Three Things

Back to my usual "Break the Blogging Dry Spell formula"...

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME:
01 | unexplained noises at night
02 | the idea of flying over the ocean
03 | certain deep-sea creatures -- the kinds that look like aliens

THREE PEOPLE WHO MAKE ME LAUGH:
01 | Mr. F.
02 | my brother
03 | if you are my friend... you make me laugh.

THREE THINGS I LOVE:
01 | trying and learning new stuff
02 | fishnets
03 | jeans that are friendly to my rear

THREE THINGS I HATE:
01 | blemishes
02 | waiting in line
03 | commercials

THREE THINGS I DON'T UNDERSTAND:
01 | stock market
02 | commodity prices
03 | engine stuff

THREE THINGS ON MY DESK:
01 | Heely's shoe tool
02 | web cam
03 | black nail polish

THREE THINGS I'M DOING RIGHT NOW:
01 | typing
02 | blinking
03 | breathing

THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE:
01 | Live in another country/culture
02 | Hike Machu Picchu
03 | See my grandbabies

THREE THINGS I CAN DO:
01 | spinning back kick
02 | "Amen" drum break
03 | top rock and six step... sortof

THREE WAYS TO DESCRIBE MY PERSONALITY:
01 | sassy
02 | quirky
03 | impulsive

THREE THINGS I CAN'T DO:
01 | "big" math in my head
02 | remember stuff without writing it down
03 | hack a computer

THREE THINGS I THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO:
01 | opera -- loud and in a dark room (Pourquoi me reveiller -- Werther; very intense)
02 | the sound of a baby nursing at it's mother's breast
03 | a child's squeals and laughter during a tickle/chase game

THREE THINGS I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO EVER:
01 | Paris Hilton singing
02 | Evening news -- too depressing before bed
03 | Parliament channel

THREE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FOODS:
01 | curry -- Indian or South African
02 | caramel apple cheesecake
03 | fresh strawberries

THREE THINGS I'D LIKE TO LEARN:
01 | to keep my mouth shut at the right time
02 | sewing or knitting
03 | another language

THREE BEVERAGES I DRINK REGULARLY:
01 | ice water
02 | Diet Pepsi (w/ bar lime, please?)
03 | fruit juice or coffee

THREE SHOWS I WATCHED WHEN I WAS A KID:
01 | The Flintstones
02 | Gilligan's Island
03 | The Incredible Hulk

Recently Overheard.

Flutterby's Right Shoulder: Ouch. Bloody hell! What are you doing to me, Flutterby?

Flutterby: Oh shut up. Just pretend you're a lot younger, OK? Can you manage that? I only rolled on you once, for crying out loud. You'd think you could handle a bit of punishment by now, oh KravWonderShoulder. *smirk*

Shoulder: *indignant* Look here. I don't mind a roll or two, it's that nasty banging up against other shoulders I'm not so fond of. And, I'll have you know I'm not the only one. Calves and Right Hip were talking yesterday and they're not too happy, either. And you should see Left Butt Cheek... --

Flutterby: *interrupts* -- yeah, I know about Left Butt Cheek. I was THERE, remember, smart arse?! Besides, if Leftie knew what the deal was, she'd just be quiet and thankful that I pulled off that slide and didn't smash her up on a skate wheel.

Shoulder: Sure. But she's still smarting with the rinkburn and I don't think you...

Flutterby: Don't think I what? Feel her pain? Trust me, I feel it just fine. GAH! Is it too much to ask for body parts that can keep up with me, here?

Shoulder: *pouts*

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Sigh. Derby was not kind to me this week. Actually, derby was awesome. Better than, even. But, my body is running to catch up after three nasty practices in a row. Lots of hard work, some tumbles and a crazy baseball slide on a floor that wasn't at all slide-ey (my bad, I forgot in the moment!) left me with some bruises and a lovely fist-sized angry red rinkburn. Oh, and I can testify that a full session of running toe starts will render one's calves a trembling, sore mess the next day.

The good news is that all this hard work is paying off. My coach pulled me aside to go over my benchmark results and I was so pleased to see how well I did on them. And I couldn't help but grin like a fool when she told me that if I keep it up over the next couple months, she was pretty sure I'd make the travel team when try-outs hit.

Now, for anyone who's grown up being relatively confident of their athletic abilities, made cuts and placed at track and field, etc.... this kind of thing is probably no biggie. But for me? Big deal. I never was really involved in any team sports, hated gym class, avoided track and field. I might have wanted to try out for a team or two but never did cause I lacked confidence that I could stack up against the competition and took myself way too seriously -- the idea of being cut from try-outs was a nightmare I didn't want to even think about.

