Wednesday, April 30, 2008
April 30th, 2008
You'll never guess what I've been doing today. Work, work, and more work. Looking forward to some family time over dinner tonight - Evan's antics always break my tension. :)
April 29th, 2008
Had a stack of cd's sitting at my side while I worked in the lab between classes... noticed the way the light was playing off the reflective underside, flashing rainbows my way. Too cool to ignore.
There's about a month left to the spring semester. A little less, actually. Gave an exam to all three classes to welcome them back from break; got really frustrated by the bs'ing of a student (a man in his 40's - he should know better) who whined (actually whined!) about how I never announced the test and he had no idea it was coming up. I told him he could leave and stop distracting others (who somehow all seemed to know about the test I "never announced" and came prepared) when, lo and behold, the review sheet all but fell out of his book. But he didn't know about the test. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
*mumblegrumblegrowl*
Meanwhile, I got home from work in time to see the Rangers lose and the Mets squeeze out an extra-innings win. All in all, a good sports night for me, if not for my Ranger-fan husband. :)
There's about a month left to the spring semester. A little less, actually. Gave an exam to all three classes to welcome them back from break; got really frustrated by the bs'ing of a student (a man in his 40's - he should know better) who whined (actually whined!) about how I never announced the test and he had no idea it was coming up. I told him he could leave and stop distracting others (who somehow all seemed to know about the test I "never announced" and came prepared) when, lo and behold, the review sheet all but fell out of his book. But he didn't know about the test. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
*mumblegrumblegrowl*
Meanwhile, I got home from work in time to see the Rangers lose and the Mets squeeze out an extra-innings win. All in all, a good sports night for me, if not for my Ranger-fan husband. :)
April 27th, 2008
This was fun - while shopping at the Source, we paused for a moment to look down on the carousel as it spun beneath us. When it stopped to take on new customers, I watched from above as little children squealed while choosing their favorite "horsey" to ride. I wanted to join them and rediscover the enthusiasm of childhood, as I do whenever I step onto a merry-go-round.
April 26th, 2008
Sometimes I really appreciate our view - the "hill" in the distance may be an old landfill, but once it's carpeted in spring green, it really does make a lovely backdrop against the blue of the bay. It's been beautiful here the last few days, giving the lie to the old "April showers" rhyme. Several days in a row of blue skies and warm air - perfect!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
April 25th, 2008
Two plus years of driving the Jeep... under 19k in mileage. I've been downright conservative behind the wheel and am WELL under the mileage I'm allowed for the time I've had the car. Which means I can do a big splurge trip or several small road trips in the final part of my lease, without having to worry about my lease mileage. That is... I can do a big splurge trip if I can afford to gas the Jeep up this summer. $3.69's about the cheapest I can find around here, and we're hearing it's going to keep on rising, topping off well over $4.00 per gallon. Ouch!
I remember driving out of my way in Maryland to gas up at the place that was still under $1.25, because I thought the more-convenient stations' $1.30+ price tag was way too high. Yeah. Things have changed, and not for the best when it comes to the prices at the pump.
Meanwhile, my current car is much smarter than anything else I've driven. I love that it can tell me the outside temp, the direction in which I'm traveling, and even remind me when it's time for an oil change. Thing is, lately, it's been telling me that my tires are running low... and indeed, one of my tires does seem a bit softer than I'd like. Except Brian just filled my tires with air a week or so ago... not thrilled that my tires are less than plump at this point. Gotta get that checked out, 'cause I'm worried that I have a slow leak in at least one tire. On the Belt Parkway's harsh bumpitybumps, that can lead to a messy blowout. On the Belt, it doesn't take much.
Add that to my lengthy to-do list....
I remember driving out of my way in Maryland to gas up at the place that was still under $1.25, because I thought the more-convenient stations' $1.30+ price tag was way too high. Yeah. Things have changed, and not for the best when it comes to the prices at the pump.
