Sunday, November 28, 2004
Gotta love The Daily Show
A funny bit from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (from a couple of weeks ago, actually):
...John Ashcroft is the man behind the Patriot Act.
Critics of the act say it overrides civil liberties.
Supporters of the act say: (menacing voice) "Stop. Saying. That!"
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Sisters
My closest sister phoned yesterday from Botswana. My eldest sister, who is in town from BC for a conference, came over for dinner. This morning I told my kids the story of another sister (who lives in Ontario) who shoved a cotton ball up her nose when she was little, and my mom only found out when the cotton rotted and my sister gave off a very bad smell. I called all three of my Montreal sisters yesterday to pick names for our Xmas gift exchange. I managed to connect with each of my six sisters in some way within about a 16 hour period.
I love being part of a big family, and I can't imagine life without sisters. We are blessed in a myriad of ways, but one way that stands out for me today is how we can still talk to one another and enjoy each other.
But that's not entirely true. The sister in Ontario is estranged from our mother, and so we don't see her much. She's effectively cut herself off from the rest of us as well. Fortunately, now her daughter and son are old enough that they come and visit us (including my mom), so we can feel some connection to that semi-lost sister. This is a sadness in our family that is always under the surface. Because we see each other and talk and work things out, we have got past much of the sad and damaging past that we have as a family. This other sister seems to be stuck in a time where all of those very bad times are still very real and alive. I wish we could heal our family, but none of us really knows where to start. It's really between her and our mom, after all.
But we'll have another Christmas without her, though we will all send her cards. It's a tear in the otherwise beautiful fabric of our family.
Monday, November 22, 2004
all of the people I once was are still inside me
I'm a parent, responsible for the happiness and the very lives of three children. I go to bed at night thinking about them, and whether or not I've done a good job for them today. I check their rooms and kiss them and hope that they are dreaming sweet dreams.
But sometimes, in the middle of the night, I wake up from a deep sleep and feel as though I'm still in my parents' home, in bed in the room next to theirs, and think about whether or not to go in and tell them that I had a bad dream so that I can snuggle close to my mother and feel her warm breath on the top of my head as she sleeps.
It's so real to me I believe that I really am that little girl, looking for safety in the arms of my mother.
I'm a parent, responsible for the happiness and the very lives of three children. I go to bed at night thinking about them, and whether or not I've done a good job for them today. I check their rooms and kiss them and hope that they are dreaming sweet dreams.
But sometimes, in the middle of the night, I wake up from a deep sleep and feel as though I'm still in my parents' home, in bed in the room next to theirs, and think about whether or not to go in and tell them that I had a bad dream so that I can snuggle close to my mother and feel her warm breath on the top of my head as she sleeps.
It's so real to me I believe that I really am that little girl, looking for safety in the arms of my mother.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Getting to know you...
The other day I took a small chance and asked a woman from around the corner over for coffee. She's a stay-at-home mother (tho' not for much longer) and whenever we talked on the street she seemed like a really nice person. So I took the plunge; it seemed silly not to become friendlier when we can be company and a help to one another.
Well it turns out she was totally cool and so interesting! She is studying English Lit (I studied that too) and she came to Canada from Spain with her family when she was 3. Her dad had come to Expo '67 in Montreal and fell so in love with the city he moved his family here. Their life in Spain was not so great at the time because of Franco; her grandfather started the first socialist newspaper in Spain. She comes from a family of writers; her great-uncle was nominated for the Nobel Prize twice! Herself went back to Spain for Expo in Seville and lived there for the year, then she lived in Cuba for a few years.
You just never know who your neighbours are until you take the time to talk with them, eh? We had a lot in common, too; the numbers of times we said "Me too!" in the course of our conversation was pretty funny.
I don't know if we'll become friends. I would like it, but I find that it's harder to develop friendships as I get older. We'll see how things shape up. Maybe I'll ask her to join our book club (if we decide to keep it going!).
The other day I took a small chance and asked a woman from around the corner over for coffee. She's a stay-at-home mother (tho' not for much longer) and whenever we talked on the street she seemed like a really nice person. So I took the plunge; it seemed silly not to become friendlier when we can be company and a help to one another.
