Mostly Jenine

Mostly Jenine 2008-11-22T06:19:59Z http://blog.mostlyjenine.com/atom.aspx Quick Blogcast I'm Just Not That In To You tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-11-07:06230a6b-215f-465e-9e9c-ed43a27c0ccf Mostly Jenlne 2008-11-07T19:38:00Z 2008-11-07T19:21:00Z
I admit, I have been a little distracted. There is the really demanding relationship I am in, called WORK. And man, it wears me out. I am ignoring the rest of my friends and family, and even though I think I am not really eating I seem to be gaining weight. For a bony chick, I have an awful lot of pants that are indecent to wear to town. They just don't make that fabric the way they used to.

See? I just got distracted in that PARAGRAPH.

I still think of you often, I do. I will always care for you. I will get tired of this relationship, eventually, and I hope you are still there for me when it all goes bad.

Love,

Mostly

]]> A Nerd is Born tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-11-01:462ec85a-6fdf-406c-84b3-2bb26680e778 Mostly Jenlne 2008-11-01T15:43:14Z 2008-11-01T15:31:00Z
Then, this morning, bright and early, Grace and Phil headed off to the tournament. I stopped by to bring lunch, and it is something like a scene out of the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer. Kids running around, kids crying, kids staring at chess sets and running up to high-five Chess master Steve who appears to be a busy guy teaching chess all over town.

Grace was learning how to play and write - Steve wants them all to write down every move (seems a little tedious to me, but RIGHT up Phil's alley. Maybe he can help her put in a spreadsheet.). She lost match 1. She lost match 2. and then! A draw! and another draw! Half point each, thank you very much, she came home with one full point earned.

I am impressed, and proud of her and grateful to Phil for taking her. It strikes me today, as it does often, that there are just so many little worlds in this great big world of ours if you only look a little. I sense we may start spending a little time in this new chess world - it looks like Grace may have found one she can learn to rule. Who needs a country if you can have a whole world? Thank goodness it looks like it may take her a while to master this world, but hopefully that will keep her out of trouble and make her a more benevolent ruler. Start small. Dream big.

]]> I didn't even vote for myself tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-10-30:61c69bbd-dfb5-4d20-866d-168e7d7f605d Mostly Jenlne 2008-10-30T21:37:12Z 2008-10-30T21:21:00Z
I mean, I already feel like I am not doing most of what I do so well, and I am headed off for another trip to Winnemucca. Plus, once I heard the RNC wouldn't let me keep the clothes, well, that was the end of that.

So head to the polls, or send in your ballots, and I will see if I can't find a way to make a difference some other way. I'll forgive you if you don't write me in (besides, if you write me in I wonder if the FBI will start checking me out to see if I am a threat, or something. We can't have that.)

Best of all, enjoy the fact that within days, DAYS I tell you, there will be no more annoying attack ads, no more recorded calls, no more ridiculous charges about this one or that one. We will get what we get, we won't throw a fit, and maybe we can get back to commercials that encourage us to spend money and jump start this crazy economy. Vote and Spend, People! That's my new un-slogan.

Vote and Spend!]]> Cornucopia tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-10-18:d1a38ecf-afe8-4a36-bde5-6bfc37eb6088 Mostly Jenlne 2008-10-19T11:23:51Z 2008-10-18T18:47:00Z
Tonight, I ate a handful of nuts. It is chilly out, and I actually have a palpable sense of excitement about the coming ~~food~~ holiday season.

Today, we bought tamales in the grocery store parking lot. Is this normal? In Tucson, this time of year it is. I don't care how they are made, how clean their kitchen is or what country these men with a shopping cart of hand made tamales and tortillas call home. I never even think twice to buy parking lot tamales. Yum.

Andra and Phil have taken to the woods. I hope they are having fun.

I love that Grace eats the way I do. For dinner last night we had sourdough bread with fontina and hatch chiles with a cucumber and tomato salad. This morning, grits and bacon. Straight to the side dishes. My kind of girl.

I am really, really, tired of being PTO treasurer. Saturday, Grace and I counted ridiculous amounts of the worst kind of money. I like to call them "backpack ones". One dollar bills that elementary school kids wad up in their sweaty little pockets or crusty little backpacks. They are hard to count by hand, and they won't even run through the little counter at the bank. This was my treasurer's swan's song - I have a replacement, at long last. I give her my greatest appreciation. And condolences.

