10 Random Things About Me

Inspired by Christina...

1. I could eat ice cream every. single. day.

2. I can get so caught up in the moment watching the Olympics (during the miliseconds of a race closing) to a game show (the last Survey Says!) that I can actually get choked up.

3. I think Dr Pepper could be the grossest beverage on the planet.

4. If I could live in a state other than the one I am currently living, I think I would pick Colorado.

5. Today, I was able to troubleshoot my own computer problem and fix it. Call me Miss MIS.

6. I can recite the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish.

7. I am wearing OPI Abbey Rose on my toenails, courtesy of an afternoon pedi with Claudia.

8. Story time with Emerson continues to be my favorite part of the day.

9. I have never been to Europe or Australia but hope to before I die.

10. Today I read a short story,Embrace by Roxana Robinson, that for the briefest and most wonderful of moments in the last three paragraphs took my breath away.

Saturday Lunch

Post oil change and swimming lessons for the boy, we joined Tia Claudia for lunch. Here's the lowdown on Zoe's Kitchen:

- Fresh, good tasting food that doesn't make you feel like you ate too much.
- I enjoyed a chicken, spinach, scallion and feta grilled quesadilla with a side of fruit (and it's not your standard melon combo).
- Em had a PB and J with chips. They even cut the crusts off the kiddie sandwiches, making my little peanut all the more happy.
- Claudia had egg salad and a side of Zoe's slaw, which is a vinegar based slaw with feta. MMMMMgood.
- They obliged my picture taking, so we like it even more.
- Average price per person - $6-9. Average kiddo meal - $3-4.

Rating: A

Love Thursday

Love is grandparents...

Em and Gamma Kathy



Em and Papa Jim



Em and Gamma Lynn

Free Money

I love the free mony that comes from the receipt of a gift card. Many times, it's better than any gift someone could pick out for you and as the recipient you feel a little freedom to experiment and maybe buy something you wouldn't normally, because hey, it's free money!

For my birthday last month, my team at work gave me some free money in the terms of iTunes dollars. I was so thrilled, and so careful to not just go nuts and spend it within the first 24 hours of having possession of the cards. This was very hard for me to do, especially in that I don't even have to leave my house to redeem them and my purchase will provide instant listening pleasure and gratification.

But, I refrained and I held onto them and just tonight (almost a month later!) I redeemed them. As I update my blog and check my e-mail and surf and do all that, I am very pleased with my three purchases (and I still have some money left).

So what did I buy with my free money? Three full albums, which are a bit of a mix:

1. Nothing Left to Lose - Mat Kearney. I just recently became aware of Mat Kearney through the title song of his album, Nothing Left to Lose. It is a great song and if you listen to his voice, he sounds very similar to Chris Martin of Coldplay fame, sans the falsetto Apple's daddy is prone to do. Of course you can preview songs on Itunes, but you can still make poor purchases and this is one I would have been nervous to plunk my own non-free money cash down for. So far, so good.

2. Wintersong - Sarah McLachlan. This is to fill my tradition of purchasing a holiday album each year and Sarah's is actually very good. Traditional Sarah sounding, sweeping and pure and clean. My favorites are Christmastime is Here (which she partners with Dianna Krall), Happy Xmas (War is Over) and Silent Night.

3. Mamas and Papas Greatest Hits. This is one of the best free money purchases because its an album I so want in my collection and on my iPod, but always forget to get it and frankly, when I am ready to cash out, I always am interested in something more current. This is the sweetest of tonight's purchases.

I love my free money!

During NaBloPoMo, I DoWaMyThroHuNoMo

Translation: During National Blog Posting Month, I Don't Want My Throat to Hurt No More!

I might have the worst sore throat in the history of my life. The good news is that my dr. ruled out strep, but gave me a diagnosis of bronchitis. Let me tell you, it hasn't been a walk in the park. I have been attacked by cought fits that have left my throat sandpapered raw. But amidst the irritation my throat, my loved ones and coworkers feel with each hacking cough, there are a number of good things going on, things to celebrate and enjoy:

- I finally figured out how iPhoto works and how it's cataloging my pictures. There's still a lot of work to be done to get this PC to Mac conversion done, but I now can actually make progress!

- Tonight was another great evening of fabulous food and fabulous discussion with fabulous friends over a fabulous book. Book Club continues to rock!

- I am getting better at styling my new 'do.

- A friend of mine just had her second sweet baby - a little boy!

- Another friend of mine is expecting!

- Emerson knows where the stars are - "In outer space mommy."

- I may have officially given up french fries. Trust me, this is a good thing.

- I am down to one or no Diet Cokes a day and have switched to iced tea.

Well that's it. It's a short list, but - hey - it's a list!

Some of My Favorite Books

I just read a column in Oprah's December issue where author Zoe Heller is asked to share books that made a difference to her. In selecting her choices, she makes a point to go away from the books she think she should pick, the ones that people would expect her to pick and go for ones that may be off the beaten path and certainly may not have the distinction of being a classic. I found this approach refreshing because it was truthful and not about appearances and should haves.

While I am an avid reader there are so many books that I 'should have' read by now, classics, pulitzer prize winners, and other notables that I haven't read and quite frankly, I probably won't. But I have read some great ones and will share a list of favorites, a list that exists right now, and could change depending on what I pick up next.

1. The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter
2. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
3. The Brothers K by David James Duncan
4. My Only Story by Monica Wood
5. Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk
6. All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg
7. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
9. The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken
10. Plainsong by Kent Haruf

What are some of yours?

Negotiations and Love Songs

It started out like a normal Saturday with Emerson waking up far to early for any rational human being. He was his cheerful self until about 6 a.m. and then the whining started. Where the only way he can communicate is through a whine or whimper (read: really annoying). Soon after, he started hitting. Today, we started the rule that hitting is an instant time out and off to his room he went. He was sent to his room twice in a about a two hour time frame. It wasn't even 9 a.m.

With a bit of struggle we got loaded in the car and were en route to swimming class. Fortunately, his chipper personality was back and he did really good attempting to reach the rings along the bottom of the swimming pool floor. As a treat, I took him to one of his favorite places, the drive-thru car wash. Once again, for about 7 minutes, he sat mesmerized as soap and rubber wipers and water swirled around us. We then made a date to meet Tia Claudia at Zoe's for lunch.

He was a delight at Zoe's, noshing on chips and Tia's egg salad and the PB&J sandwich we ordered for him off the kiddie menu. (He even sat patiently as the remade his sandwich with grape jelly - the first had been made with strawberry - which he may be allergic to). He smiled and was charming. Almost acting as though at an audition for the most delightful child in America. Seriously, he was that cute.

Lunch was followed by Costco and then home for a nap. At this point, he had been up for 7 hours and was a bit bleary-eyed. The nap was long - a relaxing 3 hours. I was excited at the delight of spending the reminder of the day with my well rested, well behaved toddler. Unfortunately, that's not what I got.

The whining was now at a professional level and his hitting continued. Two trips back to his room. Nothing, I mean nothing would assuage his frustrations. Each time out is followed with a discussion, in hopes that he can start understanding consequence and that as much as I hate sending him there, I do still love him. We always hug after these incidents; at this age, though, there will be a few of these turbulent times.

After finally getting ready for our evening, we were both standing in the kitchen where he was continuing his rant. I looked at him and calmly said, "Emerson, I need you to stop the whining and talk to mommy in your nice big boy voice." To which the response was a resounding, "NO!" A bit exasperated, I went on to say, "Emerson, you have been such a bad boy today. I just don't know what you want."

His eyes filled with tears and he wailed from the center of the kitchen, "I not a bad boy, mommy! I not a bad boy."

Despite all the frustration, waning patience and exhaustion I felt, it melted away and my heart broke a little looking at my little sweet, sobbing mess in front of me. I knelt down and squeezed him tightly and wiped away his tears. Of course you aren't a bad boy. Of course mommy loves you. Of course.

A bit weary, we piled into the car. I put on one of my favorite cds, Paul Simon's Negotiations and Love Songs and from the back seat I heard a little voice say, "Turn it up mommy."

I guess it's one of his favorites too.

Friday Poem

The pads of my fingers run in rhythmic circles
over each contour of my face.
Thoughts of the day are summarized behind my closed eyes
and the water coming forth is the only sound I hear.

Rinsing removes the debris from my face
and I stand and I stare, analyzing the face before me.
Amid the imperfections, the beauty I am beginning to embrace
Stares back at me.

Love Thursday

Love is the simplest things...



