And it still knows how to pound. Today I’ve been playing host to a rather tenacious travelling headache. It started pulsing above my eyebrows but has since slid up my forehead and on to throb through my temples. Always just on the verge of blossoming into a migraine. Advil has been rendered powerless in the face of this foe. Yesterday my throat was afire. Not sure which is the lesser evil.

I realize I say this far too often, but…the little man is soooooooo cute! We had an awesome weekend. Yesterday was especially good. Our bbq got pushed off to later in the day, so we spent morning, mid-day, and afternoon mostly outside. Soaking up the sun (which has since vanished again). Drawing on the driveway with egg-shaped chalk (another odd gift from my step-mother). Blowing bubbles. Swinging. But the most enjoyable activity, by far, revolved around the wading pool. Aside from some flukish weather early last month, it was the first really hot day we’ve had this spring. So I thought it would be a good time to fillerup. A certain someone one-upped me and set it up so the little man would be sliding into the wading pool. He was so excited! He went at it forever, gleefully shouting as though each descent were the first. There was one minor mishap, though. That ended in the little man’s swimming trunks having to be removed. Which led to him greeting our guests in the buff. Heh. I didn’t like the idea of him naked near the bbq grill though. Well, near the grill at all, really. So when we fired that up I had to forcibly remove him from the wading pool area, towel him off, and get him dressed. He was ok once he realized there was serious snacking to be done. That boy loves his hummus. After chowing down, lazing about and then swinging for a while it was time to head in. Just as the little man seemed to be getting sleepy, after a nap-free day, the fireworks began. Personally I think the nearby Melaleuca-sponsored event was a bit dubious, but we didn’t have to participate in it to enjoy the spectacle. The little man’s bedroom has the best view in the house. The computer room’s view is decent too. So with our guests split between rooms the little man scurried back and forth shouting “Oh wow, fireworks!” to each group. Though the word fireworks sometimes came out garbled, often sounding like “fireman”…or something else entirely. They really were the best fireworks I’ve seen in ages. And with the best running commentary around. It was an awesome ending to an excellent day.

The ancient Toro lawn mower I inherited finally died on Friday. Leaving my grass three feet high and rising. The Toro could likely be repaired. In the three years I’ve had it I failed to get it tuned up. But it’s old and icky anyhow and I’ve wanted an electric mower for some time (less noise, less mess. maintenance free). Spent some time doing a little online research. I would love to have a cordless rechargeable mower, but those things are frigging expensive. Decided to go with a mower that was more reasonably priced. And not because of the macho name. I think it’s hilarious how they’re trying to market quiet, non-gas powered, eco-friendly mowers to your average joe. Apparently the LawnHog™ is “packed with power, performance and exclusive features”. I didn’t realize it was such an issue until I discussed it with the guys in my office. One told me of how his neighbors had mocked him for buying an electric mower, which is now sitting unused in the corner of his garage. Anyhow, I called ahead to my local hardware store to make sure it was in stock. I was told that it was, and on sale to boot. Unfortunately it had been sold by the time we arrived (a half hour later). And we had to deal with Krazy Kathy (the other store employees feared her). In the end we pre-paid for a mower that is allegedly arriving soon. Looks like it’s going to be raining all week too, so we wouldn’t be able to use it yet anyhow. But I’m afraid that by the time we do use it the hog may not be packed with quite enough power…to tear through the nature preserve that my backyard now is. I wouldn’t care quite so much…’cept that I don’t want the grass to be taller than the little man.

Now for one of life’s little victories. This morning I swung by BoSa donuts on the way in to work. To pick up some of their delightful cholesterol-free yummies, which just happen to be vegan (thankyou thankyou). Ate two donuts, and saved the third for later. Forgot about it and was too busy to eat it anyhow. This afternoon the departing intern brought in four giant boxes of distinctly non-vegan Krispy Kremes. When my co-workers tried to tempt and taunt me with them, I was able to bust out my remaining BoSa donut with great relish. In your face! Or something. Yeah.

After a particularly brutal week (a tale for another time) it’s necessary to revel in these small things. Sometimes it’s not so bad. I’ve been listening to and greatly enjoying some old Chisel and the new Breeders. And looking forward to the coming three-day weekend. Which will include a bbq at chez moi. And taking down the hideous wallpaper that came with said house. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

And, as always, there is my saving grace. The little man. But he’s no small thing. Heh. He had an awesome time at the Children’s Museum last night. Though on the way there a certain someone, *ahem*, managed to get him to repeat “Hail Satan!” - a little too enthusiastically. Sigh. So that’s my story. Or stories. For now.

