Toes In the Sand

Craving a cigarette? How about 4,000 lethal chemicals?

2009-02-24T13:56:00.001-08:00

XPLANE, a global information design consultancy, created “Put It Out,” an illustrated poster showing in no uncertain terms the lethal chemicals - including arsenic, methane and formaldehyde - ingested from each cigarette and what some of the harsh health facts are surrounding smoking. The 11” x 17” poster can be viewed and downloaded at www.xpla

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Did You Know: The Inauguration Edition

2009-01-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

Check out this video by XPLANE that visually portrays 23 unique inauguration facts. GOBAMA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hvXMuzCimk&fmt=18

Did You Know?: Holiday facts from around the globe

2008-12-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from XPLANE - the place where I spend my days! XPLANE is an information design consultancy that partners with companies to drive understanding and clarity through the use of visual thinking and design. Enjoy and happy holidays!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1I7wew5rsg&fmt=18

On Paper Wings - putting Bly on the map

2008-08-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

For any of my fellow Southern Oregonians, you may be familiar with the story of the Japanese balloon bomb that landed in Bly and caused the only deaths on the mainland of the U.S. during WWII. But whether you're familiar or not, it's a very compelling story and has recently been made into a documentary here in Portland. The film, "On Paper Wings" screens this weekend at the Hollywood Theatre. As a person not from Bly, but having grown up with a Bly P.O. box (you figure that one out), I'd encourage people to check it out.

"On Paper Wings": Portland filmmaker Ilana Sol's documentary is a quietly effective account of the only fatalities inflicted by the enemy on the U.S. mainland during World War II -- a Japanese paper "balloon bomb" that exploded in 1945 near Bly, Ore., killing a pregnant woman and five children. It gives the perspectives of the survivors and the Japanese schoolgirls who made the balloons, not comprehending the fatal possibilities of their patriotic service.
Saturday-Sunday at Hollywood Theatre

Hooray for Hollywood!

2008-07-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Come out tonight for a street party on Sandy Blvd., celebrating the Hollywood Theatre's 82nd birthday! Sandy will be closed between NE 40th and 42nd. BBQ, birthday cake, beer garden (courtesy of Laurelwood Brew Pub), live entertainment, street performers and fire trucks will all be in attendance. Main stage performers include Stephanie Schneiderman, Funkplastic and the Hollywood Dance Troupe. Fun for the whole family! BBQ and beers cost $5 - all proceeds go to Film Action Oregon and the restoration of the Hollywood Theatre!

Time for some campaigning!

2008-07-16T14:06:00.001-07:00

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A Moment

2008-07-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

My grandmother and I have never really gotten along. Ever since I was a little girl we have battled. She's called me the worst granddaughter ever - I'm sure I've called her worse than that. I think I always looked a little too much like my mom, preferred Michael Jordon t-shirts over pink frills and lace, cut my hair a little too short, preferred track meets over shopping and oh yeah, there was the time I chose a black baby doll to buy out of a store full out white ones. She has always far preferred my sister (except for a brief period when she thought maybe Lynn was a lesbian!).

My grandfather passed away in 1999. He was a strong, big, fun-loving man who adored my dad (his son), spoiled Lynn and I as a grandpa does and could keep my ornery grandma in line unlike anyone else. After he died we were sure my grandma would soon follow. But here we are nine years later and she lives on....for now.

In fact she is nearing the end of her life. She fell seriously ill about a month and a half ago. Kidney failure, diabetes flare up, fluid in the lungs - a whole series of issues. Last week I received a phone call from my mom about 8 p.m. She told me that she and my dad were headed into town - grandma was very sick and not expected to make it much longer - maybe not even until they got there. Suddenly I was struck with the feeling of "Oh crap." Here is this woman who I have argued with and really disliked all of my life, always wishing she'd just be nice to me, not be hurtful and maybe approve of something I did, said or wore. Of course I had ultimately achieved that approval when Brooke was born - on many occasions my grandma said to me, "Don't you ever wonder where she came from?" of course implying that I could never produce something that CUTE! But yes, she loves Brooke, thinks she's a smart, sweet girl which she's right about, she is. But anyway back to last week. Suddenly I felt like I had something that must be said to this woman - this woman who I have rarely been able to bring myself to say "I love you" to because of the callouses I had built up around my heart. I needed her to not die without me at least telling her that I do indeed love her...I knew that deep down she'd always loved me, in her own, often twisted and confusing way. I needed to have a "last call" with her. I called the hospital hoping they could at least hold the phone up to her ear so that I could say a few words to her. However, when I called I was told that she was doing better, moved back into her room and was resting comfortably. My parents had turned around and were headed home. What? I wiped away my tears and thought, "crazy old woman - she's just not going to die." I talked to her the next day and she was her usual cranky self - telling me how bad the food is, how the phone doesn't work right and how they won't let her do anything. Yep, same ol' Grandma. It wouldn't have been right for me to try to have some deep "last conversation" with her then - it would have been awkward and forced, and probably not well-received, if I'd tried.