I am suffering a major frustration, these days, in that I feel like I am spending more time than ever trying to unburden our house of her contents - cleaning, tossing, donating. And yet, I can't tell a difference when I walk around. What does a girl have to do to have a house that stays clean?

And finally, in addition to being excited about the food of the coming season, I am also excited to use our holiday decorations. Which are still up from last year. No kidding. I am looking right now at the kissing ball (aka mistletoe you don't take down), the red bead garland over the kitchen window, the Christmas lights still up on the back porch (which, to be fair, I didn't take down on purpose because of the festivity it would bring to the one pool party we had). The most grievous decorating hangover, which I have become so used to walking by that I almost forget it is a Christmas thing, is the mailbox. The red and green scrolled mailbox full of all the charming letters you sent us. Last year. I left them there so Phil could read them, and he never did, and then I guess I forgot, and then we started hanging the odd ornament we found lying around, and now? What's the point of putting it away?

]]> Mostly Gate 2008 tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-10-13:cf465559-b248-43a5-899b-e0c239274000 Mostly Jenlne 2008-10-13T19:06:16Z 2008-10-13T19:00:00Z
I needed to move up my game to compensate for his insubordination, and kick off a little national advertising. Obama has a whole channel, and while I made hundreds of dollars in the stock market today, I can't afford a whole channel yet.

I did get a little coverage on the local news station...

CHECK IT OUT HERE.

I still have some cabinet positions open - and hey, I know you're busy, but this is our COUNTRY we are talking about people. It's time to step up. I will appoint, if necessary. Just saying.]]> Now Hiring - Cabinet Positions tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-10-11:e23b6b17-790e-4a90-87ed-037c040b9dbd Mostly Jenlne 2008-10-11T07:57:55Z 2008-10-11T07:37:00Z here for the standard cabinet positions, currently.

I think that in a bold move, I would leave most of the current members in place for one year to either transition, or continue to prove their mettle. I know on the PTO it is so disruptive to switch all positions at once, and since we are going to be making some bold changes, most of these guys can stay. Obvious culprits excepted.

But what I am also going to do, it create NEW positions.

When I asked my friend Computer Bob what his position would be, he told me he wants this new position:

Chief Hatchet Man. It will be my job to cut the fat from the federal government. I figure I can pay for the financial bailout within a few months by chopping out the waste and firing all the oxygen thieves occupying desks in federal office buildings across the country. The DEA would be the first to go. There’s an agency that’s been a complete failure and waste of money. The Department of Education would be next. The seal of my office can be the grim reaper carrying a double bladed axe. Everyone feeding at the public trough will quake in fear when I come knocking.

Position? Granted. Tell me what you might want and I will take it under consideration.

]]> It's Still All Very Good tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-10-09:e46caeca-c203-4733-9187-cf72cd66039c Mostly Jenlne 2008-10-09T20:57:46Z 2008-10-09T19:36:00Z
As I watched the market careen downward today on my custom designed google finance page (the perqs of being a candidate are unlimited!) I got to thinking about my speech tomorrow. As a candidate I have vowed not to attack anyone's religion, or past associations, or age or color - but instead to keep honestly addressing the issues. So I have time tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I am planning a speech to help the citizens of this great country calm down. There will be banners sporting my motto's, in a subtle tan and green theme -

                            "Stop Freaking Out"              "Everything is going to be okay"

So here is what I plan to say, because I believe in practicing.

"I know the recent market events are frightening, and unsettling. I have a background in finance and accounting, and at times, even I find it challenging to understand all the interrelated threads of the blanket that is our economy. What I do know, is that people are watching the market fall, getting scared, and moving their money. They are worried about tomorrow, and the next day. In part, the factors that are causing the problems are beyond you - they related to accounting pronouncements, and poor policy at some of our largest companies. They involve mark to market accounting, and short selling of stocks. These things are not real. They aren't real to you, because they aren't real. They involve taking an idea and using it to try and make money on things that are not real.

You are real. Your family is real. You drive a car that is real and you put real oil in it, oil that, consequently, is deceasing in price - to the lowest price since last December. Not that you heard that part, because you were so busy running around looking up for the sky, which is falling. But not for real.

