Here I am feeling literary again today! I just finished another good read: 2010: odyssey two by Arthur Clarke. This book continued the saga introduced in one of my earlier book selections 2001: A Space Odyssey. When I finished the original book, I entertained many questionsn abiout what events followed and what fate awaited the characters. This book does its best at answering those questions.
The essential plot of the story is that the astronauts are on a mission to Jupiter to rescue a derelict ship and investigate curious activity on one of the moons. I am amazed at the intuitive nature of science-fiction authors to make you actually visualize and experience what has never been experienced by humans.
The book felt a little "Star Trekky" in parts, but I thoroughly enjoyed the read. My favorite part dealt with the idea of some of the astronauts being able to "hibernate" as they journey to Jupiter. They would literally be put to sleep for months on end. There are definitely some weeks that I would like to hibernate through!
This was a good read; however, you should read the first book in the series prior to reading this one. If you like sci-fi, you will love this book.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Pulchritudinous
I was always taught that the best way to learn new words is through extensive reading. To some extent, I am a living testament to this belief. I voraciously read whatever I can get my hands on, and as a result my vocabulary continues to expand. Yet, as I was reading The Escapist by Michael Chabon last week, I stumbled across a word that stymied me.
Pulchritudinous. . . Pulchritud a what?? I actually laughed out loud and showed Chris the word. We agreed that the author was just a show off. Who has ever heard of that word? As an English teacher, however, I don't like to leave words undefined. Undaunted by the challenge, I set off to unveil the definition of the word.
First step: Context clues. Here is the sentence. "Empire Comics publishers Sheldon Anapol and Jack Ashkenazt were won over by her sales potential -- specifically by Kavalier's pulchritudinous pinup design." Hmm.. . I still had nothing. No clue. Nada!
I tried to look at root words and suffix/ prefix. Still I had not made sufficient progress.
So, the next logical place was a Thesaurus that I sadly admit to keeping by my bed at night. I skimmed the pages. No entry for pulchritudinous. Did Chabon make up this word? Where did it come from?
Finally, I finished my journey at Dictionary.com where I was illuminated with the definition: physically beautiful; comely. All of those letters just to say beautiful or pretty? I have a plethora of words that I could have used: enchanting, attractive, ravishing, handsome, lovely, winsome, glamorous, etc. Yet, I ended up proving the experts point because now I again have expanded my vocab by reading, and I have a new word to add to my repertoire to talk about beauty.
With that said, it seems to be a pulchritudinous day, so I am going swimming!
Pulchritudinous. . . Pulchritud a what?? I actually laughed out loud and showed Chris the word. We agreed that the author was just a show off. Who has ever heard of that word? As an English teacher, however, I don't like to leave words undefined. Undaunted by the challenge, I set off to unveil the definition of the word.
First step: Context clues. Here is the sentence. "Empire Comics publishers Sheldon Anapol and Jack Ashkenazt were won over by her sales potential -- specifically by Kavalier's pulchritudinous pinup design." Hmm.. . I still had nothing. No clue. Nada!
I tried to look at root words and suffix/ prefix. Still I had not made sufficient progress.
So, the next logical place was a Thesaurus that I sadly admit to keeping by my bed at night. I skimmed the pages. No entry for pulchritudinous. Did Chabon make up this word? Where did it come from?
Finally, I finished my journey at Dictionary.com where I was illuminated with the definition: physically beautiful; comely. All of those letters just to say beautiful or pretty? I have a plethora of words that I could have used: enchanting, attractive, ravishing, handsome, lovely, winsome, glamorous, etc. Yet, I ended up proving the experts point because now I again have expanded my vocab by reading, and I have a new word to add to my repertoire to talk about beauty.
With that said, it seems to be a pulchritudinous day, so I am going swimming!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Kalahari Trip: Part Two
On our annual family vacation, I actually learned two things: 1. It's all about the kids. 2. More importantly, it's also about the adults!