Fast forward to last night.

On my way home from work I thought I should call her to let her know I was thinking about her. Mom had told me that she was having a rougher time, a lot of confusion was starting to set in. I called and reached her right away. I could tell she was weaker, somewhat confused but not overly (just telling me that she's not sure what's going on) but that she wanted to talk. I told her about our recent trip down the ranch, how Brooke loves my dad (her son), how she calls him Mr. Buckaroo and why, how they went fishing and caught two trout, how she clearly says Aunt Lynn and how she thought the fireworks were fun. I realized as the time kept passing that she wasn't anxious to get off the phone as she had been during recent calls. At one point I thought she'd set the phone down because it got really quiet but then she said, "I'm here." I realized that this was it - this was the conversation I'd been waiting and needing to have. There was some reason why she was hanging on the line. I asked her if she'd ever been to Maine and told her about our upcoming trip out there to see Pat's family and then our plans to go to Cape Cod to visit John and Danette - she commented on how nice that will be. I told her that Danette and John just had their second baby which she was surprised to hear. I told her that we went horseback riding with Lynn and she commented on how much Lynn loves horses to which I agreed. She asked me what time it was and I told her 5:30. And then without hesitation and because it made perfect sense I told her that I love her and that I just want her to be comfortable. Because that's it - that's what I've always wanted...for her to have happiness, peace and comfort in her heart. And with that I told her I'd talk to her later and we both said Bye. She didn't cry or complain or whine...we just talked about happy things.

I checked the call time on my phone: 9 min., 36 seconds.

I later learned that my parents had been there just about 45 minutes before but that she basically slept the whole time and didn't seem to have much recognition that they were there, and they certainly didn't talk for 10 minutes.

I don't know what will happen today or tomorrow but I think there was a reason why she reserved that 10 minutes for me, fighting off sleep and medication to listen to what I had to tell her and for me to know she heard it. There was unfinished business between the two of us - business that didn't exist between her and my dad, or my mom and certainly not my sister. In those 9 minutes, 36 seconds we found a common ground and my wish is that it helped grant her a level of peace that she may be that much more confident to "take the trip" as my dad says. In my heart I believe the end of her time here on earth is eminent. In reality I hope that was our "last call" - because it just felt right. It's time for her to go be with my Grandpa Bud, to drink a stiff cocktail like they used to do, and to take their newest Cadillac out for a heavenly drive while listening to Patsy Cline on the stereo as they both keep the beat on the center arm rest.

Be comfortable, Grandma. I do love you.

At Water's Edge

2008-07-01T10:27:00.001-07:00

5 Things to be Happy About Right Now

2008-07-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

1. It's 85 degrees and sunny.

2. Brooke loves swim lessons.

3. My favorite single friend is engaged.

4. I got paid on Monday.

5. Ari & Lloyd on Netflix.

How Obama Does It

2008-06-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Check out this XPLANE infographic (http://www.xplane.com/obama/) showing how Barack Obama has become the first presidential candidate to turn down public funding due to his successful social networking campaign strategy. It’s interesting, regardless of who you plan to vote for this fall!

When is an inch more than just an inch?

2008-03-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

When that inch is on your neighbor's property! Ever since moving into our house our dog has been wreaking havoc on the neighbors, mailman, meter reader, other animals, etc... You get the idea. Last summer we built a fence on either side of our house preventing her from scaring off the mailman, meter reader and kids in the culdi sac. This spring our project was to fence off the remaining portion along the back of our yard. The posts were dug and set two weeks ago, only to soon be followed by a neighbor we had never seen or met before to be out there digging a hole. Long story short, our fence posts are on our neighbors' land -- in fact, two neighbors...lucky us. Out of 17 poles, we are moving 7 - each about six inches from where they currently sit. We can't be angry with the neighbors because it was our own screw up, but perhaps what is most frustrating (other than our own stupidity) is that we're talking INCHES, but yet hundreds of dollars at the same time. Actually thousands of dollars of total fence cost. Honestly, I'm tired of thinking about it, talking about it and dealing with it and we're coming down the home stretch now. Unless something goes awry this may be the last I speak of it...ever! Word to the wise, if you want to build a fence, ask the oldest neighbor you can find where the boundary markers are...chances are he'll know.

