Cookin'

I do amaze myself. This week I cooked rack of lamb crusted with coriander, stuffed steak pinwheels, and chicken carbonara.

Luckily, I worked out at the gym every single day.

I'm enjoying the tone, especially since we're gourmands. My sister calls to see what we're whipping up each day - she said it's like calling a restaurant.

Weekenders and Anniversaries

My husband, what a guy. He told Sam and me to pack our bags because we were going to Chicago for a the weekend! He booked a room at the Palmer House because he knows I'm an old-fashioned girl who is a sucker for Art Deco and Grecian frescoes.

Jason and the boys met us up there. We spent several hours at the terribly expensive and super marginal Shedd Aquarium, where a "snack" cost each party $30. I kept asking where the big sharks and some whales could be seen. No such things. Such a big city rip-off.

We grabbed drinks in the Palmer House's lobby, and had an amazing dinner of Spanish tapas at Mercat a la planxa, a restaurant that Matt had discovered through being a total foodie. It was really a sight to see the three young boys devouring filet, lamb, scallops, sausages and flatbreads. We loved it, until the bill came. ;0

Liam and Finn gave at least 10 dollars to the homeless on our walk back to the Palmer, and we were scolded by a little Chinese man when we brought our 3 little bulls into his china store after dinner. Jason even said, "You look really nervous, sir." He had no idea what that meant; he just kept saying, "No touch...no touch!!"

In the morning we toured Millenium Park, which is far more inviting in the summer, grabbed breakfast at the West Egg (sweetly reminiscent for me and my many hung-over mornings after concerts back in my singlehood) shopped at Burton and Jonathan Adler, and ate pizza at the ever-famous Gino's East. Sam fell asleep at the restaurant, which he never does - those little legs were tired.

It was a perfect trip, and I'm so glad that Jason made the effort to join us. The real treat: Matt's and my anniversary! Let's toast to that!

There is definitely a saving-of-one-another involved in marriage. I was so independent that I never wanted to be saved, never thought of it that way. I never in my life "looked" for a husband, but I see more and more how Matt swooped in and took me into his life, and I'm so very grateful. And I saved him, too. Oh, how I saved him. When we talk about it, Matt just wipes his brow. ; )

Happy Anniversary, sweet Matt.

The Party Nook

No matter where you have a party, everyone ends up in the kitchen. Matt and I had a few neighbor friends over the other night and, not only did we all congregate in the kitchen, we stayed in the kitchen nook the entire night! What a waste of a perfectly clean house (Sam mopped!).

If I'd put the beer and wine in the mud room, along with our gerbil, that's where were would have gathered. Next time, as a test, I'm going to put all of the alcohol on top of the washer/dryer and see what happens. Maybe I can get guests to help fold.

Mrs. Clean

Matt says I just look for shit to clean.

Celebrating the Birthday Boy

I surprised Matt with a getaway weekend in ... Louisville, KY! Who says I'm not a great wife? There were lots of "y'alls" and thick country accents (no one ever sounded smart with a country accent...I stole this line from a comedian), but it was extremely charming.

The best part: Matt's friend, John, from UVa and his wife, Jacquie, drove up from Chattanooga, TN and surprised him. John and I set this up in November, so we've been scheming for months.

We took Sam with us a). because John & Jacquie wanted to meet the fine fellow, and b). because we take him everywhere.

We stayed at the 21c Museum Hotel, which had a modern art gallery in it. What a cool place. Outstanding. Matt, Sam and I went out to dinner Friday night, as we had a much shorter drive and J& J hadn't yet arrived. I was trying to keep everyone awake, kept texting John about his ETA. Our plan was for them to knock on our door when they arrived.

After dinner, the three of us went back to our hotel room, and Matt changed into his comfy clothes. I was chuckling at the thought of him being in his underwear when they finally got there, but that didn't happen. J&J knocked on our door at 10:30 pm--SURPRISE--and I made Matt go out and get drunk with them. Good wife!

Matt was completely surprised, and it entertained me as much as seventh-grade socials to witness this. : )

John suffered from his Friday night martinis the rest of the weekend, but we ate a delectable lunch at Ramsi's "Food of the World" on Saturday, and ate dinner at Proof on Main, which was noted in Esquire magazine as one of the best restaurants in the country. Oh, it was good. They made Matt cotton candy!

Sam was the only child in the hotel. Sam was the only child dining at Proof. They asked if he needed a straw, and with a tsk, I replied, "He's fine, thanks."

We "hit" the Louisville Slugger museum for good measure. A lot of baseball names were brought up...all flying right over my head. John loved it, because he's a New Yorker. They eat baseballs for breakfast.

Now we're planning a weekend trip to Nashville, TN (Dede, can you babysit?), and a ski trip with J&J. Quickly, I need some snowboarding lessons.

Matt, Sam and I ate lunch at McAllister's Deli, somewhere off 65 N. in Clarksville (Clarksburg--Clarksomething) and: oh, my. That's all I have to say about that.

Birthday Boy is having a great day...he's cooking dinner for us, of course! He is allowed to listen to whatever music he wants...just this once.

Happy Birthday, Matt! xo

Super Heros

Sam has gotten some awesome presents, and Santa hasn't even been here! Dede got him some great costumes: Superman, Batman and Robin.

Last night, Sam said, "Pick one, Mommy!" I chose Batman, because he has the best song. : )

Sam was Superman.

Sam said, "Here, Daddy, you're Robin." Matt said, "I don't want to be Robin - being Robin blows!"

I begged Matt to allow me to photograph him in his Robin costume. He kindly said: No "Freaking" Way.

Santa comes tonight, a night early, and then we're off to the O.C. Rainy, high 60's, but it beats the snow.

Merry Christmas.

Living the dream

I'm about to wrap-up my final story for the sizable writing project I've been working on - and I'm over a month ahead of schedule!

Poor Sam has spent some pretty boring days around the house, when he's not at preschool, with Mommy typing away on her computer. I'm about to make that all up to him as we're going to spend the entire week next week going to movies, Monkey Joe's, Chuck E. Cheese--whatever he wants!

Matt and I asked him what Daddy does for work. Sam shrugged and said, "He works in a tower." We asked him what Mommy does, and he said, "She's a writer." He's a good man, that Sam.

Even Matt tells Sam to play guitar!

We're heading to California next week for an entire week of sunshine. It's been 87 degrees there all week. I cannot wait. We're going to take a trip up the coast again, and take Sam with us this time. There's so much adventure waiting for us. Sam has definitely had more life experiences than most children his age, and he's absolutely wonderful to hang out with. Whenever I pictured the type of child I might have someday, Sam was definitely in the dream.

Sam slept between us the other night, and Matt said, "Can you imagine how comforting it is to be sandwiched between your parents like this? Sam will never feel as safe as he does right now."

This was also part of my dream. : )

A Visit to Santa

After a day of sledding on the "Carmel Hill" yesterday, we took Sam to meet Santa at Clay Terrace. They had a pretty swanky set-up, as Santa rested inside a little gingerbread house that had a Tom Roush car give-away parked right in front, insuring that no one could take a decent photograph.

Sam had a runny nose all day, which should have been red flag enough to postpone this event. He fell asleep in the car on the way there (5 minutes), so we took him into the sporting goods store to liven him up a bit -- his sleep coma remained. We decided to forge out into the snow and wait our turn to see Santa, with the shiny new Chevy parked outside the gingerbread house. There really was no line, just us and the Chevy.

After a few moments, I rapped on the door (because, after all, this is a Christmas story), and Santa's grouchy, middle-aged elf, let's call her Sheila, came outside and snarled, "It'll be a few minutes!"

We hadn't planned to purchase photographs, given Sam's slight cold and physical torpor, but I knew that Sheila was really trying to say, "We have paying customers in here!" I told Matt to get his credit card ready.

We decided to walk across the street and grab two coffees and a hot chocolate while we waited. While in the store, Matt realized that Sam's gym shoes (I completely forgot to buy the child snow boots!) were caked in mud, which was now covering the floor of the Gelato boutique. I tipped the guy three dollars because I knew he'd be responsible for mopping after we left.

We could see the paying customers leaving Santa's house, dressed in red sweaters, smiling as snowflakes gently landed on their faces. We gave Sam's nose a good wiping and headed back to wonderland.

I'd dressed Sam like the little brother wearing all the winter gear in the movie A Christmas Story. Layers upon layers I'd layered, and it was beginning to hit me that this might be causing Sam's state-of-mind. "He's hot!" I said to my husband, and so right there in front of God and everyone (Santa, Sheila, two girls taking expensive photographs), I began stripping Sam down.

