What I REALLY want...

My 30th birthday is coming, in 22 days to be exact (insert: thanks to Mom for carrying me 20 days past my due date. I get that now, I think.) and though I am still working on my list of before I turn 30 things, I do know what I want for my birthday.

And the best part is that it is totally free.

I want to spend my 30th year in a home without a single television set.

It's up to you Mario. And don't worry, I already found a good home with good foster paretns for the TV in North Myrtle Beach. At the end of a year, they might even consider full adoption.

Back

Clare and I are back in Columbia...Mario is still very sick but appears to be on the mend. Maybe having Mario sick isn't so bad, I got to enjoy a Target run and lunch with Stacy without baby Clare! An afternoon treat for me while they both played and napped.

Myrtle Beach Numbers
Miles Away: 161.5
Hours Travelled: 2.5 (one way)
New pairs of pants: 2
New sweaters: 1
Visits to the beach: 1
Dogs: 1
Rooms painted: 6+ (all by MM and B)
Mexican Meals: 1
Pots of coffee: 3
Sleep times for Clare: 7 p to 7 a
Toss Pillows: 9

So, daylight savings time starts Sunday at 2 a.m. We're not obligated to tell Clare right? I wonder how long we can convince her that new 8 a.m. is the old 7 a.m. She didn't get the memo on the Fall Back, maybe now that she's older Spring Ahead will make more sense to her. At least we don't have to fight the 'but it's still light out!' battle about bedtime yet.

North Myrtle Beach

Uncle Mike is a rock star in Clare's eyes.

Paint brushes make great toys when you leave most of yours at home.

Grandma Bonnie introduces the paint brush and hammer at an early age.

Mikie carefully matches the tissue box to the new lime paint in the guest bathroom.
Grandma Bonnie introduces Clare to morning cartoons.
Clare and Grandma Bonnie catch up and visit together.
Uncle Mike and Clare check out Bella on the floor.
Bonnie and Michael install new chair rail in the dining area in the condo.

Hodgepodge

The Roast. It turned out fabulous even though I forgot about the vegetables. That's what microwaves are for right? But please but don't ask about the gravy. I pray that I will never have to pass a gravy making test in this life.

The Trip. Clare and I are headed to Myrtle Beach tomorrow to visit and work as slaves for Uncle Mike and Aunt Mikie. Have paintbrush, will travel. At least Michael is a wonderful cook and I know we'll eat well.

Jury Duty. Got my official letter saying that I do NOT have to report for Jury Duty in 2 weeks. We sent in my paperwork and a notarized letter with some stuff about being the primary caretaker for a child under 7 last week.

The Cup. Clare is starting sippy cup lessons on a nightly basis in the bathtub. She makes such a mess that the tub is the only appropriate place for these lessons. Finally a use for all of the frozen breastmilk that Mario demands I remove from the freezer to make room for his meat.

Sales Tax. Did you know that you don't have to pay sales tax on prescriptions in SC? And to use the Sam's Club and Costco pharmacies you don't have to be a member? We picked up Bailey's insulin today at Sam's and NOT having a membership saved us a lot of money because I couldn't buy anything but drugs and an Icee at the snack bar.

Illness. Mario is super sick and is going to the MD tomorrow. There's some nasty thing floating around his office and he is now reduced to a sneezing, aching, snotty dude that refuses to take a day off of work to heal.

Pregnant Celebs. To prove a point, I'm curious to know who else knows/knew what celeb they were pregnant with. My answer: Britney Spears. What's yours?

Sitting Pretty

She's almost got this sitting thing down, that is with an occassional thud on the floor if she flings herself backwards by accident.

This morning I woke up determined to be Donna Reed. In my mind, Donna Reed wears an apron and cooks roasts. Granted, I've never actually cooked a roast before, but I do own an apron with my name on it and today I decided to remedy this roast deficiency situation. Clare sat on the island in her Bumbo** seat, a place she likes to perch and watch Mario bustle about the kitchen, while I attempted to master the art of roast.

Before the coffee even finished brewing I tossed a half frozen chuck roast into the crock pot with six onions. Not really knowing what else to do, I figured some wine couldn't hurt the situation, so I dumped 3/4 a bottle of red wine and 1/2 a bottle of worsterchire sauce in the pot and flipped the switch to high. That's as far as I got, the rest I can work on later after the meat is cooked.

I poured a cup of coffee and confronted Clare's mocking eyes. I assured her that I would have this roast situation remedied before she could even remember things. By the time she is 18 and at William and Mary, she will have nothing but fond memories of Mom's cooking, which gives me plenty of time to figure this cooking thing out. Or, I could take the easy route and leave those memories for Mario to create.

**The greatest baby product on the planet and the only one I could sell.

Stickers and Deals

It's hard to see, but I love this bumper sticker:
The only Bush I trust is my own.

