Radio KBLA Live

CCMB

2009-11-13T21:25:00.004-06:00

There is a crazy christian mommy blog (henceforth, CCMB) I read on occasion (read: every day). The CCMB-er is popular and famous for having a sick kid. My wife pointed out that she has more Twitter followers that Ice-T.

Now that's fucked up.

I digress.

She is a loud and proud advocate of what she calls "small government." I assume this means she thinks that school vouchers and/or group prayer are the answers to the problems in public schools; advocates low or no taxes; and thinks poor children should just suck it up and get a (corporate) job if they want health care. I am pretty sure she ONLY thinks the government should be in people's lives to the extent it dictates who people can marry and whether or not they should have to have a child. Since, you know, she knows what God would want America to do.

The past few days, her sick kid has had some great successful surgeries or procedures or whatever to fix his sickness. They left their home in Minnesota where they were getting amazing medical treatment from the top notch Children's Hospitals and flew to Boston where they received cutting edge medical treatment from some of the world's best pediatric surgeons.

Minneapolis. Boston.

Small government? Please. These cities are both bastions of Democratic, left-leaning politics. Higher taxes that create funding for fantastic hospitals, advanced medical research, and the best doctors.

I am happy that the CCMB-er's kid is going to be ok. I am happy for their family that they are able to reap the benefits of the large government they decry. But I really wish they'd think about that next time they think about voting for cut and slash politicians favor tax cuts at the expense of important public services.

Yes, I realize I probably need some public services to break me of my obsession with the CCMBs.

Shoes!

2009-11-08T20:12:00.002-06:00

Today while shopping, Johan saw a pair of white and blue tennis shoes with Elmo on them. Who knows exactly why every toddler is totally obsessed with Elmo, but Johan drank the koolaid and it's too late. Anyway, we bought the shoes in the size he will grow into next. Upon arriving home, he wanted to wear them immediately. It was ridiculous to watch him stomping and rambling around the house in too-big shoes cheering for Elmo. If I was any good at all, I would have taken a video of it.

You'll just have to take my word for it. The boy is a budding fashionista.

Evidence Lesson

2009-11-05T21:42:00.002-06:00

Defense Attorney: Have you had any jobs, other than the ones you've already mentioned?

My Client: Not that I can remember.

Defense Attorney: What about any that you can't remember?

Me: Objection. Asinine. The Federal Rules of Evidence need to be modified to include an objection for asinine.

I can't stop...

2009-11-03T20:59:00.002-06:00

Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. ~B.K.S. Iyengar

I think this nicely sums up why I am so drawn to my yoga mat in this difficult time. It's not just a work out anymore. It's keeping me sane; and more than just sane, it's allowing me to feel some peace in the midst of chaos.

Practicing (both Acceptance and Yoga)

2009-10-28T20:12:00.003-06:00

A lot is going on right now. I pretty much hate blogs that don't divulge details of what the big stuff going on is. However, I'm pretty sure that everyone that reads this is also someone who I have already shared what I can over the phone or email.
If not, rest assured that my baby, my husband, my job, and my home are just fine.

Nevertheless, there is some darkness in my world right now. This darkness is giving me the chance to practice the principles of Al Anon. To accept what I cannot change. To find peace within myself and celebrate the beautiful things in life. To believe in hope and redemption, even in the face of tremendous heartache.

It's not easy. I am lucky to have a lot of people in my life that can help me to see the good.

I also have found extreme bliss and peace in yoga practice during this time. When I got back into yoga in early 2009, I found the spiritual aspects of it sort of hokey. I loved the work-out aspects of it but that was about it. Without my even realizing, my practice has now expanded into a source of emotional support for me. This Tuesday at yoga, I became so enveloped in my practice that all of the negativity and pain from the weekend melted away. I felt catharsis and sweat mixed with tears of release. When the class ended, my throat filled with a knot indicating tears were not far away. I did not want to leave my yoga mat.

Even though we made a financial decision to limit my yoga classes to once a week, I may need to override the Alcantara Lund financial policy in order to maintain my mental health for awhile. All in favor? I.