Sam had no interest in Santa after he'd told him about the big green gun and fishing pole that he wanted, but we tossed him on Santa's lap, anyway. Sheila tried using some kind of baby rattle to entice a smile from Sam, but he wasn't having it. "Snap, snap, snap!" Three horrible digital photographs. The girl turned her computer screen so that we could see how awful the photographs were, and she knocked my large coffee off the table, and onto Santa's floor.

Sheila seemed really pissed. We were down $11.00 at this point, and still had to buy a picture.

Sheila threw Matt and me into the frame along with Santa and Sam and yelled, "Smile!" We heard one more snap, and that was it. That was going to be our Christmas photograph, no matter what.

"It's terrible," Matt said, "We're not giving this to anyone!"

We shall not speak of this experience again.

Studying Keats

It's a gray day, the Indiana gray that makes us all begin to deteriorate until Spring arrives. I've been writing a lot lately, 3 stories per day for my project. I love working! My hair has to be in a ponytail when I write, like the girl on Harry Potter. It helps me think, pulls out the ideas.

The house is quiet, and I've settled with a cup of green tea, and some Keats. I once knew Keats, I believe. I was once more romantic.

How many bards gild the lapses of time!
A few of them have ever been the food
Of my delighted fancy,—I could brood
Over their beauties, earthly or sublime:
And often, when I sit me down to rhyme,
These will in throngs before my mind intrude:
But no intrusion, no disturbance rude
Do they occasion; 'tis is a pleasing chime.
So the unnumber'd sounds that evening store
The song of birds—the whispering of the leaves—
The voice of waters—the great bell that heaves
With solemn sound—and thousand others more,
That distance of recognizance bereaves,
Making pleasing music, and not wild uproar.

Boyhood Games

We had to fill out a sheet at Sam's school that his teacher posted on the bulletin board. It included our favorite foods, places we like to travel and things we like to "play." A lot of the other kids' moms wrote things like "Tag," "Get You," and "Hide-n-Seek."

Our list was similar, because I couldn't bring myself to list our real games:

Kill All the Bad Guys
Shoot the Enemy Dead
Gross You Out
I Think I Can Do This
Jump and Crash
Let Me Go

I swear we're good parents, I swear.

High School Reunion

Saturday. 6 pm. Sunny. Gorgeous. I was dressed a little bit like Johnny Cash.

My friend Mary picked me up, and we planned to ditch her car and cab it home. She had a pile of cds in her car as she'd driven down from Chicago earlier that day. She said, "I brought my 'Jill' music." Tragically Hip, Cake, Liz Phair, some standards. I was impressed.

Really overheating in my black sweater.

We met up with four guys we've known since the 7th grade, our best buds, and we all piled into a small BMW (back in the day it was probably a large Toronado) and headed to the reunion. Mary said, "Grab that Tragically Hip cd!" Mary and I were sitting on the laps of our friends, and I handed the cd up to the driver, Dave, whom everyone knows. ; ) (Hip lyric.)

Mary said, "Jill, have him play that r o c k i n g song," and I'm thinking, "Um, um...they all are." She said, "That one. That one that makes you dance in your seat." So, I cleared my throat and said, "Dave, please, track 6."

We had the poor car speakers screaming as loudly as they could possibly go as we drove down the street listening to Locked in the Trunk of a Car.

We played it about 4 times ... I mean loudly ... I sat in the middle of the backseat with an itchy sweater and a huge smile on my face. I'm so easy.

Three of my guy friends said things like, "Who in the hell was that? That was f***ing fantastic." My friend, Alex, said, "....Jill's gift to every person she knows...The Tragically Hip."

I got home around 3:00 am.

Matt took Sam and let me sleep it off the entire next day. What a cool husband.

Sam and I went to lunch this afternoon and Lauren was our waitress. She did a great job, and when she brought Sam free dessert, he said, "Oh... My... Gosh. This is delicious."

I took him to the park afterward, and there were two weirdo kids there, one who kept chasing Sam, and one who kept hitting him. The chaser was wearing a blue sweatshirt, and when Sam woke from his nap later at home, the first thing he said was, "That blue guy was chasing me."

But lately Sam uses "actually," "seriously," and "precarious" correctly in sentences. We never really talked baby-talk to Sam, and it shows. Matt was commenting last night on how he made a giant leap of maturity from age 2.5 to age 3.

On the way to school Monday he said, "Daddy really wants me to go surfing with him, but I don't want to use his big white surfboard, I want my own surfboard." I agreed. Sometimes he's scary smart. He listens to NPR on the way to and from school (16 miles round trip), and he's started repeating, or, better yet, commenting on the commentary!

In other news:

Jason came in 335th in the Madison, WI Ironman. Angie and I both took walks that day.

I went to Chicago for the weekend and danced in really super-high heels. I was able to walk again today, for the first time.

I contributed to the Democratic Party yesterday, and again today, because I want my voice to be heard.

Matt is buying another old Mercedes. That will be two in our driveway. My family thinks he may need psychological evaluation.

Kate is in the hospital again, and we all hate that very much. : (

Matt and Sam are going surfing in November. I mean, how cute is that?!

All for now.

I'm all tingley

Sam went with me to my doctor's appointment yesterday for tennis elbow (caused not from playing tennis, but from landscaping every square-inch of our yard). My arm is so sore that it doesn't even seem like pain anymore, it just feels like a constant tingle. Not the kind of sense and sensibility that I'm used to.

Samuel has become a daredevil. Usually, when he is risking life and limb, either skateboarding or riding his Razor down the middle of the street (yeah, just turned 3 and has been really good on it for months!) -- oh, and now jumping on the trampoline -- we tell him to please be careful so we don't have to go to the hospital.

He started blending the words "doctor" and "hospital," and came up with the term "hot doctor," asking us if that was where he'd end up if he didn't wear a helmet.

We were the first ones at the doctor's office yesterday. People began filing in, the nursing staff busily preparing for their day, and Sam said with almost an echo, "Are we seeing your hot doctor, Mommy?"

There were plenty of snickers and chuckles, and I gasped out an "Oh, honey, yes, we're here to see the doctor, not the hospital doctor..." but the damage had been done.

I'm sure the staff told my doctor, who actually is a pretty handsome man. : )

We are still recouping from the birthday bash. Matt did a terrific job getting the trampoline up (after... 6 hours? haha), and every single beautiful Spiderman cupcake disappeared. Matt bought me my second original painting from a local artist that I love, and even stopped at Sakura and picked up soft shell crab for me. What a man.

I start physical therapy for my arm next week. Ugh out.

The last 4 digits

I just found myself at Lowe's on a Friday night. I was buying wood filler, charcoal, Folex carpet cleaner, and about to have an out-of-body experience. I realized that I know the last 4 digits of our credit card (7143) without looking.

I felt depressed.

I came home and found Matt cleaning the car (the earth's axis tipping simultaneously), and Sam running down to me, yelling, "I wanna ride in there with you!" So I did our favorite thing to freak out our neighbors, besides that thing where we walk around with full wine glasses: I allowed Sam to climb in on my lap, and we did a quick tour around the neighborhood in our cool Volvo stationwagon...with no seatbelts!

The year of living dangerously.

But I found a new street, one we'd never ventured down before, where people were outside with beers in their hands, and they were dressed well! A couple of them smiled and laughed when they saw my blonde bombshell driving the car, and for that brief moment I was filled with hope.

Tomorrow I'm planning a full-on escapade. We're going to walk down that street and talk to people.

The Red Balloon

I almost forgot that I had a blog.

Sam and I shopped for his Spiderman birthday party supplies today, and I bought him a big, red helium balloon at his request. Last night we read the French book, The Red Balloon, that I remember from my childhood. It's really some of the best photography I've ever seen, as the red balloon follows young Pascal around Paris. Sam loved the book (apple not falling far), so it made sense for him to say, "Please, Mommy, a red balloon."

Sam's red balloon disappeared into the afternoon sky after he went in the backyard (by himself) to water the flowers midday. He came inside bawling, the words so meek that he could hardly get them out. I said, "Honey, what is it...what is it?" "My...my...BALL...oooooon." The sadness was unbearable.

Later, after he'd calmed down, he explained how the balloon was up in the sky with the baseballs that he's hit over the fence, and that it's following people around town. (If you're unfamiliar with A. LaMorisse's The Red Balloon, might I suggest it.)

