Can't Wait to Show this to X

Big Brother

Well, I certainly haven't posted in a while! Actually, for some reason, I was having trouble getting into my blog space to post. Still haven't figured out why, but here I am.

As for Xander, he seems to get it that he's becoming a big brother soon and getting a baby sister, but who knows for sure. We've been reading a lot of different books and his favorites seem to be The Berenstain Bears' New Baby (he says, "Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Small Bear" then "Daddy Bear, Mommy Bear, Xander Bear" ...pretty cute) and Hello Baby! (he looks at the picture of the fetus growth stages in the book and says, "do you want this baby? This baby? or this baby?" which I find pretty hilarious.)

I'm banking on his happy, loved nature to get him through, but just in case, I'm teaching him how to be a helper (he helps us feed the cats, puts clothes in the hamper, etc.) and I'm amassing an arsenal of small distractions and gifts "from his baby sister" to cheer him up once she arrives.

I'm also building a few Xander-only memories of special times such as our recent Day Out With Thomas (we have pictures of us with Thomas in his room and he's still really enjoying them) and last weekend's visit to the Train Museum. I'm hoping these are investments in him feeling special and secure that will pay off when I'm running short on energy and sleep! We'll see!

Mother of the Year

Okay, a slight exaggeration.

But honestly, that is the magnitude of the elation I feel in knowing that I just purchased tickets to take my boy to "Day Out With Thomas" at Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton, CA.

He is going to FLIP OUT.

Seriously.

He doesn't really love Keyser Söze.

He loves Thomas.

It's all Thomas. All the time.

Thomas is like a rock star to my 2 year-old.

Oh, I cannot wait.

Daughtry - What About Now

So, I was trying to eat my Cheerios this morning, but couldn't 'cause this was making me bawl. It's very moving and kind of hopeful. Definitely inspiring.

Do Not Watch Without Your Kleenex

and it's not a hoax.

"You've Got to Find What You Love"

Jonathan sent me this today. Inspiring, though it only served to enhance to my already over-thinking-melancholy state of mind today.

I know I have what I have always wanted: a wonderful family. I'm close with my parents and siblings and extended family. I have a dear husband who I share a strong friendship and growing love with. We have an amazing son and a daughter on her way. I am fairly healthy and somewhat sound. I've sown some wild oats. I'm very blessed.

However, there are things about life that have not turned out as I had hoped or thought to hope, as I'm sure it is with many folks (though, is that really a consolation?)

I have not traveled as much as I had hoped to, nor have I stayed as vibrant, healthy or fit as I thought I might. But the fact is, I didn't think much about it...or rather, I didn't do much about it, really.

I know that you get back what you put energy into, so I guess I am feeling a bit down on myself. I'd say I'm wasting time with regret, but I'm not really clear what it is, exactly, I'm regretting.

This is all combined with what at the moment seems to be the demise of an important friendship in my life and the very real threat of not having a job to return to after my maternity leave.

Both of these things have been with me for a while, but the loss of the friendship has not gotten any easier on me in the last 10 months since it became clear that the friendship was in danger. For the last couple weeks I thought that perhaps things might renew with this friend, but I am just not sure and feel saddened once again. It feels like the reopening of wounds before they've even really healed and seems to highlight the girlfriend deficit in my life these days. It just feels painful all over again. Perhaps I am regretting not standing up for myself in the friendship before years of resentment and misunderstanding took us to where we can't seem to return from. However, Jonathan advised me to "give it some time." And my husband? Well, he's pretty sage in the ways of people and emotions. Not always in practice, but almost always in theory.

Anyway, I've survived about 7 layoffs in the 8 years of my current employ. But now there is much more uncertainty in the industry and the company. While it could be a good thing (and as soon as I get over this brooding, I will try to look at it as the potential push I need), it is making me face that I have truly coasted in my career and am due to put some greater energy into my path, but will I have the energy and stamina to do that as I prepare to give birth and welcome an infant?

The truth is I've never really had career dreams. Maybe minor fantasies, but not enough to drive me in a particular direction. I always had dreams of a family, but not a vocation. So, I have my dream-come-true in my family, but for work, it is a job and for "the girl who used to be me", I need to bring her back a bit. There are some things missing. I do not feel "well rounded" and I would like to.

"Holy CATS, Helen Mirren"

I always thought I wanted to be Helen Mirren when I grew up, but now I know I do. Jeez! Jeez Louise! "Holy CATS, Helen Mirren"!

She'll be 63 next week. Sixty-frickin'-three! Hey...that means I have 27 more years to work on my bod! Right on.

"After all is said and done, more is said than done." - Aesop

I have not been in blogging mode these days! Much has been said, but little has been recorded!

However, I must say that an exciting new development has occured in my son ... his imagination is going full-force. Last night, he was eating a graham cracker and he bit it into the shape of what he decided was a horse. The next one was a cow. This morning, he found a styrofoam packing peanut on the front patio (no, I have no idea what it was doing there) and he decided it was a "troublesome truck!" Thankfully, I caught him just as he was about to put that in his mouth and disposed of it. He was pissed, but seemed to get over it quickly.

Another favorite pastime of his these days is "building a bridge" with the sofa cushions. The bridge goes from the seat of the couch to the coffee table. He also likes to jump on the couch and yell things like "transpirit!" Repeatedly. I have absolutely no idea what it means, but I'm so thrilled to see my boy using his imagination on the everyday objects rather than depending solely on actual, manufactured toys (wonderful as they are) for entertainment.

Are you a Jet-Setter or a bed wetter?

Hopeline

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Courtesy of http://postsecret.blogspot.com

Movie-Star-Boyfriend, #2

I forgot to mention that I have a new movie-star-boyfriend, Steve Carell, but Jonathan and I saw Get Smart on Friday night and I was reminded of this and let Jon know I was adding him to my list. I was considering him after his adorable performance in 2005's The 40 Year Old Virgin, but he cinched it as Dan Burns in Dan in Real Life. This movie was so under marketed, but so great. It was also advertised as a comedy, but it is really quite romantic with great performances. Jonathan and I both really enjoyed it and he's approved the addition of Steve Carell to my former list of one. Watch this (below) and you'll want him for your movie-star-boyfriend, too. Try not to be annoyed by the cute, but kind of distracting Dane Cook:

Where Were You 10 Years Ago?