This past weekend we attended a birthday party of one of Emerson's classmates (and perhaps first best friend) who turned three. Sadly this little boy is moving to the 3 year old room at school starting this week. The party had a ton of kids and Emerson was the only one invited from school. As they squealed and giggled and smeared cake across their faces, their beverages were left behind.

Their discards were a flashback for me, although my memory has Capri Sun pouches. I distinctly recall the satisfaction of sucking in all the liquid in an attempt to make my pouch the flatest of all. Tossing it in the trash we would likely return to a highly competitive game of freeze tag. Running and freezing and falling to the grass as laughter flowed freely. Oh, those were my days.

But now, these are his.

You Learn

I had come across this poem years ago and it really resonated with me at the time. Today, as I stumble upon it again, I still have a wonderful connection with it. There are so many lessons woven through her words, that can be of comfort during difficult times, times when we need to live in the moment and not where we have been or hope to go, times when we need to be reminded how resilient we really are.

Comes The Dawn by Veronica Shoffstall

After a while you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and you learn that
love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't mean security,
and you begin to learn
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises,
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up
and your eyes ahead,
with the grace of a woman,
not the grief of a child,
and you learn to build all of your roads
on today because tomorrow's ground
is too uncertain for plans,
and futures have a way of
falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that
even sunshine burns
if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul,
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And you learn that
you really can endure...
That you really do have worth.
And you learn and you learn...
With every goodbye you learn.

This Tuesday if You Do Nothing Else...

Lara's Musts for November

DO
1. Get a facial.
2. Make list of all the things I am truly thankful for; refer to it throughout the coming year.
3. Write a real letter on paper and send it.

READ
Vital Friends by Tom Rath

WATCH
The New Adventures of Old Christine - I have said it once, I'll say it again!

HEAR
Mat Kearney: Nothing Left to Lose (Single and Album)

Weekend Recap

It's been a whirlwind of a weekend and a good one at that. It kicked off with one tired, sleep-deprived and sore throat starting mommy. Now it's Sunday, and while I still feel groggy, the throat is better (thanks to some good meds). Here's the weekend in review:

- Friday night. E and T and I join Tia and Scott for Pizza dinner. Emerson is his charming self and I end up with pizza sauce on my sleeve thanks to the boy.

- Saturday T and E and I attend one of E's friend's b-day parties. Emerson has a ball and one of the biggest bagels ever - see below - and cake and cookies and ice cream and winds up with a massive sugar high that proves detrimental when we try to do a family dinner out later that night (read: Crabby Crabbenheimer).



- Despite crabbiness, masters riding his tricycle - the one we got him almost a year ago. He's so cute on his bike and he only wiped out once.

- Sunday morning we go to the zoo and Emerson does his first Tram Ride. Does pretty good but loses interest pretty quickly.

- Mom sets up new iPod with no trouble - gotta love Apple for that userfriendliness!

- E and T and me all go to Target this evening and Em gets a helmet for trike riding, giggles and laughs throughout most of the excursion.

We are all wiped out, but it's the good kind of tired. The exhaustion and contentment from spending time they way you wanted to with those most important to you.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good
1. My little boy's laugh. He's getting to the point where he actually cracks up and it's so cute.
2. My new 30GB iPod. It's Black. It's Sleek. It's Hot.

The Bad
1. I have to go back into the office at some point this weekend because I forgot to print off some stuff to read in prep for a meeting Monday morning. CRAP.

The Ugly
1. My possible strep throat. UGH.

Imagining My Grandkids

One night this past week I almost became a grandmother. Funny thing is, my kid's not even 3. Here's how I found out.

He: My daughter.

Me: You have a daughter?

He: Yeah.

Me: What's her name?

He: Lelly.

Me: Lelly?

He: No, Lellypop.

Me: Lollipop?

He: No, mommy. Lellypop.

Me: Is she pretty?

He: No.

Me: Is she nice?

He: Yes she nice and she hold hands.

Me: Is her hair black?

He: No, green.

Me: How old is she?

Silence

Me: Is she older or younger?

He: Younger.

Me: Do you know what that means?

He: Boooooooo.

And that's all I know about my granddaughter.

Love Thursday

Love is...Sunday at the Park.



Happy Love Thursday everybody!

It's NaBloPoMo and I May Be Crazy

It's National Blog Posting Month, (NaBloPoMo) a crazy month where folks post every day for the month. Every day. I'm just crazy enough to try.

So, enjoy. And know that they won't be great every day. and that's okay. Even for me.

Phew, posted just in time!

Sunday, A List

Stealing from Christina, here's my list and it's been updated since I posted on her site...

…waking up to, “Time to get UP mommy!” and the tug of my hand

…pancakes with my boys and off to the park

…reading my book club book, The Glass Castle, which is really good

…cold glass of chocolate milk

…snoozing while reading

…chicken noodle soup and bbq baked lays

…my daily diet coke (down to one and almost not missing it)

…organizing photos on my mac

...a nice one-mile walk through the neighborhood

…the amazing race

...a new iPod from T (too nice and too much and I love it)

…story time and evening sing a long with Em at the day’s end

...finishing my book

...darn near perfect day

Love Thursday

Through surfing and coasting, I have come across what appears to be a small but wonderful blogging tradition in a small corner of the blogging world - it's called Love Thursday. From the few posts I have seen about it, it appears to be taking a day each week to celebrate love - in whatever mode or format you desire. Started by a woman in the Caribbean, it seems to be a beautiful tradition.

Just like beauty, love is everywhere. This week I am celebrating Love as Accomplishment (in Emerson getting his first ribbon ever - for backfloating all by his big boy self!)

Happy Love Thursday everybody!




If you would like to see the leader of Love Thursday, visit http://www.chookooloonks.com

My Newest Obsession

Guilty Pleasures have long existed in my tv and movie worlds, but now, they cross over into the World Wide Web, thanks to YouTube. What a cornucopia of random self-expression-exploitation-information-newsy-gunk (SEEING). I of course am not in this group because the videos I post are just for family and not for the viewing hungry (or more likely bored) public such as me (as a viewer, not as a poster).

Take tonight for instance. After uploading a sweet video of Emerson saying night-night, I blew a half hour just watching videos. Most of which are totally random and really add no value to the world, entertainment or otherwise. But then I came across some real gems:

1. Jennifer Aniston's chat with Oprah - pretty much entertainment value alone as I learned she and Vince are still together (thank goodness), she did not get a boob job and that she's partnering with Glamour Magazine to direct short films about life-changing moments for everyday women like me. Woah. That was worth the 6 minutes and 14 seconds I spent glued to my (you)tube.

2. Manufacturing Beauty - this was a clip that seems to be made by the Dove people (in their Campaign for Real Beauty) and it's really great. It's fast-forward video of a woman getting her hair and make up done and she looks good and all that. But then her image is totally photoshopped - more hair, eyebrow lift, raise cheek bones, plump lips, yadda, yadda, yadda and she now looks like a supermodel. This is nothing new - we all know those supermodel chicks are air-brushed. But a compelling two and half minutes of video.

3. Lazy Monday - HIGHlarious spoof to Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell's Lazy Sunday SNL skit where they rap about the Chroni(what?)cles of Narnia. Produced by (and co-starring) cutie patootie Mark Feuerstein (What Women Want, In Her Shoes) and a buddy of his, the two hit the West Coast and give Andy and Chris a run for their funny.

I can see this is the start of a beautiful friendship...

In Other Blogging News
It may be time for me to lay off the Starbucks. Case in point: Saturday Emerson and I are running errands after his swimming class - where he actually swam (woo-hoo) - and as we drove by a Starbucks my not even 3 year old son said, "Mommy drink!"
Aye, Yaye, Yaye!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good
1. It's almost the weekend.
2. I got a totally cool mini camcorder and made my first video of Em tonight. It's super easy to use. I can't wait to send it out.
3. October nights and mornings - this is why we live in the desert.
4. On Oct. 11 Em made his first tinkle in the potty at school. Awww.

The Bad
1. Emerson has yet to take any real interest in using the facilities at home.
2. The wood chips in Em's playground at school seem to get transported to home in his diaper, butt cheeks, shoes, pants, whatever. We are being taken over by wood chips.
3. Uh-oh. My first film of Em is only 2 minutes but 22MB making e-mailing the file a bit ridiculous.

The Ugly
1. No real ugly right now. What a good thing!

Which John Cusak are You?

This be me...Who be you?


Which John Cusack Are You?

Evening Poem #7

Waiting for the Light to Change

The first thing I notice is her platinum blonde hair
flattening against her brush
Stroke after stroke after stroke.

