot of links. For a while, I'd link to practically every single blog I'd read. I really don't read that many anymore. I visit the same ones all the time (Ani, Jess, Jenny, Jenn, Nanette, Michelle . . . ). Some blogs I linked to don't even exist anymore. I thought I'd start all over and maybe find some new bloggy reads.
So tell me, tell me . . . . do you like our lion pictures? I had an idea of a collage of those head pop-in pictures. I hadn't realized how many I have. The problem is that Brianna hates taking those pictures. I don't have any of her smiling in them. All the rest of us love them but for her "it's sooooooo embarrassing". The lion one was the best I could find of her. Oh, and Alec was roaring, just so you know.
For now this is what I'll use . . . .

feeling: frustrated
listening to: Morrissey or the Smiths. Hmm, I don't know this song.

Wishlist

2008-07-28T16:22:00.005-07:00

Any given day, these are some of the things I wish for . . . .

- That the combination of something I already eat suddenly creates some amazing fat burning super mix causing me to lose a large amount of weight by doing nothing different.

- That somehow, without playing, I win the lottery no longer having to worry about the mortgage, bills, or anything. The only concern would be where to travel to next.

- That people that cut me off driving or don't stop when I'm crossing a parking lot with my kids get sudden severe cramps or pulled over and put in jail.

- That the teenagers that have been hanging out in the side of my house, yelling and horsing around for hours at a time would somehow be transported into the future, see themselves through adult eyes, realize how annoying and disrespectful they're being and come straight over to apologize to me.

- That my kids would just agree to never fight or pick on each other again. Ever.

- That the guy who rides the motorcycle or four wheeler or whatever it is around here in the middle of the night would fall over wrecking it so that he would never ride it again and feel all sorts of guilt.

- That I'd gone ahead and written a kids book I had in mind, drafts and sketches (27 Cats) before the stupid movie (27 Dresses) came out and totally took my title. Ok, the number in my title. Ugh . . . this one still gets me. I had the whole thing for TWO books in documents and drawings . . . 27 Cats, Meet the Cats and A 27 Cats Halloween.

- That I always knew exactly what to say to someone at the moment and not after I've thought the conversation through. Especially when someone if being rude.

- That the housecleaning fairies would visit my house sometimes while I slept.

- That I could invent something that everyone must have, like those little decorations for Crocs. I used to decorate my jellies with different colored ribbons more than 20 years ago, why didn't I think of this one?!?!

- That I was on Saturday Night Live or some sort of rock star.

- That I could write as well as I wrote during the whole teenage angst years. I read some of my stuff from back then and it's really good. Angst = good writing. Happy life crapy writing. For me, at least. Hmm . . . I guess I could turn to opium or become some sort of alchie.

- That I had my own party planning business where no one would ask for tacky requests.

I think that's it for now. I'm sure there's more, I just can't think of any at the moment.

feeling: my eyes hurt
listening to: NIN (The Perfect Drug)

post-partum five years too late

2008-07-25T12:23:00.003-07:00

The kids just finished the first two weeks of school and they LOOOOOOVE it. Me, not so much. I'm going through Alec withdrawal. It wasn't so bad when Brianna started school because I had preemie Alec at home. Now it's just me and Badger. The silence is driving me crazy.
I know I'll get used to it. I mean, he's only gone for three hours a day. I have a list of things I want to do (organize pictures, make scrapbooks, finish the garage, paint our bedroom and downstairs bathroom, make the loft into a cool office, etc.). It's just so quiet with no one yelling "mama" every few minutes. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Can you imagine the wreck I'll be when they go off to college?!?!?!?!?!?

feeling: Badger isn't great company when he just naps
listening to: MGMT (Time to Pretend)

they got me!!!!!

