So, what's it like rolling with the GC v2.0?
Hmmm
Is it a tricked out Bentley?
Or a super spacious Double Wide?
Or a tough, rugged off road vehicle?Or environmentally conscious?
I cannot decide...
Monday, October 25, 2010
The GolfCart, Version 2.0
So, what's it like rolling with the GC v2.0?
Hmmm
Is it a tricked out Bentley?Or a super spacious Double Wide? Or a tough, rugged off road vehicle?
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Toddler's Code ... BY Style
Got this email from the GC2.0 the other day. It fits perfectly in our new lifestyle... Editors notes in italics...
So I present, the Toddler's Code (BY Style)
[Source: Paul Dixon's Joke-of-the-Day Zine]
So I present, the Toddler's Code (BY Style)
- If it is on, I must turn it off.
- If it is off, I must turn it on.
- If it is folded, I must unfold it.
- If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled. (totally)
- If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.
- If it is high, it must be reached.
- If it is shelved, it must be unshelved.
- If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed. (thankfully, not yet...)
- If it has leaves, they must be picked.
- If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
- If it is not trash, it must be thrown away.
- If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor. (Hence... Pizzeration)
- If it is closed, it must be opened.
- If it does not open, it must be screamed at. (unfortunately so...)
- If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
- If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, or table. (oh god!... that would be horrific!)
- If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied. (Hence... Pizzeration)
- If it is empty, it will be more interesting full.
- If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon.
- If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest. It must be pushed by me instead. (even when I walk like a drunken sailor)
- If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
- If Dad's hands are full, I must be carried.
- If Mum is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
- If it is paper, it must be torn. (or newspaper or magazines or bills)
- If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
- If the volume is low, it must go high.
- If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor.
- If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon.
- If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth.
- If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force.
- If it is a phone, I must talk to it. (or scream at full throat when I cannot)
- If it is a bug, it must be swallowed.
- If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor. (Much to Ham's delight)
- If it is not food, it must be tasted.
- If it IS food, it must not be tasted.
- If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
- If it is a carseat, it must be protested with arched back. (Also in this category, if my diaper is dirty, I must protest with arched back!)
Monday, October 18, 2010
What's the Scoop, Twizzles?
So, ladies and gentlemen of the BY Universe... what is the scoop?
Well, the GC 2.0 had another successful OB visit. It turns out that we know what the GC 2.0 is carrying...
...Drumroll Please....
A.... girl....
and.....
A ... boy....
Whew!!!
(Editor's Note: That is the sound of the huge monkey being lifted off my back!!!)
Well, the GC 2.0 had another successful OB visit. It turns out that we know what the GC 2.0 is carrying...
...Drumroll Please....
A.... girl....
and.....
A ... boy....
Whew!!!
(Editor's Note: That is the sound of the huge monkey being lifted off my back!!!)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Trying to Get Out of the GM
(Editors Note: Here is the completed old entry... sorry for the delay)
So, after our glorious naptime, the Pizz was soooo cute and happy. I figured it was about time to get out and do some things... But where to go? Grocery store? Too boring... Park? Maybe later.... Target?? Now you're talking!
So I bring the Pizz back into her room and begin to get her dressed. Shirt goes on without problems. Pants... mild difficulty. Socks... nope! The girl just wants to be barefoot... I had her sitting in my lap while I was trying to put the socks on. Man, that little Pizz squirmed and fussed all over... Now she is starting to learn about her strength, and ability to use the "wing" to block and defend. Damned did she try! 10 minutes later, along with a few choice words (muttered in spanish), the socks and shoes were on.
Now I had to try to make her hair cute! Oh gosh! You would have thought I was ripping out her hair. (Editors note: unfortunately her hair is in the "in-between" stage.... We're trying to grow it out so that she can look cute and feminine... but it is stuck in messy boyish stage...). She hates the comb. But if you give it to her, she puts it up to her hair like she's combing it! I can't win. I finally get it in place, with a mild swath of hair over her left eye... that will do! We're ready (40min later)
We traipse downstairs! I gather up my keys and phone. We head outside.... I begin to put her in her carseat, and lean in to buckle her belt.... **sniff, sniff*** whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omigod! Something ungodly is now in her diapers! I look at the Pizz... "Seriously?!?!" I ask... She just smiles. I half-contemplate leaving her in it to wallow... but I declined. I get her back upstairs and begin to disassemble the Pizzle... and then the moment of truth... WOWWY! It was so god awful (she had a supreme pizza the night before), I almost vomited in my mouth. This action caused a sound and a grimace on my face. She must have been watching me, because she started laughing uncontrollably. "Gee, thanks Pizz" I tried to clean her off... more retching... more Pizz-giggles...
Finally put her back together and back in the carseat... (an hour later)... and we're off to Target! Yay!!! I love me some Target... already had my route mapped out... Going to enter and then pull off into the food court... get a soda (which we'll have to refill 8 times before leaving)... maybe a pretzel for the Pizz... And think of all the entertainment for the Pizz... Sweet!
We get there.... hooray! No Pizz-eruptions. I get her out and walk into the store. Yay yay... Place her in the buggy and mosey on into the food court... "awwww" says the girl behind the counter... "She's so cute..." "I know... she takes after her daddy". She frowned at me and took my order. Pretzel combo...
The I pulled off with the Pizz, got my Diet Coke/Cherry Coke mix and stood there and ate the pretzel. She loved it... And we ate the pretzel... and we ate the pretzel... and we ate the pretzel... Now we're about 15-20minutes into our Target time, and we haven't moved from the Food Court. I was ok with this for a little while, because I had already gotten 3 refills, but now I was starting to get antsy...
Time to move on and enjoy the store... I pulled out of the FC. "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!" Really, Pizz? What's up? I tried to make faces as I moved farther... nothing. Maybe she wanted more pretzel... So I gave her some more and tried to move on.... "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!" Now what? She looked longingly at my Diet Coke and started making smacking motions with her mouth.... "Oh, I'm such an evil father... no water!!!"
We go back to the FC and the girl... "Awww..." "Can I get a glass of water?" "Sure" I go fill it up and give it to her with a straw... She gulps it down. Whew!!! We're good to go! I get another refill for myself and pull out of the FC again...
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!" "Seriously?!?!? Now what? I have nothing left to give!" I shuddered.... But she would have none of it... Then she brought on a serious, full bore tantrum... with screaming and body shaking and head throwing/snapping... Oh my god, is this really happening to me in a public place.... I look over a the girl behind the FC counter, who was staring aghast at the Pizz and my obviously poor parenting skills... Great... No more cute daddy.
I pick her out of the buggy and walk around a little bit. This calms her down some. I try to put her back in the buggy, but she wants nothing to do with it. I realize that we're going to have to leave and go home! Oh no!!! "But we're so close, Pizz?" We start walking out (not after I claim my 6th refill) and then she's back to cuteness..... Seriously, Pizz??? I try to turn back in, for one last futile effort... But she screams again...
"Alright, Kemper you win! We're going home"
I put her back in her carseat, and she promptly falls asleep. Sheesh!
At least someone's happy...
So, after our glorious naptime, the Pizz was soooo cute and happy. I figured it was about time to get out and do some things... But where to go? Grocery store? Too boring... Park? Maybe later.... Target?? Now you're talking!
So I bring the Pizz back into her room and begin to get her dressed. Shirt goes on without problems. Pants... mild difficulty. Socks... nope! The girl just wants to be barefoot... I had her sitting in my lap while I was trying to put the socks on. Man, that little Pizz squirmed and fussed all over... Now she is starting to learn about her strength, and ability to use the "wing" to block and defend. Damned did she try! 10 minutes later, along with a few choice words (muttered in spanish), the socks and shoes were on.
Now I had to try to make her hair cute! Oh gosh! You would have thought I was ripping out her hair. (Editors note: unfortunately her hair is in the "in-between" stage.... We're trying to grow it out so that she can look cute and feminine... but it is stuck in messy boyish stage...). She hates the comb. But if you give it to her, she puts it up to her hair like she's combing it! I can't win. I finally get it in place, with a mild swath of hair over her left eye... that will do! We're ready (40min later)
We traipse downstairs! I gather up my keys and phone. We head outside.... I begin to put her in her carseat, and lean in to buckle her belt.... **sniff, sniff*** whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omigod! Something ungodly is now in her diapers! I look at the Pizz... "Seriously?!?!" I ask... She just smiles. I half-contemplate leaving her in it to wallow... but I declined. I get her back upstairs and begin to disassemble the Pizzle... and then the moment of truth... WOWWY! It was so god awful (she had a supreme pizza the night before), I almost vomited in my mouth. This action caused a sound and a grimace on my face. She must have been watching me, because she started laughing uncontrollably. "Gee, thanks Pizz" I tried to clean her off... more retching... more Pizz-giggles...
Finally put her back together and back in the carseat... (an hour later)... and we're off to Target! Yay!!! I love me some Target... already had my route mapped out... Going to enter and then pull off into the food court... get a soda (which we'll have to refill 8 times before leaving)... maybe a pretzel for the Pizz... And think of all the entertainment for the Pizz... Sweet!
We get there.... hooray! No Pizz-eruptions. I get her out and walk into the store. Yay yay... Place her in the buggy and mosey on into the food court... "awwww" says the girl behind the counter... "She's so cute..." "I know... she takes after her daddy". She frowned at me and took my order. Pretzel combo...
The I pulled off with the Pizz, got my Diet Coke/Cherry Coke mix and stood there and ate the pretzel. She loved it... And we ate the pretzel... and we ate the pretzel... and we ate the pretzel... Now we're about 15-20minutes into our Target time, and we haven't moved from the Food Court. I was ok with this for a little while, because I had already gotten 3 refills, but now I was starting to get antsy...
Time to move on and enjoy the store... I pulled out of the FC. "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!" Really, Pizz? What's up? I tried to make faces as I moved farther... nothing. Maybe she wanted more pretzel... So I gave her some more and tried to move on.... "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!" Now what? She looked longingly at my Diet Coke and started making smacking motions with her mouth.... "Oh, I'm such an evil father... no water!!!"
