31 October 2006
29 October 2006
Guess what
Somehow the phrase "Guess what" has made it into Zoë's vocabulary and the usage is heavy to the point of abusive these days. She will tell a story and it will go something like this:
Zoë: Guess what Michael did today.
Me: What?
Zoë: He stuck his tongue out at Miss Jen and guess what.
Me: What?
Zoë: Miss Jen gave him a time out, but guess what.
Me: What?
Zoë: He kept sticking his tongue out from time out so guess what.
Me: What?
Zoë: He had to go to the office and guess what.
Me: What?
Zoë: He was crying.
That has been my entire weekend.
Zoë: Guess what Michael did today.
Me: What?
Zoë: He stuck his tongue out at Miss Jen and guess what.
Me: What?
Zoë: Miss Jen gave him a time out, but guess what.
Me: What?
Zoë: He kept sticking his tongue out from time out so guess what.
Me: What?
Zoë: He had to go to the office and guess what.
Me: What?
Zoë: He was crying.
That has been my entire weekend.
26 October 2006
Website of the Week: Grey Matter
I admit it. Like millions of others I am a huge Grey's Anatomy fan. Therefore I probably don't even need to tell you how disappointed I was to realize that there is not a new episode on tonight. Ugh! I was so looking forward to getting into bed and firing up the Tivo.
For nights like tonight and any other moment I am having a Grey's Anatomy jones, I have discovered a great site, really it's a blog, from the writers of the show. It's called Grey Matter. The writer of that week's episode posts so there is one posting per week. They don't give away plot details, but there are lots of nice insights into the show's development. And if you're into it, there are about 500 to 700 comments per post.
So, go get your fix because 7 days can be a long, long time.
For nights like tonight and any other moment I am having a Grey's Anatomy jones, I have discovered a great site, really it's a blog, from the writers of the show. It's called Grey Matter. The writer of that week's episode posts so there is one posting per week. They don't give away plot details, but there are lots of nice insights into the show's development. And if you're into it, there are about 500 to 700 comments per post.
So, go get your fix because 7 days can be a long, long time.
25 October 2006
Costume craziness
Every year without fail Zoë has a last minute change of heart when it comes to what she wants to be for Halloween. Not inlcuding the first one when she couldn't talk or walk -- ah the good old days! It doesn't matter if she picked out the costume herself or if I bought it for her. She did not disappoint this year.
This past Spring we took her to the huge Toys R Us in Times Square. She had received a $50 gift card for her birthday and we were there to spend it. Among other things, she picked out a Snow White dress and declared that she would wear it for Halloween, despite the fact that Halloween was 6 months away. I wasn't counting on her sticking with being Snow White and when the first costume catalogs began to arrive I asked her if wanted to look through them to pick out a costume. She insisted she was going to be Snow White.
Finally, about a month ago, I gave up and decided she absolutely would be Snow White. And then this past weekend it happened.
"Mom, I changed my mind. I don't want to be Snow White. I want to be a cheerleader," she whined to me.
I know what Party City is like in the weeks before Halloween and I didn't want to experience it again this year so I firmly put my foot down and told her it was too late to change her mind. "Besides, Snow White is way cooler than a cheerleader," I added to my firm "absolutely not."
She seems to have accepted that she is stuck with Snow White. Quite a nice Snow White costume, I should add.
This past Spring we took her to the huge Toys R Us in Times Square. She had received a $50 gift card for her birthday and we were there to spend it. Among other things, she picked out a Snow White dress and declared that she would wear it for Halloween, despite the fact that Halloween was 6 months away. I wasn't counting on her sticking with being Snow White and when the first costume catalogs began to arrive I asked her if wanted to look through them to pick out a costume. She insisted she was going to be Snow White.
Finally, about a month ago, I gave up and decided she absolutely would be Snow White. And then this past weekend it happened.
"Mom, I changed my mind. I don't want to be Snow White. I want to be a cheerleader," she whined to me.
I know what Party City is like in the weeks before Halloween and I didn't want to experience it again this year so I firmly put my foot down and told her it was too late to change her mind. "Besides, Snow White is way cooler than a cheerleader," I added to my firm "absolutely not."
She seems to have accepted that she is stuck with Snow White. Quite a nice Snow White costume, I should add.
22 October 2006
The Cosmetics Counter
First of all, I apologize for my prolonged absence and complete lack of posts. I was traveling first for business, then for pleasure. It has taken me an additional 4 days to catch up with my life. However, I did put my quiet time to good use -- I thought of another feature for the blog. Starting today, I will be celebrating my love for make-up, nail polish, perfume, soaps, etc. I am calling this feature "The Cosmetics Counter" and each week I will discuss a new product that I have tried.
