Sometimes there are just no words

I won't be posting tomorrow. I'm participating in

I was going to explain all the reasons why I think this is important, but my friend Allison did it better than I ever could.

Labels: Random Bloginess, Random Politicalness

Baby Shower!!!

Baby shower!!!! Baby shower!!!!!! The hostesses of the event have asked shower attendees to post the best parenting advice and the most spectacular parenting assvice they received. Assvice-when Michael was born he wouldn't nurse. The lactation consultant told me not to give him a bottle, that he needed to learn that food came from the breast, and if he was hungry enough he would eat. So, he screamed for a week before our pediatrician finally convinced me to give him a bottle. And I couldn't pump, because I didn't want to give him a bottle and he never latched, so my milk dried up. Advice-I took a discovering motherhood class when Michael was first born, which was 15 new moms in a room with their babies and the discussion facilitated by a pediatric nurse practitioner. She said, you know your baby best. If you think something is wrong, it is. Don’t let any doctor or anyone push you off or tell you you are wrong. Keep pushing. (On a side note, this class was the best thing I have ever done. 5 of the women have become my closet friends, and we all still met every Friday morning for playgroup, and last night got together and got rip roaring drunk at one of the women's houses. So don't be afraid to do something like this, that's my own assvice). Congrats, and good luck!

I'm such a joiner

Since everyone is doing it, I had to join in the fun. Here are the latest searches that have brought people to this blog. Oh i wanna to go home, jodie-I'm sorry about that, and you spelled my name wrong, and maybe a grammar refresher is in order? my innermost thoughts-do you mean your innermost thoughts, or my innermost thoughts? Because I don't think I can help you with your thoughts. preschool controversial-that's where I'm sending Michael, the controversial preschool. "baby can't breath"-should you be googling that? Maybe an emergency room is a better call. Or at least a phone call to your pediatrician. safari themed daycares-goes with the controversial preschool. chrisann love like never hurt confessions-I have no idea. what does ed/bd stand for-I don't know. Do you?

Pimping Doug's blog

My husband has started the most amazing project. It's a blog, but it's an open letter to Michael. It's all about his firsts, his triumphs, and the things that make us laugh. I wanted to share it with you, because so many of you have come to know and love Michael and appreciate him like we do. So please go read. And if this doesn't convince me I married the most amazing husband and father, I'm not sure what ever will.

You like me, you really like me

Allison bestowed upon me:

I am touched and honored and in awe that I make someone think when they read this blog. See, I tend to think I write fluff. So the fact that the lovely Allison, who works for social change while raising three kids, thinks I write a thoughtful blog, well what can be better? The hard part. I spent all day yesterday trying to come up with 5 bloggers who make me think. And everyone I came up with already had the award. I'm wimping out and giving you four: 1. Chris-yes, he is the husband of a friend, and father to the cutest baby girl in the world, but he also writes a politically aware and thought provoking blog. It helps that I'm on the same side of the political fence as him, but even if I wasn't, he would definitely make me think! He is also the only "dad" blog I read. And the fact that he doesn't have this award already amazes me. (And I can't give this to his wife because she said no memes ever. Is this a meme?) 2. Beth-Her posts about religion and the way it impacts her life make me question my belief in my religion, and my stereotypes about Christians and proselytizing. She writes honestly about triumph and failure, and is open about her struggle with her weight. And, her daughter is adorable! My only wish is that she would post more. 3. Dena-Struggling to move with a toddler (my greatest fear realized), but still takes time out to write thoughtful posts about the Va. Tech tragedy and the Duke scandal. More people should read her, and I hope they do. 4. Jen-(stolen from an earlier post of mine) blogs about her upcoming surrogate pregnancy, among other things. The first thing that struck me about her blog was how open she was about being pro-choice, as I am. For more information on the thinking blogger awards, please click here.

My toddler is Sybil

Last night I told Michael it was dinner time. He ran upstairs and into the dog's crate. He started screaming at the top of his lungs, "No, all done dinner." This went on for 5 minutes and I totally ignored him. I didn't even go upstairs. My feeling was, if he wants to spend all night in the dog's crate, well, that's fine with me. About 10 minutes later he said, "all right Mommy. I'm ready. Yeah Dinner." And then he sat down and ate lo mein like nothing happened. And after dinner when we were playing he hit me over the head with a wooden puzzle. Not a puzzle piece, the thing that you put puzzle pieces in. Do all toddlers have multiple personality disorder, or just mine? Now, in addition to the oh so attractive rash all over my body (did I forget to mention the rash, it itches like a mother fucker (I think that's the first time I have ever sworn on this blog, I'm not big swearer)), I have a huge bump on my head. I'm smokin' hot right now.

