The Blushing Bride and Groom

Here's the blushing bride and groom, hamming it up for a few "formal" photographs.

Impromptu Party

We decided that we needed to have an impromptu party to celebrate my parents' big event. T, who is always extremely excited at the mere THOUGHT of a party, couldn't have been happier.

I went out hunting for some balloons, to give the whole thing a festive feel.
As usual, T insisted that only a ball gown would do for the event. Dot and I thought her choice was particularly appropriate, as she chose her golden Belle ballgown. She's been watching Beauty and the Beast quite a bit lately, so has been wearing it alot.
T was also thrilled with the choice of dessert. In her opinion, its not a party unless cupcakes are involved in some way.
Of course, Dot cooked up a yummy meal that we all enjoyed. As is normal for my parents, they blew in at around 3:00 p.m., and were gone by 5:oo. My mom was itching to get home and get in bed, so she could enjoy the Law and Order marathon.

Unfortunately, due to Dot having been out of town, me busy with work, a crashed car, potential appendicitis, on top of everything else, our plans for a more formal party fell by the wayside. I turned to dot friday night and said, "Oh shit, guess what tomorrow is..." Despite the helter-skelter preparation, it turned out very nice and I think they enjoyed themselves.

They Got the Gold!

Fifty years ago today, on August 30, 1958, Geraldine Taylor married Thomas Jordan in Gesu Catholic Church in Miami.

They both were in their early 30's. My dad had just graduated from lawschool and also worked as a substitute teacher to help pay the bills. My mom, I think, worked as a typist at a title company. She later became his legal secretary...for about 40 years.

Fifty years later, they're still together.

I wonder if its b/c they're both 1/2 deaf?

.

Does the Joker think we're stupid?

Before I get into what is turning out to be my daily political rant, I'm happy to report I got to the bottom of that stupid pain in my abdomen today. Spent the day in the emergency room of Mt. Sinai. My doc wanted them to rule out the appendix. The ER people suspected either the appendix, or an "upside-down ovary". Apparently, those things can get twisted upside down, cut off the blood supply to them, then start rotting inside. Yuck, right? Both those options would have required immediate surgery with a week and a half to two week incapacitation to follow. No, thank you!

I'm thrilled b/c the diagnosis was benign fibroid in my uterous. 2 centimeters. Apparently, the thing can stay the same, grow or shrink. We just watch it and follow up with the gyno.

Meanwhile, on to more pressing topics...

Does the Joker think we're stupid? Does he think we just want to see a pair of tits in the whitehouse, and any old set will do? I suspect that they watched what happened last night, and said, "Oh, shit". They have no concept as to why us Hillary supporters were so loyal. The thrill of voting for Hillary wasn't that she was a woman. The thrill was that she is a COMPETANT woman. Aye, Aye, Aye.

Frankly, I think that this is the best thing the Joker could have done for the dems. It will totally take away their argument that Obama is "inexperienced". They think she is? Hell, I think I'm more qualified than she to hold that office, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have no business being in the oval office, unless, of course, the joker would need some criminal advice!

Let the games begin!

He Rocked The House!

SUPERB! Words can't express how well President Obama did last night, how moving the speech was. This man is special.

I urge anyone on the fence or who thinks that "that joke McCain" (my new nickname for McCain, see post below as to why I've dubbed him so) is their candicate, to please keep an open mind. Listen to this speech and go to his website with an open mind to learn more about his positions. You may surprise yourself.
Now, more than ever, I believe that Obama is the one man uniquely capable of restoring this country's standing in the world.

The Tards Have Arrived!

Since T doesn't have enough hair to make a big enough pony tail for the hair scrunchies that came with them, she donned them on her ankles and wrists.

Gotta go...Al Gore and Barack tonight.

Its a party here!

Its Official...I Don't Just Disagree...I Hate Him

During the Dem Natl Convention coverage, Keith Olberman made an oblique reference to a vile joke that McCain made about Chelsea Clinton in the past. Huh? What's that?? I'd never heard this, and I'm fairly news-savvy. As my inquiring mind wanted to know, I googled it.

Now please realize, while I am a dyed-blue democrat, in years past I somewhat admired McCain. I could overlook how the only reason he got in and then stayed in the airforce (despite crashing a number of planes that would put anyone else out on their ear and being a general fuck up and near-failure on his academy tests) was based upon his Daddy the Admiral and Granddaddy, another war hero. I could give him a pass on his early debacle of a military career due to his 7 years buried in a Viet Nam hole. Plus, that was a lifetime ago. Despite his and his wife's frozen botox-filled faces, he can't really hid the fact that he's old as the hills.