We go back to the FC and the girl... "Awww..." "Can I get a glass of water?" "Sure" I go fill it up and give it to her with a straw... She gulps it down. Whew!!! We're good to go! I get another refill for myself and pull out of the FC again...
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!" "Seriously?!?!? Now what? I have nothing left to give!" I shuddered.... But she would have none of it... Then she brought on a serious, full bore tantrum... with screaming and body shaking and head throwing/snapping... Oh my god, is this really happening to me in a public place.... I look over a the girl behind the FC counter, who was staring aghast at the Pizz and my obviously poor parenting skills... Great... No more cute daddy.
I pick her out of the buggy and walk around a little bit. This calms her down some. I try to put her back in the buggy, but she wants nothing to do with it. I realize that we're going to have to leave and go home! Oh no!!! "But we're so close, Pizz?" We start walking out (not after I claim my 6th refill) and then she's back to cuteness..... Seriously, Pizz??? I try to turn back in, for one last futile effort... But she screams again...
"Alright, Kemper you win! We're going home"
I put her back in her carseat, and she promptly falls asleep. Sheesh!
At least someone's happy...
Left You Hanging!
Yes, I know... I didn't finish the weekend...
I tried to, but the Pizz is now too mobile. I do have a post saved, that I have to work on completing. Also, the weeks are tougher now, because we're getting busier and the Pizz is more time-consuming...
But, don't worry fellow BY Followers... I'll get right back to work...
... er... maybe tomorrow.... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I tried to, but the Pizz is now too mobile. I do have a post saved, that I have to work on completing. Also, the weeks are tougher now, because we're getting busier and the Pizz is more time-consuming...
But, don't worry fellow BY Followers... I'll get right back to work...
... er... maybe tomorrow.... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Through the Morning!
Well, 6 AM came too soon this morning! And it wasn't because of the Pizz.... Ham needed to get up and go. Unfortunately his barking awoke the other beast, and away went the morning!
I went in to get the Pizz, and was welcomed by a standing, smiling baby... Ahhhh how cute! Then I picked her up..... Ahhhh how wet!!! Sweet! It was almost as if she was saying to me: "Welcome to the weekend, Daddy!!!" So she got changed, and then we all went downstairs for breakfast.
She had bananas covered in rice cereal and I had cheerios. Then she had cheerios... and then Ham had cheerios. Then we briskly walked out in the front yard to let the Ham do his business...
Soon it was back upstairs to play in her room. By far one of the best moments in this morning, and any morning, for that matter comes when you put the Pizz on her floor. She gets placed right in front of her toy cabinet, and she knows what's coming. She does a little Pizz dance, and then... you slide the door open.... At that moment, the pure joy flashes across her face, along with a cute "Ahhhhhh-hhhhh!!!", as she sees her toys!
So we played with books and cups and rattles. She sometimes becomes the anti-GC2 by just taking stuff out of her cabinet, and throwing it all over the place. "Pizz-eration!" Then, the sign that Daddy was waiting for...the I'm sleepy sign... the hand wiping across her eyes and nose.... Hooooray!!!! I look at the clock, 9am. She's like clockwork.
But I realize that I'm sleepy too, so I decide to have a family nap time. I pick her up and carry her into our room, and lay down. She's laying right in the middle, to my left. She lays there with her pacy and binky and starts to snooze.... ahhh! So do I. So peaceful, so cute... definitely one of those "I love to be a Daddy" moments......
I begin to doze off.... ker-pow! I get the left fist of cuteness to my noggin. Then I get slapped some more.... followed by giggles... Uh Oh... She's not asleep, and now, neither am I. She fidgets and wiggles, slaps and smacks... gets up and sits down... squirms and worms.... Now she has positioned herself to be perpendicular to me, with her feet jabbed in me belly... Great.... A couple of kicks here and there.... and then... silence...
Really?? I peek one eye open.... Yes!!!
She's finally asleep
To Be Continued...
I went in to get the Pizz, and was welcomed by a standing, smiling baby... Ahhhh how cute! Then I picked her up..... Ahhhh how wet!!! Sweet! It was almost as if she was saying to me: "Welcome to the weekend, Daddy!!!" So she got changed, and then we all went downstairs for breakfast.
She had bananas covered in rice cereal and I had cheerios. Then she had cheerios... and then Ham had cheerios. Then we briskly walked out in the front yard to let the Ham do his business...
Soon it was back upstairs to play in her room. By far one of the best moments in this morning, and any morning, for that matter comes when you put the Pizz on her floor. She gets placed right in front of her toy cabinet, and she knows what's coming. She does a little Pizz dance, and then... you slide the door open.... At that moment, the pure joy flashes across her face, along with a cute "Ahhhhhh-hhhhh!!!", as she sees her toys!
So we played with books and cups and rattles. She sometimes becomes the anti-GC2 by just taking stuff out of her cabinet, and throwing it all over the place. "Pizz-eration!" Then, the sign that Daddy was waiting for...the I'm sleepy sign... the hand wiping across her eyes and nose.... Hooooray!!!! I look at the clock, 9am. She's like clockwork.
But I realize that I'm sleepy too, so I decide to have a family nap time. I pick her up and carry her into our room, and lay down. She's laying right in the middle, to my left. She lays there with her pacy and binky and starts to snooze.... ahhh! So do I. So peaceful, so cute... definitely one of those "I love to be a Daddy" moments......
I begin to doze off.... ker-pow! I get the left fist of cuteness to my noggin. Then I get slapped some more.... followed by giggles... Uh Oh... She's not asleep, and now, neither am I. She fidgets and wiggles, slaps and smacks... gets up and sits down... squirms and worms.... Now she has positioned herself to be perpendicular to me, with her feet jabbed in me belly... Great.... A couple of kicks here and there.... and then... silence...
Really?? I peek one eye open.... Yes!!!
She's finally asleep
To Be Continued...
Friday, October 08, 2010
A Super-Duper Daddy DayCare Weekend!!!
(Editor's note: We're back online. Earlier this week, with the initiation of Phase 2.5 of the GM reno, some trees started to come down. Unfortunately, so did the cable... but now we're back!!!)
So, as I type this entry, the GM is solely occupied by the Editor, Ham, and The Pizz. The GC2 has blown this taco-stand! Where, you might ask?
To Iowa... of course!!! For her annual ServeHaiti fundraiser....
This leaves the Pizz in the loving arms of the Editor... ahhhh yes!
I can see how this weekend goes... she and I laying up all weekend... laying around on the couch in our diapers... drinking sauce from our sippy cups... learning the intricacies of the spread offense or how the NFL is much more physical.... eating peanut butter out of the jar!!!!
Ahhhh what a lovely dream!
To Be Continued....
So, as I type this entry, the GM is solely occupied by the Editor, Ham, and The Pizz. The GC2 has blown this taco-stand! Where, you might ask?
To Iowa... of course!!! For her annual ServeHaiti fundraiser....
This leaves the Pizz in the loving arms of the Editor... ahhhh yes!
I can see how this weekend goes... she and I laying up all weekend... laying around on the couch in our diapers... drinking sauce from our sippy cups... learning the intricacies of the spread offense or how the NFL is much more physical.... eating peanut butter out of the jar!!!!
Ahhhh what a lovely dream!
To Be Continued....
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A Getaway Weekend!
Well, we just finished a lovely Getaway Weekend, where the GC and I went to Niagra Falls!
Ooooh, how romantic!
The GC and I got to tour around in Canadia, eh! It's almost like the US. I mean, this place had 2 Friday's, an Outback, an Appleby's, a Macaroni Grill, a BK, casinos, Hard Rock, a Planet Hollywood, and so on and so on.
They even have Dollars!
We had sooo much fun... Got to lounge around... even got to sleep in... ahhhh!!!! Sleeping in!!!
The GC and I got to tour around in Canadia, eh! It's almost like the US. I mean, this place had 2 Friday's, an Outback, an Appleby's, a Macaroni Grill, a BK, casinos, Hard Rock, a Planet Hollywood, and so on and so on.
They even have Dollars!
We had sooo much fun... Got to lounge around... even got to sleep in... ahhhh!!!! Sleeping in!!!
Man it was awesome...
Oh, wait... where was the Pizz!!! Who?!?!?!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Still shocked!?!?!
Well so are we!
It has been a very interesting last couple of weeks. We have gone from having one child, to thinking about having another, to full frontal realization of 3 kids under the age of 2!
Yes, we are still in shock!
We went to the first OB visit, and as soon as the ultrasound started scanning, I realized what was there. I think I said "oh $h^#!!!!" like 5 times before the OB actually said what they were!
And then there were 3!!!
So, since KP has a rap name, we had to come up with something for the Twins! Well, enter the Twizzlers! or Twizz for short!
This has been a crazy time for us. Numerous blog entries have flown into, and quickly out of, my head... I'll get cracking on them, but in the mean time, be patient... the humor and cuteness will soon flow!
Oh, and I had to change the background, due to some people thinking that we knew the sexes of the Twizz.... Still toooo early...
But numerically speaking, I have a 75% chance of having the heir!
(and a 25% chance of being forever outnumbered.... Ham counts too!!!)
It has been a very interesting last couple of weeks. We have gone from having one child, to thinking about having another, to full frontal realization of 3 kids under the age of 2!
Yes, we are still in shock!
We went to the first OB visit, and as soon as the ultrasound started scanning, I realized what was there. I think I said "oh $h^#!!!!" like 5 times before the OB actually said what they were!
And then there were 3!!!
So, since KP has a rap name, we had to come up with something for the Twins! Well, enter the Twizzlers! or Twizz for short!
This has been a crazy time for us. Numerous blog entries have flown into, and quickly out of, my head... I'll get cracking on them, but in the mean time, be patient... the humor and cuteness will soon flow!
