I feel like a boob for not posting anything all weekend, but the news I got on Friday wasn't good. The blue chemo was a modest fail; it destroyed the blast (leukemic) cells in my blood, but only reduced the blasts in my marrow by 20%. In order to be considered in remission, I need a lot more than that. My marrow's still got 70% blast cells. While it may not be considered a full success, the blue chemo did have some effect on the leukemia which means that it isn't completely imperious.
What really disturbed me is the statement my oncologist made, "We are starting to run out of options." The cancer has already proved resistant to chemo (or similar forms of chemo) that I've had in the past. There's obviously a finite number of types of chemicals used in treatment, so I can't get brand spanking new stuff but for so long.
I've always said I will fight this thing until the docs tell me there's no more weapons left in the scientific arsenal. To actually face a dwindling supply of ammo is very disconcerting.
Guess it's time to start researching clinical trials and start getting serious about a macrobiotic diet.
But there was a bright spot on Friday. Because my white counts were still fairly low, my doc let me put off my new treatment until today, meaning I got to go trick-or-treating and enjoy the weekend with my family.
It's funny how things change when you've got children. There are some things about your life (sleeping in on Saturday, making last minute plans) that vanish, and you feel the loss. Then there are are other things that change, and owing to the love you have for your child, you embrace the change.
Halloween is a big holiday for me and The Mister. We used to put a lot of effort into planning our costumes, decorating the house, and throwing our annual bash. This year, Little A cooked up his own costume idea (Puss in Boots from Shrek 2), and even dictated what mommy would be (a princess). We decorated the house, but not party level. Of course, we didn't have a shindig either.
And that was just fine. In fact, I wouldn't be too upset if we never hosted another bash. The joy in Little A's face while we went trick-or-treating is enough for me.
We started the evening having dinner with my folks, then we all (yours truly, the princess) donned our costumes and went to a few houses on my parent's street. Since spending so much time there, Little A has gotten to know the neighbors, especially two boys across the street who are his big buddies. From there we went home to hit our own street. Little A took to trick-or-treating like a champ, marching up steps, exclaiming "Trick or Treat!", and making his exit with "Thanks" or "Happy Halloween". The Mister and I were there behind him, Princess and Race Car Driver, loving every minute of it.
Now, even three days later, he keeps asking if Halloween is over. To get a piece of candy from his stash (one or two a day), we play trick-or-treat in the house where he knocks on a door and one of us opens it to distribute the candy.
I'm overjoyed that my kid loves Halloween as much as I do.
Well, currently I am hanging in room 122 of The Big House and waiting to get started with this new round of treatments. It's three chemicals I've never had before, nor have I had a chemical closely related to them. The hope is that these poisons will squish this cancer crap into remission and get us back on the bone marrow transplant track. The fellow, a nice young Southern guy, will be bringing me up some literature about the chemicals I'll be getting. That ought to be interesting.
Otherwise, I'll be here, trying to be productive and working on my writing, my reading, and my cable television viewing.
Prayers and supplications requested. And if anyone wants to dance around shaking a chicken and spitting rum into a fire on my behalf, I won't turn that down.
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Monday, November 03, 2008
Monday, November 05, 2007
What a Difference a Year Makes: Halloween Edition
Witness:
Halloween 2006
Halloween 2007
Trying to assimilate and process the concept of "Trick or Treat".
And no, he isn't dressed as an effing chicken.
Other news in the World of Little A:
Latest obsession: Bull riding. His first exposure was a couple of weekends ago at my parent's house. Yesterday afternoon, we were fortunate to catch the world championships on NBC. Every time a rider and bull went out into the ring, Little A let out an excited, "Whoa Ho!" and pointed dramatically at the television screen.
From the mouth of babes: After eating most of his dinner the other night, I asked Little A if he was full. To which he responded quite emphatically, "Full of peepee." Indeed.
Developing sense of humor: At the playground today, Little A decided to intentionally bop his head on the metal bar above the sliding board entrance. This made him giggle. When I exclaimed, "You banged your head on purpose!", he let out a more enthusiastic chuckle. Then he bopped his head on the metal bar again. Giggled. "You banged your head on purpose." Gut-busting guffaw. This exchange went on for some time, and even on the way home, he continued to crack himself up by saying, "Hit head on purpose!"
Halloween 2006
Halloween 2007
Trying to assimilate and process the concept of "Trick or Treat".