Stop freaking out. Please. Your real family needs you. And they are doing just fine, thank you very much. I keep hearing people ask if you are better off than you were 4 or 8 years ago. I am. I really am. And I suspect you are too. Almost all of you are, too. I am older, but better. I am wiser than I was 8 years ago. My marriage is stronger than it was 8 years ago. My children? Older, smarter and more beautiful with every passing day. I have made choices that have allowed me to have more income now, than I did 8 years ago - but even if I had no income at all, I would still have enough of everything I really need. I lived on Ramen and retail wages for years. I don't want to go back there, but I could do it. You all started there too, and you could go back too. We were pretty happy back then. We had more free time. We saw each other much more often. We laughed ALL THE TIME. Those days were not so bad. Let's remember that.

At the debate the other night, one of our call in guests asked the following question. "We haven't been asked since World War II to make sacrifices. As President, what sacrifices will you ask of the American People?"

Here is what I ask of you. Sacrifice your worries. Don't let this news about things that are not real convince you that your real life is not doing well. Our lives are good.    More things won't make you happy. More time with your friends and family will make you happy. Go fishing. Bake cookies. Celebrate. The industry of our country grew like a phoenix out of some of our worst years, and opportunity lurks around every corner regardless of where the Dow closed today.

Let's take advantage of this opportunity to get back to our lives. Let's refocus on people, and not on things. In a year or two, when you are so happy you can't stand it, look at the market, and I can guarantee you it will be higher than it is today. And that will make you even happier still.

Thank you, and God Bless America."

]]> I'm Running For President, Too tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-10-07:87734250-5231-4c90-8895-755da9931561 Mostly Jenlne 2008-10-08T09:08:42Z 2008-10-07T18:38:00Z Wussy ticket.

I try not to talk politics. But I am getting in. I can't take it anymore.

I get so annoyed that neither candidate ever says Yes or No when asked a direct question. They say "bladee bladee Tax Cut, Bladee Bladee Record, Blah Blah Main Street, Blah Blah Wall Street. Off the subject, can I just go back to, I want to make this one point."

So here are my answers, to the actual questions, as briefly as I can manage.

What does the Bailout mean to me?

It will cost you. A lot. It may cost you your house, if you couldn't afford it to begin with. It may cost you your job, if you did something bad to deserve losing it. Nothing we say tonight matters. Thats what it means. Because there is NO WAY we are cutting taxes, or adding new programs or spending more money for a long, long, time. We just filled up a whole bunch of fannie and freddie tankers with money and gold, and shoved them out to sea. And they sank. That ship? Sailed.

Prioritize Energy Reform, Health Care, Entitlement Reform:

Energy. Health Care. Entitlement Reform. In that order.

Will you give congress a 2 year window to reform Medicare and Social Security?

Yes.

In the face of Economic Crisis, congress moved fast. How will you make sure congress moves fast for climate change and in creating green jobs.

Innovation. Markets. Regulation. Federal grants to scientists who create cost effective green technology, that will be brought to market at efficient rates. Congress agrees to allow competition from up and comers and to make the big guys let the little guys play. Otherwise, congress has to work at the South Pole next year to observe whether they believe climate change is actually occurring. The only allowed visitors? Scientists. A year in the arctic with science guys ought to get them moving. Maybe they can work on that entitlement stuff, too.

Do you think we should have a project to help with climate change somewhat like the Manhattan Project to develop Nuclear technology?

I think I just said that - Yes. At the South Pole. Congress' participation mandatory.

Selling health care coverage has become profitable, do you think health care should be a commodity?

Yes. Everything is a commodity.  A commodity is something useful that can be turned to commercial or other advantage. Capitalism works because people are motivated to take advantage of an opportunity. Opportunity creates markets, and markets work. The parts of health care that are broken, are broken because they aren't markets. I will ask the Health Care market to figure out a way to improve the system - I think these folks are smart. They save our lives every day, let's see what else they can do.

Health Care in the US - a privilege, right or responsibility?

A responsibility. Lets grow up here - you aren't entitled to anything in this world. But health care is very important. Lets get everyone an opportunity to get covered, lets not penalize anyone who pays for someone else's coverage (that's you big business) and people who have health care should use that care for good and not evil. We'll help the rest of you who aren't covered, but you need to use it responsibly.