Oh, and I had to change the background, due to some people thinking that we knew the sexes of the Twizz.... Still toooo early...
But numerically speaking, I have a 75% chance of having the heir!
(and a 25% chance of being forever outnumbered.... Ham counts too!!!)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Beep Beep Beep!
Wait a Minute!!! What is that sound??!?!?
Oh .... my .... GOSH!!!
It is....
The GOLFCART is back!!!
This time, with a vengeance
Once again: OH MY GOSH!!!!
Under Construction!
Sorry we've been away...
We're working on some new features to BY Universe...
And getting rid of the pink background!
Stay tuned!!!
We're working on some new features to BY Universe...
And getting rid of the pink background!
Stay tuned!!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Big Birthday Weekend!!!
Well, for the first time in a long time, the Maine and I were off on the same weekend!!! Hooray for the Family!!!
So Saturday AM we had pancakes for breakfast! Yum yum... The Pizz did too (on her new, advanced diet system)
Then we packed up and went over to the beach. There we set up our new tent on the beach and hung out for hours... Well until the Pizz passed out. Then the tent blew off its moorings, so we had to call it a morning.
We came back home and let the Pizz nap... then we dredged off to Sam's to load up on Pizz' foodstuffs... Sweet! (Bananas, cheese, milk, soda... ok food for Daddy too)
By this time it was bedtime for the Pizz, and subsequently her tired parents.
Day 2 presented a whole new day of fun.... Church!
Well, the Pizz was sooo good in The Man's House. She kept very, very quiet. She was mostly still, until she began playing back-n-forth with Mommy and Daddy.
So Saturday AM we had pancakes for breakfast! Yum yum... The Pizz did too (on her new, advanced diet system)
We came back home and let the Pizz nap... then we dredged off to Sam's to load up on Pizz' foodstuffs... Sweet! (Bananas, cheese, milk, soda... ok food for Daddy too)
By this time it was bedtime for the Pizz, and subsequently her tired parents.
Day 2 presented a whole new day of fun.... Church!
Well, the Pizz was sooo good in The Man's House. She kept very, very quiet. She was mostly still, until she began playing back-n-forth with Mommy and Daddy.But she still had some time to pass out some Cuteness.
The rest of the day was spent cleaning the GM, napping (Daddy was pretty tired), and more food shopping. Then we all sat down for a yummy family dinner of grilled chicken orzo. Yum Yum good!
Goood Niiight!!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Day Has Arrived!!!
Before we move forward, we must take a look back at the amazing year that was....
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Daddy's Weekend without The Chicks - Morning 2
Hmmm.... maybe I can get used to this sans Pizzle thing...
Alarm went off at 6. Hit the snooze... oops, the off button.... and rolled back over. Next thing I knew it was 7 and Ham was licking my face. Whew, you want to talk about morning breath!!! Ouch.
I woke up awake and refreshed. and then got promptly paged my the ER... damn!
No sauce making today... No Pizzle ... yet...
Alarm went off at 6. Hit the snooze... oops, the off button.... and rolled back over. Next thing I knew it was 7 and Ham was licking my face. Whew, you want to talk about morning breath!!! Ouch.
I woke up awake and refreshed. and then got promptly paged my the ER... damn!
No sauce making today... No Pizzle ... yet...
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Daddy's Weekend without The Chicks - Day 1/ Night 2
And the beat goes on...
Well today was an interesting experience. I woke up at 6:15 this am and laid in bed. Waited for the Pizz to stir and cry. Thought about making sauce. But alas... no Pizz... no sauce... no Maine.
So I stirred in bed... and awoke the Ham. So I got up and took him out. Then came back inside... eerily quiet. No Pizz stirring, giggling... alas. No Maine moving about. Ahhh the Chicks! I look at Ham... he looks up, tail wagging... "It's just us Daddy!!! Yeah!!!" and they he pounced down into the laundry room for his biscuit.
I heard a joke later in the day... You lock your wife and your dog in your truck for 1hour. Then you come back and let them out... who's happy to see you? Ahhh, so true.
The rest of the day was boring work. Nothing exciting. Got home at 5:30 to the Ham, again wagging his tail, awaiting his dinner. Then a long andar.
The evening was very quiet. Just sitting in front of the TV, watching ESPN. Got a call from the Maine- they're having a blast up north. Alas... the Chicks... ahh...
Hmmm... what did I have for dinner, you ask? I made some fried rice, with scrambled egg and some onions. Although I can't ever get the rice crispy enough... it's always too gooey. Damn.
**sniffle sniffle ** Have I depressed you yet?
The Chicks come back tomorrow!!!!!
Well today was an interesting experience. I woke up at 6:15 this am and laid in bed. Waited for the Pizz to stir and cry. Thought about making sauce. But alas... no Pizz... no sauce... no Maine.
So I stirred in bed... and awoke the Ham. So I got up and took him out. Then came back inside... eerily quiet. No Pizz stirring, giggling... alas. No Maine moving about. Ahhh the Chicks! I look at Ham... he looks up, tail wagging... "It's just us Daddy!!! Yeah!!!" and they he pounced down into the laundry room for his biscuit.
I heard a joke later in the day... You lock your wife and your dog in your truck for 1hour. Then you come back and let them out... who's happy to see you? Ahhh, so true.
The rest of the day was boring work. Nothing exciting. Got home at 5:30 to the Ham, again wagging his tail, awaiting his dinner. Then a long andar.
The evening was very quiet. Just sitting in front of the TV, watching ESPN. Got a call from the Maine- they're having a blast up north. Alas... the Chicks... ahh...
Hmmm... what did I have for dinner, you ask? I made some fried rice, with scrambled egg and some onions. Although I can't ever get the rice crispy enough... it's always too gooey. Damn.
**sniffle sniffle ** Have I depressed you yet?
The Chicks come back tomorrow!!!!!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Daddy's Weekend without The Chicks - Night 1
Well, Daddy's home alone.
Seems the Maine and the Pizz didn't want to hang around old W-town while Daddy was on call. Alas. The night grows weary and lonely.
It seems like its been a week since they left, but only 12 hours. Oh man, what am I going to do until Sunday. Oh, wait, I have to round at the hospital... Yay!!! Nothing silences the loneliness like rounding on sick old people. Ahhh yes. Just the other day, I had a demented patient with a heart rate in the 30s, tell me she felt great and wanted to go home... Hmmm, sure lady, I don't think you'd get very far with your ticker that slow. This is what I do, cure people with electricity...
So what did Daddy do on his first evening alone? Well, he went to the gym and ran... and then played horse. Seems my shot has gone far, far away... never to return.
Then home to the Ham. Ahhh, at least someone still loves me! (just kidding) Oh wait, he just wants food. Then he just wanted to go outside. So a long, leisurely andar with the old man. No worries.
After a shower it was dinner time for Daddy. Maine had made lots of broccoli and cheese caserole for dinner, and now it is leftover for the Man! So I warmed up some, but it needed a little sumpen sumpen... hmmm... oh yes Tony Chachere!!!!!! Ahhh sooooooo tasty. (Editors note: Marriage to the Maine has brought many lovely things into my life. One of them definitely has to be Chachere! Sooooo tasty, spicy and salty goodness. Spruces everything right up... Pizza... casserole... mac and cheese... anything) Soooo good. However, when I was done, there was still a hunger in the gullet. What to fix it with.... hmmm... Then I eyeball the kaiser rolls on the counter. Hmmm... What goes with kaiser rolls? Yes!!!! Peanut Butter!!!! ahh the perfect companion meal. (Editors note: Hmmm.. I wonder what Chachere would do to PB.... hmmm maybe another night!)
Then it was collapsing on the couch and watching TV. Probably going to bed soon...
Ahh the life of a bachelor!
(Chicks come home soon!!!!)
Seems the Maine and the Pizz didn't want to hang around old W-town while Daddy was on call. Alas. The night grows weary and lonely.
It seems like its been a week since they left, but only 12 hours. Oh man, what am I going to do until Sunday. Oh, wait, I have to round at the hospital... Yay!!! Nothing silences the loneliness like rounding on sick old people. Ahhh yes. Just the other day, I had a demented patient with a heart rate in the 30s, tell me she felt great and wanted to go home... Hmmm, sure lady, I don't think you'd get very far with your ticker that slow. This is what I do, cure people with electricity...
So what did Daddy do on his first evening alone? Well, he went to the gym and ran... and then played horse. Seems my shot has gone far, far away... never to return.
Then home to the Ham. Ahhh, at least someone still loves me! (just kidding) Oh wait, he just wants food. Then he just wanted to go outside. So a long, leisurely andar with the old man. No worries.
After a shower it was dinner time for Daddy. Maine had made lots of broccoli and cheese caserole for dinner, and now it is leftover for the Man! So I warmed up some, but it needed a little sumpen sumpen... hmmm... oh yes Tony Chachere!!!!!! Ahhh sooooooo tasty. (Editors note: Marriage to the Maine has brought many lovely things into my life. One of them definitely has to be Chachere! Sooooo tasty, spicy and salty goodness. Spruces everything right up... Pizza... casserole... mac and cheese... anything) Soooo good. However, when I was done, there was still a hunger in the gullet. What to fix it with.... hmmm... Then I eyeball the kaiser rolls on the counter. Hmmm... What goes with kaiser rolls? Yes!!!! Peanut Butter!!!! ahh the perfect companion meal. (Editors note: Hmmm.. I wonder what Chachere would do to PB.... hmmm maybe another night!)
Then it was collapsing on the couch and watching TV. Probably going to bed soon...
Ahh the life of a bachelor!
(Chicks come home soon!!!!)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Monday, August 09, 2010
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Mommy Made Me Do It!
Well, the Maine didn't like the previous background, in honor of the KP's birthday month.
So I have tried something more sublime.
Hope she ... er... um... you all.... like it!!!
So I have tried something more sublime.
Hope she ... er... um... you all.... like it!!!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Monday, August 02, 2010
Welcome to The Pizz' Birthday Month
And now we have changed the blog again....
