Today Chase and I attended the Colorado Democratic Caucus.
It was packed. We were like Democratic sardines. Shoulder to shoulder.
My precinct had 160 people in it (and there were at least 5 precincts there).
Chase loved it.
When it came time to vote, she raised both her hands for Obama.
Not that she really had any idea what she was doing.
I think she was just caught up in the moment.
Hubs attended the Republican Caucus.
He had 10 people in his precinct.
At my Caucus, it was madness. Totally unorganized. Mayhem.
But it was totally fun - and totally American.
The election of the delegates was painful.
Our lead had no idea how to handle it.
After they were elected, we headed for the door.
Beat the rush, you know.
But Chase didn't want to go.
She LOVED it there.
Although she was exhausted out of her mind.
Overall, election night has been pretty interesting.
First - terrible news: seven people were killed in the South - due to Tornadoes.
Second - Chicago's first 20 voters were given styluses and their vote didn't register (so they are voting again).
Third - California is reporting they are running out of ballots due to high voter turn out.
Should be interesting to see the results tomorrow...
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Super Tuesday
Tomorrow is "Super Tuesday."
Maybe I'll wear a cape.
Tomorrow is the first time I will have ever (a) voted on "Super Tuesday" and (b) been involved with a caucus.
And I'm looking forward to it.
I have been contacted by Obama's people four times (each time I spoke with a real, live, person).
Hillary, on the other hand, left a voice message.
And no, it wasn't live.
I have really been impressed by Obama's people.
I have not been very impressed by Hillary's ability to leave voice mail.
And so tomorrow I vote.
Maybe I'll wear a cape.
Tomorrow is the first time I will have ever (a) voted on "Super Tuesday" and (b) been involved with a caucus.
And I'm looking forward to it.
I have been contacted by Obama's people four times (each time I spoke with a real, live, person).
Hillary, on the other hand, left a voice message.
And no, it wasn't live.
I have really been impressed by Obama's people.
I have not been very impressed by Hillary's ability to leave voice mail.
And so tomorrow I vote.
Nana Cris
Thank you so much to Nana Cris for making the trip to Denver.
We SO enjoyed spending time with you.
We loved the time at the Museum of Nature & Science.
Eating lunch in the car.
Walking Angel and Taggart.
The time at the zoo.
Playing hide & seek.
Totally fabulous.
I wish I had spent more time taking pictures.
Here are only a few...
Chase already misses you - and Angel!
We tried playing hide & seek without you, and it's just not the same.
A special thank you from us parents - thanks so much for making omelettes, letting us take a night on the town and letting us sleep in (felt like a weekend away, even though we only slept in one hour).
We SO enjoyed spending time with you.
We loved the time at the Museum of Nature & Science.
Eating lunch in the car.
Walking Angel and Taggart.
The time at the zoo.
Playing hide & seek.
Totally fabulous.
I wish I had spent more time taking pictures.
Here are only a few...
Chase already misses you - and Angel!
We tried playing hide & seek without you, and it's just not the same.
A special thank you from us parents - thanks so much for making omelettes, letting us take a night on the town and letting us sleep in (felt like a weekend away, even though we only slept in one hour).
Monday, January 28, 2008
Potty
Potty-talk has become all the rage in our house. Not a day goes by where the word potty, pee-pee and pooh-pooh are not uttered.
I bought Chase a little, blue, plastic toilet in China. It looks like a real toilet, but it is blue. Well, Chase liked it quite a bit, until it was actually time to sit on it. So I thought, maybe she needs a toilet insert - so she can use the big toilet. So we went to Target and she picked out a Dora "Let's Go" potty seat insert. But she won't sit on it.
She will tell me now, when she needs to go to the bathroom, but she won't sit on the potty. So what's holding me back from starting to potty train her?
With another international flight looming in March, I can just picture the fasten seat belt sign "on" while my daughter shrieks "pee pee, pooh pooh!" Going into airplane toilets is hard enough with a baby, I can't imagine doing it with a toddler that is just learning to use the bathroom.
I bought Chase a little, blue, plastic toilet in China. It looks like a real toilet, but it is blue. Well, Chase liked it quite a bit, until it was actually time to sit on it. So I thought, maybe she needs a toilet insert - so she can use the big toilet. So we went to Target and she picked out a Dora "Let's Go" potty seat insert. But she won't sit on it.