Stop running over your time.

Ok.

How will all the recent economic stress affect our nations ability to act as a peacemaker in the world?

This is a tough one. Maybe we need to take a little time to let Wilsonism rest - lets focus on our economy, our education and our citizen's well being. I think this will make us richer (not just financially), smarter, and stronger. Lets keep protecting our selves, and our friends where we can - freedom, all freedom, demands eternal vigilance. But lets worry about our freedom before we worry about someone else's. Its like flying on an airplane we need to secure our mask first.

What is the Mostly Doctrine for World conflict - when will you intervene?

When I have to. When there is an economic OR emotional good reason. The standards for good reason are really, really high.

Should the US respect Pakistani sovereignty or invade their borders looking for bad guys?

We should respect their sovereignty. And invade their borders. But only if they leave us no other choice. Knock first, and then ask for permission to enter. When we can. But if we smell pot from behind the door, and a boy's bike is in the driveway, we're going in.

Stop Breaking Your Own Agreed Upon Rules for this town hall meeting.

Ok.

How can we apply pressure to Russia for it's humanitarian issues?

I think you are asking about Russia's humanitarian issues. They are Russia's humanitarian issues. Russia is responsible for their humanitarian issues. See Mostly Doctrine for World conflict.

Is Russia under Putin an Evil Empire.

Maybe.   (and I typed that WAY before McCain said it!)

Last Question. What don't you know and how will you learn it?

There is a lot I don't know. I will try to learn any way I can. I can find almost anything on Google. I will learn everything I can from experts. I won't always tell you why I make my decisions - that's called national security. When I do learn something important (that won't get you killed), I will put it on the blog so you can all learn it too.  When the crisis is over, I will explain myself, and be accountable for things that went wrong.

I warn you, I've been told I am a micromanager, and I still have a hard time letting go of responsibility for things. Especially when people haven't proven trustworthy. I will be working from home, mostly, so I don't have to move. I like where I live. I don't need a lot of extra stuff, and I won't trash the White House when I leave, but I do want to wear designer dresses to some fancy parties.

So vote for me. I'll do my best.]]> Fashion Advice: Courtesy of My Girls tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-10-05:b3583eed-80ec-4641-ba05-55c5cf7ab76d Mostly Jenlne 2008-10-05T19:14:32Z 2008-10-05T19:03:00Z
This morning as we were trying to get Grace shod to go to church, she looked up and asked me "Mom, what drink can I take with me that will match my outfit?" I looked at her a little blankly, I think, I mean I know church can sometimes FEEL like a long time but I am pretty sure no one is going to dehydrate during that brief little period of time. As I stared at her, she added "I mean, that Gatorade G2 matched my shirt yesterday, so what can I carry today?" We settled on a Kiwi Strawberry Propel with a pink label. But the real question?

What will you be wearing tomorrow? I am pretty sure if my outfit has to match my drinks, I will be in BROWN. Like Coffee. Try it, really, just for a day. I dare you.

So as I was out shopping for a little brown number to go with my morning cafe au lait (thank you Liz Claiborne), I was also browsing the handbags, since it is time to move to a fall bag. Andra came around the corner, after nixing the green, shiny, snake skin patterned bag, and said "Really, how dull. Pop starts have a different bag every time they leave the house! Why can't you have more than one purse?" So I bought the orange handbag as a start - but I think she is on to something... I may need to go back for the green bag, too.

So, forget matching your handbags, just buy 20 and move on. Just make sure your shoes match your drink. White after labor day? YES - with MILK! Bottoms up!]]> Top of the World, to you. tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-09-27:3703538c-4a96-4cd2-8429-695ebc9ecbe4 Mostly Jenlne 2008-09-27T16:06:11Z 2008-09-27T10:52:00Z
Day one: Hike in. Set up camp. Look around.
Day two: See sheep. Snow.
Day three: See sheep. Snow. Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day four: See sheep. Snow. Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day five: See sheep. Snow. Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day six: See sheep. Snow. Climb rocky grades. Eat granola. Sheep leave territory.
Day seven: Move base camp. Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day eight: See sheep. Snow. Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day nine: See sheep. Snow. Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day ten: See sheep. Snow. Climb rocky grades. Sheep move.
Day eleven: Get tired of Sheep Hunting. Call wife. Catch Red Eye.