Hmmm. Ten years ago at this time (probably right at this time, in fact), I was dancing on a bar at the Koo Club in Santorini, Greece and more than likely, it was this song playing:


How awesomely 1998 and Euro is that video? It's just hawt. That song is the best. I just found out a "chimney" is a black eye. Ooh. Tough.

Anyway, ten years ago, I traveled through Italy solo and met up with a girlfriend in England, then we traveled to Santorini and met up with her sister and another girlfriend and spent a week in Santorini, then visited Mykonos and Ios for a few days each, then back to Santorini for a few days. We were all totally enamored with the experience and became the "Greek Sisters". We spent the following year getting together at least once a month to drink red wine, smoke cigarettes, listen to a club mix that we got from DJ Sakis in Santorini (which included the ditty above) and obsess about the following summer to be spent in Santorini (we loved the other islands, but Santorini became our particular obsession).

The Greek Sisters did, in fact, make it back to Santorini the following year and ended up staying for two months (we planned on a month, but my broken foot extended our stay). We slept 'til noon, had frappés, cigarettes & crêpes for breakfast, spent all day at the beach, went back to the little places we rented (with a stop along the way to watch the sunset...sometimes a trip to Oia to have dinner by sunset) and glammed it up for a dinner at Naoussa Tavern and a night of dancing 'til 4 a.m. at the Koo. Then it was a stop at the bakery around the corner for some Greek Yogurt with honey or a pastry for a snack and off to Kamari Beach to watch the sunrise. Then back "home" to sleep and start all over again. Sigh.

Cut to ten years later: here I am at work, reminiscing blogging instead of being "productive". I'm happily married, mom to a beautiful boy and pregnant with my second child, a girl. I haven't made it back to Santorini as I'd hoped ... yet. Susan ended up living there, not me. I am fatter (not just because I'm pregnant) and older, but my life is truly blessed.

Meanwhile, my Greek Sisters are in Greece ... again ... without me! Sigh! Jenn is a world traveler, Julie (a.k.a. Patsy) is married and living in So Cal, and Susan is living in Vancouver after a few years in Santorini, but getting married there next week. So, I'm thinking of them and feeling nostalgic and I dedicate this remix of one of our beloved club tunes to them (below). I hope they are living it up a little extra for me!

A Must Watch, for the Tron Suit Alone!

I came across this (below) when I was watching HOW WE GO OUT VERSION 2 by Leslie Hall for like, the millionth time. It's not as good as HWGO, but it is a must watch, for the Tron suit alone!

An Eakin Family Favorite

Last night, Jonathan changed it to, "Xander has two eyes and Daddy has two eyes, but Triops has three eyes! Triops has three eyes!" and then, "Xander has blue eyes and Mommy has blue eyes, but Daddy has green eyes! Daddy has green eyes!"

Pouri's Picnic at Val Vista Park - Pleasanton, CA (Jun 22, 2008)

Xander's fabulous childcare provider, Pouri, hosted a picnic last Sunday for all the families of the children she cares for (a few past along with the present). My brother and his family joined us, too!

We enjoyed delicious food, fun in the water and the pleasure a relaxing Sunday together. A good time was had by all!

When I know the time is right for me...

...I'll cross the stream - I have a dream.

This is what I get for telling him something is not an "option"

"Uh, Mom? Can you give me an option?" asks Xander (using his serious, deep, big-boy voice).

Bewildered, but wanting to see where this is going to go, I say, "Sure honey, what kind of option do you want?"

"Uh, a red one, not a black one."

"Oh, okay, sure."

"Thanks!" and then he walks out of the room.

I am still stunned.

Helicopter Parents

Just finished an article on p.210 of the July issue of Oprah Magazine about Helicopter Parents. It's a little mindblowing the extremes some folks will go to. It was a good read, though I found there weren't enough examples of crazy things dads do, it was mostly about the moms. Anyway, I found it particularly interesting as it referenced Love and Logic, a parenting philosophy and book that I learned about from one of my favorite blogs, melissathemouth.com.

Wants to play with the big guys...

How, how, how do you tell your little 2-and-a-half (today!) year-old boy that the 6 year-old next door (who is really only about 2 inches taller than him!) doesn't want to play with him? Ugh, my heart breaks when Xander cries out, "John!" with such sheer, unadulterated enthusiasm for this little twerp that won't even give my boy the courtesy of a hello! Xander is sweet and friendly and full of fun and well, this kid doesn't seem to care about being kind to little ones. But my boy just loves him and wants to, "play red cars with John" and doesn't want to go upstairs to take a bath, he "wants to take a bath with John!"
I know that this is just the tip of the iceberg with the pain I will feel on behalf of my children, but boy, it just cuts me to the quick. Rejection sucks and rejection lives next door to us in the form of an unfriendly older boy with parent(s?) who smoke in their garage and let him ride around in the street in motorized mini cars. Thankfully, Xander doesn't seem to be taking it personally at this point and seems to think I'm the one that won't let him play with the neighbor boy (he may have a point there, I'm not exactly a fan of this kid), but still, the disappointment is crushing me. I mean, who wouldn't want to play with my fun boy? That....neighbor boy, that's who.

Watch this, it's blow your mind...

http://www.worldonfire.ca/

"(Just Like) Starting Over"

How great is this song by John Lennon? It gives me the chills and makes me smile every time I hear it. Perhaps it's that it reminds me of my childhood (I was 8 when it came out). Perhaps that it was released right after John Lennon's death makes it even more moving. It's just such a happy, upbeat, feel-good, romantic, warm song. So hopeful. How sweet and simple are the lyrics? I guess that's what makes it so bittersweet. It reminds me how we can have so much joy in love and that it is precious because our loved ones can be taken away so unexpectedly. No matter what you think of Yoko, those two were crazy in love and that's wonderful. I love all the various influences in it and how he, 'referred to it during production as the "Elvis/Orbison" track' But mostly I love how it reminds me of John & Yoko's epic love story.

When I heard it today, I was surprised I didn't start bawling. This song really got to me when I was pregnant with Xander. I guess, it was Shirley Bassey this time.