Yogurt

2009-10-25T20:12:00.002-06:00

We are pretty big fans of yogurt at my house. We usually choose Trader Joe's or Light & Fit. However, I prefer savory to sweet and it's no secret that yogurt comes in all manner of sweet flavors. Or no flavor, which only tastes good with lots of honey and granola.

What about savory yogurt? Like the Greek stuff with cucumbers. Flavors I have thought of are: sun-dried tomato; cucumber; leek and roasted red peppers; black pepper and sea salt...hmmm...perhaps these are all just potato-chip flavors. Probably this has been thought of and discarded as gross, but I've never seen it in stores. The closest I've seen are some flavored cottage cheeses (pickle flavored) and yes, it was gross. In my brand of savory yogurts, the cucumber would have to be fresh.

Are there savory yogurts? Should I try to make some? Maybe I'll just eat cottage cheese- unflavored, of course.

Berries

2009-10-15T21:22:00.002-05:00

Today marked by day for a "free" upgrade of my cell phone. I've been going on 2 months with tape holding the battery of my cell phone into it, and the phone was so far gone that it would drop calls even while I was near a window in my own house. It was time to get a device that can sync with my database at work and my Outlook and so... yes, I now have a Blackberry. Of course, I have really no idea how to use it, but slowly and surely the tech savvies who surround me are guiding me toward a higher level of functioning. And, I am already used to the full keyboard for my wine-infused texting.

Don't worry- just because I have a Blackberry doesn't mean I'm a grown up for real. Tonight at the liquor store, as I was trying to take a bottle (2) of vinho verde from the shelf, I managed to knock a bottle of red wine off the shelf. It broke and covered my suit and some other woman's white pants in its redness.

And, also, don't worry, again- The Blackberry has insurance for the very reason that it is owned by me and I tend to spill wine on things.

Sunday Nightz & Babies

2009-10-11T21:01:00.003-05:00

*Warning: This post is mostly about vomit.

Unlike his parents, Johan seems to have a weak stomach. He gets carsick, a sensitive gag reflex, and has had some wickedly disgusting vomity moments in his little life.

Anyway, today about 6pm, Johan suddenly got very quiet and wanted to sit with me and snuggle. This was not bedtime, my suspicions were raised. Sure enough, within about 15 minutes, he had hurled all over me. We spent some time in the bathroom getting cleaned up and near the toilet in case he was going to be sick again. But, just a few minutes later, his energy and color were back, and he was off to play, jump, and kick a beach ball around the house. He's sleeping now, and seems to be fine.

As he was getting sick all over my new-ish green sweater, I realized that when Johan gets stomach sick, it always seems to be on Sundays (other than that time last winter when he had 3-week-long stomach ailment...that was awesome. Right, Sarah?).

What is it about Sundays? Does he know it's the beginning of a new week? Is it his variation of Sunday night anxiety and insomnia?

Is he really just that sick of me after spending 2 days in a row together?

Whatever the case, it's strange that it always happens on Sundays. That's laundry anyway day so it's actually pretty well timed. Thanks, Johan.

Trippin'

2009-10-06T19:52:00.002-05:00

We did just get back from a trip to California (unbelievably, Eduardo's first), having spent time in Los Angeles (of course) and La Jolla. The longer I am away from living in LA, the more I miss it and romanticize it.

I miss the phenomenal tacos. There is nothing even remotely close to California taco truck style tacos here. We don't even have a lame substitute like Del Taco. In fact, so much do I miss the tacos that on the way to airport at 9am on Sunday, I made us stop at Del Taco for a few tacos al carbon.

I miss having half a dozen choices for Thai food within a mile of where I live- and having the food be cheap and good. I miss brown rice being available from Asian restaurants.

I miss more than the food, of course. I miss the smell of the trees. Sitting on Roisin's patio on Saturday, the smell of Southern California wafted into my nostrils. And I felt nostalgiac.

Most of all, I miss being surrounded by my friends. It seems paradoxical, but even though I am surrounded by family in Minneapolis and live with a good man and a lovey-dove baby, I feel lonely here sometimes. On the airplane on Sunday, my ribs and diaphragm hurt and I realized it was from laughing so hard with so many of my good true friends on Saturday night. I didn't want that rib pain to go away because it reminded me of how happy I am when I am with them.