Well it turns out she was totally cool and so interesting! She is studying English Lit (I studied that too) and she came to Canada from Spain with her family when she was 3. Her dad had come to Expo '67 in Montreal and fell so in love with the city he moved his family here. Their life in Spain was not so great at the time because of Franco; her grandfather started the first socialist newspaper in Spain. She comes from a family of writers; her great-uncle was nominated for the Nobel Prize twice! Herself went back to Spain for Expo in Seville and lived there for the year, then she lived in Cuba for a few years.
You just never know who your neighbours are until you take the time to talk with them, eh? We had a lot in common, too; the numbers of times we said "Me too!" in the course of our conversation was pretty funny.
I don't know if we'll become friends. I would like it, but I find that it's harder to develop friendships as I get older. We'll see how things shape up. Maybe I'll ask her to join our book club (if we decide to keep it going!).
Friday, November 19, 2004
The question of terror
Here's that definition of terrorism that appeared in a short article in the November issue of National Geo. It's by Walter Lacqueur, author of Voices of Terror (2004): " ...the systematic use of murder, injury, and destruction, or the threat of such acts, aimed at achieving political ends." Seems like an obvious definition, but he goes on to point out that the nature of terrorism has changed. A group like Al Quaeda is not trying to create a state for itself. Its goal is to defend Islam against the power of the "West". This would seem to be terrorism as a response to powerlessness. You could say that Al Quaeda grew up as a response to the presence of American military forces in Saudi Arabia, where Mecca is. This is a political and a religious end, inasmuch as that country's autonomy is important for Islam.
One of the most important points Laqueur makes, though, is that terrorism has changed its targets. Where government officials and monarchs were once the targets, now terrorists target civilians, and do far more damage, even though the incidence of terrorist acts has declined. They have achieved true terror, instability and fear among the innocent masses.
But I think terrorism can come from a place of power as well. Isn't invading a foreign country and killing and injuring innocent civilians for the purpose of acquiring resources and "political capital" just the terrorism of the despot? I guess the difference is in the definition of "political ends".
The killing of anyone is repugnant to me, but somehow Margaret Hassan's murder has felt like a punch in the stomach. The Beslan massacre before that as well. It's all getting so dark. If schoolchildren and aid workers are your targets, what the hell is your political rationale?
Here's that definition of terrorism that appeared in a short article in the November issue of National Geo. It's by Walter Lacqueur, author of Voices of Terror (2004): " ...the systematic use of murder, injury, and destruction, or the threat of such acts, aimed at achieving political ends." Seems like an obvious definition, but he goes on to point out that the nature of terrorism has changed. A group like Al Quaeda is not trying to create a state for itself. Its goal is to defend Islam against the power of the "West". This would seem to be terrorism as a response to powerlessness. You could say that Al Quaeda grew up as a response to the presence of American military forces in Saudi Arabia, where Mecca is. This is a political and a religious end, inasmuch as that country's autonomy is important for Islam.
One of the most important points Laqueur makes, though, is that terrorism has changed its targets. Where government officials and monarchs were once the targets, now terrorists target civilians, and do far more damage, even though the incidence of terrorist acts has declined. They have achieved true terror, instability and fear among the innocent masses.
But I think terrorism can come from a place of power as well. Isn't invading a foreign country and killing and injuring innocent civilians for the purpose of acquiring resources and "political capital" just the terrorism of the despot? I guess the difference is in the definition of "political ends".
The killing of anyone is repugnant to me, but somehow Margaret Hassan's murder has felt like a punch in the stomach. The Beslan massacre before that as well. It's all getting so dark. If schoolchildren and aid workers are your targets, what the hell is your political rationale?