This, my (nearly) three-year-old. As Debbie put it: He's going to do very well in school.

I returned to the store later and bought him another red balloon...and a blue one, too, just because I love him so much.

Gingery

Sam and I went to our local water park today in Hamilton County, the freebie one where I don't have to deal with so many kids, like at the Monon Center. There were lots of pretentious kid names there, my favorite being Carlson, and my least favorite being, ok, I'll do this phonetically, "Aa-ahna." Aahnna. That's a name? Apparently it is, because the mom wouldn't stop saying it. These are my least favorite types of moms: those who name their kids pretentious names and then say them loudly in public so we can all get familiar with them.

"Carlson, Carlson, take that diaper off your head and put it back onto your sister!"

"Aahnna, come here! Aahnna, Aahnna, I'm going to count to three!"

Sam and I just do our thing. I never yell (certainly never in public) because there is no need.

So, we played most of the day and then I painted the dining room. It was already painted, but not to my specifications, so I did it again. I'm loving decorating this new house, and I'm very excited to finally go back to work someday very soon doing what I've always wanted to do: decorating! I can never again sit at a desk, ever, ever, ever.

Ah ha, Matt is home and off for a run in this 90 degree heat. I still have the color "Gingery" on my knees and elbows. The sign of a good woman. In fact, our handyman told me last week that I'm extraordinary. Kind of creepy, to tell ya the truth.

Planting the new house

I touched a cat tonight. I'll never do that again. I have welts all over my arms from the vile creature. Truthfully, I like cats, but I can't be near them, so I hate them.

Jason rode his bicycle from Ft. Wayne to Indy to surprise my dad for Father's Day. 120 miles, that crazy nut. He's a machine; he's always been a machine. At age 5 I saw those machine eyes. I run 3 miles up hill and I feel accomplished. Phooey. He was sitting on the couch at my dad's when we arrived, drinking a beer, all "Hey guys." He's lucky we still speak to him.

Of late, I chopped down a Hawthorne tree; hack-sawed a crab apple tree; helped plant the weeping cherry that Sam and I got Matt for Father's Day; stood on a ladder whacking bushes; planted rhododendruns, hibiscus and tons of perennial flowers, and I'm just getting started.

Chabon

Wow, a free moment.

Just got back from sunny, wonderful California. A little different this time, but still great. Sam surfed with Matt at Newport Beach. There is little this boy won't try, doesn't know, or doesn't figure out in about 2 minutes. He not only talks in complete sentences, but complete concepts, too. His grandparents were amazed at his progess since last time.

I'm unpacking boxes in our new house, and reading Michael Chabon's new book on fatherhood. If there is one person I'm allowed to be in love with besides Matt, it's Michael. Matt is allowed to love the spokeswoman for Electrolux (at least she's blonde); I would never settle for an actor...gotta be a writer. Every word of Chabon draws me in.

We're busy growing a garden, playing with Nerf guns, and I bought Sam his first (as if there will be many) sword yesterday. Life is pretty simple. Matt is proving to be the best dad ever. I mean, really, he's pretty darn good.

I'm so sick of airplanes, layovers and flatulence surrounding me with no hope of an escape. God, it's a long way to Cali. We're tired (except Sam!) and must go to sleep early.

Photo Booth Shots

John & Jaquie's wedding in Florida last year...I particularly like the one where John is kissing me and Matt is trying to run a block. : )

Scream Machine

Met with the contractor, the electrician, the flooring guy, the butcher, baker and candlestick maker all today. I'm loving this. Matt shakes his head at my decorating budget.

We let Sam scream it out tonight because he won't go to sleep in his bed. I've been dealing with it since Matt's been visiting his mom in the hospital, so he was on duty tonight. I had to go outside and do yoga in the yard so I didn't have to hear him screaming for me. An episode of Super Nanny! It's so hard, but we have to do it. At least I keep hearing that from others. God, I hate to hear that cutie pie cry.

We all watched UP tonight. I teared-up, of course. Love my boys.

A Moment

Sam told me that he walked through "waddy mutters" today in his Crocs. I used to say "rabby barrit" for bunny rabbit when I was his age.

He's on a Spiderman kick.

We move into our new house in T minus 34 days. I've been on weekly decorating binges, my absolute favorite pasttime. Matt buys something from Miller Nurseries online every week, too. We're a good mix.

There's so much going on, so little time; I read books in front of the oven at night, usually while I'm stirring someting, trying to keep up.

My writer buddy invented the best name: The MELP.

Gord Downie has a new record coming out. Ahh. I emailed him on his birthday - he spent it cleaning closets with his kids. So respectable.

I hear Sam's footsteps coming down the hallway...

Fantastic Day

Yesterday, what a day. I began by running 2 miles then swimming a mile; it was my mom's birthday; I played outside with my 2 sweeties; we put an offer in on a new house, and the health care bill passed the Senate. Avengers of change!

Change is frightening, I guess for some, but I can't see past those 32,000,000 (so many zeros!) people who will now not live in fear of visiting a goddamned doctor. It's time people stopped rocking in their front porch rocking chairs wondering what's on the other side of the hill (or in Indiana, the street). It's called the world: better wake up and join it.

For my single-mother friends raising kids alone; for the people I know who lacked sufficient coverage or had pre-existing conditions; for my friend who died at age 24 from testicular cancer because he couldn't afford health insurance; and for my dad who, by proxy, visited him several times in the hospital, even though he'd never met him, simply because I couldn't bare to see a friend waste away, this day was for you.

And as for the Republican naysayers, you can kiss my grits.

Rent the Rug Doctor

Swam 1.25 miles today, which doesn't sound like a lot more than 1 mile, but it was an additional 8 laps, down and back (16 laps). I was feeling competitive with Speedo Girl next to me, who was actually a much better swimmer...at first. She gave up at a mile, so, of course, I had to continue.

I need to find a new swim cap that holds all of this hair! I pulled it off several times during my swim, and I tried to swim without it, but so much hair in my eyes. Finally, I pulled it over my head leaving my locks flowing out the bottom, kind of like a mullet. I looked like a pro, for sure.

I've noticed that swimmer girls have short hair. Me no like short hair. Moms also have short hair. I like throwing it all into a ponytail, which I suppose means I should just cut it all off. But no way.

I went to Walmart today (God, I hate that place) to buy a small swimming pool for Gertie to run around in once in a while. I asked a lady who worked there for help. She said, and I'm NOT kidding. "That's a great idea. Maybe I should buy one to use as a littler box for my possum" (Or is that opossum?). She told me that it was blind in one eye. I ran to my car... fast.

I Rug-Doctored the entire house today, too...just for fun. Matt just handed me a glass of wine, he's cooking dinner, and Sam's hanging onto me hoping to watch Youtube. Life's good!

Swim Fatigue

I ran three miles yesterday, and swam a mile today. Sam and I both took 2-hr naps today. My brother told me to buy blue goggles, after I bought black ones. I like them, they're very clear, but both of my eyes look bruised after I've worn them for a while. You can't swim and plan on going anywhere important right afterward. My swim cap won't stay on because of the mass of hair I have, either. I need to work out these kinks.

Swimming kicks my butt, and I love it. Back Thursday.

New Sport

I pulled out my old one-piece swimsuit last night and tried it on for Matt. Some laughter followed. It's at least 15-years-old (maybe more) because, who wears a one-piece? Well, I do now that I'm swimming at the gym! I ran 4 miles yesterday, and that glistening 5-lane lap pool was calling me. I bought some new black swim goggles and a black cap last night to match my 15-year old black suit. Matt said, "You look really cool."

Well, I did look pretty cool once I was swimming. As my brother says, "Muscles have memory." I swam 3/4 of a mile, which is no small feat after at least a 10-year hiatus from serious swimming (splashing around with Sam at the Monon Center and drinking margaritas in Matt's parents' pool notwithstanding).

I loved it. I swam pretty fast; swam right past the girl who chose to wear her bikini, right past the lady who swam with her head out of the water and never once cupped her hands. My heart was racing...and no sweat! I'm thinking a Masters competition is in my future. I wish I liked riding bicycles (I really don't), because maybe a triathlon for this old lady is in order. I must always keep up with Jason.

My two new favorite words from Sam: Lassy Tappy (Laffy Taffy) and Dunk Trup (Dump Truck).

