Lost Generation

Do They Know?

I'll admit it, I'm jealous. I look across the street at my neighbors house and see the newspaper sitting on their front step. Is it mocking me? It's 8 a.m. and I've been up for two hours. The morning is already almost over in my book. I imagine the neighbors still asleep, tucked into their beds and blissfully unaware of the lady across the street analyzing their lives. I picture a well-rested individual waking on their own accord. The coffeemaker brewing as they greet their front porch. I envision the smell of ink and the leisurely perusal of even the most irrelevant sections, sections reserved for those with the gift of time, horoscopes, advice columns, even local politics.
On second thought...maybe it's best I don't have time for the news. The antics of Blago and the economy will need to go on without me.

Latest Addictions

I'll blame it on that martini I had with Mandy a few weekends back. What began as an innocent afternoon at Cosmo's Beauty Bar morphed into something beyond my control. A reawakening of "me". Ever since that fateful first sip I have been indulging myself with reckless abandon and sans guilt. A purchase at a local boutique, new crystal earrings, metallic sandals...one girl's attempt to keep up with the tides of fashion. Just a few short months ago I was waving the white flag in surrender proclaiming that fashion was a waste of energy and simply too exhausting. I'm back in the game...at least for now...and it feels good...at least for now.
Be gone piling sweaters and holey sweats!

Ella's latest addiction also involves me. She wants to be held almost continuously and substitutes won't do. Using my hair as leverage, she'll traverse me like Mt Everest trying to get climb into my arms. If she could crawl into my skin I know she would try. I know I will long for these days when she is a tween requesting that I drop her off a block away from the movie theater. I know she will shun me and my metallic sandals and crystal earrings claiming utter embarrassment. So I will try to enjoy these moments and look past the aching back, sore arms and "to do" list a mile long.

PlayStationary

According to Reuters, Swiss Scientists issue a warning. "Gamers beware: Keeping too tight a grip on the console and furiously pushing the buttons can cause a newly identified skin disorder marked by painful lumps on the palms."

This condition has been dubbed "PlayStation palmar hidradentitis". Sadly, this is no joke. What happened to the injuries of yesteryear brought on by a dusty game of kickball, banana seat biking or sledding?

Yikes. So much to comment on...don't know where to start. In a nutshell: Society, hell, hand basket, new levels of medical grossness, social ineptness, reap, sow, hello?

Lovin Some PBK

I've discovered Prairie Bread Kitchen, an Oak Park hot spot for commuters. This morning, with Jerry's suitcase in tow, the three of us head for a "goodbye" breakfast. Jerry will be in his second home, Montreal, for the next few days. This place is old school goodness. The smell of fresh baked bread greets you as you walk in the doors. Already you can't go wrong. For $.75 you can get a slab, not slice, of their fresh cinnamon-raisin bread. Heavenly. Add a cup of Joe and the day is off to a good start. What makes this experience truly priceless is watching the suits sprint for the platform as their train approaches. One more reason I am grateful for my unconventional job.

Inspiration at the Oscars

I usually write off Hollywood as self-important and indulgent...attributes that are not so favorable in today's economic climate. But tonight, as the Oscars play in the background, I overheard Jerry Lewis as he accepted a humanitarian award.

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again!" Jerry Lewis

Thankfully, Mr. Lewis was on his best behavior tonight. Although I certainly don't agree with some recent comments made at his telethons, this "broad" certainly felt inspired tonight.

Shiro Dhara

What is Shiro Dhara you ask? As is described by Sundara Spa's website: "A treatment powerful in its ability to relieve emotional and physical tension, working to achieve a state of ultimate calmness in the nervous system." It involved chakras, therapeutic oils and the third eye, (the window to the soul). All I know is that this was sixty minutes that I desperately needed. To paint a clearer picture...earlier this week I was giddy about visiting the doctor and getting my blood drawn. Whether it was the sleep deprivation, being with great friends, the fuzzy bathrobe or a combination of all three...Sundara Spa was blissful relaxation.
Picture above features buds, Leanne and Vickie about to enter the outdoor hot tub.

Road Trips

The threat of snow and the promise of a Saturday morning spa retreat with friends had me on the road late Friday night. With Ella tucked in bed, Jerry in command and a decent selection of cds in the car, I head to Madison. The night sky and quiet seem foreign. What a luxury. My mind naturally wanders with the radio dial and the following road trip memories emerge:
1. A night full of stars and an open sun-roof in mom's car as we cut through the Badlands in South Dakota
2. Relentless chants for Taco Bell from the back seat in Santa Fe, New Mexico
3. Pianoscapes and George Winston on the radio driving up the Oregon Coast
4. Reading Tom Sawyer on the way to Hannibal, Missouri
5. Pulling over on some nameless highway so that Josh and I can duke it out on the shoulder as Mom enjoyed some much needed peace and quiet in a locked car
6. The scorching summer sun and the tired asphalt road as we crossed Death Valley
7. Mom asking for a wine list at a backwoods watering hole where the sign out front reads "serving cold beer and hot women"
8. Rest stops and packed pb&j
9. Checking into a Holidome after a long days drive. Miniature golf and ice machines...road tripping at it's finest.
10. Miles of DVD and cell phone free hours of laughing, singing and fighting with the family

Don't worry Ella, the great American road-trip will certainly live on in our family.
Thanks for creating these memories Mom!

Stop the Presses!

