One of my favorite things that Nico is doing now is using "that" and "those" in front of things and people. For example, he will ask, "Where is that puppy?" (referring to his big puppy) or "Where is that orangutan?" (referring to his stuffed orangutan). This morning I was getting ready for work when I heard him ask, "Where is that Mama?"
The first day back at school was good. Nico was awesome, apparently, although he has this thing with bugs... he wigs out when bugs are around him. Those big beetly roach things that sometimes sneak inside, bees, gnats, misquitos. He does not handle them well. At all. Nico's new teacher Sue (we call her Sue-Sue) said that she was stunned by how talkative he is... talking in whole sentences, trying to describe things that had happened to him over break. Not just just little sentences like, "Nico dont want it." But more like, "I want to leave this shirt off. I dont want it on!" Yeah... and he is still a Bossy McBoss.
Last night was REALLY awesome. Nico and I went to the gym after work and he got to go in the kids room, which he seems to really like. When we got home I had already made dinner, so we were just waiting for it to heat in the oven. He and Dave had a jam session on "the drums" a series of buckets, trash cans and such. It was really cute. Hope to post some pics and videos of it later.
All for now. BTW, today is a great day. I am listening to a live version of the Counting Crows' "August and Everything After". The original is one of my favorite albums of ALL time. The live version is cool.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Return of MegaBeast!!
Ahhh the weekend.
Nothing really excitiing to report, not like NiCody who hiked Grey's Peak in Colorado. Dave and Nico got back into town on Saturday. While I was officially at the house all by myself Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday, I COULD.NOT.DO.ANYTHING towards the IRB application(s) I need to finish and revise, the article that I need to get out the door or the 7 applications I need to get out the door by October 1. Seriously, I dont know what my problem was. Except, that maybe I was tired and physically/mentally/emotionally depleted from the run up to ASAs. I have been working every weekend and several nights a week on applications and writing, etc since Memorial Day Weekend.
Not only did I manage to watch an entire season of Mad Men, but I also made blueberry muffins. From scratch. Yeah, they were pretty delicious. I also thought I was going to start a new binder/calendar/planner organization system. Seen here. See, part of the problem is, that I dont really like my current planner... I feel like its on the verge of spilling all of its contents all over the floor. So I started setting up a binder of sorts, like in the link. but I dont really like it so far. The pages are kind of annoying. In any case, I found a link to Erin Condgren, who has a line of planners that might be more up my alley. So I ordered one. I am pretty excited about it.
I also did some grocery shopping. And napping.
I tackled the Great Move out of my office yesterday. Consequently, my back is kinda sore today. In the end, it ended up being pretty annoying. I left campus with 8 boxes of stuff- articles, books, binders, random crap I had in my desk, dishes, food. 6 boxes of stuff if you only count that stuff that will hopefully go on the shelf of the place that hires me and gives me a desk. Or... 6 boxes of stuff that would start a massive bonfire for my "F- Academia" Party. But Dave seems to be supportive of me doing the academic job market again next year (in the event I dont get hired this year anywhere livable). Of course I am not too keen on this- simply because it means I have to keep trying to get published when I am not guranteed a job. Which I wouldnt care about it, except that no matter how I slice it, there are only 24 hours in a day. And as much as I try, I cant do 36 hours of work in 24 hours (especially since sleep is a requirement for me not being a cranky B----!)
Today is Nico's first day of school after the three week break. I am half expecting his school to call me to come get him on account of him being a Mega Beast. Oh yes.
Case in point:
Nothing really excitiing to report, not like NiCody who hiked Grey's Peak in Colorado. Dave and Nico got back into town on Saturday. While I was officially at the house all by myself Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday, I COULD.NOT.DO.ANYTHING towards the IRB application(s) I need to finish and revise, the article that I need to get out the door or the 7 applications I need to get out the door by October 1. Seriously, I dont know what my problem was. Except, that maybe I was tired and physically/mentally/emotionally depleted from the run up to ASAs. I have been working every weekend and several nights a week on applications and writing, etc since Memorial Day Weekend.
Not only did I manage to watch an entire season of Mad Men, but I also made blueberry muffins. From scratch. Yeah, they were pretty delicious. I also thought I was going to start a new binder/calendar/planner organization system. Seen here. See, part of the problem is, that I dont really like my current planner... I feel like its on the verge of spilling all of its contents all over the floor. So I started setting up a binder of sorts, like in the link. but I dont really like it so far. The pages are kind of annoying. In any case, I found a link to Erin Condgren, who has a line of planners that might be more up my alley. So I ordered one. I am pretty excited about it.
I also did some grocery shopping. And napping.
I tackled the Great Move out of my office yesterday. Consequently, my back is kinda sore today. In the end, it ended up being pretty annoying. I left campus with 8 boxes of stuff- articles, books, binders, random crap I had in my desk, dishes, food. 6 boxes of stuff if you only count that stuff that will hopefully go on the shelf of the place that hires me and gives me a desk. Or... 6 boxes of stuff that would start a massive bonfire for my "F- Academia" Party. But Dave seems to be supportive of me doing the academic job market again next year (in the event I dont get hired this year anywhere livable). Of course I am not too keen on this- simply because it means I have to keep trying to get published when I am not guranteed a job. Which I wouldnt care about it, except that no matter how I slice it, there are only 24 hours in a day. And as much as I try, I cant do 36 hours of work in 24 hours (especially since sleep is a requirement for me not being a cranky B----!)
Today is Nico's first day of school after the three week break. I am half expecting his school to call me to come get him on account of him being a Mega Beast. Oh yes.
Case in point:
Why is he sitting on a step on the front step? Because he has gotten so obstinate and independent lately, that telling him no to some things are a surefire way to end up with a MELTDOWN. Seriously. At the point this picture was taken, he had already had two meltdowns (and had only been a wake for about 30 minutes). He isnt quite at the age yet where I can reason with him... so when he picked up the step to walk out the door for a picture, I could have said, "You don't need this step". But I figured, who cares? He went to sit on it and fell and ended up falling down the step. I am trying to let him learn, but it sure can be a beat down. Independence is for the birds.
I cut his hair last night and he looks super cute today wearing orange high tops. All for now. Hope you all have a fun week.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Long time, no see.
So, I have been out of pocket lately. Actually, not really. I hate that phrase. I have been out of touch, not out of pocket. While I have yet to fully express my annoyance at the term "out of pocket" to describe unreachable on this blog, it has been done, to which I add, "Ditto."
The past couple of weeks was the run up for the conference I went to last week. I was pushing hard to get a paper done and get prepared. I am still not done with the paper, which is okay,I guess, since I have some time this weekend. Oh, wait. No I dont, becausse I am being evicted from my office on campus. Yes. This day has come. The office space in the population center that I share with Ursula is now needed for a PhD student. Because apparently, all the other spaces are filled. So despite the fact that I have continued to work (my ass off) with IE for the past 8 months (since graduating), I was asked to get my shit out of the office. BY MONDAY. Seriously. 8 years of books, files, texts, computer stuff, etc. Out of the office by Monday.
The thing about it is, that I wouldnt have minded having to move... like, I get it. Someone needs the space. Ok. But four days notice? Really? I am not really surprised, I guess. Of course, the new pop center director was all apologetic, like, "I dont want you to feel as if you're being abandoned." But the damage is done. I get to take precious time out of the no extra time I have now to move all my stuff when it all could have been done MONTHS ago. So, in addition to edits to my DOH data application, finishing the AHCA application, pulling together materials for 9 job applications that are due by October 1, working 40 hours a week, being a parent, oh and trying to publish two papers, I get spend this weekend moving my shit out of that office to my house, where I dont have room to store any of it. Awesome. I'm so happy!!