I knew nothing of his personal life or the man himself. At least in years past, he didn't spout the hardcore Republican garbage about exclusionary "moral values" or otherwise seem to have a desire to single-handedly dismantle our nation's constitution (unlike the current administration has attempted and done). McCain seemed more independent. I liked that. Felt bad about how he lost a key primary against... I think Bush1 or was it 2?, when Rove and crew put out that he had an illigitamate baby and brace yourselves, she was black. Um, no. He and his wife adopted a child from India. That didn't make it into the press in time to save the primary.

However, the McCain today is not the same man of years past. Even putting aside (1) his total caving to the "Republican Machine" and their positions, (2) his embracing of the Bush/Cheney policies (3) his total lack of insight re the Economy... (4) the fact that I believe he has a serious ethical problem due to that lobbyist, whether he had an affair or not! All that just made me disagree with him and not support him this year. While I disagreed with him, he seemed like a fairly decent man.

However, I now HATE HIM after googling this "Joke" that was generally suppressed by mainstream media, I hope out of respect for young Chelsea vs. as giving McCain a pass. What surprised me was that he made the joke in public while addressing attendees at a republican fundraiser in 1998 about Chelsea Clinton...the then first daughter. These comments were not made in private, which would be bad enough. No, in McCain's judgment, this joke was appropriate to make publicly...I think Chelsea was about 16 or 17 at the time. He later apologized to the Clintons. Sorry, too little too late.

Well, after googling the joke, I've learned that it also denigrated the reputation of Janet Reno, my first boss. A person I personally know, have worked with, and hold in the highest esteem. It was a personal joke, not one based upon Ms. Reno's public acts as either State Attorney or US Attorney General, which while I may disagree, recognize would be fair game if one felt the need to make such a "joke". When put into the context of the time and manner McCain's joke was uttered, its reprehensible. I think it speaks volumes about who McCain "the man" is and what McCain is all about.

I refuse to type the joke here. Google it if your interested , or click the link: http://www.salon.com/news/1998/06/25newsb.html. If you hold this man in any regard, your eyes will be opened.

Meanwhile, what am I doing up at 3:30 - 6:00 a.m. in the morning? I've been up all night as I have a stabbing pain well-below and to the right of my bellybutton. Started at work this afternoon. don't know what it is...bad tsatziki from lunch, appendix, ovaries, gas, who knows. If it keeps up, I may need to go to the urgent care center to figure it out. I think that I've eliminated the appendix, though, which was my big fear. Pain doesn't seem to be in the right place for that.

History Has Been Made...

Tonight was such an exciting and monumental event. One of those moments that one will ask in future...Where where you when for the first time in American History, a woman and a black man's names were both submitted in nomination by a major political party to serve as President of the United States of America. I found it all particularly moving and emotional. Maybe b/c some of my childhood memories were of watching the Democratic conventions with my parents every four years, that I found it all so exciting. Maybe because I thought that I would be a really old woman before either an African American or woman was ever nominated.

Poor T, I made her sit and watch the nomination and roll call. She wasn't quite as enthused as I, but did like seeing the funny outfits.

Meanwhile, was it just me, or did anybody else notice how Democratic National Committee Secretary Alice Germond bears a spooky resemblance to Katherine Harris????? YIKES!!!

You may recall, Harris was the Republican Secretary of State for the State of Florida who violated every oath of office and ethic known to man during the 2000 Gore/Bush Presidential election and stopped the counting in Florida...along with the illegal obstacles she emplemented to bar people from the polls...thereby allowing Bush/Cheney to literally steal the Presidency of the United States. Remember her? The woman so richly rewarded by the corrupt Bush/Cheney payback machine? Maybe it was the makeup. Not sure. I just know it was really spooky.

And the night just keeps getting better...President Clinton just gave an excellent speech. The most moving part to me was his reference to the President of the United States taking the oath (in part) to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. An oath that for the last 8 years has become nothing but an empty promise. Perhaps b/c as a Prosecutor I have worked serving that same oath my whole career that I find the current state of affairs so repugnant. While admittedly in comparison, my job is absolutely miniscule compared to the presidency, the oath is no less binding on me or any other public servant than on the President. Its the same oath that police officers take, that military service men and women take, that all public servants take. Perhaps b/c I personally know people who have devoted their lives to and literally given their lives in protection of that sacred oath, that I can't stand how the current administration has bastardized that promise into empty, meaningless words. I could go on and on...but for now I'll step off my soapbox and go...Vice President Biden is about to speak...