Meanwhile, my current car is much smarter than anything else I've driven. I love that it can tell me the outside temp, the direction in which I'm traveling, and even remind me when it's time for an oil change. Thing is, lately, it's been telling me that my tires are running low... and indeed, one of my tires does seem a bit softer than I'd like. Except Brian just filled my tires with air a week or so ago... not thrilled that my tires are less than plump at this point. Gotta get that checked out, 'cause I'm worried that I have a slow leak in at least one tire. On the Belt Parkway's harsh bumpitybumps, that can lead to a messy blowout. On the Belt, it doesn't take much.
Add that to my lengthy to-do list....
April 24th, 2008
Took some bright inks, some clear acrylic stamps, and some blank cards, and ended up with these. Simple, colorful, hopefully useful to troops overseas; they can send these home to their loved ones as they please. After all, it's not like they can run into the local Hallmark store when stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan, right?
It felt... warming... to spend a little time doing something creative *and* something kind all rolled up in one. Need to be more creative now... but this was a start.
It felt... warming... to spend a little time doing something creative *and* something kind all rolled up in one. Need to be more creative now... but this was a start.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 23rd, 2008
April 23rd, 1616. Three hundred ninety-two years ago today. We know William Shakespeare died that day. We believe he was born on this day in 1564; four hundred forty-four years ago, if my math skills suffice. He lived 52 years, but his plays and poems made him immortal, and his words hold centuries of wisdom today.
A bit of fatherly speech, ironic on the tongue of Hamlet's Polonius, can be applied as a wish for my nephew, Evan (below):
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Be you, Evan. Be your energetic, adorable, sweet little self. Shriek with laughter. Run around with a smile on your face for the sheer joy of running. Bat those baby blues at little girls you see. Share your toys. Squeal with excitement over "ABCD soup!" Blow kisses, give random, unasked-for hugs. Be you. Because we all love you. To thine own self be true.
A bit of fatherly speech, ironic on the tongue of Hamlet's Polonius, can be applied as a wish for my nephew, Evan (below):
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Be you, Evan. Be your energetic, adorable, sweet little self. Shriek with laughter. Run around with a smile on your face for the sheer joy of running. Bat those baby blues at little girls you see. Share your toys. Squeal with excitement over "ABCD soup!" Blow kisses, give random, unasked-for hugs. Be you. Because we all love you. To thine own self be true.
April 22nd, 2008
Still using Seder night photos today - haven't really had the energy to find my camera, let alone figure out what to photograph for the day. Good thing I got a bunch of good shots the other night!
Bought a set of Ten Plague finger puppets to entertain Evan during Sunday night's Seder. He was more interested in the Mr. Potato Head given to him by Josh (so nice to have him come in from Boston to join us), probably at least in part because he could place spare body parts in Potato Head's fold-out butt, but Brad played with the puppets, at least. Of course, when we really thought about it, the one for the final plague (slaying of the firstborn, imagined by the puppeteer as a "sleeping" child) kinda creeped us all out...
Bought a set of Ten Plague finger puppets to entertain Evan during Sunday night's Seder. He was more interested in the Mr. Potato Head given to him by Josh (so nice to have him come in from Boston to join us), probably at least in part because he could place spare body parts in Potato Head's fold-out butt, but Brad played with the puppets, at least. Of course, when we really thought about it, the one for the final plague (slaying of the firstborn, imagined by the puppeteer as a "sleeping" child) kinda creeped us all out...
April 21st, 2008
Once again, here's a photo from Sunday night's Seder with the family. Got a bunch of good shots then, but wasn't up to the task today, after hours of anesthesia and oral surgery (ouch).
So here's Evan, the star of the show last night, being held by his great-grandpa ("great-paca," as he says). My family can drive me up a wall sometimes, but it was really nice to have everyone together last night. Realistically, I'm not sure how many more holidays like this we'll all share - grandpa's 90, grandma's not far behind... I know I'll treasure the memories of evenings like this one in the years to come.
So here's Evan, the star of the show last night, being held by his great-grandpa ("great-paca," as he says). My family can drive me up a wall sometimes, but it was really nice to have everyone together last night. Realistically, I'm not sure how many more holidays like this we'll all share - grandpa's 90, grandma's not far behind... I know I'll treasure the memories of evenings like this one in the years to come.