The one thing that is kind of a drag is that without the office, I wont probably go to campus much anymore. Which is a shame, because I love being able to go there and have food, access to a power source, tables and stuff to work. I could leave stuff there and that was okay. I sincerely doubt I will spend much time on campus working anymore now. Its not worth the effort to go to the library- so I guess my only options are Bada Bean, which I dont think is open all day or the dirty hippies at All Saints. I would say Blackdog Cafe, but it seems like they turn their wireless off on the weekend. So that has been a big let down. IE has asked around about space on the sociology floor, but I can only guess that doesnt look promising.
The conference I went to last week? It was okay... ups and downs. I was flying pretty high until I had a conversation with a guy from Cornell (the brother of a friend), who managed to turn our informal little chat into a "come to jesus" meeting about how I suck at life and should probably have thrown myself off my balcony since I am basically unemployable without a publication in the American Sociological Review (the lead journal in sociology). I got some good insight into jobs that I am interested in... like University of Delaware and Carleton College.
I went to dinner with my old college roommate Erica. She seems to be doing well. She lives just outside of Vegas in a pretty awesome home. She has two little girls who are absolutely precious. The older of the two proves the idiom, "The apple doesnt fall too far from the tree." As for Vegas- I dont think I need to ever go back. Maybe I am jaded because my experience was mostly waiting to do stuff- waiting in line to check in, waiting for a cab, waiting to cross the street, etc. And the entire city smells like smoke. While I dont mind the smell of smoke if I am the one smoking, I really hate it when I am not. REALLY.
I did have a couple of amazing meals- one with Erica at the Yardhouse- which is a brew pub. We had their mac and cheese, which was off the hook. I was extraordinarily tired, so much so I couldnt finish it. I also had salmon at Mesa on Monday afternoon, which was delicious (Mesa is a resturant at Cesars). I had Mexican Chocolate Pudding, which was so rich that I had to take leftovers. Yeah... I know. Do you know how rich that is? That is like Michael Jordan not being able to hit a free throw. I also had dinner with AD on Saturday night after our session at Margaritaville. Dinner was okay...I wasnt terribly hungry so I was deterred from what I really wanted (Nachos, which apparently could feed the entire nation of Somalia).
In all, it was a decent trip. I got to catch up on my sleep and came to the realization that I dont want the University of Nevada @ Las Vegas job. At all. :)
Dave's parents stayed while I was gone. I think Nico got a kick out of having someone to play with or talk to ALL THE TIME. Consequently, he is quite the chatty cathy lately. He now routinely counts up to 14 or 16 and knows his ABCs (although sometimes he skips h-i-j). Since Nico is still out of school for today and tomorrow, Dave is on his way to Miami. Nico is going to hang out with the grandparents while Dave works. It was a total bummer to put them in the car this morning. Although Nico that it was funny that his Big Puppy was wearing his sunglasses. I have Nico's New Puppy (that my mom brought for him) with me today to remind me of Nico.
The past couple of weeks was the run up for the conference I went to last week. I was pushing hard to get a paper done and get prepared. I am still not done with the paper, which is okay,I guess, since I have some time this weekend. Oh, wait. No I dont, becausse I am being evicted from my office on campus. Yes. This day has come. The office space in the population center that I share with Ursula is now needed for a PhD student. Because apparently, all the other spaces are filled. So despite the fact that I have continued to work (my ass off) with IE for the past 8 months (since graduating), I was asked to get my shit out of the office. BY MONDAY. Seriously. 8 years of books, files, texts, computer stuff, etc. Out of the office by Monday.
The thing about it is, that I wouldnt have minded having to move... like, I get it. Someone needs the space. Ok. But four days notice? Really? I am not really surprised, I guess. Of course, the new pop center director was all apologetic, like, "I dont want you to feel as if you're being abandoned." But the damage is done. I get to take precious time out of the no extra time I have now to move all my stuff when it all could have been done MONTHS ago. So, in addition to edits to my DOH data application, finishing the AHCA application, pulling together materials for 9 job applications that are due by October 1, working 40 hours a week, being a parent, oh and trying to publish two papers, I get spend this weekend moving my shit out of that office to my house, where I dont have room to store any of it. Awesome. I'm so happy!!
The one thing that is kind of a drag is that without the office, I wont probably go to campus much anymore. Which is a shame, because I love being able to go there and have food, access to a power source, tables and stuff to work. I could leave stuff there and that was okay. I sincerely doubt I will spend much time on campus working anymore now. Its not worth the effort to go to the library- so I guess my only options are Bada Bean, which I dont think is open all day or the dirty hippies at All Saints. I would say Blackdog Cafe, but it seems like they turn their wireless off on the weekend. So that has been a big let down. IE has asked around about space on the sociology floor, but I can only guess that doesnt look promising.
The conference I went to last week? It was okay... ups and downs. I was flying pretty high until I had a conversation with a guy from Cornell (the brother of a friend), who managed to turn our informal little chat into a "come to jesus" meeting about how I suck at life and should probably have thrown myself off my balcony since I am basically unemployable without a publication in the American Sociological Review (the lead journal in sociology). I got some good insight into jobs that I am interested in... like University of Delaware and Carleton College.
I went to dinner with my old college roommate Erica. She seems to be doing well. She lives just outside of Vegas in a pretty awesome home. She has two little girls who are absolutely precious. The older of the two proves the idiom, "The apple doesnt fall too far from the tree." As for Vegas- I dont think I need to ever go back. Maybe I am jaded because my experience was mostly waiting to do stuff- waiting in line to check in, waiting for a cab, waiting to cross the street, etc. And the entire city smells like smoke. While I dont mind the smell of smoke if I am the one smoking, I really hate it when I am not. REALLY.
I did have a couple of amazing meals- one with Erica at the Yardhouse- which is a brew pub. We had their mac and cheese, which was off the hook. I was extraordinarily tired, so much so I couldnt finish it. I also had salmon at Mesa on Monday afternoon, which was delicious (Mesa is a resturant at Cesars). I had Mexican Chocolate Pudding, which was so rich that I had to take leftovers. Yeah... I know. Do you know how rich that is? That is like Michael Jordan not being able to hit a free throw. I also had dinner with AD on Saturday night after our session at Margaritaville. Dinner was okay...I wasnt terribly hungry so I was deterred from what I really wanted (Nachos, which apparently could feed the entire nation of Somalia).
In all, it was a decent trip. I got to catch up on my sleep and came to the realization that I dont want the University of Nevada @ Las Vegas job. At all. :)
Dave's parents stayed while I was gone. I think Nico got a kick out of having someone to play with or talk to ALL THE TIME. Consequently, he is quite the chatty cathy lately. He now routinely counts up to 14 or 16 and knows his ABCs (although sometimes he skips h-i-j). Since Nico is still out of school for today and tomorrow, Dave is on his way to Miami. Nico is going to hang out with the grandparents while Dave works. It was a total bummer to put them in the car this morning. Although Nico that it was funny that his Big Puppy was wearing his sunglasses. I have Nico's New Puppy (that my mom brought for him) with me today to remind me of Nico.
They'll be home on Saturday. Until then, I am catching up on some stuff that needs to be done. And cleaning out my stupid office. :( In unrelated news, I have started to watch the series "Mad Men." LOVE IT. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. I am already in the second season and I am intrigued with some of the characters. I have also decided that in my next life, I am going to dress like Joan. For real:
Per usual for the great series, there is a lot of good character development. And not just the main character (Don Draper). There is a sniveling weasel named Pete Campbell who you just have to hate. Seriously, if I saw the guy playing him on the street, I would probably punch him in the face before remembering, oh, he's just a character.