My first team experience was a year after the Princess was born when I joined a ladies soccer league. And while I never, ever tore up the field, I was a solid defender. You know, generally made the smart play and could be counted on to stop what I was supposed to stop. I actually had not bad instincts for the game once I found my groove, I dug hard and found an aggressive, competitive side of myself that I didn't really know was there. My second and third years I would often sub in as goalkeeper. I hated that feeling of pressure that the buck stops with me. But when my team needed someone, the fingers ended up pointing in my direction which, while it felt good in a way, also really sucked. I can recall a couple replay-worthy saves and a memorable moment when I thought my face might have caved in from a howitzer of a shot (Does it count that I stopped the ball -- with my FACE??) but it really wasn't my position to shine in.

After soccer, I suppose Krav was my next athletic adventure. I think my body finally played catch-up for all those nonathletic years and my Krav training helped me out immensely with that whole mind-body connection. I still want to go back and finish training for my next ranking... but right at the moment derby has a hold of me, I guess. I have a window of opportunity, age-wise, to abuse my body on the derby track and so it's now or never. Krav can wait. :)

I'm just not sure my body is really pleased with the new arrangements. Lucky for me, this is a dictatorship and not a democracy. The word on the street is Put Up or Shut Up.

You hear that, Shoulder?? Good. Glad we have an understanding.

Tough Nut.

I am a little worried about my little buddy. The Kid has always been a sensitive and emotional little dude. He wears his little heart on his sleeve and problems and issues always seem to affect him so deeply. It's easy to tell when something is bugging him.

And I know that something is going on inside him lately. My loving, funny little guy has been replaced with a sullen, grumpy Person who gets tummy aches each day before school.

But, here's the problem. The Kid may well be sensitive and emotional. But he is certainly not very self-aware. In his own little mind, all he knows is that the world sucks. Asking him to pinpoint WHY it sucks and WHAT we can do to help it not suck? That's asking too much.

Which is really frustrating for a straightforward parent like myself. And concerning. I wonder how in the world I'm going to give him the tools to navigate life, when he struggles navigating his own insides. I know that he's only six and that some of this self-awareness truly does develop a bit later for boys, etc, etc, yada, yada. It just makes it hard to reach him where he's at right now, though.

So... all you parents of boys out there... any advice? I've talked to his teacher at school already. A number of times, actually. I know that there are some issues there in terms of compatibility between the Kid and her. Frankly, I think that he can be a bit of a challenge at school and she is the type who likes to squish the Challenges. Unfortunately, it's a bit late to change things up... Otherwise, I don't have a lot of insight about this thing. The Kid has friends, people like him, there's been no reports of any bullying or whatever.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing what you all may have to say about this. In the meantime, I'm launching The Kid Protection Program. We have a lunch date today and since I have the week off of work, I'm going to take some extra time to connect with him after school and stuff. Maybe he just needs some extra TLC.

A Little Bit of This...

My kids are home from school, yet again. The Kid managed an impressive fever last night after his first day back at school which won him a morning off. And the Princess, who had been at school the day before, ended up coming home midday being really pretty sick. So, morning off for her, too.

I don't even want to say it lest I jinx it, but... the fact that I've managed not to get either Mr. F's chest cold or the grommets' ear/nose/throat thing-ey is nothing less than a miracle. I think it's maybe cause I've been taking Grapefruit Seed Extract, which is an antibiotic. I really have no other explanation cause this is really one for the record books. You won't see me complain, though.

Warning: TMI... Really, really a lot of TMI... Beware.
Unless... the GSE (as a Vitamin K inhibitor) could be also responsible for the freaking CRIME SCENE my body tried to replicate yesterday, almost sending me to Emerg. cause Holy Cow The Bleeding, people. Un. Freaking. Real. The healthline nurse very gravely warned me to head straight to the ER and I, well, didn't do so. But really, have you seen a FlutterCity ER lately? I took some iron and prayed, instead. Not that I was irresponsible about it, but just more "Wait and See". I felt fine, actually, and by midnight things had mostly gone back to normal so... I'll say nothing more except that I NEVER want to do that again.

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The Princess is really hitting her stride at school, lately. She's been bringing home some terrific marks and really being conscientious about doing a good job on her projects and studying and what not. Unfortunately, this has not in any way, shape or form influenced the condition of her room. Three weeks ago, she joined a band class at school and came home with great news; she's been chosen to be the drummer of this little rock band. Passed auditions and everything. (I knew all those hours of playing RockBand with her would pay off!) It was really so wonderful to see her confidence in herself; to have a skill that only we knew she had be validated in front of her peers. Or something like that, I'm not really explaining it well, I know.