And no, he isn't dressed as an effing chicken.
Other news in the World of Little A:
Latest obsession: Bull riding. His first exposure was a couple of weekends ago at my parent's house. Yesterday afternoon, we were fortunate to catch the world championships on NBC. Every time a rider and bull went out into the ring, Little A let out an excited, "Whoa Ho!" and pointed dramatically at the television screen.
From the mouth of babes: After eating most of his dinner the other night, I asked Little A if he was full. To which he responded quite emphatically, "Full of peepee." Indeed.
Developing sense of humor: At the playground today, Little A decided to intentionally bop his head on the metal bar above the sliding board entrance. This made him giggle. When I exclaimed, "You banged your head on purpose!", he let out a more enthusiastic chuckle. Then he bopped his head on the metal bar again. Giggled. "You banged your head on purpose." Gut-busting guffaw. This exchange went on for some time, and even on the way home, he continued to crack himself up by saying, "Hit head on purpose!"
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Let's Scare Amanda to Death
Whoever DJ's the mix of piped in music at my local Ukrop's (For the uninitiated, Ukrop's is the homegrown RVA grocery chain.) is a sick bastard. Perhaps it is the Halloween season that inspired him/her to add the full instrumentation of the Tales From the Darkside theme song to today's morning line up.
While I like a good scare, really like a good scare, I did not relish having my heart go cold this morning in the baking products aisle.
Darkside, in particular one episode, scared the living shit out of me as a child. Yet, like a junkie to her smack, I watched it religiously, huddled late on a Friday night in bed with only the glow from my little B&W set to illuminate my room. Yes, blame my parents.
The last thing I thought I'd hear as I passed the sugar and stuffing mixes and Jello packets was that ominous "Boo Bee Bee Boom..." Even without the haunting, Poe-ish voiceover, the score was as eerie as it was to me 20 years ago. I stopped in the middle of the brightly lit aisle and sucked in my breath as I waited for the world to flip into the negative aspect of colors just like it did in the opening credits of the show.
Little A stopped chattering and knitted his brow as he studied his woefully pale, non-breathing mommy.
Then after only a few minutes song came to an end. The world had not slipped into horror and small closet monsters. Little A chucked a loaf of bread into the floor to get my attention. I recaptured my sanity just as it was beginning to float out over the icing.
Man lives in the sunlit world
of what he believes to be reality.
But, there is, unseen by most, an underworld,
a place that is just as real,
but not as brightly lit.....
A DARKSIDE.
Bwah ha ha!
Happy Halloween, y'all.
While I like a good scare, really like a good scare, I did not relish having my heart go cold this morning in the baking products aisle.
Darkside, in particular one episode, scared the living shit out of me as a child. Yet, like a junkie to her smack, I watched it religiously, huddled late on a Friday night in bed with only the glow from my little B&W set to illuminate my room. Yes, blame my parents.
The last thing I thought I'd hear as I passed the sugar and stuffing mixes and Jello packets was that ominous "Boo Bee Bee Boom..." Even without the haunting, Poe-ish voiceover, the score was as eerie as it was to me 20 years ago. I stopped in the middle of the brightly lit aisle and sucked in my breath as I waited for the world to flip into the negative aspect of colors just like it did in the opening credits of the show.
Little A stopped chattering and knitted his brow as he studied his woefully pale, non-breathing mommy.
Then after only a few minutes song came to an end. The world had not slipped into horror and small closet monsters. Little A chucked a loaf of bread into the floor to get my attention. I recaptured my sanity just as it was beginning to float out over the icing.
Man lives in the sunlit world
of what he believes to be reality.
But, there is, unseen by most, an underworld,
a place that is just as real,
but not as brightly lit.....
A DARKSIDE.
Bwah ha ha!
Happy Halloween, y'all.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Celebrities Should Not Dress Themselves
Especially not on Halloween.
Witness:
Before I go any further, these images offend both my devotion to the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland universe and my deep and abiding love for Halloween and fancy dress. They should offend everyone else on general priciple.
The dress isn't that bad, very much in the Disney vein. And there were some other pictures out there of Teri and her daughter, dressed as Alice and looking very cute.
But the makeup and hair. Oh my. Tarantula eyelashes and exaggerated heart lips. Bless her Botoxed face, Teri is all over the map. She's somehow channeling a Andrews Sister female impersonator appearing in the local dinner theater production of Cabaret. With boobs you could bounce quarters off.