And if you believe in the power of a Chlorox wipe, the washing machine, and bargains be sure to check out the discount consignment sale, Tot Trade 2 at the Jamil Temple. Everything today is 20% off, tomorrow it's 40% off, and Wednesday it's 60% off.

What do you do at the Beach?

take naps
sleep in
go for walks
eat Sweet Mama cookies
take Bailey swimming
visit friends
window shop in the village
read books
cook dinners at home
yard sale shop
relax
swim at the pool
sun at the beach
visit the library
shop at the Bailey Boy's outlet
ride bikes
play at the craft store
go to art shows in the village

Tickle Me Mommy!

A Taste of Glynn

A lovely seaside event. Tons of people, great company, a band, tons of food, a silent auction, and MOJITOS! Before tonight I was a mojito virgin....and now I'm looking forward to the next one!

A Conversation

A Conversation
Originally uploaded by scindiagirl.

We may need to get one of these excersaucers for home. She seems to love it and plays really well without us around when she's in it.

Sunday Morning

All is quiet here for the moment. Bailey, Mario, and Clare are all napping peacefully. Last night Ann joined us for dinner and crafting...and even agreed to babysit for us on my 30th birthday so we can go out for a nice dinner!

When Mario walked by with Clare this morning as I sat on the couch, he said "Mommy's reading the travel section again." I can't help it. I have a horrible itch to go somewhere. We've talked about Argentina for Thanksgiving, the Southwest, New England, a jaunt to Europe but cannot seem to figure out an affordable time to go. I'll keep at it though, maybe a week down here at the beach will take the edge off soon.

This afternoon we are going to the Taste of Glynn at the King and Prince Beach Resort. Grandpa Mike sent funds for us to attend, so we plan on arriving early with Clare, grazing happily, bidding on a few silent auction items, and then heading out before the grand meltdown. The new bed is also assembled in the guest bedroom here, so we have a queen instead of 2 twins.

Bad Decision

Sometimes life as a dining reviewer isn't all it's cracked up to be. More often than not we are sent to average places and expected to produce entertaining (but not negative) reviews on a budget of $50 or less.

Yesterday afternoon I received an email from the editor asking if I could do a quick review this weekend for next week's paper. And thus began the beginning of the bad decision. I agreed and he assigned the Blue Point Fish Club at the Village at Sandhills. At 5:00 p.m. I picked Mario up and we drove forever to get there, at the $50 fish sticks dinner, had horrible service, mediocre food, and postponed our trip to St. Simons till this morning. All very sad.

And as a result I missed Saturday morning tag sales with Ann...next time I think I'll stick to the 'sorry, but we've got plans' excuse.

Teething 101

Step one: Insert fingers in child's mouth to feel for teeth. We found #2 last night next to #1 on the bottom. This could explain the misery.

Step Two: Distract child with toys, games, books, and lots of Vitamin T!Step Three: Bust out all of the teething rings, devices, and creatures to help make baby happy.

Southern Politics

This post will make sense to a select few, but I'm so tickled I just had to share.

BOTH copies of our V.O. Key's Southern Politics in State and a Nation SOLD on Amazon for $15 smackers each. I'm sure that's more than we could have scrounged up at the W and M bookstore on Jamestown Road!

I did a celebratory dance in the kitchen this morning with V.O. Key in my arms and Mario asked what the fuss was about. I told him and he actually seemed dissapointed that I sold his copy. I'm sure he'll be over it soon.

Prude

My mother just called me prude because I don't have any tatoos and didn't do anything 'cool.' Her new mission in life is to make sure that Clare knows I am prude and to make sure that Clare gets to do all of the nifty things that she did in the 60's and 70's. Lovely.

Around the Block

I can't find anything sweet in the house so I'm nibbling on chocolate chips that are supposed to be in the Oatmeal Fudge Bars.

I am in *LOVE* with our accountant. How much fun can April 15 bring? It is interesting how quickly you have X amount and then within 30 seconds it is already mentally spent or committed elsewhere. My dream tax return would include funds for an international trip, home improvement projects like a new shower or screened in porch, a private stash for me, savings, and Clare's college fund. Travel tops the list though.

It always happens and I am not sure what to do to prevent it, but I get these travel itches. I really want to go somewhere fun for my 30th, but pre-tax return it wasn't really feasible. Now we could go (as long as Clare can nap 3-4x per day) but what do you do with a very sweet puppy that needs insulin injections 2x a day? So last night I rushed to the computer with a flash of insight: WE WILL RENT AN RV and go see swamps. It's not exactly Argentina, but Bailey can't go to Argentina or even Boston, so somewhere in the south in an RV. But, as a soon learned, for the cost of renting an RV you might as well go somewhere fun because it's $$$. So if anyone knows about a fun inexpensive place to go, let me know.