Keep your "you know what" in your own pants!

2008-03-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

I mean how hard is it really for American politicians to keep their sexcapades under their own roof with their own spouse? Apparently quite difficult! With this prize move, Eliot Spitzer now joins the likes of Jim McGreevy (gay affair), Larry Craig (airport bathroom toe tapping), Sen. David Vitter (call girl scandal), and of course the most infamous of them all...Bill Clinton. With his complete jackass decision to partake (on multiple occasions) in an online prostitution ring he put an end to any possible future political aspirations that he clearly had, not to mention potentially his own marriage. Perhaps the most irritating part of this is Spitzer's own reputation which he built up as being a hard-nosed fighter of corruption and crime, sometimes to the point of wrongly accusing people and making over-inflated claims. Jerk.

Fast forward to yesterday's press conference....

As a communications professional myself I get the need to present a sense of control to the general public around the situation...although really, who's buying that front? Wouldn't it be great if just for once, the wronged wife didn't have to stand up their next to her lying, cheating, piece of crap husband? Or if she was up there, wouldn't it be great if she just bitch slapped him as he turned to walk off stage? Man, I'd love that. Last night my husband said to me, "There's no way you'd be standing up there next to me if I did something like that." To which I responded, "Oh hell no. Your cootie infested wein and you would be down the road...I'd be long gone." It's just too bad in an age where women are striving to be more respected, political wives - who in theory are meant to be looked up to - still have to swallow their pride and stand up there on the American stage and appear to be a loving, committed (albeit pissed off) wives. We know there's hell to pay behind closed doors...let's just see a little of it so that we know you're human. I would have relished seeing Hillary Clinton separate from Bill Clinton after years of indiscretion on his part. Shouldn't that have raised her credibility amongst women in this country? It's sad to think that she probably stayed with him for that exact reason.

Best of luck to you Spitzer...hope your rendezvous was nice while it lasted because I think you're going to have hell to pay in the days ahead, and I hear payback's a bitch.

It's All Up Hill From Here!

2008-03-06T10:09:00.001-08:00

I turned 30 this past weekend. Weird. Although not really in a bad way. Maybe I've been watching too many Oprah's but I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life. I think the 30s are going to bring me a new level of happiness, contentment, intellect, compassion and patience. When you think about it, the 20s are crazy. A lot happens in that span of 10 years - graduating from college, finding your first job, getting your first apartment, falling in love, falling out of love, falling back in love again, moving across the country to a new city where you know no one (maybe even with a guy you've only been dating a couple of months), getting engaged, buying your first house, getting married, moving back across the country, having a baby, furthering your career and before you know it...you're 30!

I welcomed in my 30th birthday with a trip to the Oregon coast. While it was forecasted to be cold and rainy all weekend, the weather gods were looking down on us and it turned out to be a beautiful weekend, complete with great food, trips to the aquarium, sea lion gazing, walking on the beach with my dog (I don't think I've given her 1:1 attention for about 2 years), playing in the "bubbles"...er, I mean waves, with my daughter and then returning home to have a quiet, relaxing BBQ'd steak dinner with my husband. It was great...so bring it on 30s, I'm ready for you.

Five Things to be Happy About...Right Now!

2008-02-21T09:51:00.001-08:00

1. Clear blue skies and warm days, equalling BBQs, being outside and cider beers!
2. Kenny Chesney tickets go on sale this Saturday!
3. Getting dressed up for Oscar Night at the Hollywood Theatre this Sunday!
4. The "movement" that is Barack Obama!
5. My daughter saying please, thank you and I love you!

Roll out the Red Carpet...