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I'm irked at the scheduling I've been getting at my new job. My supposed "Weekday/Day shift" has turned into me being the exclusive "WeekEND day shift" girl and I'm not pleased. I have talked to my manager and now he's doing some sort of shady quick-step around why the hours have changed. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, I just know that I'm not pleased with the present situation and hate the feeling of being lied to. I absolutely DESPISE the idea of leaving a job so quickly -- it's not what I want on my resume, I am not a quitter... but I may have no choice if things can't become a bit more flexible.

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The Kid's front two teeth came out some time ago and I swear this is the cutest look for him. He looks just like the sweetest little vampire, ever. I swear, it's adorable.

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I've really been wanting a dog, lately. Which is all kinds of silliness considering just how busy we are and how dreadful our last experience was. But, hey... some dreams don't die, I guess. Maybe someday I'll have my house on a little piece of land somewhere where my big, smooshy eared doggy can have the best life ever and I can smoosh his smooshy ears and kiss his kissy face whenever I want and life will be grand. Right? Right.

"arghh" and "stupid" and "Hmmmm..."

First, "Arghh and Stupid": I had to toast my template as it wasn't really compatible with, well... posting and all stuff pertaining to blogging. Especially posting pictures. I'd like to say that I tried really, really hard to make it work, but I have the attention span of a gnat when it comes to tech-ey stuff that is not readily apparent. After a couple googles and a visit to Blogger Help? Done. Which means I'm back in black for the time being. (anyone else rocking out that AC/DC tune in their head right now? Thought so...)

"Hmmmmm...": I had a rendezvous with my hairstylist today. One which was long overdue cause a girl like me can only go so long without a little... you know. :D I always hate leaving it go too long; I feel sheepish walking in with outgrown panels and ratty ends. But, it always happens. Either cause of budget or just cause I have a hard time planning ahead for stuff like that. I'm kinda a fly by the seat of my pants person and booking something ahead two or three weeks makes me all kinds of anxious, cause, well... what if something else comes up? Or other various non-essential and non-rational concerns. Whatever. The point being that I finally got my butt into the salon and told my favorite girl "Have at it." Which means that I really, really trust her.

Which may have backfired a bit. Not much, but I'm still trying to decide whether I really like it or if it's all wrong. She decided to lighten everything up around my blond panels and then chopped a lot off and threw in a fringe of bangs. Which ended up like this:





Oh well, when it comes to hair my philosophy is pretty much that It Will Always Grow Back. And there have been some defining hair moments that have had me chanting that while cowering in the corner of the shower and I'm still alive to tell it.

I guess I'll get used to this, too.

Beware Loud Squealing and Fuzzy Pictures Cause*ZOMG*, It's HERE!!!

I love Canada Post. With my whole, itty bitty little heart I love them. Because today -- a full TWO business days before it was supposed to arrive... THIS was delivered.


While I hope to give you the tell-all exclusive scoop on the contents of the box, what I wasn't able to photograph was the invoice. Let me tell you, though, that this 10kg box from Vancouver, BC holds the equivalent of many, many birthday presents. So, I'm going to enjoy opening it as I likely won't be opening anything else for a few years!!

There was a knife involved. And also a very silly face.


Followed by much ripping and throwing of packing paper to reveal...



STUFF!!! I am so happy! :D

First, let's check out the brainsaver! A sweet little S-One skate helmet that has not even a scratch on it and thus screams Fresh Meat. I wonder who will give me the first knock about? And, look, it comes with a sticker!

Let's try this on.

Hmmmm... I'm going to have to work on this Mean Face. Not quite there, yet. :(


Radar Pure outdoor wheels cause soon this snow will melt and I'll get to Take It To the Streets, Man... What? They're really pretty soft and bouncy and I've got some good China Bones bearings in them so they'll hopefully ride nice.


Protective gear... there's a lot of it and I did try it all on but I'll only post the ginormous mamajama knee pads. I expect to be using these lots. :) I'll post some pics of my black mouthguard smile after I fit it tonight. Right now it just looks ridiculous. Well, it's a mouthguard and it's going to look ridiculous no matter what, but it looks even worse before it's been fitted. Hopefully it will help up my Mean Quotient by a point or two.



Some tools and toe guards and stickers and what not.



