Life in Omaha

it is finally finished!

2009-04-10T20:23:00.002-05:00

and a little heart for good measure...

out of the mouths of babes: part deux

2009-03-25T08:35:00.002-05:00

We were at the drive thru at Runza the other day, and the girl in the window was flirting with Iggy, making faces, smiling, just being silly.
Now, this girl was young, maybe 16, and cute and smiley, but she had prominent eyeteeth.
When I say prominent, I mean BIG, and a bit crooked.
But she was still very cute, so whatever.
When she went to go get our meal, Iggy said, "How did she grow those vampire teeth?"

out of the mouths of babes

2009-03-05T12:30:00.001-06:00

Iggy's vocab has gotten so great. He just told me, "That sounds like a splendid idea!"

Recommended for you...

2009-02-18T08:14:00.002-06:00

Youtube recommends videos for me every day, some are total duds, but some are right up my alley. I wonder what that algorithm looks like. Here is one gem they uncovered for me:

Because I was so cute

2009-01-31T20:13:00.002-06:00

At least I was never in pageants. Those ARE tap shoes, if you wonder.

Post for posting's sake

2009-01-16T22:28:00.002-06:00

Facebook has obliterated my blog!

It's just so much easier for me, as I tend to be brief.

But, I have scanned some choice photos, and I didn't share them ALL on facebook, so we'll call this a blog exclusive:

Iggy's latest curses

2008-12-31T09:27:00.003-06:00

- Aw, aluminum foil!

-Holy Hinges!

-Oh, photography!

-Aw, phenomenon!

All delivered with extreme conviction.

Christmas Miracle

2008-12-16T07:58:00.003-06:00

My son thinks it's pretty cool to find another Ignatius in the world.

He found him on The Year Without Santa Claus.

The character is called Ignatius Thistlewhite, and is a young boy in the movie.

He tells people to call him Iggy for short.

I couldn't find a good image from the film, but I did find this pic, evidently he starred in other movies after that one, and they may be slightly blue, from the photo:

I love my new camera

2008-12-15T18:51:00.002-06:00

It's really orange.

R.I.P. Bettie Page

2008-12-12T08:46:00.001-06:00

Desiccating

2008-12-02T16:20:00.003-06:00

I am having trouble transitioning to sea salt in my kitchen.

I am all for using sea salt instead of regular iodized salt, and have purchased said sea salt.

It is too big for all my salt shakers, and the top of the package has a crappy shaker.

I have been using it in cooking, but I'm not used to the bigger grains and everything is thirsty SALTY.

Not everything, but I have over salted a couple of thing.

So, I purchased a new shaker, made for sugar, so it accommodates the big fat salties.

And I'm drinking lots of water.

Gobble gobble

2008-11-26T08:52:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
Time to break out the footy pajamas!

Monday, Monday

2008-11-17T12:13:00.005-06:00

Iggy's napping and I could either read an espionage novel or try and post something.
So, I thought I would compile some photos of art in our house. Art being subjective.
The photos aren't great, but I have zero patience with photography, so that's the way it goes.

This is in my kitchen, it's just a bunch of posters stuffed together, but I love it.

My husband went to school with this artist, P. Jay Fidler. I bought it because it matched my room, I won't lie. But, I also love it.

I always forget this guy's name, somebody Cruise, I think.

This is by Troy Muller, he is my friend's husband. I wish I could afford the full size version.

My friend Gary Donahue did this watercolor, he is a genius with color, but I love his all grey stuff a lot.

This is one of a pair by J. Fish, very nice prints from my friend Calvin.

The other Fish. Again, I apologize for the picture quality, but I just suck.

This is by a husband/wife team called Kozyndan. Get it, Kozy 'n' Dan?

This is a 4" x 4" little blue monkey in a basketball jersey. I just love monkeys dressed in clothes.

This is a Randy Galaska, made from old skate decks and other scrap wood.

There is a lot more, but my pictures suck too bad to keep trying, maybe if I get industrious this winter I will work on it.

Vagina Power?

2008-11-13T14:56:00.001-06:00

I about fell out when I saw this...

If I had my way...

2008-11-11T19:02:00.001-06:00

...I'd rename all the "Real Housewives of (fill in the blank)" series "These Dumb Bitches?!"

'ello there.

2008-11-07T20:52:00.003-06:00

So, I am at a loss for subject matter.

It's really fucking cold outside and it's about to get colder.

My son is a profoundly deep thinker.

My husband is doing uber great at work.

Barack Obama is the coolest president ever.

I had to wear an eye patch for a few days, it was funny to see people's reactions to my appearance.