2008-07-22T16:35:00.001-07:00

I had been seeing Twilight everywhere for quite a while. I have to admit that I would pass right by it when looking for books because I really thought it was a book that was made into a movie with Nicole Kidman. Didn't she make a movie by that same name? Anyway, then I started seeing similar covers but noticed it was a different book. I picked one up, read the back, found out it was about vampires and set it back down. I thought it was more Lestat-like. Then I just started hearing about it everywhere. I went to the bookstore and saw that they were holding a midnight party for the new release. Hmm . . . midnight parties are only for extremely popular books. They almost had me. Then I went on to Jenny's site and found out it was being made into a movie starring (drumroll . . . . . . . ) Cedric Diggory. Hel-lo vampire. I knew right then it was only a matter of time.
That same day, I went to the library and immediately saw Eclipse in the express read section. I grabbed it and started looking for the first two. I couldn't find either anywhere so I ended up asking. It turns out there is a waiting list of over 250 people for the first book. Uh, no thanks. I'll just go buy it. -sigh- I did. I liked it. I feel like a dork. I went to buy the second one and the check-out girl was super excited about it and she sort of said more than I wanted to know about the book. Still, I'm liking this one too. I am definitely going to finish reading all three before the third one is due back at the library.
As if it's not bad enough that I have this guilty pleasure series, Rodrigo was making fun of me. He said "First wizards and now vampires, huh? What's next, Dungeons & Dragons?" -groan- Whatever. Anyway, you can watch previews here.

feeling: like a total dork
listening to: NERD, Julian Casablancas & Santogold (My Drive Thru)

the banana debate

2008-07-17T12:47:00.006-07:00

I was telling Rodrigo the same things I wrote about in yesterday's post . . . .

- me: . . . and she bought just the one banana
- him: (says nothing for a while) and?
- me: that's it. that's crazy
- him: maybe she had a craving for a banana
- me:: then why not buy the whole bunch?
- him: maybe she was going somewhere, I don't know. I mean, it's allowed to buy just one, right?
- me: I don't know. She was at the self check-out. Oh, so if I'm craving bread I could buy just one slice or just one potato?
- him: bananas aren't packaged. Well, the organic ones are. Was it organic?
- me: I don't know. But if it was then she was handling the bananas. She was touching them and I don't wash bananas
- him: so you always buy the first bunch you grab?
- me: huh?
- him: you said she touched a bunch, but so do you, right?
- me: yeah but I'm not crazy. She is. Who knows what other crazy things she touches
- him: (laughing)
- me: are you making fun of me?
- him: (still laughing) no
- me: why are you defending the banana girl?
- him: I'm not. I just don't think it's that odd to buy a single banana
- me: why? have you done it?
- him: no. Ok . . HOW DARE SHE?!?! How's that?
- me: look, she bought ONE banana; that makes her a WEIRDO
- him: yeah, she's the weirdo.
- me: just watch. I'm going to go and buy just one grape
- him: (laughing) go ahead (keeps laughing)

I hate him.

feeling: am I the weird one? You guys are with me, right? Except for you, Michelle.
listening to: The Jesus and Mary Chain (Far Gone and Out)

wtf???? shopping

2008-07-16T15:43:00.004-07:00

There were some weirdos out yesterday . . .

At Borders . . a lady was yelling, yelling at the cashier because they didn't have any shopping carts. Yes, shopping carts at a bookstore. She didn't want a tote or a little basket, she wanted a shopping cart because she said she had to carry books and her kids. The poor cashier was explaining that they wouldn't fit through the aisles but the crazy lady just went on and on. Weird. She needs a stroller.

At my supermarket there was a young lady buying a banana. One banana. Now this isn't a fruit stand where they might have individual bananas. They sell them here in a bunch. She didn't look homeless or anything but at the same time she didn't look like she was dressed for work and be at a lunch break. I really wish I'd would have asked her why she was buying only one because it's been bothering me since. Could she not afford the bunch? Did she need just one more for a recipe? WTF? I don't get it. We're not in Disneyland where you buy one frozen banana.

I went to pick up a couple of photo prints for Alec's homework. You read right . . . Alec's homework. My picture printer wasn't being helpful. Anyway, I get to the photo department and tell the lady I'm there to pick up pictures. She stayed staring at me like I'd just spoken gibberish or something. I finally had to break the silence and ask what do you need, my name, my phone number, what? She asked for my last name. Then the spelling. Then the phone number. Then to verify my email address. I felt like saying "Seriously? Why don't you just take my fingerprint for the two lousy prints". So she was handing them to me and she started speaking in a weird sort of Old English accent and said "Here you go M'lady". I'm. Not. Kidding.

feeling: I'm not going anywhere else today
listening to: Coldplay (Violet Hill)

back to school

2008-07-15T08:22:00.005-07:00

Let me tell you about how I almost strangled Brianna at the store last week. Here's the set up . . . . . all of last school year she was complaining about not having a messenger bag. She had chosen a really cute backpack but wouldn't wear it like a backpack. All year the morning conversation included something like this . . . .

