Since the voting for week 1 at thebrenljidol has closed, I feel safe in posting this entry here now. It's not my best writing, nor is it my worst. I believe it earned me enough votes to stay in the running, although I'm not sure how long that will last. For those of you in the contest who might be wondering, my entry was number 17 and earned 14 votes. The entry with the highest number of votes had 30 and the entry with the lowest had only 2. I think we're dropping five writers from this round, but I'm not entirely certain about that.

( I will always have my dreams...  )

• Being sick kills my desire for most things outside of sleep. Unfortunately, there was little sleep to be had this week since Sophie also wound up being sick. It seems, on top of the cold she picked up from me, she also is having issues with her molars. She'll wake up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder and it takes so long to get her to calm down. I finally had to resort to taking nighttime meds so I could actually sleep and letting B have Kritter duty. The nighttime meds kick my butt hard, though, and I wound up doing some serious dragging the past couple of mornings.


• In other Kritter news, today, she was playing with her sorting blocks (wooden Melissa & Doug set) and instead of sorting them, was stacking them. No one suggested this to her and no one helped her. She stacked nine blocks before they fell over, and I think it was around block six or seven when she put the triangle on top and realized every time she added another block that she couldn't put it on top of the triangle. Color me impressed.


• .


• We painted with the paintbrushes and watercolors yesterday. It wasn't terribly exciting, but Sophie had fun. I might break out the finger paints (the real ones and not just colored yogurt or pudding) this week if she's done with the snurfs and wiping her hands on her face all the time.


• I know I said I was going to do a third friending frenzy and I don't think I ever got there. Here are part 1 and part 2 of the frenzy. If anyone would like to participate in the third frenzy, please let me know! I know there should be at least two of you out there, so please remind me if I never got your names up. Lots of new people are on the f-list, so if you don't know what the frenzy is, check out part 1 especially.


• Our garden has baby ladybugs! I actually saw them flying around on the plants so they're not dead as I thought. They're so tiny! We also have a few beans and at least one pepper started, and lots of blooms on other plants. Going back to the first bullet, though... no desire to do anything!


• I have done nearly no housework this week. I really need to get cracking on that since my house looks like a tornado zipped through. B was thinking about having his parents for dinner tomorrow night (which we normally do every Sunday anyhow) but I just don't want to be bothered. Meh. I don't know what I want to do for dinner tomorrow night, but he also suggested we go over there, but they're supposed to be going fishing and they might be on the lake too late to want to do that.


• Writing has started for thebrenljidol, and quite honestly, I am humbled by some of the entries I've read. I never thought I was an excellent writer, but I am amazed at some of the talent in that group. I know I won't make it far unless I start writing fiction, and I haven't done that in years and years. I think the most difficult part of the voting process is reading all of the different entries and realizing how many different styles people have used. Between poetry and prose, fiction and non fiction, first and third person narratives, it's difficult to compare them and pick the best entries. It's fun, though, and I'm very glad I'm doing this. The topic for this week is pain, which is a pretty broad topic. I have no idea what I'll write yet.


• If anyone would care for my contact info (I've noticed quite a few friends requesting this lately), it's all located in the profile and the sidebar of my journal. Feel free to use it if you'd like, but please don't set me up for porn spam. I get enough of that as it is.


• On a slightly related note, if you have your AIM name set in your profile, your AIM turned on, and have recently posted a public entry to your LJ (sometimes this works when editing or even when posting to communities, but that's much more rare), do not be surprised if you get a message from *Salmon (the * changes constantly). This has happened to me countless times. Sometimes it's fun, and sometimes it's a whip because the other person doesn't understand what's happening. For more information, check themissinghat.


• A design request for my friends: I'm looking for a new layout. I prefer three columns but I could make do with two columns if the column was completely configurable. If I could make my own, I would, but I don't even have time to get my user pics set up. I'm getting there, though. If anyone has suggestions for where I could look other than communities of which I'm already a member, please feel free to share.


• Sophie has started this thing where she likes to play with sock puppets now. She grabs the socks, makes me help her put hers on and then I have to put one on as well, and then the first thing the sock puppets do is high five. The next thing she does is kiss my sock puppet and then she kisses me. It's too cute, really. Then it's the same thing again but with hugs. I love that kid.


• She's started singing randomly and it cracks me up. She gets most of the words but the tunes are never even close. Truthfully, though, her rhythm isn't half bad.


