Nostalgia

How the oldest third of Cerberus came into my life....

There is a little Corgi mix puppy in DESPERATE need of rescue. She was dumped off in her carrier, with a leash, bag of food and a note, to a man who is disabled and cannot afford to care for her. He cannot keep her much longer. The shelter in that area is ALL KILL right now, due to a rabies scare. Do you know anyone that can take this sweet little girl???

This picture accompanied the email. How could I resist?

Knit wit

The DivaGeek gave me a Knifty Knitter for Christmas and I've taken to it madly. I've finished one slender scarf and have a hat for myself and a scarf for the LMGC in the works. Bought my mother a Knifty Knitter set today and will teach her how to use it this weekend.
While in the craft store, two ladies asked me if I'd used a Knifty Knitter before and I raved about how easy and fun it is to use. One even asked for a demo. I could have charged for lessons in the store, I think. Pictures of the finished items to come.

In the car

Dad o' Dix: Is that Rick Springsteen on the radio?
Dix (falling out of back seat): Bruuuce Springsteeeeeen.
Mom o' Dix: The other one is Rick Springfield.
Dix: I'm scared that you know that, Mama.

For all you ho ho ho's

A little late for Christmas, but fun, nevertheless.
Create your own at Pimp My Nutcracker.
If you can, play a little "Gin and Juice" by the Gourds (cover of the Snoop Dogg song) while pimping your nutcracker. Makes the experience even better.
This guy has his mind on his money and his money on his mind.

Merry Fugmas

A funny thing happened on her way to the Pat Benatar "I Love the 80's" nostalgia show...
Faces covered to protect the innocent (the unlucky guy standing behind her) and the guilty (la victim de fashion herself).

Meowy Christmas

Doc	Stumpy
Zachary	Noah

Hope yours was purr-fect!
(Cats courtesy of friends for whom the LMGC and I cat-sat over the holiday.)

Man, that rocks

Olympic Ass Kickin' Team, Christmas night, The Pour House, Raleigh

O tannenbaum!

I am out of the loop. I had no idea that the upside-down Christmas tree was the hot trend of the season. It was mentioned in a magazine, and naturally, I went to Google for the dirt. It just looks weird to me. But, I can see one advantage in it being upside-down. Archie wouldn't think it was a real tree and want to mark his territory, if you know what I mean. But where do you put the angel?

Why I'm having trouble feeling holidayish

I think it's because I'm not in the classroom with *my* kids. I felt similarly at Christmas 3 years ago when I was not in the classroom. That time it was as a result of a stupid decision; this time, it's because of a career advancement decision.
I really miss doing holiday things with the kids, more than I want to admit or realize. Getting presents for the kids, helping them make presents for their parents, organizing a holiday play and party, etc. are added stress during the holiday season, but they have been such a part of my life for the last 11 years that I think I've come to depend on them.
Although this picture isn't holiday related, it speaks volumes about why I'd go back to the classroom in a New York minute.

Christmas comes early

Saw Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin Team at the Cat's Cradle Friday night. And the little guy at the door carded me. Hahahahahaaaaaaaa. The LMGC was not carded. The door guy must have thought the LMGC was a dirty old pervert, being out with someone who looks young enough to be carded.
So that chuckle was early Christmas #1.
Early Christmas #2 was the kick-ass show put on by the OAK Team. The show was filmed for a possible DVD release and the Team brought the rawk. The crowd was sparse, maybe 40 people max, but the OAK Team played like they were in front of a full house and then some. My only complaint is that the sound was way too loud. Of course, I was standing in front of one of the big speakers most of the night, so that could have played a big part. The LMGC's opinion is that there wasn't enough of a crowd to absorb the sound the band was putting out. My ears sure did. They were still ringing almost 24 hours later.
Early Christmas #3 was the Tres Chicas Saturday night show at the Carrboro ArtsCenter. I didn't take any still pictures, but I did get a minute and a half video clip of their last song, "The Beauty of 23 (Slip So Easily)" - one of my favorites that they perform. The Chicas are wonderful, and were very kind to autograph a large poster for the LMGC after the show.
The weekend was rounded out by good eats at the Farmers' Market in Raleigh (delicious homemade beef vegetable soup and a buttery grilled cheese sandwich), the Ramshead Rathskeller in Chapel Hill (the infamous bowl of cheese they call lasagna), and Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill in Durham (creme brulee cheesecake to live for).
I'm having trouble getting into the holiday spirit, but this weekend was like one big present from me to me.

Not hooked on phonics

While browsing in the Roach Motel today (Wal-Mart, to those of you not in the know) and waiting for my prescriptions to be filled, I hear a voice over the in-house PA system...."Chelsea Smith, please come to the pharmacy. Chelsea Smith, please come to the pharmacy."
Somehow, I knew they meant me.

Shiver in my bones

"What a cold and rainy day. Where on earth is the sun hid away?"

Noodly appendages and all

Note to the DivaGeek....get those knitting needles going. I want one of these for my birthday next year. Forget making sweaters for Cerberus. This is more important.

Her DivaGeek Majesties Request

Let it never be said that I didn't try to please my audience. Upon suggestion from the DivaGeek, I give you Lily.

Christmas griping

What I learned today.
1. Dogs don't like wearing antlers.
2. Bil-Jac liver treats are icky.

Took pictures of Cerberus for the Christmas card. What an ordeal. Archie cooperated beautifully, as always. Maggie wasn't thrilled about it, but figured out the longer she sat, the more treats she got.
And then there was Lily. She was so uncooperative, but eager to lick my face any chance she could get. Her favorite trick was pulling her antlers off her head with a paw as soon as I'd get them on. So most of my pictures look like this.

Or like this.



I'm not sure how, but I managed to get enough shots of the dogs to compose the card.
And if you're wondering about #2 - don't ever try to hold a soft liver treat in your teeth, tell your dog to sit, and try to take a picture at the same time.

It's pretty sad

when the Weather Pixie has her Christmas tree up and I don't.

Screw cap is the new cork

Went to a Christmas party over the weekend and had the opportunity to try a sauvignon blanc from New Zealand. It was quite nice, but we were surprised to see this $50 bottle of wine with a screw cap. Apparently, it's a trend in the wine industry and has taken off in New Zealand.
I also got a chuckle from drinking that 'spensive wine from a plastic punch cup. (The wineglasses were all used by that point in the party.)
I think the plastic punch cup would have been more suitable for the "American classic" pictured at right.

Conversation with mama

Dix: I have a lipstick I want you to try. It's too pink for me.
Mom o' Dix: [Name of Mom's friend] wears bright pink lipstick. She's too old for that.
Dix: I can't wear this shade, it washes me out.
Mom o' Dix: I can't wear it, it makes me look like a whore.

Say what?

While giving the "blending and segmenting sounds" portion of a reading assessment to a kindergartner....
Dix: When I say "h" (pause) "ome" the word is "home." Now you try. "V" (pause) "ery"
Kid: "Very"
Dix: "R" "oom"
Kid: "Room"
Dix: "D" "art"
Kid: (laughing) "FART"