Last night I went out to see The Chambermaids with some friends, which was lovely (despite the small turnout) but my Saturday has been decidedly more somber. The husband’s been uncharacteristically motivated. This is a good thing, to be taken advantage of. But we’ve been cleaning out a long-neglected storage area. One that contains the little man’s old baby things. This is bringing back some good memories and has had us laughing at the teeny tiny trousers and itty bitty socks and old Halloween costumes. But it’s bittersweet. And not just because a lot of it sustained water damage before the roof was replaced (and will have to be thrown out). It’s brought up those questions that are always at the back of my mind. Are my baby-making attempts over? Will the little man ever have a sibling? And next Saturday will be a similarly disjointed one. We’re having a memorial service, to acknowledge my other son and his lost future. That is sure to be an emotional rollercoaster, but I plan to take the little man to a bonfire in the evening, at one of the local community centers. And then, to round out the weirdness, I’d like to go see Yo La Tengo that night and maybe The Long Winters too. But hell, why not? Sometimes I need all the distractions I can get.

For now I should shake off the melancholy and be thankful for what I’ve got…namely the little man, in all of his magnificience. He may very well be the only child I’ll ever have, but in his case it really is quality over quantity.

Bonus: It’s mild enough that we’ve thrown the windows open, which has meant we can hear live music…coming up from the Summit Big Brew event down at Harriet Island. I considered walking down with the little man, but it turns out admission would be $30…for each of us! Whoa.
Plus: Time marches on but I’m not ready for it to be October already. At least Neil Gaiman will be doing a reading in town on the 5th, which is next Thursday night, and it’s at my favorite theater, The Riverview. Profits from the $5 admission price go to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
And: 100 Pirates in 100 Days.

Whoa. It would seem I fell asleep before 8pm tonight. When I woke up a bit ago, around 11ish, I had no idea what day it was…and wasn’t sure whether or not I missed the Damien Jurado show at the Turf Club. Thankfully that’s still about 20+ hours into the future. Oh, and I woke up to an email from Zophia asking this: “do you think that if i could bend time and space and teleport myself that people would notice?” So I’m going to blame my disorientation on her experimentations with the space-time continuum. Also tomorrow night, The Chambermaids are playing the Entry. And I missed their show a coupla weeks ago at The Hexagon, so I really ought to go. Unless I’m already asleep. Again.

Speaking of which…when the little man woke up this morning he had something to tell me, about our cat. Very solemnly he said, “Selina always talks in my dreams.” I asked “oh, so, what does she say?” He stared off into the distance for a moment before replying “I…don’t know.” If we could just get to the bottom of that I think we’d have the secrets to unlock the mysteries of the universe. Including the answers to all of Zophia’s time travel needs.

Bonus: Been listening to a lot of the following: the new Yo La Tengo, Idlewild (especially the early stuff, like Captain), the new one from The Thermals, and Kasabian, who are playing The Fine Line next week.
Plus: For a while now my attention span has been running shorter than usual. I’m way behind on my Netflix queue, and the books are piling up. But I’m going to make a serious effort to finish the Snake Agent. So far it’s pretty kickass. Now I just need to stay awake to read more of it.
And: This year’s Halloween costume sitch isn’t likely to be straightened out any time soon. Yesterday I broke the news to the kid that we weren’t getting the expensive Boba Fett costume. Rather than making one he declared he’d be a jedi instead. Oh, great, I thought, that’s easy! But then he declared he wanted to be…Anakin. Nooooooooooooooooo! Anyone but that whiny mofo!

The little man has been a bit under the weather. He’s usually my human alarm clock but I’ve managed to wake up before him two days in a row now. Today I heard him coughing in his room, and then talking loudly. I went in and asked “oh, what’d you say honey?” He replied, “I don’t know.” [pause] “And I was talking to myself.” Well, all righty then Mr. Crabbypants. He’s not going to get any less crabby either. Soon I’ll be taking him in for his annual physical, which he pretty much despises. I don’t think it’s his pediatrician he has a problem with, per se. It’s the fact he’s asked to take his shirt off in the examination room. The boy loves to run around the house half-naked, but there, that’s another story. And I get that. I’m just not looking forward to the struggle.

Speaking of struggle…it’s obvious that I’m all about the flickr love (I’ve even renewed my Pro account through 2011) but I’ve been experiencing the flickr frustration this week. On Monday I was completely unable to upload, via the uploadr or the upload web page. That’s been resolved. The new problem? When I attempt to add my photos to groups, via the dropdown, only a partial list of my groups loads. Only about half, through the Ms. Sure, I belong to 700+ groups, but still. It’s annoying. Thankfully the staff is aware of the issue. And I guess I can use the Organizr in the mean time.