I should maybe learn to knit.

I thought I was gonna die

2008-10-16T16:57:00.004-05:00

I just had 3 teeth forcibly removed, and I feel like a fucking hillbilly.
I take great care of my straight, white teeth, brush and floss.
Somehow, I still manage to need root canal, crown, extraction...
I'm feeling sorry for myself, and for the fact that I have only 25 teeth now!
I told Tom that at this rate I would be giving great gum jobs at 50.

The new Bob Kerrey footbridge

2008-10-11T11:31:00.002-05:00

People around here really must've been waiting for this, because that footbridge is FULL of traffic (but not in a bad way).

The Mighty Missouri, rather cool to see it from the middle. God, I have a lot of grey hair!

I love my dog

2008-10-11T11:27:00.002-05:00

Cripes, look at all the shit under my couch!

She's a peach

2008-10-03T13:49:00.003-05:00

My sweetie friend Stefanie linked me into her blog, so I thought I would return the favor.

I would also like to mention that she is the smartest girl I know.

Bad, bad blogger

2008-09-25T10:13:00.002-05:00

I am a neglectful blogger. I discovered Facebook, and everything went to hell.
I will try and update more, but truthfully, things have been blissfully quiet, so no drama = no blogging.
Can't really complain.
It's not like anyone ever reads this anyway!

Affirmation Girl

2008-09-05T14:06:00.002-05:00

Luna

2008-09-04T22:41:00.004-05:00

Them's some garlicky brussel sprouts.

2008-09-01T08:36:00.001-05:00

Mushrooms are from outer space

2008-08-28T15:48:00.001-05:00

Meet Luna

2008-08-21T08:10:00.003-05:00

My Dad found this puppy for us, and I am OVER THE MOON. I have wanted a puppy for so long! We pick her up next Saturday. Welcome to our family, Luna!

Iowa State Fair 2008

2008-08-12T08:17:00.002-05:00

We caught the shuttle at the state capitol, glistening in the sun. Dan Wardell is the Kid's Club host for Iowa Public TV, he is so rad, kids adore him, then he comes over and jokes around with us, just a great guy. Iggy loves him, asked me before the fair if Dan would be there, if he would be wearing his cape, and was that cape yellow?

Baby lambies, so fucking cute!

Little Hands on the Farm is an interactive farming thing, Iggy loves doing it, gets to keep the Pioneer hat.

It was a really fun day.

Subgenius moment

2008-08-05T08:24:00.002-05:00

Awesome!

2008-08-04T08:06:00.003-05:00

I love this record. It even has a DVD included with videos of each song!

Friday song in my head

2008-08-01T08:49:00.001-05:00

This is oldish, but still funny

2008-07-31T20:59:00.002-05:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Truly Cuban child

2008-07-31T16:52:00.003-05:00

FYI, Materva is the best drink ever, second only to guarapo.

I don't know what this is...

2008-07-31T16:48:00.002-05:00

...but it is very cute.

To think, he used to fit easily in a bowl that size!

Sweet Wishes

2008-07-15T15:19:00.001-05:00

Friday song in my head

2008-07-11T08:58:00.001-05:00

Creepiest toy ever (or at least Top 10)

2008-07-10T12:48:00.001-05:00

I saw a windowful of these puppies in Pismo last month, but only just remembered them. You could not pay me to put one of these in my home!

A drawing of my soul

2008-07-08T11:20:00.002-05:00

Blackout!

2008-06-30T15:36:00.003-05:00

We had 3 days without electricity over the weekend, thanks to a 10 minute hurricane on Friday.
It really wasn't that bad.
The cleanup was hectic, but the weather was beautiful, cool and breezy, and I didn't miss power much at all.
We have a gas stove, so I could cook, we had hot water, we had a great radio, and it was pretty groovy.
Tom and I played cards by candlelight, very romantical.

I love my Mom

2008-06-19T22:19:00.004-05:00

She's an adventurous eater.

Sad but true

2008-06-18T10:11:00.000-05:00

see more politics and fun!

El raton del suerte malo

2008-06-13T10:15:00.003-05:00

I knew something was dead as soon as I stepped out on the porch, but it took Tom the better part of an afternoon to find the source behind my flowerpots. I guess he was just too chubby.

Best Vacation Ever

2008-06-13T10:03:00.003-05:00

Pismo Beach 2008 will be tough to top.
My kid was sunburned NOT ONE IOTA, but I burned where I couldn't reach, sad tale of mommydom.

I just liked this can.

Splash Cafe, best chowder EVER (and I don't even like chowder).

Duende!

