Vive la Pants!

In a stunning victory for Thisbe, this past weekend [drumroll please] THISBE WAS ABLE TO WEAR SKINNY JEANS!

That's right, people. Skinny. Jeans. Seven Jeans. We're not saying that they fit as well as they did the day we bought them. But still: SKINNY JEANS.

And, while wearing them, someone actually mistook Thisbe for a high school student. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Buoyed by this success, Thisbe tried on a pair of size [blank] pants. Note that Thisbe has been unable to get into size [blank] pants for some time. It is the goal pant size, and so far, Thisbe has only been able to fit into size [blank + 2]. Indeed, for a long time Thisbe was wearing size [blank + 4].

But yesterday! SIZE [BLANK]!!!!!!!!

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Today's Project: Completion of the WK's Halloween Costume. Pictures to be posted shortly.

Today's Life Observation: Outlet Mall does not always equal cheap.

Are you laughing with me?

PBB & Thisbe are two *very* different people. People who love each other. But different people.

Nowhere is this more apparent then when they are watching television.

PBB laughs out loud constantly. Indeed, he has woken up the WK with his laughter. Thisbe rarely, if ever, laughs out loud. This does not mean that she does not find something to be funny, but she just doesn't laugh out loud at TV, or when reading a book or magazine, or watching a movie.

There are exceptions to this phenomenon.

One of them is the incredibly stupid, but hilarious movie Just Friends. I have no idea why it is so funny. Maybe no one but Thisbe and PBB think it is funny. But every time Thisbe sees it, she laughs hysterically, out loud. [Anna Faris, I have not given you the credit you deserve: I like girls! DARLA!].

The other exception is a book that Thisbe read a couple of weeks ago. Thisbe will be revealing the name of this book in an upcoming post, however (not to hype it too much): THIS BOOK IS THE FUNNIEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ.

This book was so awesome that Thisbe is in the process of purchasing it for all of her RL friends, as several of them have upcoming birthdays (ahem, Weef, ahem 5280Mommy) or birthday presents owed to them (ahem, Little Blond), and I have to say, it will be one of my greatest presents ever.

As soon as the books are purchased and distributed, I will write a longer post about it, but I just had to point out: I laughed out loud *through the entire book*. This has never happened before. And I have some funny books.

Today's Project: Keep watching this space, we are now days away from an announcement.
Today's Life Observation: No matter what the dentist says? Getting a cavity filled is not fun.

Bear with me...

...for a moment, while I write a post that is all sorts of doting about the WK.

This weekend, the WK learned how to sing.

As a major singer, you can only imagine Thisbe's glee when from behind the couch I heard her teeny wee voice singing (over and over) "Op-em shu dem" (Open, shut them).

Seriously. Cutest thing ever. Sorry, I know I am being a big dorky Mommy. But there it is.

Also, today she learned how to sing the "E-i-e-i-o" part of Old McDonald.

I will be teaching her "With Cat-like Tread" tomorrow. I am sure her daddy will be thrilled.*

AND, on today's walk, we saw a dog, who was quite friendly and was letting the WK pet him, and was licking her enthusiastically in return.**

We see dogs a lot, and we have petted dogs before. As previously mentioned, the WK is *very* fond of dogs, but for some reason, today, she was practically apoplectic with excitement. We have never heard her laugh so hard. It was fantastic.

*In a sick ironic life twist (for him), PBB does not like Gilbert & Sullivan.

**Spare me the emails about letting a dog lick the WK. It was a very well-kept, clean dog, and it was licking her toes.

Today's Project: Watch this space for an exciting announcement regarding a special knitting venture

Today's Life Observation: Sk8er Boi is back. But if he keeps on getting up to skate at 7:30am? Then he's not back for long.

A weekend of things....

Beginning my 100 things, to be exact.

Thisbe's 100 things now reside here.

Come and visit. The list countdown has begun! Due to the lame list capacity of eblogger, I will temporarily just be identifying items as completed, hopefully strikethrough capacity will arrive soon.

Anyway. This weekend, the Thisbe family went on the road, to visit the Weef family, meet Miss Sophie, and head on down to the City of Brotherly Love.

An excellent weekend was had by all (particularly the WK, who scored a new Cookie Monster toy, courtesy of the Weefs, and got a ton of attention, and got out of bed VERY early, so she could poke her Mommy and Daddy in the eyes while they were still trying to sleep a little).

So check it out!

Today's Project: MBP #2 is done, and has been gifted. MBP #1 is soooo close.

