New Every Morning

Typically, I have found New Year's Eve depressing. All the reflecting on the past can really get me down. But this year I look to the new year with great anticipation. I am hopeful for better, no, much better things in my life in 2006. The Lord has been ever faithful in providing for me in all I have needed. Today I am bursting with gratitude, thankful for all of the very special people I have gotten to know over this past year. I've deepened old friendships and made new ones, and am even learning to break some of my old unhealthy relationship habits. This past year has had many pleasant highlights, and has certainly been better than 2004, but I am still happy to get it behind me and go forward.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Geographic what?

Last May was pretty much all about oral hygiene and dentistry for me. I had been suffering from some tooth pain, and when I finally got to the dentist and had x-rays done, it was discovered that I needed thirteen fillings and two were very near the need of root canals. I have a bit sweet tooth, to put it mildly, and that coupled with the fact that I hadn't seen a dentist since I was pregnant with my second-born (now 5 yrs old) meant some serious tooth decay. Needless to say I got all patched up after five trips to the dentist (in one month), lots of ibuprofen and a little vodka. Today was my biannual dental cleaning and the only news I got this time, praise God, is that I have geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis. My tongue is going places people! Don't worry, it's not even contagious, it just looks weird, and for some people can cause sensitivity to spicy or hot foods.

I remember when I was a teen, I was on vacation with my friend Tif, and her family. We stayed in a little double wide trailer near Busch Gardens and Williamsburg. Anyway, her brother (whom I happened to have a mild crush on at the time) proudly displayed his geographic tongue to me as we were passsing each other in the hallway of the trailer. I thought it was weird, but then again so was he (that was his charm), so it fit perfectly. Now I have joined him with the rest of the 3% of the population who has this unusual condition.

My inner child

I took this test
and here are my results...

Your Inner Child Is Surprised

You see many things through the eyes of a child. Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded. You cherish all of the details in life. Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things.

How Is Your Inner Child?

So how about you?

Longwood Wonderland

Yesterday we had the pleasure to be treated by my dad to a trip to Longwood Gardens for their beautiful winter display of lights, flowers, and seasonal decorations. While daylight persisted, we toured the magical land inside the conservatory which is filled with exotic plants and flowers, water falls and decorations. They have been rennovating, and the conservatory won't be complete until 2008, but there still is plenty to see and enjoy. We saw a magnificent sunset before our dinner, and then the outdoor gardens were transformed by the darkness of night and the wonderment of electric lights. It was breathtaking. Perhaps those nearby may have thought me a tad obnoxious, because I kept exclaiming, "WOW! OOOOh, Wow!". To keep warm the boys and I held hands and did lots of skipping and running. We concluded the evening with the spectacular performance of the fountains (synchronized with colored lights to Christmas music). If you are near enough to visit, I highly recommend this outing, it's well worth the $15 per person.

A Frog Eat Frog World

What can I say? They are carnivores.....Only one froglet now, but his belly is nice and round.

Art Therapy III

Last year I had resolved to do more drawings to work out my emotions in a visual way. I started a drawing last year similar to this one, but never completed it. This one is mixed media; graphite pencil and pastel with some computer alterations. I call it "Letting Go".

The Chronicles of Narnia

I had the pleasure to see The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe today at the Rotunda Cinamatheque in Baltimore. So, here's my review of the film:

First let me say I am a huge fan of these books, I've read them many times so I know the stories pretty well. The film strays at many points from the details of the plot, in order to keep it suspenseful and action packed. These deviations are okay as long as they preserve the integrity of the story, which they do, so I'm fine with them. The special effects are far better than any previous rendition of this film I have ever seen, although there were a few moments where it was a little too obvious the actors were in from of a blue (or green) screen. I was especailly pleased with the character of Mr. Tumnus (James McAvoy), every time I've seen him dipicted, I have found him creepy or devilish, but this Mr. Tumnus was sweet and charming and actually likeable, as he should be. The actors playing the Pevensie children were also top notch. Kudos to Georgie Henley (Lucy) and Skander Keynes (Edmund) especially.

