We went to see Sweeney Todd yesterday. I loved it..they all did a great job and thankfully I didn't have any trouble understanding everything. It is a bit harder for me when people sing. Helena Bonham-Carter and Johnny Depp gave outstanding performances but so did the supportive cast. Tim Burton did a very good job here and the movie is very artfully filmed. It is not for the faint of heart however. Lots and lots of blood of course but the murders are also done in a very gory, plain view kind of way.
Camelot is besieged. Of course the knights of the round table have to save it. They are up against a dragon, a black night, the Picts and the Saxons. And if that wasn't enough Vivien and Morgan have sworn to make it as difficult as it could possibly be with catapults and despair. Lucky for you, Merlin is on your side. There is a price to pay for his help though. A stiff one too. You have to cooperate to win. Apparently this is a very difficult concept for a 12 year old boy :):). But the forces of evil were defeated that night. My 8 yo has no problem playing. She likes the quest of Excalibur ;)
I got miss A.'s nasty cold. Except that mine is really mild compared to hers. I'm thinking it must be the tea that I drank regularly since I started to have a scratchy feeling in my throat. But, also, I have a wonderful husband who does things for me when I'm sick that he doesn't do when I'm well. For example: we eat with the seasons. I mean: we eat fruits, vegetables, and to some extent meats and fish that are in season. There are several reasons for this but I guess the main one is that I really dislike buying fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. They either look like they are made of plastic, dead, or even worse: slimy. So, we grow our own and when we don't grow it we buy it at the farmer's market. Anyway, the point of all this is that Mark went to the store and bought blackberries. Blackberries!! It was like eating summer. It makes you feel so comforted and relaxed to eat blackberries one by one, licking your fingers. Thank you my love :)
And if you want to share a really nice moment with your children, give this book a try:
It's a very "sweet" story of how the strawberries came into the world according to the Cherokee people. The story starts with a husband and wife quarreling. Both are angry and the wife leaves. The husband is sorry but he can't catch up to her to tell her. The Sun takes pity on them and sends berries to Earth to slow the wife's flight. Only one berry has enough power to do it. And here is the last sentence of the book which is also my favorite: " To this day, when the Cherokee people eat strawberries, they are reminded to always be kind to each other; to remember that friendship and respect are as sweet as the taste of ripe, red berries."
And the illustrations are very good too: everything is softened and simplified and it works so well with the story.
Two days ago, miss A. came back from school sounding stuffy. 3 hours later she had a fever and what looks like a full blown bronchitis. She is not one to take medications of any kind. Oh no. She'll fight to the death about it. Her brother entered kindergarten the year she was born. And they were both sick with something almost every month. But no matter how bad she feels, she won't take anything. And so she nursed. And nursed. And nursed. For 3 whole years, me breastfeeding her on the rocking chair was the only medication she took ( apart from the one time that she had an ear infection and she had to take antibiotics. I don't even want to remember the 2 times a day we had to get the medicine down her throat. It's the stuff of nightmares.). It worked very well, and very quickly too. They should sell breast milk as a remedy for cure all in the stores. But boy, I won't lie to you: I was very tired of it. So were my breasts. Well, now she is 8 years old and even though it is a bit easier to coerce her in taking something it is still a lengthy, tortuous project involving stealth and usually a downright lie: " It doesn't taste bad I swear! ( while you try to suppress a gag reflex when looking down the cup holding a viscous purple liquid) ". So I said enough. I've got reactions myself to cold medications and I'd rather suffer than take them most of the time. ( We'll carefully ignore the correlation between me not taking medications and her not taking it either. Thank you.) I've always been very interested in plants and herbs in general and I started to get more interested in the subject when miss A. was born. I've tweaked an herbal tea recipe that we take when we are sick. It really works very well and quickly. My son had a sore throat and 2 hours after drinking this tea it was gone. It's also good for general antisepsis, coughs and fevers. Oh, and it tastes good too. Really good actually.
In 4 cups of water ( 1 L.) boil together for 10 mns: 2-3 thick slices of ginger 7 sprigs of thyme a small handful of sage a whole lemon cut in thick slices if feverish add a 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon or cayenne pepper
And eat a lot of garlic. I usually make a big pot of soup with a lot of different vegetables cooked in chicken bouillon. And lots of garlic. And alphabet pasta. Verry important the alphabet pasta :)
And you? What kind pf a patient are you? And what do you take when you are sick?