To celebrate the Month of The Pizz!!!
To celebrate the Month of The Pizz!!!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Goodbye to Espana Month
Now that the calendar has turned to August, we have to say goodbye to the past month that was. Ahh, what a good month!
As a treat for the loyal BY Universe, we have a photo montage of the Running of the Bulls from our vantage post on 7/9/10.
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
BY's Children's Books!
So recently, the Pizz has taken up reading. Ok, so maybe she just stares at the pictures. Ok, so maybe she just glances at the pictures while trying to eat the book, and then throws it to the side.
Anyway, I have taken it upon myself to create a nighttime book for the Pizz. This has grown over the last 2 months to be incorporated into a live action book, that is now part of her nighttime activities....
Goodnight birdies.
Goodnight window. (as I close the blinds)
Goodnight trashcan that holds Kemper's turdies...
(Now we move to her bathroom... just off to the left)
Goodnight Clean Cuteness Arena (long story for another time... basically its the bathtub)
Goodnight smelly sink (this is where the cloth G-diapers get cleaned)
(Now we move to her closet... also off to the left)
Goodnight Nightlight Closet (light stays on overnight)
Goodnight Kemper's clothes
Goodnight books and toys
Goodnight shoes that protect Kemper's toes!
(Now we move into the hall)
Goodnight old building in Paris
Goodnight Hamiltoes! (who is usually sitting in the hallway)
(Now we stand in the center of the hall)
Goodnight outdoors
Goodnight foyer (pronounce foy-yea)
Goodnight skylight
Goodnight to the day!
(Still standing in the center... time for Mommy solo!)
Goodnight Mommy! (Maine peeks here head out from the kitchen, where she is usually cooking... "Goodnight!" she goes back inside...)
Goodnight Mommy! (Maine peeks here head out from the kitchen again... "Goodnight!" she goes back inside...)
Goodnight MOMMY! (Maine peeks here head out from the kitchen again... "Goodnight!" she goes back inside...)
Goodnight MOOOOMMMMMMMYYYYYY!!!!! (Maine peeks here head out from the kitchen... "Goodniiiiiiiiight!" she goes back inside...)
(We move back into Kemper's room)
Goodnight outside.
Goodnight Kemper's door. (Door closes)
Goodnight light (light goes out)
Goodnight multicolored floor.
(We proceed to the crib, where I gather her pacy and her fuzzy.)
Goodnight Kemper P
Goodnight my baby girl. (as I lay her down)
Goodnight sweetheart.
Goodnight my whole world!
(Then she goes to sleep)
Anyway, we have been going through her sizable library (thanks family and viewers), which was so neatly organized and alphabetized by the Maine (ahhhh, back to her old bag of tricks!). I have taken my part in trying to read to the Pizz. But seriously, have any of you tried reading these books? They don't make any sense. Some are completely devoid of words too... just pictures. But it really doesn't make sense. I know, that these are kid books but why does the old lady have to whisper hush? and why does she have to be a rabbit? And what is a bowl full of mush? Why do we have to have a Barnyard Dance? Dinosaurs? Dead and extinct! (Although I am a fan of the Hungry Caterpillar...)
Anyway, I have taken it upon myself to create a nighttime book for the Pizz. This has grown over the last 2 months to be incorporated into a live action book, that is now part of her nighttime activities....
I call it "Goodnight Kemper"...
(So the first scene starts in the corner of the Pizz' room, by the window, as we both look outside)
Goodnight outdoors.Goodnight birdies.
Goodnight window. (as I close the blinds)
Goodnight trashcan that holds Kemper's turdies...
(Now we move to her bathroom... just off to the left)
Goodnight Clean Cuteness Arena (long story for another time... basically its the bathtub)
Goodnight smelly sink (this is where the cloth G-diapers get cleaned)
Goodnight bathroom
Goodnight poopie stink(Now we move to her closet... also off to the left)
Goodnight Nightlight Closet (light stays on overnight)
Goodnight Kemper's clothes
Goodnight books and toys
Goodnight shoes that protect Kemper's toes!
(Now we move into the hall)
Goodnight sad pictures of Haiti. (moving to the other side of the hall...)
Goodnight PicassoGoodnight old building in Paris
Goodnight Hamiltoes! (who is usually sitting in the hallway)
(Now we stand in the center of the hall)
Goodnight outdoors
Goodnight foyer (pronounce foy-yea)
Goodnight skylight
Goodnight to the day!
(Still standing in the center... time for Mommy solo!)
Goodnight Mommy! (Maine peeks here head out from the kitchen, where she is usually cooking... "Goodnight!" she goes back inside...)
Goodnight Mommy! (Maine peeks here head out from the kitchen again... "Goodnight!" she goes back inside...)
Goodnight MOMMY! (Maine peeks here head out from the kitchen again... "Goodnight!" she goes back inside...)
Goodnight MOOOOMMMMMMMYYYYYY!!!!! (Maine peeks here head out from the kitchen... "Goodniiiiiiiiight!" she goes back inside...)
(We move back into Kemper's room)
Goodnight outside.
Goodnight Kemper's door. (Door closes)
Goodnight light (light goes out)
Goodnight multicolored floor.
(We proceed to the crib, where I gather her pacy and her fuzzy.)
Goodnight Kemper P
Goodnight my baby girl. (as I lay her down)
Goodnight sweetheart.
Goodnight my whole world!
(Then she goes to sleep)
Eat your heart out Boynton!!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Here We Go Again Being Green!
Yup, the crazy couple is doing it again!
We're renovating the Green Machine one more time. This time is more for the long haul.
On deck first, replacing all the inefficient single pane windows (circa 1966) on the upstairs.
Second, replacing all those retro nasty dirrrty skylights/bubbles!
Then, once the bids come in, some landscaping, a solar water heater, and geothermal AC.
Soon we'll add solar panels and windmills.... ok, just kidding.
All to make our home more homely...
For the Royal Cuteness!
We're renovating the Green Machine one more time. This time is more for the long haul.
On deck first, replacing all the inefficient single pane windows (circa 1966) on the upstairs.
Second, replacing all those retro nasty dirrrty skylights/bubbles!
Soon we'll add solar panels and windmills.... ok, just kidding.
All to make our home more homely...
For the Royal Cuteness!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Kemper Does Espana Deep Thoughts... Part 2: Living there!
Sorry for the delay..
Best Modes of Pizzle Transportation: well this is a tie. The backpack and the stroller both worked great and served useful purposes. The backpack allowed us to travel through the throngs of people with the Pizz. The stroller gave her comfort.
Interesting Notes on Pizzle Transportation: the populace were surprised by the Cuteness in the Backpack... By the looks of their faces, they didn't know what to make of it.
Sponsored by Maclaren: Seriously. Everywhere we looked and walked there were people with Maclaren's. All shapes and sizes. One seaters. Two seaters. One seaters with a back step for the older kid. Strollers with all-terrain wheels. Aerodynamic strollers. Strollers with sidecars (seriously!) I don't think we have ever seen more strollers in one town than ever before!
Ahhh, the Food!: Simply awesome. I mean bar after bar with yummy tapas and pinchos... ah the ham... ah the ham... ahhhh
Oh, and the Pizz's Food! When we packed for the Pizzle, we brought saches of formula and packages of premade food. However we had Ita purchase some powdered rice pudding. But in Espana, there is no simple rice puddling. They "added" several ingredients, including vanilla. Once day, I tried it myself... and almost ate the whole bowl!!!
Changing Time Zones with the Pizz: She actually did pretty well with changing times. She converted seamlessly, without cry. She was probably aided by the Spanish lifestyle.
Ahhh the Spanish lifestyle: Pure awesomeness! I mean where else is it expected to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. Businesses even follow this too! Fabulous. Also, everyone goes out and walks, taking their kids, and Maclarens, with them. Bar to bar to bar... drinking and eating... ahhh lovely.... until 10-11pm... (then the old people have to go home!)
The Sobering Knowledge of Our Advancing Age: The Maine and I couldn't do it. We simply couldn't booze it up all night. It wasn't because we were worried about the Pizzle. Nope. We just didn't have it anymore. The first day of the festival, we started drinking at noon. By 3 pm, we were drunk, tired, and hungry. We had to walk home... the walk of shame at 3pm in the afternoon... alas... The prescription for our malaise... naps! and lots of them!
Arrrgh the Spanish Lifestyle: Seems that with our advancing age, the yummy Spanish diet (rich in jamon, queso, chistorra, and chorizo) and washed down with cerveza and/or vino did some serious tap dancing on our stomachs. I have never experienced GERD as bad as those days... whew! I even had to hit Ita's stockpile of Nexium to get through! I might as well apply for my AARP card right now...
Spanish Livin' with La Pizz: well, this was pretty easy. Entrusted with a nice Maclaren, we fit right in. We pushed her all around town. On the bus. In the stroller. Morning. Afternoon. Night. La Pizz (her new Spanish rap name... or loosely translated to english: the pencil!) was all bout it bout it! Best part was cold chillin in a bar around 8pm with the parents (well, as cold chillin as you can get), with La Pizz tucked in her stroller. Nice. We were proud proud padres for this one. Especially when she subsequently fell asleep. We can take this chica anywhere!
La Fiestas con La Pizz: This one got sort of tricky sometimes. Especially on the "opening festivities" when we tried to get out of the square. It was a river of humanity. Unfortunately, La Pizz was being carried by Maine, who held up quite well. We all got separated, and somehow made it through to the other side unscathed. Whew!!! Otherwise, La Pizz just loved it. She was usually strapped to either of our backs, and just gawked at everyone, and passed out Mucha Cuteness (of course)
The Revenge of the El Diaper Rash: One of our command decisions before the trip was to go with all disposable diapers. Overall it was going to be sooooo much easier to use them, instead of the G-Diapers. Screw the Earth- we're going on vacation!!! was my motto. But realistically there was absolutely no way I was going to carry cloth diapers covered in babyboo across the pond. Somehow I don't think that would have made it through customs. Whew! Anyway, one of the unfortunate byproducts of us going "brown" was that the Pizz got a royal mother of diaper rash. I mean it really hurt me to look at it. Every diaper change I kept layering on the white goup after the shock of seeing her red bottom. There were a couple of times when we just left her bucknekkid to air out the old tushy. I was always skeptical about these G-diapers, but when La Pizz came back and started wearing cloth again.... wahlah! butt back to normal. Seriously. I'm green.