April 19th, 2008
Know how they say you learn something new every day? Well, I learned something today. Apparently, when you drink grape juice, your teeth and tongue turn purple. Deep, imperial purple. Perfect.
April 18th, 2008
Another day, another trip across the Verrazano Bridge. It's an especially striking sight on a day like today, grey-hued against the vibrant blue sky.
April 17th, 2008
Bumper to bumper on the Belt (go figure) - took me about two hours to get home from campus today. The weather was lovely, warm and sunny, but I didn't appreciate being stuck on the road in traffic that was absolutely wretched. At least I had a pretty view of the bay for part of the trip!
April 15th, 2008
Haven't been feeling all that creative lately, which bothers me. I just haven't had any words or images leaping to mind; so I haven't written anything beyond a few phrases in this year's Haggadah, and I haven't even really scrapbooked. Trying to take note of the color combinations I see that I like... maybe that will spark a burst of inspiration. These browns, greens, pinks - a color combination that's really pleasing to the eye - reminds me of the color scheme for last year's Creative Escape. I'd like to immerse myself in that kind of artistic environment again.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
April 14th, 2008
We're into the Passover countdown... one more week until the family comes over for seder. So much to do, so little time!
Spent some time today working on my Haggadah. Got it mostly pulled together and ready to go. Just some proofreading and printing left to be done. Think of it as the "Good Parts" version (thanks, William Goldman) - the storytelling and songs, without all the tedious medieval rabbinical commentary. All the commentary I've left in is mine, of course, and changes from year to year to reflect the world around me. Keeps the seder ceremony from lasting forever, and keeps my guests more involved that they would be if reading about ... let's say the all-nighter at Bnai Barak, for example.
As for this photo, the colors are a little unusual, but I credit Brad with the fact that there's anything but blue... I seem to have messed up the white balance on my camera, and my pics today were all monochromatic blue. Kinda cool, but weird!
Spent some time today working on my Haggadah. Got it mostly pulled together and ready to go. Just some proofreading and printing left to be done. Think of it as the "Good Parts" version (thanks, William Goldman) - the storytelling and songs, without all the tedious medieval rabbinical commentary. All the commentary I've left in is mine, of course, and changes from year to year to reflect the world around me. Keeps the seder ceremony from lasting forever, and keeps my guests more involved that they would be if reading about ... let's say the all-nighter at Bnai Barak, for example.
As for this photo, the colors are a little unusual, but I credit Brad with the fact that there's anything but blue... I seem to have messed up the white balance on my camera, and my pics today were all monochromatic blue. Kinda cool, but weird!
Monday, April 14, 2008
April 13th, 2008
Went to the liquor store to pick up some Passover wines... wound up with a very nice (not too sweet) Italian moscato, along with a young California cabernet and an Israeli blended white. All kosher for Pesach, all very drinkable. Yum. Of course, I feel a bit like a lush, with a full wine rack and another half-dozen bottles sitting off to the side (and another two in the fridge). But really, I'm quite happy with the wines we'll be able to offer at seder this year. I like the way they look all lined up. And I'm looking forward to my Four Cups this year, alright.
Baby, we've come a long way from Manischewitz!
(Oh yeah, speaking of Manischewitz... we've got some of that, too. It's all my grandparents ever want on Pesach!)
Baby, we've come a long way from Manischewitz!
(Oh yeah, speaking of Manischewitz... we've got some of that, too. It's all my grandparents ever want on Pesach!)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
April 12th, 2008
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S...Staci?
Yep, those are yarmulkes making Mickey ears on Staci's head - originally intended for Evan to wear to his seders this year (though we certainly aren't as formal as to require that, it's still quite cute) - but used for entertainment instead today. One's all Mets ("Love you Mets!" Evan says), the other's a mix of Elmo and Big Bird - very cute.
I'm just glad I got a good pic of Staci today... I tend to focus my lens on Evan to the exclusion of almost all else when he's around (largely because he's irresistibly adorable). It was nice to really focus in on someone else as well.