I am now an inducted member of the Gymobree club. Following my cousin Stacey's advice, I went to their store in Richland Mall yesterday and picked out my Gymbuck (buy $100 of stuff, get $50 off) items. While there I met this super nice sales associated named Tammy who lead me into the back room of Gymboreeland. Here I picked out oodles of wonderful things for Clare to wear this winter and fall. They put it all on hold and I went today and bought it with the coupons. I'm glad we follwed Stacey's advice, the store was packed with nutty mothers and their double strollers with pile and piles of clothes. I love a bargain and feel like we left the store with plenty. But, if you are in a Gymboree, ask to see the back room...it's worth it.

Clare's still a bit under the weather and running a fever from yesterday's shots so we decided to have a low key day. We did carve out time and visited Mario for lunch at the new San Jose on Forest Drive. My mexican craving is now satisfied since my last mexican date cancelled...her family doesn't believe in patronizing places that have smoking sections so we had to eat elsewhere.

And finally, the latest figures. Clare weighs 17.3 lbs. (75%), is 27 1/4 inches (95%) and her head is 16 /12 inches (50%).

Shot! Shot! Shit!

This morning I approached Clare's 6 month well visit as an enlightened mother. Apparently EVERYONE in the world soothes, comforts, nurses, cuddles, and is involved in the shot process. In our household, Mario played that role and then I'd come in for clean up duty and nurse away the tears. So, in my new enlighted and proactive anti-pain state we went to the appointment.

As far as the normal stuff Clare is doing great and I got the green light to either start solids or not start them, whatever we decide to do. As far as the helmet thing, Dr. O'Neill agreed, it's just a parental choice we need to make. Clare darling, you may hate us for it later, but you will have a semi-flat head for the rest of your life. We just hope you have lots of hair to hide the fact.

So, then it was shot time. Three shots to be exact. I asked if I could nurse her, the MD said sure...the nurse arrived to do the dirty deed and I asked where I should sit. She said I couldn't do that because the baby would choke. Hmm...at this point I asked to see the MD again and she said the RN was nervous because nobody had done this and she wasn't sure how to stick her. But she gave the okay and I held Clare in a chair, she happily latched on and the MD did the shots.

And...IT DIDN'T WORK. Clare turned red, screamed bloody murder, and looked at me like I betrayed her. I am so very disapointed that it didn't work, I wanted this to be a great experience, and I didn't want her to feel any pain.

The RN was kind of like 'ha. I knew it wouldn't work' and gloated her way out of the room. Right now I feel awful. I think I liked it better when they did their thing, Mario did his, and then I was the superhero (invisible of course) that nursed away the pain. Maybe next time I'll whip out my sugar coated pacifer (which I did have with me tucked inside a ziploc bag in my purse) and let the 'spoonful of sugar' methodology have a crack at it.

Pain Reduction

There's always something swirling in my head. This week Clare has her 6 month check up, which I'm pretty sure also involves more than one shot. For the past 2 rounds of shots I sat across the room while Mario dealt with the logistics of the injections with the nurse. As soon as they were done he would bring her to me and I'd nurse her.

But, the process is pretty terrible. Recently I read an article about a mom who breast-fed her children during the shots to reduce pain. She writes that her daughter's 'face never turned beet red and she didn't even flinch.' 'She did not cry before or after the injection.'

This brief article talks about the benefits, and there are a few more out there from the British Medical Journal and Pediatrics that site breast-feeding as a pain control mechanism. Could she bite during the injection? Perhaps, but her teeth aren't very big yet...

I don't know how our pediatrician will react, but pediatricians are mandated to respect and manage pain for children that receive medical procedures. Shots are medical procedures and if I can make it better for Clare I would like to try.

Twinkle

There's a devilish twinkle in this girl's eyes. I have a feeling this may not be the last time we see this gleam. Today she met BP, her stuffed bear from Aunt Mikie and Uncle Mike. Most of the time she tried to eat his nose but seemed smitten just the same.

After arriving back in Columbia after midnight, we spent the day at home keeping warm. I did finish another essay that I need to now edit before sending it out to places and also managed to drink two pots of coffee. Sleep is definately in order for tonight.

I also learned that if I ever want to bribe Mario, I can do it with these muffins. (Thanks to Holly Anna for the recipe.)

Double Chocolate Banana Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/3 cups mashed ripe bananas
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup chocholate chips (mini chips work great)

In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients. In a small bowl, combine bananas, oil, and egg. Stir wet into dry ingredients until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups three-forths full. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done. Yields approximately 12 muffins.

Super Powers

Given the choice between 2 super powers: Flight or Invisibility which would you pick?

Lucky Girl

Clare is a very lucky girl when it comes to names. We could have been VERY cruel and done something to her like these parents did to their child. We spotted this sign on a walk to the King and Prince on Sunday afternoon.

My tower!

My tower!
Originally uploaded by scindiagirl.

Clare loves to build towers! There are more tower building pictures (and others of our weekend) under the MY PHOTOS link on the right.