2008-02-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

After months of striking, the writer's union has finally come to an agreement with studios...and it's just in the knick of time! Oscar Night is right around the corner. For anyone in the Portland area, check out Oscar Night America at the Hollywood Theatre this Sunday, Feb. 24. The event is hosted by Film Action Oregon, the non-profit that owns and operates the Theatre as well as provides support to independent filmmakers in the state. The black-tie event is our annual fundraiser to raise money which will support the ongoing restoration of the Theatre and our programs. Commissioner Sam Adams is the event's honorary chair and Daria, Mitch and Ted of 105.1 Afternoon Buzz will emcee. There are great raffle, auction and wine prizes to be had as well as a Predict the Winners contest. A pre-party will be held at Mark Lindsay's Rock 'n Roll Cafe starting at 3 p.m., doors to the Theatre open at 4 p.m. and the live telecast starts at 5 p.m. Tickets to the main event are $75 - pre-party is $25. For tickets, visit www.filmaction.org. Let's all get dressed up with someplace fun to go!

Oprah, er, I mean Obama for President!

2007-12-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

For years she's been asked the question and for years she's confidently said "No, I will never run for president." And she hasn't and I can't imagine that she ever will; however she's now closer than she's ever been before as she has officially become Barrack Obama's #1 fan and probably #1 chance of becoming president of the United States. On Saturday I watched Oprah's speech in Iowa to a huge crowd of cheering supporters. She was confident, well-spoken and compelling. Even when her time was up and Obama himself took the stage, he admitted that "I'm sure many people are here today to see Oprah." Ya think? Talk about having a trick up your sleeve though...as the richest and most powerful celebrity in the country today, if I were running for president, I'd want to have her on my side (especially if she's willing to stand up and tell it to the masses!). It will be interesting to see what type of influence she has on his campaign -- as of this morning he and Hillary Clinton are in an essential "dead-heat." And I found it hilarious that in response to Oprah's support of Obama, Clinton brought her mother and daughter on stage with her at rallies this weekend. Hmmm...doesn't quite have the same punch.

2007-11-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Long time, no chat. Lots has happened since I last wrote....maybe that's why I haven't had time to write!

I gave notice at my job.
Halloween came and went -- my daughter was adorable as a pumpkin.
The Ducks have moved up to #3 in the BCS ranking.
My daughter had pink eye.
Our friend next door went back to work after being off for six months of maternity leave.
My mom lost the diamond in her engagement ring after 30 years of marriage.
I was able to celebrate my friend's 26th b-day with her in St. Louis.
Pat busted out his inner colonel and deep fried chicken in our kitchen.
My daughter said "ball."
Amazing Race 12 started! Yeah!

Things are good though, all in all. There have been ups and downs, aggravating moments, sad moments and nervous moments, but at the end of the day, we're still standing and there are more positives than not. All of those moments add up to life...and life is good.

Fall in is the Air

2007-10-22T16:11:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it? The leaves have turned and are now falling on the ground, the air has cooled and houses are adorned in Halloween decor. Autumn really is here. I do love this time of year. It means the start of quality time...special time. And for my family even more special now that we have a child. A couple of weekends ago we took a trip on the Mt. Hood Historic Railroad up to a pumpkin patch where Brooke got to pick out her own pumpkin. This weekend the three of us were outside raking leaves...yep, even Brooke! She had her own little broom but was an even bigger fan of the full-sized rake! Her costume is here -- I can't say that I found the same creative inspiration as last year but this year is different because in a weird way, she has a say. I wanted her to be something that she kind of understood. So we'll see. It might only stay on for 30 seconds, but that is okay. My husband made homemade cider, complete with cinnamon sticks. Football is in full swing (have I mentioned Oregon is ranked #5 in the nation?!) and of course fall TV is back on! It's all fantastic. It's a snowball effect after Halloween hits with Thanksgiving right around the corner, followed by putting up Christmas lights, getting the tree, doing the shopping, throwing and hosting the parties and then of course the big day. This is what I mean by quality time. It's a special time of year. I relish in it...and I realize how blessed we are and how much I love those around me. I hope you feel it too.