Yep, those are yarmulkes making Mickey ears on Staci's head - originally intended for Evan to wear to his seders this year (though we certainly aren't as formal as to require that, it's still quite cute) - but used for entertainment instead today. One's all Mets ("Love you Mets!" Evan says), the other's a mix of Elmo and Big Bird - very cute.
I'm just glad I got a good pic of Staci today... I tend to focus my lens on Evan to the exclusion of almost all else when he's around (largely because he's irresistibly adorable). It was nice to really focus in on someone else as well.
April 11th, 2008
Once upon a time, I drove a smokin' hot sportscar. And buckled into the front seat (whenever there were no human passengers) was Doc, the Dwarf. Whenever I was in my Firebird, Doc was there. Smiling at me, no matter what I did behind the wheel (road rage wasn't named yet, but boy, did I have it, even back then!). I found it calming to have such a happy creature sitting beside me as I drove around the Island.
Doc was retired years ago - he's spending his golden years at mom and dad's house, surrounded by about 18 years' worth of stuffed animal collection. Now, I have a retro plush Piglet for company in the car. And there's something about the way the tips of his ears tremble as we rumble over Belt Parkway bumps that just makes me smile. He doesn't complain when I miss a note, singing along with the radio. He just hangs around, quiet, cute, and willing to keep me company no matter what. I can live with that.
Doc was retired years ago - he's spending his golden years at mom and dad's house, surrounded by about 18 years' worth of stuffed animal collection. Now, I have a retro plush Piglet for company in the car. And there's something about the way the tips of his ears tremble as we rumble over Belt Parkway bumps that just makes me smile. He doesn't complain when I miss a note, singing along with the radio. He just hangs around, quiet, cute, and willing to keep me company no matter what. I can live with that.
April 10th, 2008
The morning started off rather dismal - swirls of soupy fog dominated the roads this morning, slowing down rush hour traffic and making a crossing of the Verrazano Bridge seem almost surreal, with Manhattan invisible in the mists. But then the sky cleared, the sun was bright... and our landlady's tree really began showing off its pretty pinks.
Sunny and 72. Talk about Heather-weather.
I liked the idea of taking this shot of the tree through our window, above the blossoms. How often do you really look down on a tree? Then I sat outside on the stoop for a few minutes, just basking in the sunshine of the day. (Then I went back to work indoors - I can't escape from my classwork for more than a few moments at a time. At least I had some windows open to bring in some lovely fresh spring air!)
Sunny and 72. Talk about Heather-weather.
I liked the idea of taking this shot of the tree through our window, above the blossoms. How often do you really look down on a tree? Then I sat outside on the stoop for a few minutes, just basking in the sunshine of the day. (Then I went back to work indoors - I can't escape from my classwork for more than a few moments at a time. At least I had some windows open to bring in some lovely fresh spring air!)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
April 9th, 2008
Wow, 2008 is 100 days old. Really, time has flown. I mean... we're 100 days into a year that I'm still thinking of as "new." And yet so much has changed. Spring has begun (albeit wetly and slowly). The weather's cool but no longer freezes when the winds blow in through the poorly-sealed windows of our home. Evan's vocabulary expands daily (though his two favorite words remain "NO!" and "MINE!" delivered in a near-shriek). To my ever-deepening pleasure, Staci and I continue to grow closer. That makes mom happy, too. I've been working my butt off to keep up with my job at CSI, and am really feeling like I've gotten my point across more often than not. My intentions of writing have sadly remained intentions, as I have no time to devote to anything other than work and family. And Brian has, of course, remained Brian. All in all, I feel like my first 100 days of 2008 have been well-spent, if not always how I'd choose if I had my way. I'd like a little more access to the social sphere - seeing friends has been a challenge with my workload, and I'd like that to change, and quickly, before the whole year flashes by and leaves me feeling "If only..."