And finally, the warhorses that I will ride to derby glory -- or a painful, fiery death over the rails -- my Riedell R3 derby skates. I bought Fugitive wheels w/ pushers for them. The Fugitive is a speedy wheel which means that they're not as grippy, so... add two "pusher" wheels (slighty softer and grippier) on the inside track side to counteract gravity and you've got a great combo of speed and handling. Now I just have to not screw it up with human error and I'll be smokin'!




Now I just have to fight off the urge to skate around the house. Gah.

So Far, So Mediocre...

My girl JJ just posted an adorable little bit about how Elmo and Andrea Bocelli have captivated her littlest guy's attention of late. And as I listened to the do-over of the beautiful ballad "Time To Say Goodbye (Goodnight...)" I could very much imagine my sweet, serious nephew enjoying his time with a Classic.

And I've realized that we've dropped the ball, here. Cause rather than anything enriching and educational or enlightening? This is what my kiddos' attention has been arrested by lately:







I admit that I'm a little besotted, too. I really, really, REALLY want this guy's job. And barring that... I want a Blendtec blender of my own. I promise to only use it for non-destructive smoothie and daquiri/sangria purposes, I swear.

That Was SICK!!!

In the words of a song penned by Blur...

WOO-HOO!

I don't even know what to say except I loved it like Friday. It was so much more fun and interesting than I expected and I was actually pretty slick at it, too. And finding out that you don't suck at something is always a welcome surprise!!

We started the night with some laps and then went on to learning a bunch of falls, slides and glides at a blistering fast pace. I really can't believe all the stuff I did. I never would have thought that in two hours instruction, I'd be doing single and double knee falls and baseball slides, Supermans (double knee slide into a full plank slide) and Commandos (one knee slide into a shoulder rollover back to your feet) and 180 degree single knee sliding turns. Way freaking cool.

There was also some hellacious squat training, followed by more hellacious squat/crossover training and then some pushing drills and Sticky Skate drills (skating without lifting your feet from the floor.) Then we followed up with a core strength workout. Punishing. I loved it.

I was wearing some borrowed skates which were absolutely horrific and after the practice, one of the girls let me lace up with her derby skates. Sweet Mother. Twice as fast and solid, too. I am so going to love getting my new gear.

I am so glad I went... props to Mr. F. for the push I needed tonight. Now the only thing I'm dreading is how sore I'm gonna be in the morning. I swear I tore it all up tonight and things will be complaining tomorrow. Loudly.

Could Someone Turn Up The Invincibility In Here, Please?

Roller Derby Fresh Meat night tonight. Not exactly a try-out, just yet. But it's close. They'll be watching me. I'll be watching them. I really have no clue what I'm doing. Well, almost no clue.

I started out looking forward to this night, hoping to make at least a decent impression, but now? Now I just hope that I don't break something or split my face wide open on the track. Cause that would suck.

In the spirit of Nervous Energy and Needing a Kick in the Butt to Pump Me Up... I'm throwing some music up here. And, if y'all have some good, firey suggestions to add to the mix, do it! If it gets you movin, makes you feel like a billion dollars or like Captain Kirk shagging an alien chick, post it! Consider it your service to the Derby World and the Good of Flutterby. Also, prayers concerning the safety of my face and limbs would be greatly appreciated. :)





**Compliments of Cocotte: Garbage, "I Think I'm Paranoid" and No Doubt "Just a Girl" The Garbage song brings to mind PS2 Rock Band nights. FUN!! \m/

Stink. Stank. Stunk.

Tonight I had a couple things to go out for, so I grabbed my iPod and threw on my trainers (YAY! No more winter boots for now!) and jumped into Rocket. I got halfway down the street before the gagging started.

No, I'm not pregnant. (JJ! Sit back down.)

It seems that the other day when I was out with all great intentions to go to a free skate at a local arena and got sidetracked by Other More Important Matters, (namely not breaking the law, among others...) I forgot my hockey skates in the backseat of the car.

Which... had they actually been MY hockey skates, this would not have caused a problem whatsoever. But. Seeing as I had mistakenly grabbed Mr. F.'s hockey skates by accident... yeah, a much more offensive and noxious problem had arisen.

I'm not sure what made Day Three so horrifically worse than the other days. (I really hadn't noticed before and my nose is pretty sensitive to stuff.) I'm thinking the warm weather, combined with Rocket sitting in the dark garage all day caused the smell to reach critical mass within a matter of hours. And it is Critical. I'm not sure Rocket will recover. It's like the hand of God reached down and plunked a 20-year old mouldering hockey bag in front of the heat vent and let it simmer for 24 hours. I swear the windows are even foggy.

