Ascending Steps From the Depths

Oooooh. That's right. I took left jabs, right hooks, body slams and more these past few weeks. I thought long and hard about making posts about it all. When it came down to it, I decided not to.

I didn't want to flood what I think is a perfectly good bloggity blog that entertains and informs people with unending wrapping whining text drivel that bemoans the ever asked - "Why Me!!??" with virtual sobbing noises and Nancy Kerrigan video clips I could have looped into the background. What caused all of this to come about? Let me only say, for a period of time I will not be addressing these topics:

~Progression of the house addition
~Status of my employment
~Tension levels at both places
~Status of the country
~Prop 8
~Health

and anything that begins with the letter "J". I'm not certain why... I'm just certain.

So, with nothing really said or done, let me move on to whatever the week brings us! Exciting news - Pahee will be arriving Wed to spend a nice bit of time with us. I'm looking forward to that! Good to be back.

Addendum

Approximately 10 minutes after this post yesterday, it was brought to my attention that Alice was hungry. Because her bowl had been licked clean of her hard, crunchy food.

Now I understand. Shower affection on those who might feed you. Just like her mother.

Clingy Kitty

Alice has been particularly clingy today, barely letting me out of her sight, and determined to climb on me when it looked as though I was attempting to do something else. Like work. Or breathe.



I guess Alice knows today has been a tough day for my sweetie (who I'm sure will update in due course), and in Barbara's absence due to the two jobs, has decided that I will have to accept all the love and support she has. It's a tough job, but I'll manage.

On Irrational Adoption Fears

Sometimes, I don't know how Barbara puts up with me. Last night was one of those times.

For some reason, I have been desperately craving a baby recently, and not in that edible way. More in the Elvira hug-them-and-squeeze-them-and-love-them way. What with it not being something we're able to do soon for many reasons - some legalities, some financial - the question of "To Carry or to Adopt" has arisen. Last night, driving home, I was contemplating adoption. I was clearly low on medicinal dosage because my train of thought decided that, because I'm a little messed up, physically and mentally, it would be best to adopt. Besides, there are < insert huge large number here > of children who need love, and we have plenty of that to offer. With just a small side of insanity. And beetroot.

But - and here's where I flew off the rocker - I have a fear. I am irrationally afraid that I will have stupid expectations for our child, and when he or she falls short of those expectations, I will decide that we picked the wrong child. And want to take that one back and get the 'right' one.

I know, it's ridiculous. I even asked my girl last night what we would do if we got the name wrong. Like, 3 years down the line, we adopted another and decided that actually, this one fit the first one's name better. Thankfully, she only laughed until one side split, so the sutures were minimal.

So tonight, I'll be laying off the cheese/caffeine/crazy pills and trying not to think. I think that'd be best for everyone.

Visual Basic Variables

Today, while tutoring a student in Visual Basic, I referred to the variables in such a way as to incur an observation from her. I described the newly-declared variables as having that squiggly green line underneath them as a warning, rather than as an error message. The green line simply means that the variable hasn't been used yet, and serves as a reminder to the user that they're there. In essence, the variable is calling out: "Hey, don't forget about me!"

My student remarked that it was obvious I had children, and young ones at that. Imagine her surprise when I remarked that I was indeed the mother of a very troublesome minx of a 5-year-old cat. Hey, sometimes Alice needs things explained to her in simple terms.

What Started Out as Friendship Has Grown Stronger

On Monday afternoon, at approximately 4:45pm, my Adviser sent in my application for an EAD. Unless you absolutely have to, don't click on that link. Trust me. It's not worth the headache. I mean, I hope it will be worth the headache...you know what I mean. Pesky grammarians...always waiting for me to slip up.

Essentially what this means is that, all being well, I will be receiving a card in the next few months that will allow me to start work at the beginning of March, immediately after graduation. I'm really excited. It's such a cute little place, with phenomenal technology and just a really nice atmosphere. So far. Let me at least start working there before I notice the cracks!