Since the boys wont be here for the rest of this week, I think I am going to start Deadwood as well... but there is only a couple of seasons of that. My mom keeps getting on me because I haven't gotten on the Deadwood train yet :)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Twinkle little star...
We had a really great, fun weekend around here. As promised, Nico singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
Granny You left on Saturday morning and Geema and Geepa (Royse) came up yesterday. The house is clean. Good times, you know it. :) I was supposed to get out of my boot today, but my doctor had to reschedule my appointment for Thursday. I thought about taking myself out of the boot and going into the ankle brace and explaining, "Its okay, I am a doctor." But I am pretty sure if I fell down Dave would laugh at me. And call me a jackass.
I put Nico's bike together on Saturday while watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off. For some reason, Ferris reminds me of my brother. A lot.
Here is a picture of Nico on his sweet bike:
I went clothes/shoes shopping on Sunday. When I go to ASA later this week, I am set up for 7 (potentially 10) interviews with faculty at schools I am applying to. So my usual mode of operation for conferences (of taking one nice-ish outfit and a bunch of work clothes) isnt going to exacly cut it, since my work clothes are kinda crappy. I bought 4 pairs of shoes. 4 pairs of shoes. There is a payless close to my neighborhood and I went it, just to see if they had anything in my size (they dont usually). One thing led to another and I ended up with three pairs of ballet flats and one pair of boatish shoes. Yay. Very excited about that.
Granny You left on Saturday morning and Geema and Geepa (Royse) came up yesterday. The house is clean. Good times, you know it. :) I was supposed to get out of my boot today, but my doctor had to reschedule my appointment for Thursday. I thought about taking myself out of the boot and going into the ankle brace and explaining, "Its okay, I am a doctor." But I am pretty sure if I fell down Dave would laugh at me. And call me a jackass.
I put Nico's bike together on Saturday while watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off. For some reason, Ferris reminds me of my brother. A lot.
Here is a picture of Nico on his sweet bike:
I went clothes/shoes shopping on Sunday. When I go to ASA later this week, I am set up for 7 (potentially 10) interviews with faculty at schools I am applying to. So my usual mode of operation for conferences (of taking one nice-ish outfit and a bunch of work clothes) isnt going to exacly cut it, since my work clothes are kinda crappy. I bought 4 pairs of shoes. 4 pairs of shoes. There is a payless close to my neighborhood and I went it, just to see if they had anything in my size (they dont usually). One thing led to another and I ended up with three pairs of ballet flats and one pair of boatish shoes. Yay. Very excited about that.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
I'm cookin, I'm cookin, I'm really really shookin....
Not much going on around here. Nico's tricycle bike came last night, but I didnt have the time to put it together. That will be a fun little project for today when I get home. Mom and I are working on a laptop sleeve from some of the green and blue swirly paisley that I made Nico's curtains out of. Very excited about that.
I have also been cooking a bunch this week. We had baked chicken on Monday, Pork Pot pie on Tuesday, Spaghetti last night. Tonight we will have baked ziti. Maybe some chicken pasta bake on Friday. Speaking of which, does anyone have any good ideas for freezer meals? I am thinking of stocking the freezer full of casseroles and such for when the high school soccer season starts, which is just around the corner.
The cap for the pool came on Tuesday, which is real exiciting. I cant wait to get the pool set up this weekend. Nico is going to have a blast!! Yay!!
Wanna see a picture of no-nap time Nico who made an apperance on Tuesday?
Seriously though, don't you just want to bite him? Last night I got a video of him singing Twinkle Twinkle little star. Its seriously the most adorable thing ever. I hope to upload it to youtube tonight. Melts your heart.
I have also been cooking a bunch this week. We had baked chicken on Monday, Pork Pot pie on Tuesday, Spaghetti last night. Tonight we will have baked ziti. Maybe some chicken pasta bake on Friday. Speaking of which, does anyone have any good ideas for freezer meals? I am thinking of stocking the freezer full of casseroles and such for when the high school soccer season starts, which is just around the corner.
The cap for the pool came on Tuesday, which is real exiciting. I cant wait to get the pool set up this weekend. Nico is going to have a blast!! Yay!!
Wanna see a picture of no-nap time Nico who made an apperance on Tuesday?
Seriously though, don't you just want to bite him? Last night I got a video of him singing Twinkle Twinkle little star. Its seriously the most adorable thing ever. I hope to upload it to youtube tonight. Melts your heart.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Cupcakes in the morning.
Today is Nico's birthday!! Yay!!
We started a new tradition of having cake in the morning. Cake in the morning! Cake in the morning.
Rather than making a big cake that would basically lead me to eating the whole cake, I decided to make jumbo cupcakes for Nico's brithday. So last night I baked them and and we frosted one for Nico to eat this morning. it was pretty great. Really fun!
In other news, Granny You is in town. She brought Nico a little stuffed puppy dog, who he has named "Doggy".
One of the only things at work that I have actual deadlines for is due later this week, so I am cutting this break a bit early to get on with it.
More later this week (hopefully).
We started a new tradition of having cake in the morning. Cake in the morning! Cake in the morning.
Rather than making a big cake that would basically lead me to eating the whole cake, I decided to make jumbo cupcakes for Nico's brithday. So last night I baked them and and we frosted one for Nico to eat this morning. it was pretty great. Really fun!
In other news, Granny You is in town. She brought Nico a little stuffed puppy dog, who he has named "Doggy".
One of the only things at work that I have actual deadlines for is due later this week, so I am cutting this break a bit early to get on with it.
More later this week (hopefully).
A letter to Nico (which he wont appreciate until he gets older).
Dear Nico,
On the day that you turn 2, I pause to reflect on the years since you were born. While you have been with us for only two years, I feel that we have lived a lifetime in those two years. I find myself staring after you in amazement sometimes, as you go running by or as you climb onto a kitchen chair to help me with dishes. It seems hardly real, that you got here only two years ago.
You're growing up to be a sweet boy. You love your Mama and Daddy and your dogs (Drake and Gordon and Big Puppy and Doggy). You love to help- with the dishes, with sweeping, with putting clothes away. You're a good boy!
Almost every day your dad and I are amazed with something you've said or something you've done. Watching you grow from a juicy red cheeked, red haired new born to the blond and fairskinned toddler you are now has been a blast. I fall in love with you a little more every day.
We love you a lot.
Love,
Mama and Daddy.
On the day that you turn 2, I pause to reflect on the years since you were born. While you have been with us for only two years, I feel that we have lived a lifetime in those two years. I find myself staring after you in amazement sometimes, as you go running by or as you climb onto a kitchen chair to help me with dishes. It seems hardly real, that you got here only two years ago.
You're growing up to be a sweet boy. You love your Mama and Daddy and your dogs (Drake and Gordon and Big Puppy and Doggy). You love to help- with the dishes, with sweeping, with putting clothes away. You're a good boy!
Almost every day your dad and I are amazed with something you've said or something you've done. Watching you grow from a juicy red cheeked, red haired new born to the blond and fairskinned toddler you are now has been a blast. I fall in love with you a little more every day.
We love you a lot.
Love,
Mama and Daddy.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Home Alone
One of the best things about being a parent is teaching your kid to do stupid stuff. In fact, I cannot wait until the the christmas when Maddox is 7 and Emme and Nico are 5. I am going to teach them to do this for Granny You.
Until that great and wonderous day, I will just have to amuse myself with gems like this:
Speaking of kids out of control... guess who showed his tail yesterday when we were leaving the YMCA pool? I will give you one clue: his name rhymes with Rico. Yeah... full on, unadulturated, MELTDOWN. Ever try to hoist yourself out of a pool with a bad ankle because they took the stairs down while keeping your almost two year old boy from getting back into the pool? Yeah, it was as much of a beatdown as you think it was.