Anyway, I saw Lennon (the musical) with my mom during that time and Jon and I went for our anniversary a few weeks after that. It was the day we learned we were going to have a boy and we found "Beautiful Boy" to be an especially touching part of the show that night. "Grow Old With Me" was also in the show and it just happened to be sung at our wedding by the fabulously talented Trish Pulido (why has Trish Pulido not hit it big, btw? She's amazing).

So Many Geminis!

I'm feeling "reflectionary" about how many great Gemini folk I have in my life. So, in honor of today's gemini's: Cassie & Jovida, along with all the other sweet gemini folk I know (Sol, Spencer, Jon, Michelle, Chris, Roxanne, Robin, Pouri, Kaveh & Bella)...I dedicate this to you:
(Yes, that is Gwyneth Paltrow.)

My New Favorite Song

I must be getting old, because "wrap your arms around my love handles" is just about the most endearing, sexiest lines to a song I've heard in a long time.

There's something about the singer's voice, but I'm thinking that Jack Johnson does add to the sexy of the song. I wasn't a big fan of his first hit (though it has grown on me and I now get the appeal), but I came to love him when he did the soundtrack to the Curious George movie. Maybe it was all those times I caught "Upside Down" on VH1 while I was nursing Xander. Something about a man that can soothe a little one and a sleep-deprived, nursing mommy. I even like his current single.

Interestingly enough, Wikipedia says ALO is from the area I grew up in. Anyway, love this song. Heard it on KFOG the other day and I think I'm going to have to get some of ALO's music. Yep. KFOG. And NPR. I'm getting old.

Anyway, enjoy:

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

"The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes."
- Frank Lloyd Wright

I know that this is true for me in a lot of ways, and I hope it is for my dear husband...especially today. This post inspired me to remind him that our lives, in many ways are just beginning. Perhaps, it is only through our children that we are at this beginning, but we are there. I've seen how he's new in so many ways just by being a father and a husband to a pregnant wife.

We drive each other crazy sometimes and we're so different in a lot of ways, but we do fit well, match well and well, he's the love of my life.

Happy Birthday, honey.

Home

Someday Jon & I will live in a cool, modern home like this:


While I'm hoping we're going to start doing some focused dreaming, we'll be doing it while living comfortably and happily at Nona's (my mother) cozy, elegant, beautiful home.

After a 7-month job search, Nona has her first day at work today. We're thrilled for her and hope it will be a great new adventure. However, this long and arduous search really cut into her savings and, as our lease was due to come up we all decided it would be beneficial for us to combine households for a while. We hope it will help all of us sock away some money and make our little girl's arrival in October a little smoother. Not to mention leaving behind a sucky dishwasher and heinous clothes dryer. Wahoo! Nona was kind enough to move into her guestroom, enclose her office to make a bedroom for Xander and just make our invasion of her home as welcoming as humanly possible.

We had an incredible amount of help. In addition to the 3 movers we hired, our friends (Martin, Julie, Jovida, Lauren) and family (Andrew, Bree, Rob, Nanc, Jeremy) showed up to help us pack and move. My father and stepmother (Nonno & Nina) took Xander for half the day and Nona watched Davis while his parents (Andrew & Bree) helped us pack and made sure we all had clean beds to sleep in and clean clothes accessible for work and daycare today. Whew!

We still have to pack the kitchen for storage and make a couple trips to with some boxes. Oh, and schedule a GoodWill pick up! But we're in decent shape. Exhausted, but in decent shape!

Break out the pink stuff...

IT'S A GIRL!

How Did This Song Get Stuck in My Head?

Pan's Labyrinth

We finished watching Pan's Labyrinth last night (in case you didn't already know this about us, we rarely get through a whole movie in one night, we're just too dang tired!) Wow. The movie was at once harsh and gorgeous. Beautifully done ... and it will mess with your head. Guillermo del Toro might just be a genius. Or crazy. Or both. He clearly has a thing against facists (see Hellboy), but I digress. Anyway, this New York Times Movie Review describes it much better than I could. I definitely recommend it, but only for adults!

Duffy

Love this new CD, Rockferry, by Duffy. They've been playing this song, "Mercy" on KFOG and I had to check it out. She makes me think of Dusty Springfield and a cross between Peggy Lee & Dido. I'm loving the whole CD. Xander seems to really like it, too. Check it out:

Damn, this is Sexy!

I don't know if it's the actual song--which I already loved in it's original (Maroon 5 only) form--or the video, but damn, this is sexy! Now, there's no doubt that Rihanna is beyond gorgeous and sexy, but teaming her with Adam Levine...well, it might be illegal to be that sexy in some parts of the world. In fact, I'm sure it is. I always thought there was something about him, but I saw Maroon 5 in concert last year and well...he's just about one of the hottest performers I've ever seen. HOT. I didn't think the song could be improved, but this is really good:

Ebliance!

No, it's not some French word (that I know of) ...it's what my son calls ambulances. He's been saying it this way for months and if I correct him, he says "ambulance", but he always goes back to "ebliance", especially when he's excited about seeing one. It's so dang cute that I'm glad it is taking him a while to remember the correct wayt to say it.

GoFugYourself.com Did Not Disappoint

Hilarious post re: SJP's SATC Premier hat today. Love it.

2 Year-Old Watch Style

How cute is this watch that my 2 year-old son picked out for me? So cute! Doesn't it look like exactly the kind of watch that a toddler would choose (if all toddlers had watch-obsessed fathers, that is)? Yet it is still super-cute and fairly stylish! I just love it...almost as much as I love the look he had on his face when he gave it to me
He also helped Jonathan pick out this watch as an anniversary present. Jon was all excited about me having a digital watch (though it is not my first...I had one similar to this in 3rd grade). He's in charge of picking out my watches and I often get them as gifts. I love this new one, but he'll have a hard time topping the watch he gave me for Christmas. It is just so me.

Nobody writes about Mama quite like Garrison Keillor does

Often, I wonder if my husband and I are the only people under 50 that we know who are Prairie Home Companion fans. We just love the show and feel lucky when a weekend outing's drive coincides with a broadcast. I just love that show!

I haven't actually read much that Garrison Keillor has written, but Jonathan sent me this lovely article he wrote for Mothers' Day and now I know I have to add his books to my "to read" list.

Wow. He's Pretty.

Occasionally, I read this blog called The Sartorialist. I love the pictures and observations. So, I was curious about the blogger's identity.