• This bullet is mostly for me so I don't forget to make these posts... entry ideas: kiddie lit list, favorite links request, friending frenzy 3, favorite community request, favorite feed request, photo//video dump, movie suggestion request, another attempt at the miserably failed mix tape post, more polls (suggestions, anyone?), the long overdue working from home post (it'll never happen), the almost as long overdue what to do with all those Christmas cards post (also will probably never happen), the seriously long overdue hooray this baby blanket is finished post (have to finish the blanket first)....


• One last thing... if anyone knows how I can get something other than solid dots, open circles, or squares for my bullet points, I'd love to know. Please and thanks very much, you lovely people, you! *Apparently the square shows up in Semagic but not on my LJ. Meh.


• Edited to add: Also, for you VladStudio lovers out there, I found a feed on LJ for it! vladstudio (easy enough, right?). Enjoy!

But now, I must drink my ginger peach tea and blow my nose and pray that Sophie sleeps through the night (miracle of miracles, but bedtime was easy tonight!).

To all of the mothers, mothers-to-be, hopeful mothers, fathers who have taken on the motherly role, and fill-in mothers on my f-list (and anyone else I might have missed), I wish you a splendid Mother's Day.

To all of the wonderful people on my list who are missing their mothers, *big fweazy hugs*. I wish I had words of comfort, but I don't, and I'm sorry.

Be sure to check out this Sunday's postsecret, but also be prepared for tears if you're a sap like me.

Also, many thanks to grace_in_spades for the VG! *hugs*

This is a poll basically designed to help me get a better overview of my friends list, and I thought it might be an interesting activity. My intent is not to offend anyone, so if I have, please let me know. The answers are viewable only by me, and I don't intend to share info with anyone.

Feel free to leave comments as always. Also, if you DO happen to have an Etsy site or other site (LJ or non-LJ, either way is fine) you'd like me to promote in my sidebar, please leave a comment with the link and any graphic you might want to use.

Enjoy!

Edited to add: I completely forgot Pagan and Heathen for the Religions! I thought of those while I was in the shower. Oops! Sorry guys. I really do know y'all better than I let on. I just forget. ;)

And: You guys... remind me I'm not allowed to create polls any more. I forgot about co-habitation and life partners as well (although in some states, married would work for that). I'm sure there's lots of other stuff I forgot.

Poll #1184067 I've got friends...
Open to: Friends, results viewable to: None

Are you male or female?

What is your current age range?

What is your relationship status (check all that apply)?

If other, please describe:

Do you have any children?

If yes, how many and which gender(s)?

Where do you currently reside?

If other, please describe:

What is your religion of preference

If other, please describe:

What is your political persuasion?

If other, please describe:

Do you have an Etsy shop?

If yes, would you like me to put a link to your Etsy shop in my sidebar?

Do you have any other links you'd like me to promote in my sidebar?

I don't think I have much to say...

Sophie has been going to bed without crying lately! YAY! I don't have to sit in there and rub her back or her belly or sing her songs and wait until she's asleep. What a big girl!

I'm sick as a dog. It sucks. Really. I have some 12 hour Afrin and 8 hour Halls that kick back, though. I think I'm going to lose my voice on this one. Fun!

I have pictures and videos to post, as always. I'll get to them soon, I hope.

Yeah... I was right. Not much to say. I'm fuzzy headed tonight. I think it's time for sleep. The Kritter wakes up far too early these days.

If you or anyone you know has ever used any of these items or is interested in using these items or has reason to not like these items, please spill! Comment away (or have your friends comment here if you'd like). I'd love to know! Some of the links below will lead to samples and/or coupons, so click!

• Glade® Wisp® Flameless Candle


• AVEENO® POSITIVELY AGELESS™ Lifting & Firming Products


• Claritin® RediTabs®


• Ziploc® Twist 'N Loc® Containers


• Ziploc® Big Bags

Now, for you link lovers out there.... have fun!

• 72 Hours - Ever wondered what to pack in an emergency kit? 72 Hours has the answers for you!


• Food411.com - This is an excellent resource for foodies and food novices. Looking for lemon curd or turducken? Looking for recipes or kitchen hardware? Stop by Food411 for advice and links!


• Gamesville - For all those who love playing games!


• Giveaway of the Day - Some of the giveaways here are pretty interesting and some can be rather lame. Today's is weak, but other bits of software offered there have been worth it. There's also a gaming giveaway of the day. I created a feed for this one: giveaway_ot_day


• Recipe Matcher - Have ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator and don't know what to make with them? Try this site! It lets you use more than five ingredients (unlike allrecipes.com) but will not let you list ingredients you don't have (like allrecipes.com will). There is even a search for cocktail recipes.


