I wish that we had done something super interesting this weekend to write about, but it seems to me that we just ate leftovers and watched TV, with a road trip to Pendleton thrown in for good measure.
Yes, Hobbes the cat is now enjoying her new home in Boise, Idaho with Carolyn. She was so cute on the trip up. She had been howling and carrying on, as cats do, in her carrier, so Jeff suggested I put a blanket on my lap and let her hang out there. That lasted all of 10 minutes, and by then I was covered in cat hair. Then she went right over to Jeff and slept happily on his lap for 2 hours. I think my husband is the animal- whisperer.
I am also very glad I do not live in Pendleton.
I would call it a one horse town, but I think the town is actually mostly horses, and a Wal-Mart.
When we got home last night I made Jeff sit through 3 and a half hours of Nip/Tuck. I think he loves it!!
This is going to be a very long week. Since we are broke, I signed up for a bunch of overtime this week, which means I am essentially working 10 hour days most of the week. Plus, after I get off today we have our birthing class which is in Vancouver tonight. I am exhausted thinking about this week. I told Jeff next Sunday I am not getting out of bed. Plus we did not practice breathing and pain-coping for class tonight.
Sorry I sound so grumpy today. Ill read the paper and do the crossword and see if something cheers me up.
Duh!! I totally forgot that we went and saw "Across the Universe" on Saturday. Usually the prospect of spending 2 hours with Beatles songs would have me breaking out in hives, but I really loved this movie. There was not much plot to speak of, it was mostly driven by the music, but it was visually stunning, the cast was wonderful, and I was impressed with myself that I recognized Joe Cocker in a cameo. Jeff said later that the hardest thing for him was to not turn to me and dispense trivia every 5 minutes. I had to laugh. Anyway I enjoyed it thoroughly. We had to go see it at the Lloyd Center, and not our typical Century Cinemas, so that threw us off a bit. Regal Cinemas, which I avoid like the plague, play 20 minutes of commercials. Century's matinees are a dollar cheaper, have little "behind the scenes" vignettes, and also feature "Front Row Joe," whom I think is some kind of fox- like creature who dances with concessions. Jeff loves him. I always try to figure out why his female fox companion wears shoes, while he does not. Puzzling. I don't recall previews for any must-see movies, but I am sick of the preview for a movie called "August Rush" which features Robin Williams looking disconcertingly like "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"- era Bono.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
I'm so glad I used paper plates...
We had a really nice birthday party for Jeff last night, though I am glad I used paper plates because after 6 hours of cooking I was exhausted and the thought of doing one more dish then absolutely necessary was horrifying. The guests included Jeff's' boss Bob and his wife Marge, His co-worker Brian and girlfriend Judy, Pam and Bob and my friend Brian. Jeff wanted a Mexican fiesta, so that's what he got! I made marinated flank steak fajitas, black beans with chili cornbread, Mexican rice, guacamole, and many little bowls of condiments. And of course yummy soy faux meat crumbles for my beloved. I am thrilled because everyone ate a lot, and I had enough leftovers for Jeff to have lunch today, but for nothing to hang out and get lost in the refrigerator. Perfect!
And my record player birthday cake!! I was thrilled with the way it turned out. However what it taught me is that I have to re-assess my goal of becoming a maverick cake decorator this winter, because I really lack the patience it takes to make a crumb coat, refrigerate layers, and all in all take my time. So I am glad I did not win any of the decorating stuff that I bid for on e-bay.
And everyone was gone by 9:45 so I could go to sleep! Now that's what I call a rousing success.
I am excited to have a quiet night alone with Jeff tonight, though. We have been running around, it seems, all week. So tonight it will be silence and TV!! I can hardly wait.
I did the best I could taking pictures of the cake etc. on my phone, but check out Pam's blog today, her's will probably be better, and include the birthday boy.
http://www.pamrentz.com/ for those of you who don't know. You can skip looking at the Def Leppard concert pictures, though, because I look horrible and also seem to be doing something weird with my hands.
And my record player birthday cake!! I was thrilled with the way it turned out. However what it taught me is that I have to re-assess my goal of becoming a maverick cake decorator this winter, because I really lack the patience it takes to make a crumb coat, refrigerate layers, and all in all take my time. So I am glad I did not win any of the decorating stuff that I bid for on e-bay.
And everyone was gone by 9:45 so I could go to sleep! Now that's what I call a rousing success.
I am excited to have a quiet night alone with Jeff tonight, though. We have been running around, it seems, all week. So tonight it will be silence and TV!! I can hardly wait.
