Plumb wore out

Today and tomorrow are Picture Days at school, and since I'm the Head Honcho In Charge Of Picture Days and stuff like that, I've been fairly swamped. I had to be at school this morning at 6AM to open the gym for the photographer so he could set up his stuff.

I do NOT like getting up early. I'm getting older, and I almost unfailingly wake up thirty minutes to an hour before my alarm is set to go off, even if my alarm is set to 4:30AM like it was this morning. I woke up at 3:30 and there was no chance I was going back to sleep. I thought it patently unfair.

Just some local color for your Sunday evening enjoyment

Stuff I took pictures of this afternoon while taking a walk around the neighborhood:

Hosanna!

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands!

Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD, He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise:

Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations!

Caturday sunshine

Snoozing in a warm spot... a cat's life is so hard. [eyeroll]

People are nice!

I had to take Isaac and Alice to the dental hygienist this afternoon for their twice-yearly scrubdown. As I was arranging their next visit for September, the receptionist commented on how well-behaved and incredibly polite my kids are to the office staff there... and she started digging around in a drawer and brought out a wad of coupons for free McDonald's and other restaurant meals. "Here," she said. "Thanks for raising good kids."

We had McD's burgers on the way home this evening. Yum! And thanks to the Monarch Dental lady in Denton, Texas. You made my day. And the kids were thrilled; we rarely eat out, so it's a major treat when we get to GO THROUGH A DRIVE-THRU... yeehaw!! hehe

Found out a couple of days ago that Isaac was chosen to represent Ballyhoo in a local fundraiser production of Are You Smarter Than A Fifth-Grader. The event will be held on April 12th. He is totally stoked about this, as am I -- his teachers picked him. He's busy reading all kinds of trivia and fun facts to make sure he knows everything there is to know about everything. LOL

A little Hee-Haw for your Monday evening

I've been fighting a bout with depression the past few days, probably exacerbated by the sinus infection and the health-care debate, but due mainly to what seems like a complete inability to overcome our financial troubles. Our struggles are a direct result of huge medical bills. And no, ObamaCare isn't going to make this better or easier on us because the other main reason we are struggling financially is a crushing tax load. So don't try to tell me all my problems are solved in this area -- I swear, if the government would leave us the h#ll alone and let us keep our money, we'd be paying our own way and not bothering anyone and not stressing out.

The Old Testament reading from last Sunday was something I needed to hear:

Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
--Isaiah 43:16-21

And then there was the reading from the Psalms:

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negev. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
--Psalm 126

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday... a celebration... and yet foreshadowing a dark day of sadness... but joy will return, in even greater measure, on Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the pivotal Event of all history.

Thanks be to God.

Time... time... time...

Here's Isaac with his best friend Nathaniel (my BFF's youngest). On the left, March 16th, 2010. On the right, August 11, 2005.

[sigh]

Cold Caturday

It's blustery and wet and windy and snowy outside on this Caturday... hence, we're all snuggled in our quilts and blankets around here.

A little Zen

The Fort Worth Zoo yesterday was one of the most congested, people-filled places I've ever been in. I got lots of fun pics, but I have to confess, it wasn't as much fun and relaxation as I had hoped. There were just too many people there, elbowing in and out, screaming kids, strollers... it was a mess.

So we left earlier than we wanted to, without having seen anywhere near the whole zoo, and headed over to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens.

It was kind-of busy, too, since it is Spring Break and it was a beautiful day. But in the Japanese Garden, I found one or two teeny moments of serene Zen.



I am super-tired today; I confess that I was kind-of thankful that my horseback plans had had to be shelved because they had to go deal with a cattle purchase at some sale barn somewhere. I really didn't feel much like getting out today. Couple that with the fact that our toilet wasn't flushing and I had to call a plumber, and you've got the makings of a less-than-pleasant day.

At least the plumber was a super-nice dude who took care of the issue with great speed and low expense.

I'm holding out hope that I'll feel decent tomorrow, although it won't do as much good because we're actually under a WINTER WEATHER WARNING. Yeah, you read that right. I hate winter. HATE IT. HATE IT HARD.

I guess I'm going to have to get a new driver's license. Today was the umpteenth time someone asked to see my DL for an identity verification and they look at the picture, then look at me, then look at the picture again, and I have to tell them that the picture was a hundred pounds ago. Ha!

On a completely different note, my blogmommy SarahK has announced that she and FrankJ are expecting a little one in October. This is the blog-couple for whom I played the piano at their wedding several years ago. Congratulations, you two!

All was right with the world for just a few minutes this evening

Because I got to hug my BFF:



She and the Boys were here visiting family and spared a moment out of all the wandering-the-vast-state-of-Texas to stop at a restaurant in Denton and meet us for supper:



Of course, it's never quite enough. But it'll have to do... for now.