The Reason Why I Love America (Part 1): Air conditioning! Wow!!! I guess the Spaniard are used to more cooler climates, but damn people, how about ponying up for some AC!!! It got unbearably hot for a couple of days. (Which was a little tough for me to decipher.... this whole Celsius thing... They were giving numbers of 38s for couple of predictions... I couldn't remember how to convert, but I did remember that 37 is a fever and outdoor fevers cannot be good. Holy cow! There were moments when I just wanted to walk around in my TW's. Thankfully, for the sake of my wife and my parents, I decided against it. Wow!
The Reason Why I Love America (Part 2): TV! Spanish broadcast TV is horrible. Seriously. There is only like 6 channels. They don't show important sporting events (unless it's Spain). They're news is utterly ridiculous (although you could probably argue this one point to a draw). My favorite memory of Spanish TV is actually a tie: 1) the in depth reporting of Pulpo Paul and his "amazing" ability to pick the World Cup winner. Seriously. This squid has like 2 brain cells rubbing together, and all he wants to do is get a clam out of a box. He cannot tell that the box is covered in the Spanish flag. He doesn't know where Spain is. Heck he doesn't even know what a flag is! Come on! I think they might have even questioned the Prime Minister about PP too. Whew! 2) the in depth interview with the grandparents of Andres Iniesta (a soccer player for the Spanish side, who actually scored the winning goal). But this was before he scored it. It was pretty bad... 2 old ladies and a dude. (Editors note: Spaniards are a lovely people. In fact they are some of the hottest people that I have ever seen. And this is not biased by my genetic makeup.... wink... But when the ones that live in the villages age, whew! they age hard!) This was not Must See TV! I was flabbergasted that this would be on national TV. I can only imagine the press these old people had after they won!
Box Wine! I have always been enamored with the idea of wines in a box. But unfortunately, they have never lived up to par. Until now! Damn that Spanish rosea was phenomenal. Don't forget the fact that it had a high alcohol content. Woo hoo! Too bad we couldn't take it back across the pond!
Dinner attire: So La Familia went out for a nice dinner together on Friday night. The Maine and I planned ahead and brought nice clothes. I had slacks and a button down shirt and the Maine had a nice skirt. When my parents saw us they turned a quizzical look, "you're not wearing the garb." Turns out in Espana during festivals, you wear the garb all the time. Even to fancy restaurants. Everyone of my family were decked out in white, with red bandanas and sashes. Here were the two Americanos dressed in black! Damn! What can you do?
Los Primos! Awesome. I can't really say more. What a great group of people. (I mean come on, they're Yarnoz's for gosh sakes!) We really had a blast. I am sure you can see from the pics. I have been trying to think of my favorite moment from the trip, but really I can't. It was that good. Hope to repeat it soon.
Best Modes of Pizzle Transportation: well this is a tie. The backpack and the stroller both worked great and served useful purposes. The backpack allowed us to travel through the throngs of people with the Pizz. The stroller gave her comfort.
Interesting Notes on Pizzle Transportation: the populace were surprised by the Cuteness in the Backpack... By the looks of their faces, they didn't know what to make of it.
Sponsored by Maclaren: Seriously. Everywhere we looked and walked there were people with Maclaren's. All shapes and sizes. One seaters. Two seaters. One seaters with a back step for the older kid. Strollers with all-terrain wheels. Aerodynamic strollers. Strollers with sidecars (seriously!) I don't think we have ever seen more strollers in one town than ever before!
Ahhh, the Food!: Simply awesome. I mean bar after bar with yummy tapas and pinchos... ah the ham... ah the ham... ahhhh
Oh, and the Pizz's Food! When we packed for the Pizzle, we brought saches of formula and packages of premade food. However we had Ita purchase some powdered rice pudding. But in Espana, there is no simple rice puddling. They "added" several ingredients, including vanilla. Once day, I tried it myself... and almost ate the whole bowl!!!
Changing Time Zones with the Pizz: She actually did pretty well with changing times. She converted seamlessly, without cry. She was probably aided by the Spanish lifestyle.
Ahhh the Spanish lifestyle: Pure awesomeness! I mean where else is it expected to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. Businesses even follow this too! Fabulous. Also, everyone goes out and walks, taking their kids, and Maclarens, with them. Bar to bar to bar... drinking and eating... ahhh lovely.... until 10-11pm... (then the old people have to go home!)
The Sobering Knowledge of Our Advancing Age: The Maine and I couldn't do it. We simply couldn't booze it up all night. It wasn't because we were worried about the Pizzle. Nope. We just didn't have it anymore. The first day of the festival, we started drinking at noon. By 3 pm, we were drunk, tired, and hungry. We had to walk home... the walk of shame at 3pm in the afternoon... alas... The prescription for our malaise... naps! and lots of them!
Arrrgh the Spanish Lifestyle: Seems that with our advancing age, the yummy Spanish diet (rich in jamon, queso, chistorra, and chorizo) and washed down with cerveza and/or vino did some serious tap dancing on our stomachs. I have never experienced GERD as bad as those days... whew! I even had to hit Ita's stockpile of Nexium to get through! I might as well apply for my AARP card right now...
Spanish Livin' with La Pizz: well, this was pretty easy. Entrusted with a nice Maclaren, we fit right in. We pushed her all around town. On the bus. In the stroller. Morning. Afternoon. Night. La Pizz (her new Spanish rap name... or loosely translated to english: the pencil!) was all bout it bout it! Best part was cold chillin in a bar around 8pm with the parents (well, as cold chillin as you can get), with La Pizz tucked in her stroller. Nice. We were proud proud padres for this one. Especially when she subsequently fell asleep. We can take this chica anywhere!
La Fiestas con La Pizz: This one got sort of tricky sometimes. Especially on the "opening festivities" when we tried to get out of the square. It was a river of humanity. Unfortunately, La Pizz was being carried by Maine, who held up quite well. We all got separated, and somehow made it through to the other side unscathed. Whew!!! Otherwise, La Pizz just loved it. She was usually strapped to either of our backs, and just gawked at everyone, and passed out Mucha Cuteness (of course)
The Revenge of the El Diaper Rash: One of our command decisions before the trip was to go with all disposable diapers. Overall it was going to be sooooo much easier to use them, instead of the G-Diapers. Screw the Earth- we're going on vacation!!! was my motto. But realistically there was absolutely no way I was going to carry cloth diapers covered in babyboo across the pond. Somehow I don't think that would have made it through customs. Whew! Anyway, one of the unfortunate byproducts of us going "brown" was that the Pizz got a royal mother of diaper rash. I mean it really hurt me to look at it. Every diaper change I kept layering on the white goup after the shock of seeing her red bottom. There were a couple of times when we just left her bucknekkid to air out the old tushy. I was always skeptical about these G-diapers, but when La Pizz came back and started wearing cloth again.... wahlah! butt back to normal. Seriously. I'm green.
The Reason Why I Love America (Part 1): Air conditioning! Wow!!! I guess the Spaniard are used to more cooler climates, but damn people, how about ponying up for some AC!!! It got unbearably hot for a couple of days. (Which was a little tough for me to decipher.... this whole Celsius thing... They were giving numbers of 38s for couple of predictions... I couldn't remember how to convert, but I did remember that 37 is a fever and outdoor fevers cannot be good. Holy cow! There were moments when I just wanted to walk around in my TW's. Thankfully, for the sake of my wife and my parents, I decided against it. Wow!
The Reason Why I Love America (Part 2): TV! Spanish broadcast TV is horrible. Seriously. There is only like 6 channels. They don't show important sporting events (unless it's Spain). They're news is utterly ridiculous (although you could probably argue this one point to a draw). My favorite memory of Spanish TV is actually a tie: 1) the in depth reporting of Pulpo Paul and his "amazing" ability to pick the World Cup winner. Seriously. This squid has like 2 brain cells rubbing together, and all he wants to do is get a clam out of a box. He cannot tell that the box is covered in the Spanish flag. He doesn't know where Spain is. Heck he doesn't even know what a flag is! Come on! I think they might have even questioned the Prime Minister about PP too. Whew! 2) the in depth interview with the grandparents of Andres Iniesta (a soccer player for the Spanish side, who actually scored the winning goal). But this was before he scored it. It was pretty bad... 2 old ladies and a dude. (Editors note: Spaniards are a lovely people. In fact they are some of the hottest people that I have ever seen. And this is not biased by my genetic makeup.... wink... But when the ones that live in the villages age, whew! they age hard!) This was not Must See TV! I was flabbergasted that this would be on national TV. I can only imagine the press these old people had after they won!
Box Wine! I have always been enamored with the idea of wines in a box. But unfortunately, they have never lived up to par. Until now! Damn that Spanish rosea was phenomenal. Don't forget the fact that it had a high alcohol content. Woo hoo! Too bad we couldn't take it back across the pond!
Dinner attire: So La Familia went out for a nice dinner together on Friday night. The Maine and I planned ahead and brought nice clothes. I had slacks and a button down shirt and the Maine had a nice skirt. When my parents saw us they turned a quizzical look, "you're not wearing the garb." Turns out in Espana during festivals, you wear the garb all the time. Even to fancy restaurants. Everyone of my family were decked out in white, with red bandanas and sashes. Here were the two Americanos dressed in black! Damn! What can you do?
Los Primos! Awesome. I can't really say more. What a great group of people. (I mean come on, they're Yarnoz's for gosh sakes!) We really had a blast. I am sure you can see from the pics. I have been trying to think of my favorite moment from the trip, but really I can't. It was that good. Hope to repeat it soon.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Happy Birthday to Me!