Today's Life Observation: Children do not like to eat vegetables. At all.

S*x and the Psychiatric Ward

Seen the new commercial for Sarah Jessica Parker's latest fragrance, Covet? No? You're lucky. The psychotic look in her eyes at the end of it will haunt me for years to come. (Also, why would someone break into a museum to get perfume wearing a couture ball gown?) SJP! We love you! Get the help you so desperately need!

Today's Project: Nearing simultaneous completion of MBP #1 & #2

Today's Life Observation: Any day someone helps you clean the house is a good day.

Hellllllllloooooooo Kitty!

Yesterday, in celebration of PBB's upcoming birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY PBB!), we went out to dinner with the WK & his parents. We sat outside (we were the only ones at the restaurant who did) and after dinner PBB took the WK for a little walk near the restaurant.

About 5 minutes later he brought her back, crying hysterically. We all wanted to know what happened.

According to PBB, they had walked by a small creek a few hundred feet away and suddenly the WK became *very* excited and starting squealing and pointing to something in the creek. PBB initially thought it was a cat. But it was not. It was a raccoon. WK was waving furiously at it and saying "Peas! Peas!" (Please, please) desperate to go over and pet it.

PBB hightailed it out of there, much to her chagrin.

Today's Project: MBP #2 (#1 is completely done! Just sewing it together!)

Today's Life Observation: August is WAY too hot.

100 Things to do

OK. After hearing that yet another person Thisbe knows is mortally ill, Thisbe has decided it is time to start doing the things she has always wanted to do. So Thisbe has created a list (see sidebar), which will shortly consist of 100 things.

Beginning soon, Thisbe is going to attempt to do at least one of these things each week. It might take a week or a month or a year to complete them, but Thisbe will chronicle the effort. Also, Thisbe will accept suggestions to add to the list, but no promises as to whether they will make it on there. In addition, as soon as an item has been completed, a new item will be added to the list. So there will always be 100 things.

Life is short. Thisbe needs to dance on a bar.

Today's Project: Finishing a few things.

Today's Life Observation: There is nothing more fun than watching the WK in her pool.

Wow.

OK. I just finished reading Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. I admit it. I cried at the end. It was just such an overwhelming feeling to know that I was saying goodbye to all of the characters (regardless of whether they "survived").

I am sure that hardcore fans will have all sorts of nitpicky comments, and I have already seen several people criticizing the "epilogue", but overall, I thought it was a great book, and I will miss Harry and his friends.

Also, for those of you who finished reading the book, who I know IRL, there were two things that bugged me that I felt were unresolved. Email me. We'll talk.

In which I meet Darth Vader.

Yesterday was Thisbe's birthday. Thisbe is [number deleted] years old!

Happy Birthday to Thisbe!

Thisbe received many wonderful presents from her family (some of whom have asked not to be identified on this blog, but Thisbe must single out her sister, who got her an autographed copy of a book Thisbe LOVES) and some *fantastic* Chanel beauty products from Mrs. Weef [PINK!!!! SPARKLY!!!!! Woooooooooo!!!!].

Thisbe also got to go out to dinner with PBB, the Wee Kraken*, and her parents to one of her favorite restaurants, and then to the local playhouse (not a community theater, but a well known venue that is sponsored and run by several famous actors) to see a play.

And indeed, who was at the play as well? James Earl Jones! And Thisbe met him and shook his hand. [Note: Thisbe was something of a dork here, and kicks herself, but blames excessive champagne consumption at dinner for this].

It was neat.

*Who took a break from her present position of "if I asked for something, and I don't get it, I'll scream so that you can hear me better." Thank you, wee kraken.

Today's Project: Watch this space for an exciting knitting announcement!

Today's Life Observation: Napping is the best part of a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Me luuuuuuuurves the drinky.

Sangria is good. Chocolate is good. Wine is good.

All good. All at my house. YAY firm event! Yay babysitter!

Yay delicious tapas food that firm paid for! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

:)

Today's Project: Drinking sangria. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm......sangria.

Today's Life observation: Mmmmmmmmmmmm......sangria.

Phase 14 mos: Take it out, put it away

I am currently sitting with a lapful of (clean) diapers which the wee kraken systematically removed from the storage space in the changing area, one by one, and toddled over to hand me. She was not content unless I held each one in *exactly the same way*, and once she had taken all of them out I thought she would stop.