I had to don a welding mask just to view this picture without my eyes burning out of their sockets. I received several rounds of shots before attempting to post it on my blog. Later tonight I will take an antiseptic shower.
FOR THE LOVE OF EFFING PETE!
Before today, the Ms. Hilton above was only one of many vapid, poopy-headed starlets famous for absolutely nothing. Now she is the Effing AntiChrist and must be stopped.
Yeah, bitch, you're Alice. Alice as envisioned by a Methhead Dutch prostitute on her way to a Marilyn Manson concert/orgy.
Gaaaaaaaaah.
Anticipated to begin making the rounds of gossip websites: photos of Brit Brit as the Mad Hatter lugging her little spawn dressed as the March Hare and Dormouse.
Shudder. I've just given myself a good scare for Halloween.
Witness:
Before I go any further, these images offend both my devotion to the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland universe and my deep and abiding love for Halloween and fancy dress. They should offend everyone else on general priciple.
The dress isn't that bad, very much in the Disney vein. And there were some other pictures out there of Teri and her daughter, dressed as Alice and looking very cute.
But the makeup and hair. Oh my. Tarantula eyelashes and exaggerated heart lips. Bless her Botoxed face, Teri is all over the map. She's somehow channeling a Andrews Sister female impersonator appearing in the local dinner theater production of Cabaret. With boobs you could bounce quarters off.
I had to don a welding mask just to view this picture without my eyes burning out of their sockets. I received several rounds of shots before attempting to post it on my blog. Later tonight I will take an antiseptic shower.
FOR THE LOVE OF EFFING PETE!
Before today, the Ms. Hilton above was only one of many vapid, poopy-headed starlets famous for absolutely nothing. Now she is the Effing AntiChrist and must be stopped.
Yeah, bitch, you're Alice. Alice as envisioned by a Methhead Dutch prostitute on her way to a Marilyn Manson concert/orgy.
Gaaaaaaaaah.
Anticipated to begin making the rounds of gossip websites: photos of Brit Brit as the Mad Hatter lugging her little spawn dressed as the March Hare and Dormouse.
Shudder. I've just given myself a good scare for Halloween.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
R.I.P. Amos Halloween Fete
Ordinarily, this time of year would find me frantically putting together all the necessary preparations for the Annual Amos Halloween Fete. For nearly a decade now, we've donned costumes and gathered our friends together to celebrate Samhain.
Except not this year.
No party.
Nope.
And I'm fine with it, really I am.
Sniff. Sniff.
This would have been our tenth(Gasp!)party, but for a variety of reasons, we've decided not to have one. First off, this weekend is our ten-year college reunion, and while it probably will be mild to moderately lame, we can't forgo the possibility of seeing old college chums and finding out who's gotten all fat and stuff. October, as it always seemed to be, was also jam packed with travel and a variety of other commitments. Putting together costumes and a party would have added another level of stress. My kid is effing stressful enough.
But most importantly, Adrian and I decided that after all these years the party has finally run out of steam. And I think the host and hostess have run out of steam as well.
The very first Fete was held just one year after graduation in our little post-collegiate apartment. I made the invitations by hand, using The Gashlycrumb Tinies for cover art. The guests were mostly college friends. There was a vat of some killer punch. And Sean put a sword through the wall. It was great fun.
With each party, the guest list evolved to include our work friends and old high school pals, always with the same dedicated group of costumed revelers at the core. Our best throwdowns (besides the first) were in 2000 and 2001 with the "Kings, Queens, and Assorted Royalty" and "Eighties" themes respectively. Every year, Adrian and I looked forward to creating our costumes, decorating, and putting yummies on the table. Halloween is our favorite holiday, by far, and we liked sharing the love.
Yet, as they say, all good things must come to an end. The excitement for Halloween feting has been waning. Those handmade invitations I so lovingly crafted have given way to blissfully convenient Evite. Last year, only a handful of guests even attempted a costume.
So we're putting the Amos Halloween Fete out to pasture, at least for 2007. Who knows; next year, we might just have a big blowout in honor of the tenth anniversary of our first celebration. Maybe even resurrect our favorite costumes (Could I even choose?)for the occasion.
Either way, we've not left Halloween behind. There are still a few costumes I'd love to don. I did feel a little twinge of sadness when I was bringing out my Halloween decorations; so many of them got left in storage. I didn't see the need of going all out when we weren't having a people over to admire my handiwork.
