Loews sent out a guy to re-connect our old stove, at 7 AM this morning, so we can cook at home again.
Yippee!
3.17.2009
3.16.2009
The Atlantic
We get this pseudo (ok maybe actually) intellectual magazine every month titled The Atlantic. The magazine has been around forever; might even be the oldest magazine in the US.
Every month we are on the verge of canceling it, but then there will be one really great article in it. This month there are two really great articles.
The first one is entitled, The Case Against Breast Feeding, by Hanna Rosin. (Click this sentence to read the article.) The article questions the notion that "breast is best." Best for whom? The mom? The kid? The family? Who will be harmed by having not been breast fed?
I sent the article around to friends who were or are currently breast feeding. The comments have ranged from: "I would encourage anyone to do it for as long as possible but will never be Nazi-ish about it." To: "While I appreciate her frustration that the comment that 'breastfeeding is free' doesn't take into account the time that the mother is spending doing it, the value of my time right now is in providing for my child." To: "She just articulated everything I've been feeling over the past months. 'Slavish' is exactly the right word."
Naturally life always bring about varying perspectives, but what I think the article added to the national conversation on breast feeding is that you have to decide to do what is best for you and your family. Enough with people going around making you feel bad because you are not breastfeeding. That just seems so high school/peer pressure-ie.
I will write about the other article I loved from this month's Atlantic tomorrow.
Every month we are on the verge of canceling it, but then there will be one really great article in it. This month there are two really great articles.
The first one is entitled, The Case Against Breast Feeding, by Hanna Rosin. (Click this sentence to read the article.) The article questions the notion that "breast is best." Best for whom? The mom? The kid? The family? Who will be harmed by having not been breast fed?
I sent the article around to friends who were or are currently breast feeding. The comments have ranged from: "I would encourage anyone to do it for as long as possible but will never be Nazi-ish about it." To: "While I appreciate her frustration that the comment that 'breastfeeding is free' doesn't take into account the time that the mother is spending doing it, the value of my time right now is in providing for my child." To: "She just articulated everything I've been feeling over the past months. 'Slavish' is exactly the right word."
Naturally life always bring about varying perspectives, but what I think the article added to the national conversation on breast feeding is that you have to decide to do what is best for you and your family. Enough with people going around making you feel bad because you are not breastfeeding. That just seems so high school/peer pressure-ie.
I will write about the other article I loved from this month's Atlantic tomorrow.
3.14.2009
the american economy
Look people, prepare for a rant.
Want to know what is wrong with the American economy? Turns out companies don't really want to sell things. That is right, they don't want to sell products.
Four weeks ago, with print out of the exact items we wanted, Brent and I went to Loews in Alexandria, Virginia. Four HOURS later we had all four items ordered. Four HOURS. Between computers breaking, printers not working, people not knowing how to order items, and our paying for almost everything the trip took four hours. We were not shopping. I knew exactly what we wanted. I balked at a $35 fee to come and measure our items, but ended up paying for it. Whatever. We don't own our house...it is fine.
The refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher are all installed and working well. The refrigerator was about 2 inches bigger than the one we ordered, but it fit so no worries. If we move it the right way, we can still open the oven, and if we move it the other way, we can open it.
We live in a third floor walk up. Loews charged us between $164 and $200 to deliver each item to our house. We told them we live in a third floor walk up with NO elevator.
Yesterday the smoker shows up to install our oven. He barely makes it up the stairs. The oven is hardwired. He balks at carrying up the oven and at installing it. Then he says it will not fit. Oh, no you don't. We paid the $35 to have the space measured and the $200 to have it delivered and installed.
After numerous calls to the Loews, we decide we are done with Loews. Un-wind the transaction, put the stove back, stick a fork in us, we are done.
So at 6 pm last night we decided to cook something. Ah, the kicker. The oven is no longer working. Nice.
So if you want to know how to fix the American economy, I have two words for you: CUSTOMER SERVICE. Be nice to the people who want to spend money in your store.
Want to know what is wrong with the American economy? Turns out companies don't really want to sell things. That is right, they don't want to sell products.
Four weeks ago, with print out of the exact items we wanted, Brent and I went to Loews in Alexandria, Virginia. Four HOURS later we had all four items ordered. Four HOURS. Between computers breaking, printers not working, people not knowing how to order items, and our paying for almost everything the trip took four hours. We were not shopping. I knew exactly what we wanted. I balked at a $35 fee to come and measure our items, but ended up paying for it. Whatever. We don't own our house...it is fine.
The refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher are all installed and working well. The refrigerator was about 2 inches bigger than the one we ordered, but it fit so no worries. If we move it the right way, we can still open the oven, and if we move it the other way, we can open it.
We live in a third floor walk up. Loews charged us between $164 and $200 to deliver each item to our house. We told them we live in a third floor walk up with NO elevator.
Yesterday the smoker shows up to install our oven. He barely makes it up the stairs. The oven is hardwired. He balks at carrying up the oven and at installing it. Then he says it will not fit. Oh, no you don't. We paid the $35 to have the space measured and the $200 to have it delivered and installed.
After numerous calls to the Loews, we decide we are done with Loews. Un-wind the transaction, put the stove back, stick a fork in us, we are done.
So at 6 pm last night we decided to cook something. Ah, the kicker. The oven is no longer working. Nice.
So if you want to know how to fix the American economy, I have two words for you: CUSTOMER SERVICE. Be nice to the people who want to spend money in your store.
3.13.2009
The Visitor
A small movie called The Visitor. You might have heard of it because the lead role was played by Richard Jenkins, and Jenkins was nominated for an Oscar for his role. It is about a man who comes to his apartment in New York after a long time away (his wife died) to find two people living in his apartment. The two people are immigrants. Illegal immigrants.
What does it mean to be an illegal immigrant? In a country where we are almost all descendants from immigrants, who are we to say who is legal and illegal? It seems like such a strange determination.
Anyway, the movie is excellent. Watch it.
3.12.2009
Ion by Euripides
Brent and I don't really take enough advantage of Washington's cultural scene. But this year we became subscribers to the Shakespeare Theater. (It was cheap: 7 plays for $120. A pretty neat season pass program for people under 35.)
Tonight we went to see Ion by Euripides (written between 414 B.C. an d 418 B.C.). The version we saw was partially updated for a modern audience. Billed as "The Greek Tragedy that had a Happy Ending" the play lived up to its billing.
Long story short: three people go to the alter of the god Apollo to ask a question of the oracle. Apollo tells three different stories. (Katerina, look I am not Greek...tee hee.) Anyway, misunderstandings and lies ensue, but all ends well.
The main theme of the story is that though the gods may lie sometimes, they are still in charge. Roll with it.
Though fortune's blackest storms rage on his house,
the man whose pious soul reveres the gods,
assumes a confidence,
And justly: for the good at length obtain the meed of virtue;
but the unholy wretch (such is his nature) never can be happy.
(The final lines of the Chorus in Ion.)
Some of the buses in DC have been running this ad:
"There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."
In response, "There definitely is a God. So join the Christian party and enjoy your life" was put on buses in London.
Funny that all these years later, we are still talking about gods and happiness.
Tonight we went to see Ion by Euripides (written between 414 B.C. an d 418 B.C.). The version we saw was partially updated for a modern audience. Billed as "The Greek Tragedy that had a Happy Ending" the play lived up to its billing.
Long story short: three people go to the alter of the god Apollo to ask a question of the oracle. Apollo tells three different stories. (Katerina, look I am not Greek...tee hee.) Anyway, misunderstandings and lies ensue, but all ends well.
The main theme of the story is that though the gods may lie sometimes, they are still in charge. Roll with it.
Though fortune's blackest storms rage on his house,
the man whose pious soul reveres the gods,
assumes a confidence,
And justly: for the good at length obtain the meed of virtue;
but the unholy wretch (such is his nature) never can be happy.
(The final lines of the Chorus in Ion.)
Some of the buses in DC have been running this ad:
"There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."
In response, "There definitely is a God. So join the Christian party and enjoy your life" was put on buses in London.
Funny that all these years later, we are still talking about gods and happiness.
3.10.2009
3.09.2009
3.08.2009
the kitchen
Hi everyone...I have not posted in a week...not much to report I guess.
I am re-painting our kitchen! Yes, the one we rent...yes, we got permission. Actually I am just doing the cabinets. Our landlord got us all new appliances. The cabinets
were a dark wood and the handles were all coming off. So, gray cabinets with brushed gray handles here we come. The cabinets are all painted, the drawers have two coats plus primer done, and all 12 cabinet drawers are primed. 7 of the 12 have one coat of gray on them. I think I can finish by tomorrow night...I will post pictures.
Went for a super hike this morning, but between painting and hiking I am going to be one sore puppy in the morning!