Its really hard to get him to understand that its time to leave. And that that doesnt mean we can never go back... it just means that we have to go home. He was not a happy camper. But he had a good time swimming up to that point.
Until that great and wonderous day, I will just have to amuse myself with gems like this:
Speaking of kids out of control... guess who showed his tail yesterday when we were leaving the YMCA pool? I will give you one clue: his name rhymes with Rico. Yeah... full on, unadulturated, MELTDOWN. Ever try to hoist yourself out of a pool with a bad ankle because they took the stairs down while keeping your almost two year old boy from getting back into the pool? Yeah, it was as much of a beatdown as you think it was.
Its really hard to get him to understand that its time to leave. And that that doesnt mean we can never go back... it just means that we have to go home. He was not a happy camper. But he had a good time swimming up to that point.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Cuteis Maximus
Nico has three things he is doing lately that are hilarious. One is when he is eating and you tell him to chew up his food really good. He then will wave at you while chewing it up. It's weird, I dont really know what he is doing. You can see it here:
Another thing is when we are walking anywhere and we're holding hands. Because the boy can lollygag like no other, I sometimes tell him, "We gotta go fast, Nico. Very fast!" His response is to lift his shoulders up and duck his head and walk fast. Its so freaking adorable!!
The final thing that he is doing that is pretty great is whenever we're in the car and I tell him to "keep his eyes open", which means he should be on the lookout for diggers and police cars and trucks and whatnot. His response is closing his eyes. And he does it very deliberately- its so cute, because he is smiling, like he knows exactly what he is doing!! It's pretty funny!!
All for now!
Another thing is when we are walking anywhere and we're holding hands. Because the boy can lollygag like no other, I sometimes tell him, "We gotta go fast, Nico. Very fast!" His response is to lift his shoulders up and duck his head and walk fast. Its so freaking adorable!!
The final thing that he is doing that is pretty great is whenever we're in the car and I tell him to "keep his eyes open", which means he should be on the lookout for diggers and police cars and trucks and whatnot. His response is closing his eyes. And he does it very deliberately- its so cute, because he is smiling, like he knows exactly what he is doing!! It's pretty funny!!
All for now!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Busy
Things are going here. We had a really good weekend at the house. We spent most of Saturday cooking and cleaning. The thing is, that if we would just keep the house clean, it wouldnt be such a beat down whenever we want to have people over.
Margot, Mike and Zoe Claire came over for dinner Saturday night, which was awesome. We had this crazy good spinach dip (whose main ingredient is crack... like the addictive kind). Plus we had blackberry mojitos (that were kinda weak). We also had chicken curry and a lemon meringue pie. Unfortunately, it didnt occur to me until about 5 minutes ago that I should have taken a picture of this feast. Oh well... sad face.
Fun was had by all, except for Nico who started to show his tail at the end. Speaking of which, the boy is ridiculously smart. Seriously, he is starting to understand where things are... so like we went to the post office the other day, he knew where we were. We also had to drive by Bagelheads to get to the YMCA to workout and he said, "Bagels!" It was pretty great. He's getting more and more elaborate when he plays, so now when he gets in the cabinet (goes to work) and opens the door (comes home), he says he's home. I ask if he made lots of money and he says yes. To buy jelly beans, diapers, clothes and books with. Its pretty cool.
Sunday we went to breakfast at Golden Corral. We dove by a pig statue in front of the little shops by Lake Ella. Where in he became obsessed with getting out of the car and going to hug the pig. And sit on it. So after lunch, he and Dave went to do that while I went to campus. I came home a few hours later for leftover pie and beer (its a delicious combination) and we had a nap. We had planned to go swimming at the Y again, but we woke up too late. Isnt that a terrible problem to have? Missing swimming because we napped too late?
I even got a few minutes on Saturday night and Sunday to start a shaw. Yeah, I got some of that ridiculously soft yarn from Joanns and have started a shaw for myself on the long loom (also teaching myself how to use the loom). Now I just need some place nice to wear it.
Overall things are going well. Looking forward to my trip to ASAs in Vegas. I have made contact with a lot of people and set up several informal interviews. Although, I dont know anyone who found the interviewing/chatting experience at ASA to lead to a job... so it makes me nervous because there are places that I would LOVE to offer me a job (Carleton College, University of Delaware). I am hoping that chatting with such individuals wont exclude me from the process. Which is the opposite of what is supposed to happen. Although, I am posed to spend a long time in August talking about myself, which I am not a fan of doing. Which is probably why I feel that I am so bad about networking. Booooo!!
Oh well. That is all for now. I am off!!
Margot, Mike and Zoe Claire came over for dinner Saturday night, which was awesome. We had this crazy good spinach dip (whose main ingredient is crack... like the addictive kind). Plus we had blackberry mojitos (that were kinda weak). We also had chicken curry and a lemon meringue pie. Unfortunately, it didnt occur to me until about 5 minutes ago that I should have taken a picture of this feast. Oh well... sad face.
Fun was had by all, except for Nico who started to show his tail at the end. Speaking of which, the boy is ridiculously smart. Seriously, he is starting to understand where things are... so like we went to the post office the other day, he knew where we were. We also had to drive by Bagelheads to get to the YMCA to workout and he said, "Bagels!" It was pretty great. He's getting more and more elaborate when he plays, so now when he gets in the cabinet (goes to work) and opens the door (comes home), he says he's home. I ask if he made lots of money and he says yes. To buy jelly beans, diapers, clothes and books with. Its pretty cool.
Sunday we went to breakfast at Golden Corral. We dove by a pig statue in front of the little shops by Lake Ella. Where in he became obsessed with getting out of the car and going to hug the pig. And sit on it. So after lunch, he and Dave went to do that while I went to campus. I came home a few hours later for leftover pie and beer (its a delicious combination) and we had a nap. We had planned to go swimming at the Y again, but we woke up too late. Isnt that a terrible problem to have? Missing swimming because we napped too late?
I even got a few minutes on Saturday night and Sunday to start a shaw. Yeah, I got some of that ridiculously soft yarn from Joanns and have started a shaw for myself on the long loom (also teaching myself how to use the loom). Now I just need some place nice to wear it.
Overall things are going well. Looking forward to my trip to ASAs in Vegas. I have made contact with a lot of people and set up several informal interviews. Although, I dont know anyone who found the interviewing/chatting experience at ASA to lead to a job... so it makes me nervous because there are places that I would LOVE to offer me a job (Carleton College, University of Delaware). I am hoping that chatting with such individuals wont exclude me from the process. Which is the opposite of what is supposed to happen. Although, I am posed to spend a long time in August talking about myself, which I am not a fan of doing. Which is probably why I feel that I am so bad about networking. Booooo!!
Oh well. That is all for now. I am off!!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Dinner Party
Not much new to report... except that we're glad the weekend is here. Yay!!
We have practice tomorrow in the morning. Plus we are having Margot and Mike and Zoe Claire over for dinner in the evening. I think I am going to try my hand at making blackberry mojitos. I also see a Lemon Meringue Pie in our future! Wooo hooo!!
We've been slowly cleaning all week, so I am hoping to not spend a lot of time tomorrow cleaning. Maybe we will even sneak to the YMCA on our way back into town to go swimmin!! Nico will love it!!
Hope to have some pictures on Monday!!
Have a great weekend!
We have practice tomorrow in the morning. Plus we are having Margot and Mike and Zoe Claire over for dinner in the evening. I think I am going to try my hand at making blackberry mojitos. I also see a Lemon Meringue Pie in our future! Wooo hooo!!
We've been slowly cleaning all week, so I am hoping to not spend a lot of time tomorrow cleaning. Maybe we will even sneak to the YMCA on our way back into town to go swimmin!! Nico will love it!!