Next weekend we hope to teach her how to build spaceships!

Miss Ann

Clare and Miss Ann hang out this morning after breakfast. She got to bond with Mario while Ann and I ate at the Sandcastle to catch up on the lastest news. And...Miss Ann brought Clare her very first stuffed Easter Bunny. It must be an inate instinct: immediately she tried to eat the bunny's ears. Next year we'll give her a chocolate one to eat instead.

Action!

Bailey ADORES the ocean and this afternoon he shared it with two other kids who were actually swimming! We try and take him to play a few times during each visit because it brings him such great joy. As far as his health update: he's doing much better on the insulin and we are still taking him for weekly vet visits to figure out the perfect amount of insulin.

Big Girl Swing

This is the swing for special girls with teeth. A bit wary describes her reaction, but she got into when we pushed her more...that is before the sand gnats attacked and I had to rescue her from being eaten alive!

Ridgeland Correctional Institution

Clare and I hang out at the prision while Mario meets with exciting clients inside. To pass the time we sang songs, played games, changed our diaper, and went on a walk of the grounds with Bailey. So much fun!

Lent

Mario and I gave up french fries and other fried food for lent. On the way down Friday afternoon we stopped at Arby's to grab lunch. I felt totally unsatisfied without the signature curly fries even though I know I consumed plenty of food. The question is...as grown-ups can we have french fries on Sunday because 'Sunday's don't count' or is that just a rule we made up as kids?

Don't Move

I will not leave this spot on the couch. My cute laptop detected someone's wireless network around us and I am enjoying the high speed connection without having to go to the coffee shop.

I think Mario's a little jealous, his computer can't find the network that I detected and joined.

She Didn't Even Ask

Tonight after feeding Clare before bed she sat on my lap and tried to cram both of her hands into her mouth. Out of curiosity I decided to stick my finger inside too and I felt it. A sharp jagged edge on the lower gum line. A tooth!

I called Mario to come stick his finger in her mouth too and he concurred. A tooth indeed. And she didn't even ask me if it was okay to go ahead and bust that tooth out. She just did it. All by herself without consultation.

Letters from Prison

My mind is spinning tonite. We arrived on St. Simons tonite around 5 p.m. after a brief visit to the Ridgeland State Prison off of I-95 so Mario could meet with a client. Clare and I hung out in the prison parking lot and waited patiently.

Earlier today I met the editor of the Palmetto Parent magazine at Starbucks to discuss my query about writing an article about 'Going to Grandma's: Travel with Infants'. Turns out he likes the piece and I can resubmit with their guidelines. There's also lots of opportunity to work on other features and maybe to have my own monthly restaurant review column...the catch is that I couldn't do Free Times reviews anymore...

So, lots of exciting stuff around here to think about!

p.s. the card papers are just scrapbook papers cut up and pasted on cardstock. great fun, low cost, and lots of color!

Advanced Cut-n-Paste

Breakfast with Starr

Tuesday morning Clare and I joined Starr (my former Social Work supervisor) for breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company. It's a montly ritual to meet, catch up, share stories, and to keep in touch. Included in the ritual is the cinnamon raisin french toast and tea.

This Tuesday I occupied Clare in her Bumbo seat while Starr gathered our condiments and utensils. She returned with butter, forks, syrup, and lots of napkins. Settling into our conversation we both smeared our powder sugar coated toast with butter and began to eat. After my first bite my nose crinkled up and I cried foul.

The cup filled with butter was NOT butter, but mayonaise! Distressed I looked at my beautiful french toast now covered thick creamy mayonaise. We laughed, I excused myself and kindly asked the staff if they would make another. Starr kept eating hers claiming that she really liked mayonaise mixed with her syrup, powdered sugar, and french toast.

10 minutes later the manager appeared with a handful of individual butter packets and fresh french toast for me! I think at that point Starr might have wished she'd asked to have hers made again, but we both carried on and continued our morning conversation.

$240 Swim

Last night I went for a $240 swim at the new Drew Wellness Center. Feeling terribly inspired after touring health clubs around town for my article I really wanted to join one and get back into shape. Key considerations for me were the gym hours, indoor pool facilities, and childcare. Gold's Gym in Irmo offered all three but for the cost of our next three children. But it sounded so enticing: work out in a state of the art facility while your child is cared for (translation: Mommy gets free time during the day!). Anyhow, that luxury fell a little out the current budget.

Yesterday we toured the final facility, the Drew Wellness Center where I discovered lap swim availability from 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. in the most amazing pool I've seen in Columbia for only $20 per month! There's no childcare, but we can go later in the evening when Mario is home and I can also take Clare swimming during the day. The joy! The rush! The potential!

