I'm okay

I'm okay
Originally uploaded by riblet.

I went to get a heart monitor today. My ticker has been beating rather crazy since September. I thought maybe I had better get it checked out, you know, just in case. How wacky does this look? I am already having a heart attack trying to figure out how I'm going to keep Ira from trying to peel the sensors off.

So on my way back from the cardiologist, a couple of frat-looking guys are walking towards me. Uggh. I can tell they think they're funny. After they pass me, they yell, "Hey, get a smaller purse!" Um, okay? I know I'm not supposed to respond to comments like that, which is so unfair. I really wanted to stop them and either tell them eff the eff off or at the very least, justify my need for a large purse. They don't know that I am likely to be carrying diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, a hat or whatever whatnots at any given time. I really do need a big purse! I also want to know why calling out my huge bag is even funny. I mean, are they going to bro-up at the frat house later and say to their brothers, "Oh, dude. Brian totally told this chick she needed a smaller purse today. We were hella laughing!" Yeah, dude. A real zinger, wang brain!

I guess this is better than getting catcalls, of which in my life, I've maybe been the recipient of one and I think the guy mistook me for someone else. When men yell at me on the street, I am more likely to hear "excuse me, ma'am, your baby dropped his shoe." Advice on purse size is a new one to me.

Is that it?

Loves egg nog!
Originally uploaded by riblet.

I can't believe this year is already over. I just now got used to writing 2008! Now I have to start writing 2009? Oh, brother.

Speaking of brothers. I doubt Ira's ever going to get one, let alone a sister. Does Heylove count? While I love my kid like no other thing in this world, I can't imagine having two of him and not losing my marbles. So the poorly kept secret is out. I've started reading books about raising a well-adjusted only child. Gasp! But what a relief not having to prepare for an encore presentation.

Best quote from Ira this week:
Dad - "Ira, what do baby robots say?"
Ira, in monotone, mock robot voice - "Robot kid!"

This kid is obsessed with robots, all sorts. Some friends turned us on to "Robot Rock" by Daft Punk. He loves the video and asks for it over and over. He dances and rocks along with it. It really makes me laugh wondering what the Ramones or Daft Punk would think if they knew how big they were with the toddler set.

Domo-Kun

Domo-Kun
Originally uploaded by riblet.

Ira's top ten of the year would go something like this:

10. Chasing cats. They run every time!
9. Oranges. He asks for "More orange? Mooorange!"
8. Sausage. His go-to food. Wakes up starving and says "ausssage!"
7. Dad's shoulders. He can see everything from up there.
6. Bowling set. My dad got him a little plastic set of pins and a ball. He plays it and says "Thank you Grandpa!"
5. Rock and roll. Picking up random things and rocking them like guitars. Rocking air guitars, too.
4. Mom and dad.
3. Cake! Eating cake, pretending to make cake and eating it.
2. Train Museum, featuring the big Thomas the Tank Engine play area.

And Ira's number one thing of 2008?
1. Our jack-o-lantern this year, Domo. He talks about it at least every other day and Halloween was how long ago? Serious. The story of the Domo pumpkin lives on in our house.

My favorite

I am not afraid to say that Heylove is my favorite in the house right now. She's the only one who still does what I say.

Phew! Haven't been here for a while. What can I say? Job hunt is still going on. I have decided to use my cover letter to start addressing the reason for my 2+ year gap in employment history. At this point, I figure it can't really hurt me more than potential employers thinking that I am so unemployable that no one has chosen to hire me over the past two years. It was probably a mistake not to explain it on the million or so cover letters and resumes that I've sent out over the past few months. So there I go. Slight change in strategy, moving full speed ahead!

Ira has been pretty funny lately. He's decided that I am Dora and he is Boots. These are characters from a kid's show, in case you aren't following. We slip in and out of character when we remember. It's kind of precious to see him develop his imaginary play. It even cracks me up how he remembers so much. Last weekend, Leon got pooped on by a bird in a tree. Ira kept talking about it and laughing. "Mama, dada head poop mess! Twee, tweet, tweet [makes the sign for bird], ftttt [makes farting noise]!" Then he laughs. He is still the funniest guy he knows. He also had a little social break through with meeting new people. He's started introducing him self to other kids. He says "hi, kid!" pats his chest and says "Iwa. Iwa, Iwa, Iwa." It's sweet to see, but he alternates this with a smack, shove or throwing sand. I can never tell which it's going to be. I know the hitting is a phase and it will end someday, but here in the thick of it, it feels like it's been going on forever!

Been making food. Scratch that, been making soup. I made a spinastrone soup (minstrone + spinach) and we had it all week for lunch or dinner. In my imaginary America's Next Top Housewife show, the judges will review my soup and its cost per serving very favorably. I also made some spelt crackers to accompany (for mere pennies) that came out disastrous at first, but the second batch were beautiful. Baking ain't nothing to be effed with. That is why it's important to follow recipes.