We acted like our old college counterparts once we put the kids to bed. All of us would stay up chatting and drinking and sharing stories with each other. I just have to smile thinking of it. We always share the same stories of crazy stunts we pulled when we were younger, and we all still crack up as if it is the first time we have ever heard the story. Yet, we could probably repeat the story verbatim with the story teller. Mom and David had a thrilling duet of a Jimmy Buffet song that was worth watching. We listened and talked about music as well as ate cold pizza left over from dinner. We would then creep into our adjoining rooms after midnight, weary but exhilarated! Unlike college, our wake up call would arrive with the sun.
While I detailed all the fun the kids had on the trip, I left out the more important aspect of this trip. The adults also had a blast! Most of the year adults must be adults. We cook dinners, make beds, do laundry, go to work, and try to relax a little when life presents a moment. However, on this trip the adults were able to do something we never do-- be kids again.
We acted like adolescents as we scurried on each ride available. Of course, you couldn't ride a ride until your children were accounted for, but when that moment arrived, what fun we had! I loved watching each of us get off of a thrilling waterslide. Our eyes were lit up and we had gigantic smiles gracing our faces. Some of us forget we even have these smiles when we get so busy. Jeff, Chris, Tim, and I rode the aforementioned "Toilet Bowl" ride and we were laughing and screaming like children.
We acted like our old college counterparts once we put the kids to bed. All of us would stay up chatting and drinking and sharing stories with each other. I just have to smile thinking of it. We always share the same stories of crazy stunts we pulled when we were younger, and we all still crack up as if it is the first time we have ever heard the story. Yet, we could probably repeat the story verbatim with the story teller. Mom and David had a thrilling duet of a Jimmy Buffet song that was worth watching. We listened and talked about music as well as ate cold pizza left over from dinner. We would then creep into our adjoining rooms after midnight, weary but exhilarated! Unlike college, our wake up call would arrive with the sun.Growing up in a house of four children, we didn't always get along. However, I now relish the times that we all gather together and have time to just talk like we did this weekend. I have been so blessed with an amazing family, and my gratitude for my family is enormous. I am grateful that my parents see the importance of us all getting together and have facilitated this trip for us. I will look forward to next year's location which I am sure will bring more memories of laughter, swimming, exhaustion, chatting, and nostalgia.
Kalahari Trip: Part One
Last evening we just returned from our 5th annual vacation with my parents, my siblings, and our families. Every year we gather at a new location, yet this year we reprised last year's location because we had such a great time. We journeyed to Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio to enjoy the enormous waterpark. There is one thing I know. . .
There was also this huge wave pool. For those of you Ohioans, you remember a similar pool at Geauga Lake. It was fun to watch the boys jumping in the waves. Even Ev got in the spirit. He loved the wave pool.
The boys were also bonding with their cousin, Noah, who they remember as only a little baby. Noah was walking, talking, and having fun with his cousins. Here he is tackling Evan and having a great time! 
Ultimately, the boys all had an amazing time. What I loved was watching the pure joy on all of their faces as they conquered some new aspect of the park or when they were just hanging out with their cousins. They were so happy, and I know that this is what the trip is all about. However, as the time neared for us to leave, all three of my boys had massive tears brimming in their eyes and were not ready to depart their cousins already. This almost broke my heart because I know how much they love being together. But, we did leave and arrived safely last evening.
It's all about the kids.
Our trip started Friday morning at about 2 am as we wearily dragged ourselves from bed and began our pilgrimage to Kalahari. The kids went back to sleep until about 5:30. Then, Evan perpetuated an age-old stereotype of repeating "Are we there yet" about every 5 minutes until our 10:30 arrival.
Upon arrival, the kids all were thrilled to see their cousins and began playing, laughing, and jumping on the beds. We had lunch and went swimming and riding rides. After dinner, Evan could no longer fight his fatigue.