Moving to LA is not on the horizon for us. I flirt with the idea occasionally, but it would mean giving up too much. I love being near my family and having Johan grow up knowing his grandparents well. I love having a job where I feel proud of and appreciated for my work. I love always knowing where I am going (within city limits-don't ask me about suburbs). I love seasons.

So, we will continue to travel back to California and I hope to always come home with rib pain.

P.S. Johan pronounces all words ending in -ing all urban style (swimmin', rainin', trippin'.)

"Blessings"

2009-09-27T12:38:00.003-05:00

Whenever I hear someone say they are "blessed" or "_____ is such a blessing," I cringe. I like the idea of recognizing and acknowledging that I/you/we are fortunate. I think it's important to express gratitude. I think it's important to remember that I live a rich, full life and that I have never wanted for anything- it keeps me from feeling sorry for myself when something small goes wrong. So,some of the sentiment behind talking about "blessings" is fine with me.

But, somehow blessing seems to invoke the idea that God or whatever higher power you care to pray to has chosen you/me/whomever to receive the good things in our lives. And the corollary to that is that God/Buddha/Allah/G-d has chosen us over others who have less or who suffer more. That's the problem I have with the idea of "being blessed." Would a benevolent higher power really purposely choose one person to have all good things at the expense of another person having no good things? And if that were the case, is that higher power really so benevolent? Wouldn't that be better described as sadistic?

In my moments of self-reflection, I do feel so fortunate. I have a loving family, a good husband, a child who is the joy of my life, great friends, a rewarding career, a home, health, food, education, mobility. If I used the word blessing, I would feel truly blessed. Instead, I just feel damn lucky.

Am I making too much of this word? What connotations does the word "blessings" have for anyone else out there?

Lawyering

2009-09-25T21:07:00.003-05:00

I just finished my second jury trial for which I was primarily responsible. I had the unwavering support of my boss and the indispensable assistance of another associate at my firm, but I was the first chair. And, today while I was delivering my closing argument, I felt a profound sense of happiness and pride at being a lawyer. I love it. I really love lawyering. I love the argument- the theater and the performance and psychology of presenting to a jury. I did not go to law school planning to be a trial attorney. I thought I would be doing criminal defense or civil liberties stuff. This career sort of found me and today I decided that it's a perfect match. We won't have verdict until Monday (or later, but I bet Monday) but whatever the outcome, I know we did a good job. We did the best we could. And, really, what more can you ask for?

A Most Brilliant Boy

2009-09-21T21:02:00.003-05:00

Johan is at a just fantastic stage where it seems that each hour he has something new he can do or say. He is so observant; pointing out buses, birds, puppies, pizza, babies, Elmo, and characters from Family Guy everywhere he goes.

Yesterday I was wearing a Vikings t-shirt and he carefully traced each of the marigold-colored letters and repeated the word "yellow." Of course I scolded him that it was not yellow, but marigold. (I did not actually do that- there are enough reasons people need therapy; no need to add icing to that cake, right?) On the contrary, I celebrated his identification and labeling of color so much that he spent the rest of the afternoon pointing out yellow stuff.

His ability to mimic is also amazing- the way short term memory develops and strengthens baffles me. We have been watching this video on YouTube of some people doing a dance routine to an old Stevie Wonder song and, after just a couple viewings, Johan is able to follow along and mimic most of the moves. Absolutely fantastic.

Lawnxiety

2009-09-16T21:20:00.002-05:00

This has nothing to do with lawns. No matter how many weeds grow in my yard (my dad says the difference between people's people and the bourgeoisie is "yard" vs. "lawn"), I don't get anxious. And I also don't usually get anxious about work- even when things are new or difficult or unknown, I enjoy the challenges and get huge amounts of support from my staff and co-workers.

But, for some reason, last week I was experiencing an absurd and inexplicable anxiety about a different kind of deposition I had to take. I have done lots of depositions, but this was a medical one and it had me totally off my game. Nobody was pressuring me; nobody was telling me that if I screwed up, I would be sorry. In fact, I was specifically told that no matter how it went, it would be just fine. But, still I had a pit in my gut for days. I couldn't sleep; I was struggling to concentrate.

Then it started. And BAM. I was in a different mode. It was like the second the deposition actually began, all of my worry and anxiety was hovering outside of the me doing the job I had to do. Afterward, it took me several hours and cocktails to get back to "me."