Well, now I'm not the 'young stud' in the household... nor the 'kept man'... I am unfortunately the same age as my lovely wife.
Alas.
So what does it mean to be another year older? with especially so much change in the last year?
Well, it's great. I got to spend the evening with my lovely chicks! We did a Family Andar around the neighborhood. Then I fed the Pizz and got her ready for bed!
But, not before, we ... went ... STREAKING!!! (ok, well, maybe not me, just the Pizz) It's soooo much fun.... essentially running around the house with a naked baby, and then mooning everyone... the Maine, the squirrels, Ham, the outdoors... Classic. The Pizz loves it!!!
Now it is time for the old geezers to hit the sack!
Good night Blog!
Alas.
So what does it mean to be another year older? with especially so much change in the last year?
Well, it's great. I got to spend the evening with my lovely chicks! We did a Family Andar around the neighborhood. Then I fed the Pizz and got her ready for bed!
But, not before, we ... went ... STREAKING!!! (ok, well, maybe not me, just the Pizz) It's soooo much fun.... essentially running around the house with a naked baby, and then mooning everyone... the Maine, the squirrels, Ham, the outdoors... Classic. The Pizz loves it!!!
Now it is time for the old geezers to hit the sack!
Good night Blog!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Apple is geared towards Multimedia....
My butt..
For the last 4 days I have been trying to get the Maine's MacBook to spit out a Montage of all our photos. I used it, rather then the lowly Windows Vista, because of the thought that it was better and easier for this stuff..
Phooey
Damned thing is tough to produce. It's like trying to use Chinese. And then it spits out this mega-file that either 1) doesn't work or 2) can't get uploaded to the BY Universe.
Alas.... Will switch back to Windows.
Probably won't have anything cool until this weekend. Sorry.
For the last 4 days I have been trying to get the Maine's MacBook to spit out a Montage of all our photos. I used it, rather then the lowly Windows Vista, because of the thought that it was better and easier for this stuff..
Phooey
Damned thing is tough to produce. It's like trying to use Chinese. And then it spits out this mega-file that either 1) doesn't work or 2) can't get uploaded to the BY Universe.
Alas.... Will switch back to Windows.
Probably won't have anything cool until this weekend. Sorry.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Kemper Does Espana Deep Thoughts... (Part 1: Flying There)
Here are some very random musings from the Editor...
(Editor's Note: This was going to be for the whole trip, but as you probably will be able to tell, got pretty long. So know it will be split up into different segments... Enjoy)
Best Part of Flight There: KP slept for most of it. (the portable crib under the airplane seat was huge!)
Worst Part of the Flight There: Maine and I did not. (not much leg room for the padres!)
Problems Flying with the Pizz: none
Scariest Moment of the Flight Over: when the airline attendant at the gate in Atlanta asked for our "Infant Ticket"... er... what Infant Ticket? She's on our laps. Turns out there is some international law that requires all passengers to be ticketed when flying international. So after about 30minutes of severe frustration and GERD production (I mean its the trip or the Pizz type discussions), we had to fork over an additional $300 for a seat on the Maine's lap. (So now we all know how much she is worth... hee hee)
Best Changing KP in the Airplane Story: unfortunately nothing bad happened to me. The Maine and I took alternating turns with the "hot potato." It is a little cramped in there. There is a high degree of anxiety, as well as dexterity involved at changing the Pizz at 30000ft. At one point, I had 1 hand holding down a squirming Pizz, with the other fumbling around for wet wipes, while pressing my chest/abdomen against the portable table, with my foot against the wall for balance. Fortunately no one was hurt in the experience. The Maine, however, did get the "hot potato" dropped a couple of times with a golden shower to wash it all down!
Problems with Passport Control: The fact that they only looked at our passports for about 10seconds total (for all 3) was very, very disturbing. First of all, I was nervous that they wouldn't think that the Pizz was ours. Second, I was trying to act all suave, to mirror my GlamorShot photo. All for naught! The damned guard didn't care for a second! He was more interested in the slender Turkish female in the line to the right! Sheesh! I almost wanted to go back through the line...
Problems with checking in: European airports are totally different from American ones. There is no respect for lines, at all. It is more of a suggestion. Also, there are different lines for different things (that could all be reasonably done in 1 line). Case in point: to check in to the Pamplona flight, we had to go to the Internet Kiosk to do it. Ok, no problem. This looks familiar. Now there are about 20 kiosks to check in to, but on 2 have a line. Interesting. So the Maine and I, being all too much about speed, try one of the free ones. Broke. Another free one... broken too. Seriously!?!?! So now, we wait to get to the kiosk and check in, and we have to check our bag. It spits out the baggage tag, and shows you how to apply. I follow the directions, and did so accordingly. Then we try to figure out where to drop the bag off. This is another line, which is essentially 4 times as long as the first. In this line, I see everyone else holding their tags. Hmmm. Did they not follow the directions? Then we finally meander up to a station, and essentially re-check ourselves in. Seriously?!?!? I mean, is this from the Department of Redundancy Department or what? No wonder you guys lost the "New World"...
Spanish People Come in All Shapes and Sizes: There are no better places to watch people then at airports. Man this was interesting. This though, however, comes directly from the one before it. The problem with meandering airport lines is that you can wind up seeing the same people over and over again, with a small delay in between. When first started our line, I was just glancing around and saw an middle-aged woman wearing a low cut tanktop. This is where the excitement ended. The tanktop had such a plunging neck line, that I swear I could have seen her belly button if I had not turned away from the hideousness of it all. She had no top-shelf support what-so-ever, and was in dire need of some. These fun bags looked like they lost their fun about 2 decades ago. They almost drooped more then some elements of Dali's paintings. It was with this severe shock and horror (which I do not feel that I justly portrayed), I turned away. I instantly made eye-contact with the Maine, and knew instantaneously that she had seen it too. It took about 10 minutes for this image to become unburned from my retinas, when the line meandered around and I saw her again!
Airport Hunger: Sometimes you are so hungry, you have only the option in front of you. Turns out, our only option in front of us was McDonalds. Go figure! We come over to this lovely country to eat amazing food and drink tasty wine, only to be ordering a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Fries and a Coca Light with our first meal. I couldn't have felt more prouder about myself.
Best Item on McDonalds Menu: Beer, on draught! Too bad this hasn't transferred back across the pond.
Best Feature of the New Terminal at Madrid's Airport: A free baby nursery! Man this place was sweet. Play room. Cribs. Changing tables. Tub to wash. Absolutely amazing. Perfect for travelling with the Pizz.
Worst Part about this Baby Nursery: We found this place 4 hours into our 5 hour layover. Also after trying to bath the Pizz in a Family Bathroom... with a small European sink, some toilet paper, and a hand-blower/dryer thingie. Damn, we spent more time cleaning up that bathroom then cleaning the Pizz.
Airline Safety: Interestingly, the Spanish airline seemed much more concerned when flying with an infant in arms, then we do in the US. They saw the baby when we sat down, and immediately came over with an infant life vest and an infant seat belt. By this point, I was exhausted and thought they were gifts. When the stewardess asked if I knew how to use them, my quizzical look gave us away. Then she showed us how to buckle the Pizz into the Maine's lap. (which we also had to pay for, but known more in advance...)
KP's Abilities to Pass Out Cuteness: Man, this girl has got it going. She was on her game the whole time. Smiling and pointing to everyone everywhere. She was on her game!
Welcome to Pamplona International Airport: I get a huge kick out of this one. This place is essentially a glorified bus terminal with 2 "gates", 2 "airport screeners", a large tarmac, and 1 runway. There are usually only 6 flights a day, about 2-3 to Barcelona and the rest to Madrid. I still can't figure out how it is called International. Sketchy!
(Editor's Note: This was going to be for the whole trip, but as you probably will be able to tell, got pretty long. So know it will be split up into different segments... Enjoy)
Best Part of Flight There: KP slept for most of it. (the portable crib under the airplane seat was huge!)
Worst Part of the Flight There: Maine and I did not. (not much leg room for the padres!)
Problems Flying with the Pizz: none
Scariest Moment of the Flight Over: when the airline attendant at the gate in Atlanta asked for our "Infant Ticket"... er... what Infant Ticket? She's on our laps. Turns out there is some international law that requires all passengers to be ticketed when flying international. So after about 30minutes of severe frustration and GERD production (I mean its the trip or the Pizz type discussions), we had to fork over an additional $300 for a seat on the Maine's lap. (So now we all know how much she is worth... hee hee)
Best Changing KP in the Airplane Story: unfortunately nothing bad happened to me. The Maine and I took alternating turns with the "hot potato." It is a little cramped in there. There is a high degree of anxiety, as well as dexterity involved at changing the Pizz at 30000ft. At one point, I had 1 hand holding down a squirming Pizz, with the other fumbling around for wet wipes, while pressing my chest/abdomen against the portable table, with my foot against the wall for balance. Fortunately no one was hurt in the experience. The Maine, however, did get the "hot potato" dropped a couple of times with a golden shower to wash it all down!
Problems with Passport Control: The fact that they only looked at our passports for about 10seconds total (for all 3) was very, very disturbing. First of all, I was nervous that they wouldn't think that the Pizz was ours. Second, I was trying to act all suave, to mirror my GlamorShot photo. All for naught! The damned guard didn't care for a second! He was more interested in the slender Turkish female in the line to the right! Sheesh! I almost wanted to go back through the line...