That Halloween energy has now been channeled into creating a fun spidery decoration for our door to spook trick-or-treaters and my son's own costume.
To tickle your fancy I've included pictures of our costumes from the past few parties. As soon as my scanner stops being difficult, I might find it in myself to include those pictures from the Before Digital age.
Last year. Theme was "Your Alter Ego". Alice from "Resident Evil", one of the few girl zombie fighters in pop culture, comes pretty close to my alter ego. Ash and his Boomstick seemed like a natural fit for a couple costume.
2005: I really didn't want to wear some stereotypical pregnant woman costume that either incorporated my belly (like a pumpkin) or was "wink, wink" about being in the family way (nun or schoolgirl). Fortunately for me, Brit Brit was preggers (for the first time) that year. We managed to outfit ourselves almost exclusively from Target and Old Navy, and it was a frighteningly easy transformation into skeez for Adrian. And to think; those were the halcyon days in the Spears/Federline union.
2004: Black Cat Ball. Our only costume requirement was that attendees wear black. I think we were the only ones in costume that year.
2003: Theme was "War". This might be my favorite couple costume we've done.
Skipping a few years to go back to 1999: Theme was "Villains". Adrian is sporting the evidence of my theatrical makeup training. It took three hours to transform him, committed little fanboy that he is. Shaved head and all. And I'm a post-modern Queen of Hearts, in case you were wondering.
Here's a closer shot. For bragging rights.
Boo. Scary Sith!
Except not this year.
No party.
Nope.
And I'm fine with it, really I am.
Sniff. Sniff.
This would have been our tenth(Gasp!)party, but for a variety of reasons, we've decided not to have one. First off, this weekend is our ten-year college reunion, and while it probably will be mild to moderately lame, we can't forgo the possibility of seeing old college chums and finding out who's gotten all fat and stuff. October, as it always seemed to be, was also jam packed with travel and a variety of other commitments. Putting together costumes and a party would have added another level of stress. My kid is effing stressful enough.
But most importantly, Adrian and I decided that after all these years the party has finally run out of steam. And I think the host and hostess have run out of steam as well.
The very first Fete was held just one year after graduation in our little post-collegiate apartment. I made the invitations by hand, using The Gashlycrumb Tinies for cover art. The guests were mostly college friends. There was a vat of some killer punch. And Sean put a sword through the wall. It was great fun.
With each party, the guest list evolved to include our work friends and old high school pals, always with the same dedicated group of costumed revelers at the core. Our best throwdowns (besides the first) were in 2000 and 2001 with the "Kings, Queens, and Assorted Royalty" and "Eighties" themes respectively. Every year, Adrian and I looked forward to creating our costumes, decorating, and putting yummies on the table. Halloween is our favorite holiday, by far, and we liked sharing the love.
Yet, as they say, all good things must come to an end. The excitement for Halloween feting has been waning. Those handmade invitations I so lovingly crafted have given way to blissfully convenient Evite. Last year, only a handful of guests even attempted a costume.
So we're putting the Amos Halloween Fete out to pasture, at least for 2007. Who knows; next year, we might just have a big blowout in honor of the tenth anniversary of our first celebration. Maybe even resurrect our favorite costumes (Could I even choose?)for the occasion.
Either way, we've not left Halloween behind. There are still a few costumes I'd love to don. I did feel a little twinge of sadness when I was bringing out my Halloween decorations; so many of them got left in storage. I didn't see the need of going all out when we weren't having a people over to admire my handiwork.
That Halloween energy has now been channeled into creating a fun spidery decoration for our door to spook trick-or-treaters and my son's own costume.
To tickle your fancy I've included pictures of our costumes from the past few parties. As soon as my scanner stops being difficult, I might find it in myself to include those pictures from the Before Digital age.
Last year. Theme was "Your Alter Ego". Alice from "Resident Evil", one of the few girl zombie fighters in pop culture, comes pretty close to my alter ego. Ash and his Boomstick seemed like a natural fit for a couple costume.
2005: I really didn't want to wear some stereotypical pregnant woman costume that either incorporated my belly (like a pumpkin) or was "wink, wink" about being in the family way (nun or schoolgirl). Fortunately for me, Brit Brit was preggers (for the first time) that year. We managed to outfit ourselves almost exclusively from Target and Old Navy, and it was a frighteningly easy transformation into skeez for Adrian. And to think; those were the halcyon days in the Spears/Federline union.