Thursday, November 18, 2004
See me, fee-ee-eel me
Just came back from the optometrist's, for the first time in 5 years. My vision (near-blind) has only worsened a tiny bit, and I picked out some cheapo frames for my new pair of glasses. I stepped on my old pair a couple of weeks ago, and felt no great loss when they broke right across the bridge, frankly, since I had always regretted the frames on those ones and they had some kind of funky film over the lenses. So soon I will have brand new glasses. I only wear glasses in the early morning and at night, changing to contact lenses when I need to leave the house. I had to remove my contacts in the opt's office and do some walking around, and boy did I feel insecure! I can see only blurry shapes without them, and I couldn't have picked my own baby out of a lineup in that state. It's kind of scary.
The baby herself was a little unnerved when I was periodically hidden behind a huge metal and glass measuring thingy. I love all that stuff at the optometrist's office. I find the equipment aesthetically pleasing and the tests are kinda fun. Maybe that's because I started going when I was still a little kid. I still get excited about doing the tests. Only now I realize that I should be honest in my answers. It's not a test, like how cool are you, or how smart are you... So it does no good to try and pretend my eyes are not as bad as they are. I was a bit of a dork when I was a kid. No surprise I was also a four-eyes.
Question: Is terrorism a response to powerlessness, or is it in fact a function of power? Or both? Is the soldier who shot the injured, unarmed man in a mosque in Fallujah a terrorist? Is President you-know who? The November National Geographic has a good, short article on terrorism, with a useful definition (which I will find and post another time). It also makes a good point, that terrorism is always with us, in all times and many many places. But I wonder if we can define what it is that pushes people to such extremes of human behaviour.
Just came back from the optometrist's, for the first time in 5 years. My vision (near-blind) has only worsened a tiny bit, and I picked out some cheapo frames for my new pair of glasses. I stepped on my old pair a couple of weeks ago, and felt no great loss when they broke right across the bridge, frankly, since I had always regretted the frames on those ones and they had some kind of funky film over the lenses. So soon I will have brand new glasses. I only wear glasses in the early morning and at night, changing to contact lenses when I need to leave the house. I had to remove my contacts in the opt's office and do some walking around, and boy did I feel insecure! I can see only blurry shapes without them, and I couldn't have picked my own baby out of a lineup in that state. It's kind of scary.
The baby herself was a little unnerved when I was periodically hidden behind a huge metal and glass measuring thingy. I love all that stuff at the optometrist's office. I find the equipment aesthetically pleasing and the tests are kinda fun. Maybe that's because I started going when I was still a little kid. I still get excited about doing the tests. Only now I realize that I should be honest in my answers. It's not a test, like how cool are you, or how smart are you... So it does no good to try and pretend my eyes are not as bad as they are. I was a bit of a dork when I was a kid. No surprise I was also a four-eyes.
Question: Is terrorism a response to powerlessness, or is it in fact a function of power? Or both? Is the soldier who shot the injured, unarmed man in a mosque in Fallujah a terrorist? Is President you-know who? The November National Geographic has a good, short article on terrorism, with a useful definition (which I will find and post another time). It also makes a good point, that terrorism is always with us, in all times and many many places. But I wonder if we can define what it is that pushes people to such extremes of human behaviour.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Another blow to hope
Margaret Hassan is dead.
Shame on her murderers. Shame on Donald Rumsfeld. Shame on Richard Cheney. Shame on Condoleeza Rice. Shame on George Walker Bush.
Shame on us, for standing by while such senseless injustice is perpetrated on our world and the good people in it.
Margaret Hassan is dead.
Shame on her murderers. Shame on Donald Rumsfeld. Shame on Richard Cheney. Shame on Condoleeza Rice. Shame on George Walker Bush.
Shame on us, for standing by while such senseless injustice is perpetrated on our world and the good people in it.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Memories are made of this
The kids had a Ped day on Friday, and it was such a great day. We relaxed and had a nice morning together. The kids watched the morning kids' shows (public TV only! No commercials!) and then did some crafts while I did the housework and looked after the bairn. Then they tidied up the craft center and their room and got dressed and we all went out to the children's library. We had a bunch of overdue books, and we hung out at the library for quite a while, choosing books in English and French and reading a number of others there on the library floor. The library is right on a wonderful park, so we played in the park for about an hour afterwards. The sun was shining and the air was clear and cold and the birds were exremely excited and noisy (a phenomenon I've witnessed several times over the last couple of weeks. What's up with the birds?)