Bonus: The Boba Fett costume I was watching (on ebay) wound up going for $143.50. Yowza! But I think Plan B is a better one anyhow. I’m going to help the little man make a costume. His artwork is amazing and it will be oh so much cooler this way.
Plus: I’ve documented my Marjane Satrapi crush before, but I must not be a very good fangirl. I’ve just discovered that Sony is making a movie out of Persepolis. Stills can be seen here (via Fabulist). Squeeeeee!
And: A list of films that most frequently use the effenheimer. Now, how many of those have I seen? Hmmm…

What a full weekend. Saturday was especially jam-packed. Yes, I made it to the MOA (which was also jam-packed) and to 3 out of 5 social engagements. High Five!

• Even though I’d been to a Pizza Luce on Friday, I went to another on Saturday (the Lyndale location), to meet up with a friend and have a look at Isaac Arvold’s artwork. Amazing stuff. If I had an extra $495 this painting would be hanging in my home.
• After that I headed to First Ave. As I waited in line I realized I’ve been frequenting that venue for 19 years now. This particular show was 18+, so I’ve been going there longer than a lot of the teenagers in attendance have been alive. That was a true “math is hard” moment. And it seems most of them were there for Cursive, who I’ve never really heard. But fuckin’ A I love The Thermals (and not just because Hutch Harris is hella hot). They’re one of those bands I’ve really connected with in the last couple of years, yet I don’t know anyone else who listens to them. I hate that. Everyone should adore The Thermals!
• My final stop for the evening, I rolled up at my friend Maggie’s party just before midnight. That’s beyond fashionably late but I’m glad I made it. Those peeps really know how to make with the funny.

Apologies to Unny whose party I missed, and to little Dave, who I not only did not help move, but also did not join up with for a film at the Walker. How about we hook up for Dirty Ho? Or maybe The Jade Tiger. Let me know!

Bonus: Download a 196-page Zelda comic PDF.
Plus: Not just Hydrox anymore…the other day I found out that Oreos are now vegan-safe. But they’re still fully processed foodstuffs, so I think we’ll stick to the organic Newman Os.
And: Also on Saturday, the little man made a big breakthrough. He can now blow up balloons on his own. That can be tricky work, yo. I think it’s really cool that he’s gotten the hang of it. But it’ll be a while longer before he can figure out how to tie the suckers off.

Lately we’ve been back to our old morning struggle, with the little man feigning illness or inventing arbitrary excuses to get out of going to school. Yesterday I finally asked some probing questions to get to the bottom of it. Unfortunately his answer was a reasonable one, but something I can do little about:

The grown-ups tell me what to do but I don’t want to do it.

I’m torn between being heartbroken and taking the hardline, telling him, hey, that’s life kid and you’ve got to suck it up. What’s the happy medium here?

This morning there will be a punk rock flea market/record swap happening, right behind Extreme Noise. And what will I be doing instead? Something totally out of character. I’m thinking of going to the mall. The Mall of America no less. On a Saturday. But the little man has grown a lot since last year and badly needs a new fall jacket and a winter coat. And I’d like a new dress for my high school reunion (next month). So how many punk rock points do I lose? Sigh.

Bonus: Moby saw American Hardcore. Just reading his brief post about it had me waxing nostalgic.
Plus: This Whole Cylon Occupation Thing is Starting to Piss Us Off.
And: I am all about the SquidSoap. Seriously.

Last night I made a solo run to the co-op. This morning, when the little man walked in to the kitchen, he saw one of the items I had restocked and squealed “Yay! More wheat germ!” Only at my house folks. Not that I’m complaining…

So, another crazy-busy weekend is just around the bend. Tomorrow night we’re going to have birthday party #2 for the little man, with the husband’s family. And Sunday we’ll have #3 with my family. And Saturday, well, I’m stepping out again. I have at least four events to choose from - an art reception thingie, a couple of parties hosted by friends, and The Thermals are playing at First Avenue. I am as insane as ever and want do it all. We shall see.

Bonus: This year the little man’s Halloween costume choice has been up in the air. First he wanted to be Luke Skywalker. Then it was Obi Wan. But he’s currently sticking to his guns on the selection of Boba Fett. I kinda hope he changes his fickle little mind again. And soon. The only kid’s costume I’ve found has 10 bids so far, five more days until auction’s end, and is already up over $60. Dressing up as a jedi would be so much easier (and cheaper).
Plus: Sex Toy or Baby Toy? I only scored 8/15. It’s a frighteningly fine line between the two, as though product designers in one field frequently switch over to the other.
And: The husband’s latest purchase was delivered this afternoon. Okami, for PS2. He may not resurface for a while. But we’ll probably see him for a bit…just before the Nintendo Wii is released.

The husband has returned from yet another business trip. But his adventures in Austin, Texas, well, they didn’t quite put the AU in Auesome. Or something. He left Sunday afternoon. On the way down his flight was delayed hours and hours. He booked a hotel near the client site, but Monday morning it took him an hour and a half to travel two miles (part of the problem - the man has no sense of direction and could get lost in a paper bag, but he claims the roads were really confusing). And one of the nights, well, water started leaking into his hotel room from the room above. Good times. So he’s happy to be home. And the little man’s happy to have him. Especially since the Lego Star Wars TIE Interceptor has finally been assembled.