me: put on your backpack
Brianna: it's too heavy
Brianna: if only I had a messenger bag -sigh-
Brianna: I hate backpacks, my back is going to hurt if i wear it
Brianna: if I had a messenger bag, I'd wear it every day

You get the picture. This went on and on and on. We'd looked for messenger bags during the school year too, but the kind she wanted are seasonal. She'd have to wait.
So when we were looking for school supplies, there was about a million messenger bags there and we let her pick out whichever one she wanted. She looked around for a while and finally chose a backpack with Marie from the Disney cuties series. I feel like I saw blurry at that moment and imagine me swaying. All the nagging I'd heard about a messenger bag and she was picking a backpack. I felt my blood rising and knew I'd turned red. If I were the hulk, I'd have transformed at that moment. I went on to say something like "YOU ARE PICKING A MESSENGER BAG RIGHT NOW!", through clenched teeth. It's funny to me now but I really was mad then. Rodrigo was sort of like "let her chose whatever she likes" but I wouldn't hear it. We were standing there for about a half hour while she tried on about a million bags. Seriously. Serenity now. I told her to pick whatever she wanted, but I wanted NO whining about her choice.
She chose a messenger bag. It passed the test yesterday because all her friends also have new messenger bags. Now that they're in fourth grade, they're too big for backpacks. Oy vey.

After school, we were walking to the car when Brianna came upon a friend who is now a 6th grader. He said, "Hi Bree. It's a pleasure to see you". I'm not kidding. They chatted for a little while in a way that I never talked at that age. They might as well have been speaking in a British accent saying something like "Fancy seeing you here". In any case, my daughter and her little friends are growing up fast. -gulp-

Alec's day was a little different. He started his first day of kindergarten. He has a Spiderman backpack because, according to Brianna, there's nothing wrong with little kids having those things. His teacher is super nice and super patient. He was excited about making new friends. I think he might've been a little nervous too but as it turns out, about half of his t-ball team is in the same class. Some other kids are kids we know from the neighborhood. When they walked into class, they had to find their names and draw a picture of the people that live in their home. He drew me and Rodrigo holding hands because "we're always holding hands". That's not necessarily true but that's what he told his teacher, the classroom and all the parents that were still there. Nice. I guess it beats him saying that we fight or something. The year is starting off with a quick review of colors, so the whole classroom will have to dress in a certain colors each day for the next two weeks. Today will be red day.

feeling: old. my babies are in school
listening to: The Bravery (Believe)

school supplies

2008-07-12T23:16:00.004-07:00

We went shopping for the kids school supplies. Target, of course. Anyway, I went crazy when I saw that they had all sorts of Domo items. Notebooks, folders, etc. Sorry I couldn't find a link at the Target site and the aisle was packed so I didn't want to take a picture. Right about now, I wish the kids' school wasn't so communist . . . for lack of a better word. They have to take notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons and other things for the whole class. They gather them all and pass them out. Suck. They can't have cute Domo or Hello Kitty supplies.
Anyway, I think I'm having a shortage of folders around here. I'm looking for reasons to buy some of those!

feeling: darn the commies
listening to: Rodrigo's iTunes

you say it's your birthday. it's my birthday too yeah . . .

2008-07-11T10:57:00.003-07:00

Rodrigo kept asking me to check my email this morning. Here's why . . . .

I think I'm going to sit by my window all day and wait for that UPS truck to turn the corner. I can't wait to meet my new baby in person.

So, I'm 32 now. I'm over the whole "Oh, no being in my 30's is old." I feel great. We're all happy and healthy and I'm going to enjoy today!

feeling: awesome
listening to: Cary Brothers (Ride)