Ma Bell

Sam's sick, asleep on the couch. I've already done a million things today and I found a free moment. "Well, hello, free moment," I said, and then WHAM! The phone rang. Every afternoon, right at the start of my free moment, the phone rings.

I hate the phone. I want the phone out of the house. I never answer the phone.

We have a new gerbil named Gertie. Sam's a little fearful, and he says, "Tiny toenails, tiny toenails!" She's really Matt's pet (oh, man, I thought I was!).

She's asleep in the cage next to me.

I'm unplugging all of the phones and going to greet that free moment with a smile.

All in the sauce

I'm cooking stuffed chicken with homemade bechamel sauce, drinking a glass of champange... and it's only Tuesday.

Matt and I celebrated two years married (five years total), and I'm sitting here thinking that life's pretty grand. I consider every other relationship such a waste of time, but that's because I hadn't met Matt yet. We all make stupid mistakes, I just dated more than he did. : )

I've found a friend in the neighborhood who can transfer old videos onto DVDs, so we've been having some fun with this! Except that I learned that Sam's first birthday party DVD wasn't properly formatted, and blank thusly (nonstandard variant, just like 'thusly'). Matt just shakes his head at me.

Man, this champagne is spectacular.

I'm planning my next trip, planning my next trip, gotta go, gotta travel, planning my next trip. Matt just went to Miami Beach (rotgut, been there a hundred times), but I'm focusing on the magnificent. I also have enough miles on my credit card to go around the world...maybe twice. I've NEVER used my miles. I'm sickeningly patient. But no more waiting. And no more jaunts to Chicago or DC...I'm over those. I want Europe. I want Envoy Class and Five Stars. I want a captain, a chef and a maid, a sommelier, five-course meals and champagne for breakfast.

Oh golly gee damn!

I want to go put my arms around my sick little boy, and stir my bechamel sauce, keep dreaming...

Careful

I'm easily amused.

Ooh, ooh Dreamweaver

I'm sitting at my desk watching the snow fall, which is what I feel like I've been doing for about 6 months. Next time I'm heading East into a blizzard, I'll heed the advice from which I usually run.

Evan Bayh isn't running for re-election? Jon Stewart's analogy of the Republicans moving to the next grade while the Democrats are stuck in the nurse's office with their balls glued to their legs could have some validity.

If I hear Jack Johnson one more time I'm gonna puke. It's true, children love Jack. Sam turns it on and turns it UP by himself now. He calls it "Cool loud." Here we go...

I was thinking, if Jesus had children, besides all the children of the world, and he took them to work on "Take your kids to work day," would it really be "Take your children to Jesus" day?

We took Fredders to the Rathskeller, the place where we had our first date (5 years ago!!) on Valentine's Day. That was a great day to have a first date with the guy I ended up marrying.

Yesterday, after I yelled at Sam for...well, something I can't even remember now, he said, "I'm mad." I asked, "At me?" He said, "Yes, Sammy is mad because you pushed me." I said, "Well honey, thank you for telling me."

Sam slept in his big boy bed for the first time last night and he did GREAT. I'm so proud.

I bought the program Dreamweaver. I'm gonna teach myself. I'm a quick study. Help pass the winter...

California!

We just returned from sunny, best weather in the country, SoCal. We missed the snow here, missed the bitter edge, hung out on the beach watching Matt surf on his new board. He's amazing...ahh. Sam got his first taste of whale watching off of Balboa Island...he's quite the natural seafarer.

And what are we watching now that we're back? The Backyardigans' Surf's Up!

New Year's Day

It's that day again, that calendar date that says, "Let's try this again..." The day when people budget for their new gym membership, only to quit by mid-February.

As Sam gets older, creeping into ownership of his own thoughts and actions, I'm trying to decide what I want to do with ME, for ME, next. For someone who was once told, "You're independent to a fault!" I can say that motherhood and marriage have had their challenges. Not because I don't love them, but because I feel that I've given up my identity and dreams in order to make sure lunch is on the table each day for Sam, piping hot and nutritious. It gets tedious.

I was thinking last night, as I was dancing to the band at the Doherty's party, how I've probably seen over 700 live shows in my lifetime. At least. I was dreaming about the day soon when I'll buy a last-minute ticket to Paris, or fly out to see my favorite band play the Fillmore in SF. When I can be a little more like the old Jill, resting assured that Matt and Sam are waiting for me back at the ranch. That is what a good marriage and a good life are all about: having time to be yourself along the way. I'm very lucky to have the support system that I do, a husband who says, "You're great at everything you do - go do it!"

And as for New Year's Resolutions: we are buying a treadmill for the house! God, we're so suburban.

My Calling

I'm so proud of my hubby: General Counsel! He's generally very intelligent, and incredibly deserving. Wow, he's amazing.

Sam's on day #5 with a fever. I had to hold him down and administer Amoxicillin today. Ugh, hate doing that. He's missing school this week because of it, and then out for two weeks vacation. Calgon!

We're off to California in two weeks, but first: Christmas with the Brookses this weekend! I get to play hostess again, hooray! I have all of the wine glasses lined up already. It's my calling, what can I say?

Another Brooks Blog

Jason's at it now.

http://jbrooks2010.blogspot.com/2009/12/2nd-saturday-workout.html

In the Dining Room with a Chair...

I also bought a new dining room table and chairs "for Thanksgiving" while Matt was away surfing. I had it set up for him, and said, "Hi, honey, look what arrived when you were gone!"

My friend Mimi said that she once did this, but that she didn't tell her husband. It took him 6 months to notice.

Matt loves them, so I'm safe.

What's for Lunch

Sam's teacher once told me, "Your child comes to school with the best lunches! All of the teachers like to see what he has." I told her that this was mostly my husband's doing, that he's a gourmand dressed in a lawyer's button-down. But I do feel the pressure now. Sam's never had a "regular" hotdog, not yet. Only organic and uncured (again, mostly Matt's influence). He hates PB&J.

Today, in his lunchbox, I served him roasted pork tenderloin with raspberry confit, glazed carrots, fresh green beans and grapes. I think I may start including a menu just for laughs. ; )

I sent my family a spreadsheet for Thanksgiving (also for laughs) on how the day will "go down", and I've made out my entire schedule at home for my workload. For example, tomorrow at 5:00PM, I begin by brining my bird (oh, I love when alliteration comes together so unexpectedly), and the list goes on from there...

Today, I rest, especially since Sam woke at 5:30. Matt and I are closing in on trying each beaujolais nouveau.

Lucky 13

I spent all of yesterday shopping for Thanksgiving, the first official Thanksgiving where I'll be the hostess, and not just the person who brings wine. But I can't take all the credit, as most of the side dishes will be brought by other participants in the family. Thank God.

I bought a turkey at one store, a ham at another, Williams Sonoma for cheese cloth, and even made a trip to Crate & Barrel for more dishes and two more place settings of silverware. We had 10, but need at least 12.

Matt and I have the same silverware he once had, before his ex burglarized his place. When I told him that we now have 12 settings, he reminded me that we have 13 forks: when his ex stole everything, she forgot to check the dishwasher, where one lonely fork remained.

Matt said, "That punctuated our entire relationship." Lucky 13!

I'm a kindred spirit of the girl practicing for Thanksgiving in the Target commercial. I'd love to invite her to our feast and get her opinion.

The Men In My Life

Matt loves the ocean and I love the sky, but we both love the movement of life. Stagnation wears us down. There's so much out there to see...

My dad and I were chatting the other day and discovered that besides Mr. Flood's Party (his favorite poem by Edward Arlington Robinson) and Advice to My Son (my favorite poem by Peter Meinke), our second-favorite poems are The Ruined Cottage (Wordsworth, my dad), and Ode to Immortality (Wordsworth, me).

Sam and I both love singing, and catching spiders.

Eh, Just Bag the Leaves

Matt's back from Rincon and Sam and I welcomed him with a rake. We missed him a lot though, and he's a bit bruised and bloody from scraping against coral several times. He called me every night from some cool bar that Esquire voted one of the best bars in the world, sipping his margarita and watching the sunset. I was sincerely happy for him. A few days of absence makes us live large on love soon after.

I had a fun-filled week of going out for dinner and drinks almost every night he was gone. I really do not miss the crowds at Sullivan's or Ruth's Chris. Yuck. So not my thing...

Sam and I delivered all of our food to Gleaners Food Bank from our food drive last week. Sam was thrilled about all of it, and I can tell that he's a giver at heart. He gave an old man one of his crackers today at Target, and the man said, "What a good boy - that's a good sign." Sam's the best.

