Why we don't have a nanny

Menike had to go to Richmond today regarding her green card. Since I have been on the job only 5 days, I thought it would be unwise to request a vacation day. Granted, I am just "setting up the office" and reading SOPs, but you never know who might call. Plus, I have Pilates at lunchtime.

Tara came through once again and had a reccomendation for us. Her cousin is nearby at Georgetown. Colleen was busy, but her roommate Kathy was happy to pitch in. While not Harry's usual grandparent, 30-something friend, Pediatrician -in- training or Assisstant to Laura Bush, I figured a Georgetown Jr. wasn't too bad.

But what to expect? Could have been some bookish geek, or someone who doesn't care about the child and just needs the cash, or any number of other scenarios. Turns out, she is awesome! Cute and smart (in a common sense kind of way) and seems to be very patient with both Harry and Bailey. I don't think Bailey has stolen any of his snacks! And that was without being threatened!

So what is the problem! Well, 1- I am very thirsty and don't want Harry to see me! 2- I am upstairs listening to the interaction without getting anything done! She's awesome and Harry's awesome and Bailey is being good. This is great! I just need to learn how to ignore them!

I think we still need to asure Menike that no one is stealing her job. It is nice to have options now too!

Back to pumpkins…

The Voyagers Cinderella run was brought to a screeching halt last night after being defeated in the finals by the Swarm. Actually a very good game against a very good team (personally I don't know how they were only seeded #2). Save for an interesting succession of crosschecks to the back of Nate's head in the waning moments, even a clean game. There's always next season, though it's been difficult lately to discern when one season ends and another begins…

Speaking of seasons, it was great to wake up to a relatively crisp Autumn morning today, even though it was to the sound of Harry wanting out of his crib at 6:15 (what happened to him sleeping until 7 you ask? Well I'd like to know too!), he had a very productive evening on Tuesday, so I'll let it slide.

Productive?

In a word, yes. You see Harry has some great blocks that he got from my Mom and Les a while back. He loves them. The colors, the shapes, the sounds they make after flying across the room… loves them. But last night, rather than immediately knocking over the "tower" (read: any 2 or more blocks on top of each other), he decided to build with them. Deliberately… methodically… intentionally… carefully… patiently. All descriptors that had you been looking at him 15 minutes earlier when he was whining and squirming to get out of his highchair, you'd never associate with the boy.

So you can understand my astonishment that immediately gave way to pride when he kept quietly sorting and matching and stacking on top of the pile. Doing his best to balance them atop one another without knocking anything down. And if he did, quickly picking up the offending piece to try to place it back from whence it came.

It's truly amazing to watch someone learn.

Tomorrow is Harry's cousin Patrick's 6 month birthday. They haven't gotten to meet each other yet, but perhaps will someday soon. We haven't heard much from Bryan & Anna in a while, but can only assume that "no gnus is good gnus." Thinking back to our own schedules a year ago, things were quite hectic. As I understand Bryan is, I was also starting a new job at that juncture, and was still trying to get the routine down.

Speaking of new jobs & routines, as has been mentioned, Kim is back on the road with her new company, and the old routine that has become new of playing single Dad in a new house has been fun. I guess it's really not that big of a deal, but I think both Harry and I had become so used to Kim getting up with him, whilst I run up and down stairs trying to find everything I need for the day (still living downstairs for the time being - hope to be sleeping upstairs by the weekend). He's not been particularly fond of having to wait for me to be finished before he even gets to start.

I ended yesterday's post with a quip about more vacation reflections to come, but they may have to wait a bit. If I can come up with some more time to gather my thoughts coherently rather than running amuck, I'll get them up here.

Not to make too many beer-league hockey references, but I got an interesting comment from Aunt Jenn last night after the game. She apparently had mentioned to her mother that she wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make the game last night, with Kim being out of town. Mrs. Kersanty was quick to relay that I would indeed be playing as I was able to get a babysitter (huge thanks again to Aidan!!)…

Better watch what I say...