Wow. He's pretty. And a stay-at-home-dad. It kind of makes me blink quickly.

"What's Your Bumper Sticker?" from On Balance

Occasionally, I read this blog: On Balance. I don't usually read the comments (they get a little out of hand), but this one was on bumper stickers and there were some funny replies to the "What's Your Bumper Sticker?" question. Below are my favorites:

Republicans for Voldemort
Frodo Failed, Bush has the Ring
Help! There's too much blood in my caffeine system!
Yeehaw is not a Foreign Policy
If you're not outraged, you must have voted for Bush twice
My other ride is your mom
My kid is an honor student; my president is an idiot
Be nice to America or we'll bring democracy to your country
We've been Dubya-crossed!
Warp 5 - a speed we can live with
Ribbon magnet: "I Support Whatever's Trendy"
Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be Sarcastic (for my husband)
Instead of "Celebrate Diversity!", "Divert Celebrities!"
Visualize World Peace, because it's so much easier than working for it

I Hate Apple

My recent experience has certainly made me less of an Apple fan: I made 6 attempts to purchase an iTunes gift certificate for my stepmother today. First I tried (3 times!) to have a giftcard mailed, but they don't deliver to P.O. boxes and the recipient has to sign for it! Then I tried having it emailed and was kicked out of the system 3 times before perhaps successfully sending it. I did not receive a confirmation or anything. Their site is one of the worst I've ever used. Not user-friendly at all. Grr. I'll have to follow up with her to see if she got it. Apple sucks.

Business Time

I guess I'm into posting videos this week, but this is just too fabulous not to share. I'm officially a Flight of the Conchords fan.

Seven!

Yes, I'm going to have to get that boxed set of Friends sometime soon. Some of it is just too good, even when I've seen every episode. Here's a favorite:

Okay, I know I'm a bit behind the curve regarding the whole Feist craze. Perhaps it is that I no longer watch TV and it seems that the only way a lot of folks hear about new music is via iPod commercials (though I did hear Yael Naim on the Chill station of our Sirius radio, so I am not totally uncool). Anyway, I learned about Feist in the same way I learned about Mika & Amy Winehouse: via Perezhilton.com. The queen really has some good taste mixed in with all the trash he writes. So, of course I liked her, because I seem to like everything he does in the way of music (I know, a little scary), but I was trolling youtube.com today for music 'cause I forgot to charge my MP3 player (dur!) and I came across this:

Well, anyone who can cover the Bee Gees like this...can count me as a fan. Love it. I'm a big fan of eclectic styles and she's got it. I always hear about her being folky, but I think she's got a very modern, uncategorizeable style. And yes, I'm sure her looks enhance her appeal!

My Little Charmer

I was having breakfast at home before work and daycare with my boy and he fell over and bonked his head while trying to retrieve his dropped fork. So, he came over for a kiss and then asked if he could kiss my toe (moments like this make me glad we have a shoeless house)! So, since my toes were clean, I said yes. Then he says, "oh, mommy, you're so cute!" Any time it gets challenging, I try to remember moments like that. What a charmer!

Finally, a new episode of Grey's Anatomy. All in all, very good. The gore (bear attack this time! Intestines! Yech!) is harder to watch with my heightened pregnancy sensitivities, but 3 good things:

1) They FINALLY gave Miranda better hair (hallelujah! No more mushroom head!)
2) Derek and Meredith are clearly still in love with each other, no matter how lovely nurse Rose may be.
3) No commercials...love it.

How Awesome is This Picture?

This is my beautiful cousin, Christopher, who is studying abroad in Santiago, Chile right now. The scenery alone is fabulous and how much do I love the Obama shirt (my poor Republican Uncle!) Fabulous. But most of all, look at the expression on his face! He looks excited and relaxed at the same time in only a way, I think, that world travel can make you feel. I love it.

Oh yes, it's special and very nice!

I love the Mini Babybel cheese. You know, the Original encased in red wax. I have fond memories of sharing one with my grammar school buddy, Tammy. We'd eat the cheese and then put the red wax over our top teeth. We were...creative.

Well, I got some at Trader Joe's on Sunday and wanted to share the Babybel magic with Xander. So, after the shopping I unwrap one and I say, "Xander, look at this! It's a special kind of cheese!"

And he says, "Oh yes, it's special and very nice!"

Seriously. He said this and Jonathan is my witness.

So, I'm all excited that he's feeling the Babybel joy and I say, "Would you like some?"

"No!"

So, I must wait for another time to share the Babybel magic with my baby. Sigh.

Enjoy...

...the vocal stylings of the PS22 Chorus

Cohones in Gold Lycra

Wow. This just totally made my day. I just came accross it by chance, but I may have to watch it a few times more today. This woman is awesome. Anyone with a Patrick Nagel Rio-esque icon of herself is my hero.
So creative, and she sounds really great:

Fabulous: An Engineer's Guide to Cats

Heartbreaker Jacket

Jonathan & Xander were getting ready to step out yesterday (many a Saturday morning they have adventures while I go to the gym and get a hair appointment or manicure in) and Jon asked X to pick out a jacket and X says, "I wanna wear my heartbreaker jacket!" Ha! He meant his "windbreaker jacket", but how cute is that? Of course, I think everything he wears makes him a heartbreaker, but I guess I'm a bit biased.

They're Singing My Song!

Xander and I went to Denica's for breakfast this morning ('cause I am a lazy-first-trimester-ill-and-tired Mommy). They have killer pastries and yummy breakfast, lunch and dinner. They're way out of my budget, but sometimes I must have one of their turkey avocado melt sandwiches. Or their french toast. So, Xander loves Denica's, but that's another post. We're there this morning and I'm sitting next to my sweet, joyful boy and James Taylor's 'Sweet Baby James' comes on and I said, "listen, Xander! This is one of the songs mommy sings to you at bedtime" and he smiled and said, "They're singing my song!" I'm tearing up just thinking about it now and of course I sang a little, but I had to stop 'cause I was sitting there in Denica's in the midst of all the military guys and retired guys and construction guys crying and well, thankfully, no one noticed. I guess it is part pregnancy hormones and part bittersweetness of what I know is going to be a brief period in my life with my son: the days when he will sit and share french toast with me and smile at me and kiss me and tell me he loves me with such enthusiasm it makes my heart burst. Boy, am I blessed.

