My apologies, but my mind has dissolved into a cloud of ... hm? Wha? I'm sorry, I've lost my train of thought.
I'm in one of those incapacitated states that comes with overload. I've got too much going on, too many thoughts roaming free range, and not enough sleep or energy to deal with them properly. So you're going to get yet another jumble of updates, instead of a nice, orderly, thematic post.
My bad.
Scorpions, and how I loathe them.
Seriously, seriously, seriously hate them. The are anathema to my peace of mind. Case in point: two nights ago, I went in to get Caroline at about 5:30 a.m. because she was fussing. I bent over to pick her up and as I lifted her, I caught sight of a GIANT, VERY ACTIVE SCORPION on her wall ABOVE HER CRIB! As in, ABOVE WHERE I LAY HER WEE FUZZY HEAD TO SLEEP EACH AND EVERY NIGHT! I'm sorry, am I SCREAMING?! GOOD, because DAMN! A SCORPION COULD HAVE EATEN MY BABY!
I dispatched Todd to kill the SOB, and kept Caroline in our bed for the rest of the morning. Clearly, there was no other choice.
We had the house treated about a week ago, but those buggers are tenacious. My friend, Em, who's company did the treating, said they have to actually come out and get all cozy with the poison before it can work. And then, because of their exoskeleton, it takes a good long while to actually kill them. We've seen four scorpions since that treatment. It's summer, and it's freakin' surface-of-the-sun hot here, so it's not surprising. Yet somehow, I derive no comfort from that.
Speaking of cribs
Caroline got so pissed off the other night when I insisted on putting her back in her crib to sleep, instead of the comfy crook of my arm during my extremely limited alone time (was watching Gran Tornino, by the way, which was great), that she CLIMBED OUT OF THE CRIB, OPENED THE DOOR, and OVER TO MY BED!
Am I yelling again? Sorry. But !!! and also, ?!?!?!
She hasn't repeated this stunt, but I do think the clock is ticking on the cribs life expectancy. I'm really not looking forward to a big girl bed for Caroline. Here's why:
1. Cost
Even at the cheapest scenario I've worked out, we're looking at a new bed frame, mattress, and bedding.
2. Mobility
Clearly, Caroline has no qualms with exiting a bed - or a room, for that matter. I have visions of her climbing into Hannah's bed to jump on her head, throw toys at her, or generally perturb her peaceful slumber. See also, our peaceful slumber.
3. She's my baby
4. Did I mention she can't be old enough for this yet?
Designy
When I get all mushy-brained like this, I like to do visual creative stuff. That's the technical term for photography or (unpaid) design. Stuff that's just for fun and not under any sort of deadline. I'm thinking of redesigning this blog. In fact, I'm thinking of redesigning it on a semi-regular basis. Without, you know, committing to anything.
I want to work up some invitations to Caroline's second birthday party (!!!), but she won't pause long enough for a decent photo! I'll have to make a more concerted effort to chase her down this week.
Speaking of parties
I think we're either doing a plain-Jane birthday party at home or a party at the local pool for Caroline. It's hot as Hades, so the pool sounds nice and comes with the added benefit of no home cleaning. But it's also a bit of a pain to watch lots of kids at a pool, what with all the potential drowning, etc. Good thing I've got so much time to decide! Hey, wait... dammit!
"Surviving and Thriving"
I was interviewed by the local business journal last week for a story about strategies freelancers are using to "survive and thrive" in the recession. At first, I had to laugh, because I wasn't sure I really had any "strategies". But after I sat down and thought about it, there is a certain method to my madness. The interview went well and the story should run in a couple of weeks. It'll give me some nice exposure.
It was also good to step back and look at my career, outside the framework of our household financial situation. My work is in full swing, and this year is really a banner year for me. I only wish I could take that perspective more often.
Two-Income Family
Todd has his first closing of the year tomorrow, and I'm so, so, so glad. I'll yell if that's what it takes to prove it. He's also seeing a teeny bit of an upswing in the amount of work - putting in offers, taking clients around, hearing promises of "have to" moves. But we'll all breathe a big sigh of relief when all that activity actually turns into MONEY. He's still looking on all fronts, though, for those of you wondering.
Photography
Have you been looking at the flickr account from my client portfolio? It's over there on the left. There's some cute new pictures from recent sessions. Just in case you're interested.
BlogHer '09 preparations
Do I need cards for my blog? Hm. Something else to design.
No church just yet.
I didn't make it to the Episcopal church on Sunday. Todd was out late (won some money playing poker) and the girls slept in, and, well, so did I. But I do have a nice little game plan in place and a list 'o churches to check off.
What's for dinner?
No, really. What are you making? And when will you get here?