2004: Black Cat Ball. Our only costume requirement was that attendees wear black. I think we were the only ones in costume that year.
2003: Theme was "War". This might be my favorite couple costume we've done.
Skipping a few years to go back to 1999: Theme was "Villains". Adrian is sporting the evidence of my theatrical makeup training. It took three hours to transform him, committed little fanboy that he is. Shaved head and all. And I'm a post-modern Queen of Hearts, in case you were wondering.
Here's a closer shot. For bragging rights.
Boo. Scary Sith!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy All Hallow's Eve!
It's the bestest holiday ever! (Please don't take me to the carpet on Christmas. We've thrown Christmas completely out the window and turned it into the backbone of the American retail industry. But that's a whole other post. Or two posts.)
Little A and I will be going over to my mom's school later today to watch the parade of the costumed kindergarteners. I hope he finds it exciting. He has crossed the nine-month mark and now has been dwelling outside of the womb longer than he did inside. Alastair has discovered a new vocalization: "Da, da, da, da, da, da!" When he gets going with it, is it ever funny. His little face all squints up and his tongue thrusts out. Especially spectacular is when he communicates with the Baby in the Mirror. Those discussions can get quite heated.
Other Little A milestones that seemed to have all occurred in the past few weeks:
-Top tooth is fully emerged. He's also gotten pretty savvy with eating things like cheerios and puffs off of the table.
-Going from tummy to sitting up. Once he mastered that one, he just keep doing it all day.
-Shimmying across the floor, military-crawl-style.
-Some hands and knees crawling.
-Pre-cruising: moving his feet while standing and supporting himself on a piece of furniture.
-In the past few days he's become totally enamored of things up high like trees, flags, lights in the parking lot, and tries really hard to reach them.
The way his motor skills are developing, the cats days are numbered and it's a low number for sure.
In honor of the great spooky holiday which glorifies all things frightening, I present my top ten scary movies. These aren't necessarily the scariest or goriest, but darn it I like them and I consider myself somewhat of a fan/connoisseur of the genre. Hopefully it will inspire you to celebrate Halloween the way it is meant to be celebrated with a scary flick, a costume, and lots of sugary treats.
Amanda's Top Ten Flicks for Halloween (In no particular order because I am just too lazy to mess with rating the movies.)
10. Lost Boys- Dude, it's a Gen X classic!
9. 28 Days Later- Is not a zombie movie. But still scary as all get out.
8. Aliens- The Director's Cut is the version to catch. The scene where the humans are all trapped in the command center and watching the robotic guns blow through all the ammo as the aliens approach makes my chest tight.
7. Black Christmas- I'm not a slasher movie fan, but this one's awesome. Margot Kidder is a total hoot as a bitter, boozy sorority girl. The killer's prank calls will give you the willies.
6. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original)- Balls-to-the-walls scary. It's like Deliverance in the Ninth Circle of Hell.
5. The Ring- The Japanese created the story; American filmaking perfected it. This film contains some of the most disturbing images, all without a drop of gore.
4. The Evil Dead- Shot in this totally low budget format, which in my opinion, makes it all the more scary. Plus, I think Adrian would agree that Bruce Campbell is The Bomb.
3. The Shining- One of the few times a movie surpasses the original material and in this case, the movie is way creepier than the book. Old hotels continue to give me strong sense of dread and unease, thanks to Mr. Kubrick's fine work here.
2. Night of the Living Dead (original)- I still can't sit through this movie in its entirety. George Romero is freakin' awesome.
1. The Exorcist- Seriously twisted. I still can't believe that this movie was made at the time that it was. Most of the film's serious creepy stuff is accomplished by brilliant sound effects.
Omitted from this list are several great films, while not entirely horrortastic, do contain some seriously scary scenes like The Blair Witch Project, Alien, Event Horizon, Signs, Silence of the Lambs, The Grudge, Pyscho... Oh I could go on forever.
Have a great Halloween everyone!
Little A and I will be going over to my mom's school later today to watch the parade of the costumed kindergarteners. I hope he finds it exciting. He has crossed the nine-month mark and now has been dwelling outside of the womb longer than he did inside. Alastair has discovered a new vocalization: "Da, da, da, da, da, da!" When he gets going with it, is it ever funny. His little face all squints up and his tongue thrusts out. Especially spectacular is when he communicates with the Baby in the Mirror. Those discussions can get quite heated.
