Munchkin Update

I realize that I've talked about Squirm/MIT the past couple of weeks with no Munchkin update. Well let's see. What can I say about Munchkin except she's grounded - again. She has spent at least one day a week for the past month grounded for something. Last week she was grounded a day for lying. Think she learned her lesson - NOOOO! She's grounded a week this time for the same indiscretion. I guess it wouldn't be so bad but she knows she is telling lies and tells them anyway. She's even making up stories to cover her ass. I asked her if she likes getting in trouble and of course she says no but she's a child and trouble clings to kids like cuckleburrs to dogs. So she's grounded a week for lying and gets to spend some quality time in her room.

On another front I was teasing Munckhin about my stomach being fat (it is and I pointed it out). At this point she asked me if I had a baby in there and told MD and I that she wanted a brother. WTF?!?!?! I just had a baby thankyouverymuch and there is no baby in this tummy. I'm going to have to watch her closely seeing as how I caught her praying for a sister and 2 years later heeeeeere's Squirm. More on this topic later.

Matthew Jones - Superstar

Matthew has has a few good news updates these past couple of days. It is my duty to post them. Get on board the Matthewc Jones fan club now cause I see big things for this young man.

just booked a role on General Hospital, playing a paramedic. the cool thing is, it looks like this could be potentially recurring if they dig working with me. somewhat of a trip, but regardless of the size of the role (i have NO idea how big the part is, or how many lines there are), this will be a HUGE learning experience for me - definitely not the one-hour dramas i've shot in the past...new pace and process.

it shoots next thursday, so i should have an air date shortly after that, and i'll let you all know...


trying to make some headway in film... just booked a small sag low budget film called 'the long, dark kiss.' it shoots on friday, march 5. i'm playing... guess what...a cop. it's a small sag modified low budget (read: you'll probably not get a chance to see it), but the casting director for it does lots of other stuff. so let's hope this opens a door or two to bigger, better things.

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words, but Books Are Food for the Soul

I found the book quiz at Ursula's who found it at Jennifer Weiner's. I think this is pretty neat.

You're The Hobbit!

by J.R.R. Tolkien

All you wanted was a nice cup of tea when some haggard crazy old man came into your life and told you it was time to do something with yourself. Now you're all conflicted about whether to stick with your stay-at-home lifestyle or follow this crazy person into the wild. While you're very short and a little furry, you seem to be surrounded by an even greater quantity of short folks lately. Try not to lose your ring, but keep its value in perspective!


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

This Is Love...

Contrary to popular belief, the family bed is really the only way to get good sleep the first few weeks of your baby's life. I tried letting Squirm/MIT (I still haven't decided what to call her) sleep in her crib and it worked until I was utterly exhausted and was falling asleep while she nursed. Essentially I was afraid I would drop her. Therefore she is following in her big sister's footsteps and sleeping with Mommy and Daddy. Since I breastfeed nothing is easier than rolling over and popping a nipple in her mouth and falling back to sleep.

I say all that to say what. This morning after I fed Squirm I was fallng asleep. All of a sudden I felt these little fingers on my lips. I opened my eyes and Squirm was looking at me and then she smiled. A really big gum bearing smile. Usually I have to make silly faces at her or talk like a crazy person to get these smiles. My heart just aches at the amount of love one little person can inspire in you. I must confess that I want more of those smiles.

Lurking

Since I'm on maternity leave, I've found that while I don't have as much subject matter to blog about I do have a lot more time to read other blogs.. With that said I've been really plumping up my blogrolling lists and joining more webrings. I'm curious to see where this leads me.

On an unrelated note, I'm considering a part-time career in real estate. The investigative work is just beginning but I'm curious where that will lead me as well.

Tuesday Feel Good

The most destructive habit..............................Worry
The greatest Joy.............................................Giving
The greatest loss.......................Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work.............................Helping others
The ugliest personality trait..............................Selfishness
The most endangered species.................Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource............................Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"..................Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome..............................Fear

The most effective sleeping pill................Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease....................Excuses
The most powerful force in life..............................Love

The most dangerous pariah.............................A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer................The brain
The worst thing to be without................................. Hope

The deadliest weapon.................................The tongue
The two most power-filled words......................."I Can"
The greatest asset................................................Faith

The most worthless emotion..........................Self-pity
The most beautiful attire..................................SMILE!
The most prized possession......................... Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication.............Prayer
The most contagious spirit..................................Enthusiasm

Everyone needs this list to live by...pass it along!!!