Rocket and I most definitely have a date tomorrow to get things cleaned up and smelling good again. I may even have to buy flowers, cause I don't think he's even talking to me at the moment.

And I'm going to have to consider putting some pink laces in my skates.

Miss Hospitality.

Day Two at my new job as front desk clerk at a little hotel here in Fluttercity is done. I'd like to say what most people say about how they're Not One To Jump To Conclusions but I can't cause I'm totally about the jumping prematurely.

So, on with the jumping! I think I'm gonna like this job. I'm working 8 hour shifts instead of pulling in bits and pieces of 4, 5 & 6 hours at a time which is nice. I don't get any paid breaks, so to speak -- I'm the only one on duty for my shift, so it's not like I can bugger off to get groceries on a break or whatever; but during slow times I can kinda do what I want to so long as my duties are taken care of. Maybe I'll get to catch up on some reading or make insanely large friendship bracelets to give away (only to people who promise not to lose that one-of-a-kind masterpiece!) or learn to burp the alphabet or some other redeeming use of my time.

I like that I can chat up all different kinds of people from all different walks of life and generally be a helpful person which always makes one feel good about their job. The tasks are straightforward and my manager is a pretty decent sort (he thought I was 20, which puts him pretty much Tops in my books!). An older gentleman who takes pride in his job, even though I'm pretty sure it's beneath him in terms of his education and life experience (I think I heard him speak three different languages today). I helped him reorganize his office today. After I decluttered and organized the front desk area during some down time, he came out of the office, took one look around and got an inspired look in his eye. "Come here" he says, and once in the office asks me what I would do to make this all look better. So, we set about to tearing that baby apart and made some pretty good progress.

Hmmm... maybe my true calling is some sort of job as an Organizer. That is an official title, is it not? Flutterby, Organizer Extrordinaire. Sounds good to me. I should maybe try out some of these skills on my house tomorrow as it needs it badly!

One thing I like about myself is that I find it easy to see potential in things. But a big drawback to that is that I find myself taking over stuff and trying to make my Vision come to life. And so, I'm here in this place and I'm redesigning signage (which my manager loved, "Very professional", he said. *grin* I don't think he read my resume very thoroughly!) and thinking about how some fresh paint and fresh flowers could really be a nice touch. And I'm wanting to source out a better supplier for our continental breakfast cause we're going out of the city for the current one and the stuff frankly is sub-par and more expensive than another place I know of. And... I can be a real pain in the butt if I don't stick a sock in it. Which I thankfully know how to do. Most of the time.

Anyway, I'm off to a good start, I think. Now I just have to get used to the 5:30 wake up and I'm golden.

I Really Want To Know.

Say that you -- hypothetically, of course -- know Someone who was sorting laundry. And this Someone, while checking pockets for stuff that shouldn't be washed, possibly may have happened upon something in the pocket of her hoodie.

Very possibly a red and yellow sour soother candy. Very possibly left over from an inventory shift involving free candy the night before.

Not that I really would know, or anything, I'm just sayin'.

And, having seen the sour soother (or whatever kind of red and yellow candy it was, not that I would know...) and having realized that it had only been in her pocket for one day, this charming and reasonably attractive (let's just assume...) Someone popped said candy into her mouth before realizing that she just actually ate something that had been in the LAUNDRY PILE. Albeit, in a clean pocket in the laundry pile, but still... in the LAUNDRY PILE.

What I want to know is... how GROSS is that, really? Consider this a formal Informal Poll and let me know what you think. I tried to work out a really awesome Hypothetical Situation Evaluator, but I'm working on four hours sleep, here, people.

So, what do you think?

Me, As Played By A Thirteen Year Old Girl.

Ho. Lee. Crap.

I'm out running some quick errands before my free skate time, one which involves some banking, which involves flashing some government issued ID, which involves the room going all fuzzy and my eyes becoming freaking umbrellas cause I happen to spy out the fact that my driver's license Has Not Been Renewed.

As in, is almost two whole months overdue. As in, I have been (ALLEGEDLY!!!) driving illegally for almost two months. As in, Flutter could be in the clinker, the slammer, the hoosegow, the big house, the brig, the pokey, the cooler... I could be a Criminal.

And, as if that's not bad enough, after I slink into a parking spot at the insurance agency... I manage to dig deeper into my purse and discover that one of our vehicles has also not been insured for just as long.

--insert swearing HERE--

Clearly, this whole Adult thing is just a charade and I am nothing more than a slobbering idiot with the maturity of a pre-teen girl. Worse yet, I have to let Mr. F. in on the whole thing. He will either be greatly entertained or gravely disappointed. I'm currently working on a strategy mostly involving looking very small and very cute, much like a fluffy and adorable little hamster. And if that doesn't work, I always have my fallback. Sexual favors.