Thickly smudged kohl
at once defines and defiles her tired eyes
that have seen more heartache than I know.

She takes a long drag on her cigarette
and exhales the failures of her day away
in a stream of smoke that lingers only slightly.

What story would she tell
were she to have the opportunity,
were she to have an audience?

The light turns green and I lurch forward
leaving behind an unanswered question
at one moment so important
only to vanish as I navigate my way home.

Lara's Musts for October

1. Self Care
2. Reflection
3. Celebration

Watch
The Bachelor: Rome - It's the guiltiest of trashy tv pleasures!

Read
The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken

Listen
Keane: Hopes and Fears

Evening Poem #6

Take my hand and follow me
through the brightness of the day.
Open your eyes and take it all in.

Slow down and listen
to the harmonies around you.
They are the symphony of right now.

Stop for a moment and savor this,
for everything we experience is once-in-a-lifetime
never to be repeated in exactly the same way.

Evening Poem #5

Fall

It's the first day of fall in the desert.
We accelerate onto the freeway
and I roll the windows down.

The pureness of the day bursts through
loudly taking over all I can hear.

But it's your squeals and giggles that tickle my ears.
And as I look in the rear view mirror,
the only thing I can see is you smiling.

Evening Poem #4

High Dive

Carefully placing one hand after the other, I make it to the top.
I tug and adjust in all the right places and am ready to go again.

A confidence sweeps over me as I walk to the edge
pausing only to search the swarm of sunbathers for your eyes.

Crouching down, springing up, pushing off
and sliding seamlessly into the cool water
I push all the air out of me.

Decending brings a calmness quickly turned into anxiety.
I am never sure I can make it back to the surface
but the air comes faster to me every time.

Walking back to the the car your hand squeezes my shoulder.
My hair smells faintly of chlorine
and we recount the perfectness of the day.

I don't realize this is the last summer I will do this.
The last summer free of self-consciousness
When girls are girls and boys are boys
and there really isn't any difference.

Evening Poem #3

Imprint

Reaching across decades of memories,
she hands me the flesh-colored circle
hardened with my tiny handprint.

Her eyes are damp, face soft.
Do you remember making this?
Looking at it closely, I do.

Thirty years have passed since I pressed my hand
into the cold, damp clay and held it there,
creating a permanent keepsake of my childhood.

Part of me will always be her baby.
Watching you make your own imprint on this life
I know that part of you will always be mine.

A Poem a Day - My New Personal Challenge

I have been inspired by a super creative woman and mother who also blogs (Christina). She's the one I got the Robert Bly poem from as well as the idea for this latest venture. Bly has a collection of Morning Poems, poems that he wrote at the start of each day. Christina and other readers of hers have taken to the challenge, and I too am going to attempt -- with one small caveat. Those of you who know me, know I am terrible at mornings. So, I am going to try an Evening Poem each day for the rest of the month; the first was my Surrender poem, posted yesterday. Below is my next attempt.

Evening Poem #2

LATE

Checking the clock, my heart accelerates.
Exiting the office shuts down one part of my day;
and with the start of my car, another begins.

Brake lights insinuate a false start;
and the push and pull of rush hour ensues.
My knuckles pale against the steering wheel.

It's one dollar for every minute past 6.

As I race inside, your face brightens
filling me up, filling up my heart.
The clock reads 6:04.

My Second Attempt at Poetry

Surrender

Every day my list grows.
Each item I check off
Celebrated yet diminished
By the additions.

Mundane tasks and errands
Always make the list.
Leaving the important things
Fighting for inclusion.

Tonight I stop the struggle
for a moment of quiet
blanketed by the darkness
whispering lullabies to you.

As I Lay Me Down to Sleep...

...it's the last line that's so important.

Things to Think by Robert Bly

Think in ways you’ve never thought before.
If the phone rings, think of it as carrying a message
Larger than anything you’ve ever heard,
Vaster than a hundred lines of Yeats.

Think that someone may bring a bear to your door,
Maybe wounded and deranged; or think that a moose
Has risen out of the lake, and he’s carrying on his antlers
A child of your own whom you’ve never seen.

When someone knocks on the door, think that he’s about
To give you something large: tell you you’re forgiven,
Or that it’s not necessary to work all the time, or that it’s
Been decided that if you lie down no one will die.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good

1. The great mix I made to play for dinner at next week's leadership retreat my department is responsible for hosting.

Tio Pepe by Bona Fide
I've Got You Under My Skin by Michael Buble
Cold Cold Heart by Nora Jones
Summer Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Save the Last Dance for Me by Michael Buble
Belle by Jack Johnson
Kissing a Fool by Michael Buble
Remember Me by Peirera, Heitor
Summer Wind by Michael Buble
Soul Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones
Desafinado by George Michael
Quando, Quando, Quando by Michael Buble and Nelly Furtado
Popsicle Toes by Diana Krall and Michael Franks
I've Got a Crush on You by Steve Tyrell
I've Got the World on a String by Frank Sinatra
Don't Know Why by Nora Jones
You Don't Know Me by Michael Buble
It's Not for Me To Say by Johnny Mathis
It Had to Be You (Instrumental) by Harry Connick, Jr.
I'll Be Seeing You by Steve Tyrell

The Bad

1. My work schedule for the next two weeks.

The Ugly

1. Emerson's legs which were dessert for some nasty mosquitos. Pobrecito.

Move Over Gwyneth, I Have My Own Baby Apple

A couple of weeks a new baby entered my life - my mac mini. You could say that I adopted her so that her former parents could trade her in for a newer, younger, faster model. That's sometimes how life works out.

Despite some initial sleepless nights and us getting used to each other, I think we are going to get along just fine. I have even included a picture of her for you all to see.

She's really small, but packs a pretty good punch.



Remember, looks can be deceiving.

Lara's Musts for September

Read:

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen - I am reading it for book club and am loving it

Listen:

Beautiful Girls. I think it's some new band and I am liking the stuff I am hearing.

Watch:

Monsoon sunsets. It's a beautiful thing.

What I am Loving Right Now

1. My so scrumptious I can eat him up like a medium cookies and cream gelato amazing wonder kiddo, Emerson. Tonight at dinner the kid just out of the blue sang over half of the alphabet song with no previous attempt, hint or nuthin'. Gosh he is GREAT.

2. Speaking of gelato...the Cookies and Cream homemade gelato from the Gelato Spot. Heaven and better for me than ice cream unless I consume more of it...

3. The Last Kiss Soundtrack cd that Tristin gave me. I can't stop listening to it. Period.

4. Bobby pins. At 34, they are my new hair friend that I seriously wonder where Goody has been hiding my entire life.

5. The ice cold, low fat chocolate milk that I am savoring as I type this.

6. The New Adventures of Old Christine. She just won an Emmy - but I assure you, it's funny.

7. The summer monsoons - with more to come this week and the anticipated conversation with my little dreamboat: "Thunner mommy? Lightming, mommy? No lightming. No lightming mommy."

8. This is Not Chick Lit. Good thing I started reading it since it's on my must list. And it's a must my friends, a must.

Emerson at Two and a Half

Words ramble through your brain
over your tongue
and out into the world
a new one or two or few every day.

Bug bites, scrapes, rubs and cuts
stick to you all over you
blemishing your once-perfect skin
giving you scars and character and experience.

Your need to do it, "I do it Mommy!"
takes over now and competes with me
yielding varying results
the smile of success or the sadness of surrender.

The Wild Things, Curious George, and Thomas the Train
fill up our nights snuggled under covers
while the softness of your voice
follows along with me page after page after page.

You live with passion and excitement
knocking me down as I bend down
hugging your body charging toward me
toward your day
toward your life.

I Just Don't Get It

1. Why is it that when you are most up in arms about what to do with your hair, or you are sick of it, is it that everyone notices how great it looks? Cynthia and I were talking about this on Sunday. And you know what? The compliments dont' really help - they actually only confuse matters. But Cynthia had great hair on Sunday and I had great hair on Friday and I am still not sure what I should do about my bangs.

2. Why aren't movies like Little Miss Sunshine on a wide release schedule?

3. Why have I been feeling really weird and out of it the past few days (hangover symptoms without the booze) and a fever on Sunday? Weirdness, sans fever, persisted today.

4. All the fighting in the world.

5. Trigonometry.

6. Where in the good Lord's name did I put my special contact lens cleaning case?

7. Something keeps grazing the kitchen window and it's not windy out. CREEPY.

8. Why I am so freaking tired.

Photo Blogging

As a burgeoning amateur photographer, it seems only fitting that I share some of my latest artistic attempts. These were taken today and as a series are titled, Chalk Talk.

