October 19, 2006

To those of you who commented on my last post, thank you so much for sharing such thought-provoking, respectful points of view. I feel like that conversation actually changed my perspective on the whole difficult subject, in a good way. A broadened way. That’s some pretty awesome blog-post fallout, you know? So: thank you.

:::

We had friends stay with us last night, a couple we’ve known for years who recently spent 12 months traveling around the world. They started in New Zealand, moved on to Asia, and then went to Africa before coming back home. I thought it might be awkward to spend time together, I thought that compared to traveling the Kalahari in a Land Rover and camping in Thailand the life we’ve been living for the last year would seem excruciatingly boring.

I mean, they’ve been doing this. And seeing things like this. While we’ve been, uh, changing a lot of diapers.

But of course we are all living rich and interesting lives in our own way, and they seemed as excited by Riley’s development (and even the progress on our remodel, which was awfully damn nice of them to care about being as how I personally find the subject about as thrilling as, say, watching drywall dry) as we were in their travel experiences.

The last time they visited was over a year ago when Riley was a tiny little suctopus who brought all conversation to a startled halt when he turbo-horked a geyser of milk all over the sofa, floor, and JB’s lap. This time I thought he would be infinitely more charming, but whether it was end-of-day weariness, the stimulation of having new people around (and their massive, friendly Golden Retriever), the alignment of the planets, or some combination thereof, Riley basically morphed into a human spider monkey whose temperament veered dizzily from Cackling with Insane Glee to Howling in Great Sorrow while he clambered around falling into things because he was too hyper to keep his freaking balance.

If this couple decides against having children, I think we’ll all know who’s to blame, is what I’m saying.

Tonight JB’s parents are coming to stay for a couple days, which certainly brings up the monthly average of our bed-and-breakfast hosting activities. I’m hoping their presence will allow JB and I to escape for a while on Friday or Saturday night; maybe see a movie, or eat a meal that doesn’t involve being anywhere near those godforsaken Gerber “Pasta Pickups”.

I’m guessing our weekend will involve lots of sitting around and talking, marveling over the grandchild, and if the weather cooperates, some park-walks or geocache outings. I know it’s only Thursday, but indulge me again, won’t you? – (and give me something to read when I sneak away from all the festive family bonding to the computer) – what are you doing this weekend?

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Trina
Trina
17 years ago

The hubby is out of town elk hunting, so Buster and I will be spending Saturday doing a bit of shopping and preparing for all of the cielings in our house to be sanded, re-textured, and painted next week.

If this beautiful Colorado weather cooperates, we are planning a hike on Sunday.

stan
stan
17 years ago

Not doing much this weekend (for a change). Catch up on chores, keep an eye on the soccer redults, watch final Formula 1 Grand Prix on TV. Now next weekend I’ll be….. duh, better keep that for next Friday!!

Daily Tragedies
17 years ago

I am headed to Yosemite — someplace I have never been, despite living in California for a year and a half already! — where I will attempt to not (a) be eaten by a bear, (b) plunge to my death off the edge of a cliff, (c) freeze to death in my unheated tent thingy, and (d) not swear in front of other people’s children while I curse myself for thinking that an 8-mile, all uphill hike sounded like a better way to spend the weekend than parked in front of the TV. Tune in on Monday to see if I survived!

PS — I love that your comments are numbered with Roman numerals! (Hi, my name is Kate, and I’m a dork. Hi, Kate.)

telegirl
telegirl
17 years ago

Yeah, our weekend plans are not so exciting.

Friday – Having 11 yards of dirt delivered so we can happily spread it out in the back yard in preparation for…

Saturday – Sod! Woo-hoo! Does life just get any better?! We get to lay out sod on Saturday and it’s oh, so much fun! You’re welcome to join if you’d like. (anyone?! ANYONE?!)