;-)

So where have we been and gone since my last post…

It's been a while, so I'll try to gather my thoughts before rambling on and on in overlapping circles, never really getting anywhere. Stream of consciousness is an interesting thing (even to us non-psychologist-types), but unless you're up for some seriously circuitous logic, it can be quite overwhelming…

First off, our "vacation" south to Nags Head was nice… in my best Rich impersonation, "…intra-sting!" As many of you are well aware, not everyone made it down, but for those of us there, I think it was good to get some time away from work. However, not to say that the vacation was stress-free, as we had our own hurricane worries all week (I think even Kim was getting sick of watching the Weather Channel). Luckily, it decided to remain off the coast of Cape Hatteras, rather than slamming into the Duck / Kitty Hawk / Kill Devil Hills area. We had a nice dinner / playtime visit with Katherine, Kenny, Ally and Maddie ( I PROMISE we'll keep Bailey from barking next time…). The trip home was marked most notably by the fact that Harry slept all the way from Duck to Williamsburg, and almost the rest of the way home. Of course this was broken up very neatly by some well-deserved screaming in Colonial Williamsburg, but I digress.

Back home again to a whirlwind brunch the next morning with the FIT crew and a very nice (albeit intimidating) invite to the cul-de-sac/block party across the street that evening. At the insistence of the neighborhood kid contingent, we seem to have taken the place of the Hart's (previous homeowners) in the local social hierarchy… is that good or bad? Not sure yet, but have gotten some very friendly waves & good morning's since then.

And back to work we go… well back to work I went. As Kim has pointed out, she finally had her last day at PRA International, and then a week in between before starting her new gig with Scirex. She's off at a training and orientation session for this week in glorious Horsham PA. Does it get any better than that?

We ended up the week with a quick visit from Shirley Aiken & Charie Hubbard… in from Raleigh NC doing the tourist thing in DC last week, and they were able to stop by for some dinner & live entertainment (Harrison Himself) on Friday. Harry did his best impersonation of a well-behaved toddler, and flashed his dimples for all of the cameras, to everyone's delight.

Apparently IKEA is the new destination spot for Harry's entertainment and getting things for the house, at the same time. As many of you who have been to the house know, we still haven't quite moved upstairs into our Master bedroom yet, due both to a distinct lack of furniture, and an overabundance of boxes that somehow still have not unpacked themselves (not for lack of trying… we continually give them their privacy to do things on their own, yet they still don't seem to get the idea). That said, we headed back to Potomac Mills for another trip to the Scandinavian furniture Mecca that is IKEA, and Harry made sure to repeatedly hit every slide, mouse hole, and toy bin that has been strategically placed for just his type of attention span. All the while, we were actually able to make some productive and economical purchases for the new boudoir.

As is a direct result of any IKEA jaunt, have spent the last few nights assembling (I should go to work for them… I've gotten very good at understanding their instructions!), the upstairs is coming together nicely, even if it's still mostly in our heads. The process is certainly going to clear some clutter out, and hopefully make things very livable.

In the meantime, somehow the Voyagers managed to get back into the finals again. As many of you are aware, I have been adamant in the past about not getting a babysitter if Kim is away on a hockey night. However, as this is the FINALS after all, I broke down and made a call. Needless to say, Aidan came through like the champ she is, and will be coming over this evening to watch Harry sleep. Many thanks to her, and hopefully we'll actually win.

Not much reflection in this one, more of a documentary of the last few weeks. I know that's what some are looking for whenever I post, and I have every intention of doing so when I begin, but it doesn't always end up there. Rather than go in circles, I figured I'd set the line first, and hopefully come back later to elaborate on things. Mind you, that isn't to say that there's a wealth of inspired composition on its way, but I thought I should first establish a baseline before going off on some wacky tangent.

That's all for now...

Shamrocks!

Harry and I found a 4 Leaf Clover yesterady! An honest to goodness trifolium repens!
Kevin's bummed, because he'd been searching the patches.

I remember seeking them out as a child, but they were as hard to find as the end of a rainbow.

History of the four leaf clover:

The four leaf clover is a universally accepted symbol of good luck with its origin ages old...
"The clovers also occupied a position in the cultural life of early peoples. White clover (T. repens L.) in particular was held in high esteem by the early Celts of Wales as a charm against evil spirits." Clover Science and Technology". N.L. Taylor, 1985.Druids held the 4 leaf clover in high esteem and considered them a sign of luck. In 1620, Sir John Melton wrote: "If a man walking in the fields find any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after find some good thing.The mystique of the four leaf clover continues today, since finding a real four leaf clover is still a rare occurrence and omen of good luck.

Excellent!

Harry is 17 months old today!!!
Below are some notes from Sesame Street's Crib Notes.
Harry is textbook as usual. He loves Snoedel, and he loves hiding in closests and rooms nad cabinets (even dark ones!) so that he can peak out and giggle. Separation Anxiety has also peaked. I may have to look into one of those hip harnesses...