A "Bodacious" Kind of Ride

2007-10-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

I'm annoyed... Yes, annoyed, frustrated, confused, aggravated. I've been watching a bull ride of sorts, and I don't like the beatin' my buddy is taking. Tell me this... How can a person get up before daylight every single day, be at the office before anyone else, focus all day on achieving results for the organization - except when interrupted with petty complaints, questions or poor-quality work - take the constructive criticism that is given, and most of all care more than almost anyone else in the building, and yet despite all of this be under scrutiny from the boss, HR, counterparts and direct reports. You always hear about workplace culture and it's hard to understand until you're someplace that has an entirely different culture than where you were before. But even from an outsider looking in I can say that I get it now. We all have areas where we can learn and better ourselves in both a personal and professional aspect; however, there are also somethings that are beyond our control to change. We are who we are. And at the end of the day, or week, sometimes you have to step back and say, is this ride worth it, or am I going to get too beat up, banged up, fed up in the process? Am I going to strap myself on and see if I make the full 8 seconds, or is it time for me to pull my hand out of the bull rope, jump off while I still can and see who I draw next time? I don't know the answer...it's a personal decision. And in this case, I'm not the rider...just the pal behind the buckin' shoot.

State of the State's Justice System

2007-10-16T11:30:00.001-07:00

It's been a few days since I last wrote -- hard to say why, but suffice to say things have been a little hectic. I am part of the 2008 class of Leadership Portland, which is made up of a fantastic group of leaders from the Portland area. Last Thursday was our first program day in which we learned all about Law/Justice in the city. My day started off with a visit to the 911 call center which was fascinating. There weren't enough operators for us all to pair up but we did get to hear a few recorded calls, including one from a man who thought his wife was having a miscarriage. When asked how far along she was, he replied, "She's not pregnant." Much to his surprise, in the next three minutes a full-term baby emerged! Okay, I still don't get how 1. a woman can hide a pregnancy and 2. how there are people on this earth who swear they didn't actually KNOW they were pregnant. I've been pregnant...there was no hiding or denying it! Anyway, I digress. Later than day our class heard from Rosie Sizer, chief of police, Bernie Guisto, Multnomah County sheriff, Max Williams, state director of prisons, Judge McShane, DA Michael Schrunk and U.S. Attorney for Oregon Karin Immergut, Federal Public Defender Steve Wax and Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court of Oregon Ancer Haggerty. I found myself glued to what these people had to say about the state of our city and state's justice system. And while each of them clearly has their own views and agendas, it was really a day free of political persuasions and antagonism toward each other. It was enlightening and made me think about real issues that impact our community...and will likely change the way I vote this Nov. I don't think it's right that our prison system has become the most common place to get mental evaluations and help and I also don't like the cost associated with housing inmates who have committed a first-time Measure 11 offense -- there's got to be a better way. I am from Lakeview which now houses one of the state's newest prisons -- yet it's already near capacity. What's going to stop the trend? There are people out there who need help, rehabilitation, medical assistance and a regimented program to follow upon release from jail or prison. Otherwise, they will end right back up where they started...committing a crime in our neighborhoods, and that is not an option I want to accept.

Ride Cowgirl Ride

2007-10-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my daughter and I went down to my parents place...a 14,000 cattle ranch (yeah, there's plenty of room for her to roam) in southern Oregon. And boy, what a wild weekend it was! She found her black hat (she's a bad cowgirl, after all) and was off and running. She got to ride a four wheeler, drive a pickup, ride a bull (okay it was a calf, but really when you think about the size comparison it was like a bull!), eat a steak and baked potato (including the skin!), pet a horse, play with dogs and refuse to touch an adorable kitten -- she also went for a huge hike for those little legs. We walked on a log and discovered a rock slide. The great outdoors really is like one huge playground for kids. My sister and I used to be able to entertain ourselves in a barn, in the fort (which was just two huge rocks in a certain formation), fishing or swimming in the creek. It's important to me that my daughter now has the opportunity to get to know this lifestyle, even if it's only on occasion. It's in her blood...and she looked awfully cute in that black hat...watch out cowboys!