She will tell me now, when she needs to go to the bathroom, but she won't sit on the potty. So what's holding me back from starting to potty train her?
With another international flight looming in March, I can just picture the fasten seat belt sign "on" while my daughter shrieks "pee pee, pooh pooh!" Going into airplane toilets is hard enough with a baby, I can't imagine doing it with a toddler that is just learning to use the bathroom.
Notes On The House
It occurred to me that I should post an entry about our house.
For the first time in four years, we actually have all of our art up, our furniture out, and our various bits and pieces that we've collected over the years - unpacked. And it feels great. It feels like home. It feels like a place I never want to leave, but don't want to be my whole life (I know, it's complicated, and bless Hubs, he "gets it.")
The house, which I was initially on the fence about (only because we bought it after looking at houses for two days), is really such a gem. Despite the fact I wish it was just a little bigger - and that we had just a little more land (like enough to have goats and chickens for Chase - or at least a proper length for lawn bowls or croquet), it is quite comfortable.
But, despite our best efforts, we have more dog doo in the backyard than will fit in a normal trash can. Why have we let so much accumulate out back? Because every time it snowed, the poo was covered. And yes, it took too much motivation to go outside and "hunt" for it. Not to mention, we have better things to do.
So we're getting a fence put in to confine the dog doodles to one area of the yard. It will actually be a good size run, so Taggart will not really be confined. This will allow for us to get our backyard in working order - and ensure that when we have friends over we don't have to scream, "watch out for doodles." Now we just have to motivate to go above and beyond and instead of just sliding the glass door - we'll have to walk him out to his run. That is, until we renovate the kitchen, which is now scheduled for August.
What else? Well, only because I'm here all the time. I happened to notice the entire house is painted yellow inside. Except the bedrooms. And while I have always liked yellow, I find myself needing more color. Deeper, darker, more intense colors. So that will be my new project, come Summer (when I can open windows).
All in all, the house is fabulous.
For the first time in four years, we actually have all of our art up, our furniture out, and our various bits and pieces that we've collected over the years - unpacked. And it feels great. It feels like home. It feels like a place I never want to leave, but don't want to be my whole life (I know, it's complicated, and bless Hubs, he "gets it.")
The house, which I was initially on the fence about (only because we bought it after looking at houses for two days), is really such a gem. Despite the fact I wish it was just a little bigger - and that we had just a little more land (like enough to have goats and chickens for Chase - or at least a proper length for lawn bowls or croquet), it is quite comfortable.
But, despite our best efforts, we have more dog doo in the backyard than will fit in a normal trash can. Why have we let so much accumulate out back? Because every time it snowed, the poo was covered. And yes, it took too much motivation to go outside and "hunt" for it. Not to mention, we have better things to do.
So we're getting a fence put in to confine the dog doodles to one area of the yard. It will actually be a good size run, so Taggart will not really be confined. This will allow for us to get our backyard in working order - and ensure that when we have friends over we don't have to scream, "watch out for doodles." Now we just have to motivate to go above and beyond and instead of just sliding the glass door - we'll have to walk him out to his run. That is, until we renovate the kitchen, which is now scheduled for August.
What else? Well, only because I'm here all the time. I happened to notice the entire house is painted yellow inside. Except the bedrooms. And while I have always liked yellow, I find myself needing more color. Deeper, darker, more intense colors. So that will be my new project, come Summer (when I can open windows).
All in all, the house is fabulous.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Return To Square One
It has been a LONG time since we properly entertained other people.
Like four years.
Yes, that's right.
And so I decided to start inviting people over to dinner.
I thought it would be easy, but instead I've found it a bit more difficult than I remember it. Maybe it's because I now have to cook for toddlers, too? Or maybe it's because we don't have an oven that works? Or maybe it's because I don't believe in microwaves? (my aunt told me they were bad, I didn't believe her, and then I did some research and found they alter the composition of food, significantly decrease nutrition levels and introduce toxins to the body) Plus, I have to learn how to cook at high altitude!
