Hilariousness

Our Monkee is hysterical. Really. She's a complete goofball and I know a large portion of "why" is thanks to her daddy. It all started with the hysteria invoked with a flying lotion bottle when she was a mere 5 months old. The guffaws that came from that tiny little body were the same as the ones that come from our almost 4-yr old. Priceless.

We've been taught so much from the songs we hear daily - such as -- Did YOU know that "Princesses are as sweet as jello"? Or that the best dance move in the world is a bottom-wiggle? Or that the louder you ask a dog a question, the more likely it is that you will get an actual answer? And now she is making up "jokes." Help. Us.

In my house, it's all true. And we're constantly amazed at the next crazy thing that comes out of her mouth. A more-than-perfect reason to wake up every morning.

Happy Birthday, my love!

Today is my wonderful Chee's big day. He's feeling a bit "old", but he's one of those lucky few who will never look his true age. He's perfect for one of those Dove commercials.

There is so much he wanted to accomplish by this age, and he's doing it, bit by bit. I'm very proud of his tenacity and talent. (also a bit jealous) And I know whatever he sets his mind to, he can and will make happen. Because he's just that kind of guy.

To celebrate this wonderful man's birth, I started out with big plans to have a party out somewhere. Then decided we could have everyone over. That sounded too exhausting, so I pulled it back a bit and now we're going to a bar (!) tonight to meet a few friends - first time we've been out on a Friday in years, well, months at least. Monkee is thoroughly enjoying her time with her Nana this everning, and our lovely housekeeper (doesn't that sounds fancy?), Misty, left my house 30 minutes ago and it looks & smells marvelous. Misty is my luxury - today was the first time she's been over in years, and now I plan on making her visit a regular occurrence. It's really one less thing for me to fret over.

Saturday, having some friends we don't see very often over for food, and Sunday, brunch with the fam, which will be out somewhere as I'm not in the cooking mood. Meal Makers and the crockpot are in charge for our little dinner on Saturday. HyVee, my tried and true, will be supplying the cake. (This kind of statement irks my mother to no end. It was a travesty to her when she found out I bought Monkee's birthday cakes. "I always made yours", she said, with obvious hurt. All I can say is that I know what I'm getting when I buy a cake. Otherwise, it could be a very dangerous, unpalatable situation. And no one wants that on their birthday.)

So - Happy Birthday to my favorite man. I'm lucky to have you as a husband and friend. And Monkee is so incredibly blessed to have you as her Daddy.

Snow Tiki

Our neighbor's sculpture.

Yes, it really is that big.

Last year, she built a skull. It looked horrid as it melted.

I much prefer this year's.

Happy Little Car

I'm driving home from work yesterday, and I saw something that made me grin.

It was almost this green, and there were two stripes on the right side only with an all green roof.

It made me grin, because as I pulled up behind it, I realized it made the exact same sound kids make when they are "driving" toy cars. You know, that rrrummmm, rrrrummmmm, sound? It made that.
It looked like a roller skate next all the vehicles surrounding it (including the guy on his bicycle.)

After it turned off of the road we were both following, I was sad to see it go. It brought some cheerfulness to an otherwise dull drive home.

Thanks, little green car. I hope to see you again. And tell me, what does your gas bill look like?

Book Lover's Web site

My darlin' Chee sent me this - GoodReads.

I love it and have 20-odd books entered thus far. Its a thriving community. Don't be fooled - people still do chose books over tv. It happens - this site is proof.

Ah, how far we've come since keeping those two spiral-bound notebooks at my first library job "Books I've Read (and what I rate them)" and "Books To Read." At one point, leaving the library was a huge relief to me, since the books i wanted to read had so out-paced the time I had to read them. I was completely stressed-out over it and it was a relief to put it away.

Now that recommending books is a love, not a job, I can start listing away once again, for anyone who cares, to see. With no pressure whatsoever.

On another point - it's Super Tuesday eve, y'all! Don't forget to vote!

I have heard tears from a relative stranger

I struggled with what to call this post. After all the %&*$* years we've been in Iraq, I finally know someone is being sent there.

Background: Chee was a military kid, went to high school in Korea. He made friends who left his life for awhile and for one reason or another, came back around.

Jason is one of those.

He called last night - I saw the caller id, noticed it was out of state, and picked up. When he said he was being deployed in a few days, I knew it was Chee's high school buddy, Jason.

I have never talked to this guy before in my life, and we spoke for a few minutes. He sounded terrible, just torn apart. Not in tears, but ripped up inside. He is married with two sons, 5 and 1. I asked if his wife had people around to help her in his abscence (she does). He's taking his laptop and a web cam. He's in HR, so doesn't think he'll be in any huge danger zone. But...he'll be gone for 387 days.

Let me repeat - 387 DAYS. I was so floored I did not know what to say.

The irony is, he was in the Gulf War. Left the military after - went to college - got a degree. Joined the reserves five measly months ago, hoping for some big money as an officer. And now, he's being told he has to leave his family for a damn long time.

Chee was angry, but seemed to understand why he joined up again. I bet he and his wife have gone over it a million times since (how many other families are doing the same?). It probably looks SO good on paper.

I cried for him this morning - I was thinking of his wife and kids. How hard it would be for Monkee and I to have Chee gone that long, and I just couldn't help it.

Godspeed, Jason. I'm praying for you and your loved ones. Be safe.