But, I'll have to convince him I'm an adult, first.

I'm Pretty Sure This Is All Meaningless.

I'd like to think that all the fabulousness cannot be contained in just one post... but face it. It can be. Here goes.

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I have one more warehouse shift and it happens to be working inventory until almost midnight. My mad counting skills have been claimed by the HABA and OTC (Health and Beauty Aids, Over The Counter) centres, which means that I officially have the WORST warehouse inventory area. I will be crossing my eyes over hundreds of vitamin bottles and tiny boxes. For eight hours. But, I get free candy and drinks (errrr... pop, to be more specific. No coconut rum for me.) which makes up for it a little bit. :) Did I mention that I also get to count condoms? Yay.

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School is kicking into gear for the Princess and I can't tell you how many permission forms I've signed and cheques written for extra-curricular stuff lately. The school has partnered with an Arts program and is offering ROCK 100; putting together two bands of grades 5,6 &7 students and they will be actually creating, marketing and branding a band. Also, they're learning to actually play a few songs and there will be a concert at the end of April. Enrollment was really limited and somehow the Princess snagged a spot. And while I'm all for parental pride and what not, I'm really not all that sure why they chose her as she doesn't play an instrument AT ALL. She does have a lovely little singing voice, but is too shy to actually ever sing in front of people. Anyway, I know she'll love it and hopefully it will spark a bit of a desire to take some lessons with an instrument or something. God knows I've tried to convince the girl... some things are beyond my powers.

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The Kid has two VERY loose front teeth. So loose that every day I look at him, they are pointing different directions. Which is kinda trippy in a gross MyKidFreaksMeOut sort of way. I've been trying to convince him to let me Take A Look, which is parent-speak for Rip Those Suckers Out Of There. (at least, that's been my experience growing up.) but he manages to effectively deny me the opportunity. And honestly, it doesn't take much. I'm woefully unprepared to Rip things out of mouths. The Princess has taken care of all of her own loose teeth; a fact she is quite proud of and I'm most grateful for. The Kid's two bottom teeth came out at my hand, but it was quite the accident as I was just showing him how to wiggle his teeth properly (he tends to be a light touch and just wibble them a bit which we all know will not get one Anywhere where loose teeth are concerned) and they popped out to our mutual surprise.

However, I am finished with being creeped out by the creepy, crooked teeth in the Kid's mouth and am ready to take things a bit more seriously. Any hints, tips or tricks would be greatly appreciately. So long as they don't involve doors and string.

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I am longing for some grilling weather. I'm tired of stews, ragouts and casseroles and other oven-ish stuff. Usually March is my official Break Out the BBQ month, but I'm hoping that we've put in all our time with the super cold weather and maybe temps will break earlier this year. I could handle grilling in February. And, maybe... if the weatherman actually hits the forecast right (0 degrees, baby!), the BBQ might make an appearance this weekend. Man, that would be nice.

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Fresh Meat night with the local Roller Derby club is coming up soon and I'm a little bit obsessed. Six more sleeps, y'all. I've been told to start thinking of a Derby name and number, as, if I make the team I'll have to register one. Derby names are all registered in a national database and must be unique. They must also be a bit nasty and spanky and fun. I've got a few in mind already, but if anyone wants to contribute something -- please feel free to drop me a comment or an email. I'm hitting a free skate today to work on some basic stuff. Ice skating is a bit different than quad skating, of course, but the physics is the same. I already know the Sticky Skate skills and stopping and what not, but I am rusty for sure. Time to brush up. I'll be hurting tomorrow I'm certain.

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We recently ordered some furniture to replace some well-worn (AND HOW!!) pieces upstairs in our family room. I'm so excited to finally move those stinky couches out of there, but I'm a little bit nervous about the new cream-coloured cushions surviving life in the FlutterZone. Maybe it was a poor choice, but there wasn't really anything else that Mr. F. and I could agree on. Perhaps I should hire a couch nanny, whose only job is to sit in the room and shoo away any children with food or drink. Practical? No. But it just may be the thing needed. And, as a bonus, these fragile little cushions may just up the class factor around here and put an end to all the Homer-Simpson-shirtless lounging Mr. F. is prone to do. Imagine that, a lowly cushion may just do the thing that 13 years of wifely Suggestions could not do. I am humbled beyond belief.

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So, now, the weekend. Well, inventory and the weekend. Some skating, some visiting with family and maybe some grilling and then, on to my new job. Have a good weekend y'all.