• Who is Sick? - This is so appropriate for me right now since I am sick yet again. I'm not quite sure how well it works since I wasn't able to post but that could be because I use Fx and not IE. It's certainly worth checking out.


• Ditto - For all you list lovers out there... from music to movies, see lists from other people or share your own.

For those of you stats/comment crazy people out there, sorry this is late. With my parents in town and Sophie's birthday and all, well... I've been a bit busy. I am behind on comments (backed up through the month of April) and am zipping through the f-list. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up soon.

1	kingdavey		32
2	louenn		25
3	ayoub		23
4	billzy		14
5	kikifitz		13
6	stellardreams81		10
6	leanbysummer		10
8	aellwynde		9
8	uawildcatgrl		9
10	msbluerasp		8
11	catscar		7
11	rredhead		7
11	holding_on		7
14	callita623		6
14	sewcute		6
16	thesynergizer		5
16	mariaslilgurl		5
16	crystella74		5
16	pensivesea		5
16	jemmind		5
21	lindalee_		4
21	parlet		4
21	chelchik		4
24	sweetdaisy.blogspot.com		3
24	thetar		3
24	nppyinzer		3
24	isyllt		3
28	dantex		2
28	sheilamarie		2
28	redrain		2
28	mrsbkwod		2
28	talismanaz		2
28	danaewhispering		2
28	mdunnbass		2
35	zyada		1
35	r3mdh		1
35	writer_lilies		1
35	munkyette		1
35	autumnwalkr		1
35	itsdavesblog		1
35	munedust		1
35	sissybunny97		1
35	refuse2bdefined		1
35	rodshark		1
35	blondieoubre		1
35	ladanea		1
35	jazzistar79		1
35	basketcaselady		1
35	missjewell		1

Generated with help from LJ Comment Stats and ljArchive

Also, a quick welcome to the following people as they're new to my f-list within the past 15 days.

• r3mdh


• steve_savicki


• grace_in_spades


• thisplacehere

I have a lot of very talented friends. One of these talented friends, lindalee_, makes and sells incredibly beautiful jewelry. This is stuff I'm dying to buy, but must wait until I have a job. However, that doesn't mean I can't share my love of her talent with all of my friends!!

Please, visit her Etsy site. Buy from her. Stop by her journal and tell her how awesome you think her jewelry is! :)

My parents are here and we've been fairly busy. Yesterday was Sophie's big birthday celebration (have pictures to share at a later date). Sophie was all off schedule today but we managed to squeeze a trip to the park in. Nana also gave Sophie a bath tonight and the Kritter got to paint the walls (thanks to Aunt Tracie and Uncle Rich and cousin Emy).

We're going to try to make it to the FW Zoo Wednesday for Sophie's birthday. I'm guessing we'll either do leftovers that night for dinner or we'll hit a restaurant on the way home if the Kritter isn't too pooped.

Speaking of poop... no more luck on the potty training front although she did manage a few drops in the potty this morning. It was nothing like the first time (I know most the people who read this don't care, but that's not why I write in my journal) though.

Voting request: Friends, family, whoever stops by to read this blog, please click on this link here and vote for the black and white puppy dog labeled Happy Boy. I'm trying to help a friend's mother here!! :)

I have my icons all set and ready to link to LJ... but I have something like 400ish I want to link! Well, I really have more than that, but those were the ones I liked the most. *sigh*

Ugh... Lots to catch up on still. I'll be around. This wasn't as quick as I wanted it to be. Oh well.

Argh.

Seriously, my hormones are all in a rage today. I hope there's not a repeat of that tomorrow. There's too much going on! We have Dream Dinners, and then after we come home to put the food away, I'll be heading to the airport to pick up my parents and then to my in-laws' to pick up the Kritter. During my trip to the airport, B will be mowing lawns (ours and a friend's). Then B and my Dad and one or two of B's friends will be going to the baseball game. Mom and I will most likely eat leftovers after a trip to the grocery store (although she might go for a sandwich or bowl of cereal instead... I know, so exciting, right?).

Sophie and I were sitting at the table earlier and she kept asking to sweep. I thought she was saying sleep and was so confused. When I figured it out, I had to laugh. She also asked me to sign thunder and I thought she said feather. I'm losing my touch here.

