Once in a Lifetime

Man, those were the good old days. This is just a little shout-out to all of you people who, like me, were watching MTV when they actually played music videos. Awesome.

That's how she rolls.

My sister just sent me this photo, from her recent trip to Italy

Need I say more?

LOL!

The Shallowest Poll On Earth

Okay. Every time I finally get my hair grown out to a point where it can reasonably be called long hair, I start to get the itch to cut it off again. I need help handling the siren song of the salon, and I'm due for a haircut. You can help me decide if it will just be a trim, or if it's time for a fresh 'do.

When it gets long, I start to feel as if it's sort of just hanging there, and I start pining away for layers and bobs and (Egads! Never again!) bangs. Here are a couple of examples of "before and after" pics (courtesy of Oprah) that might demonstrate what I mean. Keep in mind, I have almost no time for actually styling my hair, so it would probably never look quite this good. Right now I'm feeling like a "before."

http://www.oprah.com/beauty/hair/slide/20071102/haircut_010.jhtml

http://www.oprah.com/beauty/hair/slide/20071102/haircut_030.jhtml

So what do you think? Do either of these haircuts scream "Jen!" to you? Should I just leave well enough alone and enjoy my long, feminine, and hard-earned locks? Please post your opinion!

P.S. The links above are from Oprah's "Great American Haircut" show--and there are a hundred of these hair makeover before-and-after pairings for your browsing pleasure. It's a great resource if you, too, are shopping for a new hairstyle. And by the way, I ADORE before-and-after photos.

Toothy

IMG_1280
Originally uploaded by knights_writes

Arlo's first dental check-up was on Monday. I took him to see Ann Connors, who also cares for my teeth and Ted's. Here's Arlo with the hygienist, learning all about what was going to happen in his mouth. He sat like this--ankles crossed, hands folded in his lap--through the whole appointment, and behaved like an angel. In fact, I think he actually had fun!

He drew the line, though, at having his teeth polished. He let Averi brush, floss, count, and poke his teeth--but the vibration of the little rubber polisher tip was just too much, and he said "No, thank you. I don't like that."

And yes, his snow boots are on the wrong feet. Believe me, I tried to get him to switch them around but he was determined to be in charge of his boots, and I relented. As long as those feet stay warm and dry, I guess it doesn't matter.

More photos of the appointment can be seen on my flickr page, naturally.

Can I get an "Amen?"

I stumbled upon what appears to be yet another cool parenting blog that I am just exploring a bit today. Here's a sample:

http://www.parentdish.com/2008/01/18/size-six-things-i-wont-miss-about-newborns/

I am already sentimental about Mae's tiniest days, and just remarked to Ted last night that I realized that she is already about one-third of the way through her baby year, and how that seemed like it went by awfully fast.

However, like this blogger, I am so grateful for the diminishing hours of screaming and for the reassuring reality that my baby now smiles a lot, and giggles, and can be reasonably content when left to squirm around on the floor or sit in the exersaucer by herself for a handful of minutes at a time. Mae has become a happy little baby, and it's so nice now to see that she is actually enjoying life.

As precious as those tiny days are, I am glad they're over. Now if we can just get Mae to sleep through the night...

One other thing I am looking forward to as Mae grows:

Hair. To be more precise, pigtails. I have already been holding on to this knitting pattern for almost two years, and as God is my witness I will knit this for Mae as soon as she has enough hair to make pigtails. Looks like I'll have plenty of time before that day comes.

Funniest Thing Heard at Work Today

Today during a particularly enjoyable discussion about politics, Betsy called the other side "the Repuglicans."

Even my conservative mom and dad have to appreciate that clever turn of phrase, dontcha think? Aw, come on, it's just a little good-natured ribbing...

Room 19

Room 19
Originally uploaded by knights_writes

Well, I said I would post photos from the caucus, so here they be. You can click on through to my flickr page using the link on the right side of the page.

As for the commentary, I think that story has been told. Huge crowd, some initial (and by initial I mean the first hour of the caucus) confusion, and a whole lot of standing around.

In the end, I was proud to be a part of the Iowa Caucuses--a first time for me. And even as I remained steadfast in my support for John Edwards, I watched the Obama group from afar and sort of wished I was a part of it.

I think better times are coming for America. I am hoping and praying that it is true, for the sake of my children, and for the sake of this poor, old, tired world we inhabit.

NOT a Creature in a Sci-Fi Movie

Galactagogue: an agent that promotes the secretion of milk.

So, NOT this:

but THIS:

And with that, I hereby establish the new "Learn Something New Every Day" category.

Just a Thought

First, let me preface this by saying that I attended the Democratic caucus last night, and that I hope to post comments (and photos) about that later.

Right now, though, I just want to share a thought.

If I was going to write a novel about a political campaign--or really, a novel about just about anything, I don't think I could come up with better hero/villain names than Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney. "Mike Huckabee" sounds like he'd be a humble, good-natured, boy-next-door type who'd do just about anything to help a friend. "Mitt Romney" sounds sinister, like a name you'd give that creep who wouldn't stop his car for the mama duck and her ducklings crossing the road.

In reality, I find them both scary. But still.

Separated at Birth?

This has been bothering me for a while. Is it just me, or does it seem like these three are long-lost brothers? And who would break up such a perfectly attractive family?

Exhibit A: Orlando Bloom.

Exhibit B: Christopher Masterson (who plays older brother Francis on "Malcolm in the Middle").

Exhibit C: Justin Timberlake.