YOUR 17-MONTH-OLD
Crib Notes From Sesame Beginnings
Posted by Grace Bennett

**************************************************
***Separations and That Special Blankie
***When You Need to Leave
***More Comfort
**************************************************

***SEPARATIONS AND THAT SPECIAL BLANKIE

Has your toddler yet chosen a special teddy or blankie to help him weather life's more stressful moments, like your leaving him with a babysitter or taking him for shots? If it hasn't already, that special lovey or "comfort object" will become one of the most important--if not the most important--items in your household for some time to come.

Somewhere between the ages of 15 and 19 months, a toddler becomes capable of forming a mental image of you that he can conjure up when you're not around. Unfortunately, that mental image may not always be sufficient to sustain him emotionally during even the briefest separation--like when you need to run upstairs to grab a diaper. If you're like me, you probably have a pint-sized companion shadowing your every step and have become more or less resigned to the company even when you're on the john.

WHEN YOU NEED TO LEAVE
Occasionally you need to lose your little shadow, whether it's for a 20-minute run to the grocer or a drop-off at a babysitter's or Grandma's for a more extended period. A comfort object won't magically stop your child's tears or prevent her from feeling anxiety, but once you're away, it can make your absence that much more tolerable. If she can't always rely on you to be next to her at her every waking moment, well, then she may as well turn to her always available and cuddly elephant or Raggedy Ann doll to stand in. Makes sense to me.

My daughter Anna's teddy had certainly done all that for her and more by the time she was 14 months, but as Ari approached senior toddlerhood he still didn't have a lovey. I tried my best, lining up the walls of his crib with an array of stuffed animals for him to choose from, talking up each one from time to time." Doesn't George (the famous monkey) look cuddly?" or "Give Oinky a roly poly pink pig a big hug!" Ari would play and enjoy each of them, but no one of them seemed to cast a spell on him that would make it his main squeeze in lieu of me.

Then one night I was reading to Ari before bedtime, wearing an old soft flannel nightgown that has dozens of mini teddy bears floating around on it. I'd worn it frequently since Ari was born, both because it is so comfortable and because I thought Ari might be amused by it. As I read to him that night, Ari stroked my arm and my lap in this incredibly heartwarming, loving manner. When I went to put him to bed, an idea struck me. I peeled off my nightgown and put it in the crib with him. My son became delirious, giggling and rolling with the nightgown as if it were a new golden retriever puppy. "Like teddy gown!" he said, officially naming my nightgown, and eventually drifted off to sleep with a smile. From that moment on, I was down one nightgown, but Ari had finally found a new best friend.

These days our separations are easier for Ari. To enhance your toddler's comfort factor when you're not around, encourage her to use her teddy or blankie in role-play. Say, "Time for Teddy to go to sleep," for example.
Together, tuck the teddy inside a blanket, read him a favorite book, and give him a hug and a kiss. Then allow her to help you turn off the lights and say good night and sleep tight.

Let him take his comfort object along with him on those errands and trips that can seem disconcertingly unpredictable to your toddler. If you deprive him of a comfort object, you send a message that he'll "just have to cope" when he's feeling uncomfortable or you're not around. And that's a hard pill to swallow at this age.

Your child is unlikely to outgrow her object of affection any time soon, although it might become her little secret. When my daughter was asked to bring in her favorite teddy for a kindergarten party, she chose a cute white one she owns, but one that I've rarely seen her play with. "Why not Teddy?" I asked her, referring to the mousy brown number she's slept with and toted around for years. "Because no one knows I still sleep with him, Mommy!" she whispered.

***MORE COMFORT

Sometimes it can seem as though your 17-month-old is on a roller-coaster ride with his emotions--deliriously happy one moment, cranky and distressed the next. That's perfectly normal, and what he needs most is for you to stay close to him on that ride. At 17 months your child obviously has an intense need for a great deal of attention and affection from you. Here are a few more ways to achieve that:

*Graduate to hide and seek. You may already notice that the simple peek-a-boo games your child adored as a baby may not elicit the same number of giggles. Don't take that as a sign that your child doesn't appreciate the peek-a-boo concept anymore. He's just ready for you to take it to the next level, one in which you begin to encourage a passion for hide and seek. Chase your toddler from one room to the next. Wherever you two end up, and even if your child is in full sight, call out: "Where's Caitlyn? I don't see Caitlyn." When she jumps out and says, "Here I am!"
or even if she's just standing there, act extremely surprised and delighted to see her by exclaiming, for example, "Hurray! I found you!"