The country was beautiful.

It snowed - did I mention that? $100 to anyone who can find the white sheep in this picture.

Day one - before the snow, and later in the week. When it snowed.

We are very glad to have him home. I think he is very glad to be home. We are all sorry he came home sheepless, but he came home, which is what really matters.]]> Mind Your Socks and Shoes tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-09-22:f315d4b8-96e6-4c49-a65a-286dbc91ac58 Mostly Jenlne 2008-09-22T19:17:44Z 2008-09-22T18:57:00Z
We often discuss the fact that there are a million great people who just want to help you, but there also might be one bad guy lurking around a corner every now and then - or in this case, on the other side of the school fence holding a doll. I emphasize that there is no reason to freak out - just trust your instincts and if it feels creepy, it probably is.

This is not the problem. The problem is, that as they get older, they just don't understand WHY some creepy guy wants to take a kid from the school yard. Since we have encouraged understanding and intellectual curiosity, they WANT to understand, but without some higher form of sexual knowledge, at least of a form that exceeds the "family life" discussion of the fourth grade, they just don't get it. And while I am wildly open about most things, explaining the details of molestation are not at the top of my "Things to talk about today".

So while Andra is still scratching her head, Grace has it all figured out. Out of the blue, and out of context yesterday, here is what she came up with.

There is a man, and he starts at like Mount Lemmon, or the Grand Canyon, and he goes to one school in every town. He goes to every town in the country, and then he starts over again at a new school in the same towns, over and over. He used to work in a shoe and sock factory, and he stole some secret knowledge about making shoes and socks, and he takes the kids to make the shoes and socks with his stolen knowledge.

So far, we are going to just go with that explanation.

Please make sure you know where your socks and shoes are made and support sweat shop free footwear. It's pretty important, really.

]]> Stop. Smell. tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-09-20:1e744a4b-4d90-4d83-8d13-6d28c1e642b7 Mostly Jenlne 2008-09-21T22:32:11Z 2008-09-20T19:08:00Z
So last night, we came home, and I painted the den while we watched a couple shows. Then we slept in. Picked up the house. Put the den back together. Painted the hall.

And then we decided it was time to stop. And smell the roses.

We went to the zoo and spent a week's wages on snacks and drinks. We watched a vicious argument between two very itchy, and irritable sea otters. We observed countless couples between the ages of 16 and 25 wandering around sans kids. Now that I have kids, I always wonder why do people without kids go to the zoo? There was a woman, clearly days away from delivery, snapping photos of every caged beast and oohing and aahing over them. Really? Don't you have a nursery to paint? Save it up for the next 5 - 10 where you will be coming for a reason. And the couples with the 3 month olds, holding them up, showing them the black jaguar in the dark cage. Showing them the gray rhino across the large pen. It was all I could do not to yell "You know they can't see anything over there, right? The only animals they will see are the squirrels and birds, right? The same squirrels and birds you can watch for free over there, outside the front gate, Right?"

Thank goodness it was near closing, so my sarcasm could get a rest.

We followed our noses, then, to the Rose Garden. We discovered the rose garden one sunny fall day when we were at the park, and the smell was overpowering from the playground. We wandered in the direction of the scent, and we found it. Hundreds of rose bushes, planted in circles, originally as a test to see what would grow in the desert. Since you can't see the end of the roses in this picture, I can report this test was a PASS. A+.

They are all in bloom, so we spent a large amount of time smelling. And smelling. And smelling. We sat in the ramada, and then got up to smell some more.

Andra wandered off, and was muttering and turning around so I went to check on her. Here's the surprise of the day - she was planning her wedding. She was estimating number of chairs per open space. I had better start saving, because she was up to 465 guests by the time we left. Here she is tallying the guests in row 2. I did ask why she wasn't getting married in the center ramada - duh! That's where the dance will be!

PS - okay, Phil DID call by the time I got around to finishing this post. So far, no broken bones, no sheep. Moving locations. Just 2 days to get your prayers and wishes on record with the universe, people...

