Animal behavior

I've noticed that when I drive by myself, I end up watching my surroundings more than when I'm with the boys. I can take in the scenery, wonder what other drivers are thinking, look at landscaping, and pay a little more attention to the other cars. (Though I have to say that's not really what comes first.) What is funniest to me, though, is I've realized that I give the animals that I see human qualities or make up stories about what they are doing. Examples?

Yesterday a little black water bird (sorry, don't know the name) perched atop a street light as I was crossing the 520 bridge on the way to yoga. He looked both ways and then spread his wings to warm himself in the glorious sunlight. What I saw was a bird trying to flash the drivers as they passed by.

Then I noticed, as I merged onto the freeway, a poodle sticking his head out the back window of the car in front of me. I could almost hear him say, "Yup, you're clear! Go ahead and merge!"

I've always noticed that pigeons perched on a telephone wire or billboard most always have perfectly spaced perches, as if pigeons have the same silent cultural norms as people do. "Hey, don't invade my personal space buddy!"

These are the things that amuse me as I drive along by myself. Strange, but fun. Let's see what shows up on the drive to yoga today! I gotta go!!

Oscar curse?

I should be doing yoga homework right now, but I can't start work without a little down time, right? Of course, last two weeks have been "down time" for me... in that strange way that chasing two toddlers is "down time". Anyway, I couldn't help noticing a MSN headline post about the Oscar curse for best actress. Really? I don't have much to say about this (ok, maybe I have a lot to say, but am not sure how to say it), but it does seem a bit strange to me that people make that correlation. Or, at least, that even though relationships everywhere end up not working -- and, seemingly, especially in the entertainment industry -- media must find something bad about the highest honor (so they say) in one's profession. Let the women be successful for God's sake! It's silly, yet it really does speak to me about expectations. Can women not be successful without their life falling apart?

There was recently an article in More magazine (yes, I know I'm not in their demographic yet, but doesn't hurt to plan ahead) about women being less happy than they were 40 years ago. The author, Naomi Wolf, mentioned that "happy" was seen to be the same thing as "satisfied". Since women have more options and more responsibilities, than they did 40 years ago, it makes sense that life may be more complicated and that women may be less satisfied... they are ever striving for something more or better. (Even the magazine title falls right in line... More!) And it may be common practice, as the author states, to downplay success or focus on the troubles in one's life. Maybe women (and men too) have forgotten a little bit about simple pleasures, family moments, and appreciating life itself wit all it's little (and big) challenges. So, is it really necessary to take one's shining moment and rip it to shreds as the cause of one's life falling apart? What message does that send to younger girls? Whisper: don't be too successful or your relationships will not work out... better to work in a sexy outfitted coffee bar as a barista....

I mean really.

Yippee for Spring!

While my husband and parents are watching downhill ice racing through Quebec City (on CBC), I'm at the computer lusting after heirloom seeds and getting excited about planting! This weekend I splurged on two Green Johanna compost cones (on Craigslist). I'm pretty stoked! (Craig? Not so much.) But, I'm excited to see how the whole process works... go worms, go!

Anyway, I am eagerly awaiting the planting days and, more so, the harvesting of veggies, and berries, and herbs! Oh my! The compost bins are currently empty, as they were just put together yesterday thanks to my parents who had no idea they'd be slave labor. At least it was a nice day to be outside! Gavin had a great time using the two cardboard boxes (that they came in) as a big bike ramp for his Skuut bike. And Graeme slept through the whole process.

I've got daffodils and tulips inside and outside... can't wait for more. Yippee for Spring!

Appreciating Moments

For whatever reason, I've got a wellspring of ideas and energy bubbling up from somewhere inside. Maybe it's that Spring is upon us and everything seems new. Maybe it is the sweet stress of over-commitment. My brain is spinning and I'm trying to settle it by focusing on two things 1) the wonderful moments of my everyday, and 2) the knowledge that everything doesn't have to happen at once. (And that's preferable, actually.)

I gave my day yesterday too little recognition. Yes, it was a challenging day with many tantrums and time outs (only a couple were mine). But, really, there were some amazing moments. (One of those moment certainly wasn't the realization that Graeme was potentially sucking on cat poop rocks.) The amazing moments, for the most part, remain unrecognized and unappreciated. It is on these moments that I'm trying (trying, trying) to focus my attention. For instance, Graeme in the bath exploring the bubbles. Pop, pop. Full face dunk coming up with a big bubbly smile. Gavin singing the "Cars" song (Life is a Highway) or "On Top of Old Smokey" when he's playing cars. The way that Graeme, though he only has seven teeth, can devour an orange slice in a glance. And then say, "Mo pees!"


It is those moments that I want to keep in my memory bank. Then the tantrums and whatnot won't get as much space. And, of course, some misbehaving just makes you smile.

(Gavin was supposed to be brushing his teeth... I think he even tried to roll some back on.)

As for the other stuff -- the plans and aspirations -- they will happen when they do. I am excited for that time, but I'm also in love with the snuggles, eye kisses, and puppy dog licks that mean I am loved and doing an ok job.

Today's Highlights

Since I should be doing yoga homework, I'll just post a few highlights from today:

1) Finding cat poop in the boys' gravel pit. Lovely. (Even lovelier when you realize that Graeme still puts all the little rocks in his mouth.)

Not the pit, but our bike track/hiking trail in our backyard.

2) Remembered to turn on slow cooker this time when making favorite chicken.

3) Checking on tulips and little pea sprouts -- yep, still alive despite chilly temps again.


4) Hmmm... that might be it for today.

Let's hope tomorrow is more exciting. Good exciting though; we don't need any bad excitement.

Less TV maybe?

Following the 'watching too much TV' post, I thought I'd let you guys know we canceled our cable. Almost. When I called I had full intention of canceling it, but it was cheaper to keep some local channels thanks to bundling. Anyway, we watch a little bit less so far. We'll see how the experiment goes. I think I need to get a big sheet or picture to cover up the screen...

Update on the Boys

Lately I'm thinking that maybe I'm letting Gavin watch too much TV. He's recently discovered Mickey Mouse Club. So he says, "Mummy, can we watch Mickey the Mouse?" and then he says, "Coming up next on Playhouse Disney!" Hmm... maybe not a good sign.

"Cheese!"

Today the preschool teachers told me that Gavin did he hokey pokey with everyone. I guess he normally opts out, which is totally understandable. It is pretty cute though, because he is starting to remember songs, even sing them, and even dance a little to certain songs. (Although he still says, "Mummy, stop dancing. I don't like you to dance." I'm apparently not as good as I once was...)

Graeme is still a little snuggle bunny when he wants to be, but he is getting to be a kid rather than a baby. Although, he looked in the mirror tonight and said, "Baby!" which was kind of cute. I know I've mentioned before that he's a climber, but he showed it today even more. We went to the Tot Spot, a local play cafe, for lunch. When kids want out of the play area, they usually stand by the door or by where their parent is sitting and 'ask' to get out as much as they can for their age. Graeme, on the other hand, sees me and climbs up all the toys and truck stacked in front of the wall which I'm sitting behind. And then proceeds to climb over the wall and onto my table. Efficient, but not recommended.

"Hey, can I chew on that camera?"