I love Brianna

2008-07-10T11:35:00.005-07:00

I loved Brianna as a baby. I loved watching her grow, dressing her up, the way she started talking, watching her become a little girl instead of a baby, etc. I've loved everything about her. I have to say, though, that now is soooooooo fun for me. I completely love this stage she's in. I guess it was also that I wasn't expecting it. This whole transition time is something I hadn't heard about. Yes, I'd heard about the tween years, but this is more like a really eloquent little kid stage. It's hard for me to explain too, but I could listen to her talk for hours at a time.
Just a little while ago, she was telling me about the upcoming Disney Ch@nnel G@mes. I know who's going to be in it now and who's their BFF and all about the Jon@s Brothers. At the same time, she drew some pictures and a note for the tooth fairy. She owns c.d.'s now. She listens to the Jon@s Brothers, H@nnah Mont@n@, Aly & @.J, and C@mp Rock while playing with her Littlest Pet Shop collection. She had a C@mp Rock viewing party (with just Alec invited). She made out invitations, brought their sleeping bags to the family room, had popcorn but also brought all her stuffed animals to watch the movie with her. She's been working on her "collection" because a fashion designer is on a list of things she wants to be. She has a spring collection and a winter collection. Yet both were drawn in crayon and are really cute with pink, purple and flowers. She's always liked carrying purses, but now the contents include lip gloss. She still carries a little toy in there as well.
I'm not sure if I'm explaining correctly or if I can even explain. This seems different than a transition stage. It's more of a complete juxtaposition. She's not leaving kiddy things behind, she's simply adding older things and likes. You'll excuse me now. We're going to add things to her home page, most of which are pictures of puppies and kittens.

This picture explains it some more. This is one of her favorite outfits, but this day she took a LONG time choosing a bracelet that would match perfectly. She tried on several and finally chose the one she's wearing. Then we get to the museum and she still loves crawling around.

feeling: tomato withdrawal
listening to: R@dio Disney

hello again

2008-07-08T16:33:00.008-07:00

I'm still here. Sorry to worry any of you, but yes, I'm fine. It's been a sort of crazy summer. I remember as a kid summer was for playing and hanging out. My kids are more like "Ok, we're awake. Entertain us." I've been trying to keep them busy and not bored with some activities, but some other things have also happened. . . .

- An elderly lady crashed into the side of my car in a parking lot. Did I even write about the new car we got back in January? Well, I was driving it and she pulled out, didn't see me, didn't hear me and other cars honking at her and crashed. It sucked. I had the kids with me and nothing happened to any of us. Everyone told us that the important thing is that we're all alright. I get it, but it was still a HUGE hassle to get the car back the way it was. I JUST picked it up earlier today. To top it off, when it happened Rodrigo was in Boston, so I had to do the whole dealing with insurance and cops myself without him here for me to complain to. It's all taken care of now and the car is like it was before . . new.

- Rodrigo went to Boston for work. We knew he was going to work but there was never a definite plan until a few days before, so I didn't go with.

- The kids joined karate for the summer. I wanted Brianna to join for the self defense part of it. She didn't want to but Alec did. Then we went to his first class and Brianna decided she wanted to join as well. Living in Arizona, we can't really have them doing outdoor sports in the summer.

- There's a city-wide scavenger hunt happening. Several museums and attractions are participating. You printout a map for the location and then the kids have to use it during the visit. We've gone to a few of the places. I really like this idea because some of the museums seem like the kids wouldn't have enjoyed it as much without that purpose in mind.

- The kids got back yesterday after spending a week in SoCal. My parents came to pick them up and gave me and Rodrigo a week long vacation. Er, took the kids on vacation. Rodrigo asked for some days off and spent them with me, me, me. I wish I could say that we did all sorts of amazing fun things and went out dancing every night, but no. We took a workshop and went to lots of stores we needed to go to. We felt bad if we were away for too long from our other baby . . . Badger. What we did do was go out to eat at places with no kid menus. The times we did eat at home was also not very kid friendly. Spicy foods, melon wrapped in prosciutto, steaks in marinades they hate, wine with dinner, etc. The rest of the time was appointments.

- I've also had a lot of appointment with the kids. Dentists and eye doctors. Both are fine and I'm the one that ended up with a prescription for glasses. Astigmatism is not my friend.

- -sigh- Rodrigo finally got his wish and we got a Mac. an iMac to be exact. I have to admit that I love it. I do. I LOVE, love, love it more than I ever thought I would. I'm taking other mac workshops at our local apple store. Expect to see more posts because I am glued to this seat. Hopefully soon, I'll show you all some of the things I'm working on.

- The kids go back to school this coming Monday. The summer vacation flew by. Uh, I'm not complaining.

I can't wait to go catch up on my bloggy buddies!

feeling: I love my mac
listening to: My Morning Jacket (Touch Me I'm Going to Scream 2) <-- my absolute favorite song right now.

five things

2008-05-29T13:37:00.004-07:00

I got this from Jess and I'm playing along.