Meanwhile, ice cream with Evan is always an adventure. This time around, it was a chance to watch him "wash" his face in chocolate syrup. Hershey Spa's chocolate facial's got nothing on this:
Meanwhile, ice cream with Evan is always an adventure. This time around, it was a chance to watch him "wash" his face in chocolate syrup. Hershey Spa's chocolate facial's got nothing on this:
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
April 8th, 2008
Brian has his Coke habit, but I'm a pure caffeine fiend. When I need a jolt, I'll happily have a Coke... but swallow for swallow, Sunkist contains more caffeine and fills the mouth with a sweeter flavor - this is even better! :) Sunkist was the breakfast drink of champions in my teenage years; summers at Silverpoint, needing the energy boost to chase the camp kids all day. Ahh, the good old days.
Monday, April 7, 2008
April 7th, 2008
Might be a bit hard to see the "E" in the middle there, but this bin is full of things that will hopefully keep Evan entertained whenever he's here - stickers, colorful paper, crayons, a coloring book, even a ball he can throw around the house. The next bin over holds a bunch of his Pull-Ups and diapers. Can you tell I want to make sure Staci keeps bringing Evan back? :)
April 6th, 2008
There's a lot of stuff piled up around the foot of our dining table. A random collection, really. Some goodies ready to be sent to soldiers, a football, I've even kicked a pair of sneakers off over there. The top of the table's even worse. Good thing Brian and I eat on the couch every night!
April 5th, 2008
Did the family thing today. Spent the morning out with Staci, and the afternoon/evening back here with everyone - Brian, Mom, Dad, Staci, Evan, even Brad came by after work, just in time for dinner. Chicken cordon d'or, broccoli and a variety of crusty breads; yummy, if I do say so myself. Not that I cooked it on my own - Staci and Brian had a hand in the making of our dinner, too. Yum! :)
We got crafty again today. After painting all over some papers (and my coffee table), Evan painted his handprints onto his shirt, so while the paint dried, he ran around here showing off his cute little buddha belly. He stuck on some star-shaped post-its... which was super cute. He got a good laugh from us all with that. Then he proceeded to leave little monkey stickers in random places all over the house. I think we'll be turning up monkeys for the rest of the month!
Unfortunately, the broccoli that went with dinner was not a big hit with Evan... we all made a big show of eating ours to encourage him, but he wasn't buying it. He finally ate a "baby tree," only to spit chewed-up green goo onto the floor. (Delightful.) Not that I can entirely blame him. I'm not a fan of broccoli either...
We got crafty again today. After painting all over some papers (and my coffee table), Evan painted his handprints onto his shirt, so while the paint dried, he ran around here showing off his cute little buddha belly. He stuck on some star-shaped post-its... which was super cute. He got a good laugh from us all with that. Then he proceeded to leave little monkey stickers in random places all over the house. I think we'll be turning up monkeys for the rest of the month!
Unfortunately, the broccoli that went with dinner was not a big hit with Evan... we all made a big show of eating ours to encourage him, but he wasn't buying it. He finally ate a "baby tree," only to spit chewed-up green goo onto the floor. (Delightful.) Not that I can entirely blame him. I'm not a fan of broccoli either...
April 4th, 2008
Lots going on today to honor a long-lost voice of wisdom, 40 years gone.
Early morning April 4th,
Shots ring out in the Memphis sky.
"Free at last!"
They took your life,
They could not take your pride...
Shots ring out in the Memphis sky.
"Free at last!"
They took your life,
They could not take your pride...
April 3rd, 2008
Trying to get the knack of taking pics that will put the foreground in sharp focus while leaving the background out of focus. It was kind of Brian to fall asleep on the couch and give me the opportunity to practice. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work.......
Oh well.
Oh well.
April 2nd, 2008
There's a tree that stands beside our landlady's driveway, and while most of the time, it's a typical little tree, twiggy and unexciting, for a brief period in spring, it bursts with beautiful blooms. Pink and white, large, yet delicate... and they're now beginning to shed their fuzzy greyish-green pods and show their true colors. Love it.
April 1st, 2008
Bumper to bumper getting onto the Staten Island Expressway. Oh, what a lovely morning commute. Not.
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