Now, of course it's fine. I'm fine, but what a lame few days.

And, p.s.: Dear Brain: It would be really cool if you could not be such a freak show without warning. Please relegate your anxiety to doctor's offices and keep it out of the courtroom. Ok? Thanks.

Fruit is good for you.

2009-09-06T16:23:00.003-05:00

Maybe it's the cool summer we've had or how busy I've been at work, but I can't believe that today is September 6th. As in, in a couple days we can't even say it's early September.

The end of the summer has been good. We brought Johan to the MN State Fair and he enjoyed the city bus ride immensely. Really a man of the people, he is. Johan also enjoyed the pronto pups and the carousel, while Eduardo of course liked looking at the gallos and other birds and I enjoyed the fine placement of the turkey leg foodstand just outside the bird barn.

Because summer isn't over until it's over (for example, today it's 80 and sunny in Minneapolis) here are couple of recently discovered cocktails worth sharing:

- Blueberry Stoli; club soda; splash of lemonade; blueberries. (or just Blueberry Stoli served up with a few fresh berries)

- Black Cherry Smirnoff and Diet coke. It's like a Mike's Hard lemonade if Mike made hard cherry cokes. You know what I mean?

Teddy

2009-08-26T20:48:00.002-05:00

When I was reading the article at New York Times, I couldn't help but feeling a colossal sense of gratitude. Certainly, I also feel sad, particularly because he didn't get to see all of the (hopefully) great things that are going to happen in the Obama administration. However, how can we not feel such gratitude to Senator Kennedy in light of this (borrowed from the Times online):

"Kennedy, who became known as the "Lion of the Senate," played major roles in passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, and was an outspoken liberal standard-bearer during a conservative-dominated era from the 1980s to the early 2000s."

I mean, geez. These are all absolutely pivotal pieces of legislation. What would this country be like without them? I don't pretend that TK did these things single-handedly, but he wasn't just a sometimes-show-up-to-vote kind of Senator. In a world where Congress gets a sometimes hard to argue with image as a bunch of lazy, selfish, unprincipled, sell-outs, that was sure not Kennedy.

What a life to lead.

"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die." - Senator Ted Kennedy.

Cheapskate Update and a Photo

2009-08-22T19:45:00.005-05:00

Today I spent $20 on a shirt from Marshalls that I really liked. I need more work shirts and am realizing that sometimes you have to spend more than $4 to get nice fitting shirt that is both appropriate for a professional setting and not ugly. I also am still bothered by the Christian spankers, but don't like having the step-by-step instructions as the last entry of my blog.

Instead we shall have this:

We discipline Johan by making him wear a life jacket. With a crotch strap.
Just kidding.

That's what the US Coast Guard says he has to wear when we go on the boat.

This is what happens when I read crazy mommy blogs...

2009-08-22T12:27:00.004-05:00

I have sworn over and over again to not comment, but on a recent post about discipline, I was so disgusted by one of the comments that I couldn't help myself.

Below is what ensued:

Original Comment:
I do believe in spanking…but only in the right way. Before you choose to do this too, I would suggest you seek out what the Bible has to say the process. One scripture reference is this: "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him (Proverbs 22:15)." The process we use is this:
a. Only spank when not angry, make sure you have had time to cool down, but don’t wait too long. Like Jennifer mentioned, you need to complete the discipline as soon as possible.
b. Get down on their level.
c. Explain to them why they are getting a spanking.
d. Tell them how many swats they have “earned”.
e. Ask them if they understand why they are about to receive their spanking.
f. Ask them to willingly bend over your knee.
g. DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS….we use a rubber spatula. If you think about the power you have in your arm and the pounds of pressure behind your arm, you can apply quite a bit of force and even throw a spine out of wack. The spatula, however, is the flick of a wrist. The spoon or spatula applies a sting, but isn’t going to harm your child if it is done correct and within reason.
h. Ask them to repeat to you again what they did wrong and ask if they understand.
i. Hug your child and tell them meaningfully that you love them, and that you know they can make better choices.