So long story short, everything has to be done stove top or in a crock pot or on the BBQ - and I still have very little idea as to how long things actually have to cook here. Even though water boils sooner, it takes meat longer to cook.
So what have I learned?
First the kid stuff:
1) You've got to take the kids meal as seriously as the adult meal. Only it's a different kind of serious. You have to make it nutritious, but "fun." I definitely didn't make the kids meals fun enough. The mac and cheese, that I thought would surely be a hit, was way over-cooked (thanks high-altitude) - all three times I made it (for the record, I don't have a great track record of cooking things out of boxes).
2) You've got to have "cool" drinks. Like Vanilla milk (organic) - and definitely a hit. And cool things to drink out of - the latest/greatest are Elmo plastic cups with lids. I hate them. But they are convenient and Chase LOVES them.
3) It's a good idea to have activity stations. And even though TV is NOT GOOD FOR KIDS, I have to say it really worked well to feed the kids first and then put Little Einsteins in and let the kids watch while the adults sat down at the dinner table. I thought the TV idea would be met with "what? put them in front of TV?" but instead, the adults were all like, "yah, that's a great idea."
4) Toothpicks (aka funpicks). Kids love 'em! And I lost my box. So I was fresh outta fun picks.
Now on to adults:
1) Don't plan anything too fancy (that requires any work while your guests are there). Do all prep work in advance so you can spend time talking and watching/playing with kids.
2) Don't expect your guests (or yourself) to be able to sit down at a certain time (this led to one of my meals becoming cold before we ate). So covered dishes are a must. I made the mistake of serving plates and that just didn't work well at all.
3) Don't worry about courses. Your guests are just happy to be "out."
4) Dessert. Might be best served in the living room where you can play/observe the kids. Same goes for apps.
All my secrets are out!
Like four years.
Yes, that's right.
And so I decided to start inviting people over to dinner.
I thought it would be easy, but instead I've found it a bit more difficult than I remember it. Maybe it's because I now have to cook for toddlers, too? Or maybe it's because we don't have an oven that works? Or maybe it's because I don't believe in microwaves? (my aunt told me they were bad, I didn't believe her, and then I did some research and found they alter the composition of food, significantly decrease nutrition levels and introduce toxins to the body) Plus, I have to learn how to cook at high altitude!
So long story short, everything has to be done stove top or in a crock pot or on the BBQ - and I still have very little idea as to how long things actually have to cook here. Even though water boils sooner, it takes meat longer to cook.
So what have I learned?
First the kid stuff:
1) You've got to take the kids meal as seriously as the adult meal. Only it's a different kind of serious. You have to make it nutritious, but "fun." I definitely didn't make the kids meals fun enough. The mac and cheese, that I thought would surely be a hit, was way over-cooked (thanks high-altitude) - all three times I made it (for the record, I don't have a great track record of cooking things out of boxes).
2) You've got to have "cool" drinks. Like Vanilla milk (organic) - and definitely a hit. And cool things to drink out of - the latest/greatest are Elmo plastic cups with lids. I hate them. But they are convenient and Chase LOVES them.
3) It's a good idea to have activity stations. And even though TV is NOT GOOD FOR KIDS, I have to say it really worked well to feed the kids first and then put Little Einsteins in and let the kids watch while the adults sat down at the dinner table. I thought the TV idea would be met with "what? put them in front of TV?" but instead, the adults were all like, "yah, that's a great idea."
4) Toothpicks (aka funpicks). Kids love 'em! And I lost my box. So I was fresh outta fun picks.
Now on to adults:
1) Don't plan anything too fancy (that requires any work while your guests are there). Do all prep work in advance so you can spend time talking and watching/playing with kids.
2) Don't expect your guests (or yourself) to be able to sit down at a certain time (this led to one of my meals becoming cold before we ate). So covered dishes are a must. I made the mistake of serving plates and that just didn't work well at all.
3) Don't worry about courses. Your guests are just happy to be "out."
4) Dessert. Might be best served in the living room where you can play/observe the kids. Same goes for apps.
All my secrets are out!
Like Mother, Like Daughter
I have always liked spicy food.
And when I was preggers with Chase I could not get enough of it.
I craved the heat. So much so, I always needed an extra bowl of chilies.
I would even put Tabasco on pizza.