Speaking of which... she's started doing that within the past few days. She loves to ask me to sign words with her. She also loves to ask for help when trying to make certain signs. It's all very cute.

I cannot believe how quickly she's growing! I am just in awe of these past few weeks, seriously. She has started to read books to us (from the illustrations, not from the words... she's not a prodigy as far as we know) and it's absolutely awesome! She really seems to remember the story based on the pictures. I love it! She's also very polite right now. She says "Yes, Mom" or "Please, Mom" or "Thank you, Mommy" all the time now! I can't get over it! My favorite is, "Okay, Mommy!" It sounds so simple, but to hear it come out of her mouth in her tiny little voice just kills me!

I made quinoa tonight for the first time and I have to admit, it was pretty good. I like it because it cooks faster than rice and isn't as starchy. It's not quite as quick as couscous, but I just can't eat couscous all the time.

I still need to vacuum but that's not going to happen tonight. I ought to mop the floor but don't plan on doing that tonight either. I will probably put together a bag of toys for Sophie as well as gather some food for her.

Instead, I'm going to post pictures of the garden. B's pretty proud of it. I have no idea if we're doing anything right or wrong here. He was too hot to plant before I could really do some reading. I guess this will be a learning year. ;)

• I'm caught up with comments up until April. Sorry for the blast from the past. There are a few I would have responded to if I'd gotten to them earlier but the time lapse just made them seem inappropriate for some reason.


• My parents will be here on Saturday for a week. I will most likely be somewhat quiet then.


• .


• Not only did Sophie not cry at nap time today, she managed bedtime without tears as well! She also was able to fall asleep without me in the room both times!


• Wednesday morning (4/23/08) was another huge moment for Sophie. She managed to pee in her potty, and it wasn't just a few drops! She woke up with a dry diaper and as soon as I realized it was dry, I asked her if she wanted to use her potty. She said yes, so I grabbed the new potty books and we sat down to read. While I was reading, she managed to accomplish the task! Of course, we haven't had any other successful pees since then, but I'm unconcerned at this time since we're not working on potty learning hardcore or anything.


• Sophie likes chocolate pudding and managed to eat it today with a spoon without getting much on herself other than the mess she made on her face whenever she licked her lips (pudding was all over her tongue while she was licking).


• Parents of small children looking for good books. Check out Mo Willems. His books are full of awesome!


• Not only did our ladybugs survive the storm last night (not sure how many), but it appears as though some of them have already laid eggs and they seem to have survived as well! Our plants also seemed to have survived, even the tiny basil sprouts. We still have to plant the lantana and the other flowers I bought for the front yard.


• I need to make up a menu for this week and go grocery shopping. We have Dream Dinners Saturday morning, but I'll still need to pick up other food stuff for Mom and Dad.


• Update on the ball game this Saturday night: B is going to take my father and is going to ask his father and another friend to join them. We'll see what happens. Mom and I will stay home with Sophie. Yeah, it would be a good time and all, but I don't want to leave my parents alone the first night they're in town, nor do I want to leave Sophie with a sitter.


• Lots of cleaning and other fun things will be filling my day tomorrow.


• Ooh, almost forgot (and this is pretty huge). There are currently two possibilities of remote work in the pipeline. I'd have to choose one over the other, but it would be doing the same exact thing, which is exactly what I did for nearly the last four years I was working as well. I'm hoping at least one of these pans out. I'm hoping for the nine-to-five job over the super-insane-schedule job, but at this point, I'd honestly be happy with either.

That's about all I've got for now. I must go to bed. I'm not tired (frustratingly enough), but Sophie wakes up awfully early and I need to be ready for it.

This is a picture dump of the Kritter over the past two months. Yeah, I suck like that. All the images are 320x200 (or vice versa), so it shouldn't take TOO long to load, but for those of you on dial up, if you really want to see the pictures, click the cut link and walk away. There are 20 pictures behind the cut and one teaser out in front.

isyllt and Anna, if you want me to make this a private post, I will. Just let me know.

Other pictures previously mentioned will be uploaded at a later date. Videos will be uploaded at a later date. This is all I'm doing for now.

Edited to add: Click the pictures for high res images.

I have a lot of very talented friends. One of these talented friends, lindalee_, makes and sells incredibly beautiful jewelry. This is stuff I'm dying to buy, but must wait until I have a job. However, that doesn't mean I can't share my love of her talent with all of my friends!!

Please, visit her Etsy site. Buy from her. Stop by her journal and tell her how awesome you think her jewelry is! :)