My reply comment:
Kristina 1 day ago
I absolutely disagree. Hitting your child with a spatula or anything else absolutely is never the answer. It only teaches children that using fists, hands, spatulas or whatever else is how you get people to do what you want. I can't reiterate enough what a bad idea I think this is. It actually gives me disturbed chills to read that you do this to your kids.

Crazy #1 reply comment:
We are living in an "Oprah" society that says that spanking is "hitting" (and homosexuality is wonderful, and we are our own God). But the Truth that has stood the test of time is this: Spanking is Biblical. The Bible speaks of spanking over and over again. While some people fall for the new-age belief that the "rod of discipline" was only meant as a metaphor in the Bible, the people who have truly studied the Word of our Sovereign God will discover that it is an actual rod, and that God tells us "Thou shalt beat him with the rod" for "he will surely not die", but rather "save his soul from hell".

Having said that, I have to emphasize that I agree with Janelle's point that it is most important that our discipline (no matter what form in which we do it) should be done in love.

My next reply comment:
Also, saying that a spatula if "done right" doesn't harm a child completely disregards that a child is more than a physical being. Even if the physical harm is minimal and not permanent, the lessons you are teaching will last long and the shame you are purposely instilling can have far-reaching effects. I don't think Jesus thinks you should smack your kids with spatulas.

Crazy #2 reply comment:
Kristina,
I don't think what Janelle is describing here is a meaningless "smack" with a spatula. Clearly, she and her husband have thought and prayed over how God would have them discipline their children and have chosen to spank. Spanking is actually biblical--"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die." Proverbs 23:13. I believe that spanking is wrong when done out of anger, but when done out of love and correction, as Janelle describes, it is appropriate.

Original Crazy commenter's reply:
Thank you Rebecca for understanding. I really lost sleep over this last night. Obviously I knew I was putting myself out there by boldly explaining our method of discipline, but I hadn't prepared myself for the negative feedback that may come. I wasn't always a believer of spanking, I actually started out parenting saying.."I'll never do that!". It really took a while for me to believe in it, and then only by the researching in books, the Bible, through counseling through our church, prayer together with my husband...did I come to understand it's Biblical backing. It still isn't always the easiest thing for me to do, because my temperament is the peacemaker...don't really enjoy confrontation. It is definitely never done out of anger, but only because I love my children. (on side note, we of course do not spank our 10 mo). It is also something we rarely have to do.

Kristina-I do appreciate you expressing your concern, it is a controversial subject among many people. The things you said, are thoughts that I at one time had myself...and is something I really had to seek truth out on before deciding to do.

--------------

So much more to write. So much more to say. But, as these people apparently think that it's ok to beat their kids with rods as long as they don't die, it seems their mental problems run far deeper than what I am equipped to handle. This is only one of many reasons that organized religion and its followers disturb me.

Product Endorsement of a Tight Wad

2009-08-18T21:39:00.002-05:00

What did the bird say when it flew over Kristina's head?

Cheap cheap!

Yep, I am cheap. I can be very generous when the mood (or some sort of unexpected flow of cash) strikes me, but when shopping for myself, I am ridiculously cheap. Like, I won't spent $7 on a 1/2 price shirt at Target, because I might be able to get it from the 75% off rack in 3 more weeks. Seriously.

I buy Target brand EVERYTHING, clip coupons and sometimes tear them so the dates don't show if they are about to expire soon, and only buy bras and underwear during Victoria's Secret's semi-annual sale. That's me.

We use Suave brand Cocoa butter lotion -the whole family for hands face and body. It costs $2.88 for a huge bottle.

But, recently I used Sarah's (www.erlignition.blogspot.com) face lotion while trying to minimize my blotchy skin at the cabin. It was Target brand Radiant Skin. Right next to the Aveeno face lotion. It is "proven to even out tone and texture." $10.49 for 4oz.

Gulp.

Totally contrary to my natural inclinations. But I bought some anyway.

And I seriously think it works. I think my skin looks better. Evened out tone! Texture! Is it possible? Am I experiencing a placebo effect? But I really really think it works.

And, I can still be pleased that the Aveeno one costs $15, so I am still getting a deal, right?

Internetzy-type Question

2009-08-16T18:21:00.004-05:00

Labels.

I wish that when I started this blog a couple years ago that I would have put labels on each post.