2008-05-31T13:32:00.002-05:00

I am fixated on el Duende.
I call Iggy duende, we call morels duende, we call Iggy's potty works duende.

Yay for nature and spring and everything

2008-05-24T21:21:00.004-05:00

ha ha

2008-05-23T08:58:00.001-05:00

see more politics and fun!

Barbed Bison

2008-05-21T10:23:00.004-05:00

We went camping at Lake Acquabi last weekend, it was gorgeous.
As we were leaving the campgrounds we found this cool barbed wire sculpture of a bison, it even had a barbed bison penis. Such are the things I notice.

I think it's pretty fabulous, no?

Igs was EXHAUSTED and slept for 2 hours in the car. That is a muffin, too tired to finish, in his hand.

And on an unrelated note, here is a mediocre picture I took of a tree eating an old parking sign at The Smoke Pit BBQ. If you click on the pic it's a little better.

I would've gotten out of the car, but I was too tired from camping, and made Tom go in and get the ribs.

The first layer of yellow

2008-05-15T09:30:00.001-05:00

Omaha has morels.

2008-05-09T09:18:00.002-05:00

Tom found the blonde ones in a sandy area, they are the lightest we have ever seen!

I has cashmere sweater (starring Bubbette)

2008-05-06T10:36:00.001-05:00

My Urban Garden and Morel Season 2008

2008-05-05T10:53:00.005-05:00

Iggy went mushrooming this weekend, we found a lot, but man, were they small!!

Tom can't even believe how small! I was literally on my hands and knees to spot them!

We felt good about what we got, however tiny, and they tasted great with pork chops...

I've planted out my ever growing collection of crazy ceramic pots, they look, well, special.

Seriously, that's a lot of pots.

I have to include this lovely picture my husband took of the morels in their natural habitat.

Whoo-hoo! Happy Spring!!!

Iggy says...

2008-05-04T08:37:00.002-05:00

To his Dad this morning in bed, "What do you smell like? Pillows, or something? Underwear, or something?"

Yes, son, pretty much.

Tunnel of Fur

2008-04-29T20:00:00.002-05:00

High/Low Brow

2008-04-29T16:01:00.001-05:00

"Actually, I jade very quickly. Once is usually enough. Either once only, or every day. If you do something once it’s exciting, and if you do it every day it’s exciting. But if you do it, say, twice or just almost every day, it’s not good any more.”

-Andy Warhol

I love spring

2008-04-29T08:18:00.003-05:00

courtesy of Natalie Dee

Yikes!

2008-04-26T20:31:00.002-05:00

My new tattoo is HUGE!

Where is my mind?

2008-04-25T18:51:00.001-05:00

I need a fresh skin

2008-04-18T20:02:00.005-05:00

I am determined to shake off all the illnesses and tragedies of the last couple of weeks, molt a bit.
I really want to just start planting and making stuff grow and put all my plants outside, but if I do, we will surely have a sudden deep freeze, so I will bide my time, try and stop hacking and snotting.
My son forgot he's almost potty trained today, just letting loose whenever. He poops strategically while his overnight diaper is in place. I need to get a mattress protector, haven't quite jumped on that yet, so we can leave the diaper off completely.

Tom Mulvehill made Des Moines cooler

2008-04-12T20:04:00.005-05:00

Today we lost another friend, suddenly, from an aneurysm.
He played bagpipes beautifully.
He could talk about almost anything, and was one of the nicest, funniest guys I've ever met.
Here he is at my housewarming party, my husband is on the left.
I'm at a loss...

I gave birth 3 years ago today!

2008-04-04T11:13:00.002-05:00

Too bad Iggy is still recovering from rotovirus (I think). He is on the upswing, hopefully even better for his big party tomorrow.

There will be, like, 8 kids coming, and I haven't planned all that much.

My mom is providing the food, which is great, and I already had all the decorations.

Iggy wants " hats shaped like ice cream cones", so I'm looking out for those.

Wheeeee!

mmm... vintage-y

2008-04-02T10:07:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to show off this cool old needlepoint in my kitchen.

Gah! or Miseries of a Modern World

2008-03-31T12:51:00.003-05:00

I just wasted half an hour performing a theatrical masterpiece for a disinterested Indian on the other side of the world.
This is maybe the 3rd time that I've accidently paid the wrong account on Internet Billpay through my bank.
The problem really is that my husband and I each have accounts at several stores, and they are listed with the store name, and the last 4 digits of the account number on my roster of creditors, not our names.
So, I have to be careful and check the account numbers each time.
One store even has the last 4 digits the same on both accounts, but I know the 1st one listed is hubby's.
SO! When I pay the wrong account, I get credit on the account with no balance, and a fucking late charge on the bill I meant to pay!
Then, I have to call the company, pretend to be my husband, explain the convoluted thing, get a refund on my late charge (because I never! pay late otherwise), apply the payment made in error to other account, etc.
The whole time, I affect a man's voice-ish, warbling occasionally, and keep correcting the guy every time he calls me Miss.
It's laughable, but I am not paying a $29 late fee for being in a hurry, and silly!
Can I get a witness?