]]> The Other Half. Ish. tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-09-13:01498e0a-e29f-4cd4-8047-36f328e8418f Mostly Jenlne 2008-09-14T09:04:34Z 2008-09-13T16:29:00Z
The other half is about my family. Since I only have 4 friend entries, and 4 home entries, it is pretty easy to see where my theoretical focus is.

However, I must issue a Johnathan alert this week, Phil is going to Alaska.

He has been preparing for about 2 years. Personal training, persistent shopping, daydreaming beyond measure. And now, the day is here. Phil has weighed just about everythign he owns to find the lightest versions of his things. I weighed this, just because I could. Gum. 1.2 ounces. He took 2.

He has cut a deodorant in half to save part of an ounce.

He is exhibiting geniosity (a word our Jonathan made up) in using his drink bottle for a tape dispenser. There is duct, electrical AND medical. Plus some rubber bands.

He is stressed out of his mind (some of the attempts at geniosity are not going as well as the deodorant resize). I tried to weigh the broken thing and its replacement to make him feel better - the broken one was 5.5 ounces heavier! It must not have been the right jacket after all.

Phil is scheduled to be gone for 16 days. I want him back in about 8. So any prayers you can send would be greatly appreciated. There is that X Files, where people wish for things, but end up getting killed and maimed because, in the words of the wish-granting genie, they didn't specify.

So, if you are willing to throw some well wishing prayers to the universe, here are a few specifics.

Phil:

Alaska:

Sheep:

Please pray/hope/demand that on SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 PHIL kills a SHEEP in ALASKA and comes home safely to his family. Work with me people.

]]> Opening Day tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-09-13:1b18873d-9e07-4731-aa77-dfa1d24942ce Mostly Jenlne 2008-09-14T08:42:08Z 2008-09-13T11:25:00Z

be ready to go hunting:

But on our first day of dove hunting as a family, where someone other than Phil was shooting, I think they had a great time.

Phil and Andra looked for doves, with little luck, and Grace and I looked at the piles and piles of trash and discarded clothing the illegal immigrants leave behind. I get that they are running for their lives, but apparently they don't need jackets, shirts, hats or empty bottles. We could have filled the back of the truck - but we stopped after a couple trash bags - it felt a little like filling a swimming pool with an eye dropper. But less fun.

Then we all shot a couple rounds - Grace was a dead eye with the .22. She made it look easy. Andra shot the first clay pigeon we pulled for her. Phil tried to say it was dumb luck, but based on the fact that my first shot went somewhere around Mars after the shotgun kicked, I think she did great.

She has a javelina tag and deer tag, and she begged to help clean the guns when they got home, something like "Do we get to clean the guns now??!!!?? Yea!" Clearly, she is Phil's girl.

]]> Miss Me? tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-09-13:9153f778-ff7d-4a97-b214-a76014b75019 Mostly Jenlne 2008-09-14T08:39:29Z 2008-09-13T11:17:00Z
I check, periodically, to see if I have updated the blog, and strangely, I haven't. It seems a couple folks have checked to see if I have died, or been mummified so I can't type or something, although no one has emailed or called so you must not be TOO worried.

I'm fine. Just so you don't worry. Just hitting that "there must be life away from the keyboard", "does anyone really care what I have to say" little existential blogging crise de confidence. So I am going to zap a couple back up, and try and keep up for a while until I wonder if you all really care again.

If you know me, and I hope most of you do, I do my best work under ridicuous amounts of stress and pressure. Things have been almost normal. I have been slow. But Phil and I have about 4 weeks where we won't be in the same city as each other, I have a big project at work, and no one will take my infernal PTO treasury job and so obviously, I have chosen this month to mail-order a whole bunch of outdoors plants to put in, and have bought paint for a couple rooms in the house. I am tired of all the artwork we have up, so a little paint and redecorating is just the thing during busy times for our family.

I will keep you posted.]]> Disassociative Disorder tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-08-30:da764a2b-090d-43cf-9a4f-5bbae412ed84 Mostly Jenlne 2008-08-30T07:54:28Z 2008-08-30T07:46:00Z
This year they both HAVE to have me again. I asked Phil to fill in on one side of the hallway, because again, reading for 15 - 30 minutes aloud with each kid take a while, especially when the other kid then walks in 20 times whining and moaning about how I am neglecting that one, and that I love the other one more. He was rejected. It had to be me.