Of course, I can't sing as well as J.T., but Xander doesn't know that yet...and I do change up the lyrics a bit. I sing, "rock-a-bye sweet Xander boy" instead of "rock-a-bye sweet baby James" and "thinking about binkies and bottles of milk" instead of "thinking about women and glasses of beer", but I think it is just as sweet and X seems to like it.

Enjoy the original, below:

Belief

I can't really listen to this song with out getting choked up...and that was the case before I got pregnant with #2, but not before I became a mother (as Continuum came out in '06), so I can't say that being a mother to a young boy doesn't intensify my reaction to the song. I'm moved every time I hear it. If not for the timely message, I could listen to it over and over again, but I can't because it's too heart wrenching. Still, I recommend a listen as it is a beautiful song, music and lyrics. Click the video below and check out the link to the lyrics as well.



John Mayer - Belief lyrics

I really dug John Mayer's first album, but didn't quite get into the second (I'm meaning to go back and check it out). Continuum really made me a fan (so much so, that I occasionally read his blog). I just love it and haven't gotten tired of it.

So Random

I totally have the pregnancy blues and this definitely cheered me up a bit.

This Made My Day

"If I was gay, I would be the best gay of all history." - Julio Iglesias, singer and heterosexual, told concertgoers in Los Angeles earlier this week.

I love it when straight people think they can out-gay the gays...like there's some kind of competition. Still, I think it's lovely that he thinks his sexiness tops all and has no problem saying he'd, "be the best gay of all history." So awesome.

Walken Family Reunion on SNL...Genius

Next to Walken, Amy Poehler and Fred Armisen are the best in this. It's almost as funny as Jay Mohr's story/impersonation.

"You have caused confusion and delay!"

Grr. Jonathan is right in the middle of this big ol' mess.

I think Sir Topham Hatt would tell American Airlines, "You have caused confusion and delay!" That would be much nicer than what I would say.

Gosh, I hope he gets home tonight!

Wonderful, Must-See Movie

Jon and I just watched 10 Items or Less on NetFlix over the weekend. We both just loved it. Jon said that if he were a filmaker, this is the kind of film he would make and I'm in the same boat. There's some profanity and mature sexual themes, so it isn't for the kiddies, but I think it would really appeal to all. What a joyful, sweet movie. Go put it on your queue today. If you don't have NetFlix, let me know and I'll send you a coupon for a free trial.

So, I can't get this one song from the movie out of my head:

"La Receta" by Kemo The Blaxican. I love it. However, if you click here you can enjoy the song in kind of a music video/preview that isn't quite as weird as KTB's video. Enjoy!

Funny Things My Kid Said

"I want more trocolate (chocolate) . I like trocolate." A chocolate-chip off the old block (both of us, actually).

Finding Himself

Don't you wish you'd found yourself at 2 years old? Well, Xander has. His favorite thing right now is to hide a bit and then pop up and say, "I found me!"

How cool is that? I just love it. It got me thinking that, he really does have himself in such a way that, sadly, he may lose a bit as he matures. I know that Jon and I are both really committed to supporting him in keeping that connection to himself, the joy he has in just being...and we know it is an uphill battle in this society of ours, but we can try!

To top it off, he's really becoming a sweet-talker these days. Yesterday, he and Jon picked me up from a manicure and he said, "Mommy! I'm so glad to see you!" and "Your nails are pretty, Mommy!" Charmer. Sigh!

More Funny Things My Kid Said

'A rooster says, "cock-a-doo-doo-doo!"' ...often out of the blue, and not always in reference to a rooster.

After I said to my husband (under my breath) that he was going to freeze his butt off, Xander said, "BUTT OFF! BUTT OFF! BUTT OFF!" Naturally, we were in a restaurant. Thankfully, it was a family-friendly one.

When stopping by the side of the road last week to observe some majestic wild turkeys with all their feathers spread, Xander said, "Wow, turkey! Turkey! I eat turkey! I eat turkey!"

"I like buzel bees." Xander and Pouri play like they are tickling each other with a bumble bee.

And his latest favorite, "DON'T SAY NO, DADDY! DON'T SAY NO!"

I don't know what's more disturbing...

That my worldly Algerian-and-has-lived-in-France-speaks-four-languages coworker did not know who Stevie Nicks was or that I knew so much about her. Like this info that I sent to said coworker:

"Some Stevie Nicks classics, solo (Stand Back) and with Fleetwood Mac (Gypsy). Though I think equally good Fleetwood Mac songs are led by Lindsey Buckingham (Go Your Own Way) and Christine McVie (Songbird) though I like Eva Cassidy's version of Songbird equally, if not better. Also, Stevie Nicks did some great duets such as Stop Draggin' My Heart Around and Leather and Lace.

Of course, the whole point was your scarf. Stevie Nicks dresses in a witchy-hippie-fairy-scarf-wearing way...very iconic. With lots of chiffon and scarves and suede platform boots, don't forget the suede platform boots. I think this is still her style, actually. If you google, "Stevie Nicks Style" you get lots of hits, too."

Even worse, I sent a second email, "Also, the guitar riff from Edge of Seventeen (more scarf action in that video) was sampled for Destiny's Child's Bootylicious (check out her cameo--with the guitar---in the beginning of the video.) She's everywhere!"

Okay, I frighten myself. I think I'll go RickRoll someone.

The Script

Interesting new band called The Script...of course I heard about them on Perezhilton.com (I'm weak!) and they have a really interesting sound. I'm sure they'll be quite popular soon.

Rated R for "RAAAAAR!"

I was just discussing the joys of NetFlix with a vendor/friend this morning at work. She was mildly irritated at sharing a queue with her husband…his next pick was the movie 300. I think I surprised her with my love of this movie. I can't help it. What's not to love? Amazing visual effects; epic story about country, honor and loyalty; action; great soundtrack...and don't forget the beefy, half-naked Spartans. Again, what's not to love? I think my feelings about the movie are further underscored by this fabulous movie review in the 03.08.2007 Arizona Daily Star. I couldn't agree more. I loved it so much, that I read a novel about the same story right after seeing it. It's been a year since the movie came out and I still love it. Love it!