I helped serve food to 200 homeless men on Sunday (while Matt was home cooking our London Broil) at the Wheeler Mission. Talk about putting it all into perspective. I went with my dad and brother, Nick. I would like to say that it was a fantastic experience, but it was a rather sad experience, overall. I'm going again this Sunday, though, and Matt's going soon, too. I felt very nervous and shy being there, but my dad and Nick are anything but nervous or shy, so Nick got me playing Jenga with a couple of the guys, and it turned out to be fun. I had to hold back my competitive nature when the poor old man got Jenga-ed...I was hoping to let him win. He was very smart, but I think he'd suffered a stroke at some point in life. He told us about once taking a jet with a friend from Florida to West Virginia, and how he once went scuba diving (scuba dove?) in Key West. It was nice connecting about life outside the mission - I told him that I went diving in Grenada and got very, very seasick. Nick is an incredibly mature young man - he made me so proud. : )

No joke: I've bagged over 50 large (paper) lawn bags, and the maples are still going... I'm in great shape, though, and an elderly neighbor lady yelled over to me today: You have great posture! That made me laugh.

Sufing vs. French Fries

My husband is surfing in Rincon, Puerto Rico, and I miiiiiiiiiiss him. It is a great feeling to miss your husband, who hasn't raked but one bag of leaves all fall. We've been texting and calling each other constantly, like those dating people do. You've seen them, sitting in a bar constantly smiling, texting, receiving texts, texting, receiving texts. That's dating.

Sam definitely notices that he's missing, and says, "Daddy home..." a lot during the day. He even napped on Matt's pillow this afternoon.

Matt said he's been surfing with a lady from New Jersey, and I said, "Have fun!" I doubt he got such coolness from marriage #1. ; )~

Took Sam for his first official hair trim today (still long, still looks kinda like a girl), and then to the Gap for some clothes and Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Big suburban day!

Milling About

Poor Sam fell this morning, just before school, cut his lip with blood gushing everywhere. It's a hard-knock life when you have to take Motrin for pain at 7AM.

Matt and I met for lunch (a rare treat) at Pancho's authentic Mexican restaurant, then I met my favorite writer friend for coffee at Monon. I'm beginning to really like school days...some time off for good behavior.

Good thing I didn't go to Hubbards & Cravens this afternoon, so I heard. Yikes.

Being around a writer makes me want to write. Time to dabble in some fiction...

Oh, my, it's October 15th!

Ripple Night

Me mum's in town all week, so I've found my feet propped up a lot more often. Matt and I are having another date tonight...hooray. Hitting Ripple, and hopefully meeting up with Mary and her 3 brothers later.

Sam's school sent a letter home saying, "We're going to start working on potty training." I read it in the classroom and told his teacher: No need, it's done. I loved how her mouth dropped (especially since Sam's the youngest in the class). My mom can't believe how Sam helps cook every meal. You think I'm kidding. He is so incredible, just like I knew he would be.

Ask Sam what you do with mushrooms and he answers, "sauté mushrooms." Classic.

Off to my date!

Dating Again...

Matt and I went running together on this windy, balmy night. All elements point to the romantic. Matt with his flashlight and pepper spray (I'm kidding, I made him leave it home), and me whistling Dixie. No two people have ever been so opposite, and gotten along so well.

My mom is here all week from sunny Florida (she's lying around reading books, asking us how we live in such cold), and Sam is loving the bonus attention. He's potty trained (except not completely at night) and he's only been two for two weeks. Not only does he go in the potty, but then he flushes it all down the big potty, and cleans it out with water. Everyone just shakes their head in amazement.

Matt and I had a great date last weekend: St. Elmo's and Nicky Blaine's, and it makes me miss living downtown. Oh, the stories I have about downtown... Wow, several just came to mind. I think back to Matt courting me in my downtown flat while he was still living at Geist. I still cherish that entire time in our lives. Up, down (sneak, sneak), bad, good, great. I knew the minute I saw Matt that we'd be riding out a few storms together. Don't all the romantic relationships begin in crisis?

Going out Thusday night on another date while grandmom stays with Sam. Matt and I are dating again, and I love it! It's good to date your husband. He's leaving for Puerto Rico soon to surf. I gave him permission to surf with the hottest blonde babe he can find, just so he doesn't surf alone. I noticed "Surfing" magazine show up in our post today - he's a kid - I love it.

I'm planning a trip back out to Colorado, and gonna try to catch the Hip...maybe in Dallas. I really hate Texas, but I must do what I must do when completely committed to music.

Loving life, and currently decorating Sam's big boy room.

The Adorable Factor

If it were not for my husband's charm and good looks, I might think he was rather an oddball. The Adorable Factor takes him far.

To wit, he will not sleep with any sheet/pillow/blanket/comforter that is not white. White, I tell you. I bought very nice cappuccino-colored sheets, which he hated, and when we were drifting off to sleep, he said, "I can almost feel the brown in these..."

Today I bought an artsy, chocolate duvet, and since he hates most things French (except French wine, which he wisely loves), namely things brown and French, he's going to have an absolute fit when he sees it. (Definitely when he feels it.)

That damn duvet smelled like hell out of its plastic casing. So horrible, that I tossed it in the dryer for 30 minutes with a stack of Bounce. Still smells bad. I sprayed some air freshener in our bedroom to disguise it. The only kind I had: French Vanilla.

He and I had a cook-off yesterday. We spent the entire day in the kitchen, taking turns watching Sam. We had so many leftovers today that I had my dad over for lunch to help eat them.

Birthday month starts tomorrow! September is so gorgeous.

Shots and Themed Parties

I called Sam's pediatrician this morning to get his updated medical profile for school, but they refused to send one until I brought him back in for more shots. Our pediatrician is very good, very old school, but she doesn't realize who she's messing with. She wanted to give him 4 shots, and was quite surprised when I said, "No thanks." He got another Dip-Tet, only because I loved the tender way Francis McDormand spoke of it on Raising Arizona. I'll take my sweet time getting him another.

Because he was such a brave boy, I took him to McDonald's, and just like the last time that I treated him to McDonald's (for his last shot, whenever that was), he hated it. Sam is a veggie eater. He prefers broccoli to hotdogs, edamame to chicken nuggets. I'd say about 75% of his diet is true organic (the FDA has changed the requirements for "organic," so don't be fooled), and he's on the 95th percentile for height! And get this: he loves brushing his teeth.

Matt took him to the grocery, and I'm home alone for a bit. Time bandit. Matt's going to whip up something for dinner, and when you ask Sam if he wants to help Daddy cook, he replies, alongside a nod, with: Sea Salt. He sits high on a bar chair next to Matt, close to the oven, and they cook away.

One thing I must mention, because I get so carried away with my devotion to Samuel, is that I have the absolute best husband. I do. Matt makes me laugh even if we're arguing. He's an amazing dad and an amazing person, and he saved his company $10,000,000 last week because he's also brilliant!

And, Matt and I are equally addicted to the Backyardigans. We sing the songs in our heads all day, and Matt will come home from work saying, "Damn the Backyardigans, damn them all." We all sit on the bed together and watch at least one episode a day, for our health.

I'm planning Sam's second birthday party. It will, of course, be hosted by Pablo and Tasha. I've given into my first "theme," damn it all to hell, something I said I'd never do! We're going to have an Elsie, Ella and Elle at the party, just to add more chaos.

But I do make the most amazing treat bags. : )

Terrible Twos

I'm supposed to be writing an article right now; I'm supposed to be editing a novella; instead, here I am.

Sam wrote on my computer screen today with a pen. I Googled it immediately, and I got it out with Colgate toothpaste and a baby wipe, so Sam can remain living here. He's really entered the Terrible Two's lately, testing me and finding that last button to push each hour. I have no idea how anyone with children can work from home - it's impossible. Oh, but he's so darn gorgeous (I'm his mom, I can think this all I want); I forgive him easily.

Everyone who meets him thinks that he's three, and he's not even two. He's freakishly tall. Everyone stops to say hello to him, comments on his "pretty" blonde hair or big blues. Friends tell me all the time to get him into modeling. I dunno. I don't want a stuck-up kid, or a kid that worries about his looks all the time, or spends hours in front of a mirror. I want a kid who plays in mud and rides horses, like the kid I've got! Matt especially doesn't want him "modeling" because vanity pushes him over the edge...but maybe we could pay for his college? : )

Eh, I'll think about it. So much going on right now. Angie & Ev are living in Atlanta now (soooooo much cooler than Florida). I'm going down there soon. Matt and I are both so busy we're ready to scream, but we love it at the same time. I cannot believe how much I accomplish in one day. And no more desk jobs! Whoo-hoo! God, I could never be an attorney - I'd blow my brains out. I need freedom and rhythm.