Then we spent the rest of the afternoon at home. While I checked e-mail and nursed the baby, the kids were downstairs hard at work on the props for a "haunted spooky shelter". They worked for a couple of hours on this project and I just loved listening to them. They supported one another, praised each other's ideas and worked together so nicely. They were so excited and they had to be secretive about it, which added to the cuteness of it. When it was ready I was treated to a tour. It was in their room, and it was really good! The lights were out and my son was hidden behind a sheet hung over the lower bunk bed, making scary sounds and occasionally throwing things from behind the sheet. He had put "scary things" around the room: a stinky sock, a stuffed snake, a glow-in-the-dark rat. My daughter led me by the hand and made me touch gross things, like olives (eyeballs), squished banana (mucus) and something inside a cardboard tube that I didn't recognize.
When hubby got home I led him upstairs to the "haunted, spooky shelter" and he got genuinely scared because my daughter hid in the closet this time and grabbed his arm as he passed. Needless to say the kids had a total blast doing this, and were satisfied that they had scared their parents thoroughly.
It was a happy day, and I'm so crazy about my kids. I couldn't ask for sweeter, more creative, fun people as my children.
The kids had a Ped day on Friday, and it was such a great day. We relaxed and had a nice morning together. The kids watched the morning kids' shows (public TV only! No commercials!) and then did some crafts while I did the housework and looked after the bairn. Then they tidied up the craft center and their room and got dressed and we all went out to the children's library. We had a bunch of overdue books, and we hung out at the library for quite a while, choosing books in English and French and reading a number of others there on the library floor. The library is right on a wonderful park, so we played in the park for about an hour afterwards. The sun was shining and the air was clear and cold and the birds were exremely excited and noisy (a phenomenon I've witnessed several times over the last couple of weeks. What's up with the birds?)
Then we spent the rest of the afternoon at home. While I checked e-mail and nursed the baby, the kids were downstairs hard at work on the props for a "haunted spooky shelter". They worked for a couple of hours on this project and I just loved listening to them. They supported one another, praised each other's ideas and worked together so nicely. They were so excited and they had to be secretive about it, which added to the cuteness of it. When it was ready I was treated to a tour. It was in their room, and it was really good! The lights were out and my son was hidden behind a sheet hung over the lower bunk bed, making scary sounds and occasionally throwing things from behind the sheet. He had put "scary things" around the room: a stinky sock, a stuffed snake, a glow-in-the-dark rat. My daughter led me by the hand and made me touch gross things, like olives (eyeballs), squished banana (mucus) and something inside a cardboard tube that I didn't recognize.
When hubby got home I led him upstairs to the "haunted, spooky shelter" and he got genuinely scared because my daughter hid in the closet this time and grabbed his arm as he passed. Needless to say the kids had a total blast doing this, and were satisfied that they had scared their parents thoroughly.
It was a happy day, and I'm so crazy about my kids. I couldn't ask for sweeter, more creative, fun people as my children.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Java Jive
Here's a rather boring tidbit from my li'l ol' life: Since my bout of stomach flu a couple of weeks ago I have broken the coffee habit. As a result I have rediscovered the sensual pleasures of tea; its aroma, its colour, its thirst-quenching mouth-feel and the mild lift it gives me make me happy.
My standard tea? Ahmad brand's blend; it adds a little bit of Earl Grey to a mild Orange Pekoe. Lovely.
I still drink coffee, in case you're wondering. I just don't have to have it every day. I love it when I do have it; all the more because it's not just to sate my addiction.
Here's a rather boring tidbit from my li'l ol' life: Since my bout of stomach flu a couple of weeks ago I have broken the coffee habit. As a result I have rediscovered the sensual pleasures of tea; its aroma, its colour, its thirst-quenching mouth-feel and the mild lift it gives me make me happy.
My standard tea? Ahmad brand's blend; it adds a little bit of Earl Grey to a mild Orange Pekoe. Lovely.