It Was Just Another Manic Monday

The Bangles had their version, here's mine.

1. 6:30 a.m. - Rise later than planned.
2. 6:30 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. - Emerson squeals and hollers through most of the morning.
3. 7:45 a.m. - Pack up the car and Emerson informs me, "Poopy diaper mommy!"
4. 7:52 a.m. - Drive to school and change his diaper in school parking lot as his class is already at breakfast which will mean more effort if I take him to his classroom to change him.
5. 10:30 a.m. - E-mail out to entire department the famous Priority List (it's basically the dpt's list of hot projects and deliverables for the week and it runs about six pages long) only to receive several e-mails from recipients saying things like, "Uhm, are you sure this is the right one? I don't see my project updates). Sure enough, the two hours I put into it on Friday afternoon were gone. Since I don't make it a habit if working hard and then saying, "No MS Word, I don't want to save the changes. Please trash all this work and don't save it in the recycle bin or anything either." I have to believe it was a brief moment of temporary insanity on my part or know that computers can really screw up. They CAN!
6. 12:11 p.m. - By the narrowest of margins miss any opportunity of going to lunch with anyone and thus run out to get something and eat at my desk.
7. 2:oo p.m. - Attend a meeting on a project that has had as much luck in getting off the ground as the Brady's had on their ill-fated Hawaiian vacation. This could be the week we pull the plug.
8. 5:52 p.m. - Cruising down the freeway en route to safely pick up Emerson with a few moments to spare, when out of nowhere brake lights storm the freeway, across all lanes of traffic. Standstill. Thank goodness for cell phones and Gama Kathy who is two minutes from daycare. Agree to meet her in the parking lot so that we don't risk a late pick up fee.
9. 6:05 p.m. - Arrive in school parking lot only to see that Emerson's BRAND NEW shorts are covered in paint. Nice.
10. 6:06 - 6:20 p.m. Emerson is only happy if we play 'The Itsy Bitsy Spider' song on my cd over and over and over again. Thus, the reason the repeat button was invented.
11. 6:20 p.m. - 7:05 p.m. - Emerson is a DREAM BOAT while we are at Best Buy (picking up stuff for work) and Cost Plus (picking up stuff for us).
12. 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. - Dinner and story time (my favorite part of the day) proves fun and pretty uneventful.
13. 8:20 p.m. - Begin making copies of disc from department team building day. Start blogging.
14. 8:40 p.m. - Check laundry and assess damage of load washed and dried while secretly accompanied by a dark purple pen.
15. 8:50 p.m. - Make a tortilla with warm honey and call it a day.

My Favorite Song Right This Second

Chocolate by Snow Patrol. It's one of those songs that you can just play over and over and over again and never get sick of it. Never. Ever. I have even found a cool way (thanks to Cynthia) of sharing the lyrics with you!

snow patrol

music song lyrics

Lara's Must List for August

Read
1. Real Simple Magazine - I get ideas from there every single issue.
2. This Is Not Chick Lit: Original Stories by America's Best Women Writers, edited by Elizabeth Merrick. It's available in stores today and I will be picking up my copy this week.

Watch
1. House Season 1 on DVD
2. Jason Mewes in Clerks 2

Hear
1. Snow Patrol - Duh - they are all I ever blog about anymore.

What's New?

1. Emerson has officially transitioned to his big-boy bed and he loves it. Makes for great story time because we can both get under the covers "Cover MOMMY!" and read. A big milestone that makes me feel proud, happy and a bit nostalgic for my little baby Emerson.
2. My Harvey's Seatbelt bag, made from real seatbelt material and lined with actual flight suit material. It's in a great neutral dark brown and will be my cool bag for Fall.
3. My love of my newly discovered Wailin' Jennys 40 Days cd. Really beautiful, like a more folksy, less poppy Corrs.
4. My OPI Japanese Rose Garden polished little piggies. They look perfectly pink and summerrific.
5. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen, which I will be cracking open today. I hunkered down and finished A Confederacy of Dunces. A literary summer it is turning out to be.
6. Another blogger hits the web. Let's give a warm welcome to Tristin! Her blog can be accessed from my Links section on your right.

So, what's new with you? (and if you are a fellow blogger, you are actually reading this as "Tag, You're It!"

What I Know for Sure

Claudia's post on musings reminds me a lot of Oprah's What I Know for Sure. So, since I have been officially 'tagged' by her blog, here are my musings, or What I Know for Sure...

1. Relationships are about the most important thing in life.
2. Self care may be THE most important thing.
2. A child's laughter can turn your world around.
3. I couldn't get through the world without my son, music, laughter and the other good people in my life.
4. Life is too short for crappy books and crappy people.
5. When you have more, do more; when you know better, do better.
6. Sleep can be a hobby.
7. Mexicans make the best food.
8. Italians make the second best.
9. We are all really connected.
10. There is beauty in everything.

I am sure there are more. But this was at first blush...

What I am Not Loving Right Now, a List

1. That the weekend is already over.
2. Emerson's tantrums.
3. The uncertainty of certain things.
4. How freaking hot it is.
5. A Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole.
6. The Jeff Buckley songs that Claudia uploaded to my iTunes. I am just not digging him.
7. My lifelong craving of bad-for-me food.
8. My messy room.
9. How slow as sap my computer is. Maybe I will buy Claudia's iMac...
10. That Emerson has to get his ears re-tubed.

What I am Loving Right Now, a List

1. The start of my summer tan (and summer's only halfway over).
2. Emerson's burgeoning (and often repetitive) vocabulary.
3. Snow Patrol - Great lyrics and sound. Chocolate and Chasing Cars are two fabulous singles.
4. My anticipation of Studio60. Finally a network is recognizing that while Sorkin's a drug addict, he's a brilliant tv writing sniffer.
5. That Alix is coming to town in a few weeks.
6. My new MAC eyeshadows - Satin Taupe and Naked Lunch. With names like that, how could you not like them?
7. The wicked-cool team-building day my boss and I have planned for our team.
8. So You Think You Can Dance? Uhm, yeah, the 12 finalists can kick up them heels!
9. Emerson joining me in the mornings for some best-way-to-start-my-day snuggles.
10. It's the weekend, baby!

Oooooh Mexico

By the numbers:

4
Roadtrippers - Claudia, Cynthia, Judy and Moi

80
Songs across three road trip mixes

1
Kick-ass condo

3
Flat screen tvs in said kick-ass condo

108
Cards comprising a deck of Uno – the only game at the condo

6
Banana Boat rides

4
Members of an annoying family that yelled to communicate

1.5
Political discussions

5
Sun burned body parts

2
Unsavory meals for Judy

40
Dollars for tequila that makes the BEST margaritas

100s
Pages read

0
Regrets

Chasing the Sun

This weekend three of my friends and I are taking a girls' weekend to head south of the border for some good food, good company, good sun and good times. It's 11:40 the night before we leave and par for the course I am still doing laundry. BUT, my road trip mix has been made. I have really tried to focus on the important things.

Having the Fourth of July holiday on a Tuesday just really threw me off and I thought I had more time to prepare - like a whole day more. Oh well. It won't really matter when I am sittin' on the beach with a 'rita, a good book and my shiny new toe ring that I just bought, now will it?

It will be one of the longest times I am away from Emerson, but he will get some good daddy-bonding time. I can't wait to see how excited he will be when I return. Selfish, I know. But I need to treasure this time that he squeals in delight at the sight of his mother.

My suitcase is calling me, in muffled spurts, "pack me up woman...take me somewhere exotic..."

Tiene un semana muy fantastica! (or have a fantastic weekend)

Lara's July Must List

Read

1. All Over But the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg - a fantastic memoir
2. Girl's Poker Night - by Jill A. Davis - great summer read by a former Letterman show staff writer.

Watch

1. Nip Tuck - Disc 1 - on DVD
2. A Prarie Home Companion on Screen
3. Nothing on TV

Listen

1. A Prairie Home Companion Motion Picture Soundtrack

Sunday Morning

Tenis Anyone? Everyone?

That's not what you think. Nope, not at all. While you may find other typos in my blog, tenis is not one of them. Tenis, pron. tee-niss, rhymes with penis. Emerson knows he has one; and very likely he thinks you do too.

So how does he know this? See, all of those people that say things - They - say that you should always encourage your child to refer to their privates by their actual names and not embarassing cute names that will forever haunt them (like my brother's 'carrot' or my friend's college roommate who had a 'cookie').

Believe it or not, my not-even-two-and-a-half-year-old son has been coached to follow They, the experts.