By the way, if you are pregnant, never take anything, certainly not herbs, without talking to your doctor first. Or in this case your herbalist.
I'm short. I mean really: about 5'2-3". It never bothered me. But yesterday my 12 year old son had invited several friends and I was standing next to all of them. That's when I realized they were ALL taller than me. When did that happen?? Where is my baby? He has the same shoe size than me too. It's going to be cool when miss A. is the same shoe size as me: double the amount of shoes ;) Oh, and Piper standing on her hind legs is taller than me too. In short, I'm shorter than my dog. Pray that she never sits on your toes.
We just came back from watching The Golden Compass. It received a lot of bad press from both the people who loath the books and the people who love them. I loved the books ( no surprise there ) but I read them a long time ago. Very long time ago. Actually I'm going to read them again, they are truly very good. The movie is disappointing but again no surprise there. Like Mr T. said when we got out: " the movie is never as good as the books". With maybe the exception of LOTR. In the Golden Compass, the biggest flaw, I think, is the total lack of character development. I do mean total, not just badly done. And considering the number of outstanding characters in these books you really had to do it on purpose. The consequence? The movie doesn't grab you as it should and well, you don't really care what happens to the people in it. It was OK in the whole: the scenery and the costumes are great. I'd kill to have half the costumes to wear ;). Well, maybe not kill, but you understand...
For the rain to STOP falling. Maybe tomorrow. It would be nice to be able to build 30 feet of fence without feeling like someone really mean is standing over your head throwing buckets full of water at you. Yeah, cause I'm tired of water. Very tired. I'm tired of doing extra laundry everyday, tired of pulling my feet out of a foot of muck when I walk, tired of vaccuming and moping inches of dirt from the house everyday. Tired of black and gray. Tired of the trickling of water going down my back while I'm holding the fence posts in place. Did everybody get that I'm tired? Are you sure, because I could say it a few more times I'm sure? Ok then. What else is new? New year, new projects. Lots of new projets actually but time and money have been in short supply lately. Who knew that it would take so long and cost several hundreds of dollars to build back a fence? Right after Christmas too, grrrr... Well, I'll just have to move my booty. Which is rather large these days I might add. I'm tired of that too :) Now I've got to escort 2 8 years old who want to go play tennis right now. Sure. I wonder how many soaking wet tennis balls spraying dirty water when they whiz past their faces it's going to take before they want to come home?
Phew, so much stuff happened, incredible. But I can't say any of it because we are in the middle of several arctic storms and I don't want to wreck the computer. Impressive storms this time. So far, 2 streets are closed next to mine because of the fall of very large trees, a section of the fence flew away taking the shed door with it for company. No power for a while. Outside looks like I'm living in the middle of a swamp. I haven't seen any crocodiles yet but surely they'll come. And now we just wait for the next one...I don't know when I'll be back on line but I'm showing signs of withdrawal, it has been a while since the guests were sleeping in the computer room.
In the meantime I hope that you all have an excellent year ahead of you. I can't wait to go on your blogs to see what's going on. Jack, Hiro and Candy thank you for coming by, I wish you all love, happiness and luck in your projects.
Now I have to get the dogs out for a walk. At least it's raining vertical instead of horizontal. So many things to be thankful for, heh?
I thought I was done. No more presents, no more shopping. I could go on to plan Christmas dinner. And clean the house. And do the laundry. And get a new couch. Donate the old one. Decorate the house. Plant the dying pansies waiting in the driveway. Call my grand-parents. And my dad. And my mom. And my sister. Wrap the damn presents. And write cards. But no. Nonono. I forgot one. One. And I have to go back to the source of all evil. I'm pretty sure they spawn orcs in that place. Either that or they have a black hole in the middle.