40 things

Stolen from Tiffany. She has a fantastic blog, but recently went to having to have a password to read it, which makes me sad. I wish more people could discover her. 1. Height? 5'5" 2. Have you ever done heroin? People, I'm so straight laced I've never done an illegal drug, ever. 3. Do you own a gun? In the words of Tiffany "Never. Never. Ever. Not ever. Never." In fact, I won't let Michael go to a house that has gun. 4. Tiffany's list didn't have a 4. 5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? No, except about being weighed. Or, when I was having a difficult pregnancy. 6. What do you think of hot dogs? I'm a vegetarian. Once I bought the veggies hot dogs, and then remembered I didn't like real hot dogs, so why would I like veggie hot dogs. 7. What's your favorite Christmas song?? I'm Jewish, but check out this post about Christmas Shoes. 8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Diet Coke, or Diet Green Tea. 9. Is your bathroom clean? Only every other week after the maids come. 10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding band and engagement ring. Doug designed them himself and they are one of a kind. I'm the only person left on the planet that likes yellow gold. Silver looks terrible on me. I also love the diamond earrings Doug gave me when Michael was born. He called it "baby bling." 11. Do you like painkillers? I love Tylenol PM. 12. Do you have A.D.D.? [Attention Deficit Disorder] No 13. whats your name? Jodi 14.Middle Name? Michelle, but I changed it to my maiden name after I got married. 15. Favorite singer of all time? Billy Joel 16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink: Wine, caffeine free Diet Coke, Diet Green Tea 17. Current worry? Something happening to Michael 18. Current hate? Someone I know who complains about everything and is never happy 19. Favorite place to be? home, or the beach 20. How did you bring in the New Year? Check this out 21. Where would you like to go? Tuscany or Australia (notice, both have winieries). 22. Do you own slippers? I love fuzzy animal slippers 23. What shirt are you wearing? An old t-shirt that says "beers of the world." I sleep in old t-shirts. 24. Favorite color(s)? Red 25. Would you be a pirate? I don't know how to answer this question. I don't think so, too violent. 26. What songs do you sing in the shower? Whatever goes with what Michael is watching on TV when I am in the shower. Theme to Little Einsteins or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. 27. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? The dark. Or the movie poltergeist. My sister and cousin used to make me watch scary movies. And I was afraid of everything. 28. Best bed sheets as a child? I don't remember sheets. I do remember a big bird alarm cock that used to say "big bird says it's time to get up." 29. Worst injury you've ever had? I broke my nose in kindergarten, fell off a jungle gym. That sucked. 30. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2 31. Who is your loudest friend? I don't think I can answer that question, I have no idea. 32. Who is your most silent friend? Doug's best friend's wife. I love her to death, but she never talks. You really have to draw her out of her shell. 33. Does someone have a crush on you? I have no idea. There is someone I used to work with that there was chemistry with. But he was happily married and so was I. It was almost a "what if chemistry." (Wow, when Doug reads this he is going to ask a lot of questions). 34. Do you wish on shooting stars? I used to, I haven't in a while. 35. What is your favorite book? The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood. But, I think everyone should read 19 minutes by Jodi Picoult, which is about a school shooting. 36. What is your favorite candy? Any Dark Chocolate 37. What song do/did you want played at your wedding? Our first dance was "Just the way you look tonight." We both walked down the aisle to selections from Rent, Doug to "I'll cover you" and me to "Seasons of Love." We recessed to the Peanuts theme. 38. What song do you want played at your funeral? "And when she Danced" from a very obscure movie "Stealing Home." It's kind of a cheesy 80s pop ballad, but if you really listen to it, it's lyrics are gorgeous. And I hope how people (Doug) would feel about me at my funereal. (Oh, and I'm warning you now, if you follow the link, the video is absolutely terrible). 39. What were you doing @ 12 AM last night? Tossing and turning and wondering why I couldn't sleep. 40. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Is Michael up yet? Do I have time to shower?

Nothing

Is there anything more intimidating then hitting new post and staring at the screen, with the cursor blinking? And thinking I have nothing to say? Nothing interesting is happening to me. I'm not funny. There is nothing there. Topics I have considered and rejected are: 1. How I'm trying to lose 10 pounds for the gazillionth time and nothing is working. And I hate my scale. 2. Doug is looking for a new job. Anyone need a good web designer, or know anyone who needs a good web designer? Because when your spouse is miserable and there is nothing you can do to help, well, that is just miserable. 3. My upcoming birthday, which is going to be spent sans husband because he will be away on a business trip, unless # 2 happens right away. 4. Michael now speaks in paragraphs, not sentences. The other day he said, "I'm messy. I need a napkin. Follow me." Just like that, clear as day. This kid is 2 going on 16. 5. I have a phone interview for a new job at 9:30 am. Let's hope Michael will sit still and watch Cars for 30 minutes so I can be somewhat intelligible. I'm not sure I want the job, but it would be nice to have an option. Who am I kidding? Michael is going to spend the whole time saying "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy." 6. How pitiful is it that I am dying to see Legally Blonde, the musical? It's not going to be any great piece of art, but they keep playing the same song from it on the Sirius Broadway Channeland it's kind of catchy and stuck in my head. But even with all these topic ideas, I still can't pull a post out to save my life. Good thing it's Friday. Maybe something post worthy will happen over the weekend. We have no plans, except to go to Total Wine. The wine fridge is empty, and that is a total crises in this house.