This week's product is Clinique In the Pink lipstick $14.00.
First of all $10.00 from your purchase helps support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s quest to find a cure. Besides my never ending love of lipsticks that was the primary motivation for purchasing this product. I am happy to report that it is a really nice shade of pink and the lipstick itself feels really good on your lips. It is very smooth and the look is slightly glossy. And one of my favorite things about Clinique lipsticks is that there is no odor to them. Because it is also relatively sheer, this is a flattering shade for anyone who can wear pink lipsticks.
This week's product is Clinique In the Pink lipstick $14.00.
First of all $10.00 from your purchase helps support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s quest to find a cure. Besides my never ending love of lipsticks that was the primary motivation for purchasing this product. I am happy to report that it is a really nice shade of pink and the lipstick itself feels really good on your lips. It is very smooth and the look is slightly glossy. And one of my favorite things about Clinique lipsticks is that there is no odor to them. Because it is also relatively sheer, this is a flattering shade for anyone who can wear pink lipsticks.
13 October 2006
I Sad
I have been away on a business trip since Wendesday morning. Just before I left home, I left a note for a still sleeping Zoë on her chalkboard/easel. It said "I love you. See you soon! Mommy."
Wednesday night, all on her own, Zoë: wrote on the chalkboard "I sad Mommy miss." She's only 4! I am now completely convinced of my daughter's genius. She managed to impress me with her intelligence as well as make me feel guilty for being away in one swoop!
Amazing.
Wednesday night, all on her own, Zoë: wrote on the chalkboard "I sad Mommy miss." She's only 4! I am now completely convinced of my daughter's genius. She managed to impress me with her intelligence as well as make me feel guilty for being away in one swoop!
Amazing.
08 October 2006
Website of the Week: Picasa
At home I am a Mac user, but at work I am forced to use a PC. So, here's one for all you PC users who don't have iPhoto...Picasa!
Picasa (brought to you by Google, of course) is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. Picasa also makes advanced editing simple by putting one-click fixes and powerful effects at your fingertips.
Picasa also makes it a snap to share your pictures – you can email, print photos at home, and make gift CDs. And with the new Web Albums feature, you can upload your photos to the web very easily. It syncs amazingly well with popular web albums like Kodak's (formerly Ofoto). And it even lets you publish directly to popular blog sites like the one I use. The photo of Zoë in the previous post was published through Picasa in about 10 seconds.
It really is incredibly easy to use and is almost as good as having iPhoto on a PC.
Picasa (brought to you by Google, of course) is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. Picasa also makes advanced editing simple by putting one-click fixes and powerful effects at your fingertips.
Picasa also makes it a snap to share your pictures – you can email, print photos at home, and make gift CDs. And with the new Web Albums feature, you can upload your photos to the web very easily. It syncs amazingly well with popular web albums like Kodak's (formerly Ofoto). And it even lets you publish directly to popular blog sites like the one I use. The photo of Zoë in the previous post was published through Picasa in about 10 seconds.
It really is incredibly easy to use and is almost as good as having iPhoto on a PC.
05 October 2006
04 October 2006
Motor Mouth
There are some days that go by when I feel like Zoë has not stopped talking the entire day. And even though I was not with her for 8 hours of the day while I was at work, this definitely feels like one of those days. It has been and endless barrage of "How come?" and "Watch this!" and "I want" and a lot of other non-sensical stuff.
Jeez I have a headache!
Of course, on the days that she is quiet I worry that she is sick or upset and try to get her to talk. Can I never be satisfied?
Jeez I have a headache!
Of course, on the days that she is quiet I worry that she is sick or upset and try to get her to talk. Can I never be satisfied?
01 October 2006
Website of the Week: eBeanstalk
eBeanstalk.com is the gift that keeps on giving for babies and kids. As a matter of fact every 3 months a new gift arrives for the kid of your choice. Place your order by age and and every three months they’ll send a new toy — every one chosen by development experts and moms to correspond to the child's age.
For Birthdays and Births simply click on the appropriate age category and you will be taken to a page where you can select one of the recommended gift series, or customize your own. Their reccommended series are great and keeps the need to think for yourself down to a real minimum.
For non Birthdays you can click the 'shop by age' button. And deliveries include instructions explaining why the toy is so perfect, which skills it will help develop, and the best ways to play with it together.
The only bad thing is that for kids older than 5 you're on your own. Their age ranges end at 4 to 5.
For Birthdays and Births simply click on the appropriate age category and you will be taken to a page where you can select one of the recommended gift series, or customize your own. Their reccommended series are great and keeps the need to think for yourself down to a real minimum.