These are not the hoods you're looking for

"Muslims can walk around in whatever religious gear they like, so why can't I?"

My son

I gave Isaac a little digital camera for Christmas in hopes he'd turn his love of YouTube claymation vids into some creativity of his own.

Here's his first attempt:



I promise, I didn't tell him to put that thing in the credits about me. :)

Get well soon

I just wanted to wish David Beckham a speedy recovery from his torn Achilles tendon injury. And if he needs 'round-the-clock nursing care, I'd be happy to help.




I mean, I'm just sayin'.



I'd bring him his tea & crumpets. I'd wash his hair. Massage his aching shoulders.

Okay, I'd better stop.

Heya, Peaches!

Well, future peaches, anyway. The peach trees have 'sploded!

I still feel totally crappy, but when I saw the peach blossoms, I forced myself out there to get a pic before they're gone. Now I'm going back to bed.

This is NOT how I want to start my Spring Break

I am SICK.

I feel like pigpoop.

I don't even want to get dressed.

And the sun is shining and there are photographs to be taken and I am not out there doing it because I feel completely crappy.

This is not my Spring Break plan.

I want a refund.

Spring is springing up...

More fun little appearances in my yard this morning:

A happy little grape hyacinth peeks its head up.



And promises of a silky white iris in the very near future...

PHANTOM!!

Okay, it wasn't the original plan.

The original plan many weeks ago was that my mom and dad, along with my sister and her husband, were going to see Phantom of the Opera at Fair Park in Dallas today, and I was going to babysit.

Well, technically, the original plan was that I would be going with them. But the ticket price was a bit too steep for me to swing, and I'd seen Phantom on stage before (although it was a few years back), so I offered to babysit instead.

We didn't know just how sick Pop would be by now. He definitely did not feel able to manage a trip in to downtown Dallas today. It's been a bad week. I won't go into details, but we're just thankful he's not back in the hospital. I'm telling you, it's been rough.

Anyway, there was this ticket to Phantom floating around... so we got Martha and Alice and Isaac and Pop to stay home with Ava, and I went along with them to see Phantom.

It definitely did NOT disappoint. The music, the costumes, THE STORYLINE... all of them just give me cold chills (in a good way). This production was wonderful, even with all the understudies and substitutions. The guy who did the Phantom was a sub, but I thought he was just wonderful. The costumes were over-the-top awesome, especially in the "Masquerade" sequence. My favorite singer, interestingly, was the one who played the part of Madame Giry... she had an unusual richness and was more understandable than anyone else -- even though I know the story and the songs quite well.

"Love me... that's all I ask of you."

So meaningful. Bravo, y'all! I'm sorry Pop didn't feel well, but I'm grateful for the chance to see the show again.

Being Jane Lynch

Tomorrow's the Big Day... when I find out just exactly who's going to be on the Varsity and JV cheer squads next year. It's TRYOUTS DAY.

[dunh-dunh-DUUUUHNNNN!!!]

I've been mostly wrapped up with cheer stuff this week, in preparation for tomorrow, and also in preparation for Spring Break, which is NEXT WEEK.

Do you KNOW how badly I need this break? I'm currently nursing a nasty spring cold which is coinciding with hormonal issues to produce a particularly crabby demeanor. My patience, and my level of creativity, are at an ebb.

Since tomorrow's TRYOUT DAY, they've gotten a substitute teacher for my classes so I can be involved in all the festivities unhindered by actual class stuff. I usually just show a movie on days when there's a substitute, because it's really difficult for a sub in Art class to maintain equipment and know how things work. Tomorrow I think I'll do Roger Rabbit... it's fun and entertaining, but it's got a major artistry angle because of the skillful combination of animation with live action.

Or maybe I'll run another Miyazaki goodie. I just got Ponyo in the mail the other day. I'm kind-of loathe to run it when I'm not there, though. I want to watch it all day long with the kids! I love Hayao Miyazaki's movies. I think my favorite is probably Princess Mononoke, although Howl's Moving Castle is a close second and sometimes takes over first place when I'm in a certain kind of mood.

Ah-choo. [sniff]

I feel totally and completely crappy. Thank God it's Friday tomorrow and I can wear casual stuff, although this school year hasn't been as uptight with staff dress code as I've experienced in other years or in other places.

Ah-choo. [sniff]

Oscar winners

No, not the actual winners of the statuettes... I'm talking about the dresses I liked best.

Yeah, I'm doing a lot of fashion-blogging lately. Deal widdit. I'll be done soon and go back to catblogging and kidblogging and schoolblogging and foodblogging.

Anyhoo, where was I?

Oh, yeah. The Oscars dresses that I liked best.