He recently became SUPER aware of his penis to the point of always holding it at diaper changes and often while in the tub. So, following the wisdom of They, I started saying things like, "Honey, let go of your penis, mommy needs to clean you up and put on your new diaper." or "You can play with your penis once mommy leaves the room." (Really, why ignore the inevitable?).

So this morning, while experiencing the VERY BEGINNINGS of potty training, Emerson took off his diaper to sit on his potty. After nothing happened, he walked around for a while proclaiming to all who would listen that the potty was "My Potty!" I assured him it was indeed, his potty. Shortly thereafter, the possession changed to his 'tenis'. "My Tenis! My Tenis, Mommy!" Proud as only a mother can be, I again assured him. "Very good honey, that IS your penis."

And then, the tables turned.

"Mommy tenis?" as he pointed to my lap?

It took everything in me not to laugh.

"No, mommy doesn't have a penis."

"Mommy tenis?"

"No, honey. Mommy doesn't have a penis."

"Gamma tenis?"

"No, honey. Gamma doesn't have a penis."

"Tia tenis?"

"No, honey. Tia doesn't have a penis either. Only you and Daddy have a penis. (and here's where, if only for a split second, I contemplated full disclosure and decided to go for it) Mommy, Tia and I each have a vagina."

He stared at me, not quite sure what to say. After looking around the room, he marched away from me and shouted, "MY TENIS!" and sat down on his potty.

Shutterbug

I recently got a camera that will be more than I need. Ever. But I have been practicing with it and am enjoying an amateur shutterbug status. Here are some shots captured today.

Two Pots

Desperate Times

Afternoon Sun

Check out the cute ones of the boy here.

Shuffle Up

I have been tagged by Claudia's post as to what popped up on her iPod when she switched to the random party shuffle mode. Well, here's what came up on mine:

1. Lose Yourself - Eminem
2. We Are One Body - Sophie B. Hawkins
3. Hella Good - No Doubt
4. If I Could Be Where You Are - Enya
5. Wildflowers - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
6. Take Me Out to the Ballgame - Ronnie Neuman
7. So Alive - Ryan Adams
8. Desafinado - George Michael
9. A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel - u2
10. Firecracker - Ryan Adams
11. How Do You Keep Love Alive - Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
12. New Orleans Insturmental No. 1 - R.E.M.
13. No Myth - Michael Penn
14. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
15. Under Pressure - Queen with David Bowie

Give Me a Boost...

I am a major products junkie - skin, nails, makeup - all that kind of stuff. My hair, however, has always been neglected. Don't feel too bad, though. I think my hair is one of my stronger features. I regularly get it cut and highlighted, but have never been big on mousse or gel, just a quick spray. See, my hair - lovely as it is - is super fine and super thick (read: HEAVY). Quite frankly, I never bought into the marketing or packaging of hair products that lift and volumize and bouffant and all that. PHOOEY, I thought.

Or so I thought...

On a mere whim, perhaps it was the 111 degree temperature yesterday that rendered my reasoning nil, but I splurged on a fancy hair product. Root Boost by TIGI - Catwalk claims to be a "spray for texture, lift and style support for all types of hair." It should be noted that 'all types of hair' reads to me like 'one size fits all'. It'll fitya, but we ain't gonna say how well.

But what really intrigued me in my heat-induced dementia was the second claim:

Precision application allows you maximum design control.

TIGI is telling me that not only will I be able to lift my hair, but I will be able to design it with my very own precision application process. For a mere 12 bucks, I could be a graphic designer of hair.

I was totally seduced. Mesmorized. SOLD. I couldn't wait to wake up on Monday to shower, towel dry my hair and begin my masterpiece.

Now, I am a simple hair girl. No fancy updos, twists, curls or even french braiding. So of course after shaking well and then spraying directly onto my head, I realized I had erred. Fortunately, the moussie-like texture caught me and I quickly recovered and applied a small amount in my hand and worked it into my scalp prior to blowing dry.

I have no photographic proof (yet) but I assure you this Root Boost met its claim and then some. AND it kept my roots boosted all day long and allowed me a cute poofy ponytail at the end of my 12 hour work day. I am thrilled. I am buying this stuff by the case so that my weighted down roots can forever be boosted.

You are welcome.

But seriously, you don't have to thank me. I mean really, who am I to keep a secret like this under wraps? We should all be so fortunate to have access to all the tools of the trade. And, I - Lara - am a giver.

My Most Inspiring Movies

Cynthia has challenged us to list our most inspiring movies; this after watching the AFI's 100 most inspiring movies. She has been perplexed on what makes a movie inspiring and is wondering what it means to others. Truth be told, it will be very different for all because inspiring can and does mean very different things. Just take dictionary.com's take on inspiring.

INSPIRING

1. To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.
2. To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: hymns that inspire the congregation; an artist who was inspired by Impressionism.
3. To stimulate to action; motivate: a sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus.
4. To affect or touch: The falling leaves inspired her with sadness.
5. To draw forth; elicit or arouse: a teacher who inspired admiration and respect.
6. To be the cause or source of; bring about: an invention that inspired many imitations.
7. To draw in (air) by inhaling.

So, with this many meanings, our choices will likely be very different.

Here are some of mine:

American Beauty - Not in the traditionally inspiring way, but the acting, directing and total movie was an inspired effort during a time when it's really hard to find a great movie. I loved the part with the bag blowing in the wind and the neighbor saying that there really is beauty in everything. I totally believe that. You just might have to squint your eyes to see it. But it's there.

The Breakfast Club - We all may be different on the outside, but most of us have a shared desire to fit in and belong somewhere.

Field of Dreams - If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Ray reconnecting with his father was inspiring.

Forrst Gump - Persistence pays off.

Mad Hot Ballroom - Everyone deserves the same opportunity, regardless. And when you give people opportunities (especially children) you will be amazed by the results.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Always be willing to ask questions; always challenge if you are concerned. I feel like I do this with Emerson's health care, but I can't say it was BECAUSE of this movie.

Parenthood - Families come in all shapes, sizes and personalities and sometimes the craziness of family is the best part. Family can and should always have your back.

A River Runs Through It - First and foremost, the scenery is inspiring - breathtakingly beautiful it instills a sense of calm. The movie also shows the tale of two brothers each on their own path each making mistakes in life and that through those mistakes they grow.

Say Anything - I think almost every straight girl (even the Diane Courts of the world) wanted to go find their LLoyd Dobbler. Also coming of age tale highlighting that we all learn our parents are people too - they are mortal and make mistakes.

My Inquiring (albeit tired) Mind Wants to Know...

Does Sean Lennon ever smile? Has he ever been happy - even for a moment - in his life? Every picture I have ever seen of him, he looks miserable. We really don't even know if he has teeth. Really, we don't.

Why is it that you get the coupon for a free 8 x 10 from Shutterfly if you just spend $25 by June 20th, when in the past two weeks you have spent over $200 at Shutterfly.

That's it. My mind isn't super curious right now. Mostly tired and those were two things that popped into it. Just now. Really randomly.

Dance and Sing/Get Up and Do Your Thing

Madonna had us dancin' and singin' and gettin' up and doin' our thing! Fortunately, Deejah and I were in the first row of our balcony level, though, and we didn't have to stand unless we wanted to!

Madge, or for you Kabbalah fans - Esther, rocked the hizzouse. At 47 years old the girl can still kick it AND in a white unitard. That's right. It appears the only fat this girl has is her breast tissue and that big ol bank account.

Fans were not disappointed by the 20 track set, which was primarily comprised of songs from her newest cd, Confessions...Mixing with a few tracks from Ray of Light and a skoch of old school tunes (Live to Tell, Erotica, Lucky Star, to name some).

Madonna and her uber-fit dancers put on a show to envy all shows. The performers were taught, the choreography was tight and the evening was titillating!

I would go again and again.

Vacation Recap

Vacation is over and it's time to get back into the swing of things.

This past week has been a real gem. Emerson and I traveled to Green Country to visit my dad, stepmom and other close family (brother, sis-in-law, aunt and cousins). It was the second time that Emerson had been there and he just had a grand old time.

The week was a leisurely one with a good mix of fun. Swimming, reading, napping and picture taking topped the agenda most days with some good food thrown in there too. Fortunately, tantrums were low on the list of Emerson's To-do's save the one he threw at the University Bookstore (right across from Gamma Lynn's office). As we ignored Emerson (in hopes of diffusing the rants) he looked up at Gamma Lynn' s assistant Johnnie and whimpered, "Help me." Nice way of making the family look good, Emerson!