Our daily routines consisted of food, swimming, food, swimming, and more food, and more swimming. We would put the completed exhausted boys to bed at about 10:30, and my boys would be awakened with the sun at about 6:30!
Here are the boys enjoying a round of putt putt with their cousins.
The waterslides at Kalahari were also amazing. My boys were a little more tentative than their cousins Matthew and Adam. Yet, somehow Matthew and Adam convinced Brendan to ride this huge waterslide that the kids called the Toilet Bowl. Essentially, you have a four man raft that is driven down a huge hill and into a toilet bowl looking area where you circle around until you "flush" out the bottom. Brendan was terrified and never set foot on it again. But he did it! And he had bragging power over his brother. This is a picture of Matthew and Brendan on a smaller waterslide called The Cheetah Race.
There was also this huge wave pool. For those of you Ohioans, you remember a similar pool at Geauga Lake. It was fun to watch the boys jumping in the waves. Even Ev got in the spirit. He loved the wave pool. The boys were also bonding with their cousin, Noah, who they remember as only a little baby. Noah was walking, talking, and having fun with his cousins. Here he is tackling Evan and having a great time! Ultimately, the boys all had an amazing time. What I loved was watching the pure joy on all of their faces as they conquered some new aspect of the park or when they were just hanging out with their cousins. They were so happy, and I know that this is what the trip is all about. However, as the time neared for us to leave, all three of my boys had massive tears brimming in their eyes and were not ready to depart their cousins already. This almost broke my heart because I know how much they love being together. But, we did leave and arrived safely last evening.What a great trip!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
The Interruption
*** I now interrupt your good night's sleep with a visit from one of my children***
I have always loved my sleep. That's why when I had babies, one of the most trying aspects was the lack of sleep during the infant stage. Shortly after our move to Broadview Heights, Chris and I went to a bank to open a new account. The teller commented that I looked sleepy. I agreed and said that my son Andrew, who was only two months old, wasn't sleeping through the night yet. She laughed and told me to get used to it because she still got up on occasion with her 11-year old. WHAT? I was aghast. I will NEVER do that I told myself. Ha- That's what I thought.
Now, don't feel too much pity for me. I don't get up every night, but I can rely on being beckoned at least once a week by someone, and each child has a unique style and reason for wanting me to help them.
Andrew's always been the quiet lurker. He will wake up and get rattled by a spooky noise, then he will rouse himself out of bed, silently tiptoe down the stairs, and eerily stand next to me when he says, "psst... mom! I'm scared." Chris and I laugh at this because if he was so scared, why would he walk all the way through our house by himself? The quick fix: I drag myself to his room to retuck him in.
Brendan is the complete foil to this. He has always been the most difficult child in the night. He wakes me up with irrational yelling and crying. Most of this behavior is due in part to the fact that he sleeps so soundly and isn't even fully awake when he is calling for me. He calls "Mmmmooooommm- Something hurts." That is his MO. Something always hurts. He gets leg cramps, belly pains, pins and needles. You name it; it hurts B in the middle of the night. Brendan does not get up as much as Andrew, which is a blessing, because it is difficult to remain patient with such irrationality.
Evan is my most sound sleeper. Yet, he is probably the loudest of the three boys. Evan doesn't cry irrationally or get out of bed, but he just yells, "mom, Mom, MOOMMM!" When I stumble my way to his room, he retorts with something like "Cover me" or "I lost my blankets" or "I need a kiss." While these are easier issues to deal with, I feel slightly chagrined at the idea of having to serve his every whim in the middle of the night.
Therefore, let me offer no hope to those of you who were expecting sound sleep one your infant sleeps through the night. You do get an opportunity to get more sleep than you did, but you will still be deprived. I suppose that this too shall pass someday. Until then, savor the sleep you get.