Hope to have some pictures on Monday!!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Judoka Nico
So Dave and I took Nico to judo last night, to see if he might be interested in throwing Daddy around. Sadly he wasnt, until we were trying to leave. He was more interested in throwing a softball and making me chase it until it was time to leave, when he threw the world's biggest fit. I am talking EPIC fit.
Of course, we were the annoying people that brought a kid too little to "get" how things are. So there were a few times when he ran onto the mat as someone was explaining a throw. It was kinda like this:
But he was really interested in the beginning when they were warming up and going through some throws. In any case, I took my camera and got some decent shots of Nico.
Of course, we were the annoying people that brought a kid too little to "get" how things are. So there were a few times when he ran onto the mat as someone was explaining a throw. It was kinda like this:
But he was really interested in the beginning when they were warming up and going through some throws. In any case, I took my camera and got some decent shots of Nico.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
FUNS...
Wow!! We have had a super fun last couple of days. We ordered a new bed for Nico last week, since his crib didnt actually convert to a toddler bed. So we ordered a new one online and it arrived on Friday. I put it together on Friday night with the hope of getting Nico to sleep in it.
Saturday we got started early, with grocery shopping. I am trying really hard to plan meals and stick to a budget. Plus, having not cooked much in the last couple of months, I am on a bit of a tear in the kitchen.
After we ran the groceries home, Nico and I went to the gym. He went in the kids playroom and I lifted weights. After, I grabbed Nico and we went for a dip in the pool. He really liked it. It was good for me, because I could work on rehabing my ankle. It was a little annoying because he kept wanting to get out and get back in. And walk around.
Sunday, I went to campus early and submitted the last of the first four applications I had been working on. Most of these were due early. Now I can relax for a minute and work hard to finish this paper so I can get it out before ASAs next month. In the morning, Dave and Nico went swimming at Wade Wehunt (in Myers Park). In the afternoon Dave went to the gym. On his way home he stopped in Borders to check out their going out of business sale. He ended up with some books for Nico. Which is pretty great, since he is in a real reading phase now. We did some cleans on Sunday night.
When Dave was giving Nico a bath on Sunday night, he noticed a bit of a rash on his legs. After Emme and Maddox's bout with MRSA and Hand, Foot and Mouth going around Nico's school, we didnt want to take any chances, so I took Monday off and took him to the doctor. Turns out that you can get a viral infection and have it appear as a rash. Not usually infectious or much of a problem. The doctor dismissed Nico as fine and we went home for a nap.
Since we have had the new Nico bed, he has been very good about sleeping in it. In fact, Saturday night was the first time (EVER) that he went to sleep without me rocking or holding him and in his own bed- which is quite an accomplishment. Now, he doesnt always stay in his bed... sometimes he waks up crying in the middle of the night. But sometimes he sleeps through. We have his bed in our bedroom right now (because we are in the process of converting his room to a guest room till the end of August) cause the grandparents are coming up.
Anyhoo, yesterday afternoon, Nico and I went to he gym again and swimming. This time, I tied one of those styrofoam noodles around his waist- which is GENIUS. He had a total blast- his legs were kicking in the water, the entire time. Its great because it gives him the chance to not have to be on me, holding him. So he tooled around the pool for about an hour last night. Suffice to say, he was worn out when we got home. He was asleep in about five minutes. By my count, Nico went swimming three times in three days. It was pretty great.
We're also working on getting his pool from Granny You set up... we lost the cap for the pool nodule thing- so it wont stay pumped up. Have ordered a new cap... so we cant put it up until it gets here.
Hope you all had a great one!
Saturday we got started early, with grocery shopping. I am trying really hard to plan meals and stick to a budget. Plus, having not cooked much in the last couple of months, I am on a bit of a tear in the kitchen.
After we ran the groceries home, Nico and I went to the gym. He went in the kids playroom and I lifted weights. After, I grabbed Nico and we went for a dip in the pool. He really liked it. It was good for me, because I could work on rehabing my ankle. It was a little annoying because he kept wanting to get out and get back in. And walk around.
Sunday, I went to campus early and submitted the last of the first four applications I had been working on. Most of these were due early. Now I can relax for a minute and work hard to finish this paper so I can get it out before ASAs next month. In the morning, Dave and Nico went swimming at Wade Wehunt (in Myers Park). In the afternoon Dave went to the gym. On his way home he stopped in Borders to check out their going out of business sale. He ended up with some books for Nico. Which is pretty great, since he is in a real reading phase now. We did some cleans on Sunday night.
When Dave was giving Nico a bath on Sunday night, he noticed a bit of a rash on his legs. After Emme and Maddox's bout with MRSA and Hand, Foot and Mouth going around Nico's school, we didnt want to take any chances, so I took Monday off and took him to the doctor. Turns out that you can get a viral infection and have it appear as a rash. Not usually infectious or much of a problem. The doctor dismissed Nico as fine and we went home for a nap.
Since we have had the new Nico bed, he has been very good about sleeping in it. In fact, Saturday night was the first time (EVER) that he went to sleep without me rocking or holding him and in his own bed- which is quite an accomplishment. Now, he doesnt always stay in his bed... sometimes he waks up crying in the middle of the night. But sometimes he sleeps through. We have his bed in our bedroom right now (because we are in the process of converting his room to a guest room till the end of August) cause the grandparents are coming up.
Anyhoo, yesterday afternoon, Nico and I went to he gym again and swimming. This time, I tied one of those styrofoam noodles around his waist- which is GENIUS. He had a total blast- his legs were kicking in the water, the entire time. Its great because it gives him the chance to not have to be on me, holding him. So he tooled around the pool for about an hour last night. Suffice to say, he was worn out when we got home. He was asleep in about five minutes. By my count, Nico went swimming three times in three days. It was pretty great.
We're also working on getting his pool from Granny You set up... we lost the cap for the pool nodule thing- so it wont stay pumped up. Have ordered a new cap... so we cant put it up until it gets here.
Hope you all had a great one!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Fun plans
Really glad the weekend is here. Since I have gotten off my crutches, I have really started to look forward to Saturday mornings with Nico... Dave usualy goes to practice on Saturday, which is fine, because he likes to play ball with the girls (its sort of a workout for him).
I think tomorrow, we will start with groceries, right away. Then I think we are going to head to the YMCA in the morning. I want to see if Nico can go in the childcare there for a little bit so that I can work out. We have been reluctant to do such things because Nico had been in a real clingy phase for a while. But, just before I had surgery we went to check it out and I think he is pretty excited about it. So we will give that a go.
I think we are going to try to catch story time at the library on Saturday morning. I think Nico will really like it. Apparently, they also do the hokey pokey at the library. For real. Good times.
After story time, I think we are going to head back to the YMCA and swim during open swim. The Y isnt as cool as Truesdale (because there is no activity pool), but I dont think Nico will mind. Then home for some lunch and a nap. I think we will probably spend Saturday afternoon cleaning. We are having some dear friends over for dinner next weekend and its difficult to get much done during the week with this whole "work" thing.
Sunday morning, I think I will probably do like I did last week, which was get up and get into the office early. It worked out well. I dont feel very good about the first two job apps that I have sent out, but the one I sent out last night is really good. I have another one that I want out before ASA in Vegas, then I am going to turn back to finishing this paper. I'm hoping to get the last one out this weekend.
I think tomorrow, we will start with groceries, right away. Then I think we are going to head to the YMCA in the morning. I want to see if Nico can go in the childcare there for a little bit so that I can work out. We have been reluctant to do such things because Nico had been in a real clingy phase for a while. But, just before I had surgery we went to check it out and I think he is pretty excited about it. So we will give that a go.