Instead she is repeating this exercise with the pieces from her Melissa & Doug insect puzzle. So in addition to a lapful of diapers I also have a wooden bee, butterfly, ladybug, and fly.

And now a pink stuffed elephant.

I am not sure why I need to hold all of these things, but what makes it awesome is the babbling narrative that goes with each item.

WK: deeeddddddllleee. ladadaldadada. Dah. [Hands up item]
Thisbe: Um. Ok. I'll hold it.
WK: [Enormous smile] Nash! Heh. Da-hum. [toddles off to get another item].
Thisbe: I'll just hold this then.
WK: Deeeeeeeeeedle!!!!

Today's Project: Pointy border for project that is taking FOREVER.

Today's Life Observation: Conversations do not have to be in a recognizable language to be interesting.

Fat Women Can't Swim

Thisbe made the enormous mistake of looking for a bathing suit today.

It was, undoubtedly, one of the most hideous experiences Thisbe has had to date, and remember, Thisbe was in labor for 18 hours.

The upshot: (which is not news) if you are not a pre-teen semi-anorexic girl, you cannot find a flattering bathing suit, and g*d help you if you are bigger than a size 6 and under the age of 65. In that case you have the choice of looking like an idiot in pre-teen swimwear, or appearing to be wearing your grandmother's bathing suit. Thisbe needs a big drink.

Today's Project: Staying cool. It is approximately 1 billion degrees outside.

Today's LIfe Observation: The bathing suit industry actually hates women.

Happy Thoughts, People.

OK. It is very important that everyone reading this thinks happy thoughts today.

Thisbe's brother-in-law is having very serious surgery, and we need lots and lots of good wishes flowing his way.

We'll keep you posted.

Today's Project: Just getting through the day.

Today's Life Observation: Tell the people you love that you love them. Please.

Pet peeves

1. To the customers at Stop n' Shop. DO NOT PARK in the "Customer with Infant" parking if you are not a customer with an infant. There is a reason for that parking. A shrieking, writhing, angry little reason, that really cannot take the extra walk from the car or waiting to get a cart which must be brought to the car. I've been there, and I too have been tempted, but please. If you don't have the kid, don't take the space

2. To the other parents at my gym. A 7 year old does not want to hang out in babysitting with giant Legos while you work out on the elliptical machine for 2 hours. And that 7 year old will behave badly, causing the poor babysitting lady to go crazy, which is no good for anyone. If school is over, and camp hasn't started yet, perhaps you need to get your exercise by taking your child for a nature walk. Or chasing him/her around the house/mall. Whatever. Just stop messing with my babysitters at the gym.

3. To the parents of the kids on my street. Letting your kids scream as loudly as they can, all in a group, so loudly that the neighbor lady thinks that one of them has been run down by an errant teenager, is not OK. Please teach your children that screaming? Is not a game.

4. To my garbage man. Taking our garbage does not require being loud. Some mornings (this morning) you are not loud, and I appreciate that. Some mornings (last week) you feel the need to make every single item in the garbage hit the truck individually, and also to comment loudly upon it. On those mornings, you kill the precious few moments I have to sleep before the wee kraken awakens, and usually you wake her up too. I beg you. If it is before 7am, please keep it down.

Today's project: Completion of several things! Pictures coming soon.

Today's Life Observation: Fridays were made for drinking.

PS. It appears that Thisbe's flirtation with the film industry is over, as she did not receive a call to be in Indiana Jones 4. Rats.

And yet, Harrison was nowhere to be seen....

That's right folks. Thisbe and the Wee Kraken went to an open casting call to be an extra in: Indiana Jones 4.

This is the closest that Thisbe has gotten to a movie set since Twelve Monkeys shot on UPenn's campus.*

While we both anticipated a long wait (news articles regarding this event from the previous day indicated that some people had been in line for upwards of 3 hours), we set out early and arrived at 11 am.

It was sort of anti-climatic. There was really no line.** The whole process took about 40 minutes. Weirdly, they wanted to know if Thisbe had cheerleading experience (no) and her glove size (????).

Unfortunately, the Wee Kraken was ineligible to apply to be an extra, as she is under 18. However, the casting director agreed that she was super-cute, and took her picture too.

We'll know (theoretically) in a couple of weeks, but even if this is not Thisbe's springboard to fame, it was still kind of a fun thing to do.

*Sadly, Brad Pitt was not there. Just a bunch of elephants. Cute, but not Brad Pitt cute.