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself.
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post and list their names, linking to them.
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

- I don't like Sex & The City. I wouldn't want to be like them. I find them shallow and I really hate the outfits I've seen SJP wear on the show. I tried watching an episode once because everyone made such a big deal but she was wearing a tutu or something ridiculous like that. I found it hilarious when Stewie said it was a show about three hookers and their mom.

- I wear make-up and jewelry everyday. I don't care if I'm going anywhere or not, I'll at least be wearing earrings that match my outfit. I could never be like one of those people that forever look like they just rolled out of bed.

- My son's name is Alec Julian. Neither Alec nor Julian were my first choices for his name. Compromise, compromise.

- Pretty much all my life I've been told I'm funny. I don't think it really comes across in this blog. It's to the point where I've been told by friends, "Yvett! You're here! Make us laugh". Like I was some sort of jester or something. Or I'm funny on command. I don't know if I really am funny or not but it was an absolute dream of mine to be a member of the SNL cast. My family's favorite "character" of mine right now is "the lady who gets surprised by being on Oprah's Favorite Things show". They have me doing that over and over again. It's pretty good, too.

- I'm pretty narcissistic. Everything comes back to me somehow.

Anyway, I hate the whole tagging thing. I like being tagged but hate tagging because I feel like I'm pressuring people. So play, or don't. Non-bloggy buddies can email me if you'd like.

feeling: stir crazy
listening to: kids fighting. again.

hola again

2008-05-28T15:52:00.003-07:00

I didn't plan it, but I was away from my computer for almost two weeks. I didn't even check email, read other blogs . . . nothing. No computer, no internet usage for almost two weeks straight cold turkey. I think if I'd tried to do it, it wouldn't have worked out; it was just a busy time.

- The kids are out of school now and we successfully completed a 3rd grade "Luau" and a Pre-K water fun day. I went to both, helped organize one and I'm still here. I had poor Rodrigo helping me fill hundreds of water balloons the night before one of them. I'll tell you this, I don't want to be that many kids at once for a looooooong time.

- We came this close to buying another car. My Civic is getting old and we were looking to trade it in. When we came to signing the papers for the purchase, we were told that in Arizona there is no law where you have a couple of days to change your mind. That sort of did it. It was a used (excuse me, certified pre-owned) car, so we felt sort of pressured and backed out. Plus, you really can't beat my little Civic's gas mileage.

- We got a Wii Fit last Wednesday. I LOVE it. I was lucky too because we didn't have one reserved. My friend mentioned that she went to Target right when it opened to buy one. She said there was a line of about 20 people. I decided to stop by on the off chance that there were any left. There were two. They were out of the yoga mats and some other ski game, but I got the Fit. We're all hooked! It should tell you how pathetic we are that both Rodrigo and I ended up with sore arms from playing the boxing game. Sad. Oh, and the truth hurts. Seeing it out there every day on the screen is a real incentive to get moving.

- I just read an email asking me if we'd had waffles and balloons for Rodrigo's birthday. We did have balloons but no waffles for dinner. I made him some green enchiladas which is his favorite food. Yes, all from scratch. I bought him a German chocolate cake, also his favorite. We gave him a few gifts and the kids also made him some gifts. Brianna made him this amazing card, art thingy with copper paint or copper or something. It was layers of black and copper and embossed designs. I was quite shocked and impressed that she made it herself. I don't know how she did it, but it's hanging at Rodrigo's work now.

That's it for now, I have a lot to catch up on . . . . .

feeling: HOT
listening to: the kids fighting

waffles and balloons

2008-05-15T08:41:00.005-07:00

Alec: did you and Dada live in the same house when you were kids?
me: no. Dada lived with at Grandma Lupe's house and I lived in Mamen's house (that's what the kids call my mom)
Alec: and where was I?
me: uh. . . you weren't born yet
Alec: so where was I
me: you were up in the sky somewhere (remembering what my grandma would tell me)
Alec: and then you found me?
me: yes
Alec: was I three when you found me?
me: no, you weren't any age yet
Alec: was I one?
me: nope, you were zero
Alec: zero?
me: yes
Alec: and where did you find me
me: you were born then I saw you
Alec: and where was I before?
me: you were in my tummy
Alec: YOU ATE ME?
me: (laughing) uh . . .
Alec: and where did you find Dada? Was he in your tummy too?
me: no, not Dada. Just you and Brianna
Alec: and Badger?
me: not Badger, don't you remember when we went to get him?
Alec: oh yeah! Badger was born in a basket
me: (laughing)
Alec: and where did you find Dada?
me: I found him at a place we worked at
Alec: was he alone?
me: yup
Alec: and was he sad?
me: yup (thinking "yeah, right")
Alec: and then you took him home and then you got married to him?
me: something like that
Alec: it's very nice of you and Dada when you get married
me: thanks
Alec: I like Dada.
me: me too
Alec: and Brianna
me: me too
Alec: and Badger
me: eh, I'm kidding I like him too
Alec: and I love you
me: I love you too
Alec: can I have waffles now?
me: sure (I was making them the whole time)
Alec: I think we should make waffles for Dada for his birthday
me: he's already at work
Alec: no, for dinner. Dada likes waffles on his birthday
me: he does, does he?
Alec: yeah, waffles and balloons -sighs- those are his favorite!