I think we are going to try to catch story time at the library on Saturday morning. I think Nico will really like it. Apparently, they also do the hokey pokey at the library. For real. Good times.
After story time, I think we are going to head back to the YMCA and swim during open swim. The Y isnt as cool as Truesdale (because there is no activity pool), but I dont think Nico will mind. Then home for some lunch and a nap. I think we will probably spend Saturday afternoon cleaning. We are having some dear friends over for dinner next weekend and its difficult to get much done during the week with this whole "work" thing.
Sunday morning, I think I will probably do like I did last week, which was get up and get into the office early. It worked out well. I dont feel very good about the first two job apps that I have sent out, but the one I sent out last night is really good. I have another one that I want out before ASA in Vegas, then I am going to turn back to finishing this paper. I'm hoping to get the last one out this weekend.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Nico chasing ducks again...
Nico chasing ducks:
Seriously... really?
Kind of in a grumpy mood today. Partially because I am tired. But also because I have a lot of stuff to do today- none of the work stuff is really that important. And all of the non work stuff is REALLY important.
I applied for a new job here in Florida. Its my plan D. Plan A is to do post doc at Austin. Plan B is to get a Tenure Track job or Post Doc somewhere tolerable, where Dave can get a job too. Plan C is to get a Tenure Track job or Post Doc somewhere tolerable that we can live on one salary (mine). Plan D is that I have epic failed at the job market and we decide to stay in Tallahassee. The new job is with the State Court System. Its more money, doing something I really love (all data all the time).
Plus, I am kind of annoyed with the Department of Health. Yeah... I said it. The place that for such a long time was, in my mind, the shining beacon of hope for the future employment of Jessi Bishop-Royse? Yeah, kind of on my nerves. Any time you need to get something done, you have to send it through to the nine levels of purgatory to get it blessed by Jesus himself. For example, someone who made $6000.00 more a year than I do quit in December. Because my supervisor is one of the only saving graces of DOH, she readvertised it with the hopes of getting me into the process. I applied for it in February. February. She was told for a while to put it on hold (during the session). Then she went through all the steps that you are supposed to do- she interviewed other applicants... other individuals from the bureau were asked to sit in on the interview. Obviously decided that I am better suited for the job. She has been trying to get me hired in the position going on 5 months. 5 months.
And while you would think that being a bureacracy, that it was the function of various positions that mattered, this does not seem to be the actual case. There are people in our division who have been allowed to behave badly. So it jacks up the process of stuff that is supposed to happen. So rather than the process being what it is, all of this contingency gets built in. We recently had to do a Memorandum of Agreement with the VA. Because of all the bullshit, we ended up having to work against a pretty tight deadline to get it done. At one point one of our supervisors had to go to Contract Management and massage someone's ego in order to get the MOA to walk it across the hall to Budget. Rather than sending our administrative assistant to do this, he had to go because the ego in question would have ripped off our admin's head and spit down her neck. So our supervisor got to waste an hour and a half of his life bailing us out because we couldnt send our SECRETARY to walk a packet of papers across the hall. No joke.
So that part is annoying... but its the work that is wearing me out. About 10% of my actual job is working with data... which is what I prefer. Data isn't fickle... its not emotional. It doesnt have a pissy day. Its not going to be different tomorrow than it was today. It's not going to change the rules midstream. Data is reasonable. Its rational. It makes sense to me.
As I tried to explain to a coworker that found out I was on the academic job market- its like I have spent the last 8 years of my life training to run the marathon in the olympics. What I do now is sort of like running 10K races on the weekend.
Seriously... really?
Kind of in a grumpy mood today. Partially because I am tired. But also because I have a lot of stuff to do today- none of the work stuff is really that important. And all of the non work stuff is REALLY important.
I applied for a new job here in Florida. Its my plan D. Plan A is to do post doc at Austin. Plan B is to get a Tenure Track job or Post Doc somewhere tolerable, where Dave can get a job too. Plan C is to get a Tenure Track job or Post Doc somewhere tolerable that we can live on one salary (mine). Plan D is that I have epic failed at the job market and we decide to stay in Tallahassee. The new job is with the State Court System. Its more money, doing something I really love (all data all the time).
Plus, I am kind of annoyed with the Department of Health. Yeah... I said it. The place that for such a long time was, in my mind, the shining beacon of hope for the future employment of Jessi Bishop-Royse? Yeah, kind of on my nerves. Any time you need to get something done, you have to send it through to the nine levels of purgatory to get it blessed by Jesus himself. For example, someone who made $6000.00 more a year than I do quit in December. Because my supervisor is one of the only saving graces of DOH, she readvertised it with the hopes of getting me into the process. I applied for it in February. February. She was told for a while to put it on hold (during the session). Then she went through all the steps that you are supposed to do- she interviewed other applicants... other individuals from the bureau were asked to sit in on the interview. Obviously decided that I am better suited for the job. She has been trying to get me hired in the position going on 5 months. 5 months.
And while you would think that being a bureacracy, that it was the function of various positions that mattered, this does not seem to be the actual case. There are people in our division who have been allowed to behave badly. So it jacks up the process of stuff that is supposed to happen. So rather than the process being what it is, all of this contingency gets built in. We recently had to do a Memorandum of Agreement with the VA. Because of all the bullshit, we ended up having to work against a pretty tight deadline to get it done. At one point one of our supervisors had to go to Contract Management and massage someone's ego in order to get the MOA to walk it across the hall to Budget. Rather than sending our administrative assistant to do this, he had to go because the ego in question would have ripped off our admin's head and spit down her neck. So our supervisor got to waste an hour and a half of his life bailing us out because we couldnt send our SECRETARY to walk a packet of papers across the hall. No joke.
So that part is annoying... but its the work that is wearing me out. About 10% of my actual job is working with data... which is what I prefer. Data isn't fickle... its not emotional. It doesnt have a pissy day. Its not going to be different tomorrow than it was today. It's not going to change the rules midstream. Data is reasonable. Its rational. It makes sense to me.
As I tried to explain to a coworker that found out I was on the academic job market- its like I have spent the last 8 years of my life training to run the marathon in the olympics. What I do now is sort of like running 10K races on the weekend.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The rain is getting Nico.
We had a pretty fun weekend around the Bishop-Royse house. Saturday morning Dave went to practice and Nico and I went to Cracker Barrel for some morning noms. We got some blueberry pancakes that were to Nico's liking. After that, we headed to the library, where we got a whole gang of new books. Nico had a good time rocking in the rocking chairs. Then we headed to the grocery. It was raining when we came home and Nico said while helping me bring the groceries in ("the rain is getting Nico!". Seriously? How adorable?
After nap on Saturday afternoon, Dave and I attempted to move and convert Nico's crib. See, we're having grammas and grampas coming up next month, to hang with little homey during his extended vacay from school. So we figured we would move Nico into our room (officially- he's been sleeping in our bed since my surgery). This required taking apart the crib, which we came to find out really was a piece of chinese crap (really, I am not being stereotypical here) because it didnt have the stuff to convert to a toddler bed. So that was definitely a toddler bed fail. We ended up buying a new one (on ebay), which should suffice. Its not a car bed or anything... so its entirely possible that we wont ever get him to sleep in it.
Sunday was cool- because I went into campus early to work on job market stuff. Dave and Nico went to get some breakfast and then headed to Lake Ella, where Nico chased some ducks. A baby duck chased Nico and then Nico chased him back and they got in staring contest. Dave got some hilarious video, so hopefully we can post that soon.
Sunday afternoon, we watched the finals of the womens world cup... which was disappointing. It kinda bummed me out... but what are you going to do? Japan put away their chances when they had them, and did the one thing they HAD to do... hit their PKs, which could not be said of the US. I shrug.