I absolutely refuse to to go to more Emergency Rooms until next year. Note that I'm not asking for too much here. After all, next year is in what? A little more than 2 weeks? After Mr T.'s fracture on the arm it was Miss A's turn this week. She fell from the bars at Gymnastic and fell on her finger. It probably wouldn't have done anything to it if it had not been in an awkward position. But the end result is the same. Or about. One doctor thinks it's broken and the other thinks it's a big sprain. Again the same anyway: her finger is black and blue and puffy from top to bottom. She's got to wear a metal thing to keep it straight while it heals. We have to unwrap the finger and wrap it again every day. Ouch. This can leads to some thoughts on how differently people behave when they are hurt. My son flats out refuses to be cuddled. Well, a little bit maybe but you know, not to the extent that you could tell him that maybe sword play might not be recommended right now. You know. My daughter on the other hand. Dear god. I really think she should enroll in drama. We have gone back to the days of toddler hood people. Now, understandably, it hurts and obviously it is difficult to use the right hand for just about anything right. And so I've been playing the role of Mary Poppins ( who really, I mean, it's just not fair, she just sings and everything goes right; I sing and the cat wants to get out). And that's fine. I was happy to do it. Except. Except. That I think I've been duped. Because when she is wrestling with her brother on the floor she has no problem whatsoever to use her right hand. None. And her brother with the broken arm is flailing about like nothing ever happened. Like a broken arm.
Most people don't think very hard before choosing which side of the bed they sleep on. Seems like a pretty straightforward decision after all.
If you have children, this is a big mistake.
Because when it is Saturday morning ( the first Saturday morning in months that you can sleep in because soccer season is finally over and so there is no game) and it is 7am and one of your children comes in because they went to the bathroom. And they say to the parent closest to the door:
"There is a huge trail of ants going from the front door to the shower in the bathroom."
And you are so so glad that you are not that parent.
I know I said I'd do a post about the rewarding things but that's too funny and I'm afraid I'm going to forget so here it is ( actually it is one of rewarding things of the week anyway ):
This past week was the teacher/parents conference week. That's when every family meets the teacher who is at that time going to give you a report card and talk about the past trimester.
Mister T. and his parents are waiting for their turn at the door. They were actually on time. Nothing short of a miracle. The teacher is late. Huhuhuhu. Laurienna thinks that well, being a supportive parent and all we need to have a discussion about the important event that's about to unfold. Notice that at this time, we should already be in. Mister T. shuffles. He grunts. Then in a very low voice says: " I don't think I'm any good at Algebra." Parents looks at each other. "Well, the grades we have seen seem to indicate that you are actually doing pretty well. Of course the last paper you showed us was, hum, 1 1/2 months ago....?" Mister T. "No, I'm telling you, I make tons of mistakes it's terrible." The parents are still utterly unconcerned. It might seem bizarre maybe but the thing you don't know is that this child has never, never, ever had less than a 3 ( maximum is 4) on a report card. And so far as we have seen ( and we pay attention more than it seems) this year seems to be the same. Laurienna has the final word, something really intelligent, like : " we'll talk to the teacher about it." And in we go. We all settle down after warm greetings. This is the same teacher that mister T. had back in 3rd grade. And we love her. After looking at mister T. with a fondness in her eyes she deploys the report cards. 4,4,4, 3+, 4,4,4. And in other disciplines things like, oh, "outstanding". Parents and teacher are grinning. Mister T. relaxes a notch but I can see that in spite of all 4s in all mathematical areas he is still concerned. I tell the teacher about it. She turns to mister T. astonished and says: " Thomas, you are the top student in the class. You cannot get a 4 in algebra at your age without being actually really good at it!" Then a lengthy discussion follows on the whys and hows he thinks he is not good at it. It turns out it's only really when he is doing his homework that he has difficulties and it frustrates him a lot. How strange. A few days pass. One afternoon, Laurienna is doing laundry and enters the room of mister T. He is doing his homework. Algebra it turns out. He is also watching a music video on You Tube. The sound level would rival the best clubs. He is also talking ( screaming to be heard above the music) to his best buddy on the phone.
I gave him a few hints as to why he might be making mistakes on his algebra. He vigorously denied that any of the above could possibly impair his mathematical thinking and that I was just trying to ruin all the fun in his life.
Hey, so I've been in a foul mood for days and now I know why. I got the stomach flu. Yes, that's why. I heard you muttering in the back row. On the plus side, I've discovered how to shed all these extra pounds from Thanksgiving. I'll keep that in mind for the next few years. Eating half a banana and a spoonful of rice every day for a few days might seem a little severe but there is no question that it worked wonderfully. See, lucky. This is going to be a wonderful holiday season ( see, politically correct blog here. Ahem..), I can just feel it. Lot's of good stuff happened too though. Well, rewarding stuff mostly I should say but I don't have time to tell you anything about it now. Because it's the HOLIDAY SEASON. But no worry, I need an excuse to hide out this evening since my father in law decided to show up. I'm not even going to go into that. But anyway, I'll need an excuse to disappear, right?