Three Bean Net Cafe

Three Bean Net Café
Coffee and Café: **** Lunch: **
5454-A Sunset Blvd., 996-3336
www.threebeannetcafe.com Mon-Sun 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Go for Coffee, Skip the Lunch
By G.J. Wesley[reviewed 3/15/06]

Some dining reviews are easier to write than others. The Three Bean Net Café falls into the latter category. After visiting the café, I wished I had two different categories for points and comments. They earn high marks for the coffee and café but lower marks for lunch.

First, the coffee and café. A recent opening in the Lexington Place shopping center right next to Publix, Three Bean Net Café shines as a coffee shop and Internet café. The stainless steel drop lighting, large sofas, workstations and tables beg patrons to sit down. It's easy to imagine reading one of the magazines scattered on the coffee table between sofas or playing a house game of Sorry!, Chinese checkers or Connect Four with a friend. Or you can work on something from the office, study for an exam or surf the Internet on the free Wi-Fi network.

If you forget your laptop or just need to check your email between meetings, there are four computer workstations loaded with Microsoft Office applications and Internet access. An hour at a workstation runs $5; 10 minutes will cost you $1. Printouts are also available in black and white (10¢) or color ($1). The Café isn't a smoky college hangout or as commercial as Starbucks. Instead, it has a nice crunchy tech feel.

The coffee is good, especially if you love a good dark roast. The Café offers three blends (light, medium and dark) and a 12 oz. cup is just $1.50. If you take milk, you can get skim, 1 percent, 2 percent or whole for free; soy is available for 50 cents. For those who need more than a basic brew in the morning, the Café has a Big Bean Buzz ($1.85), coffee with one or more shots of espresso. And for the sweet tooth, you can find almost every type of Torani syrup behind the counter or in smaller bottles to take home. I tried a basic Mocha Latte ($2.95) and it met my expectations while I waited for my food.

Lunch tasted fine, but it was not anything to write home about — which makes it quite a challenge when your task is to do just that. The simple menu breaks down into three sections: panini sandwiches, calzones and deli items. On the upside, lunch can be very cheap because most items are just $3.99. If you are really strapped, a bowl of soup may suffice for just $1.99.
I tried the Turkey Paninni ($3.99) with smoked cheddar on Rising High sourdough bread. Other choices included ham or roast beef, sweet black bread and other cheeses. I liked the simplicity of the toasted bread with grill marks, warm turkey and melted cheese. There was not much else to the sandwich, which was served with a pickle and piece of lettuce. Any sandwich can be upsized to a combo with chips and a drink for $1.75.

I also sampled the Pepperoni Calzone ($4.99). Obviously previously frozen from some bulk food service, the calzone presented more like a pepperoni and cheese Hot Pocket cooked on the panini grill rather than a microwave. Flat and blah, a Hot Pocket might have tasted better.

Three Bean Net Café is a great coffee and Internet spot. If you are hungry and short on time, then you could eat there, too, but there are better options in the area. But if coffee and a sweet are on your list, try a piece of carrot cake or low-carb cheesecake ($3.45/slice). There is an entire case filled with sweets from Rising High and other sources. Three friends founded the café because they enjoyed coffee and surfing on the Internet. Stick with what they started from and you'll be just fine.

Feet and other cool stuff

Today I took Bailey and Clare to the vet (again) to have his weekly sugar level check. I'm getting the transport of child and pet down to a science. This time on the way out, Clare and I stopped to check out the mezmorizing fish tanks! I love how doing things that might make her smile or stare cause me to slow down long enough to seek these things out. Fish tanks are definately on that list.

In other news, the Shandon United Methodist Church experience continues. In each pew they have a sign in book...I signed us in as visitors while my mind wandered during the service and Mario tended to Clare in the vestibule. I filled out the visitor card and checked "no" to the request to join the church and to have a visit. Low and behold yesterday afternoon someone was knocking on our front door. I had NO idea who it was since 'drop by visits' are kind of rare and out of style. I didn't answer because I didn't know who it was and I'm not a big fan of opening our door to strangers, especially in our fun but funky neighborhood.

Finally, after standing at the door for a good five minutes while Bailey howled and I prayed that Clare would not wake up from the commotion, the man left. Inside the door I found a folder filled with information about Shandon United Methodist and a request to come and worship with them again.

Favorite Product

Now that Clare is in the 'big girl' carseat I'm left with the dilemma: where do I put her? She can't quite hold herself up yet so the shopping cart is not a good option so that leaves in my arms or in the stroller.

Or in my new favorite product. It's so easy to use compared to the front carriers, but I've only used it one day so far...but then maybe there is something marvelous about love at first sight.

(Thanks Courtnee and Jason!)

Fitness Trends

I'm writing an article for the Free Times about new fitness trends...but you see, I don't actually belong to a gym so I'm not exactly 'up' on those...if you know about any new fitness classes or notice/attend which ones are popular or what things are cool at the gym let me know! And, if you've ever tried Curves or a program like that, I'd love to know why you do or don't like it.