*If you're pregnant, feel free to talk about the new baby coming. While your 17-month-old may not completely comprehend the event, there's no harm in talking casually about it and sharing books with your toddler that may help familiarize her with the concept of becoming a big sister.

If the baby has already arrived, be extremely sensitive to your toddler's need to stay close to you. At this age it's especially tough to accept the notion of sharing you with anyone, so the extra attention is really critical. Include her when you're nursing, for example, by keeping one arm around her, or set aside special cuddle-and-play times exclusively for her that will remind her that she's still your baby and very much loved.

Revel in your affectionate toddler this month! Next month I'll write to you about toddler eating habits. I'll tell you about the days Ari turned up his nose to peas and carrots and how I coped when he began to swear off anything even remotely healthy.

Best wishes,
Grace Bennett

Grace Bennett, a mother of two young children, lives in Chappaqua, New York and writes frequently for Sesame Workshop.

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2 different friends recommended a diet for me to help eliminate IBS, as well as other symptoms.

Here is my list of legals and illegals:
Breaking The Vicious Cycle

The good news: Vodka and Club Soda have made the cut!
Bad news: This is gonna suck for a while!

A key factor will be making my own yogurt (pronounced YO-GERT). This shoudl make everyone's intestinal tract happy.

Harry's Day Off

I started to turn blue and get dizzy. I was waiting for Kevin to actually post something about our vacation, and I was holding my breath!

Oops!! I am really going to hear it for saying that! Yikes!

Anyway, in the meantime, while I wait on the edge of my seat (hey, I like to read Kevin's thoughts, okay?!), I thought I'd chat about Harry's day off yesterday.

I am off this week while I wait to start my new job on Sunday evening. Now that separation anxiety has kicked in full force, not sure how Harry will do without me for a few days when I head to Horsham, PA for training...right now we are easing him back into his routine...or tossing him into it- depends how you look at it.

His sleep is back on track. Couldn't be better. He is in bed before 7:30 PM and stays in bed until 7 AM. That was off a bit while we were on vacation. Glad he is back to normal in that department.

His first day back at school on Monday was mixed with tears. I guess he forgot for a minute how much fun he has at school. Instead of closing the door on Kevin on Monday, he burst into tears. Menike said that ended shortly after, but it still doesn't leave you with warm fuzzies.

Yesterday, I think, was Columbus day, so Infant Toddler was off. My mom came down originally to watch Harry, but since I was off anyway, we all just hung out. Harry was not too into the serious quality time with Grandmom. Oh no. Not when Mommy was here to pick him up every 5 seconds. Yes, Separation Anxiety has PEAKED. No one else can even push him in his stroller!

So, we went to the Tot Lot. I got to meet all of the local Nannies (and there are many!).We then headed off to The Little Gym for 1 of our 3 make up classes. Harry hasn't been there since he learned to walk, so it took him a while to warm up, especially since I woke him up to head inside. Once he got used to the place, he was all over, running from one activity to the next. They didn't do any bar work today, but he walked on the mats through the parallel bars himself, and did some tumbling. He was all about the bubbles at the end. He pretty much followed the instructor around looking for more!

Afterwards, we headed to Chicken Out for some lunch. For some reason, this is Harry's favorite restaurant. He could stay there all day, just watching people. He is not like this as much at any other place, but he is always like this at Chicken Out. They have cool high chairs, and food that he likes. I don't know what the real difference is though. Anyway, it gives you a break so you can have a good meal.

Later, Grandmom went home, and Harry took a nap. Headed to the park across the street, which is not as much fun. The swings are too low and the wood chips are not smooth. We also climbed stairs. Then it was 4 PM and Kevin still was not home. What to do, what to do...we had a cookie and hung out on the front steps. That was our day. Today he is back at school, and hopefully he went willingly.

Next mission: assigning a Halloween costume. I wanted to do Bam Bam, but only if he can just wear the saber tooth diaper. Since it is [possible it may be cold that day...Josh M.s idea is that Harry be a little business man. I am sure he won't have any trouble carrying around a cell phone and a briefcase. Comments are welcome. Bam Bam or Business man?

So, we're back from vacation.
Is it weird that we don't "do vacation" very well?

I think it was Rich or Shelly or maybe both that said it took at least 3 days to unwind.

I am not so good at unwinding. Kevin hates vacation. Based on Harry's foot stomping, I'd have to say a week may be too much.
Plus, we have so much fun at home!

Today I skipped out on my 12 mile run with Tara. Now I will have to go it alone tomorrow. I felt rather dehydrated though. But, in case 2 of my 3 readers are reading this, I WILL RUN TOMORROW. I SWEAR!!!