Fantasy courtesy of Syd Meade

2008-03-28T12:12:00.002-05:00

Brand New Tomorrow

2008-03-27T13:13:00.000-05:00

Who needs a movie?

2008-03-25T14:07:00.001-05:00

Easter sugar buzz

2008-03-24T08:56:00.002-05:00

Easter is done, my family has a sugar hangover.
Iggy is subject to mood swings and cavities.

Finally!

2008-03-17T09:27:00.003-05:00

Iggy has been peeing on the john for quite a while, but #2 was a bit stubborn... until yesterday!!!!! I was absolutely giddy.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, by the way, from a grouchy leprechaun.

From infancy, my mom painted my ears green (w/ food coloring) during the night before St. Paddy's, and told me it was rogue leprechauns marking Irish children while they slept. This is a mite strange since my mother was born in Cuba (I am Irish on my paternal side), but whatever. It was a tradition, however warped, and I was even on the news for it once at dance class.

So, my mom and I got the q-tips and food coloring, and snuck into Iggy's room. He, however, doesn't sleep that soundly at times, and tossed around while I tried to paint, and I only got one ear! I guess he's only half as Irish as I was. Here are a couple of pics.

Oh, yeah, my mom stopped vandalizing me when I went into Middle School, fearing bullying from other students.

Wave of Mutilation

2008-03-14T20:18:00.006-05:00

This a small sampling of the carnage that awaits me almost daily when the weather turns nice, it happens so often that I stopped taking pictures unless it was an exceptional specimen. My cat is a bloody killer. His name is Baby, terrorist of 14th street.
*not pictured: bat, cardinal, blue jay, voles, mice, every baby robin in the vacinity

How do I know spring is coming?

2008-03-14T09:08:00.003-05:00

By the fresh layer of feathers and various bird parts on my porch.

I am lame

2008-03-13T09:28:00.003-05:00

I just realized how long it's been since I have posted.

Life is pushing along, spring is definitely a welcome prospect.

My son is becoming a great conversationalist, and has great ideas.

Blackberries are delicious. Strawberry season is coming.

We are trying to plan a vacation to the beach.

*That is NOT Iggy's playpen in the photo, we had a much younger guest! Iggy started climbing early and has been in a big bed (no rails!) since he was 14 months old!

NSFW but funnier than hell...

2008-03-06T12:26:00.001-06:00

I love Natalie Dee

2008-03-04T09:00:00.001-06:00

Iggy says...

2008-03-03T09:17:00.002-06:00

" I dont like worms, they are SO happy."

Haircut 100

2008-02-28T11:53:00.003-06:00

This is the final draft of the haircut, pretty good for FREE! I think Tom did well.

I look like someone is following me in this picture:

I have whooshey '80's hair naturally, unfortunately.

Hair Farmer

2008-02-25T08:46:00.004-06:00

I got sick of my hair yesterday, decided it was long enough to donate, and got Tom to cut it for me. The haircut is still a rough draft because I had to leave to go to work before it got totally refined, but I still like it.

So, ta-da!
This is the 3rd ponytail I've donated, so I'm feeling pretty philanthropic.

boom boom booom boom

2008-02-19T15:50:00.000-06:00

Career Opportunities

2008-02-11T09:29:00.001-06:00

I think Iggy's new toy is teaching him to be a master cat burglar...

I love Crown Royal

2008-02-09T20:20:00.001-06:00

I like to enjoy a nice Crown Royal on ice, ocassionally.

I found this nifty free customized label maker, and it's so great for gift bottles, jokes, and lots of other fun things. The customized purple pouches are also very swank.

Boomerang

2008-02-09T12:27:00.000-06:00

My kid is currently obsessed with the sucky old cartoons on Boomerang.
At first I thought it was kinda cool and nostalgic, but now I realize how much these cartoons suck!
They have terrible animation, terrible laugh tracks, questionable lessons, and gratuitous violence.
I like some of the filler content, like the punk rock video rendition of the theme to Josie and the Pussycats, and some crazy mod animation stuff, but it doesn't make up for these stinkers:

The Snorks. Most irritating theme song EVER. Iggy loves it, begs me to sing it.