*** Now continue with your nightly sleep ***
I have always loved my sleep. That's why when I had babies, one of the most trying aspects was the lack of sleep during the infant stage. Shortly after our move to Broadview Heights, Chris and I went to a bank to open a new account. The teller commented that I looked sleepy. I agreed and said that my son Andrew, who was only two months old, wasn't sleeping through the night yet. She laughed and told me to get used to it because she still got up on occasion with her 11-year old. WHAT? I was aghast. I will NEVER do that I told myself. Ha- That's what I thought.
Now, don't feel too much pity for me. I don't get up every night, but I can rely on being beckoned at least once a week by someone, and each child has a unique style and reason for wanting me to help them.
Andrew's always been the quiet lurker. He will wake up and get rattled by a spooky noise, then he will rouse himself out of bed, silently tiptoe down the stairs, and eerily stand next to me when he says, "psst... mom! I'm scared." Chris and I laugh at this because if he was so scared, why would he walk all the way through our house by himself? The quick fix: I drag myself to his room to retuck him in.
Brendan is the complete foil to this. He has always been the most difficult child in the night. He wakes me up with irrational yelling and crying. Most of this behavior is due in part to the fact that he sleeps so soundly and isn't even fully awake when he is calling for me. He calls "Mmmmooooommm- Something hurts." That is his MO. Something always hurts. He gets leg cramps, belly pains, pins and needles. You name it; it hurts B in the middle of the night. Brendan does not get up as much as Andrew, which is a blessing, because it is difficult to remain patient with such irrationality.
Evan is my most sound sleeper. Yet, he is probably the loudest of the three boys. Evan doesn't cry irrationally or get out of bed, but he just yells, "mom, Mom, MOOMMM!" When I stumble my way to his room, he retorts with something like "Cover me" or "I lost my blankets" or "I need a kiss." While these are easier issues to deal with, I feel slightly chagrined at the idea of having to serve his every whim in the middle of the night.
Therefore, let me offer no hope to those of you who were expecting sound sleep one your infant sleeps through the night. You do get an opportunity to get more sleep than you did, but you will still be deprived. I suppose that this too shall pass someday. Until then, savor the sleep you get.
*** Now continue with your nightly sleep ***
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A sweet memory
I've been thinking about my cousin Trish a lot lately. However, probably not for the reasons one may imagine. I haven't been thinking about what an awesome mom of four adorable kids she is. I haven't been thinking about the fact that her and I are so close in age-- only five days difference! I haven't even been thinking of the fact that we look more like sisters than my own sister (Sorry Tif!)
If you look at the picture, you can easily tell who Trish is by how similar we look.
So why am I thinking of Trish? It was all triggered by a trip I made last night to the Farmer's Market in our local town. I went to a vendor's table, and he had one last pint of sweet peas. I like peas, so I bought them. At home, I was showing Brendan how to break open the shell to eat the peas from inside, and I literally started laughing out loud. Brendan looked at me quizzically, so I told him this story.
When Trish and I were very little, we used to live right next door to each other. It was a heavenly set up for cousins who loved to play. In between our houses was a gigantic garden that we shared between our two families. One day Trish and I were walking from one of our houses to the other and we were distracted by the temptation of the pea row. We sat down and began deftly opening shells and gobbling the peas out of the shell. Trish and I devoured the entire row of delectable peas! I don't remember if we got in trouble; I honestly don't think so. But the story has become legend in the family.
These peas made me think of Trish and how much I miss my cousin. Then, Evan was talking to me just a little later and he was upset about me telling him "No" about something. He came right up to me and put his nose against my nose and restated his case. Again, a Trish memory flooded back because her and I used to make the same move when we were angry with each other. I can picture us in my playroom doing the same thing!
Unfortunately, Trish and I don't live just a garden away from each other any more. We are actually divided by about 4 states and hundreds of miles. We don't get to share giggles in the dirt or spend the night at each other's houses anymore. We don't get to grind noses if we are mad. However, that doesn't diminish how special Trish is to me. She has always felt like a second sister. Not even distance can change that.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Name Change
I'm thinking about changing my name.