Xander in the Box

Yeah, for like 2 seconds! Where did all this energy come from? Xander's energy level seems to have increased in direct proportion to my first-trimester energy decrease. The kid is on fire. Seriously.
This is him, "lying down." If only! He's doing it again as I write this, but now he's covering himself with a vinyl placemat, like a blanket. "I'm taking a nap!" Mr. Imagination.

Double Blogging It

In case you didn't know, I have 2 blogs now. This one and one called Eakin Baby 2 Point Oh!

Jessie's Girl...yah!

I heard this on KFOG on the way into work today and I was back in Jr. High (but in a good way, if that's possible). Sigh! I just loved Rick Springfield back then and you know, he's still pretty hot. I may have to download I've Done Everything for You or Love Somebody (love the Marilyn McCoo intro...so 80's!).

It's been a while since I've posted, but more on that another time.

I don't remember how I heard about this, but they've made a film based on a very bizarre, but fairly engaging novel that I read a few years back: The Life Before Her Eyes by Laura Kasischke.

I guess I understand why they made it into a movie, but it does make me wonder: where are all the original ideas? Must they make a movie out of every halfway decent novel out there? And it kind of make the hair on the back of my neck stand up a bit just thinking about it. Even more so because I can see from the trailer and pictures how much one of the cast members, Eva Amurri (Susan Sarandon's daughter) reminds me of my late friend, Christian. Even some of her facial expressions...what a trip.

Anyway, should be interesting. I'm sure I'll catch it on Netflix if I don't see it in the theater. I am a fan of Uma Thurman. Not so much of Evan Rachel Wood, though I cannot deny her talent, she just bugs me. Yech.

If you don't mind a bit of a spoiler, or if you want some more in-depth after reading the book or seeing the movie, Erika Krouse wrote an interesting review in the 05/12/02 NYTimes called, "My So-Called Death".

I'm Cranking!

Xander cranks the pedals on his tricycle

and says, "I'm Cranking!"

Seriously?

When, oh when are they going to post a new Grey's Anatomy for me to watch on line? It is so sad, I've resorted to watching Grey's bloopers on youtube.com and other ridiculouse stuff. Pathetic. Seriously.

The Business of Being Born

Jon & I watched a fabulous documentary on Sunday called, The Business of Being Born. I can't even think about it without choking up. Wow. Incredible.

This picture (left) captures a scene of a mother holding her baby right after catching her baby out of her own body. The scene appears twice in the movie and I found it so thrilling and moving. The expression on her face is one of such power and elation...it is exultant...it takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes.

The film was inspiring and eye-opening. I encourage everyone (whether or not you're having babies) to see it. Watch the trailer here.

Funny Things My Kid Said 03/06/08:

"I'm a little boy." ...okay, kind of obvious, but impressive for a 2 year-old, I think.

Funny Things My Kid Said

This is just going to become a posting as it was taking up too much space on my layout.

Date unknown: "Ahyouokaymommy? Ahyouokaydaddy? Ahyouokaychili? Ahyouokayshebastian?!" (asked at full volume) ...I'm afraid he gets this from me. I ask this when someone in my house stubs a toe or drops something and makes a loud noise or "bonks" a body part. I hope my son doesn't become neurotic like his mother. "Shebastian" is Sebastian, a daycare buddy.

02/11/08: "Crazy spacesh*t!" ...okay, he was trying to say spaceship, but he didn't and it was pretty dang funny.

02/09/08: "It's garbage, it's garbage." ...he is referring to one of my favorite books to read to him: The Goodnight Train. He definitely prefers Timmy & Tammy's Train of Thought (which he refers to as "Timmy & Tammy's Thought of Train book"), but it grates on us a little, so I was devastated when I didn't have GT to balance out T&T. Eventually, he let us read it though, whew!

01/30/08: "You love me, Daddy." ...ah, no truer words were spoken. X is beginning to notice the "I"/"you" differences.01/23/08: "I make a barf." ...he didn't, but we were waiting (with a bucket, of course)01/12/08: "I go to school." ...he's 2, he doesn't go to school, we don't call his daycare "school". I guess he's just using that imagination!

Date unknown: "I'na lay down like a baby!" (repeated, numerous times) ...this is one tired boy here. He says this when he's overtired. He specifically wants to lay down on his changing table and not is bed.

Date unknown: "Slow down puffing down care!" ...this is a Thomas and Friends reference. As in, "slow down, and puff with care." He says this a lot. Often when his father is driving.

Don't ask me how this happened, but I just completed my second book which could be bought at a Christian bookstore. I don't have anything against Christians in theory, but I don't identify as a Christian and it's not really a genre I'm drawn to for "literature". Anyway, the first was a book I got as a birthday gift called, Just Give Me A Little Piece of Quiet by Lorilee Craker. I always try to give books that have been gifted to me a shot and I enjoyed it well enough. Then, while at the library, I picked up a book that looked like some benign chick lit with a funny twist: a recent divorcee inherits a funeral home. And it was funny, when I wasn't completely put off by the uptight, delusional, homophobic protagonist. Well, it's hard for me to put a book down, no matter how stupid it is and I'm glad I didn't put this lame book down because at the end was this recipe (below). I made it this morning for my family and a friend and everyone (even my husband with his aversion to cooked fruit) enjoyed. Super easy.

In or Out of Season Strawberry Muffins
From Doesn’t She Look Natural? By Angela Hunt

¼ cup Vegetable oil (I substituted half of this with some blood orange-infused olive oil...yum!)
½ cup Milk
1 Egg
2 teaspoon Baking powder
½ teaspoon Salt
½ cup Sugar (I used brown sugar)
1 ¾ cup All-purpose flour (I used almond meal for half of this)
1 cup Chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)
OVEN 375o YIELD: 8

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Oil a muffin tin or use paper liners. Combine oil, milk & egg. Combine dry ingredients. Toss in strawberries to coat with flour. Pour in wet ingredients & mix.
Fill muffin cups. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes until tops bounce back from touch. Cool 10 minutes and remove from cups.

Which Song is Stuck in My Head Today?

"I Want Candy" by Bow Wow Wow. But I have to reference the "Marie Antoinette" version which I really love. I especially dig the Converse thrown in at frame 00:09-00:10. Now, this is not to say that I don't love Mel C's version, too, but mostly for the sassy video. I do love her voice, but in this case, the original's still a better sound.