This is one you'll like. Someone put in a lot of effort to compile this. Just click on the word "smile" below and get ready to enjoy.

SMILE

Tuesday Tickle

A very attractive woman goes up to the bar in a quiet rural pub. She gestures alluringly to the bartender, who comes over immediately. When he arrives, she seductively signals that he should bring his face closer to hers. When he does so, she begins to gently caress his full beard.

"Are you the manager?" she asks, softly stroking his face with both hands.

"Actually, no," the man replies.

"Can you get him for me? I need to speak to him," she says, running her hands beyond his beard and into his hair.

"I'm afraid I can't," breathes the bartender. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Yes, there is. I need you to give him a message," she continues, slyly popping a couple of her fingers into his mouth and allowing him to suck them gently.

"What should I tell him?" the bartender manages to say.

"Tell him," she whispers, "there is no toilet paper or hand soap in the ladies room.

A Lot About Nothing

One of the things about being at hoome with Munchkin and MIT is that I have a lot of time to think about nothing. I mean, since I'm on maternity leave I don't have to wake up until late which is a good thing because staying up with the baby puts me into bed late. So here's a post with random thoughts from the week.

The Cat
The cat is now known as the cat. She doesn't respond to her name which is Squeak but if I say "Caaat" in a menacing voice she instantly stops what she is doing and looks to see if she is going to be punished. I feel like I spend most of my time punishing the cat. She has been delegated to the half bathroom because she doesn't behave. She gets out on good behavior. Once she is disobedient she goes back into the bathroom until the next day. Just this week alone I caught her drinking out of the toilet, playing in the bathtub, on the divider between the kitchen and the dining room, on the stove and just running around like she's lost her damn mind. I'm severely conflicted between packing her off to the animal shelter and giving her chances. I must admit her time in the bathroom has improved her behavior but I don't know if it's enough. Munchkin has already offered to give the cat to Gommie (her grandmother, my mother) but Gommie doesn't want her either.

The Baby
dooce just had a baby and when I read her blog (which is better written and more up to date than mine) I feel a distinct kinship. Her baby is about a month younger than MIT but I feel her pain and her joy. The fact that she already manages to update her blog on a regular basis makes me insanely jealous.

I'm just getting to the point where I am washing my face, brushing my teeth and putting on clean clothes everyday. I manage a shower every other day which isn't so bad since I don't leave the house save for Sundays when I go to church.

On another note I think I'm going to have to give the baby a new nickname. While by default she is a munchkin-in-training (MIT) she is so active and squirms so much that Squirm seems a better suited moniker. Who knows? It might change again next week. The thing that won't change is the fact that she is beautiful and I've been given the chance to fall in love again.

My Mom
My mom told me she was proud of me on Sunday. Actually she tells me on a regular basis. I believe it's because she thinks I'm a good mom. Ultimately I don't care why. I don't care what age you are,nothing is as satisfying as your parents telling you they are proud of you. It makes me feel good inside.

Long Live the Chief?

I received this email about Chief Illiniwek froma fellow Illini. As a University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign alumnae, I feel compelled to pass it on. I personally don't like Chief Illiniwek. Something about the symbol and the way it is portrayed just rubs me the wrong way. However I am loyal to my school and love that I went to college where I did. This issue has existed for as long as I can remember however and I am now bringing it here. What are your thoughts?_______________________________________________
I am writing to ask your support to RETIRE CHIEF ILLINIWEK at the University of Illinois. As we know, this debate has been going on for years, but it has taken on new heights as of late. Trustee Frances Carroll, a new trustee and the only African-American on the Board of Trustees, is a fellow church member of mine. She has introduced a new resolution to retire the chief. Dr. Carroll is working hard to make sure the chief is retired, but she cannot do it without support. Trustee Carroll has had to regrettably withdraw her resolution before because she did not have enough support with the board for the motion to pass and become an agenda item. She has now secured support within the Trustee Board and needs our support to make retiring the chief a reality. It is of vital importance that our voices are heard and now is the appropriate time. Please read the full article below and respond with your input to the e-mail addresses listed in the article. We have less than 1 month to make our opinions known before the board vote. If we don't...who will?