Matt's going surfing in Puerto Rico, and I'm gonna go on my own jaunt. Then, well, big plans for us. More soon on that!

Westward Ho

We had another superb vacation with our traveling toddler. We loved Colorado Springs and the Broadmoor - wow. I truly could live with the Royal Family and feel quite adequate. I love Sterling tea sets and sugar cubes. ; )

We hiked and toured all over the place; I especially liked Manitou Springs, a little artsy village at the foot of Pikes Peak. Boulder was gorgeous and Denver too - it'd had been a while since I visited those parts. Still not sure how or why the University of Colorado is CU, but I'm sure they have class outside there a lot.

Last night, Matt and I drank wine and talked in our hotel bathroom while Sam slept in his wee crib. We were laughing at how much life changes once you have a little one, but we really enjoy including him and taking him everywhere. He's already had so many life experiences, and he's not even 2!

Girls Weekend

Were my friends surprised that I drank nearly 2 bottles of wine by myself at Girls' Weekend at the lake? Not really. It's always fun cruising on a zip-line with a couple of drinks in me, too. Marta's place is amazing. What a nice getaway, and a lot of talking about hair products. ; )

We're off to Colorado this week for some serious hiking and viewing. I love my new Keen kicks - I could sleep in them. I love being a tomboy.

Just watched my friend Melissa's 9-yr-old daughter in the Ironkids triathlon. I'm jealous. I'm going for a run now...

We joined the Monon Center today, too! Looking forward to watching Sam glide down the "slow river."

Sports, sports and more sports.

Article about my brother, Jason

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090710/SPORTS/907100321

New Book Assignment

I finally got it today! Argh, not allowed to talk about it yet. I can say this: it will take a year to do, and I'm the sole author - right on!

Dad was right: the money will follow...

Writing and Rain

I feel disciplined. I'm trying to write at least 400 words a day, and the story is developing. It's still inchoate, but the characters are coming together, because I already know them.

Wonderful is writing. Wonderful is Matt, who lets me write. He and Sam are at the saddle barn right now; Sam's on Rooster, his favorite pony.

One hell of a rainy spring.

California!

We're off for a week, and Matt and I get some time alone. Hooray! We're going to take Sam to San Diego one day, and I think Matt and I are heading up to the Hearst Castle. I'm thrilled. I'm tired, need wine. G'night.

Art Museum

I had the best Mother's Day! Matt always makes sure that Sam is included, that it's mostly "Sam's idea" for every little thing. I'm still smiling, and it's Tuesday!

This and That

I have a new secret blog somewhere else, but I'll keep this one alive too, for my peeps.

Matt's friend is getting married at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club in a coupla weeks. We're trying to think of a funny way to send him a fake "message" from this yucky girl he once hooked up with in college, just to freak him out before he takes his vows. Matt tells me the stories and I shudder.

Love

My God, Matt and I did laugh at "Appalachian Emergency Room" on Saturday Night Live. It was just ... so real.

Sam is beginning to sound out a lot of words, and he studies things with true intent and concentration. He's a smart little guy, and so sweet. When we put him to bed, we hug him and hum a little sing-song: Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm. Now he does it too. We do group hugs a lot too.

I went running tonight and I was thinking about Sam the entire time, thinking about something funny he did today. I giggled and said aloud, "My sweetie!" then looked around to make sure no one had heard me.

It's almost our wedding anniversary, and Matt and I just celebrated our fourth year together. How wonderful is love.

Cracker

Written Any Good Books Lately?

I unofficially have my second book deal. They're drawing up the paperwork now. I love the company, love the people already. I can write at the office, at home, on the moon, doesn't matter. I'm so excited, and the subject of the project is captivating, historical and moving.

I'm on a cloud right now. Matt took Sam out for the day so that I can begin research. I got in a half hour of banjo, too. : )

The Taj Mahal

So, I spend at least 20 mintues a day on the current zeitgeist Facebook! It's ridiculous. I have an interview with the publishing company on Friday, and I'm really hoping to be writing again soon ... and getting paid for it. It's looking very positive, and they are a growing company, and publish lots of books.

I took Matt to see the band Cracker last night in the intimate setting of a couple's home in Meridian Kessler. This is the 4th band they've had play at their home, and with only 60 people there, it was pretty spectacular. Matt said it was the best birthday gift he ever got. He had such a good time, and he's really been enjoying meeting so many people lately. He likes my choices in friends. We hung out with David Lowry and Johnny Hickman, and I was right back in my element!

Speaking of elements, Mary, Monique and I are going to see the Hip in Chicago in May. : )

I took Sam to the library today, where there was this self-righteous, caucasian geek "library" mom with two kids, to whom she paid no attention. Every now and again she'd go looking for them, and she would literally cluck her tongue, and they would answer in cluck. This was their call. My brother does this great whippoorwill call (as a joke) to his kids when they're hiking in the woods and he knows exactly where they are. Matt and I adopted this, also as a joke. But this woman was serious as a heart attack, and terribly awkward.

I'd say that her kids were around the ages of 4 and 8, and she kept bringing her little girl books on India, saying, "Look, sweetie, this is the taj mahal -- look at it. I said, look at it!" Instead, the little tike prefered taking things out of Sam's hands, and running around with a sweet little black girl whose parent had also left her. The sweet girl was well behaved, not creepy, and she shared with Sam and asked me where his sister was. Eek.

The mom came clucking for her weirdo little taj mahal-hater, and yelled at the little black girl right in front of me, shouting, "I'm going to say this. You do NOT yell or run in a library!" and then went clucking off to find her daughter, who'd run away yelling.

I tell ya.

Super Bowl Night

We attended a Super Bowl party tonight, where Sam was the star. Mmm, my Sammy. I practiced banjo today and went for a run, but the best news of my day was that the Ebay auction for my B&W speakers ended with $900 in my pocket! Unbelievable! I bought them at cost ($800) about 8 years ago.

Matt said, "Sam's going to Harvard!" : )

I had a surprise party for Matt Friday night at the Wellington. All I can say is: I cannot believe that I drove home afterward.

More surprises to come...

The first and last time I watched the Super Bowl I was pregnant, vomiting every hour, and the Colts won. I don't even know who's in this game. My friends who had the party tonight said that they'd watch Sam anytime, because he's sooooooooo good. That made football worthwhile.

Happy Birthday to Matt!

I love you so much!!!

Snow Day

We got 11 inches of snow last night and today! Matt took the day off and we walked to CVS and bought Sam a sled for $25. We took him sledding on his "school" hill, but decided that our driveway - a huge hill - was much more fun. Sam was giddy, and kept lying down in the snow to eat it. A couple of times he fell over, looking much like the little brother in A Christmas Story, wrapped tightly and unable to get up on his own.

After Sam went to sleep tonight, Matt and I sneaked out and sled a few more rounds. : )

Traveling Mercies

I think about writing constantly, but Sam is requiring constant attention-to-detail lately. He's learned to climb up on the bed, couch, dining room chairs and dining room table, and he loves climbing aboard the office chair and typing away on my laptop. He grunts, and sometimes screams, when I say "NO!"

I just took a lovely afternoon nap, as it seems there is nothing else to do when the snow falls full force. It's beautiful outside. Everytime I sleep, I think I hear Sam crying. I think I may do this for the rest of my life. I asked Matt the other night if he thought it was weird that I'd be going away with Sam to college. I might get my Masters then, so Sam and I can study together, drink beer and eat pancakes at 3 o'clock in the morning.

Matt's b-day is Friday, but since he reads this I won't mention the tricks up my sleeve.

We've booked a room at the Conrad the night before our wedding anniversary, and dinner at St. Elmo's (all of it was part of Matt's bonus, so it'll cost us nothing!). Jason, Beth and the boys are coming down to play with Sam for an overnight. That will be a treat. It's only a few weeks away, but today it seems so ... very ... far away.

We're off to Chicago for a weekend in late March, Florida for 5 days in April, then California for Memorial Day weekend. Matt and I are going to try sneaking away, and drive up the coast again to Santa Barbara, the one place I told him I might enjoy settling. : )

Being excited to travel so much always makes me wonder why we still live here, but I've done so much traveling, and it's because I live here. Inexpensive. Easy flights. Plus, there's that Brooks family I love so dearly. But I do love getting out of Dodge. I feel such a connection with things I've never done, and there are all of those people I need to meet, photos I need to compose...