Why Not?

My dear cousin, John and his wife Sandy have three kids and their littlest, Jacob, is battling cancer. Naturally, this has thrown them into a bit of a financial tailspin, especially with Sandy having to quit her job to care for Jacob full-time. Their family could really use some help. If you're so inclined to help someone near and dear to me, here's the website: http://www.helpbabyjacob.com/index.htm

GoFugYourself.com Quote of the Day

gofugyourself.com makes me laugh so hard I cry. Here's my favorite quote today, "Bjork's had an actual face. And illusion netting. And an EGG PURSE. Were you even trying?"

Teacher Collects Roadkill for the Classroom

Check out our famous friend, Spencer! When I married Jonathan I got his wonderful, funloving friends as part of the package. Spencer is one of my favorite guys and only he could be famous for such creative teaching methods. Check out the amusing and informative article here.

Fabulously Goofy

I love the show Ugly Betty. We no longer have cable, so I only indulge occasionally on the intranet, but when I do, I really enjoy it. Especially the Amanda character. She slays me. Here's one of my favorites: Amanda sings Milkshake by Kelis. Where do they come up with this stuff? Becki Newton is terrific as Amanda and she has some great moments on the show. She's a comedic genius. Love, love, love her.

Spring Clutter Cleanout Punchiness

Jonathan says that this (picture) should be titled, "...what we did before mp3 players when we wanted to take music on the go. " He goes on to say, "too bad there isn't an arm band option for the cd player- it even has the anti-skip feature."

My trusty portable CD player actually came in handy when we were borrowing Martin's Trooper to go to the snow last weekend, but that's the first time we've used it in quite some time.

I've decided to title the picture, "Spring Clutter Cleanout Punchiness" as this is typical of the creativity my husband displays when undertaking a major cleanout (we have some real doozies from our Sydney Way days, but those will have to be posted another time). We got a lot done over the long weekend and even had some fun. I'm sure we'll have the garage cleaned out by the time we're ready to move again!

Promise Yourself

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To speak of health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends aware of the special qualities within them. To look at the sunny side of everything and let your optimism work to make your dreams come true. To think, work for and expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget past mistakes and press on towards a greater future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times as a smile radiates warmth and love. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. To be too wise for worry, too tolerant for anger, and too courageous for fear. To be happy.

- Christian D. Larson

Eakin Look-alike Meter

Too funny. You really can find anything on the intranet.

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Awesomest Invention: The Baby Monitor

"Mommy, what are you doin'?
Mommy, what are you doin'?
No! That's a car!
Oh, another turtle? A turtle."
Fabulous morning entertainment.

Michael R. Mahan

One of my teachers from high school, Mr. Mahan passed away last month (I just found out about this a today). Mr. Mahan had the same twisted sense of humor that I've come to appreciate in my husband. He was just a kick. Though I haven't seen him since my Monta Vista days, I'm confident he's sorely missed.

Can straight men be sassy? Well, he was. I remember him being warm and yet very sarcastic. This was before I really got sarcasm, so I was a little intimidated. He was way cooler than I (or anyone I knew) was, for sure, but I didn't know why, exactly. Anyway, I can appreciate that sarcasm today and I know he's probably part of the reason I appreciate it in my husband (sarcasm is more like a first language for Jonathan, not even a second).

His classroom was really memorable. It was just filled to the brim with...stuff. He had posters and quotes everywhere. His bookshelves were filled with books and they were so numerous that he had those rotating book racks filled with paperbacks for all the overflow (apparently, I've always had a soft spot for pack rats.) Plus, he had a plastic baby doll hanging from the ceiling. I'm not sure why, but I still remember it (okay, make that a soft spot for slightly twisted pack rats!) Mr. Mahan taught us about spelling irregularities in English with a whole demo on why "fish" could very easily be spelled "ghoti". I still remember this for some reason, 20 years later.

So, I'm saddened to hear of Mr. Mahan's passing. High School wasn't great for me, but he was funny and gave me a lot to think about and that was rare and precious in those days. Here's to you, Mr. Mahan.

Happy Valentine's Day

This kind of puts things in perspective and is truly a great story for Valentine's Day: a mother of 3 (and one grandchild), with a 187 mile roundtrip commute who makes time to make a difference in people's lives.
I caught this article about Toni Dukes in the paper today and found it very heartwarming and inspiring.
Happy V-Day,
~M

Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies Redux

So, I've always made my chocolate chip cookies out of this recipe book. My father's sister gave it to my mother as a wedding shower gift in 1970 and I grew up using it. Finally, at 36 years old, I realized that I could probably improve the recipe...and I have. I must say, the cookies I made last Thursday night were the best freakin' chocolate chip cookies I've ever had. Yum. Below is the recipe, should you feel inspired to make them yourself. No, we're not sharing our next batch, they're too good!


Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies Redux
1 cup organic whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup almond meal (found in the nuts aisle of Trader Joe’s)
1 cup oats
1 teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate pieces
½ cup walnuts, broken or chopped into small pieces
OVEN 375o YIELD: ABOUT 42
Sift flour and almond meal with soda and salt. Mix in oats. Cream butter in mixing bowl. Gradually add sugars; continue creaming until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat well. Blend in sifted dry ingredients gradually. Stir in chocolate pieces and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375o for 10 to 12 minutes (be sure to check them at 10 minutes), until golden brown. Enjoy!

Kip's Annual Guide to the Oscars

A guy I used to work with emails me every year with his "Annual Guide to the Oscars". I especially appreciate it, now that I don't watch TV or read the gossip rags much. I still probably won't get to seeing all of them, but it's nice to know what's getting nominated. (Click on the image if you want to see it larger). He breaks it down by "Feature-Length Fiction", "Documentaries and Shorts; Songs" and "Details". Enjoy!

I'na Do it Again!

Xander is officially a mountain boy. We came up to Dad & Kathy's house in Pioneer yesterday and there was enough snow around the house to do some playing in the snow without having to drive anywhere! His Aunt Nancy came up for lunch and joined us with some playing in the snow. We all took a turn in the sled with him and he even went on a few runs on his own! He loved it and kept saying, "I'na do it again!" As a testament to how much he enjoyed it, he threw an absolute fit when it was time to come in and I had to run back out after him in my socks! You should be able to click the picture of him with his Oma (above) to see our web album. Nancy's Web Album has some great pictures, too (sorry for the duplicates).