Parties

Sunday afternoons are precious to me. There are important things to do including: yardwork, napping, reading the paper, catching up on novels, and seeing Mario. This Sunday in Columbia (a rare event) I chose to spend the afternoon with a friend at her Spa Party. The Evite said we didn't need to bring a thing, just ourselves and a desire to be pampered.

So, I went. And it was one of those parties. The tupperware kind where you sample a few products and then the catalog is passed around so that you can buy overpriced things that help the hostess earn points or free products. The other guests were very nice and I enjoyed meeting them, but I hated to invisible pressure and the sales pitch.

I really don't get it. It seems like a big racket of 'I'll go to your party and buy obligatory stuff and then you come to my party and buy obligatory stuff' and then we'll both get free stuff?' If it really was about having a 'party' then why all of the sales pitches. Hosting a Margarita Party could be great minus the flavored bath products, or a cooking party minus the special chef demo, or shopping with friends for kids products and spending time together. The hostess could even scatter around Pottery Barn, Storehouse, and J. Crew catalogs around to make everyone feel more comfortable.

I fully support festivities to play and get to know other people but I am tired of the 'parties' where I have to bring my checkbook to buy something I don't really need. I may start a new trend...just a party parties. I wonder if anyone would come if there wasn't anything to buy?

Word of the Day: VOMMED

Defined: (verb) When your child vomits in a particularly public place, may or may not include vomit on retail merchandise.

Use: Alex just vommed all over Shoe Carnival. Very embarassing. Luckily, he puked on the shoes we had already decided to buy.

Sunday Thoughts

Today I got a chance to attend my first Methodist service for James' baptism. There's a super cute Methodist church on St. Simons that we always walk by, so I felt excited to finally check one out.

After the homily/sermon, complete with entertaining stories and visuals, we left the service so Clare could catch a catnap. The message and the sermon provoked a heated and interesting conversation between Mario and me. It's kind of fun to have someone to talk about religion with, my usual philosophy is a very tolerant 'believe and worship however brings you satisfaction.'

After attending mass or services with Mario we find ourselves in these wonderful diabolical discussions about the merit/logic/topic of each homily or sermon. After today's sermon we left with an abundance of material to fuel us the entire car ride home and then some.

My New Favorite Photo

Momsicle Adventure

Mohawk Woman

Double Trouble

Mar. 10, 2006
Originally uploaded by scindiagirl.

Chins are so much fun! I think I'll try and grow a third one soon!

Fish Girl

Fish Girl
Originally uploaded by scindiagirl.

Just hanging out this afternoon in the play gym. There are new pictures posted under My Phots.

Mar. 10 Day

We have 2 celebrations in our household today:

1. Mar. 10 day aka MARIO day...years ago a priest told Mario he was special because he had his own day MAR 10. And ever since he's noted it as his special day.

2. Happy 6th Month Birthday to Clare Rena! All of the cliches are true and you can now begin your countdown to birthday cake on September 10.

Make $$$. Work at home. No calls.

Did you know that you can sell formula coupons on e-Bay?

For kicks I listed 3- $5 Similac coupons in an auction.

Selling price $9.50 plus 39 cents in postage.

Hmmmm. The possibilities.

Solstice Scores Big

Solstice Kitchen and Wine Bar *****
841-4 Sparkleberry Lane, 788-6966
Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.
Solstice Scores Big By G. J. Wesley[reviewed 3/8/06]

The Solstice Kitchen and Wine Bar, owned and operated by the same group as Mr. Friendly's and Gervais & Vine, is finally open and it scores big. Maybe it was the added anticipation of a new place, but everything we tried tasted spectacular and passed the crucial "order it again?" test. Residents in Northeast are lucky to add Solstice to their growing repertoire of restaurants.
Solstice's décor is comfortable, modern and luxurious — but calm dangling pendant lamps and an earthy khaki color scheme keep it from crossing into the pretentious category. Every detail — from egg-shaped tumblers and dark wood tables to the sophisticated Tazo black iced tea — seems deliberate and only enhances the experience.

The one-page menu changes seasonally and includes first and second courses. Appetizers range from $6 to $16 and entrées range from $17 to $29; there are also a few specials. According to our server, most of the fish types remain the same with variations in preparation. The best way to figure out current specials is to join the Mr. Friendly's/Gervais & Vine email list at www.gervine.com (www.solsticekitchen.com is still under construction).

When it came time to order, my eyes skipped over the Smoked Oyster Stew ($9) and Maple Leave Farms Duck Breast ($9), landing instead on the Three Cheese Fondue ($9). The Melting Pot and a home fondue experiment gone awry comprise my fondue experience thus far, and I wanted to try it again. A tiny white porcelain ramekin filled with hot mixed cheese arrived with pieces of granny smith apple, pear and plum. A few chunks of bread and walnut pieces also adorned each side of the platter. Finding no fondue forks nearby, I asked the server about the proper fondue etiquette. She replied to just use my fingers: "We're not stuffy here, we just serve good food."