Following are just a few of my favorite pics. You can get more at Emerson's blog (see right for link).

Soaking Up the Rays

Playing with Uncle Marsh

GO TEAM!

Picture Perfect with Gma Lynn

Handsome Boy

Papa's Love

Flower Power

What I am Loving Right Now, a List

1. My pedicure with the cute little flowers she painted on my big piggies.
2. The sweetest compliment - as Emerson and I entered my hair place to get his first cut by my gal, this woman looked at him and said, "He's just breathtaking!" I couldn't agree more!
3. Wendy's Frescata Sandwhich Combos (where you can get Baked Lay's and a Dasani water and not feel like a total greaser when you have to do the drive thru deal).
4. I am on vacation.
5. I am going to Madonna.
6. Emerson's boundless energy and overall sunny disposition.
7. That American Idol is over. What a waste of time - two nights a week.
8. That I got reunited with some of my most favorite cds last week.
9. My new bangs.
10. I am on vacation. I don't care if I already said it. ;)

Just Like a Prayer

Deejah will take me there.
No longer a mystery;
We'll watch from the first-row balcony.

No longer like a dream,
She will be what she seems.
Her voice will take me there;
Her voice, her voice will take me there.


...To the new arena, where on June 8, 2006 Deejah and I will be seeing the music maven, Madonna. That's right! I am going to Madonna!! Deejah scored some tix from her mom and we are going, going, SO GOING to the concert.

I love Madonna. I have all her cds. I have her documentary, Truth or Dare. I even have her first children's book, The English Roses. I saw her in concert a year and a half ago in Vegas, with Claudia and Scott at the MGM Grand. Grand it was. Ahhhhh.

Looks like Cynthia isn't the only concertgoer this summer. WOOOOOO-HOOOOOO!

Mom's Day 2006

Perfect kid.

Perfect day.

It's Hard to Be Humble...

...when one of the healthiest things on the planet shares your name. I am pleased to share with my expansive readership, the new to me:

My very own Larabar

That's right. The Larabar. Made by a much more nurtitionally sound Lara than I. According to Prolific Sports, the Larabar has a lot to boast about. Check this out.

Larabar is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices and has become a favorite among our staff. Made from 100% whole raw food, each flavor contains no more than 2 to 6 ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

Larabar contains everything a healthy body needs:

• Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids
• High fiber and quality carbohydrates for balanced blood sugar levels and sustained energy.
• Naturally occurring essential minerals and vitamins
• Plant source protein
• Phytonutrients and antioxidants derived from whole plant foods
• Non-GMO
• No added sugar
• Free of gluten, dairy, soy
• Vegan and Kosher
  
  PLUS

LARABAR REAL: Sweet with no added sweeteners. Gutsy with no added fillers. It's what your body needs - real, whole food loaded with nature's own minerals and vitamins. All without chemicals, fillers or medicinal tasting supplements.

LARABAR RAW: Never cooked, Never processed. The essential enzymes, which are necessary for digestion and utilization of nutrients, remain completely intact in their most natural, powerful state. Adiet abundant in raw, unprocessed foods is important for health and longevity.

LARABAR RIGHT: Contains only pure ingredients. Vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, carbohydrates and good fats are derived exclusively from the raw, whole foods used to make the bars. What could be more right?

It even comes in tasty flavors like Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Chocolate Coconut Chew and Ginger Snap!

Who knew that something named Larabar could be so goshdangfoodforyou?

Sucker for a Sad Song

That's me. I don't really know why either. I am not a depressive person or enjoy the meloncholy of folly. I just like the traditionally slower rhythm's and the raw sentiment. Below are some of my favorites. If you are a blogger like me and happen upon this list, then tag - YOU'RE it.

My Favorite Sad Songs, in No Particular Order

1. How Do You Keep Love Alive by Ryan Adams

What does it mean?/What does it mean?/What does it mean to be so sad?/When someone you love/Someone you love is supposed to make you happy/What do you do?/How do you keep love alive?

2. I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You by Colin Hay

I drink good coffee every morning/Comes from a place that's far away/And when I'm done I feel like talking/Without you here there is less to say/I don't want you thinking I'm unhappy/What is closer to the truth/That if I lived till I was 102/I just don't think I'll ever get over you

3. Warning Sign by Coldplay

A warning sign/I missed the good part then I realised/I started looking and the bubble burst/I started looking for excuses/Come on in, I’ve gotta tell you what a state I’m in/I’ve gotta tell you in my loudest tones/That I started looking for a warning sign/When the truth is/I miss you/Yeah the truth is/That I miss you so

4. I Shall Believe by Sheryl Crow

Come to me now/And lay your hands over me/Even if it’s a lie/Say it will be alright/And I shall believe

5. With or Without You by U2

See the stone set in your eyes/See the thorn twist in your side/I wait for you/Sleight of hand and twist of fate/On a bed of nails she makes me wait/And I wait without you/With or without you/With or without you

6. It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing by Shania Twain

And it only hurts when I’m breathing/My heart only breaks when it’s beating/My dreams only die when I’m dreaming/So, I hold my breath--to forget

7. And So it Goes by Billy Joel

So I would choose to be with you/That’s if the choice were mine to make/But you can make decisions too/And you can have this heart to break/And so it goes, and so it goes/And you’re the only one who knows

8. I Don't Wanna Talk About It by Rod Stewart

I can tell by your eyes that you've prob'bly been cryin' forever,/and the stars in the sky don't mean nothin' to you, they're a mirror./I don't wanna talk about it, how you broke my heart./If I stay here just a little bit longer,/If I stay here, won't you listen to my heart, whoa, heart?

9. You Don't Know Me by Michael Buble

You give your hand to me/And then you say good-bye/I watch you walk away/Beside the lucky guy/You'll never never know/The one who loves you so/Well, you don't know me

10. When Will You Come Back Home by Ryan Adams

When, when will you come back home/No one leave the lights on in a house/Where nobody lives anymore

Now that I have given you the songs and a sampling of their lyrics; I see that it is pretty depressing. I am really not trying to be a cyberdowner. Trust me, I have always liked these kinds of songs. They have brought me peace, comfort, healing and perhaps surprisingly - enjoyment.

What I am Loving This Second - A List

1. For the first time ever tonight, Emerson said his name.

2. That when I ask Emerson what color something is - no matter what - his answer is: Lellow.

3. My new Lands' End linen pants (and that I guessed at my inseam and they are the perfect length).

4. That two of the shirts I ordered with my pants have to be returned for a SMALLER size.

5. My Tuesday morning trip to Starbucks had me in a front-row-joe parking space and NO ONE in front of me when I walked up to the counter. That never happens on a weekday morning at 8:05 a.m. But it did for me, if only once.

6. Reading almost every day.

7. My white Coach duffle has proven to be an excellent purchase.

8. The new chocolate and turquoise notecards I bought.

9. Online tax filing means for a truly rapid refund right into my account.

10. Just three and a half weeks until vacation!

May's Musts

Read: Cowboys are my Weakness by Pam Houston

Watch: The Apprentice - we are down to the final six and it's as juicy as ever

Hear: Old 97s (if you like Wilco and all)

Words that Made this Grown Up Mama Cry

The Summer-Camp Bus Pulls Away From the Curb
by Sharon Olds

Whatever he needs, he has or doesn't
have by now.
Whatever the world is going to do to him
it has started to do. With a pencil and two
Hardy Boys and a peanut butter sandwich and
grapes he is on his way, there is nothing
more we can do for him. Whatever is
stored in his heart, he can use, now.
Whatever he has laid up in his mind
he can call on. What he does not have
he can lack. The bus gets smaller and smaller, as one
folds a flag at the end of a ceremony,
onto itself and onto itself, until
only a heavy wedge remains.
Whatever his exuberant soul
can do for him, it is doing right now.
Whatever his arrogance can do
it is doing to him. Everything
that's been done to him, he will now do.
Everything that's been placed in him
will come out, now, the content of a trunk
unpacked and lined up on a bunk in the underpine

light.

We All Deserve a Second Chance

Especially if we get off on the wrong foot to begin with.

That was the case with Melissa Bank's Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing. It really didn't have a fair shot with me. I mean EVERYONE was raving about it and, quite frankly, overselling it and all that. When I read it, I was left unimpressed. I just didn't understand all the hype.

So, I had an opportunity to acquire it cheaply and decided to reread it. Maybe I missed something. I don't know if I am at a more focused point in my life that I could pay better attention to it, or what. But I actually liked it a lot better the second time around. She really captures the loneliness of dating and the loneliness that can creep into a relationship. There are some really good lines. So good that I wished I had marked them. But those of you that know me know I would never write in a book - that's vandalism!