Today has been sorta low key so far- I am giving a brief presentation for our joint CDC site visit today. So I had to turn my swag on. I also went to the gym for the first time in 2 months today. Very happy about that. All for now.
After nap on Saturday afternoon, Dave and I attempted to move and convert Nico's crib. See, we're having grammas and grampas coming up next month, to hang with little homey during his extended vacay from school. So we figured we would move Nico into our room (officially- he's been sleeping in our bed since my surgery). This required taking apart the crib, which we came to find out really was a piece of chinese crap (really, I am not being stereotypical here) because it didnt have the stuff to convert to a toddler bed. So that was definitely a toddler bed fail. We ended up buying a new one (on ebay), which should suffice. Its not a car bed or anything... so its entirely possible that we wont ever get him to sleep in it.
Sunday was cool- because I went into campus early to work on job market stuff. Dave and Nico went to get some breakfast and then headed to Lake Ella, where Nico chased some ducks. A baby duck chased Nico and then Nico chased him back and they got in staring contest. Dave got some hilarious video, so hopefully we can post that soon.
Sunday afternoon, we watched the finals of the womens world cup... which was disappointing. It kinda bummed me out... but what are you going to do? Japan put away their chances when they had them, and did the one thing they HAD to do... hit their PKs, which could not be said of the US. I shrug.
Today has been sorta low key so far- I am giving a brief presentation for our joint CDC site visit today. So I had to turn my swag on. I also went to the gym for the first time in 2 months today. Very happy about that. All for now.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Nico talk.
Nico is talking up a storm lately... Some things that he is saying:
"Downhill" or "Uphill" whenever we are driving and we are going downhill or uphill.
"That cool," whenever he sees something he likes.
"Nico good boy," whenever we are talking about him doing something good.
"Nico good helper," whenever he helps.
"No, no, no," whenever someone is doing or has done something bad. Like yesterday one of his friends bit him at school. When Dave asked Nico what he said, this was the answer, "I told Nichow, NO NO NO!" (complete with finger wagging).
"See you later," whenever you or he is going away to do something else.
"Bye digger," whenever we see diggers while we are driving and we drive away.
"Make money to buy toys and treats and jelly beans," whenever he goes to "work" and I ask what he is doing at work today.
A lot of fun... although I am not a fan of this new phase we are in... which is characterized by relentless focus on things he wants and melting down at the drop of a hat. He has also been waking up earlier... so now he is usually up by 7am... this has not translated to going to sleep earlier. This week I have been trying to get him in bed earlier... many nights he just lies there tossing and turning for a while. So maybe we are moving onto the next phase?
We went to the book store on Tuesday and bought some new books. One of them was Richard Scarry's Things We do All Day, or something... its a book with pictures of animals doing people things like driving cars and fighting fires. Its basically about what people do all day at work. He knows that Geema and Geepa are the grandparents (Dave's Parents) he talks to sometimes on the computer (skype). He knows that Geepa used to drive a police car... I think he is starting to figure out that my dad (Grampy) and Uncle JJ work on roofs because I have pointed out the roofers in the book. They are building a house and putting the roof on. Its pretty cool. Last night he pointed to the roofer and said Grampy. I can't believe how much he is learning.
"Downhill" or "Uphill" whenever we are driving and we are going downhill or uphill.
"That cool," whenever he sees something he likes.
"Nico good boy," whenever we are talking about him doing something good.
"Nico good helper," whenever he helps.
"No, no, no," whenever someone is doing or has done something bad. Like yesterday one of his friends bit him at school. When Dave asked Nico what he said, this was the answer, "I told Nichow, NO NO NO!" (complete with finger wagging).
"See you later," whenever you or he is going away to do something else.
"Bye digger," whenever we see diggers while we are driving and we drive away.
"Make money to buy toys and treats and jelly beans," whenever he goes to "work" and I ask what he is doing at work today.
A lot of fun... although I am not a fan of this new phase we are in... which is characterized by relentless focus on things he wants and melting down at the drop of a hat. He has also been waking up earlier... so now he is usually up by 7am... this has not translated to going to sleep earlier. This week I have been trying to get him in bed earlier... many nights he just lies there tossing and turning for a while. So maybe we are moving onto the next phase?
We went to the book store on Tuesday and bought some new books. One of them was Richard Scarry's Things We do All Day, or something... its a book with pictures of animals doing people things like driving cars and fighting fires. Its basically about what people do all day at work. He knows that Geema and Geepa are the grandparents (Dave's Parents) he talks to sometimes on the computer (skype). He knows that Geepa used to drive a police car... I think he is starting to figure out that my dad (Grampy) and Uncle JJ work on roofs because I have pointed out the roofers in the book. They are building a house and putting the roof on. Its pretty cool. Last night he pointed to the roofer and said Grampy. I can't believe how much he is learning.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Birthdays and serial killers...
So we had a pretty fun weekend around here. My fear of being suspected as a bad mother came true on Friday. I made the mistake of asking one of Nico's teachers Sue how Nico had been. And she let me have it. Apparently Mr. Nicholas Michael Royse felt the need to grab Nia (the little asian girl in his class) by the hair and yanked/pushed her to the ground. WHA-WHAT? Excuse me? Shut the front door! Absolutely mortified. I told him how sad I was with him as we were leaving school, so I think he kinda got it. I also canceled our smoothie/slushe date in favor of going home and doing chores. I think he got it because he was very quiet in the car ride home.
Saturday morning, Dave headed down to practice. I took Nico to his friend/classmate's (A) birthday party at Lofty Pursuits. Lofty Pursuits is a place where you can get old fashioned soda drinks and rootbeer floats and ice cream. Apparently the place was just written up in the New York Times. Its got lots of cool toys like hula hoops and disc golf dics. They have a little room where they apparently hold paties. Apparently some kids have been sick from his school, so there was only one other kid (in addition to Nico), but was a lot of fun. We had "chick nuggets" and ice cream and cake. At one point, we had all three running around the table chasing each other.
Of course, at one point, Nico and A were "discussing" who should get to play with some bean bags. By discussing, I mean, they were having a little tug of war over them. Granted, Nico had them first. But that isnt the point. The point is that when Avery tried to get them, he pulled her close and it looked, to the casual observer that he was trying to kiss her. In reality, he was trying to bite her. On the face. Like Hannibal Lecter. My kid is becoming a serial killer. I am clearly failing at my one mission in life, which was to make sure that Nico didnt become a serial killer.
Of course, one of the things I love about Avery is that she is taller then he is... and tough. So when Ezekial tried to take her baby dolls from her play dolls with her at Dexter's birthday party, she fought back. She didnt just give up and go crying to her mom. So... my hope is that when Nico tries to bully her, that she puts the muscle on him.
Nico fell asleep about 5 minutes after we got in the car- so rather than driving him home and waking him up to walk himself inside, just drove down to Wakulla for our car-wash fundraiser. We had a really good turn out in terms of players- most of them were there. I dont know how much money we made- it was likely tough because it was spitting rain for most of the afternoon.
I got a nap on Saturday afternoon, which was nice. I woke up and worked on some job market stuff before going to bed.
Sunday Nico and I got up and let Dave sleep in. We had some breakfast and then settled in to watch the Womens World Cup Quarterfinal Game between the US and Brazil. What is unfortunate about this clip is that they dont show the build-up to the ball from Rapinoe to Wambach. Some tough smart defending on the right side of our goal are led to two touches in transition in the midfield and a ball to Rapinoe who hit the cross to Wambach. It wasa great game to watch. Nico watched a lot of it. He also spent a lot of time demanding that we read his newly found truck book. It was lost for over a month, and I think I have read it to him 5 or 6 times since sunday.