So I started in Andra's room the other night. Grace slithered in on her belly, sneaking in to Andra's room where I sat on the floor. She copied me stretching for a while, we engaged in some hearty pantomime, then she started sorting a box of pens and pencils. This was Andra's limit.

She rolled over, gave us a disgusted look, and said "You guys are giving me a wedgie."

Huh?

Reading right now: Island of the Blue Dolphins, Andra
                                Ballet Shoes, Grace
                                 ]]> Model Citizen. tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-08-24:660bec20-4765-4d43-bfbc-5513810a6078 Mostly Jenlne 2008-09-12T15:07:45Z 2008-08-24T20:22:00Z
The thought struck me as I was reaching into the cabinet putting away dishes, and thinking about all the other things I had to do today. I really wanted to read my book, swim a little, finish the laundry and drink too much coffee.  But someone needed to strip the beds, steam the grout, seal the grout, grocery shop, sort, clean, et cetera. Some of my rooms could use a little renewed decor and paint. We need to replace and repot some plants. Someone should do that.

I realized that I needed to be that someone. And those are only the things I could do to be a better citizen of my house - I can also be a better citizen of my family. I can probably keep my voice down at home, and feed the cats wet food on a more regular basis. I should clean (or encourage the kids to clean) the mice cage more often. And give them water. Mice like water. Kids like books. I should read more with them.

So I am going to make a pot of coffee, get off this computer, and work on that. My quote for today:

"Citizenship is important, from within the four walls of your own home, to the world stage. Whether it is cleaning syrup off the counter, or cleaning up after national and political disasters, we should all aspire to be better citizens."
J. Dairymple

]]> Climb! Conquer! tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-08-19:c2aa23ac-a5c5-4b42-b960-626671f6d721 Mostly Jenlne 2008-08-19T19:16:08Z 2008-08-19T19:09:00Z
Our fearless organizer:

The man in training (Jonathan, Phil is going hunting in the Chugash Wilderness in Alaska next month).

Some tough girls - some with more (fashion) sense than others...

We still hate cancer - and while we hate to give the attention it wants by dedicating a whole day to it (narcisistic bastard that it is) we hope our money and energy will keep it on the run.
]]> The Best of Times, The Worst of Times tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-08-19:35edf7ac-6c52-4ddf-bb03-8fc044b74995 Mostly Jenlne 2008-08-19T19:09:42Z 2008-08-19T19:08:00Z

It was the first day of school...

]]> Go Team! tag:blog.mostlyjenine.com,2008-08-09:687e790a-59d9-4af9-8db5-2ec7958232b7 Mostly Jenlne 2008-08-09T20:55:09Z 2008-08-09T20:12:00Z
So after that, and a day of watching today, I have to ask Why Haven't I Been Counting The Days? I have some really fond Olympic watching memories, and there is no disputing the power of the Olympics to motivate you to dream about greatness (and, unfortunately, to look inward at one's own couch potato existence with some disdain).

When I was 16, I had surgery on my foot, and after hobbling through assorted airports on crutches, I spent a couple weeks in Tulsa with my grandparents. It happened to be during the summer Olympics, and Grandma and I watched it all. We at cucumber and tomato sandwiches, and sipped lemonade. Grandma regaled me with stories of how Grandpa had looked like a Greek god in his youth, much like Greg Louganis on the diving platform. She expressed he firm belief that if only that talented gymnast would wear a little lip gloss, she would really look so much better. We had a great time, and enjoyed every minute of the Olympic coverage, right up to the point where Grandpa came out into the living room with a small wicker basket, scissors and tweezers because he "sure wasn't going to pay some doctor to remove those stitches when he could do it himself". I actually cried. I was sure I would never walk again. Obviously, I turned out fine.

Then I had another period of convalescense where my Mom came to stay, and we watched most of the games. Our goal was to watch all the action so that when we saw the highlights, we had seen all the action BEFORE the higlights clip. We were quite sucessful, I recall.

So while I certainly didn't need an excuse to sit around for the next 17 days, I am sure going to have to plan a whole bunch of it in to my schedule. I love the Olympics, I do. Go Team!]]>