Speaking of Dodge, we picked up my new auto last night - she's a beauty (and not a Dodge). I haven't named her yet, but she's female, for sure. Pearly white. I love her. She's fast, too, and I love driving fast. Yes, even with a baby. I'm sorry, I, uh, love driving fast. Matt and I have this in common. I can take him.

This morning, Matt told me not to take Sam out in this blizzard. Ha. California boy. Glad we bought that 4-wheel drive last night!

Lastly, but importantly, I'm hoping to start editing books part-time for a publisher here in town. Grammar makes me glow; it's a strange phenomenon.

The 4 neighbor kids are outside playing and screaming in the snow. I swear to God, if they wake up Sam...

Babies on Board

I almost tossed my cookies when I heard about the plane crashing into the Hudson, mostly because we've had Sam on 12 planes already at his tender age, and crashes worry me now, where before I could deal with the mere fact that it could be "my time." My "time" and Sam's "time" are onboard different decades to the big White House in the sky.

Although I'm ecstatic for the 155 people onboard (a mom and baby; ok, make me bawl why don't you?) the NYC aircraft, who all made it out with minor injuries, I would like to apologize to the people onboard flight 566, from Portland to Minneapolis, where Sam coughed and sneezed, screamed and kicked for 3 hours. I always used to detest "those parents," but now we are one.

My favorite memory of the trip, however, may be of the row seated behind us. Sam looked over and smiled at all of them, and then let out the most gigantic sneeze. I couldn't help but laugh under my breath.

And now to digressions...

I just finished reading "Operating Instructions" by Anne Lamott (my second book of hers, and Matt just bought me my third) and, even if you don't have a child, it's hilarious. It's a journal of her son's first year on earth, and his name is Sam. The book is older, but still timely.

I plan to watch every moment of Obama taking his oath of office on Tuesday, and I'll cry along with most of the country. If it's above freezing outside, I actually may round up Sam and take him to the Indiana State Museum, where they'll be showing coverage all day. Sam loves CNN, I'm not kidding.

The emergency room visits in Idaho cost us $1,100! Sam got one breathing treatment and two prescriptions. I really hope that Obama corrects this tragic practice of highway robbery.

Oh...I think I'm buying a new car tomorrow. Horray!!!!

Electromagnetic Waves, the Golden Globes & Me

All of my electronics are breaking; I think it's me. I need to drink more water.

Slumdog Millionaire looks terrible, but I'll give it a chance.

I don't get Angelina Jolie, but I long to be Kate Winslet.... just not tonight on the Golden Globes, where she made a complete idiot of herself.

Played poker with my family last night and won a bunch of nickles. I love my family! Best, best, best family.

Sam makes Matt and me melt buckets. Oh, that boy.

Don't forget...

"dramatic" and "highly entertaining"!

Thoughts on Sun Valley

I loved it. There is an overwhelming calmness, and presence of Ernest Miller Hemingway there. Matt made sure I saw all of his haunts.

The house Matt's parents rented was set on an exquisite lot, with a creek running behind it and picturesque views everywhere. Matt took Sam for a spin on a sled, which made him swoon. Matt and Sam are best buddies, and Matt is the best parent I think I've ever seen. Really. He outshines me at every turn. He has such patience and kindness. Love that man.

We ice skated at the Sun Valley Inn, and drank hot toddies to warm our bones. The ski conditions were challenging, and for the first time I was actually nervous skiing, but I made it through just fine. The problem was that it was snowing hard, and white-on-white is blinding. I couldn't see an inch in front of me, couldn't tell where the path met the edge, so I screamed a couple of times, bit my lip, whitened my knuckles and hotdogged down. ; )

And yes, I had a moment with Tom Hanks. Imagine if you will, me running into him in a drugstore, at the end of an aisle. I stood frozen, but smiling, and he smiled and hesitated for a moment. I said hello, he said hello, and then I think I tucked up my ski jacket and ran away, like the cowardly lion did with his tail.

Tom was carrying a man-purse around his body, and I think maybe he was shoplifting. He was wearing cool glasses and a hat, but I knew him. He's a little chubbier, but aren't we all? ; )

We saw William Baldwin (oops, had to look up their photos) skiing, and Matt said, "What a disappointment - he's the worst one!" He was incredibly tall, very handsome, but yeah, I've never seen him in anything. He was talking loudly, too, almost hoping to be noticed, which isn't good for shoplifting.

Sam got croup while we were there, and we made two trips to emergency rooms (one in Ketchum, one in Boise). Can't wait to get those bills. The poor guy couldn't breathe, and what made matters much worse is that he couldn't nap, either. We were all quite sleep deprived and spent most of yesterday catching up.

Matt's parents had dropped us off at the Airport Best Western (that was all that was available in Boise), so we had to call a cab to get to the hospital. Matt walked to Denny's after we got back, and we sat on the bed and had a picnic. Sam loved this. Matt and I were a bit depressed. Matt got up to get Sam a glass of water, tripped on the bedspread, and all of our delicious Denny's tumbled to the floor. I laughed uncontrollably, like I used to in church.

We had a so much fun together. We may return this summer!

I hate Air Tran

I almost lost it this morning. We missed checking our bags in for our flight by 5 minutes, and they wouldn't let us on the plane. We could either leave our bags at the airport, or we could come home. And what's a ski trip without long underwear?

I was so freakin' organized, more than ready, up at 3AM, and we missed our flight!

I was not nice. Matt, of course, was calm and angelic. That trait does not exist in my family.

Long story short, Matt sweet-talked them in to giving us a full credit (seriously, their "customer service" was beyond repair; a woman next to us, who missed the check-in by 2 minutes, was bawling her eyes out), and we rebooked our flight on another airline...directly into Boise this time, a day later. Hahaha Air Tran.

The girl's name who was not giving us any help was Servina.

There are a few names in this world that don't make you seem smart, even if perhaps you are:

Servina, Angel, Destiny, Charlene ... and a couple 'others.

Servina is probably on her smoke break as I write this.

Sun Valley Idaho

We're leaving on a jet plane soon, won't be back till January 4th! I've mapped out all of the Hemingway haunts I want to catch in Ketchum, and I can't wait to ski again.

Matt and I are playing poker tonight, because we're gonna kick some serious ass in Idaho!

I'm doing laundry now, packing for all of us. Woman's work stuff. Argh.

I'm Not Kidding

I would find this all very creepy, if it weren't already so amusing.

Thank God I didn't wear a lamp shade

Matt's office party was last night and I was clearly over-served. On days like this, a live-in nanny would come in really handy.

We had a great evening, so much laughing, so nice getting out alone. Will Matt's mate find that piece of salmon we hid???

Matt let me confront the "demon" when we got home, too. It needed to be done; I took my power back.

Now, put it to rest.

Life Comes At Me Fast

Everything is fast these days.

Shower fast!

Work out before Sam notices that I'm not paying full attention to him.

No lunch, ever.

Email fast, if ever.

Eat dinner in 6 minutes while Sam is "working out with Daddy."

Drink 2 glasses of wine ... fast!

Fall asleep fast, need strength for tomorrow.

I'm worn out.

Bad Food

I was sick all night last night. Up at least 5 times with a stomach much like a going out of business sale: Everything must go! By the third time up, I was whimpering, "Matt...Matt," but he was sound asleep. By the fifth time, he did wake for a moment and ask, "Are you still sick???" He sleeps through everything.

I'm gearing up for a loaded plate tomorrow, though.

Happy Thanksgiving!

First Comes Love

Does having another baby mean 100% more work? The toys are already everywhere, so that part is done, but in considering a sibling for Sam, I have a lot to take into account. For instance, Sam is the happiest, most good-natured, great-sleeping baby ever. Number two could only, then, be the most rotten peasant child, constantly nagging me and trying to sell me Chicklets.

Like any other parent who’s had a second child, I worry that I could never love it equally to Sam. Sam is my guy, he’s my sweetie and true love. How could I possibly two-time him?

Then there’s the whole fat thing. I willed myself to get back into my size 4s this time around, but I’m sure after the second kid it would be entirely out of my hands.

And then there’s this little thing called education. Do we want our children going to the best private schools, or do we want to continue traveling at a frenetic pace?