Life's too short for me to go back and re-read books that I didn't love the first time around, but I guess I had a feeling. I certainly won't re-read anything I loved. I would hate to not have the lovely first impression that I had. Kinda like finishing a great meal with all the flavors still swirling on your tongue and you make the unwise choice to try Joe's dessert or taste Marla's coffee. It's ruined. That pleasant closure to you dining experience derailed. Forever.

My Little Easter Bunny

Pull Up a Chair and Stay a While

I think it's interesting that if you are pregnant, most HMOs will only charge one copay (that of your first appointment diagnosing your pregnancy) for the duration of your 'symptom'. When that 'symptom' is over back you go to paying for each office visit. So, with my insurance, it only cost me $15.00 to obtain prenatal care and deliver Emerson (via c-section, mind you).

In any other instance, I will required to make a copayment for any doctor visit no matter if I am seen multiple times regarding the same symptoms, diagnoses or treatments. Isn't that interesting? So, while it could be challenging to be ailed by more than one thing at one time, it can actually be a cost savings. Especially if your course of treatment cures you after that one visit. It's convenient too as you will have fewer trips to the ol' Doc.

Case in point: Yesterday, I was diagnosed with a double whammy - Pink eye and strep throat. Nice combo don't you think? I mean you have the nasty breath of an infected throat and the freakish red eye that would be perfect looking if only it were Halloween. Alas, it wasn't and here I was at urgent care at 7pm waiting to be seen.

It had started in the wee hours of Tuesday morning when I woke to my left eye gummed closed by leakage. I got up, pried my eyelids apart and noticing that the whites of my eyes had been replaced with a bright blood red hue. I chalked it up to one too many nights in a row sleeping with my contacts, yanked them out - after much tearing (that's whaah whaah, not rip rip) and struggle I got both out and safely in the trash and got my weary bum back to bed.

I arose at 6:30 a.m. only to find that my eye was no better and still pretty runny. No pain though, it just felt tired and it was just my left eye (hmmm, does TLC want to reunite?). I got ready for work and off I went. Comments were made throughout the morning and a few wonderful folks offered me drops and hand sanitizer. Their motives clearly mixed. The slight lump that was felt in my throat was gathering size as the day progressed and my eye was not looking better.

While attending an offsite event for work late Tuesday afternoon, a colleague of mine (higher on the totem pole than I and really a minor acquaintance) saw me and and asked if I was okay. I told him I was and that I thought I had pink eye and would be seeing my doctor tomorrow. He craned his neck down and closer to me to get a better look. He asked me to take off my glasses and while it seemed strange, he had a familiar way about this and I obliged. As he reached for my face, I made a pronounced shift. "You know I am an eye doctor, don't you?" Relief. "I figured as much considering you have had the greatest interest in my eye of everyone today."

Shortly thereafter, I made my way to my car and was en route home when I continued to be bothered by my throat. At the next stoplight, I took a look in my vanity mirror and sure enough - signs of infection. I detoured from home and made my way to urgent care. After about one and half hours time I had my diagnosis and my prescriptions. God love a ZPak antibiotic.

Now just more than 24 hours later, a day of rest, eye drops every four hours and my meds, I am on the mend. My eye is still red, although fading. I should be able to approach tomorrow with far less scrutiny from others.

Thank goodness the weekend is just a couple of days away.

Emerson - Toddler Cruiser

The Beauty of Words

I am a latecomer to poetry. I realize some never make it there (just like I never made it to Shakespeare or Milton and thus a major in English Lit never materialized). However, early, tardy, or hours late, I developed a liking and there are a few poems I have come across that are worth sharing. The first will be in this posting and it's a most dazzling poem by e. e. cummings. YES, it's the one that Maggie (Cameron Diaz) read to Rose (Toni Collette) at the end of In Her Shoes, but the chick flick based on chick lit should not negate it's beauty.

i carry your heart with me by e. e. cummings

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

Lyrics I am Loving Right Now

The songs are great too...oh and these are just segements not the whole song...


Home to Me by Josh Kelley

Cause' its you that I'm runnin to baby
It's you that I'm feelin for lately and
It's like a pain that never goes away
and it always starts today

Cause you are home to me, Cause you are home to me
Cause you are home to me, Cause you are home to me




Light Up My Room by Barenaked Ladies

If you question what I would do
To get over and be with you
Lift you up over everything
To light up my room, my room

The Power of Marketing

It's quite possible that I have taken things too far. It started with a simple invitation. Brightly colored and addressed to me, not RESIDENT. I mean, it was personal and it was only supposed to happen once.

But then another invitation came. Another dance. And now I am getting hand written cards thanking me for my recent purchases and checking into see how I am enjoying my new tote and attache.



What's a girl supposed to do when Coach offers her 25 percent off all fall AND spring purchases? First it was gloves and a wristlet (see right).





Next it was an attache and large tote (how totally freaking great is my white tote?). Consider me stylishly accessorized. Damn, thos marketers! I am powerless to their advances.

...Now if only my clothing were as up to date as my leather goods.

My Little Green Thumb

Taken today at 9 a.m.

Lara's Must List for April

April Musts (No Foolin'):

Read
The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter

Watch
American Idol on TV
Junebug on DVD
Failure to Launch on Screen

Listen
Dog-Eared Dream by Willy Porter

Practice Makes Practice

We all are works in progress, aren't we? Fortunate are those that realize this and seek to improve the areas in which they can gain the most return on investment? I am no different. I am not so unique.

That brings me to bring to you one of my personal development obsessions: Planning and Time Management. It presents itself in the procurement and attempted consistent use of a personal planning system. A single system by which I can document and record all personal and professional happenings and occurences. Behold my current system!

Current. That tells you that I have dappled with other planning systems. And I admit it; I have been a bit of a planner junkie. The Libra in me needs it to be cute and functional. So this time I opted for the pretty blue leather binder and the complementary Leadership inserts. The me in me needs to fill it out every day, consistently to gain all of the benefit of total organization.

Herein, the problem lies. I see myself as a planner using, task writing and checking, date placing maven. I just can't seem to execute that. Not every day. Not even really regularly. "They" say (you know, those experts) that it takes 21 days to create or break a habit. So with this knowledge, I am attempting a lifestyle change. One that consistently takes planning into account. Every day. Every single day.

I really think that with a little discipline, I can accomplish this. Just to show you how committed I am to my new goal, let's look at today. As you can see (kind of - the image is pretty small) I have my meetings in the calendar section noted and a manageable task list of which I completed most items.

Color me proud. Today was a very good day. Today is the day I will start counting to 21.

Wish me luck.

Random Acts of Blogging

• I got my brows done on Tuesday and I swear I look like a movie star (even if no one else thinks I do). It's amazing what one little bit of pampering can do to your mindset. I get my hair cut and colored on Tuesday and I am going to squeeze a pedicure in this weekend. Extreme self care is a major goal for this year.
  
• I need to get in the mindset that exercise is a form of self care.
  
• I keep falling asleep early and in front of the tv. Why can't The Office be on before My Name is Earl?
  
• Tomorrow is errand and friend day. Oil change, Costco (dipes and wipes), gocery store, and maybe the car wash. I also get to see my dear friend Ali and participate in my first Movie Club night - Harold and Maude.
  
• I have the cutest kid in the world. And his audio clips on his blog prove it. ;)
  
• I hate rude and condescending people.*
  
• I love Sugar Ray and Mark McGrath has a great cover of Ghost in You on the 50 First Dates soundtrack. I am listening to it while I blog.
  
• I just couldn't get into Jarhead but am enjoying my second stab at A Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing. I need to hurry and finish it so that I can pick up my Book Club's April selection.

That's all. I too tired to write any more.

*Wait, p.s. Karma RULES. Trust me.

Sexy Serenades

I keep reading blogs and I keep getting tagged. Claudia has a post on sexiest songs, so I guess it is my turn.

1. Let's Get it On by Marvin Gaye. Should be self explanatory. If you don't think so, download it and listen for yourself.

2. No Ordinary Love by Sade. Fantastic beat for smooooooth moooooves.

3. Crash into Me by Dave Matthews Band. The lyrics will get you every time.

4. Sadness (Pt. 1) by Enigma. If you are in for the night, this is it.

6. With or Without You by U2. Love/hate never sounded so good.

Gosh I HATE That Song

In visiting my new best friend's blog, I was tagged and am pleasantly forced into sharing with you all my top 5 most loathsome songs. Here goes...