**There was actually a short-ish line of people, and naughty Thisbe spent the majority of the short wait trying to decide if she was cuter than various other people in line. Answer: Thisbe was cuter than about 1/2 of those people, but not so much cuter than several college co-eds who were clearly going with the "play to my looks" (aka dress a little slutty) strategy. Thisbe was comforted by the fact that extras do not all have to be college co-eds, and the Wee Kraken was way cuter than all of us.

Today's Project: Mishmash of things to finish

Today's Life Observation: Never, ever, leave the house without a full tupperware of Cheerios.

Hire me, da*nit!!!!!!

So. It is time for Thisbe to return to the rat race.

Today Thisbe had a job interview. PBB has a more positive outlook on the report, but Thisbe (who was there) does not think it went particularly well.

Specifically, Thisbe just did not seem to have the right answers, or any answers to the incredibly pointed questions that were posed. There were a lot of hypothetical "SO, Ms. Thisbe. If you experienced Situation A (a situation with which Thisbe has limited experience), how would you proceed", and then Thisbe giving an answer, and then the interviewers pointing out something that Thisbe now thinks she should have known which would have been the key to the correct (?) answer.

All in all, Thisbe feels like a moron.

And really, if there are any people seeking someone for employment, Thisbe is an excellent, hard-working employee who is very passionate about the non-profit work that she loves.

So give Thisbe a chance.

Today's Project: Vest. etc.

Today's Life Observation: You never realize how stupid you are until someone else points it out.

Pirates!

OOOOOOOOOH!

Thisbe just loves some pirates.** And Thisbe saw the 8pm showing of Pirates of The Caribbean 3 last night. For those of you who are planning on seeing it this weekend, Thisbe will not give away any of the movie info except to say: Orlando Bloom? WAY hotter than he was in previous movies. Much more dark and brooding. Yum.

Also, someone gets to be a Pirate King. Thisbe is extremely jealous. Thisbe has *always* wanted to be the Pirate King. This Pirate King did not sing the great G & S song though, so, Thisbe is slightly less jealous. Just slightly.

**But not enough to watch the UNBELIEVABLY STUPID reality show where people pretend to be pirates to win money.

Today's Project: Vest to hopefully wear to a wedding this weekend

Today's Life Observation: Arrrrrrrrr!

Happy Birthday Wee Kraken!!!!

One year ago today, was the best day of my life.*

And here she is.

*Tied, of course, with my wedding day


Today's Project: Completion of party favors for a very special first birthday party

Today's Life Observation: The Thisbe family is so lucky to have such a wonderful girl.

Not that I'm an expert

But a note to the parents across the street:

Thisbe has some concern regarding your offspring. We will call him Young Sk8er Boi. We will call him this because for the last week*, for approximately 23 hours a day, Young Sk8er Boi (who we think is about 10 years old) has been outside in your driveway, apparently fused to his skateboard, and alternately skating over his skateboard ramp**, and dragging it all over the driveway.

This raises concerns for 3 reasons.

First, Thisbe has noted that Young Sk8er Boi has absolutely no protective gear: no helmet, no knee or elbow pads, nada. So if he were to take a tumble, we imagine that his injuries would be unpleasant.

Then again, bringing us to concern #2: we have *never* seen you outside watching Young Sk8er Boi, so we imagine you would not notice.

Finally, the incessant noise of both the skating and the dragging of the skateboard ramp is driving the Thisbe family CRAZY, particularly since it starts (true story) at 7:30 am. Every day. Including weekends. We here at the Thisbe family like to sleep in on the weekends. We are training the wee kraken to do so, and the pre-dawn skateboard warm-up is not helping matters. We are concerned we may have to disable the ramp while Young Sk8er Boi is sleeping (we think he sleeps, we can't be sure).

Soooooooo......how about you lighten up with the skateboarding? No. Seriously. Because otherwise Thisbe will be forced to serenade you with The Mikado at 2am, and we don't think you will like that.

*It was spring break, so he did not have school. But he is out there every waking minute when he is not at school as well.

**We think the ramp may have been a Christmas or birthday present, as it was not around in the last few years we have lived here.

Today's Project: A mishmash.

Today's Life Observation: Lovely weather? Lovely mood.

Thisbe is moving to Canada

See this?

This is the unfortunate turn of events Thisbe predicted upon the election of our "fearless" leader.

And I am extraordinarily sorry to say that it is happening.

Today's Project: Whatever

Today's Life Observation: O Canada! Our home and native land!