Because the school is state-funded, this is a matter concerning Illinois tax payers. You should also e-mail your Illinois General Assembly members and the governor concerning your feelings. I have attached a link with the Illinois Senate contact information. Send correspondence for Governor Blagojevich, to governor@state.il.us or to the Office of the Governor, 207 State House, Springfield, IL 62706; (217) 782-0244 [TTY (888) 261-3336]. Please forward this to all alumni and concerned tax payers that you know!

I urge you to take 2 minutes to send a short e-mail that says "I support retiring the chief". That's all it takes.
------
Ongoing campaign led by the Retire the Chief Coalition

The Retire the Chief Coalition, whose moniker "American Indians Are People Not Mascots!" is seeking support to assist in the retire "The Chief Campaign" this March. The following is taken from an open letter to African American Alumni of UIUC from the Coalition:
Please note that inclusion of this letter is not to be construed as an endorsement of the cause; it is for informational purposes only.

Dear Urbana Champaign Black Alumni Association:

Fifteen years ago, Charlene Teters, a Native American graduate student, stood outside a University of Illinois basketball game with a hand-lettered sign saying this. Fifteen years later, the University of Illinois still has not retired Chief Illiniwek. Although no one would think of putting on a minstrel show at the University of Illinois, every single football, basketball, and volleyball game still features a performance by a white student dressed as a "chief." The Native American community needs your help to end this insult.

Trustee Frances Carroll (Chicago) the only African- American on the Board of Trustees and the only educator has introduced a resolution to retire the chief. It is critical that we show our support for her action and this resolution now.

Can we count on your support? Please email the offices below and voice your opinions about the desire to retire Chief Illiniwek. Lets not have business as usual. You can also cc your feels to editor@retirethechief.org or bjewett@earthink.net if you would like your comments on the anti-chief website, www.retirethechief.org. TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD! This matter should be a concern of all Illinois voters.

If you have any questions please email Chris at chrishb205@aol.com or Brenda, Director of the Native American House, bfarnell@staff.uiuc.edu
or call (217) 244-9226.

The next Trustees meeting is on Thursday, March 11th, please get co-workers, friends, family, church members other organization affiliations to participate with this email campaign. We look forward to your support and participation.
Thanks,
Chris
Retire the Chief Coalition

END OF LETTER

Please note again that inclusion of this letter is not to be construed as an endorsement of the cause; it is for informational purposes only.

For more info on this topic...

http://www.legis.state.il.us/reports/rptMemberList.asp?gaid=3&ChamberId=S
More chief retirement dialogue: http://www.uiuc.edu/dialogue/index.html

Ablaze! Initiative

I don't talk about religion much here but I should. For those that don't know I'm a Chrisitan who practices the Lutheran faith. My church is Ebenezer Lutheran Church located on the west side of Chicago. 1248 S. Harding to be exact. Anyway, my church is a part of the Missouri Synod - generally referred to as the LCMS (Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod). We are a small congregation and have been focusing on evangelism lately to grow. Our pastor has been focusing his sermons on being a contagious Christian. As part of being contagious Christians he has challenged us to participate in the Ablaze! initiative. Essentially the goal is the reach 100 million people over the next 10 years with the message that we are all sinners and it's is through God's love and the death of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It sounds pretty simple. But I notice that many Christians (myself included) don't talk to others (believers and non-believers) about God's gift to the world and how we don't have to do anything to get it but accept the fact that we are all sinners and through Jesus Christ we are saved. By opening our hearts to this promise we are saved. I wonder why?

{edit: I should say I wonder why Christians don't work harder to spread the "Good News". Especially when we know what it is and say we are proud to be who we are. I know why we are saved and that God loves us. I thought this might be confusing when I initially wrote it and I'm not wrong - it is.}

In a World of 5-Second Delays...

I'm already tired of every event where somene is performing the new "delay" rule is in effect. I have to admit that seeing Janet Jackson's breast during the Super Bowl halftime show did not shock or offend me. Maybe because as breastfeeding mother I pretty much flash someone every single day. You don't see that making the news. If this keeps up entertainment is going to become pretty boring.

Beyonce Performs Sexy Halftime Show At NBA All-Star Game

LOS ANGELES -- It was revealing -- but not as revealing as the Super Bowl halftime show.