I did the best I could taking pictures of the cake etc. on my phone, but check out Pam's blog today, her's will probably be better, and include the birthday boy.
http://www.pamrentz.com/ for those of you who don't know. You can skip looking at the Def Leppard concert pictures, though, because I look horrible and also seem to be doing something weird with my hands.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Happy Birthday, Baby!!!
If you look very close, the volume is turned to 11!!
Awesome record player cake!!
All about...Sports?
Its basketball season!!! For the last 3 days the Oregonian has been chock full of NBA news, warming the cockles of my heart. There was an excellent article on my beloved Rick Adelman, former Trailblazer and Sacramento Kings coach, now with the formerly boring Houston Rockets. I will now watch Rocket games because I am excited to watch how they incorporate Rick's style of play. Also, Bonzi Wells re-signed with the Rockets, and he played his best for Adelman when he was with the Kings in the playoffs 2 years ago, one of the many King's playoff trips I do not like to speak of. Sigh.
Sadness again, though, with the Blazers. It seems like Brandon Roy will miss all of the pre-season games, thereby missing his opportunity to really solidify his game with his teammates before the actual season starts. It seems we in Portland can't catch a break. At least we're not the Knicks (Sexual Misconduct) or the Lakers (obstructing justice, and, well, being the Lakers) this season.
I just got the big Basketball magazine I get every year that ranks all the players and the teams, so I am going to start studying it today. Alas, no fantasy basketball team for me this year. Who has the time? But I like to know what i am talking about when I watch games. You know, it impresses the boys.
Philadalphia and Chicago both lost their first games last night in the MLB division series. Come on!! at least the Yankees are not playing.
Enough sports, or you might forget whose blog you are reading. and I don't really know or care enough about baseball to write intelligently about it. All I know is I am always glad when its over because then its time for the NBA.
Happy 48th birthday Jeff!! I hope the record-player shaped birthday cake I am making for you ends up looking like it does in my head.
Prison Break was awesome last night! The plot thickens! Whats in the box left for Lincoln, I wonder? I think it's LJ's hand!!
AOOOOOO Survivor tonight, which I won't have time to watch due to the birthday party. Hopefully no one at work spoils it for me again like they did last week.
I have hardly gotten a chance to watch anything yet. Not Reaper, or Chuck, or Bionic Woman. I think I am going to give up on "Kid Nation" because I have 2 weeks worth taped and have not been interested enough to watch it. I also decided last night to tape "Pushing Daises" instead because I read a good review, so we'll see. I also missed the premier of "Aliens in America" which sounded funny,but oh well. Also it seems I have a whole season of "Damages" taped and have not watched that, either. I need a TV weekend, stat!! Also Top Chef ended last night and I am trying to decide if I should google who won or wait to watch it. 3 guesses as to what I'll do.
Also tonight stars "30 Rock", with Jerry Seinfeld guest starring. Please watch this show so it dosen't end up like "Arrested Developement"- winning emmy's, being hysterical, and getting cancelled thereby devestating the 12 people that watch it. Trust me, its worth it!! And it has Alec Baldwin!! Who dosen't LOVE Alec Baldwin!!
Sadness again, though, with the Blazers. It seems like Brandon Roy will miss all of the pre-season games, thereby missing his opportunity to really solidify his game with his teammates before the actual season starts. It seems we in Portland can't catch a break. At least we're not the Knicks (Sexual Misconduct) or the Lakers (obstructing justice, and, well, being the Lakers) this season.
I just got the big Basketball magazine I get every year that ranks all the players and the teams, so I am going to start studying it today. Alas, no fantasy basketball team for me this year. Who has the time? But I like to know what i am talking about when I watch games. You know, it impresses the boys.
Philadalphia and Chicago both lost their first games last night in the MLB division series. Come on!! at least the Yankees are not playing.
Enough sports, or you might forget whose blog you are reading. and I don't really know or care enough about baseball to write intelligently about it. All I know is I am always glad when its over because then its time for the NBA.
Happy 48th birthday Jeff!! I hope the record-player shaped birthday cake I am making for you ends up looking like it does in my head.
Prison Break was awesome last night! The plot thickens! Whats in the box left for Lincoln, I wonder? I think it's LJ's hand!!
AOOOOOO Survivor tonight, which I won't have time to watch due to the birthday party. Hopefully no one at work spoils it for me again like they did last week.
I have hardly gotten a chance to watch anything yet. Not Reaper, or Chuck, or Bionic Woman. I think I am going to give up on "Kid Nation" because I have 2 weeks worth taped and have not been interested enough to watch it. I also decided last night to tape "Pushing Daises" instead because I read a good review, so we'll see. I also missed the premier of "Aliens in America" which sounded funny,but oh well. Also it seems I have a whole season of "Damages" taped and have not watched that, either. I need a TV weekend, stat!! Also Top Chef ended last night and I am trying to decide if I should google who won or wait to watch it. 3 guesses as to what I'll do.