Yesterday was Talk Like a Pirate Day. Sadly I was feeling unenthused and unmotivated. Maybe it was the scurvy getting me down. I did perk up when I heard about the Sugarcubes being reunited. And it will feel so good. Especially if I find myself in Reykjavik on November 17th. I’ve only seen ‘em once, back in 1989 (with New Order and PiL) and I’ve somehow never managed to see Bjork solo. So…possibly maybe.

Bonus: Oh, the Seattle trip I’d tentatively planned for next week? That’s off. Or postponed. Or something. September snuck up on me, and now it has seriously sucker-punched me.
Plus: Speaking of which…September is nearly over, and then it will suddenly be October (with Halloween costumes and a pumpkin-carving party to plan) and then, and then…it will be National Novel Writing Month. I am so not ready for that, what with last year’s failure still fresh in my memory.
And: One small consolation prize. I finally got around to processing and posting the photos from the little man’s birthday party. But they’re all pretty meh. The mad chaos was too much for me. Things were moving too fast for me to get many decent shots. Oh well. The lad had a good time.

So maybe I’m not all that…I did punk out on Friday night’s activities, in favor of sleeping. And today I drove the husband to the airport rather than walking for justice (hadn’t managed to raise any funds anyhow). But Saturday - that day was golden. I am proud of myself not only for having pulled off the little man’s birthday party, but for attending my co-worker’s wedding reception afterwards, even though I’d been ready to collapse by 6pm. Yes, I do rule. Sometimes. Now I have to finish processing/posting the party photos, and then get up close and personal with some of the little man’s new toys. So many macro shots waiting to happen…

Bonus: One of the Daves I know told me about an upcoming series at the Walker. I’ll definitely be checking out Heroic Grace: Chinese Martial Arts Films.
Plus: Big congrats to Mathew and the Niffer, but too bad the guppy, now named Ferris, won’t be sharing a birthday with the little man after all. It was so close!
And: Also Saturday, I missed the MN Rollergirls home opener, but I will be at their next bout. Anyone care to join me?

Recently the little man was watching, rather intently, as I tied my shoelaces. Noting this I said “hey, I really need to teach you how to tie shoelaces” as the lad still wears slip-on Vans. He gazed at me and said, very earnestly, “no, you need to teach me how to fly.” Well, all right then. Looks like he’s inherited my penchant for fantasy. But no complaints from me. It’s rewarding to have conversations with him these days, and share with him the things I love. Especially now that he’s seven years old - today!

{insert speechless outpouring of love}

Switching gears…for some reason I really like saying Total Fucking Blood. It’s the most ludicrous band name ever, but I like what I’ve heard. They’re playing the Entry tonight, with two drummers at the same time. But I already plan to go to the Poster Offensive opening reception, and then to see The Chambermaids and Cave Deaths at the Hexagon afterwards. It’s a free show and everything. But yes, I realize I am clearly insane, going out the night before the little man’s big birthday party. Especially when there are a thousand and one loose ends to tie up yet. Don’t get me started.

Also crazy, I’m planning to attend a co-worker’s wedding reception tomorrow night, after the birthday party. And then what, you ask, sleep in and relax Sunday? Hell no! We’ve got the Headwaters Walk for Justice that I haven’t done any fundraising for! And after that? The husband is hopping on a plane and heading out for yet another business trip. This time it’s domestic, and to a vegan-friendly city. But he won’t make the mistake of checking his laptop again.

Bonus: Overheard at work: “Fuck Punjabi, I just want the internet to work” - which was especially funny because at the time I was listening to Chunari, Chunari, from the Monsoon Wedding soundtrack.
Plus: Who knew finger cots were so funny?
And: A waferbaby buddy of mine is having a baby today (well, his wife is). So their kid will have the same b-day as the little man. Yay!

And now is the time when the panic sets in. This coming Saturday we will be hosting the little man’s seventh birthday party. It promises to be the biggest one since his first, when I was so excited I’d managed to keep him alive for a WHOLE YEAR, singlehandedly, that I invited just about every person I’d ever met to come celebrate with us. This year we’ve just invited every single first-grader in the little man’s class, and then some. And I’m not feeling at all prepared. Sure, we’ve got gifts and decorations and ideas for finger foods, but what will keep 20+ children occupied? We’ve never done party games before. Oh merciful zeus, please please give me your suggestions for diverting activities, but it keep it simple. It’s going to be chaotic enough as it is. Thanks! Sincerely, woman on the verge.

And now for all things twee:

• Tarako Cupie Girls
• Gustafer Yellowgold
• Tiny Masters of Today plus photos

Ok, those were some nice little diversions, but it’s going to take some deep breathing for me to properly calm down. Who am I kidding? I won’t calm down until after the party.