So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Chase's new favorite jelly is Jalapeño Blueberry. I'm not kidding. She loves it on crackers or whole wheat mini beagles. It cracks me up.
And when I was preggers with Chase I could not get enough of it.
I craved the heat. So much so, I always needed an extra bowl of chilies.
I would even put Tabasco on pizza.
So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Chase's new favorite jelly is Jalapeño Blueberry. I'm not kidding. She loves it on crackers or whole wheat mini beagles. It cracks me up.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Our Schedule Keeps Us Busy
So much in the pipeline!
Nana Cris is coming out this week. We can't wait to see her.
Then, in mid-February, NeeNee KarKar and Poppa Joe will be here.
Then, in late February, we're off to London and Scotland to celebrate Chase's 2nd birthday (Oh, and Brian might just sneak in a game of rugby with his mates from school).
Then, we have March to re-acclimate to this time zone, before heading down South to Mississippi.
Hopefully in May we can visit my Grandparents in Baltimore (fingers crossed!).
Nana Cris is coming out this week. We can't wait to see her.
Then, in mid-February, NeeNee KarKar and Poppa Joe will be here.
Then, in late February, we're off to London and Scotland to celebrate Chase's 2nd birthday (Oh, and Brian might just sneak in a game of rugby with his mates from school).
Then, we have March to re-acclimate to this time zone, before heading down South to Mississippi.
Hopefully in May we can visit my Grandparents in Baltimore (fingers crossed!).
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
National Western Livestock Show
Linus, one of Chase's little friends, invited us to go to the National Western Livestock Show.
Okay, so he didn't actually invite us - his mom did.
Back story: We met them at the library when we first moved to Denver, and I immediately felt grateful to know them. As I meet more and more moms, I feel so blessed to have so many different parenting styles to learn from. Linus's mom favors books to TV, organic to non-organic, outdoor to indoor activities and is all about being there for Linus - every minute of every day. She has, perhaps, the closest parenting style to mine.
Here's Linus ... Isn't he cute?
And Chase...
Okay, so the place was MASSIVE. There was an entire floor dedicated to kiddos.
Chase stayed VERY close to me (aka in my arms) for most of the morning. She did make a few exceptions. Like when she wanted to pat the bunny...
And look at the cows...
And play with the sheep, goats and pigs...
Okay, so this part was hilarious. They had a corner of the building fenced off with goats, pigs, lamas and lambs all running about. The kids could spend as much time petting the animals as they wanted. It was brilliant. We would have stayed longer, but my allergies gave me a clear signal it was time to go. (Maybe I'll ask Dada to take her back this weekend - she LOVED it).
And we had to stop to try on hats... (okay, bad picture, but I had to act quickly -she was moving faster than a top)...
All in all it was a good morning. She was exhausted (as was I) by noon. But somehow soldiered through until 4:30 p.m. (queen o' no naps).
But I tell you what, if it was feasible to own a farm where she could run free and play with sheep, pigs and goats, I would do it!
Okay, so he didn't actually invite us - his mom did.
Back story: We met them at the library when we first moved to Denver, and I immediately felt grateful to know them. As I meet more and more moms, I feel so blessed to have so many different parenting styles to learn from. Linus's mom favors books to TV, organic to non-organic, outdoor to indoor activities and is all about being there for Linus - every minute of every day. She has, perhaps, the closest parenting style to mine.
Here's Linus ... Isn't he cute?
And Chase...
Okay, so the place was MASSIVE. There was an entire floor dedicated to kiddos.
Chase stayed VERY close to me (aka in my arms) for most of the morning. She did make a few exceptions. Like when she wanted to pat the bunny...
And look at the cows...
And play with the sheep, goats and pigs...
Okay, so this part was hilarious. They had a corner of the building fenced off with goats, pigs, lamas and lambs all running about. The kids could spend as much time petting the animals as they wanted. It was brilliant. We would have stayed longer, but my allergies gave me a clear signal it was time to go. (Maybe I'll ask Dada to take her back this weekend - she LOVED it).
And we had to stop to try on hats... (okay, bad picture, but I had to act quickly -she was moving faster than a top)...
All in all it was a good morning. She was exhausted (as was I) by noon. But somehow soldiered through until 4:30 p.m. (queen o' no naps).