Also tonight stars "30 Rock", with Jerry Seinfeld guest starring. Please watch this show so it dosen't end up like "Arrested Developement"- winning emmy's, being hysterical, and getting cancelled thereby devestating the 12 people that watch it. Trust me, its worth it!! And it has Alec Baldwin!! Who dosen't LOVE Alec Baldwin!!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Womb with a View
Yesterday was a busy baby day. First we went and saw Dr. Ed, and were excited to know that Sam is in the proper position. We even got a short ultrasound and were able to see his little head, with his eyes, nose and lips. So cute! I got to talk to Dr. Ed about circumcision, and as it turns out he is Jewish and has done many before. So he says we will wait 8 days, and I can bring some prayers and a bottle of manaschwitz and we will be good to go! We also got a list entitled "what you need to know about the end of your pregnancy." I think that freaked us out a little (a lot) because there it was, in writing. We are close to the birth of this baby, ready or not. So all the things we said that we would get when its a little closer to birth is suddenly NOW. We have to get this birthing kit, and make meal or snacks for the birthing doctors (there will be 3- Dr. Ed and his posse' o' interns), and it says I should make and freeze meals for after the baby is born. Plenty of juice, popsicles, etc. a digital thermometer. 2 sets of sheets. Towels. No boiling water, though!
Then on to birth class. Our teacher was a little miffed that no one had practiced pain coping techniques over the past week. I was going to say that i burned myself a few times on the fireplace and I coped through that, but she does not seem to have much of a sense of humor. We did a pain- coping breathing technique that Jeff and I both actually enjoyed, having him move his hand up my back when I inhaled, to the top of my head, and then on my tummy as i exhaled. that was nice and peaceful. If we had had to add chanting it would have been a different story. I just liked it I think because it was nice to have his touch, it was comforting, but again who knows how i'll feel when I am screaming in pain.
We also had to meditate on our tigers, or things we are scared of happening during birth. It was hard to chose just one!! then we had to draw a picture of how we were going to deal with the tigers. Grrrrrr!
We also drew labyrinths. Our teacher was a little unsure of how to connect the various pieces, but mine turned out ok. I wanted to put David Bowie in the middle of mine, but, again with the humor. Jeff got it, at least.
On a different note, i have had the same dream in as many weeks about a group of people throwing rocks at my windshield. What on earth do you suppose that means?
Then on to birth class. Our teacher was a little miffed that no one had practiced pain coping techniques over the past week. I was going to say that i burned myself a few times on the fireplace and I coped through that, but she does not seem to have much of a sense of humor. We did a pain- coping breathing technique that Jeff and I both actually enjoyed, having him move his hand up my back when I inhaled, to the top of my head, and then on my tummy as i exhaled. that was nice and peaceful. If we had had to add chanting it would have been a different story. I just liked it I think because it was nice to have his touch, it was comforting, but again who knows how i'll feel when I am screaming in pain.
We also had to meditate on our tigers, or things we are scared of happening during birth. It was hard to chose just one!! then we had to draw a picture of how we were going to deal with the tigers. Grrrrrr!
We also drew labyrinths. Our teacher was a little unsure of how to connect the various pieces, but mine turned out ok. I wanted to put David Bowie in the middle of mine, but, again with the humor. Jeff got it, at least.
On a different note, i have had the same dream in as many weeks about a group of people throwing rocks at my windshield. What on earth do you suppose that means?
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
33 weeks and counting...
I have been having some strange, vivid dreams lately. Last night I dreamed that "Skinny Legs and All " was being made in to a major motion picture, starring Kate Walsh from "Grey's Anatomy" as Ellen Cherry Charles. This is funny for a lot of reasons, not the least being that I have never seen an episode of "Grey's Anatomy," much less heard that woman speak. It has also been at least a year since either Jeff or I have read that book. I remember being very upset at the casting, and wishing that they had cast Lauren Ambrose instead. Random. Also, they were using actual people for the conch shell, and the stick and the can'o'beans and the sock. It was so real to me that when I got up at 2:45am to go to the bathroom I actually googled it to see if I was right. I also had one very scary dream that I don't remember.
I am so excited because in the Oregonian today there were 2 whole pages about basketball!! The season opener exhibition game is NEXT WEEK!! against the Clippers, and the first official game is October 30th, against San Antonio, which we all know will be a bloodbath but who cares! From what I have been reading, our young little team has been working out and are raring to go. I don't care, truly , how many games we win or lose this season, only that we try our best and play with dignity, not shoot up strip club parking lots, smoke pot in our Hummers and race dogs.