God, I love this!

She Did It Again...

My girl has done it again...despite the speculations of the TV pundits who have nothing better to do than sit around and stir up mythical controversy, as I knew she would, she heartily endorsed Sen. Obama as our candidate. Good God, how could she not?

As she stated, and as I firmly believe as I've never believed before, "nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hang in the balance." Amen, baby, Amen.

Godspeed, my girl.

No matter what her future holds, I'm certain it will be great.

Michelle Obama...

There may not be too many posts this week, as I bask in the glory of my political party's national convention. I've been very excited about the whole thing, and have not been disappointed tonight.

Michelle Obama just gave what I consider to be the best address by a potential first lady to any convention ever...Dem or Rep. Plus as always, she looked absolutely fabulous. Whoever carries the knock-off brand of that dress will make a fortune. I wish I was skinny enough to wear it!

As many of you may have guessed, I've always been a staunch supporter of Hillary. My focus was always on her and Barack. I never really focused on Mrs. Obama, as she was not really the issue. BUT, after listening to her tonight, Michelle Obama is one woman that I would be absolutely PROUD to call the First Lady of the United States. I just wish that everyone in the country had the opportunity or the desire to view the whole speech. I think that many people, who may have a less than stellar impression of her based upon the stupid media coverage and the rep. attack machine, would change their minds.

Bravo to her!

p.s. and yes, as Laura commented, those little girls are just too cute for words.

Trolling the Web for Tards

No, I haven't purchased one of those compters for dummies books to learn how to surf the web, but with a non-PC name. Instead, I've been searching for some tards...leotards, that is. We went to the Target last night and as I suspected, the XS is too big. We got one biker style leotard that fits fairly well, though. If you look at the "train" photo below, one of the little girls has it on. Black with pink and hearts. Cute.
Well, after much searching on the web, I came across the Snowflakes brand. If they are made true to the size chart, the XS should fit. We'll see. I think the two are gorgeous, myself, and that T will look FABULOUS in them. I'm hoping that they'll come before the next class. Can't decide which is my favorite.

Meanwhile, with all the drama of computer problems and all the excitement of gymnastics the past 2 weeks, we haven't had a Carol's Quik Kitchen Post. I'll save it for next week, so stay tuned!

Let the Lessons begin!

Here's T on the trampoline, waiting her turn. I'll be posting some video clips here. I took lots b/c Dot had me under strict orders to document EVERYTHING. Luckily, they're really short, if you want to take a peek:

1. T's First Floor Exercise - If it ever gets posted...she tumbles down the incline, to which she informed the teacher, "I want to do it all by myself", goes down the slide, across the balance beam, bunny hop to the bar, hang on the bar, and lastly handstand with the help of the wall.

T, not satisfied with the difficulty factor, added her own moves to the routine...she also hung backwards and attempted to hang sideways and with her feet (a big no-no, as your hands must apparently always go the same way), then later spontaneously went from a handstand into a tumble at the end. He.He.







2. T's First Trampoline Routine



3. T's Attempt at a Trampoline Split jump




4. T climbing up the ladder - Poor baby, you'll see when she gets near the top that she makes a fatal mistake....she looks down. I think she gets a little scared, as you see her hesitating. She then violates all the rules, and walks the circuit backwards...guess she was getting her self-confidence back by going back and touching all the things that she did.




I was very worried that T'd have a melt down when she realized it was over and that we were leaving, but she was a very good girl. She put her shoes on, and happily left. She balked a little at first, until I told her that we might see Aunt Dotty today...then she was out the door like a flash.

First they Warmed up

First, she had the breakfast of champions....in this case, Rice Crispies with no milk.

We arrived, and all the little girls were herded off to the side, for warm up.








They stretched this way and that


Then, they formed a choo-choo train and moved out into the big gym. It takes a real long to upload the videos...but stand by for her tumbling, then on the trampoline, then on the bars. She LOVED it to the point where she's melting down now. How'd I know that would happen?