For non Birthdays you can click the 'shop by age' button. And deliveries include instructions explaining why the toy is so perfect, which skills it will help develop, and the best ways to play with it together.
The only bad thing is that for kids older than 5 you're on your own. Their age ranges end at 4 to 5.
28 September 2006
25 September 2006
The Cost of War
This price tag is simply staggering -- especially when you look at in light of what the same money could have bought.
This number is based on an analysis of the legislation in which Congress has allocated money for war so far and research by the Congressional Research Service (latest report) which has access to Department of Defense financial reports. Read more about how it is calculated.
This cannot be the answer.
This number is based on an analysis of the legislation in which Congress has allocated money for war so far and research by the Congressional Research Service (latest report) which has access to Department of Defense financial reports. Read more about how it is calculated.
This cannot be the answer.
24 September 2006
One Singular Sensation Indeed!
Some might remember my post of June 8
when I excitedly reported on my purchase of tickets to the revival of A Chorus Line. Well, last night was the night. I went with my mom who was perfect company and I have to say it was everything I'd hoped for and a bit more. The show was excellent. It is still officially in previews so no "real" reviews have come out yet so let mine be among the first.
The revival was complete to the last sequin on the gold costumes in the last number. The set, the costumes, the lighting, the dancing and the singing were all faithfully revived, but it was not just a cold carbon copy. It was vital and very relevant. At first I was thinking it would be nice to see a modern day version of the show, but ultimately I am very glad they decided to keep the show set in the 1970's. In a way this was the very first "reality show" giving people a look into the world of auditions and a window into the souls of all the chorus dancers (and the like) out there who will never be stars. It is their fifteen minutes of fame. Undoubtedly some of the "secrets" that are revealed are somewhat less shocking to the general audience now than they were 20 or 30 years ago, but they still have bite. Standout performers were Deidre Goodwin as Sheila Ken Alan as Bobby and Natalie Cortez as Morales, but it is important to note that there were no weak links on the line. There was a lot of applause throughout the show and many opportunities to express enthusiasm in the form of clapping and cheering, however my only disappointment was that there was no real curtain call and therefore no real chance to give a standing ovation. I imagine, but can't remember that this was part of the original production, but I still hope the director will reconsider because it was a little bit unsatisfactory to not get to clap until your hands hurt. All-in-all I would say that Michael Bennett would be proud. Thank you so much to the cast and crew for an incredible night that made me remember what I love so much about the theater.
when I excitedly reported on my purchase of tickets to the revival of A Chorus Line. Well, last night was the night. I went with my mom who was perfect company and I have to say it was everything I'd hoped for and a bit more. The show was excellent. It is still officially in previews so no "real" reviews have come out yet so let mine be among the first.
The revival was complete to the last sequin on the gold costumes in the last number. The set, the costumes, the lighting, the dancing and the singing were all faithfully revived, but it was not just a cold carbon copy. It was vital and very relevant. At first I was thinking it would be nice to see a modern day version of the show, but ultimately I am very glad they decided to keep the show set in the 1970's. In a way this was the very first "reality show" giving people a look into the world of auditions and a window into the souls of all the chorus dancers (and the like) out there who will never be stars. It is their fifteen minutes of fame. Undoubtedly some of the "secrets" that are revealed are somewhat less shocking to the general audience now than they were 20 or 30 years ago, but they still have bite. Standout performers were Deidre Goodwin as Sheila Ken Alan as Bobby and Natalie Cortez as Morales, but it is important to note that there were no weak links on the line. There was a lot of applause throughout the show and many opportunities to express enthusiasm in the form of clapping and cheering, however my only disappointment was that there was no real curtain call and therefore no real chance to give a standing ovation. I imagine, but can't remember that this was part of the original production, but I still hope the director will reconsider because it was a little bit unsatisfactory to not get to clap until your hands hurt. All-in-all I would say that Michael Bennett would be proud. Thank you so much to the cast and crew for an incredible night that made me remember what I love so much about the theater.
21 September 2006
Happy Half Birthday
Today is Zoë's half birthday -- she is exactly 4 and a half.
It is astounding to me to think that in 6 months she will be 5 and in a year from now she will have started school.
You know how everyone tells you it goes so fast -- turns out they're right!
It is astounding to me to think that in 6 months she will be 5 and in a year from now she will have started school.
You know how everyone tells you it goes so fast -- turns out they're right!