But I tell you what, if it was feasible to own a farm where she could run free and play with sheep, pigs and goats, I would do it!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Date Night
We went out to Sushi Den last night. We arrived at 6:20; the wait for a table was an hour.
So we parked ourselves at the bar and "people watched." We met a little man, who played soccer with Manchester United (for one month) before he was sent home. We saw two women who were probably in their late 40s, who had so much work done there were only tiny lines that could tell who they once were. They both had massive, bee-stung lips that almost touched their nose.
Oh, and the sushi was - UNBELIEVABLE.
So we parked ourselves at the bar and "people watched." We met a little man, who played soccer with Manchester United (for one month) before he was sent home. We saw two women who were probably in their late 40s, who had so much work done there were only tiny lines that could tell who they once were. They both had massive, bee-stung lips that almost touched their nose.
Oh, and the sushi was - UNBELIEVABLE.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Tree Update
So we still have the tree.
I've contacted my family and I'm pretty sure I can find SOMEONE to plant it in Oregon.
The trick is - how to get it there.
My uncle, who works for the Department of Environmental Quality has indicated he thinks it will take more carbon to get the tree to Oregon, than the tree can consume once it's planted. Hmmm.
Maybe if I sent it to Oregon with a Diesel truck driver?
I've contacted my family and I'm pretty sure I can find SOMEONE to plant it in Oregon.
The trick is - how to get it there.
My uncle, who works for the Department of Environmental Quality has indicated he thinks it will take more carbon to get the tree to Oregon, than the tree can consume once it's planted. Hmmm.
Maybe if I sent it to Oregon with a Diesel truck driver?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Favorites
Just a quick note that Chase no longer favors Curious George. He's so yesterday.
Elmo is so red and so NOW.
A close second is anything having anything to do with June, Leo, Quincy and Annie (Little Einsteins) ... or Winnie-the-Pooh. And Dora has somehow managed to stay popular.
Elmo is so red and so NOW.
A close second is anything having anything to do with June, Leo, Quincy and Annie (Little Einsteins) ... or Winnie-the-Pooh. And Dora has somehow managed to stay popular.
New House!
So excited. Today our offer was accepted on a little house. A little doll house. It's made of wood (HURRAY) and is a real fixer-upper. But it has great bones and great potential. It's even wired for electricity.
Yes, we're starting Chase early on the property ladder.
Yes, we're starting Chase early on the property ladder.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
one of THOSE days
So I'm checking out job boards in Denver. Again.
I am so torn. I thought everything was supposed to become clear.
That I would k_n_o_w if I am a stay-at-home type or a working type mom.
The truth is I don't know. And I don't know if I will ever know.
I am so torn. I thought everything was supposed to become clear.
That I would k_n_o_w if I am a stay-at-home type or a working type mom.
The truth is I don't know. And I don't know if I will ever know.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Bad Car Karma
So yesterday was a bad car karma day.
Hubs took the Volvo to the mountain - and the sunroof shattered while he was driving. I went to use our truck, only to find the front tire was flat - too flat to drive. And so I decided to take out our little ooh la la hot & spicy sports car, which as soon as I turned it on, it made a high pitched screeching sound (luckily it was only the heating fan).
So this week will be all about fixing cars.
Hubs took the Volvo to the mountain - and the sunroof shattered while he was driving. I went to use our truck, only to find the front tire was flat - too flat to drive. And so I decided to take out our little ooh la la hot & spicy sports car, which as soon as I turned it on, it made a high pitched screeching sound (luckily it was only the heating fan).
So this week will be all about fixing cars.
Friday, January 11, 2008
More Tree Updates
Still no word from Denver Botanical Gardens. If there is one place that could house a 70 foot pine tree - inside - it would probably be them.
I'm going to look into how much it costs to send the tree to Oregon by post.
I'm going to look into how much it costs to send the tree to Oregon by post.
Tree Drama
Okay, ready for this? So we had a landscaper out today, who informed me - GET THIS - that the Christmas tree I bought is NOT ZONED for Colorado. And that if I planted it outside, it would die.
So I went to Home Depot, the place where I bought this tree, and spoke to the customer service folks there. Here's how it went...