Kevin hung out with Harry and took him to Trader Joe's while I did a quick once over of the still not yet unpacked house. I suspect I sent my brunch invite from my PRA email, so I didn't know how many people I was expecting today at 11:30. Luckily/unluckily, nearly everyone I expected to come made it. It was very nice to have time to hang out with Claudette (in from Dallas) as well as the other Lime Green Ladies. It always seems like when Claudette is here she never left! And May made it up with Arwen. I think this is really the first baby Harry has ever seen. The DePasquale kid is nearly bigger then Harry, and the kids in swimming were a bit older then Arwen (and I forgot about them), and baby Tyler was all wrapped up…Harry touched her feet a few times and said "Baby!"

As for words, he is doing SOOOOO well! It is freaky! Today he pointed to apples and said "Apple." A few times. Last week he was saying "Aminal" in regards to some plastic animals Katherien gave him. We bought him a toy that sings "Wheels on the Bus" and he says "Beep, Beep, Beep!" So cute! And, most impressively, he points to his belly and says "Poop" when he, well, poops. I think I need to talk to some folks about this one. Whiel I was optimistic about putting the potty in the bathroom…do I really want to potty train a 17 month old? Even a 2 year old? Seems a bit difficult.

Anyway, I feel badly we did not make it to Noah's first birthday. Noah is Konnie's son from PRA, and they just moved to Maryland from Georgetown. Hopefully we can schedule a play date soon. My brunch actually lingered until 5 so I couldn't have made it if I'd tried.

The neighbors must have been watching, because as Jeanne and Claudette pulled away, 10 year olds Eileen and Elena ran up to see if we were joining them for the block party. It was kind of nice to be fetched, because we were actually a littlt intimidated about going to officially meet about 8 sets of neighbors at once! The party was pretty fun. The neighbors are great, and the 10 or 12 kids range in age from 3-14. These are the kids in the cul-de-sac across the street, plus Nicholas who is 8 and lives a couple of houses down. Ned is 3. He is the youngest. There are other little kids behind us, but Harry has not met them yet. He is usually asleep when they come by.

Harry definitely had fun with the big kids, and I think they had fun with him. He ran a little bit on the lawn with them. Eileen was helpful in keeping him out of the ivy. She and Nicholas also played on his bike with him. He really likes to watch them. He was careful, though, not to chase too much, and seemed content to sit on the curb with Eileen while the older boys rode bikes.

So, anyway, we have fun at home. A lot of the time, I feel like I am on vacation when I am home. We have fun!

Just back from vacation. Luckily, I have this coming week off!

So tired.

Need to sleep now.

Remembered on the way home I need to run 12 miles tomorrow.

Also having a brunch at 11, a birthday party in Bethesda at 2, a neighborhood potluck at 4...and we still need to unpack the car, the house, buy bedroom furniture...sleep!


Harry had a rough day today. Major meltdown in Colonial Williamsburg. Lots of foot stomping and screaming.

Luckily, no horses or oxen were scared off.

Once we got home, major tantrum, then enjoyed some cheese sticks and dipping sauce for dinner, followed by a bike ride and a brief hello with the neighborhood kids (actually, a very bold "HI!").

After his bath he was back to his calm self. He is sleeping now. I should be doing that soon too.

But first, had to share this link:

Coastal Lobster

This is where I ordered lobsters from for the gang at the beach on Tuesday.

Loved them! And the service was excellent.The company was attentive to my needs, and the lobsters were very affordable.

I miss them!

Hello everyone.

As you may have noticed in the blog, in the news, in your inbox.... it's been a pretty busy last few weeks.

All the while, Harry keeps on motoring right along in his world.

And may I reiterate once again... with feeling... that it is most undoubtedly HIS world.

Not that you'd notice from his overwhelming command of the spotlight in the (ahem) not very recent photos on the front page, or his recent maxillary exploits at daycare. But now, he once again has his own new vehicle. I say it's his, because the vast majority of logic behind its purchase relates directly to Harry and his aforementioned world... playdates, multiple carseats for friends, room for toys while traveling to vacation spots...

That said, it certainly doesn't seem to have gone unnoticed. Similarly to Kim, Harry obviously appreciates being above the traffic sightlines, and the panoramic views offered by the increased glass-to-steel ratio. All of this is clearly evidenced by his non-fidgety-ness and frequent powernapping in the back.