5 Friends to be Happy About Right Now

2007-10-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

At different stages of my life I have been surrounded by my good friends, and then at other times, we are all living in separate parts of the world. I was one of those people who LOVED high school...I was active in sports, student council, social events, etc... I had a large and fun group of friends -- I've known my oldest and dearest friend Danette since sixth grade. But then when I went to college I suddenly found myself in a different situation. I did meet new friends, but it was never the same. They were not GREAT friends. My junior year in college I spent a year oversees in Melbourne, Australia. This is where, as I've told many people, I truly found a missing part of myself. I had a life changing experience and met some great friends along the way, including my friend Allana. "F you, caterpillar man!" But the time came when I had to return to the good ol' USA, I soon graduated from college, took my first job, moved to Portland and found another great friend in Julie...a colleague, but mostly a friend. She and her husband ultimately introduced me to my future husband and life was good. But then life changed. Me and my husband found ourselves on our way to the Midwest...St. Louis. At this point Danette lived in Amarillo, Texas, Allana was a flight attendant for the King of Bahrain -- yeah, I could do a whole post on her and her crazy jobs at another time -- and Julie was in Portland. And I was off to a city where I knew absolutely nobody. Little did I know that would be the place where I would ultimately find the largest concentration of really great friends, and suddenly it was my husband who found himself missing his buddies. I forged great friendships with a number of girls from my work, J-Lay, Cheri, Lauren, Katie...it was wonderful. Things happen and circumstances change...Cheri and I disbanded our relationship and Lauren picked up and followed a boy to Chicago but we are still close. And then, what happened? Yep, you guessed it...things changed. All of a sudden Pat and I were on our way BACK to Oregon and I was yet again leaving my good friends, J-Lay and Katie, behind. What is the deal? The good news was that I was reunited with Julie in Portland. Danette had since relocated to Cape Cod, Mass., Allana was back in Australia and the Midwestern girls still bouncing around St. Louis. But as fate would have it, Julie scored a kick ass job at UofO and she and her family are now in Eugene. I love all of these girls and I love that regardless of distance I know our friendship will never change or go away. Despite being a world away, Allana dropped everything and caught a flight to be in my wedding four years ago...that's friendship. In my most recent issue of Redbook there is a section about 5 Friends to be Happy about Right Now. I could perfectly slot my best friends into these spaces. I'm so thankful to call them my friends even though I don't get to see them on an everyday basis. And after all, things will continue to change and no doubt I will someday find us together in the same city, and meeting new acquaintances along the way.

5 Friends to be Happy About Right Now

Your Number One Fan (she thinks you're hilarious) - Dan
The tell-it-like-it-is Friend - Allana
The Shoulder to Cry On - Julie
Your Complete Opposite - J-Lay
The Fashion Plate - Katie

Love you guys.

School Pictures

2007-10-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Today is picture day at my daughter's school. Oh, the chaos! It started last week with me trying to find her something to wear for the pictures. Who would have thought that would be so hard? I just wanted a nice sweater...is that so much to ask? Maybe I'm pickier than I thought. True, I wanted something that expressed her personality (fun, smart, hip and strong), ideally something that wasn't predominantly pink and certainly nothing with bows, ruffles or lace. Aacck! Speaking of which, isn't it hilarious to see what kids wear on school picture day (especially at this age?). You get a true idea of the parents' (or at least mom's) style based on what they want to see their kid wearing in an 8x10 frame in the living room for the next year. I started out at Target...they had a couple of nice things but one was pink and one was light tan which I figured would wash her out. Then I moved on to Babies R Us this past weekend...that is where I buy the majority of her clothes. I love the Koala Kids brand...it's funky meets trendy. There was a nice sweater there but it wasn't even close to her size. After exhausting the selection I headed to the mall. I went into Gymboree but immediately started sweating due to the claustrophobia coming over me as I struggled to navigate between the racks of clothes and hyperactive parents who are willing to drop $30+ on everyday clothes for their one-year olds. And I'm sorry to all of you dads out there, but nothing is more stressful than a dad in a kids clothing store who is actually taking the shopping seriously. I mean get out and go sit on the bench in the hall with the rest of the dads! Needless to say I struck out big time at Gymboree and by this time was starting to panic. I knew I was on borrowed time with my husband who was at home with Miss B, and had already called me twice to talk about....?? Moving on. I hit Macy's...surely a large department store would have something I liked. Nope. Nada. Zip. I was about to leave the mall when I remembered Baby Gap...and I had a gift card. Bonus. I speed walked down the mall corridor to Baby Gap, ducked inside and was immediately surrounded by cute clothes! Now the problem wasn't finding something, it was narrowing it down! But I managed and walked out with the perfect sweater and long-sleeved tee to go with the jeans I'd picked up at Target a few days ago.

