Monthly Archives: September 2008

September 29, 2008 · 1:57 pm

The education of Miss Kitty

Poor kitten Oreo.

First, it was the makeover. Word to the wise. Kittens don’t really like makeovers.

Actually, it started as lotion. Then Kyra realized lotion + kitten fur = mess. So, she put kitty in the sink and washed her.

No, I wasn’t idly standing by watching her do this. I walked in during the still-slightly-soaked, towel-drying stage. I explained to Kyra that kitties really didn’t like makeovers (or water) and she’d have to find another game to play with Oreo.

Now, kitty is going to school. She has homework every night. A couple of days ago, Kyra called to me to “come see what kitty learned.”

“What did kitty learn?” I asked.

Kyra gave a slight sigh, shook her head. “Not much.”

She had two pieces of paper on the floor, one that was filled with words, the other, scribbles.

“I don’t know what to do.” Again with the teacher-like head shake. “She just scribbles.”

I came home last night to find Kyra on the floor, doing kitty’s homework for her. Oreo was helping by batting the pen with her paw.

So, poor kitty is still pre-literate. I say “pre” because, clearly, she has an enthusiastic tutor.

Which is probably better than an enthusiastic makeup artist.

5 Comments

Filed under Kids, Misc

September 27, 2008 · 7:37 pm

Looking for John Green

John Green, author of the young adult novels An Abundance of Katherines, Looking for Alaska, and the soon to be released Paper Towns was here in Minnesota.

Not only was here here in Minnesota, but here at our local library today, about the same time Kyra had a birthday party to attend. Here’s how it went.

Andrew and I dropped Kyra off at the party, which was being held at one of those inflatable jump places. This was a new place that opened up right across the road from an already established inflatable jump place. So, if you venture into this part of town, all your jumping needs are pretty much taken care of.

We made it back to the library with about ten minutes to spare. We wandered into the teen section where we met up with some very excited girls who were also looking for John Green. Turned out he was scheduled for the meeting room on the first floor, so we all headed down there.

I stood in line to buy some books to be autographed. The big surprise? Penguin sent a bunch of his soon-to-be-released book, Paper Towns, for the signing. Oh, sure. Some people might have an advance reader copy, but we have the real thing, and it’s signed.

Anyway, we lucked out and got our books right before John started to speak. He read from Paper Towns and then spoke, then took questions. Oh, and he did his happy dance. But with the last question, it was time to pick up Kyra. I loaded down Andrew with our books. He was nervous and told me to hurry.

I raced out. On the drive, I realized I should’ve told him to give up his #50 spot in the book signing (yes, they were handing out numbers) and just stand at the back of the line. I so wanted to get a picture of John signing a book for Andrew. Instead, when Kyra and I returned to the library, Andrew was waiting outside, books in hand.

We went back in anyway. Kyra wanted books she could read herself and Andrew wanted a snack. We ate, then ventured down to the meeting room. John was still there with just the library staff. I explained how I missed the signing and could I please get a picture of Andrew and John together?

Well, I could:

It’s clear: John is made of awesome. In this photo, Andrew is also made of awesome, but with a dash of ‘tude thrown in.

John is incredibly gracious, so it’s no surprise that he let us take the photo. The real surprise? Minutes prior, Andrew inhaled two hot dogs, each with about six packets of ketchup. While wearing a white shirt. But dude, check it: not a single stain.

Whew.

Oh, and Darcy? Look what’s coming your way this week.

2 Comments

Filed under Books, Kids, Reading & Writing, YA

September 16, 2008 · 6:00 am

You are the music in me

Your Taste in Music:

Eighties: Highest Influence

Adult Alternative: Highest Influence

Alternative Rock: High Influence

Nineties: High Influence

Punk: High Influence

How’s Your Taste in Music?

Hat Tip to Marianne for the quiz.

I’ve always suspected that whenever someone refers to “adult alternative” they mean “lame alternative.” I mean, is there a difference? Maybe it’s just me. I also realize the 80s were a long time ago, and I should do something about that.

Like learn to play Guitar Hero and put that knowledge to good use. Actually, Andrew’s guitar teacher likes Guitar Hero. He says it has renewed interest not only in guitar playing in general, but in music written for the guitar. He’s spent the past couple of years explaining to his students that this or that pop song doesn’t have a guitar part–it’s all synthesizer.

He seemed quite happy that Andrew wanted to learn how to play Iron Man and the opening to Green Day’s Holiday. Yes, this would be the 21st century version of a classical music education. What? You don’t know Bohemian Rhapsody? You heathen.

As an aside, Andrew’s guitar teacher also has a soul patch–omigod, could-you-just-die?

So, in the spirit of all that, I give you The Ramones, another band Andrew knows (I’m so proud *sniff*). Those of you who don’t want to listen to that last entry on my list (that would be punk), don’t click play, k?

Wow. The music video. She has changed over the years. No cgi for us. No, in my day, we didn’t have special effects. We made everyone wear their crappy Halloween costumes and we filmed up hill, both ways. Kids these days …

4 Comments

Filed under Misc, Quizzes, Video

September 15, 2008 · 6:00 am

One week later: best friends

5 Comments

Filed under Kids, Misc

September 14, 2008 · 9:44 am

Questions with easy answers, part three

I know I’ve been scarce around here. (Ha. Look up scarce in the dictionary, and there I am.) I’m working on copy edits for The Geek Girl’s Guide to Cheerleading this weekend. Once I got over the massive amount of red on the manuscript (mostly instructions for the keyboarder), it hasn’t been all that bad.

No. Really. I mean that. Most of it is adhering to the publishing house style (I must learn to curb my comma addiction). But we do have to respond to some things, and we have been. Take this answer, for instance:

Yes to football players. The basketball players are still in the locker room.

Kind of makes you wonder what the question was.

1 Comment

Filed under Writing

September 9, 2008 · 11:22 am

Color my world

Got this quiz from Anno. It’s fun (although you have to go through a few “would you like this special offer” type pages).

You’re a CREATOR

Key Words: Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS

Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

* * *

Wow. Lucky that.

* * *

2nd BEST OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY

You’re a PERSUADER

Key Words: Witty, Competitive, Sociable, Talkative, Ambitious, Argumentative, and Aggressive

These enterprising types sell, persuade, and lead others. Positions of leadership, power, and status are usually their ultimate goal. Persuasive people like to take financial and interpersonal risks and to participate in competitive activities. They enjoy working with others inside organizations to accomplish goals and achieve economic success.

* * *

Okay, I’m not actually seeing that second category so much. Then again … I have had my “I’m in charge here” moments.

Take the test and let me know who/what you are:

Color Career Test

3 Comments

Filed under Quizzes

September 6, 2008 · 3:47 pm

Got the election blues?

I got your cure, right here:

Meet Oreo, the newest member of our household. For those of you who know that we already own a dog and seven fish, I can hear you say: Are they crazy?

The short answer is probably yes. But today is Miss B’s golden birthday (six on the sixth) and what she wanted most was a kitten.

Here she’s tracking the cat teaser, or as Kyra calls it, the “pet joker.”

But even kittens need to sleep. I know it looks like she’s about to slip off, but not to worry. I just checked on them. She was sitting on Andrew’s rear end for a while, then moved to snuggle between them.

7 Comments

Filed under Kids, Misc

September 1, 2008 · 6:09 pm