Jeff's birthday is Thursday and I have a lot of cooking to do!! I did preliminary grocery shopping yesterday, but still need to get odds and ends. It should be interesting because the guest list consists of his boss and wife, his co-worker and his girlfriend, and our cousins Pam and Bob. Should make for some interesting conversation. It should be ok cause I will have Pam to talk to, cousin Bob could charm a paper bag, and the other guys can talk to each other. The only people I am worried about are the wife and girlfriend. I would usually say get everyone drunk and it will be ok, but the wife does not drink. Oh well. At least the food will be good, even though there is ALOT to do, not much time and even less kitchen space in which to do it. I am going to start today and make things that can keep.
I was the best wife ever and made Jeff's other favorite dinner last night, vegan macaroni and cheese. The "cheese" part is actually a sauce made with margarine and nutritional yeast, and yes, Virginia, it is as disgusting as it sounds, especially because I add vegan sausage and sun dried tomatoes to it. I always feel bad because usually I taste when I am cooking to adjust seasonings, but I can't bring myself to do it in this case, so I always hope for the best. Jeff ate half a pan full, so I guess it was good. I'm sure its not that bad but I have developed some sort of mental block against it.
It looks like after work on Saturday Jeff and I and Hobbes the cat are taking a road trip to Boise, Idaho to bring Hobbes to her new home. The story is complicated, but at least Hobbes will be happy. Also, I have never seen Boise, so that should be a fun 10 minutes. I am excited for a road trip but have warned Jeff that there will be many more frequent bathroom breaks, and I will fall asleep more than usual. Well, the falling asleep part he is used to. I bet he is home right now getting out the Everclear CD's.
I have to go now and do my birthing class homework. Mine is writing about "creating a birth space that will help me open" and I told Jeff I would do his homework, too, so I have to write phrases for him to say to me during contractions that will help/ encourage me in labor. I don't know if "vodka tonic, vodka tonic" is appropriate.
I am so excited because in the Oregonian today there were 2 whole pages about basketball!! The season opener exhibition game is NEXT WEEK!! against the Clippers, and the first official game is October 30th, against San Antonio, which we all know will be a bloodbath but who cares! From what I have been reading, our young little team has been working out and are raring to go. I don't care, truly , how many games we win or lose this season, only that we try our best and play with dignity, not shoot up strip club parking lots, smoke pot in our Hummers and race dogs.
Jeff's birthday is Thursday and I have a lot of cooking to do!! I did preliminary grocery shopping yesterday, but still need to get odds and ends. It should be interesting because the guest list consists of his boss and wife, his co-worker and his girlfriend, and our cousins Pam and Bob. Should make for some interesting conversation. It should be ok cause I will have Pam to talk to, cousin Bob could charm a paper bag, and the other guys can talk to each other. The only people I am worried about are the wife and girlfriend. I would usually say get everyone drunk and it will be ok, but the wife does not drink. Oh well. At least the food will be good, even though there is ALOT to do, not much time and even less kitchen space in which to do it. I am going to start today and make things that can keep.
I was the best wife ever and made Jeff's other favorite dinner last night, vegan macaroni and cheese. The "cheese" part is actually a sauce made with margarine and nutritional yeast, and yes, Virginia, it is as disgusting as it sounds, especially because I add vegan sausage and sun dried tomatoes to it. I always feel bad because usually I taste when I am cooking to adjust seasonings, but I can't bring myself to do it in this case, so I always hope for the best. Jeff ate half a pan full, so I guess it was good. I'm sure its not that bad but I have developed some sort of mental block against it.
It looks like after work on Saturday Jeff and I and Hobbes the cat are taking a road trip to Boise, Idaho to bring Hobbes to her new home. The story is complicated, but at least Hobbes will be happy. Also, I have never seen Boise, so that should be a fun 10 minutes. I am excited for a road trip but have warned Jeff that there will be many more frequent bathroom breaks, and I will fall asleep more than usual. Well, the falling asleep part he is used to. I bet he is home right now getting out the Everclear CD's.
I have to go now and do my birthing class homework. Mine is writing about "creating a birth space that will help me open" and I told Jeff I would do his homework, too, so I have to write phrases for him to say to me during contractions that will help/ encourage me in labor. I don't know if "vodka tonic, vodka tonic" is appropriate.
Monday, October 1, 2007
The weekend is over, we did not do our homework...