Check out the Itty Bitty Ladybug

Check out what my friend Ceci is selling at http://www.ittybittyladybug.com/

They are part of the Karito Kids line, which makes absolutely gorgeous dolls for little girls. Downside is that the normal dolls are so gorgeous and the workmanship so good, they're like pieces of art and fairly pricey. T is still too young for them. Anyway, the line features dolls from all ethnicities, and a "story" to go along with them.

Conversely, these dolls pictured here, also from Karito kids, are only 20 bucks. They're plush dolls, gorgeous, but not so pricey that I'll have a heart attack once T gets her hands on them. Plus, they're dress quite mod'ly, yet don't look like streetwalkers.

I laugh about T and her dolls. They're all either nude or topless, and their hair is an absolute rats nest. Funny, that's how my dolls usually were growing up. Dot's, on the otherhand, always had perfect hair. Go figure.

Ceci is taking pre-orders, as they supposedly ship September 15. If you really like them and want to order, let me know I I might be able to get you a small percentage off.. but every bit helps, right?

Olga Korbut and Nadia Comenichi Step Aside

...there's a new girl in town! We got very lucky and got into the Sat 10:00 a.m. gymnastics class. I say lucky b/c since we aren't "members" or Coral Gables residents, we don't get first dibs. What's worse is that most of the classes are in the p.m. when most people are working. I can't tell you how annoying it is when all the classes are in the p.m. That's when all the soccar classes are as well. Therefore, we won't be joining anytime soon.

That's OK. We're just doing one class at a time. Not need to burn myself out. Notice I said myself and not ourselves. T could probably do 3 or 4 classes a day. Old mom, however, just doesn't have the energy or time to schlep her around like that.

So, after signing up after work, we went to dinner then came home and T had to put on her leotard. Now granted, its probably technically a ballet leotard vs. gymnastics, but that's all we have. This one is a little too big, and was part of the loot we inherited from Gabriella. So, unless the teach says that the little skirt will interfere, T will be in this. She may get one more. Marie told me that there's a whole ballet/gymnastic dept in target. So for variety, and to spare the black one from too many washings, if T's really good in class, she'll get to pick out a 2nd tumbling leotard after class tomorrow. We'll see.


Meanwhile, tonight I filmed T doing her self-taught tumbling. She's a little like a drunken sailor when she does it, but I'm sure her form will improve with instruction. If the video gets posted, please ignore the sound. The movie The Incredibles was playing on TV, and Elastigirl was flying the plane dodging missles. That's why you may hear lots of screaming and a woman yelling "Abort, Abort".

Despite what you may think, that's not me yelling at T.

UPDATE: Guess who is so excited about her new class, that she insisted on SLEEPING in her leotard?

A Gymnast in the making...and other misc. thoughts

I called first thing after court this morning, and they're saving T a spot in the gynastics class for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. ...as long as I go and sign up and pay on Friday. Guess where we'll be on Friday night??



Meanwhile, I'm taking the schoolbus in to be serviced and fixed tomorrow. Turns out I have to take it to the dealership, else void my 10 year warranty on the paint for the whole car. Now, I can understand them not covering the paint on the portion that was serviced by another entity...which in my case is the portion above the wheel. But no. It would void the whole damn thing. That means, if my roof, hood or door rusts off the thing in 4 years, it would not be covered. What a crock. Anyway, I'll be tooling around town in a rental for the next few days to a week, depending upon how quick they'll fix the thing.

Lastly, I took some time today to work the parking lot surveilling for damaged vehicles. Suspiciously, the neon-yellow SUV was once again not present. I bet its in some repair shop somewhere...the dirty dogs. I'll probably never prove my case.

Back to Normal

I'm happy to report that things have quickly returned to normal... or at least what masquerades as "normal" in this crazy city. I'm back at work, kids are back in school (causing annoying traffic in the a.m.), and all is right with the world. Yesterday, we broke out of our self-imposed prison and went to visit my friend Marie. She has 2 kids that T loves playing with. We then went out to Flanigans for some lunch, and headed back home. It was so nice to get out of the house.

Dot remains in Pensacola. Stupid TS Fay, who has the termidity to hit Fla. not once, but twice... is approaching from the east coast. Dot is on the west coast, so I figure she is safe.

Meanwhile, Marie told me about a Gymnastics class she signed her daughter up for. Research online reveals that they have classes at the Coral Gables Youth Center, which is right around the corner. We went after work today to sign her up, but the woman was gone for the day. Rats. However, the big girls were practicing. They looked to be in jr high or sr high (hard to tell these days) and literally mesmerized T with their sumersaults and flips. If there's an opening in the Sat morning classes, T will start this saturday. We can't wait.