I still drink coffee, in case you're wondering. I just don't have to have it every day. I love it when I do have it; all the more because it's not just to sate my addiction.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Reading
I'm reading a really interesting book, and I thought I'd tell y'all what it is: It's the latest by Jon Krakauer, of Into Thin Air fame, and it's called Under the Banner of Heaven. It's a bit of a departure for him, as his previous books have been about obsessive pursuits under extreme conditions, but in a way it's not such a departure. The book is about Mormonism, its history and some of the main tenets, but really it's about fundamentalist Mormonism, and some of its rather terrifying ramifications when it is practiced. He seems to be making the case that certain aspects of Mormonism, polygamy or "celestial marriage" (no longer practiced in mainstream Mormonism) and the anti-woman patriarchal structure in particular, make it a dangerous religion when practiced in its most extreme forms. Of course, what religion is not dangerous when practiced in its extreme (fundamentalist) form? He seems to be building a case against religious belief in general, but hasn't gone that far yet, sticking to the fascinating study of this entirely American religion. And what a religion it is! Wow. The history and dogma of Mormonism are so convoluted and so seemingly outrageous that it's hard to believe that it is on its way to becoming one of the world's major religions. Of course if you look closely at religious history any faith will seem completely outrageous and untenable. The power of human belief is such that we can hang gigantic structures upon its gossamer web and they not only stand, they grow.
I recommend this book if you have any interest in religion, American history (with some Canadian content) or true-crime stories. It's got it all. And Krakauer's a bitchin' writer. Big bias, but it's obvious, so we know what we're reading.
I'm reading a really interesting book, and I thought I'd tell y'all what it is: It's the latest by Jon Krakauer, of Into Thin Air fame, and it's called Under the Banner of Heaven. It's a bit of a departure for him, as his previous books have been about obsessive pursuits under extreme conditions, but in a way it's not such a departure. The book is about Mormonism, its history and some of the main tenets, but really it's about fundamentalist Mormonism, and some of its rather terrifying ramifications when it is practiced. He seems to be making the case that certain aspects of Mormonism, polygamy or "celestial marriage" (no longer practiced in mainstream Mormonism) and the anti-woman patriarchal structure in particular, make it a dangerous religion when practiced in its most extreme forms. Of course, what religion is not dangerous when practiced in its extreme (fundamentalist) form? He seems to be building a case against religious belief in general, but hasn't gone that far yet, sticking to the fascinating study of this entirely American religion. And what a religion it is! Wow. The history and dogma of Mormonism are so convoluted and so seemingly outrageous that it's hard to believe that it is on its way to becoming one of the world's major religions. Of course if you look closely at religious history any faith will seem completely outrageous and untenable. The power of human belief is such that we can hang gigantic structures upon its gossamer web and they not only stand, they grow.
I recommend this book if you have any interest in religion, American history (with some Canadian content) or true-crime stories. It's got it all. And Krakauer's a bitchin' writer. Big bias, but it's obvious, so we know what we're reading.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Ranty-pants
This may sound cranky, but I didn't get much sleep last night so I'm entitled, okay?
Bombardier, the world leader in water-craft and snowmobile sales, is laying off hundreds of people in Quebec. They cite the strength of the Canadian dollar as one of the main reasons for this drastic cut. Why don't I believe this? Either this huge, successful company is run by a bunch of nitwits who don't have the foresight to imagine fluctuations in the currency market, or they're taking advantage of the recent news that Florida will not be buying their trains for public transit to lay off folks and save themselves a few bucks. This company is supposed to be one of the jewels in the corporate crown of Canada. Why, then, do they consistently go begging for subsidies from the government and lay off their employees at the drop of a hat? They must be making money; there's no shortage of fools who think terrorizing fish and deer in their natural habitats is a fulfilling pastime. I know that Bombardier's aerospace division suffered in the industry nosedive after 9/11. But isn't that why corporations diversify, so that one part of the company can make up for a shortfall in another? And where does all their corporate welfare money go? Isn't employment in rural areas the whole reason the government gives out subsidies to big business? Can't they ask for guarantees against lay-offs from the companies who receive their largesse?