The new policy states that all food and beverages that exceed standards for sugar and fat content may not be sold to students during the school day, but can be sold either 30 mns before or after school."
What about idiocy? Still sold in american schools?
Well, I took just a lil vacation here, ahem. We didn't go anywhere but I only used the computer for urgent work stuff and tried to do a lot of stuff that either needed to be done or that I had badly wanted to do for a long time and never took the time to actually do. Like,
- planting a winter vegetable garden for the first time.
- cooking and cooking for Thanksgiving. I don't know how people can eat that much food. But apparently it is possible.
- read a book. Yep, an entire one. - took long walks. In the hope of shedding the 10 pounds gained at Thanksgiving. - went out with a friend and ate a humongous piece of cake with 2 large coffees. I can't button my jeans anymore. - played with my camera. A lot. But I still can't take a decent picture of my jewelry and I don't know why and it's driving me nuts.
- played one of the most fun board game ever with the kids. It's hilarious and you cannot be worried about spending an entire day playing this. Seriously.
This game is based on the equally hilarious comic book:
- decided to make some of the presents for Christmas instead of buying them. - a gazillion trips to the craft store later, decided it was a bad idea. - but i said I would do it so I am. - Christmas is way over rated anyway. Right? - No, it's not. I love Christmas. - maybe everything will be better with a little eggnog. But, then will I still be able to cut straight lines? Need to try.
Kind of. The temperatures during the day are still reaching 83F (27 C.) in the afternoon making it a bit difficult to think about Christmas at all. And yet, I've got to move my butt to be on time to send packages to family in France. I'm trying to enjoy the weather with long walks with my camera. And the kids and the dogs. And now I've lost the thingy that goes on the lens to protect it. I've lost it in the house too. 2 weeks ago...I've even posted a reward, a generous one too. So far they have found my sunglasses that I lost 3 months ago, the little book where I put important phone numbers, lost 1 1/2 month ago and a pair of scissors that I didn't remember having. Do you think they still qualified as a lost/found object if I didn't know they existed?
These last 2 months have been very interesting. I really have a better sense now of human nature in general and my family in particular. It started well enough.
The Good
Mark was on TV because he was refeering a soccer game. I'm going to be in the paper because of the Jewelry Business. This prompted Mark to say: " Watch out Posh and Becks!" Hehe, he is cute.
There was Halloween.
My little sister is now officially qualified to take care of other people's children on top of her own. Congratulations Cilette!
That's it.
The Bad
3 weeks ago my son started to complain about his ankle and calf. Since it wasn't going away we took him to the doctor. It seems that there is a particular muscle there that can become a problem ( meaning it could come back again and again and again). So we gave him anti-inflamatory medication, iced the area after every effort and he tried to be careful. So, when he was trying to be careful he was rushing with his friends across the blacktop and, this is not very clear how exactly, managed to crash. He has now a bruise on his knee the size of a football, a bruise the size of the palm of my hand on his hip, his entire right elbow is one big bruise and so is the right temple. The most worrisome was of course the blow to his head since his eye was affected: he had a crescent of light on the side of his vision for a few minutes. His arm was also of concern since it could have been broken. So, emergency room. His arm is ok and his vision came back normal but the doc said to take him to the eye doctor for a check-up. However, mr T. reports that his ankle and calf are just fine now. Well, that's lucky.
And I have developed a strange thing with one of my eyes: it looks fine, it feels fine until I put my contacts on. Then it burns, water and become red if I rub. I changed contacts. Nada. The eye doctor thinks it's an allergy. I don't do allergy. I already never admit that I'm sick and to prove my point I work and cram more things than usual in my schedule because damnit, I'm not sick. So, an allergy? I don't think so. I think it's voodoo.
Which brings to:
The Ugly
Big fight with my mother in law. I used to not be a patient person at all and I've gotten a lot better over the years. And then, after meeting Mark's family I devellopped A LOT of patience. Apparently there must have been a quota. And it was reached. Maybe she is doing the voodoo thing. In the meantime, we won't be seeing them for Thanksgiving and it sucks for the kids since they are the only family that we've got on this side of the pond with Mark's sister and her fiance who are going with the fiance's family this year as it was already planned. Me, however, I'm feeling lighter and relieved. Go figure.