According to parenting.com:

"At twelve months your child probably still has all the characteristics of a baby -- a large, round face; short, pudgy arms and legs; and that trademark potbelly. As she becomes more active, this will change. Her newfound mobility will help develop muscle and trim away baby fat. Meanwhile, her arms and legs will gradually lengthen, her face will grow more angular and you'll begin to see definition at the jawline."

Ella with a jawline? My heart is breaking!

First Steps

Ella let go! A few wobbly steps and a confident kerplunk...Ella is learning to get up and keep trying. She may be going to bed with a sore keister but it is a hard earned badge of honor. Broad smiles (Ella) and rigorous clapping (Mommy and Daddy) were abundant this evening. Wondering if tomorrow she'll feel like giving it another go.

On another note...
Ella's daycare, Concordia University, continues to report a healthy appetite.
Concordia Teacher: "Ella really enjoyed the vanilla pudding, wafers and Nutrigrain bars."
Sarah: Feigning approval "Oh, really...she usually prefers the veggie burgers at home."
Concordia Teacher: (Snickers to herself)
Sarah: (Total dejection)
Damn. Can't keep my little cage-free girl in a bubble her whole life. Wish I could. Today vanilla pudding, tomorrow Kool-aid and processed meats, next thing you know my impressionable girl is smoking cigarettes behind the school after detention...slippery slope.

Nature trumps Nurture

Let's face it, women are not equipped to make the guttural, primal noises that our counterparts can. What is it about the Y chromosome that allows it's owner to imitate so much of life using any body part imaginable? Jerry can morph into a machine gun wielding chimp with gastrointestinal issues and it turns Ella into hysterics...every time. Sure, she loves crawling into my arms after she takes a tumble and looks for me whenever I leave the room, but Daddy brings the laughter. I'm simply a comfy, familiar, blanket. Daddy is a walking, talking amusement park. The energy shifts whenever he enters the room. As hard as I try, I can't shake the blanket role and that's o.k.. Jerry cracks me up too.

Valentine's Day...redefined

There are sharp divisions between two camps: Those who embrace Valentine's Day and those who dub them "Hallmark Holidays". Jerry and I were always in the former...those saps in the card aisle. Planning the perfect evening for weeks before...and why not? 2009 ushered in a new era. Please note, 2008 did not count because neither of us remember the months of February and March. I feel like we are now relegated to the ranks of those cynics. What began with good intentions, plans to bring out the china, open that bottle of wine that has been cellared for five years...fell short just a bit. Sleep, comfort and our couch won out once again. Foiled! Better luck next year. I love you Valentine!
p.s. Sweetest Day is only eight months away!

In Honor of President's Day - Ella becomes "Obamafied"

Give and Take

Peanut butter and chocolate, Britney and Justin...some things in life belong together. Late night drinking with friends and a one year old do not. It was an evening I needed, one long overdue. Two bottles of red, four friends and some distraction free conversation among well-dressed adults (read, not doning pureed sweet potatoes). I'm not sure whose wonderful idea it was to toast our friendship with a bottle of champagne as we neared midnite. At the time it sounded like it made perfect sense. Bubbly in hand, I was a woman on a mission, reclaiming my femininity, my independence my very identity. A few short hours later I was a woman with deep regret. McDonalds sundae half melted, awaking on the couch at 3:30 and my nemesis, the clock, charging ahead. My sunshine awoke at 7:30 a.m., God bless her. Ready to greet the day. Let's hope that Tylenol works some magic soon. It was well worth it though. Must do this again.

New Discoveries

This morning as we fumbeled around the bathroom trying to start our day, Ella made a big discovery. Toilet Paper. Her little fingers clung to the softness of the double ply roll Jerry insists we buy. With utter glee in her eyes she gave the roll a fierce spin. The toilet paper unraveled with speed. I stopped her mid-swipe as she was ready to return for seconds. "No", I attempted. It sounded so foreign coming out of my mouth. I don't tell others in my life "No". I generally offer some explanation and dance around my subject with nicities. The word "no" got caught in my throat and I tried it again. This time I laughed. Now she was laughing. Wait a minute...this isn't right. Was I over thinking this? Don't kids benefit from clear, consise communication? Aren't they yearning for boundaries? But don't I owe her the same respect I would give a peer? "Pardon me, Ella, I know you find that really enjoyable, however I wonder if we can find another activity that would be more mutally pleasing". Good God. So as she continues to discover the wonderful world of Mommy's cosmetics, liquid detergent, basement steps and Drano, I am going to have to discover a personal comfort with the word "no".

Louie's Grill

This morning, soon after Ella woke, a plan was carefully laid. It's no small feat trying to get a one year old out of the house in the dead of winter, grocery list in hand and nap time looming. With careful coordination and synchronized watches, Jerry and I head out to Louie's Grill in Forest Park before our big grocery trip. Louie's Grill represents everything good in the world of breakfast cooking. Window's fogged up so as to properly conceal the secret that lies inside. Walking in you are immediately greeted with familiar faces, the entire wait staff stops to say hello. Jerry and I used to share leisurely breakfasts at the diner as we watched the symphony of grilled goodness created under the careful direction of Louie. Now we have a comfy booth along side of the fogged up glass. Ella is thoroughly entertained as faces continue to enter and the morning rolls forward. Mornings start with the "regulars". The old guys that wouldn't think of starting their morning any other way. Newspapers, coffee...black, and a readiness for conversation. As the day progresses, booths are filled with college students home for the weekend and recovering from a late night. Regardless of your position in life, everyone leaves happy. Louie's certainly has the perfect equation and it's really quite simple. Good food and kind dispositions. A rarity these days, isn't it?