Bombardier is a bad corporate citizen, milking the government then kicking over the can and asking for more, while denying their employees a drink. I would love to see a cost/benefit analysis of Bombardier's effect on the province/country. Is the employment they provide really worth all the money they get? At least when Air Canada sucks the government dry, we're propping up a national airline with our tax dollars. What's Bomardier done for us lately?
Phooey.
This may sound cranky, but I didn't get much sleep last night so I'm entitled, okay?
Bombardier, the world leader in water-craft and snowmobile sales, is laying off hundreds of people in Quebec. They cite the strength of the Canadian dollar as one of the main reasons for this drastic cut. Why don't I believe this? Either this huge, successful company is run by a bunch of nitwits who don't have the foresight to imagine fluctuations in the currency market, or they're taking advantage of the recent news that Florida will not be buying their trains for public transit to lay off folks and save themselves a few bucks. This company is supposed to be one of the jewels in the corporate crown of Canada. Why, then, do they consistently go begging for subsidies from the government and lay off their employees at the drop of a hat? They must be making money; there's no shortage of fools who think terrorizing fish and deer in their natural habitats is a fulfilling pastime. I know that Bombardier's aerospace division suffered in the industry nosedive after 9/11. But isn't that why corporations diversify, so that one part of the company can make up for a shortfall in another? And where does all their corporate welfare money go? Isn't employment in rural areas the whole reason the government gives out subsidies to big business? Can't they ask for guarantees against lay-offs from the companies who receive their largesse?
Bombardier is a bad corporate citizen, milking the government then kicking over the can and asking for more, while denying their employees a drink. I would love to see a cost/benefit analysis of Bombardier's effect on the province/country. Is the employment they provide really worth all the money they get? At least when Air Canada sucks the government dry, we're propping up a national airline with our tax dollars. What's Bomardier done for us lately?
Phooey.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Peace
It was very moving to see all the children at the Remembrance ceremony at the local cenotaph yesterday. My daughter was there representin' the Brownies and she got to march with the Girl Guides' world flag behind some cadets. At the end of the wreath-laying, all the flag-bearers, about 7 children, bowed their flags to the cenotaph as a veteran read some lines from the poem (sorry I don't know the name of it) beginning with "They will not grow old...". There were a few war veterans there, very very old fellows who still muster their strength to come out and honour their comrades and be honoured themselves. It was warm and sunny and I was holding my baby and it just felt right and good to be there.
Speaking of war...Surely it can't be a coincidence that the US assault on Fallujah comes a couple of days after Bush is reelected. Hey, subtle Dude. We get it. You're not backing down.
It was very moving to see all the children at the Remembrance ceremony at the local cenotaph yesterday. My daughter was there representin' the Brownies and she got to march with the Girl Guides' world flag behind some cadets. At the end of the wreath-laying, all the flag-bearers, about 7 children, bowed their flags to the cenotaph as a veteran read some lines from the poem (sorry I don't know the name of it) beginning with "They will not grow old...". There were a few war veterans there, very very old fellows who still muster their strength to come out and honour their comrades and be honoured themselves. It was warm and sunny and I was holding my baby and it just felt right and good to be there.
Speaking of war...Surely it can't be a coincidence that the US assault on Fallujah comes a couple of days after Bush is reelected. Hey, subtle Dude. We get it. You're not backing down.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Adjectives and Nouns
Teething baby. Sleepy mommy. Messy house. Empty fridge. Comfy bed. Good night.
Teething baby. Sleepy mommy. Messy house. Empty fridge. Comfy bed. Good night.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Ugh
Four! More! Years!
....to see how far they can flush the US economy, world profile, civil liberties, and overextended military down the toilet.
As a friend of mine said to me recently, maybe a Republican victory would be good, in that it will truly give them time to convince more Americans that the path they are on is the wrong one. Then maybe the Democrats will have some manoeuverability in the congress and/or senate when they take the White House in 2008.
But I thought John Kerry could have made a good president.
Four! More! Years!
....to see how far they can flush the US economy, world profile, civil liberties, and overextended military down the toilet.