"I bought a live tree from you that is not zoned to be planted in Colorado." - me
"Did we have it inside the building or outside when you bought it?" - HD customer service
"Inside." - me
"Well that's because it's supposed to be an indoor plant." - HD
"I find that highly unlikely. It's supposed to grow to be 70 feet tall. You can't HONESTLY tell me that it is meant to be an indoor plant." - me
"Do you have your receipt?" - HD
"No. I thought I was going to plant it outside." - me
"You could always return it and then we will probably just throw it away." - HD
"Well that kind of goes against the whole concept of buying a tree so that I can plant it. I mean doesn't it seem a little strange that you would sell a live tree that can't be planted in this state?" - me
"I don't know what else to say, except you could return it to us." - HD
"Can't you send it to another Home Depot in another state where it could actually be planted?" - me
"No. We don't exchange live goods with other stores." - HD
"Well that's just great. Thanks so much." - me
"Have a good day." - HD
So I went to Home Depot, the place where I bought this tree, and spoke to the customer service folks there. Here's how it went...
"I bought a live tree from you that is not zoned to be planted in Colorado." - me
"Did we have it inside the building or outside when you bought it?" - HD customer service
"Inside." - me
"Well that's because it's supposed to be an indoor plant." - HD
"I find that highly unlikely. It's supposed to grow to be 70 feet tall. You can't HONESTLY tell me that it is meant to be an indoor plant." - me
"Do you have your receipt?" - HD
"No. I thought I was going to plant it outside." - me
"You could always return it and then we will probably just throw it away." - HD
"Well that kind of goes against the whole concept of buying a tree so that I can plant it. I mean doesn't it seem a little strange that you would sell a live tree that can't be planted in this state?" - me
"I don't know what else to say, except you could return it to us." - HD
"Can't you send it to another Home Depot in another state where it could actually be planted?" - me
"No. We don't exchange live goods with other stores." - HD
"Well that's just great. Thanks so much." - me
"Have a good day." - HD
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Still Nothing
I called and left another message with the Mayor's Mile High Million campaign and the Denver Botanical Gardens. Still no word as to what to do with my tree.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Doing The Right Thing
So I'm sure I've mentioned that we bought a LIVE tree for Christmas this year. The idea being that we would enjoy it, and then re-home it after the holidays. I guess it's worth mentioning that this tree is supposed to grow to 70 feet, so it's not like I can just plant it in the corner of the yard.
Well, the re-homing process has turned out to be quite difficult. I called the Denver tree planting group - they won't take it because it isn't one of the trees they are allowed to plant.
So I called the Denver Botanical Gardens. I have not heard back from them.
So then I did some research. Turns out the Mayor of Denver is looking to plant 1 million trees by 2009. Jackpot, right? Wrong. I haven't heard back from the Mayor's people about my offer to donate a tree to his cause. Hubs thinks they're busy out planting trees and haven't received my voice mail yet. Yah, whatever!
So I'm going to try the Denver Botanical Gardens again - and then the Mayor's office (again!) and if they don't call me back, I might try putting it on eBay.
Thing is, I've gotten a little attached to my tree, and I want Pinola to go to a good home.
Well, the re-homing process has turned out to be quite difficult. I called the Denver tree planting group - they won't take it because it isn't one of the trees they are allowed to plant.
So I called the Denver Botanical Gardens. I have not heard back from them.
So then I did some research. Turns out the Mayor of Denver is looking to plant 1 million trees by 2009. Jackpot, right? Wrong. I haven't heard back from the Mayor's people about my offer to donate a tree to his cause. Hubs thinks they're busy out planting trees and haven't received my voice mail yet. Yah, whatever!
So I'm going to try the Denver Botanical Gardens again - and then the Mayor's office (again!) and if they don't call me back, I might try putting it on eBay.
Thing is, I've gotten a little attached to my tree, and I want Pinola to go to a good home.
Grow, Girl. Grow.
Thought it was worth mentioning that Chase is now wearing size 7.5 - 8 shoes. She is now moving into 3T clothes, many of her 2T clothes are too small. I have no idea how big her head is (she won't sit still long enough for me to measure it). Size 5 diapers (27lbs plus) don't seem big enough. Oh, and she's 21.5 months old.
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