Pound Puppies!? Really!? Iggy adores it.

I do enjoy some McBoing Boing, as it's created by Dr. Suess, and I'm a HUGE Geisel fan.

Oh, did I mention the overt racism? Yeah, real cute.

I love Bad Brains

2008-02-06T12:26:00.000-06:00

Love

2008-02-04T10:29:00.000-06:00

Here's to my kid, for making holidays fun again (lifts espresso in toast)!
He almost gets why we're doing this, he told me "And everyone's invited!" while we made valentines.

very nice!

2008-02-01T08:50:00.000-06:00

I also loved this movie about Rimbaud...
I can't believe I saw it in the theatre in 1995!
The Varsity in Des Moines, Iowa, I think.
It doesn't seem like that long ago.

I love IKEA

2008-01-26T20:04:00.001-06:00

It's all clear now

2008-01-25T12:22:00.001-06:00

Magic Number

2008-01-25T11:23:00.000-06:00

This week's highlights

2008-01-25T11:03:00.000-06:00

Strawberry cupcakes (con sprinkles)

My super-tolerant cat, George

Baby makes good use of the high chair

Colors! Patterns! Shapes!

High Brow

2008-01-18T15:54:00.000-06:00

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice,
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
-Robert Frost

I love you even if you don't

2008-01-16T11:58:00.000-06:00

T-shirt quilt, phase II

2008-01-16T11:46:00.000-06:00

Well, I've sewn them together,with grungy flannel sashing, since it's a very '90's quilt.
Now, I need to attach the backing, sew on black satin edging, then put buttons or patches in the intersections.
This thing is WAY more work than I thought, but the sewing part is going surprisingly well.
Yes, there is a Village People shirt.

Crazy Rhythms

2008-01-14T12:29:00.000-06:00

Baby, it's cold outside.

2008-01-14T11:51:00.000-06:00

Winter. It's good, but it's hard to believe that we will cold for at least 2 more months.
I have all these terrariums planned for spring, hoarding vessels, looking for glass blenders.
My friend Stefanie is having her baby girl, Mazey, today, and I could just cry that I live so far away!
The snowy driving pic above is from our trip to Minneapolis, where white out conditions are the norm.
Here's how old I am, I didn't even check to see who was playing at 1st Ave., couldn't care fucking less. Too old. Need home decor accoutrements.
We did get pretty demolished at the hotel's "manager's reception".
Free drinks, 2 per patron per visit to the bar. And spicy chex mix.
While we were there I got a big Ikea spree, my birthday present.
Iggy is working on the potty thang, it's not easy, but he's fairly reasonable.

I hate my neighbors

2008-01-11T21:04:00.001-06:00

I wonder if my "I love... " titles are becoming irritating.
I could say I'm keeping it positive, but I think I just get into a rut with it.
I could say it adds continuity, but it's also disingenuous, as I obviously don't *love* all of these things, and maybe suggests that I take the L word lightly.
So, I'm switching it up, because I could write a novel containing all of the shady hijinx next door.
But, no matter how skeevy my neighbors are, they are still preferable to this.
Then again, I live in Omaha, not D.C.
That blog post fills me with perverse joy, though.

I love my Crocs

2008-01-11T20:09:00.000-06:00

Now, now, everyone on the interwebs, calm down.
I know that Crocs are widely reviled, but those people never wore these things.
They are fucking great, and mine are really cute, a style called Alice.
They are fully rubber, but lightweight, and i could throw them in my dishwasher, if I had one.
They provide more cushion than Birkenstocks, and I haven't noticed any reek yet.
I won't elaborate on the gentle sloughing action that is happening on my heels, but I'm loving it.
We'll see how long it takes for my fat ass to compress the molecules enough to hamper the bounce.
I really want some peacock blue ones, now...

Expose yourself!

2008-01-10T16:16:00.000-06:00

OK, who's out there? Quit lurking and say hello!

I love Project Runway

2008-01-09T12:18:00.000-06:00

illustration courtesy of Rungay

I love Iggy

2008-01-07T19:41:00.001-06:00

I love Zach part II

2008-01-07T18:57:00.001-06:00

I love Zach and Michael

2008-01-07T18:54:00.000-06:00

A few of my favorite things...

2008-01-04T13:47:00.000-06:00

My kid eating a Krispy Kreme,
my new apple slicer,
my new mystic topaz necklace,
my kid listening to our ipod in fruit pants,
my hubby and crazy cat.

2007-12-24T22:48:00.001-06:00

I love my husband

2007-12-24T22:35:00.000-06:00

p.s. it's my 36th birthday today!