My biggest beef with the film are the bits of "humanity" they imposed mostly on Peter. In the books he shows strength and leadership from the onset. He's respected by his siblings, and even Edmund minds him in his sulky way. Not so in the film. Peter is a bit too wimpish, constantly wanting return home where it is "safe". I suppose this was to show his genuine concern for his siblings, but to me, it seemed cowardly. Once the children hear the prophesy from the beavers (in the book) there is no question in their minds about what they must do. They never had any thoughts of turning back.

I could go on and on about it, I really enjoyed it. I went as a treat for myself, but also to preview it for my boys. After seeing it, I think it would be too much for them on the big screen. The film really plays up the whole chase of the secret police (wolves) and I'm pretty sure that would resurface in their dreams, sending them to me in the middile of the night. The evil beasts and Jadis herself (Tilda Swinton) are also quite eerie. I appreciate the PG rating ("for battle scenes and frightening moments") for the film because there isn't gratuitous violence or explicit gore where there certainly could be pushing it to a PG-13 rating, but it still is scary for children to watch. In fact, I think the battle scenes are less scary then all the suspense of the chase scenes and watching Aslan's sacrifice. I haven't made my final decision on it, but I'm pretty sure for the ages of my kids (6 and 5) it would be best to view in the safety and comfort of our living room, where we can stop it as need be discuss it. I'm sure they will love it too, bad dreams and all, but my sleep is too important to me.

I've been nudged

Dawn, has nudged me to share five random things about myself that (I'm guessing) I haven't yet disclosed to my readership....hmmmm, let's see.....

1. I hate to buy two of anything that are exactly the same. That said, I did however buy two identical black t-shirts last spring because I loved it (them) so much.
2. My favorite flowers are lisianthus , irises, and roses.
   
3. I double pierced my left ear (myself) when I was 18; it didn't go all the way through. About a year and a half ago I finally had it done professionally. It is a reminder to be true to myself, a literal earmark in the history of me.
4. I whistle very much like a tea kettle.
   
5. My new perfume, Vanille, I am told by my sons, smells like Lucky Charms. (This is supposed to be a compliment?)
   

So I guess I'm supposed to nudge someone else. Okay, MK, consider yourself nudged.

New Pets

Maybe you noticed (or not) but I have a new cyber pet here at snippets (scroll down). Solid is a sweet, cuddly bunny I adopted. Since no one likes a skinny bunny, please feed her a carrot, she won't eat for me. I also have taken in a puppy we call Aubergine, on my other blog. He likes to jump for treats. My kids are thrilled with these new pets, and I'll be honest, they are a lot less work then our little froglets. Yes, we have two very tiny little frogs now. We named them Camoflage (Cam) and Incognito (Iggy) since they change color.

*Props to Cindy, who's Lady Macbeth was so much fun, we had to get our own little cyber critters.

A little holiday humor

Christmas Carols for the Psychiatrically Challenged

• Schizophrenia - Do You Hear What I Hear?
• Multiple Personality Disorder - We Three Queens Disoriented Are
• Amnesia - I Don't Know if I'll Be Home for Christmas
• Narcissistic - Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
• Manic - Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Street and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants
• Paranoid - Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me
• Personality Disorder - You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
• Obssessive Compulsive Disorder - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells .....
• Agoraphobia - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day but Couldn't Leave My House
• Autistic - Jingle Bell Rock and Rock and Rock and Rock and Rock and Rock
• Senile Dementia - Walking in a Winter Wonderland Miles from My House in My Slippers and Robe
• Oppositional Defiance Disorder - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause So I Burned Down the House
• Social Anxiety Disorder - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