This is the first one that will have such labels. Is there a quick, relatively simple way to go through previous posts and add labels?

Some labels I think would come up (other than the labels for this post; see below) are: Johan, Food and Drink, Law, My American Life, Cable News (Politics), The Future, 21st Century Bitchfest. How can I add these to my posts?

Is there some kind of "program" I can buy that will scan my blog and add these labels? If I actually add the labels some day when I have nothing to do (or lots to do, but decide to read all 250 old blog posts instead), does that make me a computer programmer?

As an aside, I realize it's been a long time since I've posted any Johan pictures. It's mostly because I put the pictures on facebook, but the blog deserves some of this gorgeous boy too. Here he is doing 3 of his favorite things: yardwork, playing at the park, eating.

I'm not sure

2009-08-11T19:31:00.003-05:00

...how to feel about this:

Ventriloquist with puppet on television.

Johan notices and shouts out "Elmo!"

We don't have any Elmo books or videos. He must be getting this from the kids at school. The puppet didn't even resemble Elmo.

What's with Elmo? He's like David Koresh for toddlers. What happened to my little baby boy who loved Snuffy?

Cultured Milk and Memories

2009-08-09T21:21:00.003-05:00

Today Johan and I were at Trader Joe's. We don't shop there every week like I did when I lived in California. (Thanks Bad Sarah. You should know that every time I walk into a TJ's, I think of you. Fondly. And black teethily.)

But, I like to avoid high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils in food and that is hard to do when buying toddler snacks at the regular grocery store. So, we stock up on non-perishable snacks at Trader Joe's. Cat cookies, Berry walks into a bar, etc. And garlic hummus and chicken gyozas for me.

Today I noticed that TJ's has 1% Kefir, which I haven't had in years but used to buy and drink for breakfast all the time when I lived in the Dominican Republic. I spent most of my time with some British, Swedish and German women and they were all addicted to Kefir "cultured milk." A gross (but accurate) way of saying drinkable yogurt. I bought some today thinking Johan might like it for a snack. We came home and both had a glass of it. He liked it, of course. It's sweet and milky and strawberry-flavored. What's not to like?

And I felt like I was back in the United Nations library with my Euro friends having Kefir and empanadas for breakfast. It's strange how the memory works- that even a food can evoke powerful associations. And make me spend about an hour searching for flights to Croatia to visit my Swedish friend so we can drink Kefir together again. We would probably drink some other things, too, as this is the same woman who introduced me to the Vodka Ciclon.

But they don't sell Vodka Ciclon's at TJ's, so that's why I have to go to Croatia. See?

National Night Argh...

2009-08-04T21:36:00.004-05:00

One this night of all nights. This is the night that my abstract ideals clash with the way I actually live. National Night Out. I love the idea of it- a community coming together; building relationships that strengthen the city. But, in reality, I can't bring myself to go. Tonight, as I was getting a massage, I was thinking about why. 2 years ago my excuse was that I would be annoyed by the moment of silence because of the recent bridge collapse. Tonight I realized that it's because the topics of discussion are unlimited. If people would promise to only talk about flowers in their gardens, pop culture, the weather, and their kids or pets, I could stomach it for one night. Even though I hate small talk, I would suck it up for one night.

What I can't handle is people talking about important topics about which they are uninformed or ill-informed. Like, I don't want to hear about how great the Crash for Clunkers Program is because some jackass traded in his 1996 Expedition for a 2009Honda and got $4,500. Right, because a band aid always helps severed limbs. Because paying jackasses $4,500 is a great substitute for the complete overhaul and reprioritization that this economy needs. And maybe the billions this program is going to cost could be the beginnings of a program we fund to make sure that people have health care. Even poor people. Even immigrants.

You know, just for example.

This is how I would end up alienating myself from my neighbors at a block party.

And then they would not share their gardening tips with me when we cross paths on walks or as Johan plays teeball in the yard.

And this is why I don't go to block parties.

Crazy Commie Cristina...wait, Kristina

2009-08-03T22:02:00.002-05:00

Today I had lunch with my cousin for her birthday. She made me drive to the suburbs to go to TGI Fridays. Trust me, you're not missing anything. Gross food. But free dessert. The point is, her husband is a right wing Republican, mainly because they like country music and have a camper. And he lives in a suburb/small town where all the streets start with "K." Kreepy!