As for me, I've accomplished my goals for the weekend: nap, read (I finished House of Mondavi and am on to Sea Glass), paint my nails, play in the snow with my boy and enjoy my mother-in-law's cooking. We do get spoiled when we're up here. We've also re-watched a couple movies: Curious George with Xander and V for Vendetta last night after he went to bed...and by the way, that movie has some great quotes. Anyway, I'm hoping we'll watch High School Musical tonight. I'm feeling generous, so if we get to watch it, I'll probably subtract a chick flick from the 3 Jon still owes me for No Country for Old Men.

Love. This.

I put this on in my car yesterday and it just makes we want to dance. I just love this song and I just love Angie Stone. I think she's so HOT and SO underrated. Love, love, love Angie Stone.

It's Johnny Cammareri!

I guess this is what you do when you don't yet have a central, overriding theme to your blog...you just write about what is on your mind.

So, last night I wanted to watch a movie to get me through the drudgery of the long overdue task of organizing my Christmas ornaments for storage. Yes, I know it is February.

Jonathan and I have been on a depressing movie track (he still owes me 3 chick flicks because I saw No Country for Old Men with him), so I had to watch something fun. I settled on Moonstruck.

What a great, feel-good flick. I've always loved this movie and I never get tired of it. Watching it is like spending time at a family gathering and it always makes me think of my family. My mom and my uncle James in particular like it very much and whenever we talk about it, we always say, "it's Johnny Cammareri!" I guess I inherited my dorkiness and really, the only people I know who think this is funny are my mom and my uncle James.

This is one of many great scenes, but there are too many to pick a favorite.

Anyway, it got me thinking: why must something be depressing, tragic and heartbreaking to be critically acclaimed? Moonstruck was a big winner at the Oscars, but it seems like it has been a long time since something positive, romantic and endearing has received critical acclaim.

I have a friend who just won't see downer movies, even if they are up for Oscars and I'm thinking that it's not such a bad philosophy. It's similar to my aversion to Oprah Book Club picks. Always a downer, an Oprah Book Club book. In fact, I was shocked when she had Eat Pray Love on her list. I've realized that I'm after a lot more inspiration and joy and less realism. More movies with lines like, "It's Johnny Cammareri!" that can make me laugh just thinking about them.

art and marketing...

I (finally) saw Brokeback Mountain. Yes, I am one of those folks who finally got around to it because of Heath Ledger's death. I am a cultural lemming at times. So sue me. Remember, I did read the story, so that cancels out some of my unhipness and lemmingn-ness. So there.

Yep, it was as heartbreaking as I thought it'd be. Good lord, great acting...on the whole cast's part. Really good.

I loved what I read on Wikipedia about the film poster (left): "The film's significance has been attributed to its portrayal of a same-sex relationship without any reference to the history of the gay civil rights movement.[29] This emphasizes the tragic love story aspect, which leads many commentators to effectively compare Ennis and Jack's drama to classic and modern romances like Romeo and Juliet or Titanic, often using the term star-crossed lovers.[30][31][32] This link to classic romances is no coincidence: the poster for the film was inspired by that of James Cameron's Titanic, after Ang Lee's collaborator James Schamus looked at the posters of "the 50 most romantic movies ever made".[33]"

Ah, art and marketing...combined to pull the heartstrings.

This kind of says it all for me today...

"I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty." - Imelda Marcos

Giving up the Gossip

Heath Ledger's death. So sad. So very sad. I don't know much about him and have only seen a few of his movies (hey, I was pregnant when Brokeback Mountain came out and could barely handle the emotion of the previews, let alone sit through the movie...I did read the short story it is based on though, so there!) , but look at him (right). If anything, a beautiful specimen. I mean, look at that smile.

I've always had an intense aversion and fear of drugs and now that I'm a mom, it freaks me out even more to hear of young people with young kids dying, particularly in a way that might have been prevented somehow. Not that I'm particularly young, but oy vey. I think of my son and the heartbreak the world has in store for him. So, on that downer note, I'm trying not to read too much about it as I know that the truth won't ever really be known…and everyone has their own perspective…particularly the media.

I've been thinking about the media and our consciousness a lot and I just read a thought-provoking post on a blog I read about Ambien and I tend to agree with Maggie. I too, am "having a hard time believing that it's possible to "accidentally" take a lethal overdose of Ambien." And, I didn't realize so many folks were having such a hard time getting to sleep, but it I can't say it surprises me.

I think all the media that we're exposed to is a major culprit. Jonathan and I gave up TV just over a year ago and that (combined with getting treatment for our sleep apnea--another post waiting to be written) has given us a much better quantity and quality of sleep…even with a toddler in the house. I never thought I'd be able to do it as I love entertainment in general, but it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Occasionally, I catch an episode of Grey's Anatomy or Ugly Betty, but really, internet TV viewing is very unreliable and who can go to sleep after an episode like this anyway? We sleep more, talk more, and see movies we couldn't get around to watching when we had TV. We average about one DVD viewing a week and don't really miss the TV…or the commercials. In fact, I can always tell when he's been spending too much time zoning out on his computer…he starts sleeping poorly.

We're well on our way to being totally uncool.

So, this train of thought brought me back again to one of my current goals: to avoid gossip.

It has been just over two days since I clicked on Perez Hilton and boy, have I missed it. I used to be a magazine addict and I substituted magazines with daily visits to PH's site in hopes of saving a little cash and consuming less paper. Granted, I learned about some great music via Perez (Amy Winehouse, James Morrison, etc.) but the negativity and highlighting of a lot of society's ills via the doings of various celebrities…well, it was starting to get to me. The tragic, minute-by-minute updates on Britney Spears were getting toxic (pun intended, but seriously), to say the least. So, I chose to remove the site from my bookmarks and go cold turkey.

This decision happened to coincide with my "reading" (listening to the book on CD) The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz. The first Agreement is to "Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love." I'm betting that Perez is not kosher. Oh, well. If I gave up TV, I can give up Perez and hopefully, someday, gossip.