As The World Turns.

I confess I am a people watcher. If I'm waiting somewhere, anywhere -- Dr's office, parking lot -- chances are I'm watching you.

I'm not picking apart your wardrobe or wondering why the heck you're such a hot mess. It's more about that look in your eye or why you're walking with your shoulders rounded down today. I guess I'm fascinated by the story that I see in people. The mystery of trying to figure it out.

Some people are easy to read; sometimes their current situation is all you see... the stressed mom with kids trailing behind and packages in hand; the squabbling couple who thinks they're being discreet. Sometimes peoples "unseen" deeds are seen; the surreptitious littering or quick nose-digging. The gracious opening of a door for someone who needs help or letting someone else step ahead in line.

Occasionally, you get to see moments of brilliance and courage; the ill man with dark circles under his eyes who is struggling to do the simplest of tasks, but perseveres for the sake of continuing normality in his life. The determined look of a child in a wheelchair, working hard to keep up with his family in the parking lot. The careful application of lipstick on a lined and age-worn face as an elderly woman reminds the world that she once was a beauty. The trembling hand of a woman with a neurological issue which bears the shaky lines of nail polish.

I guess I see myself in these stories, in these passers-by. They are a parade of my past, my present, my future, my good, my bad, my embarrassed slips and graceful saves. They are a parade of emotion and a reminder that even the mundane moments in life are Seen. The world goes on and we are Seen.

There's a beauty in that which never fails to touch me. And so I watch. And smile. And sometimes I weep. And hope that somewhere, sometime; I will be Seen, too.

Kitchen Mojo

Not that kind of kitchen mojo, you freaky, freaky people...

But the kind of mojo that used to have me pencilling out weekly meal plans with all six food groups (I added Chocolate, OK?) and homemade ingredients. The kind of mojo that saw me baking bread once a week and making pancakes on the weekend.

Yes, the kind of mojo that takes time and discipline and actually being home at supper-time. Three things which have been on short supply around here, lately. My family isn't starving... there are nights that I'm home, after all; and often I'll make something ahead when I know I'm working the next day. Mr. F. is getting better at some kitchen stuff, too... surprisingly good, actually. But I feel like I'm starving.

A big part of being a Mom, being a homemaker, is taking care of and providing for your family. There's something really great about knowing that everyone at the table is satisfied and enjoyed their meal and that it was something you Made for them. And after you've spent the biggest part of your Created Family Life defining yourself in this way, it's a bit hard to adjust. To change. To reframe it. I feel pressure to be all that I was before, but also to be More.

Last night, while I was out getting groceries... for the first time ever I bought a pre-made chicken dish (Chicken breasts stuffed with broccoli and cheese) and was struck by the irony. I used to look at that stuff and think "Boy, would it be nice to be able to afford to buy stuff that's already made for me..." but I ended up actually throwing them in my cart as a concession to a work schedule that won't allow me to be home around meal time this week but does allow me the extra money to buy stuff like that. And I didn't like that feeling one bit.

I think that my new job will be an easier sell on the family life; and hopefully this means that my kitchen mojo will return with a vengeance and everything will be back on track once again. As for tonight; Mr. F just called and we're taking the kids out for appy's at two for one night. What a great guy. :)

Pachelbel Rant

Just a funny bit related to my last post. Enjoy.

Love Remains the Same

Gavin Rossdale's newest single pairs a sweet, progressive melody with strong, husky vocals and tops it all off with tender sentiment. It will be stuck in your head, guaranteed.

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I swear there's something to predictable, leading chord progressions that make a song "easy" for your brain to get stuck on. I wonder if it's scientifically provable; if the code can be cracked... would I be rich if I could figure it out??


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And, just for kicks and giggles... some old school Marky Mark complete with some awkward bromance moments and a shower bit that left me feeling a bit confused about just what was being communicated. And yet... appreciative.

Mom! She's Doing It Again!

JodyJ recently did a questionnaire on her lovely little piece of blog-space and -- besides the fact that I'm a hopeless copycat -- she expressed interest in knowing one of my answers to a question that was part of the interview. And, well... it would be a bit weird to devote a singular post to that question, so I thought it best to do the whole interview.