Speaking of the graduated girls…they had an exciting tale to tell me last night. Over the weekend I attended their pre-graduation dinner and breakfast. But post-graduation they went out to dinner yet again. Having a fairly large dinner party they were seated in a more private room, off the main dining area. One of them was seated at the head of the table, with some reluctance, but she was guest of honor and all. She was so special, it seems, that she was treated to an extra bonus. Soon after being seated something came crashing down upon her noggin, stunning her and sending her boyfriend sprawling. It took her a moment to realize that “something” was one of the walls. That had been hastily leaned up against another wall, rather than properly secured. And rather than being hit by the rice paper section, which, as her brother pointed out, would have been “funnier”, she was struck full-on by the wooden frame. Ouch. Needless to say, dinner was on the house.

I love The Onion. A certain someone pointed that article out to me as I was whining (gee, how unusual) about something else. My childless friends are going to see a movie without me tonight. Sure, we all saw it together when it first came out, but I’d like to see it again on the big screen. Anyhow, I noticed the theater’s site has it listed as “The Fellowsthip of the Ring”. When I pointed this out I was treated to a mocking “Wow, Sharyn found a typo on the internet”. Oh yeah, well pickles are gross. So there.

Guess I should thank my lucky stars, anyhow. Been getting out a bit lately. Forgot to mention below that I saw “Episode ii” last Friday afternoon. A bit before that I saw Spidey-man. Last night I was able to watch the BTVS finale over at the girls’ place (as much as the little man digs the opening credits, I’d prefer that he not watch it, for a number of reasons). And last Saturday I went out to their grad dinner thingie. So it’s not always “all work and no play” for this mama.

These truths may not be universal or self-evident, but they hold for me. Today at least.
1. Breads and bagels are far more satisfying when toasted.
2. Aesthetically pleasing shoes are not always comfortable.
3. Unless one is independently wealthy, ebay is best avoided.
4. Practice doesn’t always make perfect.
5. Season finales are often convoluted and disappointing, but not devoid of redeeming qualities.
6. Neglecting to take one’s Claritin can lead to well-meaning co-workers repeating “bless you” until one feels as though one will burst.
7. Foosball play can be habit-forming.
8. Bjork and The Breeders are goddesses.
9. Motherhood is as amazing as it is exhausting.
10. Life can be strange, but that makes it more interesting.