Other Little A milestones that seemed to have all occurred in the past few weeks:
-Top tooth is fully emerged. He's also gotten pretty savvy with eating things like cheerios and puffs off of the table.
-Going from tummy to sitting up. Once he mastered that one, he just keep doing it all day.
-Shimmying across the floor, military-crawl-style.
-Some hands and knees crawling.
-Pre-cruising: moving his feet while standing and supporting himself on a piece of furniture.
-In the past few days he's become totally enamored of things up high like trees, flags, lights in the parking lot, and tries really hard to reach them.
The way his motor skills are developing, the cats days are numbered and it's a low number for sure.
In honor of the great spooky holiday which glorifies all things frightening, I present my top ten scary movies. These aren't necessarily the scariest or goriest, but darn it I like them and I consider myself somewhat of a fan/connoisseur of the genre. Hopefully it will inspire you to celebrate Halloween the way it is meant to be celebrated with a scary flick, a costume, and lots of sugary treats.
Amanda's Top Ten Flicks for Halloween (In no particular order because I am just too lazy to mess with rating the movies.)
10. Lost Boys- Dude, it's a Gen X classic!
9. 28 Days Later- Is not a zombie movie. But still scary as all get out.
8. Aliens- The Director's Cut is the version to catch. The scene where the humans are all trapped in the command center and watching the robotic guns blow through all the ammo as the aliens approach makes my chest tight.
7. Black Christmas- I'm not a slasher movie fan, but this one's awesome. Margot Kidder is a total hoot as a bitter, boozy sorority girl. The killer's prank calls will give you the willies.
6. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original)- Balls-to-the-walls scary. It's like Deliverance in the Ninth Circle of Hell.
5. The Ring- The Japanese created the story; American filmaking perfected it. This film contains some of the most disturbing images, all without a drop of gore.
4. The Evil Dead- Shot in this totally low budget format, which in my opinion, makes it all the more scary. Plus, I think Adrian would agree that Bruce Campbell is The Bomb.
3. The Shining- One of the few times a movie surpasses the original material and in this case, the movie is way creepier than the book. Old hotels continue to give me strong sense of dread and unease, thanks to Mr. Kubrick's fine work here.
2. Night of the Living Dead (original)- I still can't sit through this movie in its entirety. George Romero is freakin' awesome.
1. The Exorcist- Seriously twisted. I still can't believe that this movie was made at the time that it was. Most of the film's serious creepy stuff is accomplished by brilliant sound effects.
Omitted from this list are several great films, while not entirely horrortastic, do contain some seriously scary scenes like The Blair Witch Project, Alien, Event Horizon, Signs, Silence of the Lambs, The Grudge, Pyscho... Oh I could go on forever.
Have a great Halloween everyone!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Busy Busy Little Bee
October always ends up being the busiest month in our yearly calendar. Heck, December isn't even this action-packed (At least in Team Amos terms). Not only is our social calendar pretty darn full, but Adrian's been working almost every night this week. Good thing I've got my crazy baby who reminds me to stop ever so often and roll around on the floor with him.
Last weekend was the National Folk Festival where we encountered great music and intestinally damaging funnel cake.
This Saturday night is the Eighth Annual Amos Halloween Fete, but before that the undead parade through Richmond.
Sunday, my mom, uncle, and I take on the daunting task of cleaning out my grandmother's barely lived-in apartment. I am looking forward to this like a root canal.
Next Saturday, Daniel and Rachel tie the knot. That same weekend is the awesome Festival of India. Can't wait to chow down on some tikka masala and nann. Maybe pick up a fancy piece of jewelry or some sari fabric. I've been inspired by Project Runway to start sewing again (Uli was robbed!) or did I ever start to begin with...?
In between all the social stuff is the usual church committments and of course, All Hallow's Eve! During all this craziness, I need to stop and enjoy the fall colors. Which is why Little A and I will be taking a post-lunch walk today, weather permitting.
Last weekend was the National Folk Festival where we encountered great music and intestinally damaging funnel cake.
This Saturday night is the Eighth Annual Amos Halloween Fete, but before that the undead parade through Richmond.
Sunday, my mom, uncle, and I take on the daunting task of cleaning out my grandmother's barely lived-in apartment. I am looking forward to this like a root canal.