Happy Birthday, Rodrigo! I wish I could save every single conversation for you when you're not here. We love you. I love you.

feeling: sneaky, making plans for this evening
listening to: the theme song for "Franklin"

matchmaker yvett

2008-05-14T08:59:00.004-07:00

I know a lady named Cinnamon. Rodrigo knows a man whose last name is Sprinkles. If they weren't each already married, it would become my life's mission to get them to marry each other. Wouldn't that be awesome? I've never met anyone with one of those names i.e. Ivana Tinkle or something like that. Have you?

feeling: tired of all this wind
listening to: Flobots (Handlebars) <-- I don't care for this song, but it sure is catchy

tv watcher yvett

2008-05-12T22:26:00.001-07:00

I always hear talk about Ni@ls@n ratings for TV shows but I never knew who the people doing the ratings were. This season, we're a Ni@ls@n family. It's supposed to be thousands of households, so I guess some of you have done this already. Who has? Raise your hand.
If you haven't, it's pretty easy. We are to keep a journal of whatever we watch for a week. Everything. When we got the package, I read over them. The rating period won't start until later this week, but I'm sort of making a mental list of what I watch. I realized I watch a LOT of television. I know I'm usually running around and busy, but evenings are mine. Evenings are spent at home and it almost always includes some t.v. viewing. Here's what I watch . . .

- Dancing With the Stars: shut up. I like it.
- House: I love his character, love the show
- American Idol: Yes, I still watch it. Brianna is into the show now too
- Hell's Kitchen: I don't know if I'd eat there, but I love watching
- Law & Order SVU: this is my favorite of the Law & Orders
- Top Chef: I think I've seen each episode at least three times.
- The Office: no explanation needed
- 30 Rock: hilarious
- The Soup: I've only ever seen The Hills and some other shows on funny clips here
- Countdown: we watch this every single night

That's a lot of television. I also have to track whatever is on other t.v.'s in the house. That's pretty easy. Brianna's set is seldom on anything other than Disney Channel. Alec's is usually on Noggin. Not noted on there are all the news channels Rodrigo and I have been glued to. The whole political season has been the best reality show ever. I'm at the point where I'm talking back to strategists on the screen. I won't even get started on how I talk to the president on screen . . . .

feeling: I can't wait for this school year to be over already
listening to: Weezer (Pork & Beans) <-- I think that's the name of the song

Badger by numbers

2008-05-08T08:45:00.017-07:00

- 9: Number of pictures that I have of Badger with green or blue eyes when the flash hits his eyes. It seems that the red eye reducer doesn't work on these.

-1: Number of beds Badger has.

-0: Number of beds he actually uses to sleep on. He prefers to sleep under our bed.

- ?: Number of inches his snout has grown. I wish I would've measured because he's no longer the little short snouted puppy seen here:

- 1: Number of complexes he has. My puppy definitely has a Napoleon complex. He'll go upstairs to bark at passing cars & motorcycles. I'm convinced he likes to feel tall to do so.

- 8: Number of friends Badger made at puppy kindergarten.

- 1: Number of times I was knocked down by one of those friends . . . a 90+ pound Great Dane puppy.

- 2: Number of times I've punished the kids by sticking them in crates. Yes, I'm kidding. When we were doggy crate shopping, the kids were getting in the crates. Of course I had to take pictures. What can I say? My poor children have absolutely no toys and have to entertain themselves any way they can. :P

- 1: Number of tags with his name misspelled. "Badser" wears his dog tags all the time.

- About one million: Number of times Badger tried to take off his cone he had to wear after the neutering.