Haven’t been :: making my regular web rounds, posting or emailing much, remembering to clip little man’s fingernails.
Have been :: swamped with work, daydreaming, playing outside (still chilly, but at least it’s sunny now) with the little man quite a bit, and busy with social engagements and house stuff.
Friday :: After work, played in the backyard with the little man. Worked on art projects together. To his dismay I am still denying him access to the non-safety scissors, but allowed him to play with the glue a bit. We snuggled before and after his bath…and fell asleep together in my bed. Round 1am a kick to my head roused me enough to pick up my little space-heater and carry him to his room. He partially woke up to pat me on the back as I lay him down on his toddler bed, clutching his fuzzy pink duck (it was a gift, awright).
Saturday :: Laundry, laundry and more laundry. Played out back for several hours, before trekking over to Como Park. It was insanely over-crowded. It was to be expected, to a certain degree, as we’re finally experiencing decent weather…though still on the chilly side. Had to drive around all the little side areas before finally scoring a parking spot. On the other side of the park from our destination. The ride lasted only a few minutes, but it was worth it. It was the first time the little man had been treated to it since last Fall. Though he had his back to me I could still see his cheeks now and then, and tell he had a ginormous grin on his face the whole time. Afterwards we swung by the co-op to pick up the ingredients for batter-fried seitan, mashed potatoes’n'gravy, and veggies. Yummy. Made it too late in the day, though. Didn’t eat until 4pm, and was scheduled to go to dinner at 6:30. Oops. Little man had been fighting against taking a nap all afternoon, but finally crashed just as I was heading out. Was just a tad late to the special dinner. We were there to celebrate the fact that my girls are all growed up and graduated. One of whom will be the only lawyer I know who wears an Eyeore backpack. Dinner was lovely, though our end of the table couldn’t hear the conversation going on at the other end, and vice versa. We did get to see two different groups of prom-goers come and go, though. Afterwards we were going to go out. Discussed going to Triple Rock, but wound up hanging out at the girls’ apartment and watching a movie, which was fine by me. It was a nice change of pace, just watching a movie at someone else’s place. Without the lovely little man climbing all over me and making demands for more beverage and snacks every ten minutes. Even stayed out late, past 1am. Crazy.
Sunday :: The little man let me sleep in until 7:30. Could have been worse. Groggily got us ready so that we could continue the graduation celebrations, this time with the little man joining us for breakfast. Things started off all right. Got myself a decent latte w/soy and some tasty vegan carrot muffins. Naturally little man turned his nose up at ‘em. Tried to keep him seated with crayons and paper, and juice and snacks. But there was too much sensory input. The place was packed and noisy. So Parker decided this was the best time to get up and mingle. He didn’t just wander about, but would crawl under our neighbors’ tables and pop up on a vacant chair, like a wily little weasel (I mean that in the most affectionate way possible, really). At times it was difficult to catch him quickly, as he is still able to squeeze through and under spaces that I have more difficulty navigating. Chairs were literally back to back with no aisle room in many places. Thankfully I was able to intercept before he ran out the door (and into the busy street) but it was quite the struggle. At one point we wound up around the side of the building with him laying down on the parking lot’s hot tar surface. Yeah, great place for a little resting up. Eventually dragged him back inside, but we got little actual visiting done. With people we know, at least. I found this exercise too exhausting. So after downing the remainder of my latte we left early (probably to the relief of my companions). Ventured on to the playground where the little man could burn off his excess energy. We even ran into a playmate of his from daycare. I was able to chat with his mum while the two of ‘em played. Luckily she was around the way when Parker started chanting something he picked up from a certain someone who shall remain nameless (thanks there, buddy). With a huge grin on his face, and both fists waving he started shouting “POOP! POOP! POOP! POOP! POOP! POOP!” - yeah, that’s my boy. I furtively looked about to gauge crowd reaction. Some parents tried to pretend they didn’t hear him (though they certainly couldn’t have missed it), others looked perplexed and some amused. I didn’t encourage or discourage the little man, so it was over quickly. And time for a diaper change. He had been playing full bore for nearly two hours and looked tired anyhow, so it seemed as good a time as any to depart. I didn’t expect him to cooperate so I wasn’t surprised, but not pleased, by the need to haul him up the neverending staircase. He wound up over my shoulder, like a sack of grain. Got him home and cleaned up, and down for a nap. I lounged on the couch for twenty minutes, maybe even a half hour! It was lovely. Then he woke up in a great mood, which isn’t the norm after naptime. I opened his bedroom door to find him smiling and trying to dress himself. He had pulled on a t-shirt, inside out and backwards, over the polo shirt he was already wearing. Who knows, it could be the next big thing. Maybe at daycare. My son, the trendsetter. The afternoon and evening flew by. There was more laundry to be done. More playing outside. BBQ tofu prepared for us (not that little man would deign to eat it these days), by that unnamed entity who is such a huge influence on the little man. Bath-time was followed by cuddle-time. Then we watched “To Kill a Mockingbird“. After the video viewing I headed up to bed, intending to sleep, but wound up engrossed in my book. Ayun had me laughing and crying, often at the same time. Didn’t fall asleep until well after 2am. Despite the exhaustion, it was a good day. And a good weekend, overall.

carried a cranky little man up this neverending staircase

feels like Fall, but the leaves are just blooming

Lake Calhoun, no longer frozen

my yard may be full of weeds, but at least they’re purty

Wacky weather, as usual, but at least it’s warming up. Yesterday it was beautiful outside. Naturally I spent too much of the day cooped up indoors. Was able to take a break during my workday to have a lovely patio lunch. But afterwards it was straight to a work function at one of the trendier spots about town. Our department hadn’t gotten together like that for some time, so it was nice…but unfortunate that it was scheduled for last night. For two very valid reasons ::
a) it was absolutely gorgeous out and we should have all been outside.
b) Tuesday night = Buffy night (duh!)
I’m sure my co-workers thought it was totally lame of me to bail early, no matter the circumstance. But especially so to get home in time to catch Villains, the second to last episode of season six. If they thought that was bad, wait until they find out about my season finale plans for next week. Mouhaha!