Problems with checking in: European airports are totally different from American ones. There is no respect for lines, at all. It is more of a suggestion. Also, there are different lines for different things (that could all be reasonably done in 1 line). Case in point: to check in to the Pamplona flight, we had to go to the Internet Kiosk to do it. Ok, no problem. This looks familiar. Now there are about 20 kiosks to check in to, but on 2 have a line. Interesting. So the Maine and I, being all too much about speed, try one of the free ones. Broke. Another free one... broken too. Seriously!?!?! So now, we wait to get to the kiosk and check in, and we have to check our bag. It spits out the baggage tag, and shows you how to apply. I follow the directions, and did so accordingly. Then we try to figure out where to drop the bag off. This is another line, which is essentially 4 times as long as the first. In this line, I see everyone else holding their tags. Hmmm. Did they not follow the directions? Then we finally meander up to a station, and essentially re-check ourselves in. Seriously?!?!? I mean, is this from the Department of Redundancy Department or what? No wonder you guys lost the "New World"...
Spanish People Come in All Shapes and Sizes: There are no better places to watch people then at airports. Man this was interesting. This though, however, comes directly from the one before it. The problem with meandering airport lines is that you can wind up seeing the same people over and over again, with a small delay in between. When first started our line, I was just glancing around and saw an middle-aged woman wearing a low cut tanktop. This is where the excitement ended. The tanktop had such a plunging neck line, that I swear I could have seen her belly button if I had not turned away from the hideousness of it all. She had no top-shelf support what-so-ever, and was in dire need of some. These fun bags looked like they lost their fun about 2 decades ago. They almost drooped more then some elements of Dali's paintings. It was with this severe shock and horror (which I do not feel that I justly portrayed), I turned away. I instantly made eye-contact with the Maine, and knew instantaneously that she had seen it too. It took about 10 minutes for this image to become unburned from my retinas, when the line meandered around and I saw her again!
Airport Hunger: Sometimes you are so hungry, you have only the option in front of you. Turns out, our only option in front of us was McDonalds. Go figure! We come over to this lovely country to eat amazing food and drink tasty wine, only to be ordering a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Fries and a Coca Light with our first meal. I couldn't have felt more prouder about myself.
Best Item on McDonalds Menu: Beer, on draught! Too bad this hasn't transferred back across the pond.
Best Feature of the New Terminal at Madrid's Airport: A free baby nursery! Man this place was sweet. Play room. Cribs. Changing tables. Tub to wash. Absolutely amazing. Perfect for travelling with the Pizz.
Worst Part about this Baby Nursery: We found this place 4 hours into our 5 hour layover. Also after trying to bath the Pizz in a Family Bathroom... with a small European sink, some toilet paper, and a hand-blower/dryer thingie. Damn, we spent more time cleaning up that bathroom then cleaning the Pizz.
Airline Safety: Interestingly, the Spanish airline seemed much more concerned when flying with an infant in arms, then we do in the US. They saw the baby when we sat down, and immediately came over with an infant life vest and an infant seat belt. By this point, I was exhausted and thought they were gifts. When the stewardess asked if I knew how to use them, my quizzical look gave us away. Then she showed us how to buckle the Pizz into the Maine's lap. (which we also had to pay for, but known more in advance...)
KP's Abilities to Pass Out Cuteness: Man, this girl has got it going. She was on her game the whole time. Smiling and pointing to everyone everywhere. She was on her game!
Welcome to Pamplona International Airport: I get a huge kick out of this one. This place is essentially a glorified bus terminal with 2 "gates", 2 "airport screeners", a large tarmac, and 1 runway. There are usually only 6 flights a day, about 2-3 to Barcelona and the rest to Madrid. I still can't figure out how it is called International. Sketchy!
Pobre de P
With our successful return to NC, we have completed our wonderful "Kemper Does Espana!" tour.
Over the next couple of days, as we still decompress and let our GERD resolve, we will have many a postings with pics, and other special effects...
Unfortunately Espana doesn't believe in the free Wifi concept, so many of our things couldn't be uploaded. Stay Tuned!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Spanish hosts (Ita and Wowo) as well as our wonderful cousins for their amazing hospitality.
Over the next couple of days, as we still decompress and let our GERD resolve, we will have many a postings with pics, and other special effects...
Unfortunately Espana doesn't believe in the free Wifi concept, so many of our things couldn't be uploaded. Stay Tuned!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Spanish hosts (Ita and Wowo) as well as our wonderful cousins for their amazing hospitality.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Viva San Fermin! Viva Espana!!!
So, Maine and I have just returned from watching the riveting Germany-Espana match. Viva Espana!
So we moved to Bar #2... much more cooler ambiance and cooler peeps. And, of course, a Spanish GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLL!
And thus the Red Fury moves on to the Finals! (too bad we won't be here for it... or will we????)
Anyway, the trip is going swimmingly. The Maine and I are boozin it up! (A separate post later....). The Pizz is doing her International Tour of Cuteness to full effect!
We attempted to watch the first half in a local bar... turns out so did 3 old Spanish men and a family. The old Spanish men thought that had some vocal skillz... in fact, I think they thought that they were the 3 Tenors... Too bad they weren't. Maine and I weren't feelin the love.
So we moved to Bar #2... much more cooler ambiance and cooler peeps. And, of course, a Spanish GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLL!
And thus the Red Fury moves on to the Finals! (too bad we won't be here for it... or will we????)
Anyway, the trip is going swimmingly. The Maine and I are boozin it up! (A separate post later....). The Pizz is doing her International Tour of Cuteness to full effect! We are in full Spanish mode now. We even have added to the Total Cuteness Accessories
Here she is, passing out Cuteness to a country near you!
p.s. Song of the Trip so far: "Pocket Calculator" by Kraftwerk...
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Just another day in Spanish paradise!
Ahhh.
So what's it like. Yesterday evening, we cruised through the streets of Old Pamplona.
There were many a Spaniards out and about! (Editors note: it seems that Maclauren has taken over Europe. Everywhere we looked there was a Maclauren stroller. One of every different type and style. Some were cruisers. Some had extra stands for the "segundo hijo". There were even ones with side cars!) La Pizz loved her new cruiser. It was like TV, watching all the people pass her by, with some A/C.
Then we met up with the primos, and did what Yarnoz' do best... drink.
We then adjourned to Mercedes house (which turned out to be essentially what we, ourselves, would have if we lived in Espana) to watch the partido!
After the wonderful victory, we adjourned for the evening.... however, at 11:30 in the evening, the buses were not running.
So the new familia Yarnoz decided to walk all the way home (with La Pizz asleep the whole way!). (seems if you give the Maine a map and some directions, she can do anything... and feels independent too!
Today, after a long dormir, we cruised up to la Costa, to San Sebastian to visit Bego and Carlos. They had a wonderful feast prepared for us... yummy paella!
So we ate, and drank, and talked, and made fun of Daddy!
It was a great day!
There were many a Spaniards out and about! (Editors note: it seems that Maclauren has taken over Europe. Everywhere we looked there was a Maclauren stroller. One of every different type and style. Some were cruisers. Some had extra stands for the "segundo hijo". There were even ones with side cars!) La Pizz loved her new cruiser. It was like TV, watching all the people pass her by, with some A/C.
We then adjourned to Mercedes house (which turned out to be essentially what we, ourselves, would have if we lived in Espana) to watch the partido!
After the wonderful victory, we adjourned for the evening.... however, at 11:30 in the evening, the buses were not running.
So the new familia Yarnoz decided to walk all the way home (with La Pizz asleep the whole way!). (seems if you give the Maine a map and some directions, she can do anything... and feels independent too!
Today, after a long dormir, we cruised up to la Costa, to San Sebastian to visit Bego and Carlos. They had a wonderful feast prepared for us... yummy paella!It was a great day!
Say Queso!
Hangin' Out with the Primos!
During the game last night!!! (obviously not watching the Spanish triumph!)
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Drinking the Spanish Sauce!!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
We're here...
Whew. The pizz was a trooper; slept the whole way. Now time to pass out cuteness... But too tired now to be coherent.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
Friday, July 02, 2010
We're Here!!!
Oh and how has the jamon, wine and cheese flowed!!!
Whew! What a 24h!!! Maine is not trying to put the Pizz down for the night. She was an absolute trooper the whole time, only now melting down, most likely from a lack of legitimate sleep.
It definitely had its moments of fun, downtime and horror. But we're here!
I'll be updating the thoughts on the trip later....
Whew! What a 24h!!! Maine is not trying to put the Pizz down for the night. She was an absolute trooper the whole time, only now melting down, most likely from a lack of legitimate sleep.
It definitely had its moments of fun, downtime and horror. But we're here!
I'll be updating the thoughts on the trip later....
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Maine has Completed Her First Packing Run!
Whew!!! Glad we got that one all wrapped up.
I was about the worry for a second.... Maybe being a new mother had robbed her of her prior superpowers. But, as she has proven so many times before, I was wrong.
It all started this evening, as I was polishing off a nice tall Scotch (seems Daddy has had a rough week, and cannot wait until vacation). After dinner, we adjourn to the bedroom... careful!... where the Maine has the suitcase all flambay-ed open.
And a packin we well go. It was slow going at first. Seems the Pizz has more clothes then both of us combined. But the Maine was trying to keep us all in 1 suitcase (chew on that one for a little bit). It looked rough for a moment. My clothes were starting to pile up. Somehow, the Maine got all of hers into 1 2x2 foot packing sack. Wow! Then she was feverishly trying to arrange my stuff. It didn't look like we'd fit.
"Maine?" I ask "Why don't we take another suitcase too? We can easily make do with the 'Little Boy' as well?" (Editors note: we have a dual suitcase set, which we have accrued over time. One is called the "Fat Man" and the "Little Boy"... or maybe it was "Big Boy and Little Boy". Anyway, one is obviously bigger than the other... ok!)
"What do you mean?" she says with a sly smile... "This is the Little Boy!!!"
"What!?!??!" I went apoplectic. "Are you telling me that I have to cut back on my european wardrobe, so that you can placate your inner packing demon?"
One look said enough. And, deep down, it just made her want to pack and organize some more. She turned and focused on the Little Boy. I became very very quiet.
So now, after 30 minutes, the Travelers Yarnoz are cruising overseas in one suitcase, the Little Boy, with some extra space for goodies!!!