One more thing: Gram is back in the hospital...hopefully to get out tomorrow. Her first colonoscopy. The report: "It is not nearly as bad as I expected. In fact, it was nothing."
I am re-painting our kitchen! Yes, the one we rent...yes, we got permission. Actually I am just doing the cabinets. Our landlord got us all new appliances. The cabinets
were a dark wood and the handles were all coming off. So, gray cabinets with brushed gray handles here we come. The cabinets are all painted, the drawers have two coats plus primer done, and all 12 cabinet drawers are primed. 7 of the 12 have one coat of gray on them. I think I can finish by tomorrow night...I will post pictures.
Went for a super hike this morning, but between painting and hiking I am going to be one sore puppy in the morning!
One more thing: Gram is back in the hospital...hopefully to get out tomorrow. Her first colonoscopy. The report: "It is not nearly as bad as I expected. In fact, it was nothing."
3.01.2009
toilet paper
Toilet paper: ever thought about it? I have, mainly in the context of American v. German. German tp is much thicker because both men and women fold it in Germany. In America, women bunch and men fold. Ask around, this is true.
Greenpeace has made me think a little more about tp. In Europe Greenpeace is seen as a reputable and mainstream non-profit, not as a crazy group. They recently came out with a guide to toilet paper, paper towel, and tissue brands.
What makes for a more environmental friendly toilet paper? (BTW, Americans use 24% of the world's toilet paper.) Percentage of recycled paper in the tp, percentage of recycled paper that is post-consumer (ie not just waste from making paper products, but paper that someone actually used and then was recycled), and the type of bleaching process used. Using chlorine to bleach the paper does not, as Brent thought, make the water cleaner too. Chlorine kills fish.
Brent and I have had an ongoing discussion about toilet paper. Linda always bought the cheapest (read coarsest/roughest) which is what I would do. Brent likes a more comforting experience. We have settled on Charmin Ultra Strong. Looking at the tissue guide (click anywhere to see it) I can see that this tp is to be avoided. Nothing recycled in it and they use chlorine to bleach it. Bummer, literally.
On Friday night we stopped in at Whole Paycheck and bought some of their generic paper to try. We will see what happens.
What kind of tp do you use? Would you consider changing?
Greenpeace has made me think a little more about tp. In Europe Greenpeace is seen as a reputable and mainstream non-profit, not as a crazy group. They recently came out with a guide to toilet paper, paper towel, and tissue brands.
What makes for a more environmental friendly toilet paper? (BTW, Americans use 24% of the world's toilet paper.) Percentage of recycled paper in the tp, percentage of recycled paper that is post-consumer (ie not just waste from making paper products, but paper that someone actually used and then was recycled), and the type of bleaching process used. Using chlorine to bleach the paper does not, as Brent thought, make the water cleaner too. Chlorine kills fish.
Brent and I have had an ongoing discussion about toilet paper. Linda always bought the cheapest (read coarsest/roughest) which is what I would do. Brent likes a more comforting experience. We have settled on Charmin Ultra Strong. Looking at the tissue guide (click anywhere to see it) I can see that this tp is to be avoided. Nothing recycled in it and they use chlorine to bleach it. Bummer, literally.
On Friday night we stopped in at Whole Paycheck and bought some of their generic paper to try. We will see what happens.
What kind of tp do you use? Would you consider changing?
2.27.2009
walk home: thankful
Last week Brent read me a story in the morning about a man who was 93 who froze to death in his house after the electric company put in a switch outside of his house to keep him from using too much energy. They never told him about it. His overdue bill was $1000. (You can click this paragraph to read the AP story.)
We went to dinner tonight and on the way home had to call 911. A woman was yelling at a man laying flat on the ground. "Sean, get up. Sean, Sean, get up." Over and over and over. Brent said to me, "I think he might be dead." I called 911 and the police showed up pretty quickly. A man at the bus stop thanked us for stopping. At least 25 people walked over this man as he lay there. I sure hope he is ok.
And then my girl friend just posted at her blog about her good friend's little girl who has a brain tumor. How scary.(Click here to read about Carly.)
We all need to pitch in together, take notice of each other, become real neighbors again. Thank you to our group of neighbors. Life remains not a burden for us.
We went to dinner tonight and on the way home had to call 911. A woman was yelling at a man laying flat on the ground. "Sean, get up. Sean, Sean, get up." Over and over and over. Brent said to me, "I think he might be dead." I called 911 and the police showed up pretty quickly. A man at the bus stop thanked us for stopping. At least 25 people walked over this man as he lay there. I sure hope he is ok.