Today, I popped in to spend a little time with DR and BossMan, among others, and got to talking with them. Naturally, the election came up, and with it, Prop 8. Somehow, I managed to convince BossMan that he should create a bumper sticker that says: Chickens, out of the closet; Gays, back in.

It was a really nice, cute little moment, and it makes me feel a fair bit safer knowing that BossMan is a huge raving liberal. And making a joke out of it almost made me forget the seriousness behind it. Until I got home and saw this cartoon:


^{By the genius, Tom Toles}

So this is my obligatory political post, before I give up hope:





Stay strong, California. We're with you.

Discussions From The Dashboard

Short, sharp, and quick witted conversations are only one reason why I love L so very much. Tonight in the granny van:

Lisa: The Republican party is so concerned about the government staying out of their wallets. Yet, it's fine for the government to come into our bedrooms?

Me: Wait, what if I keep my wallet in our bedroom? What then?

Right Place, Right Time

As I stepped outside to take some pictures of the house this morning (we're still in the middle of all the construction, so I feel it is somewhat justified, even if just as a progress account), I was greeted by Mr. Squirrel at the bottom of the driveway. I just happened to have the camera around my neck, and managed to snap a few pics of him and his ginormous nut. Way to go, Mr. Squirrel. May you and your family feast for days!

Look What the Gays are Doing to the Soil

I am not coherent or rational enough today to be able to properly express myself with the elegance and lucidity that my love did, so I'm just going to leave you with a picture. I think it pretty much sums up my feelings right now.

How long until we realize just how socially unequal we are behaving? What will it take? Perhaps it's time for The Gays to get tax breaks since they don't enjoy equal protection or the same rights as others. That seems fair, right? Not enough of a person to marry who I choose? Screw your taxes, then.

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

Welcome to the 100th post of the SheSquared blog! We are thrilled to have you all here, and thank you, as always, for allowing us to entertain you. We hope you continue to consider us as family. Get your feet off my coffee table.

So, the big night is over. My hope was that after all votes were tallied and everyone settled down, this country could begin to focus on unity, equality, and tolerance as we move forward. I'm not sombamaone who believes you should present your obamaliefs about your voting chobamices, but I'm sure people will draw cobamaclusions as to mine. So, I am hopeful for the future of the nation. I am disheartened, however, about the number of places where state by state, people voted to increase hatred and discrimination. California somehow passed Prop 8 by an insanely narrow margin, but it passed. Bigots and religious fear mongers everywhere are rejoicing and celebrating, most likely by burning the goats and sheep they just had sex with.

I am not giving up hope. It is my hope that someday, one of our political leaders will understand that our country has the separation of church and state. To think it should be any other way is ignorant. There are so many religions and churches - how is any one particular one supposed to be able to claim to be "the one" church in that equation? To have it be their values and preferences that should be imposed upon the nation? The state/nation is supposed to be protecting the rights and equal representation of it's citizens. That means all have the right to marry whom they choose. The churches also have rights. They have the right to refuse a ceremony to individuals who they feel violate their values. Therefore, all citizens should have the right to legal unions - a signed paper from the state decreeing that those two people are joined and are responsible for all state/legal matters that pertain to them and their children. If, after that, these people wish to have a ceremony, then it's up to the people having it to decide upon the venue and religion, if they choose one. The churches can say no to homosexual marriage. They won't have to sanctify it if they choose not to, however, they cannot interfere with the rights bestowed upon them by the federal government.

Why, I ask, does no one else see this? Why do all leaders think it is an all or nothing issue? Marriage is not a point to fight over. Legally, for equality for all citizens, it needs to be a federally recognized action available to every person who wishes to spend their lives with someone. This does not go against any church because it does not force them to 'perform' marriages or anything of the like if they do not want to. It's not like I'd want to beat down their door and force them to hold a ceremony for me when I know that the words coming from the priest would be seething contempt and hatred behind a glassy smile. I'd rather celebrate the happiest moment of my life with family and friends.