So we did the fondue with our fingers and loved each morsel of dipped cheesy goodness. The appetizer held the perfect amount of food to share comfortably and added a bit of novelty to our meal, though we found that the walnuts were a bit too tiny to dip.

If you get lucky, the chef might surprise your table with a mini-taste of something special. On our visit, we tried a sweet potato soup with toasted almonds and rosemary oil. It made a strong positive impression.

Our two entrées arrived shortly after the fondue. With an agreement to share, we ordered the Blue Cheese Crusted Beef Tenderloin Meatloaf ($17) and the Cedar Plank Sockeye Salmon ($23). Both entrées were delectable. The meatloaf was served over sweet potato puree topped with crispy fried onion rings, Swiss chard (also known as spinach beet) and a Zinfandel demi-glace. As a rule, I do not like meatloaf —but I would eagerly order this meal again if I wanted a hearty rich comfort food. The crisp onion rings drizzled with demi-glace fit well and added a whimsical touch to the heavily laden plate.

At the halfway point of the meal, I needed a break from the meatloaf and traded to sample the salmon. Considerably lighter, the ample portion of salmon was served with roasted wild mushrooms, parmesan potato puree and balsamic buttered spinach. The eclectic mixture of tastes was memorable; I especially enjoyed the balsamic zing of the spinach mixed with the simpler salmon. Alone or mixed with anything on the plate, the tastes worked together and were pairings I would not have thought of in my home kitchen.

Solstice also offers desserts, but we passed and opted to finish our beverages. As a huge fan of Pinot Noir, I tried a 5-ounce glass of Big Smile Pinot Noir (2004 Central Coast, $6) and enjoyed it throughout the meal. The extensive wine list is thoughtfully prepared for a wide range of diners and entrée choices.

Solstice staff members anticipate diners' needs instinctively. The consistent good service made tipping a pleasure. With a growing reputation, good portion size, eclectic flavors and dinner hours only, reservations are recommended. Soon patio seating will be available along with another seasonal menu to taste.

My New Favorite Website

As Clare rapidly approaches her 6 month birthday on Friday, the question of introducing solid food (rice cereal) plays on my mind. Thus far she has only tasted breastmilk and I am trying to figure out when we will go for the food. This website has thorough guidelines and great references for solids and other parenting choices. Grandpa Mike is itching to give Clare her first bagel, but I think we may try a momsicle adventure first.

In preparation I opened up a beginner sippy cup for play and a package of plastic baby spoons. She seems to know that the spout goes in her mouth and the spoon goes in her mouth, but then again, everything she gets her hands on goes in her mouth!

Word of the Day: ESCHEAT

Basically: the bank gives the government all of the money in your savings account.

After gettting an oil change to alleviate the 'SERVICE ENGINE' light in my car, I stopped by Wachovia to 1. deposit a check from the Free Times, 2. figure out my routing number for a new Amazon seller account, 3. inquire about closing an old savings account I had when I was a kid at First Union - now Wachovia.

#1 and #2 went off without a hitch. At question #3 the teller informed me that my savings account under Gwen Wesley closed on 10/27/2004. Puzzled I went to the next booth and was informed that my $700 + dollars of hard earned babysitting money was just closed and I could pay to have someone research it by calling 1-800-WACHOVIA.

Instead, I skipped that step and called my brother, a faithful Wachovia employee. His research figured out that the account was closed on 10/27 (a day when I know I didn't close it because I was in India on that day) and the account had an **escheat** notation next to it. Using the thesaurus on his computer we figured out that Wachovia did indeed give my money away to the State of Georgia.

So, I hired Mario and promised him lots of hugs and kisses (and maybe a fancy dinner out) if he can get any of my money back from Georgia. I'm happy he's licensed in SC and GA to try and help me out. However, after th is I don't think I am going to use Wachovia to open Clare's first savings account.

A special message for W and M Government Majors:

I listed one of our two copies of V.O. Key's book on Amazon. If it sells I'll let you know so you can get rid of yours too! Amazingly it hasn't been reprinted since 1987 so ours are *still* the most current edition.

Clare's New Friends

And...they like to dance to Motown Hits!

Agrawwwwraaww.

I wonder if it is possible for me to have severe PMS without having a period. Or maybe one is on the verge of starting after 6 months post - partum? Hmmm...tonight I am super cranky and am pretty sure that a hot shower, a hot mug of Tazo Calm tea and bedtime are the only way out of this mood.

Macarena

Clare LOVES it when you do the macarena dance for her while she bounces in her jumparoo! Who knew? It's not exactly Baby Mozart.