Not my formal name - Jennifer Lynn--. That name is fine. I need to change my nickname, Mom. I joked with the boys that maybe Bertha or Glinda or something fun would be better for them to call me than Mom. Let me explain.
I still remember the first time Andrew called me "MaMaMaMaMa" in his rambling infant babble. Tears brimmed in my eyes; I was both proud and touched at how quickly he was growing up. I then encouraged him to repeat those syllables all the time and applauded him each time he correctly did that. What was I thinking?
Truly, I am not sure I could count the plethora of "MOM" verbalizations in a day. I know that the number would be in the 100s.
Mom, please make me breakfast.
Mom, I need clothes for the day.
Mom, Andrew hit me with his shirt.
Mom, Where did I leave my favorite card?
Mom, I am bored.
Mom, Brendan got more snack than me.
Mom, Evan just kicked down my game.
Mom, watch this! Mom, Watch this! MOM, WATCH THIS!
Mom, you know I don't like broccoli.
Mom, Why can't I play the Wii?
Mom, I don't want to clean my room.
Mom, He (insert name) hit me!
It is mind-boggling! Below is an actual conversation that I had with the boys one day during a one minute time frame. Each piece of dialogue was prefaced with "MOM." Then, I would respond "What?"
Brendan- I just read 52 minutes today. I read the whole book of Pokemon.
Evan- These are my privates. (holding himself grinning)
Andrew- Did you know that a squirrel's life span is 10-11 years?
Brendan- Snorlax is the Pokemon that weighs the most.
Evan- I need new underwear. These are dirty.
Andrew- Help me pick up the balls outside.
Inundated with "mom" statements, I decreed that I wanted a name change. No one even flinched. "Mom, you can't do that." Aaarrgghh.
Then, at night as the boys get ready for bed, I hear this:
Mom, you are the best mom ever.
Mom, I just want to cuddle.
Mom, I love you.
Maybe I 'll keep my name after all. . .
Not my formal name - Jennifer Lynn--. That name is fine. I need to change my nickname, Mom. I joked with the boys that maybe Bertha or Glinda or something fun would be better for them to call me than Mom. Let me explain.
I still remember the first time Andrew called me "MaMaMaMaMa" in his rambling infant babble. Tears brimmed in my eyes; I was both proud and touched at how quickly he was growing up. I then encouraged him to repeat those syllables all the time and applauded him each time he correctly did that. What was I thinking?
Truly, I am not sure I could count the plethora of "MOM" verbalizations in a day. I know that the number would be in the 100s.
Mom, please make me breakfast.
Mom, I need clothes for the day.
Mom, Andrew hit me with his shirt.
Mom, Where did I leave my favorite card?
Mom, I am bored.
Mom, Brendan got more snack than me.
Mom, Evan just kicked down my game.
Mom, watch this! Mom, Watch this! MOM, WATCH THIS!
Mom, you know I don't like broccoli.
Mom, Why can't I play the Wii?
Mom, I don't want to clean my room.
Mom, He (insert name) hit me!
It is mind-boggling! Below is an actual conversation that I had with the boys one day during a one minute time frame. Each piece of dialogue was prefaced with "MOM." Then, I would respond "What?"
Brendan- I just read 52 minutes today. I read the whole book of Pokemon.
Evan- These are my privates. (holding himself grinning)
Andrew- Did you know that a squirrel's life span is 10-11 years?
Brendan- Snorlax is the Pokemon that weighs the most.
Evan- I need new underwear. These are dirty.
Andrew- Help me pick up the balls outside.
Inundated with "mom" statements, I decreed that I wanted a name change. No one even flinched. "Mom, you can't do that." Aaarrgghh.
Then, at night as the boys get ready for bed, I hear this:
Mom, you are the best mom ever.
Mom, I just want to cuddle.
Mom, I love you.
Maybe I 'll keep my name after all. . .
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