As I sit here waiting for Sam to wake, I laugh at how only two years ago I was considering taking a job in Canada (writing for the You-Know-Who), because Matt was in need of getting his act together. We decided that we couldn’t live without each other; then came Sam, then came the baby carriage, then came marriage. I’ve always been a wee bit backwards.

And maybe, just maybe, don’t push me or buy me any more damn baby rattles, I’ll have another baby.

Job Search

I'm considering getting a job again, although Matt and I both agree that it's best to stay home with Sam as much and as long as possible. His nursery school once a week is good, but when I pick him up the teachers are always holding the "crying kids," a group with whom Sam doesn't associate. They are never reading stories or doing anything remotely educational; I think I may take him in and then watch through the window next time to see what really "goes down" on Toddler Alley.

I took Sam to the library yesterday for storytime, and he was the only kid who didn't want to listen to a story, wanted to run around and touch everything instead. He likes other kids, but he has no time for them. He's independent, not a joiner, on the move, and oh God he sounds just like me. I did discover, however, when chatting with other parents (something I really hate doing), that Sam was at least 5 months younger than most of them...but taller! This one woman's brat kept repeating, "No! No!" and I found out that she was 20-months. At first I thought she had decent diction for an apparent 9-month old (she was tiny), but "No" was all she spoke, and lots of it.

So, I guess I'm looking for a part-time job. Where? Every writer I know is looking for something to write. I was thinking about an interview I once had with Macmillan publishing for an editing position. They brought me in and interrogated me about my writing style and knowledge, kept passing me up and up and up the ladder to talk with more "important" people, kept telling me that getting a job in publishing would be an honor, because everyone is the best and the brightest (uh, maybe in NYC), and when I was sent to meet with the VP on the top floor, I sneaked to the elevator and pushed "send" to the first floor, and walked out to my car. I completely left them hanging and I laughed all the way home. I wonder if that guy is still sitting there waiting to meet me.

No, I cannot join. I can't be threatened into a position. I'm not easily hustled. If I wanted to be a hustler, I'd be a lawyer. ; )

Maybe there's an opening somewhere for a coffee/tea/almond/chocolate taster/photojournalist.

Back from the Bay

Boston was terrific. Beth and I spent a lot of money. Whoops.

We loved the city, and I took many pictures (Beth forgot to pack her camera!), but we kind of hated the people. It reminded me a lot of the people in Charlottesville, who would look at Jeff and ask, "You're from where??" Little did they know exactly where Jeff lived. They assumed everyone in Indiana lived in a pile of sticks.

The men of Boston seemed to like us just fine, but whenever we'd start-up a conversation, the girlfriends or wives would look at their significant others, like, "If you talk to them you will not be touching me for a month!" It was hilarious.

Bad fashion, too, also very reminiscent of UVA. Most women looked like they were wearing pajamas. I tried to take a photo of a guy's bulldog in Beacon Hill, because I wuv bulldogs, and he yelled at me. Seriously. He said, "Do not take a photo of my dog - we're kind of busy here!" His baby was crying in the stroller, and I so wanted to say, "Your dog doesn't look that busy..." I withheld.

The trip was awesome and I have a new travel partner! Matt took Sammy to California. We talked about 7 times a day. : )

Matt said the best thing anyone has ever said to me the other day: Everyone who meets you loves you, Jill, but especially me. My heart skips a beat.

The Bostonians

The Bostonians, a novel by Henry James, is perhaps not an up-to-date account of the city and its people, but I only got around to reading The Turn of the Screw (another, more famous, James novel) in college. I've done a lot of research for this trip; I swear, I could sit around and read the dictionary or any travel book with no intention of going there. But I usually do have an intention. I'm full of intentions. I remember the poetry man calling me from a phone booth in Edinburgh; I thought it was so romantic and told him, "I'm going there soon." I did. I love traveling more than anything.

But in studying Boston, I found that the Indianapolis high school, Crispus Attucks, is named after a young, black sailor who died instantly after being shot by British troops in the Boston Massacre. (I'm embarrassed -- I figured he was an athlete.)

This event, as we know, started a revolution.

I'm sure I sped past the Boston Massacre on my way to Vietnam in my history books, but "massacre" seemed tantamount to "genocide" in my mind: many, many victims. In fact, there were only five men killed in the Boston Massacre, and the British soldiers were--wow, shocking--all acquitted.

So I asked Beth how she feels about cemeteries. We're visiting the Granary Burial Ground, the final resting place of the 5 victims, plus other key Bostonians, such as John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.

Apparently, I am related to a famous Bostonian too: General John Endecott. In a nutshell, he was a Puritan beyond pure, governor of Massachusetts from 1641-1645, and started a war with the Pequot Indians. I think I'll keep this information to myself while in the area. Being family, I can understand the "starting a war" part, but the conservative, puritan part is a little out of my reach.

I live in a blue state!

It felt amazingly like a new dawn when I woke this morning. I stayed up late watching the results, and Indiana's still weren't in when I finally stopped crying from happiness, turned off CNN and went to bed. I felt ecstatic for black America.

A Republican friend of mine said that he hates handouts, that people should "just work hard" and everything would be ok in their life. It astounds me how some people still don't get it. My own grandfather, with a mere high school education, made a fortune in his lifetime, but this is a new lifetime, very difficult to pull that off anymore.

So if you hate handouts, social services and "freebies," don't ever call the police or fire department, 911. Those are services too.

I cannot wait to step foot on Harvard Yard next week. I want to stand where Obama studied so hard.

The Eve of an Election

I'm calm, although it's staggering how many feuds I've been in with Republican friends. I listen, they rant about Socialism, Communism and Terrorism; I'm quiet, and I say, "Let's talk about something else."

Some of my favorite people are Socialists. : )

I'm looking forward to going to Boston. I'm reading my tour book and circling every place I want to see. I'm embarrassed that I've never been to Boston because if its rich history, but I never really had a reason to go... What a great place to celebrate freedom from George W. Bush, no matter who wins tomorrow.

Boston, Boston. I wake up singing School House Rock songs!

The next place I'll research: Sun Valley, Idaho. I've already bought Sam his ski outfits.

Speechless

Matt's "Norma Desmond" sent him a link to over 100 photos of herself and new family. We were both like "Whaaaaaaa?" She'd be a laugh riot, if she wasn't five minutes away from being strapped to a gurney.

The Future Farmers of America were in town over the weekend, and a lot of them from California were on my plane coming home at 3AM from Houston. I saw the "Heather" of the group (I have no idea what her real name was). She was the cool future farmer, the boss of her pack, at the top of the pecking order in her small town. On her blue wool jacket was embroidered, "Historian" and "Treasurer." She was very important. I had to laugh because I've known some girls like that.

The Spooky Spider

Sam's first Halloween party.

Seattle

Matt and I just returned from our jaunt to Seattle. Poor guy was stuck in class a lot, while I sucked oysters down and drank local wine with local folks. Over the years, and through my travels (to Grandmother's house we go), I've become fond of going into a bar alone and finding my new best friend for a few hours. This time, it was a woman named D'Anna, a local bartender who drank with me one entire afternoon. She'd been married several times, several kids with different men, and her latest ex is in prison for almost beating her to death. She was very cool, a strong woman, drank cheap sherry. I love people.

Matt and I had a great time together. A fresh city view and a swanky hotel room always make our hearts pound a little faster. Traveling together is fantastic, and I learn more about Matt everyday. Life is so great.

I sought out fine dining while he learned (played Solitaire) new law tricks during daylight hours. I walked the entire city several times, and my calves are killing me! But it was worth it: I have a keen eye for fancy restaurants. I had the best Bouillabaisse ever.

We missed Sam, oh how we missed Sam. My mom flew up from Florida to stay with him, and he was fine, but still...the miss. I also missed my connection coming home because of bad weather in Houston, and I started crying on the plane. Yes, crying. Matt and I took separate planes ... for the obvious "keep one parent alive" reason, and my plane got home about 7 hours later than his. My heart was broken thinking, "In three hours I'll be holding Sam!" and then sitting at the airport (bar) for many, many more hours. I wanted that little boy in my arms.

I think Matt and I text-messaged over 75 times. Matt's last text: I'm home, Sam is fine, I'll wait on the couch until you are here with us. " I've seriously got two great guys.

I know, I know...

Not all babies are cute. I mean, obviously.

But Sam sure is. I almost wrecked my car today watching him in my rearview mirror. Ahhhhhh.

Matt and I are expecting buckets of rain in Seattle. Good! I love the rain.