She was telling me how she's sick of her husband turning the channel to Fox News every morning while getting ready for work and how she doesn't really think it's *fair and balanced.* So, I gently offered her the suggestion of watching MSNBC. It's Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough, a former Republican Florida congressman. But Mika and Harold Ford and Willie provide some liberal slant and Pat Buchanan is there to hang with Joe. It really is quite balanced. Not like my lover Keith Olberman. But a good morning politics show, indisputably.

And to my suggestion, my cousin asked if her husband would think it was just another "crazy Communist Kristina" idea. It's weird how your cousins in suburbia see you. How somehow living within city limits, voting Democrat, believing in civil rights for all people, attending/legal observing a protest here and there, and adhering to the Bill of Rights somehow makes one a radical?

More on Money

2009-07-29T20:10:00.002-05:00

The spending slashes are working. The money is starting to not run out quite as quickly. I am also catering my shopping list, other than produce, milk, and meat, to stuff on sale. Really, not much difference between Simply Orange and Florida's Natural-so if one is on sale for $3 and the other is $5...you get the idea.

But, money, of course, is never simple. Moira, my college roommate and one of my closest friends, has lived in LA for the 6 years since we graduated from college. She is leaving LA mid-September to move to South Africa. And, well, it's very unlikely that I will be getting to South Africa any time soon. So, she asked me to come to LA for the 2nd weekend of September for her Adios LA Bash (my name, not hers.)

I struggled with this. I really don't want to push my luck with my very generous and understanding employer regarding time off. Eduardo, Johan, and I are also going to be in LA the first weekend of October to visit other friends and for a wedding in La Jolla. That is not going to be a cheap trip. So, you know, disposable income is scarce.

But this is one of my closest friends for 10 years. And I don't know when I will see her again after this. I have no trouble turning away from stuff I might want- clothes, haircuts, waxed brows, new fancy cell phones. But when it comes to a close friend asking me to share in her goodbye; for me to come for one last weekend of roomie time, and then when she offers to split the ticket with me, how can I not do that?

I tend to make financial decisions for "extras" with a litmus test: When I am an old woman, will I look back and think this was money well spent? The answer to that question for expensive haircuts, electronics, or yet another pair of black shoes is probably NO. But a weekend with a dear friend who I may not see for a very long time? I don't think that could anything but YES.

Tony! Toni! Tone!

2009-07-17T21:06:00.002-05:00

Is that the 3 brown-boy group that sang "It's your an-iv-er-sar-y-y?" I don't really know. I was too busy listening to Joan Baez in the mid 1990s.

But this is Edo's and my 5 year wedding anniversary. I might be a little bit biased, but I think it may have been the best party in the history of the world. As we were planning the wedding, my dad told me he was surprised I wanted such a traditional type wedding and reception. I told him that there is really no other time in one's life when you can gather almost everyone that's important to you in one room to eat and drink and dance and celebrate. Graduations? Nope, believe me, I've graduated from lots of things.

Anyway, I remember looking out at everyone from the head table at the wedding dinner and realizing that there had never been so many of my favorite people all together in one room. And there probably won't be again. Then, when my dad and I were dancing at the reception, we looked around at the room, and he said he understood what I had been talking about. He "got" it.

I should also mention that it's been a big 5 years. In our fledgling marriage, a law degree has been earned, a house has been purchased, a baby has been born, a toddler has emerged and smacked both of his parents in the face. All awesome, except that last one.

In thinking back to 5 years ago, one grandparent (Eduardo's Grandma) had died just 4 days before our wedding, and 2 grandparents (my Grandpa Lund and Grandma Smith) have died since our wedding.

Anniversaries are interesting to me. Of course, it is fun and great to celebrate the relationship and how we have grown as individuals and as a family, but it's also a time to think about how things have changed over the past 5/10/15/20 whatever years. For good and for bad. For gain and for loss. For better and for worse.

Tonight, I am drinking wine and watching "Grease" on TV. Eduardo is at work. Johan is sleeping. Tomorrow, Eduardo and I will go downtown to stay at a 4-star hotel and raise a glass to the past 5 years. And the next many.