After Nico's nap on Sunday, I headed to campus to do some work. I got some work done on applications and even managed to send one off (which is unfortunate because then I got some additional feedback from Ike after it was already sent :( But that is okay, it was to a school that Dave wasnt interested in me going to anyways (Washington and Lee in Lexington.) What he doesnt know is that I have an interview at ASA with Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. HA!! Joke's on him!! Although I haven't been to Decorah or Lexington, I am fairly certain that Decorah makes Lexington look like a booming metropolis on the edge of DC :) (note, its about 3.5 hours away from DC... on the outskirts of Charlottesville...
The interviews at ASA process is kinda weird. It doenst really mean anything. Its kind of like speed dating... usually 15-20 minute interviews with individuals who are attending ASAs from departments who are hiring. Then when applications are reviewed, sometimes the committee might remember interviews that happened at ASA. Sometimes they lead to phone interviews, but mostly, I have heard its good practice. In addition to the Luther interview, I have one with Carelton College, which is in Minnesota.
When I think about the Post Doc that I want to do at UT Austin, it makes me want to write a (kinda joking, but not really) #1 fan letter to UT Austin and post it on my profile on facebook. But I "liked" the UT Austin Population Center Page, which means I think they can see my profile and that would just be embarassing. Like maybe I got it and I show up for the post-doc and everyone thinks I am a psycho because I wrote a #1 fan letter to UT Austin. Then I have to spend two years of my life in hiding because I am so embarassed about the letter and no one wants to work with me. So friends and family, if you see me write a fan letter about Austin and post it as a note in facebook, remind me to take it down, because no one likes the crazy girl.
Of course, some like Ike are probably like, "Wha- what? I see you're applying for teaching at small schools and Post-Docs at schools that are way out of your depth. So which is it? Do you want to go research or teaching?" To which I reply, "I want a job where I can have summers off." Just kidding. My answer: I dont know. I, like IE, just want choice. I want to be able to choose how and where the next chapter of my life plays out. Just choice. That is all I want. :)
When I was at campus, Dave took Nico to eat Chinese food... which is to say the Chinese Buffet on the Parkway, where Nico had "chick" nuggets and watermellon. Nothing says Chinese food like chicken nuggets and water mellon. :)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Froonies
Nico is just stinkin' adorable lately. Really. Check out this video Dave made of Nico yesterday morning:
He is really talking up a storm lately. About everything. All the time. And he is so smart. Yesterday I went to get him from school and as we were getting in the car, he said something that sounded like, "froonies?" Froonies? Froonies? What the hell? Froonies? What could he be talking about? I shook my head and said, "I dont know what you are trying to say, froonies?" So he thinks for a second and says, "Drink?" And it occurs to me that he was asking if we could get smoothies. Really, how brilliant is he? Rather than melting down because I didnt know what he was saying, he came up with another word to help me understand him.
I love it.
Here is a picture of Nico helping Dave take down the old bed.
I think it is safe to say that a workbench is in our future. Maybe something like THIS?
He is really talking up a storm lately. About everything. All the time. And he is so smart. Yesterday I went to get him from school and as we were getting in the car, he said something that sounded like, "froonies?" Froonies? Froonies? What the hell? Froonies? What could he be talking about? I shook my head and said, "I dont know what you are trying to say, froonies?" So he thinks for a second and says, "Drink?" And it occurs to me that he was asking if we could get smoothies. Really, how brilliant is he? Rather than melting down because I didnt know what he was saying, he came up with another word to help me understand him.
I love it.
Here is a picture of Nico helping Dave take down the old bed.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
It was fun.
Howdy Nico fans!!
We had a fun weekend! Dave and I finally upgraded beds!! Woooo hooooo!! One of my friends' husband works at the Sears in Thomasville. I put him on the lookout for any deals on king sized mattresses and box springs because we've been wanting to get one for a while. Well, they ended up having a California King mattress that needed to get sold. One thing led to another and I brought it home this weekend. Dave spent yesterday setting it up and we are very happy with it. Its taller than our queen bed was, so I am not sure how that is going to work with the dogs sleeping in it. They are old and rickety... so I dont know if they will be able to get in and out of it like the old bed. Which is actually funny because we decided we needed the bigger bed because the dogs take up so much of the space.
We did the fireworks thing yesterday. Dave and Nico and I went to Tom Brown park for the July 4th festivities. It rained just before the fireworks were supposed to happen, so we got there and it wasnt too crazy. Unfortunately, I am still on crutches, so I couldnt bird-dog Nico very well. We ended up having some hot dogs and hamburgers and then left (before fireworks started). We wanted to leave ahead of the crowd and find a place on Capital Circle to watch. There were several places on Capital Circle where people had decided they would view the fireworks and started impromptu viewing parties, from the beds of their pick up trucks or on top of their cars. It was pretty cool.
We ended up settling on Sams Club at Cap Circle. Nico had a pretty good time. He said the fireworks were fun, but he wanted to go home to take a nap (it was pretty late at this point). Very adorable.
Have a few pictures from the weekend. Not many because its hard enough toting my own self anywhere, let alone toting my big girl camera. Speaking of which, getting my cast off next week (monday). Woo hoo. I am hoping to start swimming a lot next week. Wooo hoooo!! And shooting more pictures. And cooking. By the way... the first thing we are cooking is popsickles. Apparently, you put slices of fruit in a popsickle mold and pour in capri sun and that is the most delicious popsicle ever. Oh, and I have three words for you: cookie dough truffles. Yeah. For real.
Other than that: we're back on the grind. I guess I am officially on the job market. My letter writers have information to write letters about me. I am getting my materials together. Very nervous. Very.
All for now.
We had a fun weekend! Dave and I finally upgraded beds!! Woooo hooooo!! One of my friends' husband works at the Sears in Thomasville. I put him on the lookout for any deals on king sized mattresses and box springs because we've been wanting to get one for a while. Well, they ended up having a California King mattress that needed to get sold. One thing led to another and I brought it home this weekend. Dave spent yesterday setting it up and we are very happy with it. Its taller than our queen bed was, so I am not sure how that is going to work with the dogs sleeping in it. They are old and rickety... so I dont know if they will be able to get in and out of it like the old bed. Which is actually funny because we decided we needed the bigger bed because the dogs take up so much of the space.
We did the fireworks thing yesterday. Dave and Nico and I went to Tom Brown park for the July 4th festivities. It rained just before the fireworks were supposed to happen, so we got there and it wasnt too crazy. Unfortunately, I am still on crutches, so I couldnt bird-dog Nico very well. We ended up having some hot dogs and hamburgers and then left (before fireworks started). We wanted to leave ahead of the crowd and find a place on Capital Circle to watch. There were several places on Capital Circle where people had decided they would view the fireworks and started impromptu viewing parties, from the beds of their pick up trucks or on top of their cars. It was pretty cool.
We ended up settling on Sams Club at Cap Circle. Nico had a pretty good time. He said the fireworks were fun, but he wanted to go home to take a nap (it was pretty late at this point). Very adorable.
Have a few pictures from the weekend. Not many because its hard enough toting my own self anywhere, let alone toting my big girl camera. Speaking of which, getting my cast off next week (monday). Woo hoo. I am hoping to start swimming a lot next week. Wooo hoooo!! And shooting more pictures. And cooking. By the way... the first thing we are cooking is popsickles. Apparently, you put slices of fruit in a popsickle mold and pour in capri sun and that is the most delicious popsicle ever. Oh, and I have three words for you: cookie dough truffles. Yeah. For real.
Other than that: we're back on the grind. I guess I am officially on the job market. My letter writers have information to write letters about me. I am getting my materials together. Very nervous. Very.
All for now.
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