That's all for now.

We Survived

I'm happy to report that we survived the storm. Of course, there really wasn't much doubt that we wouldn't (except on channel 7), since Fay was just some wind and rain. A few tornados (nothing like the wizard or oz or the like the mid-west suffers) hit more north of us, resulting in some uprooted trees and a few damaged rooves. Every news reporter in town is rushing to "film the damage". Can you sense me rolling my eyes in my head?

The real news is this: The one hazard that every Floridian dreads the most did not come to pass for us.

We never lost power!!! Yippee!!!!!!

Losing power is the absolute worst b/c despite these huge storms coming through, the temps remain in the 80's and 90's, with lots of humidity afterward as everything dries out. No a/c is TORTURE! Add to all that, the fact that we all (except T whose hair always falls perfectly straight) look like refugees from prison camps b/c we can't blowdry or curl our hair, and its misery!

To keep T entertained during our forced imprisonment in the house, I pulled an old favorite out of the shed. Plus, I also let her use for the first time the dry-erase markers. Risky, I know. We all remember the sharpie incidents
of years past. However, she dutifully confined the color to the board and to herself...she's currently sporting a black beauty mark on her face, like the glamour girls of decades past.

Meanwhile, no idea how I'll entertain her today (and keep my sanity), as everything is still so wet and yucky outside.

Adios Fay, don't come back anytime soon!

The Madness Continues...

Yep, I'm officially off work today (Mon) and now tomorrow (Tues), due to the tropical storm Faye and its cone of misery making a slight shift to the east. We woke up early this morning, and went off to fill up our gas tank and go grocery shopping...all in the rain. I've had to reset a dr appt and reset taking the schoolbus in to be fixed due to the stupid rain.

We're now happily home again cacooned in our house. T is busy watching Enchanted, a disney movie...for the 2nd time. Its really rather cute and a nice change from the usual. Dot was talking about it this weekend saying that she thought T would like it and by coincidence, T asked to watch it for the first time today.

I've discovered computer games on my new laptop. My fav is Solitaire. T's fav is some Insane Fishbowl game.

Tropical Storm Warning Madness

Yep, its that time of year again. I hate it. Everything has suddenly become a pain in the ass to accomplish. Why? We're once again under a tropical storm warning...NOT HURRICANE, merely a tropical storm. The only people thrilled with this turn of events are the news media. Particularly, one local station that is akin to the National Enquirer, but on video. If one just limited your news intake to channel 7, you'd think that armegeddon is about to descend upon us vs. some strong winds and rain. The other stations aren't that much better.

The idiots just did a report on how the home depot and publix have not suffered a run on supplies. Reported about how nobody seemed to be panicking or otherwise losing their minds vs. in years past (like when we had cat 3's and 4's barrelling down on us). Then, the idiots had the audacity to attribute the lack of panic on a poor economy vs. the fact that we are just at risk to a really bad storm. Aye.Aye.Aye. Next, they'll be reporting in those yellow rain slickers with a garden sprinkler simulating rain and a big fan.

The other people thrilled with the news are the kids. Tomorrow, Monday, was supposed to be the first day of school. Now, not so much. School is cancelled. The Courts are cancelled. Big possibility that the daycare will be closed.

I tried to go food shopping today, and couldn't get a spot in the lot. I had forgotten that the storm was approaching...even though its over 48 hours away. Go figure. I guess all the people invading the local publix were the poor souls who limit their Tv viewing to channel 7. Tomorrow, I'm off to drop the schoolbus off to get fixed. I'm annoyed that I can't launch my investigation into the culprit who side-swiped me, but alas the storm will be interfering with that as well.

So, while all I have to put up with is inconvenience, it looks like the storm will be striking the west coast of flordia. While you hate to see it strike anywhere, I particularly don't want to see it hit my friends in Tampa, nor the poor souls who were struck just a few years ago with previous hurricanes. So, I'll be praying that it remains a weak cat 1.

Meanwhile, Aunt Dot flies out at 7:00 a.m. in the morning to Pensacola (west coast in the panhandle) for the week on business. Let's all pray that she doesn't meet anybody or anything named Fay along the way!