Next Saturday, Daniel and Rachel tie the knot. That same weekend is the awesome Festival of India. Can't wait to chow down on some tikka masala and nann. Maybe pick up a fancy piece of jewelry or some sari fabric. I've been inspired by Project Runway to start sewing again (Uli was robbed!) or did I ever start to begin with...?
In between all the social stuff is the usual church committments and of course, All Hallow's Eve! During all this craziness, I need to stop and enjoy the fall colors. Which is why Little A and I will be taking a post-lunch walk today, weather permitting.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
You can't overlove your underwear
I'm lovin' this weather. If only things could stay this comfortable all fall. I'd be happy as a clam.
Little A's learning to wave and beginning to really practice his waving. Especially for some reason on strangers and not his family.
In somewhat of a quandry over our Halloween party this year. I mean, we can't not have one, but there are some logistical issues to overcome. Will Alastair make an appearance? Will he be shipped off to the G'rents? My idea right now is to host a dinner party with light fare the Saturday before Halloween that starts around 6:30 p.m. That was Little A can have a bit of spotlight before retiring to either bed or G'rents. Also, our guest can slip out to attend other fetes if necessary.
Last weekend, we finally moved my Grandmother to Richmond from Grundy. This has been a plan over a year in the making. I think the death of my uncle and my Grandmother's illness over Christmas settled her mind on the issue. There was just this little thing about selling her house, finding a place here, editing and packing up 50 plus years of stuff, and then the moving. My dad, Adrian, my uncle and I drove out Friday night, had the truck loaded by 11:30 a.m. Saturday, and made it to Richmond around 6:30 p.m. that night (At least my grandmother and I did. I drove her in her vehicle.). Whew. A lot of driving and a lot of intense "family time". I'd say this weekend was something like eating the juice concentrate right out of the can instead of diluting it with water. All day Sunday, I my stomach literally ached from all that family concentrate. Bluh. But my grandmother's here now. So I get to see her more often that I ever have in my entire life, and as an added bonus she can snipe over my parenting skills with every one of those visits. Ah, that charming insane asylum known as family.
A few days ago when I went to get some art framed at Michael's I was finally slapped with the realization that my fundage is now severely limited. The framing was a little more costly than I was prepared for and blew my entire budget. Lordy, this whole having no income thing is going to suck. Now who knows when I can buy those cute Rocket Dog shoes or the pretty wrap dress from Macy's. Dang.
Little A's learning to wave and beginning to really practice his waving. Especially for some reason on strangers and not his family.
In somewhat of a quandry over our Halloween party this year. I mean, we can't not have one, but there are some logistical issues to overcome. Will Alastair make an appearance? Will he be shipped off to the G'rents? My idea right now is to host a dinner party with light fare the Saturday before Halloween that starts around 6:30 p.m. That was Little A can have a bit of spotlight before retiring to either bed or G'rents. Also, our guest can slip out to attend other fetes if necessary.
Last weekend, we finally moved my Grandmother to Richmond from Grundy. This has been a plan over a year in the making. I think the death of my uncle and my Grandmother's illness over Christmas settled her mind on the issue. There was just this little thing about selling her house, finding a place here, editing and packing up 50 plus years of stuff, and then the moving. My dad, Adrian, my uncle and I drove out Friday night, had the truck loaded by 11:30 a.m. Saturday, and made it to Richmond around 6:30 p.m. that night (At least my grandmother and I did. I drove her in her vehicle.). Whew. A lot of driving and a lot of intense "family time". I'd say this weekend was something like eating the juice concentrate right out of the can instead of diluting it with water. All day Sunday, I my stomach literally ached from all that family concentrate. Bluh. But my grandmother's here now. So I get to see her more often that I ever have in my entire life, and as an added bonus she can snipe over my parenting skills with every one of those visits. Ah, that charming insane asylum known as family.
A few days ago when I went to get some art framed at Michael's I was finally slapped with the realization that my fundage is now severely limited. The framing was a little more costly than I was prepared for and blew my entire budget. Lordy, this whole having no income thing is going to suck. Now who knows when I can buy those cute Rocket Dog shoes or the pretty wrap dress from Macy's. Dang.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Fried Oreos, Ralph Stanley, Zombies, and Canada
I've been busy brewing up a kid and having a life. That's all I'm going to say about that.
A few weeks ago the State Fair was in town. We got to introduce our friends to the time-honored Fair traditions of demolition derby and fried Oreos. Amazingly they still speak to us. Plus, I had one of the best corn dogs ever. It's a nutritional blessing the Fair only comes once a year.
