Monday, December 22, 2008

Holiday Journal #2


So, it's Day 2 of not going to work (weekend not included). Grandma and Grandpa got into the holiday spirit yesterday at the Pearl market, driving hard bargains and mastering the art of the walk-away. Many gifts were purchased, as were some "me" items. Sunglasses, a couple DVDs (who knew "Howard the Duck" would be available?!), some personalized mahogany name stampers for the boys, and a lot of etc. Cold weather couldn't stop us--it was like 35 degrees and windy. Sarah and the grand's branched off to buy antiques whilst I stalked the aisles of Movie Shop (where I am now a VIP member), then separate cabs home for a great dinner by Lyn (glass noodles with cabbage, peppers and chicken) and a screening of Toy Story. The 10th Anniversary remastering looks superb, BTW.

Today we're hanging out, playing with Star Wars figures, maybe go run around the school gym. Dinner downtown tonight and then sneak some more presents under the tree after the boys conk out.

Fun times!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Nobody Else Here Looks Like Us


Last weekend we went to Yu Yuan Gardens, which is not very garden-y, but still fun.

gotta go. more later

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Happy Birthday Erica

There once was a woman named E----
'Twas no wackier funster than she
If you heard her laugh,
You would swear she was daft
Then you'd start to laugh til you pee

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Happy Birthday Brad Brown

I used to joke that December 7 really was a date which will live in infamy. But now I see that the world is better for having Brad in it. Especially since he's now a dad, and not just a rock and roller and a loyal friend.

For those of you who don't know Brad, sorry.

More updates soon, including one on last night's Annual Winter Ball downtown.

Friday, December 5, 2008

because i'm online, here's a photo to enjoy


Big man needs a haircut, sutre, but it's fun while it lasts. I think the symmetry between tree and hair is prize-worthy. Feel free to send a prize of your choosing. (hint: Belgian dark chocolate!)

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Holiday Journal #1

Before I start the Holiday Journal, here are some long overdue zoo-day photos. As you can see, by the end of the day, the boys needed some coaxing to pose together.




To help with keeping spirits bright during this dark season, we are in full Christmas mode. Fake tree (look for it during the upcoming sequel to the apt. tour video), real wreaths, carols on the iPod radio (BTW, The Temptations do a great Rudolph), and of course, timely parental references to “you better not pout, cry, shout, etc.” Which segues nicely into story time...

On Thanksgiving night, Desi was not cooperating with Mom. Dad was off playing basketball at school, and when he came home, Mom looked unhappy. A bit later, as I spoke with Desi at the dinner table about what had happened that night, he asked, “Are you guys still gonna give me presents?” I replied that sure, we would, because we still want to make you happy even though sometimes you do bad behavior. (SUCH a great dad!) Playing a hunch, I asked if Mom had said otherwise. Desi said no, Mom had not said that, but “I just feel it.”

If I’m not mistaken, this is what psychologists call a “conscience.” Woo hoo! My boy has a working conscience. This is going to be way easier than we thought.

Sorry for the paltry output of posts lately. YFB (Your Favorite Blogger) has been sick since Sunday. Lung junk, sore lower back, lethargy are the only symptoms, so I have not missed work. Nor have I infected others, as I am washing my hands dutifully and I have no cough. Entering Day Three, I think it’s time to consider going to the doctor. I hope that trip is uneventful enough to miss the cut for the blog.

Possible causes: Playing basketball on Thursday night, then biking home in the BITTER cold. Then SAS Turkey Bowl on Friday, again in the cold. Teachers won (undefeated several years running) but I failed to dress/ warm up properly. Then Saturday and Sunday running around with the kids at the school field/playground. By Sunday night, not feeling so great. Maybe this is a sign I’m getting old. I should be able to run around a bit without knocking myself out of commission, right? Of course, germs could be involved too. I hear they make people sick.

Time for me to go make French toast. Sarah has gotten up early all 4 days this week to go running, so I will make her a special treat. 

Bye for now. Take care, and remember, if you’re in Shanghai on Inauguration Day, you’re welcome at our party.


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Rock 101

Every kid's musical education should start with this song.