First up: Mariska Hargitay. The "in" color of the year was nude, beige, pale flesh-tone... and she fearlessly rocked the red carpet in this sumptuous navy number from Vera Wang:

Definitely befitting the daughter of the shapely buxom Jayne Mansfield... what a rich color, and so different than most of the others. I like. I wish MH would've put on a bolder lipstick, but that's minor quibbling. At least she didn't look orangey-spray-tanned like Sarah Jessica Parker. [shudder]

Rachel McAdams' watercolory fantasy-dress by Elie Saab was a floaty dream. I love the criss-cross bodice:


Amanda Seyfried's pale-pale-pale-green textural paradise from Giorgio Armani Prive was spectacular:


Anna Kendrick wore the pale-pink-nude popular color to great success, although I am not thrilled with the chunky platforms she chose to go along with the tremendously beautiful dress by Elie Saab:

I think that the lovely split up the front (with the delicious lacy doily edging -- nice!) would've been accented better by some sparkly gold or blingy stilettos. The platform heels just look awkward, in my opinion.


She's not my favorite actress ever, but Cameron Diaz was particularly stunning in this Oscar de la Renta strapless sparklefest:


Sandra Bullock was nothing short of stunning in this lacy column number by Marchesa (although I am NOT a fan of the asymmetrical sleeve thing, I think she pulled it off well by pairing it with asymmetrical hair):


But my favorite just might be what Demi Moore wore, by Atelier Versace:

She looks like a Grecian sculpture in a French Rococo painting. Absolutely lovely, and it's the embodiment of the nude/peach/fleshtone color of the season as well. It just isn't fair that she can rock such an amazing figure in her forties. The dress doesn't look too "young" on her, but isn't the matronly thing that other older actresses sport, either. The bodice is fresh and interesting without being a distraction. The ruffly off-center rose accentuates her amazing waist and hip-line (something I have never and will never have -- I've always been rather triangular, larger on top than on bottom, and no waist or butt). The diagonal way the fabric drapes is just perfect.

Yes, I know -- Hollywood is full of narcissistic scum. But I believe in finding the beautiful, and when I see beautiful couture, I'm going to give it a shout-out, regardless of who's sporting it.

Viva Galliano!

I love-love-love John Galliano's Fall 2010 collection. The shapes, the colors (or lack thereof), the textures -- pure artistry and awesomeness. AND APPROACHABLENESS. Is that a word? I don't know. If not, I just made it up because it fits here. I may not be able to buy any of Galliano's pieces, but I can easily approximate this look.

I am especially fond of the little orange number. I don't wear orange, nor do I really even allow orange in my home (see "OU Sooners Fan" and "red-head"), so I'd probably want to veer toward the greenish or goldish instead of the orange, but the collar? LOVE IT. The length? The fabric texture and the nifty henna-tattooish trim? Awesome. I love that it's paired with gray leggings.

Some of the pieces are definitely more sumptious than I'd probably wear -- think "My Fair Lady" vibe, almost, especially in that first top-row left-side number -- but gorgeousness and richness abound.

Galliano is often known for being a bit, er, outrageous in his collections, but I didn't get that at all in this. Sure, the hats were goofy, but they weren't really part of the collection, so I hardly noticed them at all. Bravo, Galliano. Me likee.

SRSLY?

Yeah, I get it. These runway shows aren't REALLY about showing us what we're going to be wearing in the next season. They're about putting forth an attitude, a "feel", a way of thinking that translates into the look. Certain of a designer's pieces may exaggerate this in order to get the point across.

Also, the photos really don't do the show justice. You get none of the music, none of the ambience, none of the audience reaction. Some day I'd like to go to a Balenciaga runway show, but I have the feeling I would never EVER qualify to score a seat.

I will tell you that, looking at the photos of the Viktor & Rolf Fall 2010 collection, I get the "badass" black leather attitude. I love me some biker bully chic, honestly. But there were a couple of their pieces that I really, REALLY don't get.

I put them together in a composite:


Several designers have done the leotard with boots look... you know, where it looks like she's wearing no pants? I do not like that look, regardless. I don't think it translates to "badass." I think it looks as if she couldn't decide whether she wanted to go to the pool or the office and now suffers a bad commingling of the two.

The big furry behemoth look? Or the fullback rain poncho look? Nope. Doesn't say "badass." Looks like a cartoon. Maybe that's what V&R wanted, I don't know. Again, I know that they're not meant to actually be worn off the rack; they're exaggerations which should translate into themes across the fashion universe next season.

The weird Cardassian clothing, though? I will say that if I ever met someone wearing the coat in the middle on the bottom row, I'd probably run screaming. The similarly-themed dress, on the right on the top row, gives off more of a steampunk sex-kitten vibe. For me, they distracted from the theme rather than added to it.