Here goes:

1) What was the last thing you did before you came online today? Made a cup of fantastic coffee and thawed out one of my grandma's muffins for breakfast. (Banana/chocolate chip with extra nuts.)
2) Do you prefer a bikini panty or thong? Depends on the pants, I guess. Denim works with anything, but dress pants and anything white shows pantylines. (right, Therese??!)
3) Latest product you've purchased? Ravin Rabbids Wii game. And, yes... it's fun. I just spent part of the morning shooting chicken zombies with the Kid. Heaven.
4) Last book you read? The Princess is reading "The Diamond of Darkhold" to me at night.
5) One childhood memory? I remember being about 8 years old; Little Bro was 4 and the folks went out for an evening and got a neighborhood boy to babysit. Little Bro woke up late at night, crying from a nightmare and babysitter, "D", was nowhere to be found. I told Little Bro I'd find him and started searching the house. Went downstairs and found two sets of eyeglasses on the console stereo... Opened the door to the spare room/playroom and... HolyCrapBoobiesAndStuff!!! I think I scared "D" and his girlfriend half to death (both in the Moment and with fear of the wrath of the Parents Finding Out) and the worst part was that the little tramp used my favorite stuffie to, errrr, COVER UP! Ewwwwwww.
6) First Kiss? I was *cough* twelve (ALMOST THIRTEEN, Y'ALL!!!!) and sorta "going out" with a guy a bit older than me by a couple years. (Which, hello? Like I knew at all what I was doing...) My grandparents were watching me for the weekend and he came along with us out to a farm where they were to look at a motorhome that was for sale. Kittens were running about and we followed them around, ending up behind some kind of outbuilding or shed. Little Flutter, meet Lips. Don't forget to breathe. I said... Don't. Forget. To. Breathe.
7) What color of nail polish are you wearing? NONE! I'm working in a warehouse and constantly shredding them on boxes and heavy stuff. I usually only keep a clear coat on or something light colored (french mani, etc.) if at all, anyway. I don't have nice nails at all.
8) What are you wearing? Brown ballet capris, tank and black hoodie. Fashionista I am not.
9) Last phone call? My mother-in-law.
10) One New Year's Resolution? Posted bout that already.
11) Something new you want to try? What? I'm supposed to be ambitious, now? OK... I kinda would like to try roller-derby.
12) Something you haven't done for a while and want to start up again? I want to start skiing again this winter and get the kids started, too.
13) Favorite chocolate bar? Hmmmm... probably Snickers. Skor is a close second.
14) Long glamour nails or short nails? I can't grow my own nails worth crap. :( But, the few times I've had gel nails, I've still kept them at a sporty length and french manicured.
15) What color is your bedroom? Kinda monochromatic... mid-tone brown and deep grey.
16)Favorite season? I'm with JJ on this one... "Easier to say my least favorite, winter. The other three seasons are my favorite."
17) One pet peeve? People who don't put away their shopping carts. *grrrrrr* This may or may not be influenced by my current job pushing hundreds of errant carts around a ginormous parking lot. In the snow. Whilst freezing.
18) Do you make your bed every morning? I have to, or else my Inner Critic spends the whole day making me feel like a worthless piece of humanity. What's up with that?
19) What is the first post you ever wrote about? I first wrote in 1995, two posts; one an intro to the blogosphere and the other a satirical review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Which may have amounted to not much more than "*sigh* Johnny Depp." I really can't remember.
20) Did you enjoy this questionnaire? Yes! Which is to say that I always pretty much enjoy talking about myself! :)
21) Not done yet, one more thing, post a picture that makes you feel good. Read the post and accompanying pics below.

Dreamin'

I know that some think that Style is something you are born with; an inherent set of inclinations and preferences that you carry with you through life. I'm finding that style is something you grow into.

And it's frustrating the heck out of me.

Cause the old Me (OK, really, that would be the Young Me, but bear with me, here, people...) was a slave to the trend and all into being sleek and modern just for the sake of ensuring continued job security for IKEA employees of the world. It's a style I can still appreciate from an artful view, but I'm finding that I don't feel at Home in it like I used to.

Maybe it's growing older (maturer? Ha! Don't think so.) that tunes you in to your inner esthetic, but I'm often surprised to find the environments that nurture and comfort and inspire me are actually very simple and rustic. I crave small, cozy spaces filled with texture and color and the warmth of wood and stone and clay earth. I love the intimacy of handwrought features; the textured glasses and the unique reclaimed pieces. I love simplistic, straightforward design with natural materials and lots and lots of sunlight. Organic, natural and solid.

I love This. This compact little home in Dunedin, New Zealand that I found on a real estate website. 1000 sq ft and three bedrooms and surrounded by the most beautiful nature one could imagine. And, while chances are slim that New Zealand and I will ever cross paths; I'm thinking maybe I'll email the owners to purchase the blueprints. Cause maybe one day I'll get to build a little house that belongs in my dreams.