My Favorite Purchase in a Long, Long, Time

So, every Friday night, it seems we've gotten into a routine of going to dinner at Nordstroms, then roaming the Merrick Park mall. They have a convenient Borders on the 3rd floor, and T loves going there for a book or other item from the clearance section. Tonight, though, I scored. I got this cool set of playing cards. Only $5.99. Hillary is pictured on the Aces, and various political figures from the season as other numbers. A few noted idiots like Novak and Limbaugh are deuces. But....my favorite of all time........ is this next card pictured...




Shoot. If I'd known that this card was in the pack, I would have bought a few more! Hell, I'd have paid twice the price. This is my best purchase of the year!

How a jinxed woman caps off the week...

...she gets side-swiped while parked in the state attorney's office parking lot. The swiper failed to leave a name or ins info. Isn't that special? Especially since the culprit is more than likely an employee of said office and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage is still a crime in Florida. Nice.

Meanwhile, its nice to know I have some effect on the crime in Dade County. I'm minding my own business today walking out of court, when someone in the audience says, "Hi, Look, I want to show you..." and hands me a Florida driver's license. I look at the name, that seems familiar, check to make sure its not a neighbor, and ask why he's handing it to me. He says, "You don't remember?" A short time later, when the judge was taking a break, I was behind him exiting. I asked why he was showing me the license. He says that I told him in 2000 that if he ever appeared in court again without a driver's license I'd throw him in jail.

Turns out he was a defendant from my doper days, that I put on a substantial assistence contract years ago. If I recall, he was pulled over with a couple kilos and also was cited for driving while license suspended (dwls). I probably gave him my standard lecture about how if he does anything, anything at all, to get rearrested while he's cooperating, (i.e. trying to set up deals so we can arrest other dopers), even if it's just a traffic crime like dwls, I'll throw him in jail for 15 years.

So, I'm sure he freaked when he saw me again in court today, even though I was just there by coincidence. What's funny is that his license was issued just yesterday. Guess after my speech, he was afraid to come to court again with no license. No idea why he was there again, and frankly, I don't want to know. But I'm pleased that I'm doing my small part to fight crime in Miami....we're all a bit safer knowing that all the traffickers are careful to make sure they have a valid florida driver's license when they're busy moving their product. HeHe.

I'm Jinxed

I think I should just resign myself and admit that August is a jinxed month for us. Long-time readers of this blog will remember last august, when I had to buy a new central air conditioning unit for the house, as my old one stopped working. I think around the same time, my computer stopped working, and I had to buy my current desktop. Lastly, one or two of my direct tv boxes needed replacing.

Well, I think its started again. Hopefully, this year's jinx won't be as major or expensive as the a/c. I finally got my new modem and desktop working again. And, after about 4 hours last night got my laptop and the wireless router working. I'm still not quite sure how that happened, but I had success!! But then.....you guessed it. My HD directv stopped working. After about 40 minutes on the phone with their tech support, I learned that they require a service call to fix it...and they're going to charge me for it. The Bastards. Everytime I turn around, they're adding some stupid fee or charge for their service.

I was so beaten down last night between the TV and the computers, that I just couldn't make a decision. Told them I'll call back if I want a service tech to come out...for 80.00 bucks...or for about 94.00 plus 5.99 per month if I want a warranty and free service calls. This "warranty" a new gimmick. Perhaps I'll check around and see what switching to cable would cost. Probably a hell of a lot more. I suspect its all a racket and the stick it to you whether you're coming or going. Oh well.

The only bright spot in this whole mess is that my other 3 TVs are still working. So yes, Dot, you won't miss any of your shows if you come this weekend.

I Need to Vent!

OH. MY.GOD.

My computer and internet connection are driving me INSANE!!!!!!!!!! The problems have been plagueing me all week. My ethernet connection is apparently kaput on my computer. So a while back, I connected to the internet and modem using the USB connection. Well, guess what happened sunday? The USB connection port on my modem went kaput. After QUITE a bit of arguing with ATT, they finally consented to sending me a new modem and assured me that it would have a USB connection. So, I wait about 2 days, and guess what arrives? Yep, a new modem with NO USB connection. Only ethernet. Turns out, they don't make the modems with both connections any more. USB is passe.

After much consulting with their "tech support" again, I finally go out and purchase some nifty gizmo that converts a ethernet connection to a USB connection. It works, but only on and off. ATT keeps throwing me into some stupid site that insists I enter my info and password. I call them, and continually get disconnected.