Random puppy cuteness . . . . .

Seriously, couldn't you just squeeze him. Awww, I love my third baby.

little girl update

2008-05-07T09:50:00.002-07:00

I wrote about the "homeless kids" yesterday, so now I'll update you on that little girl whose mom wanted me to watch her. No, they don't have the same mom. The homeless kids' mom actually doesn't work. The other mom claimed she worked too much and that's why she needed me to watch her kids. Except for one time at the grocery store, I never saw that mom again. I see the little girl all the time, but never the mom. That one time I saw her in the grocery store, Rodrigo was with me. He'd never seen her before and I told him who she was. He was shocked and said she looked like a druggie. I don't really think she does, but that would certainly explain a lot.
She never came back to ask anything about me taking care of her daughter again. I had even printed out pages of various ads for sitters for her. She never again took care of her daughter at the bus stop either. The rest of the kids at the bus stop are a little but older. They're about Brianna's age or they're with an older sibling. Even then, the parents are watching like me or walking around, you know just anything we can do to watch the kids without actually crowding their total cool style. All except for the little girl. Even the homeless kids' dad sort of watches them.
It sometimes upsets me that she doesn't watch over her own kid. I feel like she takes it for granted that the rest of us are doing it. The day the kids went back after the holidays, the bus was very late. It turned out that there was a mix-up in the scheduling and one wasn't on it's way over here. I know because I called the school. The rest of the moms were out there too; all except for one. We were all wondering if we would have to drive the kids ourselves and I swear I was just soooo worried about this little girl. I mean I could drop off Brianna with no problem, but what about the little girl? If the bus didn't come one day, where would she go? School is too far for her to talk to. One of us could easily take her but that would mean that she'd be in a strangers car without her mother ever knowing. How scary is that? What if one of us were to drive her and then get into an accident. I totally feel that the mom would be one to sue over something like that.
Another thing I've noticed is that the poor little girl wears the same thing. I first noticed it in the fall because I liked the pants she was wearing. They were khaki with pink and blue flowers. I saw them and thought I'd like some for Brianna. The next day, same pants. Day after that, same pants. So I made it a point to notice if they were the same ones day after day. Maybe she bought her a whole bunch of the same pair of pants. Hopefully. Anyway, she wore the same ones once for about two weeks then wore jeans for a day, then back to the khakis. This spring she's been wearing jeans. Since I'm nosy, I was wondering if she'd wear the same ones again. She does. These have a distinct fading pattern in the back of the legs. She wears those same pants every day with a pink wind breaker. I haven't seen the tops. I was talking to Rodrigo about this today. I told him how I'd be embarrassed if my kids were wearing the same thing day in and day out. I wouldn't if it was all we could afford or if it was a costume that they come home and love to put on (Brianna had a crown she'd wear all the time and Alec had a Batman mask then a Spiderman mask). But if I were driving a super luxury car and my kid was wearing the same clothes to school all the time, again, I'd rethink my priorities. Geesh, especially for a little girl who have just so many adorable outfit choices. I don't remember going to the store without buying something cute for Brianna.
The saddest thing about this whole thing is that I know that this girl is screaming out for attention. Literally. At the bus stop, once more and more kids started moving into the neighborhood and waiting at that same stop, she began to just start screaming. The first time I thought someone was hurt. She just stands there and screams LOUDLY. Then she started pushing the other kids. She started pulling them and jumping on them. One time she jumped on an older boy and knocked him over. He fell on top of her and she just missed hitting her head on the curb. These are the times that make me furious that her mom isn't there. Other moms or I are the ones that have to go tell her to settle down. Why not her mom? Then she started standing in the middle of the street. It got to the point to where she'd wait for a car to get near then jump out in the middle of the street. The drivers had to break suddenly several times. She did that to me one evening. It was nearly dark and she jumped out. I had to break suddenly making the kids jolt and I was shocked to see who it was. What was she doing outside at that time? It made me furious because I might have not seen her and I'd be the one living with guilt while her mom is responsibility-free.
I've seen her playing outside with the homeless kids. I still don't know who is taking care of her afterschool. All I know is it's not me. It breaks my heart to see this girl. It seems like she's raising herself. I wonder how her parents are going to feel if she grows up rebelious? Are they going to want to set rules for her as a teenager when they didn't take care of her as a kid? I'm really sort of hoping they'll move, but for now the little girl situation is the same. Sad.