My New Morning Playlist

Love and Gasoline - Donna the Buffalo
Strong Enough - Cher
Alone Again - Calexico
Suspicious Minds - Dwight Yoakum
Wake Up Everybody - Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
When You Were Mine - Cindi Lauper
I Say A Little Prayer - Diana King
Volare - Dean Martin
Closer to Me - Dar Williams

Hold Em'

I managed to hold my own tonight at the Book Club Poker Night hosted by Jenny L! A smashing sucess, the book girls met to enjoy pizza, beer (or wine), salad, cookies and a buy in poker game. We each put in $10 after selecting Wonder Boys as our next book and the fun began. At 10 p.m. Emily F., Jenny L., Jeanette and myself remained with chips in the groovy felt table. I cashed out for a whopping $15.50, enough to cover my buy in, pizza donation, and left me with 50 cents in pure profit!

I can understand a bit better how the boys get together to do this on a weekly basis. Maybe I'll start a girls poker night or just attend Emily's to start.

Weekend Photos

We're on a self imposed budget and are trying to eat what we have in our house before going on a major grocery run. However, at Target yesterday we found pasta for 26 cents a box. 10 lbs. of pasta later we left Target and Mario felt less anxious knowing that we have enough in our house to last at least a week.
Clare Bear.
This is how dinner looks at our house. Clare presides at the table in her Bumbo seat while we eat. We are trying to incorporate her into our 'family' time at the dinner table. Some nights she's awake for this event some nights she's not.
Saturday morning snuggles in our guest bedroom. Bailey, Mario and Clare bond before starting the day.
Bath fun with Daddy. Here he's playing the drums on her belly!

In other news, we opted to stay in Columbia to reduce a bit of stress we were both feeling after a very long week. Bailey spent all day Friday at the vet doing a blood sugar curve. While the insulin is working to reduce his sugar levels, they still need to come down a bit more. The insulin doseage is now at 13 unites every 12 hours and he has to go back to the vet for another curve Monday morning.

We spent a bit of time in our neighborhood and enjoyed being outside. We took a few family walks, went to this open house, and straightened up the house. I am in 'home organization' mode, something that happens when things get chaotic on the outside. I think in part from Bailey's medical situation I am turning to things that I can organize to compensate for the things I cannot. This translates into lots of purging, trips to Goodwill, Target, and Office Depot.

LibraryVisit

Books I checked out today at RCPL.

Attachment Parentng by Katie Allison Granju
Baby Signs byLinda Acredolo and SusanGoodwyn
The Home Organzing Workbook by Meryl Starr
Copy Cats by David Crouse
The Writer's Market Companion by Joe Feiertag and Mary Cupito

Who inspires you?

The past week put me in a funk but I kept moving because I had to. Aside from doing the mandatory I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do. Books seemed long, knitting felt interminable, writing a chore, gardening an massive undertaking. All of my creative outlets felt blocked.

Along the way of doing the ordinary a few dashes of inspiration hit me. And as I sip my coffee this morning, revived and ready to tackle creative projects, I am aware how much I depend on others to inspire me. I need them to start home projects, plant new gardens, go exercise, knit Peruvian duds, write fabulous articles with queries, and to clean out the clutter in our home. I need splashes of people to encourage me in those directions.

So thank you to the master house organizer, the runner, the world traveller, the editor, the chef, and Mario. Next week looks much brighter.

To lighten the mood

Mario teaches Clare how to play Electronic Yahtzee!
Clare models her new winter hat from Peru. Thanks Aunt Holly!
Clare and Michael have a supervised couch date. (He's in tears becuase Clare popped him in the face a few moments before the picture.)

Diabetes

The verdict from the vet is that Bailey has diabetes. One look at his labwork confirmed the diagnosis and we are now in treatment mode. Per Dr. Blaes, diabetes in dogs is treatable with insulin injections and can be controlled. His lethargy, aches and pains, reduced appetite, and other symptoms that alarmed us are from diabetes.

Most dogs diagnosed with diabetes live an average of 3 additional happy years, in Bailey's case he has some extroadinary skin allergies so that might change those numbers. It's not terribly expensive to treat (a bottle of insulin costs $25 at Sam's and syringes are $12/100) and giving him a shot is nothing new. After just 2 doses he seems perkier and even ate! Granted, I think he's working the system now for rice/hamburger and bed snuggles, but we are happy to do it.

Bailey will have to see the vet more often until we figure out the perfect amount of insulin to give him, but thankfully those visits are free under our vet plan at Banfield. (If you have an animal we HIGHLY reccomend the wellness plans at Banfield located inside PetSmart.) So we feel better and I even had the 'someday' conversation with Dr. Blaes. He said that right now this is very treatable and Bailey has the potential for continued great quality of life and it is not his reccomendation to talk about (how do you say it? sleep? euthanize? die?) it.

When the time comes where the quality of life and treatment options are pointless then we can have 'the talk'. For now I am happy to have our puppy around to snuggle and cook for. But Bailey, if you can read this, the hamburger and rice gourmet dining is ending very soon....

Spring!

It's here! It's here! The daffodills that Grandma Bonnie planted this Fall arrived this week.