Sometimes you need the frivolousness

I can't do it anymore. Not blog. (It's amazing how quickly this becomes an addiction). Only talk about Virginia Tech. It's just so sad. I need to step away from CNN and washingtonpost.com. Remember when I said this was going to be a semi regular feature, but then never talked about it again. Well, it's back, and the next subject is makeup. I have to admit, I am a huge girley girl. I love makeup, and clothes. I'm not so into shoes and handbags, because that is just a lot of effort to try and match all the time. I have worn a lot of different makeup, but in the past year, have discovered my favorite, Bare Escentuals. People have very strong feelings about this line, they either love it or hate it, but I absolutely love it. I think it leaves your skin glowing and the it doesn't feel "makeupy" on your face at all. (I'm one of those people who wash their face the minute they get in the door because I can not stand the feeling of makeup). I've used other expensive makeup for years (Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown) and I always had a problem with after about noon I had no makeup on. My skin is combination, but the oily is really oily, and the makeup just slides off. This makeup stays on. The best evidence I have was at an outdoor wedding in 100 degree heat. After 3 hours, I went to the bathroom and my makeup was perfect. My skin is better since I started using it, way less frequent breakouts. It is about the same price as other lines, but it lasts forever, and I buy makeup only about twice a year now, normally because I am sick of the color. The first day I wore it to work I got so many compliments. I can put it on in 5 minutes and it's easy to change from daytime to nighttime. I will say that I still use Smashbox Photofinish primer under my makeup to make it last. If you are interested in it, I would suggest going to Sephora, have them tell you what color starter box to get, and try it. They will take it back if you don't like it. Then start experimenting with other pieces, like the eye shadows and stuff. Also, the starter box from Sephora has a great moisturizer that I use as my primary moisturizer now. It is not oily at all and also has contributed to less breakouts. The moisturizer I was using before was too thick. Ulta also has a starter box, it's cheaper, but does not come with the moisturizer. I'm currently wearing the new "camp" set, and it is the perfect "I'm not wearing makeup but I'm wearing makeup look." The other thing I like about Bare Escentuals is that they put lots of sets out, so you don't have to worry about matching colors or making sure things will look okay together. They do that for you! (I just re-read this and it totally sounds like I am getting a kick-back from Bare Escentuals. I'm not, I promise!) So, what do you all think, still like this not so regular "feature?"

Massacre

I had a post scheduled for today, about makeup. And in light of what happened 300 miles south of me, it seems to0 trivial to post. Two words that bring dread and fear to the mind of every parent, school shooting. I am so sorry for students at Virgina Tech, every parent that has a child there, and every family that has a member employed there. In fact, I'm sorry for everyone. I just finished an amazing book, 19 minutes. It's about a school shooting. But it's about more than a school shooting. It's about before and after a school shooting, and why the shooter did what he did. I, of course, am only talking about a fictional book, but Jodi Picoult did a lot of research in writing this book, so I tend to believe it is based in fact somewhat. The book discusses the amount of bullying that happened to the shooter his whole life before the shooting. And how he meticulously planned this shooting, and no one noticed. No one stopped the bullying, and no one stopped the shooting. We, as parents and adults, need to start paying attention to how kids treat each other, and do something about it. It starts with a 5 year old spitting at my two year old on the playground, and continued to high school. We have all been in middle school., where kids are horribly mean to each other and cliques rule the world. Teachers and Administrators need a non bullying policy and to stick to it. But, in order for it to work, it needs to start with the kids. Why do we feel better about ourselves when we put someone else down? As the days and weeks and media coverage unfold on the VT shooting, I'm sure there will be endless discussions about why he did it. And I'm not excusing his behavior. I'm just saying, it was more than a breakup with a girlfriend or a bad grade. There was probably years of something before this happened. And let's not forgot the shooter being dead is also a tragedy. All of the good riddance and I'm glad he shot himself before we could doesn't dismiss the amount of pain this young man must have been in to do this. As much as we vilify the Columbine shooters, rightly so, we never heard from them why. When do we have a serous discussion of gun control in this country? When was the last time you heard about a school knifing that killed 32 people? I'm so fanatical about gun control I would repel the 2nd amendment. Normal people do not need guns, unless you are in law enforcement, that's my bottom line. I'm just so sad. I can't stop thinking about the parents who didn't hear from their children and had to figure they were dead by the process of elimination. Who are driving miles to go to hospitals today praying that there was a mistake. Praying that their child was misidentified. I think I'm going to keep this post up for a few days. I think we need to talk about this much more than the things I normally write about.