And then my girl friend just posted at her blog about her good friend's little girl who has a brain tumor. How scary.(Click here to read about Carly.)
We all need to pitch in together, take notice of each other, become real neighbors again. Thank you to our group of neighbors. Life remains not a burden for us.
2.24.2009
2.23.2009
2.20.2009
snails...moving...
Snails Go west ! Funny TimeLapse from www.time-lapse.fr on Vimeo.
"Every evening, after my automatic water system stops, all the snails who where hidden behind flowers go out and go on the grass to make parties, eating and drinking!" (from boingboing.net of course.)
2.19.2009
the credit freeze explained understandably
Wondering what is happening to our economy? Here is your explanation...Great work Jonathan Jarvis.
2.18.2009
2.16.2009
when
I am just back from St. Louis. Left Gram in good stead. Lots of good food, a woman coming in for four hours for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, when Kate, my aunt will show up to stay till Sunday. I just hope she does not get bored...Kate that is.
I took this photo last weekend when we were hiking. And sometimes I feel like this. WHEN, WHEN, WHEN. I don't like feeling like this. I liked to live now, in this moment. But alas, when is where I am this evening.
When will we have a bigger place? (Oh I wanted one? Who knew?)
When will we move to Seattle?
When (if) will we have kids?
When will they be out of the house? (Above mentioned kids.)
When will Gram need to move into a different place?
If I knew all of the when's though, life would be a bit boring. I must try to embrace the when and the anticipation it brings.
2.13.2009
Gram's Doing Well
Good news... The pacemaker went right in no problem. She might even come home today!!
2.12.2009
one day up, the next day, less up.
Headed to St. Louis because Grammy is getting a pacemaker today. We get in when she goes to have the surgery. At least we will be there when she wakes up.
This sucks.
This sucks.
2.11.2009
Ada has arrived!
It is so crazy that my youngest brother is a dad now. He was just a little guy yesterday! Here she is!
Again, this is not the all babies, all the time blog even though may seem to have been hijacked...We will give Ada a few months before we put her in the running for the cutest baby ever...
Congrats Montana and Erin.
Love,
Nicole
2.09.2009
2.08.2009
the word project
I found these letters on sale at Target last year sometime...I think the word spelled with the letters was "Inspiration." I then went around trying to find other words, in an effort to find the whole alphabet. I did not get all the letters. C is missing.
Yesterday on our hike we started using the letters to make words...
2.05.2009
from all weddings to all babies: Competition for Sean?
Ok people, I clearly get obsessed with things...I am NOT, I repeat, NOT obsessed with babies. Yet.
But Sean has competition in the cutest baby in the world competition...and Sabine is the competition. Look at the expression on her face! Is she surprised, posing for the camera, just happy? Oh, that is Tania there on the side.
2.02.2009
the cutest baby...ever maybe....
John just sent out these new pictures of Sean and Caitlin...and this one of Sean is almost too much...
2.01.2009
Update: Operation Lose Weight in 09
Loyal readers I figured you might be interested in a progress report…so here it is.
“Why eeew heeeeer?”
“Well a friend of mine came once, to get the toxins out of her system, and that sounded like a good thing…”
“Eeeewr tongue?”
“My tongue? What?”
She sticks out her tongue at me and motions for me to do the same thing. So I do.
“Eeeewr heeer, eeeewr fat.”
Things moved on. I let the woman who had called me fat stick me with needles. Nothing happened.
But in the spirit of operation lose 30 pounds this year, I decided to go back, to a different acupuncturist. My knitting crew goes to a guy in DC who studied in China. We spent about 45 minutes talking about my health generally:
“How often do you urinate?”
“Do you have any cravings?”
“How is your libido?
I felt comfortable talking about these things with him, but was curious about what he thought about my responses. He also listened to my pulse using three fingers on both wrists.
And then he asked to see my tongue.
I am going to go back for the next six weeks. I feel good. The poking me with needles was not painful at all.
Brent and I are also wearing pedometers, and both trying to walk 10,000 steps a day. After wearing the pedometers for three weeks I realized that contrary to my original assumptions, we are a lot less active on the weekends. So this weekend we started operation go for a Sunday morning hike. We went to the National Arboretum. We will be going back. The place was amazing. And they had these hundred year old bonsai trees! (Click this paragraph to see some of my experimental photos of the day.) There are also the original columns form the Capitol Building.
Bottom line: I am down between 3 and 4 lbs, so only 26 to go.
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