Posthumous Title

Picture: Tonight I chose the most recent photo I've taken. It is not from my camera, but from the camera we bought Girl for her birthday. Ah, the camera fiasco. We bought Girl a much-desired camera for her third birthday, but--even after all my research--it took terrible photos, and we returned it. Bought another camera. Returned it. Then hit a financial whirlpool and silmultaneously was discouraged my research that indicated all kid cameras were yes, durable, but not meant to be more than toys. So the camera slid to the back burner and now that it is Girl's fourth birthday, we finally got back to it. After more research (and hopes that companies were coming out with new and improved stuff for yet another holiday season), I found out quickly that not much had changed how I had wanted it to. Kids cameras are still essentially toys. So Kev and I came up with the best thing we could: we bought Girl a grown-up camera, used (and for a steal), and also a water-proof case to keep it in. Genius! When the camera came in the mail, I got all giddy, and immediately pulled it out of the peanuts and snapped off a couple photos, the closest thing to the kitchen counter being the sesame seed hamburger buns I had just baked. The camera is wonderful, and uploaded to my computer with no glitches. Thus the buns you now see, and Girl's birthday party is Saturday! (Speaking of Girl, we were at a dinner tonight and she called me into the bathroom off the kitchen, where everyone was lingering over appetizers and mulled cider. I closed the door behind me and she yells, excited, "Mom! I went poop! And it's huge! AND IT SMELLS LIKE A CARROT!" Thanks for sharing.)

Doing: Getting ready for the birthday party, including cleaning the house three rooms per day. And totally missed an appointment to take the car in this afternoon. I might be a little spacey sometimes, but I don't just miss appointments. Big oops. Also checking lots of things off my growing list of things to do, taped to the spice cupboard in the kitchen.

Weather: It's actually getting cold. But sunny. The leaves must be inches thick on the ground.

Eating: I don't know. I went to a potluck tonight, and what did I contribute? Mashed acorn squash and white sweet potatoes with cinnamon, garlic, yogurt, butter, and salt. They were actually quite good. I just finished them off cold for snack.

Feeling: Man, I have been out-of-sorts. But today I am at least motivated.

Sleeping: Am playing catch-up after a weekend that was especially lacking in that department. I was staying at my sister's house to be with my dad, and was up late to work and to watch about ten different people make turkeys on the Food Network, and then had to wake up super-early when the rays of sun hit the kids square in the face hours earlier than is normal. (Recall, we have no windows in our bedroom.)

Reading: Just finished Unhooked, by Laura Sessions Stepp. It was very interesting to me. If the "hook-up" culture, modern teens and/or young people, and/or female sexuality interest you, then I would recommend this book. I am just perfectly puzzled by the hook-up culture, and by the sheer recklessness and rugged individuality of generation Y. So this book was very engaging to me. It was an easy read, and very informative. There is much that you do not know about the hook-up culture, unless you are somewhere between 12 and 24. And I do mean 12. You will want to tether your pre-teens to your leg after reading this book, but it's the type of thing I would wish every parent would read long before their kids get to this stage. Am currently reading A Year Without Made in China.

Fantasy: Auggie being adopted by the perfect family who sends us a Christmas card every year with their family photo--including Auggie--and a little update on his health and life.

Poem: That is not happening tonight.

Good night and good riddance.