Waiting...

...for the doctor's office to open. My back went out yesterday while I was putting Spencer's boots on. One big spasm across my whole lower back and suddenly I'm unable to stand up straight, bend over, sit for long, or move in general. This happens about once a year and it makes me feel totally useless. I can't do anything around the house. And now I'm missing work on top of it. And you know what the doctor will tell me: losing weight will help. I've been going to the gym, but it's going to take a lot of workouts to get me in shape after four years of not doing it. You would think that since I'm working on it I would get a free pass in the bad back department so that I can keep going to the gym rather than laying around the house with a bad back!

So now I'm off to take an extremely hot shower in the hope that my back will somehow miraculously recover and instead of going to the doctor I can go to the office where I belong.

Frigorific

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 1st. Can you believe it's a real word? Frigorific!

Meaning
: causing cold : chilling

Example Sentence
Jamie shivered as she faced the frigorific blast of wind blowing off the lake.

Did you know?
The chill in "frigorific" comes from "frigus," the Latin word for "frost" or "cold." ("Frigorific" is derived from Latin "frigorificus," the adjective form of "frigus.") "Frigus" has provided us with other icy words as well. It is the source of "refrigerate" ("to keep cold"), and also of the combining form "frigo-" ("cold") and the noun "frigorimeter" ("a thermometer designed for low temperatures"), both of which are primarily scientific and somewhat rare. "Frigus" is also related to the ancestors of "frigid" ("intensely cold"). "Frigorific" is a relatively unusual word and is used considerably less often than its relatives "refrigerate" and "frigid."

My New Year's Resolution

To blog more. I realized that a big part of the reason I don't blog like I used to is because of Mike. I didn't used to have someone to share everything with, my thoughts, the things that the boys are doing, etc., but now I have Mike. I don't need this outlet as much, but I do want to record thoughts and occasions so Alex and Spencer have them later. I'd also like to blog more about what's going on in my life, what I'm doing, thinking, little tidbits...

So here's a tidbit for you. Try this recipe: Roquamole (that's rock-a -mole, like guacamole). Heard about it on NPR weeks ago and made it for my sister last night. It's delish. My sister - she babysat Alex and Spencer last night so Mike and I could go out for the New Year's Eve bash at New World Home Cooking. Yum and fun! Awesome sister I have. The boys had a great time; didn't even miss us.

So, happy New Year to all and may 2009 be the best year yet for everyone!

On The Days I Am Not My Father

I don't yell. I don't hold inside
the day's supply of frustrations.
My hands stay open all day.
I don't wake tired and sore,
dazed from senseless, panicking
dreams. On the days I am not
my father I hold my son
when he cries, let him touch my face
without flinching, lie down with him
until he falls asleep, realize
that just because he has a sharp tongue,
just because he's sometimes mean,
just because he's smarter than me
doesn't mean he'll become my father.

On the days I am not my father
holding you is enough until
holding you is no longer enough
for either of us. I listen well.
I let things go unfinished,
in an order I didn't plan.
My mouth is relaxed. My teeth
don't hurt. My face stays
a healthy shade of pink all day.
On the days I am not my father
I don't fill the silence with my own
irrational rants. I don't resent
the voices of others. I don't make fun
of you to make myself feel better.

On the days I am not my father
I don't care who wins
or loses. The news can't ruin
my day. I water plants.
I cook. I laugh at myself.
I can imagine living without
my beard, with my hair cut,
without the fear of looking
too much like my father. On the days
I am not my father I romp
and play, I don't compare myself
with everyone else, the night
is always long enough, I like
how much I am like my father.

"On The Days I Am Not My Father" by Scott Owens from The Fractured World. © Main Street Rag Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission.

My Nephew's Election Campaign Song

Obama rocks!
McCain has the chicken pox!

by Cole, Age 8

The Joy of Simple Things

Spencer got his first sleeping bag tonight. We're going to DC in a few weeks with Mike's family and we don't want to take two Pack-N-Plays. Alex still needs the physical boundaries the Pack-N-Play provides, but Spencer is ready to be out of his. The sleeping bag has Tow Mater on it. Spence loves Mater. I love that he likes Mater better than McQueen. Mater's my favorite character in "Cars." He's sweet and simple, and a true friend. To him, life is uncomplicated and happy. We could all learn something from him. Of course, Spencer had to sleep in the new bag tonight. He can't wait to take it to his Aunt Gali's and have a sleepover with his cousins. For him, and for Mater, it's the little things in life that bring the most happiness. As adults, we need to remember to embrace the childlike joy and wonder of the simple things. When we do, even if only for a moment, the weight of our stressful and complicated adult lives is lifted, and we can feel the tranquility that living in that moment brings.

Interview

I'm going for a job interview for subbing at Spencer's school today. If I get it it'll be the first job I've had outside the home in over three years. Wish me luck!