1. Red, Red, Wine by UB40. This song is like nails on a chalkboard for me. It probably doesn't help that I am just not a fan of UB40 in general. If I had to name their sound, it would be nasal-infused pop.

2. You're the Inspiration by Chicago. When the guy you are dating says, "We need a song." and just picks one, consider paradise (or the honeymoon phase) over. I can barely listen to any Chicago just by the mere fact that this song was armwrestled into being 'our' song.

3. The Macarena by Los Del Rio. Totally annoying. And not just because I can't do the line dance to it.

4. What's Up by Four Non Blondes. There is a reason this group was a one-hit wonder.

5. Anniversary by Tony! Toni! Tone! Lyrically, it's quite possibly the dumbest song ever. Ever.

The Drought Has Ended

It's been 143 days of no rain, and finally, the spell is over. I think it started in the wee hours and we have had a nice drizzle most of the morning.

What a great day for curling up with a good book and a blanket! Except that I have a toddler. So, I will take advantage when he goes down for his nap.

Could also be a great day for a Starbucks run. But, really now; what day ISN'T good for a Starbucks run?

I'm Bulking Up

I have asked my team at work to read a book, Now Discover Your Strengths (which you will notice in my What I am Reading Now list of my sidebar). The book proposes that we acheive the greatest potential and can succeed the most if we nurture our natural talents rather than focus on improving our weaknesses.

I am also reading it and this past weekend I took the online assessment provided by purchasing the book. This assessment, known as the Strengths Finder, helps you identify your 5 greatest talent themes, which if nurtured, will provide the greatest opportunity for success - because they are the areas you are naturally, intrinsically good at.

Well, I have to say that this book and the assessment are both very interesting! If you are interested in personal development, I highly recommend it. So, after taking the assessment (which is arranged through the Gallup organization - lahdidah), I was told my greatest themes, in order, are:

Communication: People strong in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.

Harmony: People strong in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don't enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.

Consistency: People strong in the Consistency theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same. They try to treat everyone in the world with consistency by setting up clear rules and adhering to them.

Adaptability: People strong in the Adaptability theme prefer to "go with the flow." They tend to be "now" people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.

Positivity: People strong in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.

There are 34 themes they account for and these are my five. Not bad, eh? But all 34 are really cool sounding things. So now, I get to spend some time figuring out if I am utilizing these themes in my work, and if not, figure out how I can.

A Bizzaro Thing Happened on the Way to My Sunday...

I learned that the Wheel of Fortune Bus was parked out at one of the casinos on the outskirts of town. And they were taking applications. And it meant I could try out for one of my favorite gameshows. And it seemed, for just a moment, that I might live out one of my crazy life dreams (that and being an Oscar winning actress - which isn't too likely at this point) of being on a gameshow and winning oodles and oodles of cash awards and prizes.

I threw on my best suit and my mom and I took off leaving Emerson and T to do guy things for the day. It was about a 30 minute drive there. The Parking Gods were looking over my shoulder and we got a spot just steps from the audition arena, I mean tent, I mean handling area. Mom and I wove our way through what seemed like rows and rows of looping aisles only to stand right behind a couple of hundred people who were also waiting.

The stage was rather simple. The wheel was upright and listed prizes like t-shirt, hat, blinky pen and Wheel Pack. As it turned out, contestants didn't actually spin the wheel. That task was managed by Marty, Wheel of Fortune's Traveling Road Show host. The board was operated manually by a perky, fresh-faced and well-toned Heidi (aka Vanna) and instead of lighting up the letters as they are called, Heidi had write on, wipe off spaces that she used to spell out the words. Truth be told, it lacked the glam and glitz I was expecting.

A local news affiliate was there broadcasting weather updates and shots of all the lunatics trying out for Wheel (present blogger included). After standing in line for about 30 minutes we were told by some production staffer the drill.

1. There would be 3 'shows' that day.
2. We had a chance to 'appear' on the shows by filling out an application.
3. Each 'show' was marked by a different colored application.
4. Our group was waiting to participate in the 11:00 (or yellow application) group.
5. Once our applications were filled out, we would continue weaving through the makeshift aisles, drop our yellow applications into a yellow box and make our way to the 'studio audience'.
6. Marty and Hiedi would run the show which would consist of pulling applications out of the box, 5 at a time, and completing speed rounds.
7. Folks who were lucky enough to have their names drawn were considered auditioning from the time their name was called. So in other words, you'd better be PUMPED UP from that time on.
8. They would go through as many speed rounds as they could in one hour (approx. 30 people) and then they would have two more 'shows', at 12:30 and 2:00, respectively. Each of these subsequent shows were assigned a different color and if you wanted to try out - back in the line you went, filled out another application and herded your way through for a CHANCE.
9. Now, it is important to note: having your name called didn't mean you would be on the show. Participating in the speed round did not mean you would be on the show, winning or losing the puzzle did not mean you would be on the show. The folks with Wheel were looking at the total package.

So, they would check you out and if they liked you, they would take your information and e-mail you in a couple of weeks and have you come back for another tryout. If they still liked you, you then went to LA for a third and final tryout. A lot of trying out for something you may not get.

You've prolly figured with all my rambling that neither I nor my mother were called up to the stage. It was a shame too, because we are just as good and enthusiastic as the folks that were (moreso, in fact). And, GET THIS! A husband and wife were each picked for different speed rounds within the same hour! How random and totally unfair is that.

As the last grouping of 5 made their way to the stage, I turned to look behind me to see how bad the line would be if we wanted to consider 'trying out' for the 12:30 show. It was significant. I loooked at mom and said, "We'll, it was fun and we have a memory. I'm ready to go." She agreed and departed from our small little dream, we did.

Top 5 Guilty Pleasures - Movies

In response to Cynthia's post of Guilty Pleasure Movies, I am going to prepare my own list. Guilty pleasures are hard to define - especially if you aren't embarrassed by anything. However, I think a guilty pleasure implies that you should feel guilty (even if you don't). I also think there has to be some sort of cheesiness factor associated with it. That being said, here are my cheesiest of cheesy, guilty pleasure movies.

1. Scary Movie - Parody on scary movies. Cheesy, low-brow, all around perfect guilty pleasure.

2. Booty Call - The whole movie is about two guys trying to kick it with some ladies. Totally stupid, totally cheesy and I am embarrassed by how much I liked it.

3. The Naked Gun - The best quote should suffice:
[Jane climbs a ladder]
Frank: Nice beaver!
Jane: [producing a stuffed beaver] Thank you. I just had it stuffed.

4. Clue - There is no logical reason why a board game could be a movie, but they tried. It got horrible reviews, but I loved it! Tim Curry is fabulous in this!

5. Bring it On! - Kirsten Dunst leads the pack in this campy flick about competing high school cheerleading squads. Best part is when the white girl squad tries to rap: "Yo! Yo! Yo! Wassup? Wassup? It's time to get busy, so let's kick this shit and knock the C.K. off your face. "

Emerson at Rest

My little angel.

Rambling

Totally random rambling...

• Has anyone seen the similarity between Coldplay's Green Eyes (from A Rush of Blood to the Head) and anything by Wilco (when Billy Bragg is fronting)? Try Wilco's California Stars. Listen closely. There is a real likeness in sound of voice and sparseness - is that even a word? Trust me.
  
• I am really worried that Maroon 5's sophomore effort won't be as good as the first. Despite the fact that crazy bigtime debuts often don't have follow up efforts that garner the same kind of success as the first, I just think Adam Levine is spending too much time playin' the ladies of the biz, and maybe needs to spend a little more time in the studio.
  
• The Office is crazy funny. I watched all of Season 1 this past weekend. Okay, so it's only six episodes and without commercials that's only 20 minutes per. But laugh out loud fun I am telling you.
  
• What's going on with Jen and Vince's new movie, The Break Up? First it was scheduled to release in Feb. Then in April. Now, I can't find it in my Entertainment Weekly Spring Movie preview. What gives?
  
• My brother sent me a totally cool link for this online game where you try to stump the computer and pick a dictator or sitcom character. You then answer questions and the game tries to guess who you are thinking of. If you want to try it, be my guest: http://www.smalltime.com/dictator.html. I stumped the chump twice.

Lara's Must List for March

Happy March Everyone! Here's what you have to check out this month:

READ
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

WATCH
1. The Amazing Race on TV
2. Arrested Development on DVD
3. Brokeback Mountain on Screen

HEAR
Anything by Joshua Radin

I will also post this on my Must List in my sidebar so you can refer to it all month. Which I am sure you will as I make such awesome recommendations.