Best Birthday Card

Today is my bday, and the best card I received read as follows,

"I thought about running away and joining the circus....and then I realized that would be redundant."

Class of 2012?!

I was at Sonny Boy's school yet again last night to receive all the information about registering for high school. When I was in 8th grade, we signed up for the 9th grade classes and then let each year take care of itself. Now apparently, an 8th grader has to figure out the whole 4 years with just a little bit of wiggle room for electives. Nothing like pigeon-holing a 13 year old kid for the rest of his life.

The hs principal began his talk by saying "Welcome to the Class of 2012!" Everyone cheered, while I just sat there, rather stunned. 2012? 4 years until my baby graduates from hs? 4 years until I start paying for college? This can't be real.

Then I remembered Sonny Boy's latest scheme - take a year after hs to work at a ski resort and snowboard and then go to college. The idea very suddenly gained some respect from me last night.

Never ask a man

There were several people at my recent conference whom I have seen at other conferences. One is a woman I like a lot, Bets, who is always a great person to take shopping. She always looks wonderful, and we do have similar tastes. She has about 10 years on me, and I appreciate her judgment in shopping. She found a Nordstram Rack that we invaded on Sunday afternoon. We had two others with us - a Catholic nun who normally wears black and decided to go across the street to the bookstore, and then a long-term friend of mine who is a guy. He was wandering around various stores on the street.

Bets and I went to various spots at NR, and I tried on 25 articles on clothing. One pale pink sweater was a definite. I had a multi-colored jacket which had a great styling and fitted me very well. I was uncertain about the color, however. I started looking for Bets to ask her opinion. I didn't see her anywhere, but as I descended the escalator I spotted T at the bottom. He looked up and waved and then waited for me. I quickly thought through the helpfulness of asking his opinion on the jacket. Now T does fine fashion wise when he keeps it simple, like jeans or khakis and a sweater. Yet, if he gets fancy - combining a jacket with a button down and tie - it can be pretty obvious that the man is straight.

So, I thought - I'll ask him about this jacket. If he really likes it, then I probably shouldn't get it. So, I held it up and asked his opinion. He said he liked the sweater. I responded, "You have seen me in very similar items for almost 10 year! I'm asking about the jacket." He fingered the sleeve and then said he liked it. He then warmed up in his expressions - he really, really liked it. I told him I was going to look around some more and thought I probably needed to put that thing back. I then saw Bets and she immediately confirmed that it was hideous.

Later, T tried to defend himself as being afraid to give me an honest answer (typical guy). But I know the real truth - the man has no fashion taste at all. Of course, I should know better than to ask him. What was I thinking?

Portland - the Place for Books

I spent most my time in Portland attending a conference. However, there was some time to ride the MAX lightrail and do a little shopping. One of the best places we went was Powell's Bookstore. Powell's is the largest bookstore in the world. It is independently owned and has new and used titles. If you spend more than $50, they will ship your purchase wherever you want. And of course, you can go on their website to make a purchase as well. I only saw a small part of the store due to time constraints. It was probably a good thing. Otherwise, I would have been severely lost and missed my dinner at Jake's (which is also definitely a place to go when in Portland).

My favorite things at Powell's? The notes pads that had reasons listed under different headings of "How to make me happy today," "Why we should have sex," "Things that get on my nerves," and "My mood today is..." I thought about purchasing any number of those note pads, but then I figured, if my husband can't read my mind after almost 20 years, why should I help him out with a note? He needs to keep up his mindreading skills. Can't make it too easy for him.

Loretta Lynn-Portland Oregon

Just got back from a conference in Portland, Oregon and this song kept going through my head...

Awesome Voicemail Greeting

13 year old Sonny Boy's most recent voicemail greeting on his cell phone -

"Hey, you've reached Caleb. I'm not here and that really sucks for you because you miss out on my awesomeness. You still get to hear my awesome message. Leave a message and you can talk to my awesome self later."

Special Puberty Moment

Sonny Boy has spent the last couple weeks loudly complaining about the fuzz on his upper lip. Yes, it was starting to look something like a mustache - but it wasn't really that bad. Now, I know every boy is supposed to be given his first shaving lesson from dear old dad, but when the opportunity arises...

He kept complaining the other night when his Goggy (my Mom) was in town. So Goggy and I took him into the bathroom, pulled out my lavendar scented shave cream, and taught him how to shave his 'tache. He was pleased afterwards. Of course, one day he will realize that was not a cool moment and probably complain about the strong-willed women in his life.

Goggy and I had a pretty good laugh afterwards.

Juno

I am so glad the movie Juno has stayed on long enough for me to get to see it. It's shameful how many movies I have wanted to see that leave the theaters before I can get there. Of course, the movies I prefer are not all those ridiculous rom-coms starring Kate Hudson, but smaller, independent films (and if they are British - all the better!). Last summer I started reading about Juno. It stars four of my fave actors - Ellen Page (one of the very few decent things about X3), Jennifer Garner (forever wonderful Sydney Bristow to me, and even sparkling as Electra), Jason Bateman and Michael Cera (who played father and son in the absolute gem Arrested Development for way too short a time on the small screen).

So I have been waiting to find time to get to the theater, and so thankful for all the awards and noms the movie is getting. And yes, it was well worth the wait. The story isn't really realistic (but hey - we all know Mr. Darcy doesn't exist, either), but that's beside the point. It's the characters and how they engage each other in the storyline that is so real. The acting is just superb, and there are plenty of laughs to be had. It is great to see a strong young woman in a lead role, especially since she is not perfect and finds herself in a difficult situation. It's even better to see parents who can support without being totally bananas, and even better yet to see a sweet, nerdy guy as the one a girl can't do without. Such a nice alternative from usual teen portrayals in the movies.

Yet, my heart is with the adoptive mother of the teenagers' unplanned baby. Jennifer Garner is always so compelling and real, but especially as the yuppie mom wanting to be a mother more than anything. In the midst of a world where fairy tales don't happen and love is by no means always easy, she provides the hope and foundation a child always needs. Wow.

Go see the movie. One of the best out there.

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent (the 40 days before Easter, minus Sundays which are mini-Easters). One of the ways to prepare for the celebration of Easter is to take on something extra (like volunteer work or daily devotions) or to give up something. I have given up meat, soft drinks, various food items, tv, and even gossip. This is the fourth time I am attempting to give up chocolate. I know that the third time is a charm, but I'm hoping it's four for me. We'll see how it goes, or how crazy my blog get.

The Funniest

New quote from Sonny Boy:

"The funniest thing I ever heard was when I said..."

No self-confidence issues there...