The one on the bottom right is the only one I'd consider wearing of any of the ones I pictured. I do dig the all-black or mostly-black look, and I like the narrow-legged image with boots (ankle-height or knee-height, both make me happy), and I like the leathery, zippery look. Except for the weird distracting ones, I like V&R's Fall 2010 collection.

She got the looks AND the brains

I've always teased my little sister by telling her that she got the looks in the family while I got the brains. It's actually not true... she got the brains, too. I know this because she passed 'em on to her kid, who's freaky-smart:

Little punk is one and a half years old and can name all the letters on her wooden blocks. I'm serious. Forget that old saying about "walk at one, talk at two." Doesn't apply.

The kids and I went down to Mom's this evening to see my AuntyLea, who's visiting from Okrahoma. She's quite literally one of the sweetest, kindest-hearted people you could ever hope to meet. And she plays the piano! I like to think I inherited that aptitude from her:



Pop's still really, really weak, but he seemed a little better tonight than the last time I was with him. He'll be visiting with a hepatologist on Monday to map out a plan to combat the cirrhosis. It's funny; you always assume that people with cirrhosis are lifelong alcoholics, but that's just not the case with my daddy. He doesn't drink at all, actually. But I think that his liver was already sort-of sensitive from him having been overweight for so many years, and when the chemo-assault came down, it finally did the deed.

I am grateful to still have him with us, though. I told him he could have part of MY liver if he needed it. :)

Chaenomeles japonica

Kep'n! There be FLOWERING QUINCE here! Okay, so maybe it's Chaenomeles speciosa or Chaenomeles cathayensis. It's hard to know exactly which one this is. Probably it's the "japonica" version, because as I knew it, this shrub was always just called "Japonica" ... that's not a useful name, however, because it's just what the Latin name people say about stuff that comes from Japan, and lots of different plants have "japonica" as their species name. So in the past decade or so, I've called it "Flowering Quince." That could refer, however, to the "speciosa" one which is known as Chinese Flowering Quince.

Meh. Who cares what it's called?



It's a sure sign that Spring is REALLY on its way, when I see these shrubs erupting with their pink flowers. They're always the first, with the crocuses and daffodils. I think even the teeny little spider inside one of those blooms was happy; look how he's got his hands spread out, joyfully praising God!

Yeah, I know, he was probably just waiting for a gnat. But I can anthropomorphize with the best of 'em.

Happy Caturday, y'all

Dude spent most of the day outside and unavailable for photography, so I pulled this photo that I took a couple of days ago.

Do YOU love your Poo Chi?

I LOL'd when I saw this over at The Anchoress' place:

Oh, wow

I was browsing the NYT's photos from New York Fashion Week and the Fall 2010 Balmain show caught my eye. Actually, most of the collection didn't excite me THAT much, but this outfit? I want to wear it TOMORROW:



Just gorgeous.

Balenciaga's collection was quite interesting... very futuristic and funky-retro at the same time... but nothing I felt like blogging. But when I saw the Balmain ensemble above, I nearly fell out of my chair. That doesn't often happen.

I WANT THIS. Obviously I won't GET this exact outfit, but by next fall I'm going to own something that approximates this look.

Isaac humor

Okay, so when a person undergoes a BPD/DS bariatric procedure, it's almost a guarantee that THERE WILL BE GAS. And lots of it.

I'm proving this to be true. If I didn't just, well, cut loose while I'm here at home, I'd spend my entire life in the bathroom. It's just the way it is. So I will occasionally rip one. Everyone here is accustomed to it and usually doesn't even notice anymore.

Except when there's a particularly vehement expulsion. Just now, Isaac said, "Holy cow, Mom. D'ya think that one showed up on the Richter Scale?"

heh

My addiction du jour

Pistachios.

I can't get enough of 'em lately.

The best brand I have found is actually the Wal-Mart brand, "GreatValue" ... the nuts are fatter and much higher quality than any other brand I've tried.

The other food crush I'm nursing at the moment is home-made salsa verde... made by one of my students' mom. It's quite possibly one of the hottest things I ever ate, but it's so good I can't stop eating it when I start. I have to mix it with cream cheese or sour cream in order to consume it at all, and I use pita chips since I can't have the corn tortilla kind. Last night I even varied it up a little and added diced avocado to the salsa mixture.

It was pretty darn good, really. And lots of, er, gas mileage. I could run the power plant tonight with this much natural gas.

Best. Dog. Commercial. EVER.

I saw this over at MaggieKatzen's place and just couldn't believe how awesome it is. The expressions on the dogs' faces are priceless. EXCELLENT. This is art, people. And entertainment. And highly-honed craft.