I.WANT.TO.SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, my only other option....yep, I'm fully entering the 21st century. Not only have I recently joined the Land of Blog, but I am now going wireless, baby! I also picked up a relatively cheap laptop. I'd been meaning to do that for a while, as my dad needs alot of help with his stuff. I can take the laptop to his house of office.

I'm off to pick up the laptop tonight, and attempt to set it all up on a wireless network. The lap top, my desk top, and perhaps even my old desktop that I gave to T. Say a prayer that it works out.

The Unknown Princess

One of my oldest friends works in a bookstore, Books & Books, which is right around the corner in Coral Gables. While at the party last week, she mentioned how on Saturdays, they have story time and crafts for an hour for the kids. I promised T and I would go. So, right on schedule, we were off to the bookstore on saturday. The children's section is to die for. There were about 8 - 10 kids there in total, and the woman read about 3 or 4 books, with mice as the theme. They then proceeded to make mice puppets after the story reading.

T could not have cared less about the story time. Instead, she wandered around looking at all the stuff there. However, once the crafts were broken out, she planted herself right in the middle of everything, and proceeded to have lots of fun.

For the rest of the day, she's been playing around with the puppet. She even puts it on her head. Its the funniest thing. Remember the Gong Show from circa 1977-79 and the unknown comic, who was always my favorite? T runs around the house with the bag on her head and looks like a really odd "unknown princess" who looks suspiciously like a mouse.

We ended the day watering the plants in the front yard. With all the rain we've had, they really didn't need it, but T likes to do it so much, I use it as a bargaining chip to get her to cooperate or do something. Bribery is a wonderful thing!

08-08-08 Let the Games Begin!

Needless to say, we're very excited to watch the Olympics this year, which are being played in Beijing. Everytime T hears China mentioned on Tv, she starts screaming, Mama, look, my china, my china!

We'll be popping up some corn, breaking out the sodas, and having an small opening games party tonight...just us.

Let the Games Begin!


UPDATE: T, who never goes to sleep before 9:30, and would stay up til 11:00 or so if i let her (which sometimes i do) went into her room on her own last night and fell asleep from like 8:00 p.m. til 10:00 or so. She missed the wonderful opening ceremony, but did get to see some of the "parade" of nations entering the stadium.

I must admit, when we were in Beijing, and I saw the "bird's nest" under construction, I was thinking how ugly it was and how it totally did not fit in the city. Especially since my best view of
it was from one of the ancient attractions. Well, after seeing it in all its glory last night, I can't belive how wrong I was and how beautiful that place is. Live and learn.

Stir Crazy

Since we've been stuck inside for the past 48 hours, we've gotten a little stir crazy. So, guess where we took off to?

Yep, dinner and the bookstore. Nothing like a quick trip to the mall, to get the ants out of our pants.



Meanwhile, I can't tell you how excited I am. Guess who's moving into the neighborhood? I just got the email...

Miami Campaign for Change Office Opening
1830 NW 7th Street Suite 202
Miami, FL
Wednesday, August 6th 5:00 p.m.

Wooo Hooo, this is literally right up the street from me. I'll be stopping by to see if I can ge my "Si, se puede" yard sign anytime soon.

Typhoid Taylor and Tape Measures

Well, a by-product of the fun weekend is that T has been sick. On sunday, she had a definite case of the sniffles, that just kept getting worse and worse. Like turning on a faucet and the water runs harder and harder. In this case, green, slimy "water", if you get my drift. So, we're been home for the past 2 days.

We went off to the doctor on Monday, to ensure that T does not have an ear infection. So far, so good. Just had a slight fever. She's been sleeping quite a bit and I've been doing some work on the computer.

When she's awake, she entertains herself with her new "measure". A tape measure my dad gave her when we were at my parents house this weekend. She loves the thing. Its her new favorite toy. She insists on bringing it everywhere.

Lastly, the only other news from the weekend is that I finally painted my toes again. 3 months of naked toes was killing me. So, even though my foot swelled up like a balloon, at least it looked good! My nails, of course, are another story. After 20 years of going every other week for a manicure, its kind of nice not having to do that. Of course, my nails are like nubs, but I'm dealing with it.

I feel certain that tomorrow, I'll be sending T back to school. We'll see. Needless to say, swim class is cancelled until further notice, at least until Typhoid Taylor makes a full recovery.