A Time to Die

I just received news from a family I was once a nanny for, many moons ago, that Matthew, age 15, recently died peacefully. For those of you who know me well (and long) you probably remember me sharing stories of this special boy who was burdened with many complications. He had an "undiagnosed disease of the central nervous system" that included cerebral palsy, mental retardation and epilepsy. I cared for Matthew in his early years, from about age 6 mos -2 1/2yrs, until his siezures became uncontrollable and he required constant care, hospitalization, and finally specialized foster care. I lost touch with the family over the years, and in the back of my mind wondered if he was still alive or if his prognosis had ever changed. Today I learned that no, he never progressed beyond the physical or mental capabilities of a three month old, although his body continued to grow. I am saddened by this news, and yet, relieved as well. It is terribly painful to see a child imprisoned by their own body and mind because of some bizzarre misfiring in the brain. I remember him happy and bright eyed, a lover of peanut butter and graham crackers (before the necessary feeding tube) and then he slowly slipped away... I loved that little guy. We called him Bud-Bud. The same morning of his death his grandmother also passed away. I think perhaps she was called to welcome Matthew into glory.

On a Roll

Randy, since you asked....this is what the picture below really is.

Blogroll please........

Friends it's been long in coming, but I've finally figured it out. Only trouble is it's way at the bottom of the page, so keep scrolling down. If you want a slice of the action, post me a comment or something. I'm only going to blogroll those whom I think are rollworthy.

*If at first you don't succeed... I did it! The roll has been called up yonder (higher) on the page.

WHAT?!

In the TTLB , I am only a Multicellular Microorganism today? What in the world happened? I've alternated between a Slimy Mollusc and Flippery Fish for the past several months, how could I deevolve this much? C'mon people link me. ;) I'm only one step away from becoming an Insignificant Microbe.

Coiffure

Perhaps this isn't the best photo to show it off, but my locks and tresses have a new look. I had a really great stylist at a Salon/Spa where I earned a good bit of Spa credit doing some decorative painting with a friend. It's nice to be pampered a little, although I have yet to have someone give me a better shampoo than the tiny Asian woman in that Northern Virginia Hair Cuttery I used to go to. That woman used some kind of ancient accupressure technique well worth the 12 bucks I paid for the mediocre haircut.

plug for Randy

My friend Randy is selling his very cool artwork here. Check it out, buy something, and support a very cool Christian artist.

The wonder of boys

Sometimes I worry that my sons aren't getting enough "man-to-man" time...and then there are mornings like these when I think they couldn't be any more "boy" than they are. Today after our lessons, K and D are playing walkie-talkies. Here's the "fun" part: one boy sticks the walkie-talkie in the back of his pants while the other (in the other room) makes farting noises. They think this is hilarious of course...I'm less amused, but boys will be boys. I'm glad they have each other, their bond of brotherhood will be tough to sever.

Olde Thyme Worship

I visited First Presbyterian Church this morning. Upon entering the building I was informed I was in for an interesting morning since the heat was out. (Glad I wore the thick tights, boots, a scarf and gloves along with my coat.) However inconvenient it was for some, I felt like I was back in a church of my forefathers, especially since Dr. Tom Martin (of Knox OPC) was preaching in his beautiful (Scotch?) accent.

A quick trip back to Japan

Last night I had the pleasure to revisit Japan by eating at Sushi Hana in Towson.
My experience was a bit different than this one, however it was still good food with the good company of an old high school friend. We met our waitress first when we ordered drinks at the bar, she was authenticly dressed wearing a kimono and lots of eye makeup. It was rather comical having her serve us, because it was apparent that she was eager to serve, however behind the bar it was so piled up with boxes, she was practically doing gymnastics to get us our drinks. When we got our table a few minutes later, she appeared again. Her English was rough, so we were curious to see if she understood us. She brought our order, well most of it. We dined on shrimp tempura rolls, California rolls, tuna rolls, and Philadelphia rolls (salmon with cream cheese). She forgot to bring us the eda mame and the miso soup, but since she didn't charge us for them, and we were so stuffed on the sushi rolls, we didn't mind. She did however, bring us some deilicious Japanese bubble gum with our check. I had fun chewing peach, and my friend liked the melon, "It tastes exactly like cantalope!" I replied, "Peachy."

Carnival of the Animals

One of the perks of homeschooling is getting to chaperone my children on cool field trips. Today we
went to a concert for kids at the Meyerhoff and not only heard beautiful music, but saw some pretty innovative puppetry as well. We had pretty good seats in grand tier right, and for myself and the two boys it only cost about 15 bucks.