You know what they say, never mess with a woman who's packin!!!
I was about the worry for a second.... Maybe being a new mother had robbed her of her prior superpowers. But, as she has proven so many times before, I was wrong.
It all started this evening, as I was polishing off a nice tall Scotch (seems Daddy has had a rough week, and cannot wait until vacation). After dinner, we adjourn to the bedroom... careful!... where the Maine has the suitcase all flambay-ed open.
And a packin we well go. It was slow going at first. Seems the Pizz has more clothes then both of us combined. But the Maine was trying to keep us all in 1 suitcase (chew on that one for a little bit). It looked rough for a moment. My clothes were starting to pile up. Somehow, the Maine got all of hers into 1 2x2 foot packing sack. Wow! Then she was feverishly trying to arrange my stuff. It didn't look like we'd fit.
"Maine?" I ask "Why don't we take another suitcase too? We can easily make do with the 'Little Boy' as well?" (Editors note: we have a dual suitcase set, which we have accrued over time. One is called the "Fat Man" and the "Little Boy"... or maybe it was "Big Boy and Little Boy". Anyway, one is obviously bigger than the other... ok!)
"What do you mean?" she says with a sly smile... "This is the Little Boy!!!"
"What!?!??!" I went apoplectic. "Are you telling me that I have to cut back on my european wardrobe, so that you can placate your inner packing demon?"
One look said enough. And, deep down, it just made her want to pack and organize some more. She turned and focused on the Little Boy. I became very very quiet.
So now, after 30 minutes, the Travelers Yarnoz are cruising overseas in one suitcase, the Little Boy, with some extra space for goodies!!!
You know what they say, never mess with a woman who's packin!!!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Countdown Begins!
In honor of the First Inaugural BY Universe Family Vacation (aka Kemper Does Espana!), we have totally updated the looked and feel of BabyYarnoz.
Let us begin...!!!
As of this time next Friday, the BY Universe will become extremely mobile and cross the pond to the Motherland!
Hopefully the International Passport of Cuteness will work!
The background is changed to incorporate some theme from the vacation... "the bullring". Hopefully this will be the beginning of a wonderful 10days for the BY Universe. Also, hopefully, you will all be along for the ride too (computers and wifi permitting)
This past week has been a little rough on the Editor, and sorry for not updating the Universe... But hopefully each day leading up to the Takeoff will get us fired up!
"Hey Bull, I've got horns too!"
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Fortress of Kemper-tude: The Extreme Makeover Edition
Well, this past weekend as another episode of Daddy Daycare!
So Saturday AM, I set about making the Fortress for another lovely day of watching the Pizz giggle. So it's all set up, and I bring in the Pizz into her lair and set her down. 2 seconds into her sitting... "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!" Nothing doing!
Eureka! My mind went wild, thinking of plans and turrets and "windows" for the Pizz! I could barely fall asleep, thinking of all the different possibilities!
Then this morning arrived. The Maine and I got up and "blew up" the old plans of the Fortress. We expanded! I found a suitable piece of cardboard to make a "window". Then we brought in the Pizz. She loooooved it!
So Saturday AM, I set about making the Fortress for another lovely day of watching the Pizz giggle. So it's all set up, and I bring in the Pizz into her lair and set her down. 2 seconds into her sitting... "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!" Nothing doing!
Seems the Pizz, with her new found mobility, doesn't want to be put in mini fortress anymore. (Nobody puts Pizz in a corner!!!!) She wants to be free!!! Unfortunately, this meant that the rest of my Saturday was spent walking/crawling/chasing the Pizz around our house (and simultaneously placing plug covers in attractive spots!) I barely was able to watch soccer.
So Saturday night, I was exhausted. I tell the Maine that I was beat, and cannot take another day of that! Then, in her infinite wisdom, says "maybe we should just expand the Fortress! Give her more space"
Eureka! My mind went wild, thinking of plans and turrets and "windows" for the Pizz! I could barely fall asleep, thinking of all the different possibilities!
Then this morning arrived. The Maine and I got up and "blew up" the old plans of the Fortress. We expanded! I found a suitable piece of cardboard to make a "window". Then we brought in the Pizz. She loooooved it!It was awesome! She crawled over to every designated "room" in her new Fortress. She stayed in it almost the whole day (except for naps in her crib, and the obligatory run to the kitchen for Daddy food!)
When Maine came home, she found the Pizz happy and content!
If only the rest of parenting would be this easy!!!
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Sunday, June 06, 2010
A Road-Trippin' With the Pizz Weekend
This past weekend one of my former college roommates got married in Durham. Since we had to go and were only 2 hours away, we felt this was an awesome opportunity to take the Pizzle on a road trip! See the sights, catch up with old friends!
So Saturday AM (after my Friday night on call), the Maine, the Pizz, and I set out, hybrid-style, for Durham. We were on a short time leash (due to the Noon wedding, and the Duke Chapel's strict timing requirements that called for us to be seated by 11:30.
So we blazed up (well as fast a the little hybrid could blaze... maybe more like a hum..) to Durham, and got to Karen's house at 10am. (Karen is a former roommate of the Maine's and one of the few who actually knew the two of us during our Duke years... simultaneously!... long story...) We caught up, and Karen was wonderful enough to watch the Pizz so the Maine and I could go to the ceremony.
We made it to the Chapel, and got there just in time. Sat down at watched the lovely ceremony. Seemed it was over before I knew (it was definitely a lot shorter that what I remembered from my wedding day). Then it was time to ski-daddle from the Chapel (you know, they had another 2 weddings that day! what a factory of God!)
We went back to Karen's to ready the Pizz. You see we couldn't come all this way for a wedding, and not try to pass around some Total Cuteness Package to all the attendees... could we? So we gussied up the Pizz and then, trucked out hybrid-style to the reception. (Side note: the groom, Charn, a Duke graduate, married a UNC graduate... and to make amends for the Duke Chapel nuptials, had the ceremony at the Carolina Inn.)
We drove through the UNC campus, and finally made it to the reception. I am surprised the hybrid's wheels didn't melt off, being in he(( and all! (Side note: Seems the Maine is not enamoured with my language recently. Seems I, the Editor, have a pretty foul mouth, and she does not want the Pizz to utter sh!^ or fu$%er as her first words. Seems she wants me to "tone it down some" So I'm trying...)
Then the lovely reception... and the Pizz, I think tired by the long day's travelling, didn't bring her full total cuteness A-game... But she did try.
But then, alas, the reception was over. But there was an after-party. (You know what they say about after-parties!!!) Unfortunately, the Pizzle was tuckered out, so the Maine graciously whisked her away, so I could partake in the after partizay! So my other former roommate (The Wu), his wife, and I made off for the after-party. And the merriment continued. Much laughter was spent going back down memory lane. But it, unfortunately, had to come to an end. The Maine then met us halfway (in a Walgreen's parking lot!!!) to pick up her lush husband and take him home. 
Can you say "Proud Graduate of the Class of 2030"???
So Saturday AM (after my Friday night on call), the Maine, the Pizz, and I set out, hybrid-style, for Durham. We were on a short time leash (due to the Noon wedding, and the Duke Chapel's strict timing requirements that called for us to be seated by 11:30.
So we blazed up (well as fast a the little hybrid could blaze... maybe more like a hum..) to Durham, and got to Karen's house at 10am. (Karen is a former roommate of the Maine's and one of the few who actually knew the two of us during our Duke years... simultaneously!... long story...) We caught up, and Karen was wonderful enough to watch the Pizz so the Maine and I could go to the ceremony.
We made it to the Chapel, and got there just in time. Sat down at watched the lovely ceremony. Seemed it was over before I knew (it was definitely a lot shorter that what I remembered from my wedding day). Then it was time to ski-daddle from the Chapel (you know, they had another 2 weddings that day! what a factory of God!)
We went back to Karen's to ready the Pizz. You see we couldn't come all this way for a wedding, and not try to pass around some Total Cuteness Package to all the attendees... could we? So we gussied up the Pizz and then, trucked out hybrid-style to the reception. (Side note: the groom, Charn, a Duke graduate, married a UNC graduate... and to make amends for the Duke Chapel nuptials, had the ceremony at the Carolina Inn.)
We drove through the UNC campus, and finally made it to the reception. I am surprised the hybrid's wheels didn't melt off, being in he(( and all! (Side note: Seems the Maine is not enamoured with my language recently. Seems I, the Editor, have a pretty foul mouth, and she does not want the Pizz to utter sh!^ or fu$%er as her first words. Seems she wants me to "tone it down some" So I'm trying...)
Then the lovely reception... and the Pizz, I think tired by the long day's travelling, didn't bring her full total cuteness A-game... But she did try.
We were able to snap a few Total Cuteness Moments!
But then, alas, the reception was over. But there was an after-party. (You know what they say about after-parties!!!) Unfortunately, the Pizzle was tuckered out, so the Maine graciously whisked her away, so I could partake in the after partizay! So my other former roommate (The Wu), his wife, and I made off for the after-party. And the merriment continued. Much laughter was spent going back down memory lane. But it, unfortunately, had to come to an end. The Maine then met us halfway (in a Walgreen's parking lot!!!) to pick up her lush husband and take him home.
Ahh, what a day!
Today started off ok, but then the Pizzle was just not herself. Not operating at 100% cuteness. So we had to leave early from Karen and Neal's. (A big shout out from the BY Universe for allowing us to crash in your casa!)
As we started our drive back to W-town, we though fondly of the Chapel. It would be a shame to get this close, and not take Total Cuteness Pics of the Pizz and her future college. Yes, it would. But she's pretty fussy. At this point, she let out a little giggle (very subtle and quiet, and if it was recorded probably could have been a cough). The Maine and I looked at each other... we knew! I turned the hybrid around, screeching and burning hybrid-rubber, and made off for Duke!
And the Cuteness was brought face to face with her future education (and I to the realization of the half-a-million $$$ pricetag!)
Can you say "Proud Graduate of the Class of 2030"???
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