I haven’t done this yet, but I might just play the pregnancy card and let the hubby handle the sod. I’ll push the dirt around but everyone keeps freaking out about me painting and doing smaller things. Surely, moving big ol’ rolls of sod aren’t good for a pregnant woman. Right?! Help me out here! :o)

aoife
17 years ago

I am going to a henna party tomorrow night at a friend’s house. Her husband will hole himself up with the children and movies in the bedroom while get our hands painted for Eid (which is on Monday).

Karla
17 years ago

I am going to a conference call “The Everything about Sex Show” where there will be tons of seminars, fashion shows, and workshops. I am 7 months pregnant, and think sex is about as lovely as washing my face with sandpaper right now, but I figure it’s the least I can do for my husband.

As a compromise, I’m dragging him to Costco with me because I’m much more interested free food samples these days.

sunShine
17 years ago

Friday night we are going to eat pizza at our favorite pizza place and then hubby and our daughter are going to his grandparents for the evening. The babe and I are feeling a little under the weather and we really don’t want to subject them to this sickness, so we will go home and snuggle on the sofa and watch the Wiggles.

On Saturday we are taking the kids to pick out a pumpkin so I can take lots of cheesy/cute pics of them with all the pumpkins. Then we will carve the pumpkin intn something fantastic. If I was really creative I would take all the goo from the pumpkin and make a pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for that to happen.

Sunday I hope to rest!

Colleen
Colleen
17 years ago

Running the Chicago Marathon and staying far away from the law library!!!

Mrs. Breedorf
17 years ago

Our first (of 4) baby signing class is on Sunday afternoon. We’re hosting, so the teacher and 4 other families will sitting in our living room, smiling maniacally and making the gestures for “milk”, “more”, and “eat” at our bewildered offspring. Dixie will be out on the deck, peering glumly at us through the glass doors. Saturday, we’ll be trying to de-dog-hairify the house in preparation for Sunday.

Danielle
Danielle
17 years ago

No big plans here either – might go shopping for furniture for my 2 yr old, as #2 is due in feb. and I don’t want to have to buy another crib. the thought of him being in a bed terrifies me!!! Why can’t they stay in cribs until their teens??
Weekends are just like weekdays to me, with less options on tv, being a stay at home mom, that is what happens :)

theowl
17 years ago

Getting ready for my new photography show and then packing my gear and backs for my month-long trip to Pakistan and Philippines. Plus, taking pics of my insanely beautiful wife and child. During the few moments when Jules is smiling and not screaming do to her top front teeth coming in.

Ah, what was life like back when I had eardrums. “No, dear … I swear I didn’t ignore you. I just couldn’t hear you. Our spawn has deafened me. What? Say that again.”

Christian

theowl
17 years ago

Now, why did I sign my name? I must be writing waaaay to many emails during the day.

theowl
17 years ago

… and NO! I did not mispell “BAGS.” I meant to say “BACKS.” As in medium-format and large-format film backs that you stick on cameras. They’re the holders that … hold … the film. Ummm.. Never mind.

Let’s hear it for comment-posting abuse!

LLL
LLL
17 years ago

Not working. After working 12 days ina row I am going to rest and spend time with the baby (and hopefully talk my husband — who is a stay at home Dad — into letting me sleep-in one morning). Might also visit the Japanese Gardens in Portland, they are having a Bonsai display. Watch all my recorded shows (America’s Next Top Model, Meercat Manor, Big Cat Diaries, Desp. Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy). Visist with the husband and lie low.

Audrey
Audrey
17 years ago

My husband’s working hard to finish a job in Seattle, so it will be me, the pup, and the baby growing in my belly. I think we’ll rake the leaves, check out some resale stores for maternity/baby stuff, have dinner with a girlfriend, work on getting the house clean, and sleep. And, I want roast chicken so maybe I’ll throw some cooking in there, too. Oh, and pick up the chocolate cake with peanut butter filling that I ordered from a gourmet bakery to celebrate our one-year anniversary (a few months late) and to celebrate one year in our own home…I may end up getting to eat the whole thing by myself, too!!