Hopefully this newfound relaxation and comfort will manifest itself in this weekend's Sojurn to the South*, as we all pile in (yes... Bailey is even coming - against my better judgment) to head to Duck NC for a week with friends. We're certainly planning ahead, assuming that it would be unwise to push the in-car sitting for too long, and are planning to break up the journey with a mid-trip stopover in Colonial Williamsburg for a leg-stretch.

So a trip to break in the new minivan, get Kim & Harry to the beach, get Bailey out of the house, and visit friends (BTW, very bummed that Kim & John had to back out at the last minute... hope to see you guys soon!), and for us all to finally go on a real vacation.

For at least a few years, we (the PA McDermott's) used to go to the Outer Banks with the CT McDermott's. Granted the memories aren't quite as vivid as the trip to Maine** , I do recall NC being somewhat of a good time. Hopefully this time, as when Kim and I met Elliot down there, I get to be in on more of the fun.

As previously noted, I've never been known for my ability to recall past events... Hopefully we can change that for the little man, and get him some good ones!


* Anyone who can correctly identify this reference gets a buck.

** Anyone who can correctly identify this reference owes me a buck for having to be stuck watching it.

Some Useful Links

Kevin's office is distributing supplies to hurricane survivors. My company is donating frquent flyer miles and collecting funds.

You can donate airline miles to the Make-a-Wish Foundation by going to http://www.wish.org/home/giving/airmiles.htm

You can also donate airline miles to the Red Cross but the webpage is available only intermittently. Try http://www.redcross.org/donate/donatemiles.html or the Red Cross home page at http://www.redcross.org

Also, a band we really like, Cowboy Mouth, is from New Orleans. They are a positive group and the lead singer, also the drummer, reminds you a bit of Animal from the Muppets - on RedBull!

Fred's got his own blog site and it gives you a bit of an insider's perspective on things.
http://www.fredleblanc.com

Here's a note from Fred:

From: Fred LeBlanc [mailto:baddaddy63@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2005 11:37 PM
To: McDermott, Kimberly
thank you so much for helping our fellow new orleanians.
and thanx for the goood thoughts. gotta stay ppositive, gootta stay on it.
thank you very much.
Fred

No Act is Truly Selfless.

I believe it was Phoebe Bouffet who said this.

I just finished loading up Kevin's entire car with new and used merchandise. His work is gathering actual supplies to take to the DC Armory to be distributed to Hurricane Katrina Survivors.

I feel like I am doing my part. I cleared out some stuff that I don't need/don't want/wouldn't otherwise part with but should and making room in my house so that I can buy newer sheet sets, new flip flops, fresher food products, nicer clothes. I calculate a $2300 tax deduction. I get a warm fuzzy feeling that I get to help someone.

You know that reaction Schindler has when the war is over? You know that look Harry Connick, Jr. has on his face right now? I feel a little bit like that. While I am not directly responsible for the welfare of millions, and no matter what I could give would likely not be enough, I still feel like I should do more. But yet I sit here, sacing some shampoo to take on vacation, saving the T-shirts that I still kind of liking, not parting with that spare box of Gu.

I still haven't donated any money to the cause. I still didn't donate to the fund for a colleague at work who passed, or another friend, or yet another friend's mom. I don't even think my automatic Humane Society deduction is still made.

There are so many causes. And life can be so stressful as it is. I work hard so that I can give, and a lot of the time I do. But I feel like I should be doing more. But then, if I were there, in the midst of it all...wouldn't some part of me feel I was there to be a hero? And wouldn't that be even less selfless? It is all so confusing.

In the meantime, I can get online and donate airline miles- for the airlines I don't fly very often. I can send Bailey's shoes to the ASPCA since she doesn't wear them anyway. Or I can donate cash. But how much? And to where?
ASPCA? Red Cross? Habitat for Humanity?
Even then, it's still a tax deduction.

We bought a mini van!

It is a butane blue Town & Country. It has 7 cup holders, and seating for 7 as well. It does not have Stow & Go seating because those were a lot bigger, and a big adjustment from driving a VW Cabrio. I will miss the blue skies above me, but it is nice to have the space.

Harry seems to like it. He can see a whole lot more. He is higher up. He is very well behaved in it so far (not that he is ever poorly behaved). He just reminds me of "Good Calvin" when he is in it.

Kevin thinks I will never need room for 7, but we have a party to go to tomorrow and may bring 3 friends along (it is in Maryland). So: HAH!

Now, to find the perfect stealie...

Oh, P.S. resigned from PRA. Last day is next Friday. I start a new one September 25th! Yaaay!