Beyonce danced in a low-cut, V-neck halter dress during the halftime show of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Wha???

Maybe I need to go to the All-Star game if you can get some bling out of the deal.

Star Jones Gets Engaged At NBA All-Star Game

LOS ANGELES -- Star Jones is a big sports fan. But when you ask what her favorite moment from this year's NBA All-Star Game -- the answer will have nothing to do with the action on the court.


The co-star of "The View" got a wedding proposal Sunday night. She got a diamond engagement ring from her boyfriend Al Reynolds during the game.

Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta cheered on as Jones covered her surprised face in amazement when she got the rock.

The Passion of the Christ

I'm really looking forward to seeing "The Passion of the Christ" by Mel Gibson. Even before all the hoopla and controversy started the subject matter of this movie piqued my interest. The fact that I am a Mel Gibson fan may have contributed as well. Obviously it's no coincidence that this movie opens on Ash Wednesday since that is the start of the Lenten Season. I'm going to have to get a babysitter for Munchkin and MIT since this movie is NOT for small children. Munchkin gets upset by the fact that they killed Jesus period.

Gibson Screens 'Passion' For 400 Pastors
Film Opens Feb. 25

WINTER PARK, Fla. -- Mel Gibson came and left from the Beyond All Limits 2 pastors' conference without speaking a word publicly, but he did address 400 pastors about his controversial new film.

Fine Black Men

I found a site a while ago that sells calendars and books featuring FINE black men - of all ages. I actually bought the calendar as a Christmas gift to myself and a couple girlfriends a few years ago. I never threw the calendar away. Check out what Rundu has to offer when you have the chance.

Look Who's Talking 2

MIT is officially 6 weeks old. I found an article about my 1-month old's development particularly interesting. I think every parent hopes they have a baby genius on their hands. I know it.

Parenting 101

MD and I are increasingly dissatisfied with Munchkin's school. When we picked the school initially the selling factor was that there was designated parking for parents. The city took that parking over without warning about 6 months ago. Needless to say parking is a nightmare now and we find ourselves parking illegally more often than we find ourselves getting a meter - which costs 5 minutes for a quarter. MD and I have decided that for now it would be better for Munchkin to stay home with me while I'm on maternity leave. While this will save us money for the next few weeks it gives me more work to do.

MD asked me if I was upset about the prospect of Munchkin being home earlier than I expected. Not really. It just means that I have to accelerate the plans that I was trying to put into place. Most importantly we need to do activities every day for her learning other than watching Playhouse Disney.

The next few weeks will prove challenging but in the long run I believe it will be for the best. Now I just have to get a schedule established that works for all parties (Munchkin, me and MIT) involved. At the same time I need to find a new school for Munchkin and daycare for MIT. Affordable and schooling and daycare shouldn't be this difficult but not surprisingly it is. Munchkin's school was running us $145 a week. The was for full-time care and included 2 snacks and lunch. Plus the occasional field trip and visits to the park during the spring and summer. She loves school. I think she really just likes making friends. The only bad part of this deal is that we pulled her and she didn't get to say good-bye to the friends she already made. We may have to plan a special visit for her to do that.

In the meantime if you know of any good childcare centers I'm listening.

What is the world coming to?

I was never into Barbie and am horrified at the prospect of having two little girls who may be. Munchkin asked for 3 and received 2 Barbie playsets for Christmas. MIT is still too young to be introduced to the phenomenon. However, this little bit of news is pushing the envelope a little too far.


It's Official: Barbie And Ken Split After 43-Year Romance

Just like J.Lo and Ben, the romance is over for Barbie and Ken.


After 43 years as one of the world's prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple is breaking up. The couple's "business manager," Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, said that Barbie and Ken "feel it's time to spend some quality time -- apart."

Make your voice heard...

The deadline to register for the Illinois primary is February 17, all the other state deadlines are listed.
Registering to vote can easily be done online. Either of the websites listed below will allow you conveniently register regardless where u are. If you have any concerns about the war, the economy, taxes, government programs etc. this is your chance to be heard. IF YOU DON'T VOTE YOU HAVE NO REASON TO COMPLAIN!!

https://www.workingforchange.com/vote/
http://www.iwanttovote.com/