Fast forward to this morning. Wait, I should back up to last night. Anyone who has seen my daughter knows that she is not lacking in the hair department. In fact she has the most awesome, curly strawberry blond hair. And with all that hair, it's a crapshoot as to what it is going to look like in the mornings. My husband took special care to comb it just perfect last night after bath time, giving her the best shot at waking up without a major case of bed head today. And it worked. She was looking good! We got dressed and were out the door by 7:45 in order to get to school by the appointed picture taking time of 8 a.m. I swear she could sense my stress as she wasn't her normal, jovial, dancing self in the car but instead she seemed a bit distressed...a little worried. A little like, "Mom, what is in store for me?" She has learned the word smile and when you say, "B, smile!" she puts her fingers up to her cheeks and it's so friggin' cute! I kept practicing that with her in the car on our drive. We made it just in time (my husband thought there was no way we'd be there by 8:00 earlier this morning when I was struggling to pull myself out of bed at 6:30), and her class was gearing up for the big moment. I did all I could...she looked adorable...no runny nose, no tired eyes. It's up to her now! Come on girl...show those pretty new teeth and perfect dimples! Love you!

Rating The New Fall Lineup

2007-09-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

Boston Legal - my favorite of the week so far...by far! "You are my sunshine..."
Dirty SEXY Money - just from the name you knew this one was gonna be good
The Office - Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run For The Cure...need I say more?
Grey's Anatomy - it wasn't my favorite...I mean are you serious that we have to suffer through more icky sex between Izzie and George? Ewww! It's just not right. But there's still something about those Seattle Grace docs...and who can't help but want to see the smoldering continue between our favorite MerDer combo?
The Big Bang Theory - watched this nerdy comedy by chance and got a few good laughs out of it.
Two and a Half Men - we're still getting a kick out of Charlie and his sex-crazed ways, although I'm amazed by what they're able to put on the small screen these days!
Hot Shots - this is Desperate Housewives in reverse!
The Unit -lots of dramatic action packed into this season's first hour! Is Jennifer Garner even the least bit sad she dumped Scott Foley now that he's a hot army guy!
Desperate Housewives - The juiciness is back on Sunday nights!
Brothers & Sisters - Turn on the waterworks...I was bawling for most of the show!
Private Practice - they're going to need to pick up the pace on this show...it's riding on high expectations and I didn't think they were met in the season premiere.
K-Ville - saw five minutes of this and that was five minutes too much.
Hi, My Name is Earl - can't believe they've stretched that same karma list out over three seasons.
Journeyman - was on my way to dreamland when my husband was watching this, but even he agreed this won't make our Tivo lineup. And wasn't this show on before under the name Quantum Leap?
Back to You - so disappointingly bad!!
Heroes - I didn't watch the whole show, not even most of it...I'm sorry but I can not get into it -- I know I'm in the minority here.

Tell me what you thought about week number one...are we in agreement? Still looking forward to Pushing Daisies this Wednesday.

Take a Bite Out of...No Not Your Friends!

2007-09-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Remember a few days when I wrote about how adorable and loving my daughter is these days? Well she's still all of those things...especially to me and my husband...and usually to her teachers and friends at school. But this week we've encountered a fun new challenge. First I should preface it by saying she's teething big time. I mean there are red, swollen gums, lots of drool, moments of trying to put her whole fist in her mouth and lots and lots of Tylenol dosings. And along with those fun symptoms, Miss B has discovered the power of her new chompers and decided to put them to use by biting two friends at school on both Monday and Tuesday. Wonderful! Just last week she got bit and I was pissed. I made a point of seeking out the center's director and saying, "B got bit today?" in a tone that was saying, "What the hell, my daughter got bit today? What's the deal?" And now the tables have so quickly turned. Of course I must wonder if she hadn't been bit last week would she have realized the power of that act? When I arrived to pick her up on Monday, the school's director met me near the office and said, "B had a little incident today. She actually bit twice." I was mortified. "Don't worry," she said. "It's very common at this age, and she's obviously teething and miserable. I'm sure it's a stage that will pass." The next day we had a plan of action, hit her with Tylenol when she wakes up from her nap, make sure teething rings are handy...nope, that didn't work out. The biter struck again...twice more! She's showing her red-haired feisty side. When someone tries to take her toy, or isn't moving fast enough through the tunnel she just nips 'em! Yesterday one of the teachers was assigned as "B's shadow" to keep an eye on her especially when lots of toys were in play. I pulled up nervous, hoping more "naughty slips" weren't waiting for me to sign. "We're okay," the director said when I opened the door. "There was an 'attempt' but we thwarted it." Thank goodness, I thought. Today is yet another new day and she was happy when I dropped her off and with any luck she'll be happy this afternoon...and so will all of her friends.