We did not do our homework for our birthing class, and we are not sure we care. We will spend a little bit of time tonight trying to create some birth art on the big piece of paper we were given, that is still in the back seat of Mike Bibby. Oops! We will be at that clinic tomorrow from 4:15 (Dr's. appt.) till 9pm when the class ends. That's punishment enough.
In other news, Sam is starting to kick HARD! I felt a foot go across my stomach last night, and then of course straight into my ribcage. But its awesome, I love to feel him move around, and I am assuming because his feet are up there he is in the right position.
My mom was here this weekend, and we had such a lovely, relaxing time! Jeff picked her up at the airport and took her to breakfast while I was still at work, and then we pretty much just relaxed. We went to dinner at Apizza Scholls, which I love, and tried the NY White pie for the first time which was just about one of the best things I had ever eaten, and my mom agreed. When we got home I made Caramel Pecan Rolls to bake for breakfast the next day, and we watched the first 3 episodes of Weeds season 3 that my friend Andy so kindly taped for us. We were both so disappointed when it was over- every episode is a cliffhanger and so so good! Truly the best show on TV, in my opinion. Sunday we woke up, I popped the pecan rolls in the oven, which were extraordinary, and we got coffee and settled in to do my favorite thing- light a fire, relax and watch the food network all day. Brian came over and hung out with us for a while, but he had just come in from Chicago and was exhausted, so he did not stay long. Later on, we went through all the baby clothes everyone has been so kind in giving us, and sorted them according to size. It looks like, clothes wise, we have mostly everything we need except for these things my mom calls "stretchies" which I guess are like nightgowns that close on the bottom. The only thing missing from this weekend was my husband, and not just because he could have made all the trips to the basement to get us more wood for the fire. I truly miss him when he is gone.
Jeff finally got home at around 8:30, and after we had the brief homework conversation we watched the season premier of "The Office" again because he had not yet seen it. Guess what- it was just as funny the second time!!! I tossed around in bed for a long time without falling asleep last night- its getting more and more difficult to get comfortable- but I had really vivid dreams. In one of them my grandmom Lee was next to me with her hand on my stomach feeling the baby move, which was wonderful because I don't know when I will see my grandmother next, so I felt like she was with me for a little while.
I am so excited because Pam , Kathy, Jen and I are going to get together soon for a Styx/Def Leppard concert reunion party to watch the seminal movie "Hysteria- the Def Leppard Story", starring... wait for it... Anthony Michael Hall, of 16 Candles fame. Good times!
Oh my goodness I just looked at the date. Is it really October?
In other news, Sam is starting to kick HARD! I felt a foot go across my stomach last night, and then of course straight into my ribcage. But its awesome, I love to feel him move around, and I am assuming because his feet are up there he is in the right position.
My mom was here this weekend, and we had such a lovely, relaxing time! Jeff picked her up at the airport and took her to breakfast while I was still at work, and then we pretty much just relaxed. We went to dinner at Apizza Scholls, which I love, and tried the NY White pie for the first time which was just about one of the best things I had ever eaten, and my mom agreed. When we got home I made Caramel Pecan Rolls to bake for breakfast the next day, and we watched the first 3 episodes of Weeds season 3 that my friend Andy so kindly taped for us. We were both so disappointed when it was over- every episode is a cliffhanger and so so good! Truly the best show on TV, in my opinion. Sunday we woke up, I popped the pecan rolls in the oven, which were extraordinary, and we got coffee and settled in to do my favorite thing- light a fire, relax and watch the food network all day. Brian came over and hung out with us for a while, but he had just come in from Chicago and was exhausted, so he did not stay long. Later on, we went through all the baby clothes everyone has been so kind in giving us, and sorted them according to size. It looks like, clothes wise, we have mostly everything we need except for these things my mom calls "stretchies" which I guess are like nightgowns that close on the bottom. The only thing missing from this weekend was my husband, and not just because he could have made all the trips to the basement to get us more wood for the fire. I truly miss him when he is gone.
Jeff finally got home at around 8:30, and after we had the brief homework conversation we watched the season premier of "The Office" again because he had not yet seen it. Guess what- it was just as funny the second time!!! I tossed around in bed for a long time without falling asleep last night- its getting more and more difficult to get comfortable- but I had really vivid dreams. In one of them my grandmom Lee was next to me with her hand on my stomach feeling the baby move, which was wonderful because I don't know when I will see my grandmother next, so I felt like she was with me for a little while.
I am so excited because Pam , Kathy, Jen and I are going to get together soon for a Styx/Def Leppard concert reunion party to watch the seminal movie "Hysteria- the Def Leppard Story", starring... wait for it... Anthony Michael Hall, of 16 Candles fame. Good times!
Oh my goodness I just looked at the date. Is it really October?
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