As a friend of mine said to me recently, maybe a Republican victory would be good, in that it will truly give them time to convince more Americans that the path they are on is the wrong one. Then maybe the Democrats will have some manoeuverability in the congress and/or senate when they take the White House in 2008.
But I thought John Kerry could have made a good president.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
All right already
Okay. I've been extremely negligent about the book club. I think we should have a meeting and decide what to read next, set a date and location then and there and get this thing rolling again. I would really like to have this meeting at my place again, as the baby can't do without me and doesn't travel well in the evenings. I think I remember the last book we were supposed to read: Atonement, right? I read it, but I don't remember that much. If this book club thing is gonna last, we'd better shape up! Come on, girls! Get yer thinking caps on!
Okay. I've been extremely negligent about the book club. I think we should have a meeting and decide what to read next, set a date and location then and there and get this thing rolling again. I would really like to have this meeting at my place again, as the baby can't do without me and doesn't travel well in the evenings. I think I remember the last book we were supposed to read: Atonement, right? I read it, but I don't remember that much. If this book club thing is gonna last, we'd better shape up! Come on, girls! Get yer thinking caps on!
Monday, November 01, 2004
The Hangover
Holy shit I'm tired. We're all tired after an over-the-top Halloween weekend culminating in a rainy, windy evening of trick-or-treating. The kids actually asked if we could go home after we'd done our street and about half of the next one over. The weather sucked, and we only got about half the traffic we got last year so we have several pounds of left-over candy. Luckily I don't really like candy. On the whole it wasn't disappointing, though. My kids are so great; they enjoy looking at the dressed-up houses and other kids as much as the trick-or-treating itself.
Two funny/strange moments: One old Italian guy yells over to me as I wait for my kids at the kerb: "Look at this weather!! It couldn't hold off for a couple of hours, the sonofabitch?!!" My kids don't seem to notice the cussing and say sweetly "Thank you. Happy Halloween!" I chuckle furiously. Then, at 9:30 at night, as hubby and I sit collapsed on the couch watching Chris Rock on DVD, someone rings our bell, then knocks, so D. goes over to the window and says "sorry, we're closed", in gesture-language. The kid, who appears to about 9, is out there with his dad, not wearing a costume or anything. They don't go away; they stay and yell "Yoo Hoo!" for the next five minutes or so until D. opens the door and gives them some candy. We figure they might be new to the concept of trick-or-treating, or maybe dad gets home late from work and they decided to try their luck. Then I remembered that the exact same thing happened last year! Maybe they remembered that I caved in then too, and figured we were good for a handful of tootsie rolls. Weird though. Isn't knocking on someone's door that late -- without a costume on -- just begging, essentially?
Holy shit I'm tired. We're all tired after an over-the-top Halloween weekend culminating in a rainy, windy evening of trick-or-treating. The kids actually asked if we could go home after we'd done our street and about half of the next one over. The weather sucked, and we only got about half the traffic we got last year so we have several pounds of left-over candy. Luckily I don't really like candy. On the whole it wasn't disappointing, though. My kids are so great; they enjoy looking at the dressed-up houses and other kids as much as the trick-or-treating itself.
Two funny/strange moments: One old Italian guy yells over to me as I wait for my kids at the kerb: "Look at this weather!! It couldn't hold off for a couple of hours, the sonofabitch?!!" My kids don't seem to notice the cussing and say sweetly "Thank you. Happy Halloween!" I chuckle furiously. Then, at 9:30 at night, as hubby and I sit collapsed on the couch watching Chris Rock on DVD, someone rings our bell, then knocks, so D. goes over to the window and says "sorry, we're closed", in gesture-language. The kid, who appears to about 9, is out there with his dad, not wearing a costume or anything. They don't go away; they stay and yell "Yoo Hoo!" for the next five minutes or so until D. opens the door and gives them some candy. We figure they might be new to the concept of trick-or-treating, or maybe dad gets home late from work and they decided to try their luck. Then I remembered that the exact same thing happened last year! Maybe they remembered that I caved in then too, and figured we were good for a handful of tootsie rolls. Weird though. Isn't knocking on someone's door that late -- without a costume on -- just begging, essentially?