19 September 2006
A theory on energy
How many times have you watched your kids run laps around the house, jump up and down, climb the sofa like it was Mt. Everest and asked yourself "where do they get the energy?" And how many times have you had to carry your oh-so-tired 40 pound kid out of the Christmas Tree farm, the museum, shopping mall, etc. because they just couldn't walk another step themselves? (While silently cursing yourself for not bringing the stroller, of course.)
It makes me wonder just how that energy comes and goes and I've come to the conclusion that it is parentally driven and it counter-corresponds directly to the amount of energy you want your child to have and expend at any given moment.
For example, if you want your daughter to sit down and have dinner, she will be running up and down the stairs faster and faster. However, if you are at and apple picking farm all the way down at the bottom of a big hill and carrying a bag filled with apples, at the farthest possible point from your car, that same daughter will be too tired and ask to be carried.
It's one possible theory.
It makes me wonder just how that energy comes and goes and I've come to the conclusion that it is parentally driven and it counter-corresponds directly to the amount of energy you want your child to have and expend at any given moment.
For example, if you want your daughter to sit down and have dinner, she will be running up and down the stairs faster and faster. However, if you are at and apple picking farm all the way down at the bottom of a big hill and carrying a bag filled with apples, at the farthest possible point from your car, that same daughter will be too tired and ask to be carried.
It's one possible theory.
18 September 2006
Website of the Week: Ideal Bite
Everyone knows it's not easy being green, but this site makes it just a little bit easier. Ideal Bite is basically an email newsletter sign up. The newsletter is emailed daily and contains simple tips and suggestions for leading a more planet-friendly "green" existence. The site itself also contains a tip library of past mailings.
The tips themselves are, for the most part, realistic and relatively simple changes to your activities of daily living. Plus you are given the facts, helpful resources and good suggestions for carrying out the changes.
Go for it and maybe green will be the new black.
The tips themselves are, for the most part, realistic and relatively simple changes to your activities of daily living. Plus you are given the facts, helpful resources and good suggestions for carrying out the changes.
Go for it and maybe green will be the new black.
14 September 2006
The Famous Gorilla
On the way into school this morning Zoë requested that I tell her a story about "the famous gorilla from Dusseldorf who took all his dog bones to Jupiter."
That is an exact quote.
Did she just channel some message from outer space?
Or is it from some TV show? She claims it is from Higglytown Heroes, but I'm not so sure.
That is an exact quote.
Did she just channel some message from outer space?
Or is it from some TV show? She claims it is from Higglytown Heroes, but I'm not so sure.
10 September 2006
Website of the Week: NameVoyager
This week's site is a cool tool that is part of babynamewizard.com. It is the NameVoyager. Very useful for soon-to-be-parents, but the site is fun for everyone. See how popular your own name is. NameVoyager presents the info in a cool, fun-to-use graphical interface.
For the record the name "Zoe" hit an all time high as the 54th most popular name. In 2005 it was down to 59th. The name "Emily" was the most popular in 2002, the year my Zoe was born, but that was recently usurped by the name "Emma."
For the record the name "Zoe" hit an all time high as the 54th most popular name. In 2005 it was down to 59th. The name "Emily" was the most popular in 2002, the year my Zoe was born, but that was recently usurped by the name "Emma."
05 September 2006
Go see this movie!
Yesterday I saw Little Miss Sunshine and it is a fantastic movie and I think everyone should see it.
The basic plot is: A dysfunctional family travel across country to get their daughter to the finals of a beauty pageant.
But the story is about so much more than that. It is about the beautiful innocence of children and the fragility of human life and the ridiculous pursuits people dedicate themselves to. It will make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. Greg Kinnear, Toni Collete, and Alan Arkin star, but Abigail Breslin steals the show.
I can't say enough good things about this movie.
The basic plot is: A dysfunctional family travel across country to get their daughter to the finals of a beauty pageant.
But the story is about so much more than that. It is about the beautiful innocence of children and the fragility of human life and the ridiculous pursuits people dedicate themselves to. It will make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. Greg Kinnear, Toni Collete, and Alan Arkin star, but Abigail Breslin steals the show.
I can't say enough good things about this movie.
04 September 2006
Website of the Week: NY Times US Open Blog
OK, it is really a just a blog and not an entire site, but it is really good. NY Times US Open Blog is about as close as it comes to actually being there when you can't watch TV. In fact sometimes its better than watching on TV because it sums up the heart of each match really nicely. It kind of reminds me of the inning wrap-ups you can get for Major League Baseball games as ESPN.com. The coverage is insightful as well as enthusiastic.
One bit of advice -- catch the blog this week before it's gone -- at least until next year!
One bit of advice -- catch the blog this week before it's gone -- at least until next year!
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