The next weekend, The National Folk Festival was held downtown (and people say there's nothing to do in Richmond...). While there were many fine acts throughout the festival, I was especially excited about seeing the legendary Ralph Stanley perform. He's a trip and a wonderful musician. It's great to see him performing even at his venerable age. Richmond gets to host the festival for at least two or three more years, and I look forward to what every year has in store.
A week ago, my mother and I were shopping in Carytown when we saw across the street a crowd of about fifty zombies shambling along the sidewalk. Granted, it was pretty obvious to someone as knowlegable as myself that these were faux zombies and not actual flesh-eating reanimated dead. Still it was pretty bizarre to watch a city block-worth of costumed and makeup-ed folks shambling down the sunny shopping thoroughfare. The patrons of the bistro Can-Can all stopped mid-munch to gawk at the sight. Pretty much everyone on both sides of the street stopped to watch the undead parade. It appeared that the stunt was part of a film school project as there were a few cameramen interspersed in the crowd, filming the spectacle. It's a boon that the horde didn't come down my side of the street or I might have flipped my shit and ran.
Watching as people gaped along the sidewalk, I couldn't help to wonder if this wasn't a small glimpse into the reality of a zombie invasion. Should the average person come across a horde of zombies in the street, he would more than likely stand and stare in disbelief until some ghoul was chewing his face off and then evasive action would be impossible. People are just not prepared for the reality of a zombie attack. Granted on this particular day, I was unarmed but buddy, even at seven-months pregnant, I could have hauled ass to the car beating off zombies with my purse.
Last week I (and my unborn son!) went to Canada for a few days on business. I spent what felt like half my life on a plane or in an airport. Novia Scotia is very lovely and clean. The people are all especially pleasant. It was chilly. I played a slot machine for the first time ever. Good trip.
Now I am back in the office trying to resist my strong urge to beat my co-worker Choad/Turtleman into a bloody pulp with my shoe.
Halloween is only a week away. Adrian put on his costume last night, and I laughed so hard I nearly fell down the stairs.
A few weeks ago the State Fair was in town. We got to introduce our friends to the time-honored Fair traditions of demolition derby and fried Oreos. Amazingly they still speak to us. Plus, I had one of the best corn dogs ever. It's a nutritional blessing the Fair only comes once a year.
The next weekend, The National Folk Festival was held downtown (and people say there's nothing to do in Richmond...). While there were many fine acts throughout the festival, I was especially excited about seeing the legendary Ralph Stanley perform. He's a trip and a wonderful musician. It's great to see him performing even at his venerable age. Richmond gets to host the festival for at least two or three more years, and I look forward to what every year has in store.
A week ago, my mother and I were shopping in Carytown when we saw across the street a crowd of about fifty zombies shambling along the sidewalk. Granted, it was pretty obvious to someone as knowlegable as myself that these were faux zombies and not actual flesh-eating reanimated dead. Still it was pretty bizarre to watch a city block-worth of costumed and makeup-ed folks shambling down the sunny shopping thoroughfare. The patrons of the bistro Can-Can all stopped mid-munch to gawk at the sight. Pretty much everyone on both sides of the street stopped to watch the undead parade. It appeared that the stunt was part of a film school project as there were a few cameramen interspersed in the crowd, filming the spectacle. It's a boon that the horde didn't come down my side of the street or I might have flipped my shit and ran.
Watching as people gaped along the sidewalk, I couldn't help to wonder if this wasn't a small glimpse into the reality of a zombie invasion. Should the average person come across a horde of zombies in the street, he would more than likely stand and stare in disbelief until some ghoul was chewing his face off and then evasive action would be impossible. People are just not prepared for the reality of a zombie attack. Granted on this particular day, I was unarmed but buddy, even at seven-months pregnant, I could have hauled ass to the car beating off zombies with my purse.
Last week I (and my unborn son!) went to Canada for a few days on business. I spent what felt like half my life on a plane or in an airport. Novia Scotia is very lovely and clean. The people are all especially pleasant. It was chilly. I played a slot machine for the first time ever. Good trip.
Now I am back in the office trying to resist my strong urge to beat my co-worker Choad/Turtleman into a bloody pulp with my shoe.
Halloween is only a week away. Adrian put on his costume last night, and I laughed so hard I nearly fell down the stairs.
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