Have a great weekend with the in-laws; I hope you and JB get some adult time with free babysitting…

Maggie
Maggie
17 years ago

This weekend I am hosting a PartyLite party (got suckered into that one), and packing for my trip. I am going to New Hampshire to surprise my best friend, who is on leave from Afghanistan.

I hope he doesn’t read this site!

victoria
victoria
17 years ago

You mean that your last post didn’t attract any comments along the lines of “UR going to hell”? Wow, the internet is shaping up.

Trash
17 years ago

Bringing M. Small to his first visit to the circus, which sounds both scary and hy-sterical at the same time.

samantha
samantha
17 years ago

We have an exciting fun-filled weekend ahead of us!

First, on Saturday, we are going to pick up our daughter’s birthday present out of lay-away. Then, we are taking our lhasa apso, Obi, to get her nails trimmed.

As for the night-time activities, we are driving almost fifty miles away for my husband’s niece’s 24th birthday celebration, which will undoubtedly involve lots of alcohol, cigarette smoke, and crappy music turned up way too loud.

Sunday, we are cleaning, the thourough (sp) kind of cleaning, involving a swiffer and vacuum. Should be a GREAT weekend.

Sueellen
17 years ago

First time commenter-love your site! This weekend will be spent moving my computer to another room; with lots of reading, naps and me time in between.

Erin
Erin
17 years ago

This weekend we will be:

Selling my old car (never buy a Kia!)
Signing a lease to our new apartment, picking out a pumpkin and doing much carving, seed roasting and enjoying the cool weather. We will also probably sit on our butts and play video games…I’ll enjoy every minute of it!

Oh not to mention watching our 2 new kitties hiss at the older kitties…This activity is actually quite funny…sad but true!

Linda, what would you say would be a good way to get into photography? It has always interested me, but I don’t know what kind of camera to buy or where to start. I love black and white photos and the pictures you take are absolutely incredible!

Brad
Brad
17 years ago

I will buy my first car this weekend.

katie d
17 years ago

LAURA, my friends wear long skirts and blouses with a bohemian, naturey feel. Just wear something pretty and simple and you’ll be fine. :) It’s the same as a wedding, just in a more relaxed setting, so you generally want to avoid formal type things. I mean, don’t go all super casual, but you don’t want to be all belted and rhinestoned up, either. All the handfastings I’ve been to were outside.

SUNDRY/LINDA, I spent all day yesterday (Friday) reviewing and editing images of Giverny and going to the grocery store. Today I’m doing the same thing, replacing the grocery shopping with surfing the web. I may also go out tonight and take pictures of the Eiffel Tower. Tomorrow, I’ll be doing more image reviewing and laundry, and possibly meeting with my illustrator. And taking pictures during the evening, if I don’t do so tonight.

As for your life being boring, I don’t think it is. I often read your blog and wish I had the life you seem to. Even in Paris, I covet your life, so obviously it’s not as boring as you think it is. :)

Kiwi
17 years ago

Trying to get my professional illustrator’s portfolio website up and running (ARGH CSS, WHY?!), cleaning the house while boyfriend works from 10am-2am both Saturday and Sunday, meeting up for brunch with a friend from Indiana – I’m in NYC – and hopefully finishing off an illustration for a t-shirt company so I have money and maybe *just maybe* finishing off the curtains for our bedroom I’ve promised to make for the past two months we’ve lived in this apartment.

It’s fun to bite off more than one can chew.

Christine
17 years ago

It’s already the weekend, but I didn’t see your post til tonight…..I’m at Disney World! That’s what I am doing this weekend. Taking my 8 year old on her first Disney vacation! DAMN is it HOT here in Orlando!!

Amy
Amy
17 years ago

This isn’t about my weekend (which has already past) but I hope you end up reading it anyhoo. May I ask, as a traveler and dog lover, how your friends were gone for a year but have a huge Golden Retriever? Cause, man, that’s lucky!

John McCoy
17 years ago

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