Randomness
Better living through chemistry
So I took Max back to the doctor for a med check/follow up. While his doctor and I talked about the amazing improvements we've seen in his school work and behavior, and how to get food in him, since the medicine makes food seem like the least important thing in the world (yet they won't give it to ME, go figure), Max sat calmly and listened. Toward the end of the visit I said, "I...don't know if you remember our last visit..." I inclined my head meaningfully toward Max, "or how different this one is?" Dr. S grinned and pushed Max's chart toward me and pointed to where he'd written, Patient is alert and cooperative. Exhibits decreased restlessness. We both sat there, smiling over the understatement that was.
Indeed, Doc. Thanks.
The wonders of the Wii
We have a Wii. And you know what? They're such a revolution in gaming. Instead of being the same old passive experience, they're practically exercise.
I mean, the physicality of it...it's truly inspiring.
Our dog is a dork
Really, she is. Her favorite thing to do these days is to go outside and roll around and waller in the grass. Except it's March, and the grass is dry and brown and dead, so she ends up coming back inside, COVERED in grass. Fortunately, we are effectively training her not to do this, because when she shows up at the door, bedecked in grass, someone goes outside with her, and brushes her. These are two of her very favorite activities in the world. Pretty much the only thing that would make that event better for her is if the neighbor's cat would come by with a steak strapped to her butt. Stupid dog is thrilled.
But no, that's not the dorkiest thing about her. She's completely neurotic. She's scared of chairs, and trimming her nails causes her to whimper and wail like you're boiling her alive. And she has this THING about bones. She likes them, the rawhide ones, but she won't let anyone see her chewing on them. You give her a bone and she'll take it in her mouth and trot off to hide somewhere and gnaw on it. If anyone else is in the room, she looks away from the bone as though it has NOTHING TO DO WITH HER.
See? I took pictures, stealth-like, around the corner.
Yummy bone, says Carmi. Nom nom nom nom.
But wait...she sees me!
Oh, hai. What? I've never seen this thing before. Want to go outside and roll in the happy grass?
Then she hopped up and licked my ear. Stupid dog.
Do you know what today is?
*smiles coyly*
It's the first day of Spring!
It's Maundy Thursday!
It's...Ok, enough of the coy.
It's MY BIRTHDAY!
I am 37, a prime number, and in the prime of my life. Gifts are not required, but compliments will be graciously accepted.
*looks meaningfully at the "comment" button*
Hey, todays my birthday too, came across your blog as i was searching for a birthday message online!
You go and have a wonderful one, lots of fun..cheers!!
Posted by:Ugo Daniels | March 20, 2008 at 12:41 AM
Happy happy birthday!!!
You don't look a day over 36.
Mine was Tuesday
~K!
Posted by:Kismet | March 20, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Happy Birthday! You are smart and have very pretty hair. :-)
Posted by:Sheri | March 20, 2008 at 04:15 AM
Well, happy birthday, you!
I love that expression on the dog's face when she sees you. My cats do the exact same look when, for instance, I catch them bouncing around in the bathtub. "Oh, hai."
Posted by:ccr in MA | March 20, 2008 at 04:24 AM
Happy Birthday!!!! Mine is on Monday ;-)
Gotta love the Spring babies!
Posted by:Jen | March 20, 2008 at 04:39 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope it's wonderful, happy and the start of many good spring things to come!
Posted by:Jen | March 20, 2008 at 05:13 AM
Happy Birthday! I'm so glad to hear Max is doing well with the meds. Gives me hope. Have a wonderful year. To being 37! (I am too)
Posted by:heidi | March 20, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Happy Birthday!
XOXO
Posted by:Isabel | March 20, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Happy, happy birthday! You look amazing!
Posted by:carmen | March 20, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Happy Birthday!
The drugs are amazing. It is the only reason one of mine is alive ;-)
Posted by:chris | March 20, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Happy Birthday, pretty one!
Posted by:liz | March 20, 2008 at 07:48 AM
happy birthday!
mine is NOT today. and i'm NOT 37.
but otherwise? we're like twins ;-)
Posted by:janet | March 20, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Happy Birthday, dear one, and thank you for being a trailblazer to the land of 37 for me! You totally make it look cool.
Posted by:Groovecatmom | March 20, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Oh, you mean this comment button? How handy!
Happy Birthday! You are pretty and charming and you don't look a day over 30. Hope you have a great day!
Posted by:Aimee | March 20, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Happy Birthday! You look mahvahlous! I don't think Carmi is stupid. I think you are interpreting her behavior incorrectly. It isn't that she is uncapable of eating in anyone's presence. It is that she is so memorized by your beauty as you enter the room that she completely forgets about the yummy bone. And when your beauty can interfere with a dog's eating habits, that's saying something.
And if Carmi exhibits this same behavior when your children enter the room, it is to be expected because your children are from your loins, and (I've seen the pictures) they are just as memorizing. And if it happens with Clay in the room, Carmi's behavior is explained one (or all) of several ways:
Gorgeous girls get the gorgeous guys;
Clay's internal beauty (and I know he has plenty of that) shines through his external beauty; and
Clay smells like you and the kids, clearly creating a Pavlov reaction.
(This last one explains the behavior Carmi exhibits when anyone - even the random cable guy - enters the room. Dogs have sensitive noses, and I watch CSI and know how the briefest contact can create all kinds of transfer. You open the door to let the cable guy in, a breeze spreads Kira-scented particles all over the cable-guy -- and you get Pavlov's reaction from Carmi.)
Once more with feeling:
Happy Birthday, Kira!
Posted by:Linda Sherwood | March 20, 2008 at 09:25 AM
You are sooo pretty! And 37? I would have never guessed. Hope your special day is filled with laughter and love....and presents!
Happy Birthday Kira!
Posted by:kim | March 20, 2008 at 09:30 AM
I remember the day you were born... There was snow on the ground and I remember looking at it as I left the house and got into the car and thinking my life was about to change forever. We stopped and had tea, and took our time, so that when we finally arrived the nurses were cranky, wondering where we were.
When you were born you opened your eyes and looked right into mine, and my life did change, forever. That look, it was the look God gave you to pass on to me.
After, when we were ready to go up from the labor and delivery suite in the basement, to post partum on the 8th floor, the nurse rolled me on a guerney into an elevator, and rolled your bassinette in next to me, pushed the button for the 8th floor, and stepped out. As the door closed she said "When you get to the 8th floor, hold the door open with your toe, and yell for someone to come and get you!" And I turned into a mama bear, ready to roar and defend my baby girl in the wilds of elevator land!
The stories, they could go on and on. But mostly, I just thank God for you, dearest daughter! Happy Birthday... but I got the gift.
Posted by:Amma D | March 20, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Happy birthday!
Posted by:Leanne | March 20, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Hey, it's my birthday today too!! I'm not 37 though - I was once but that was (thinking??) let's just say last year and look at something shiny.
Have a Very Happy Day!!!
Posted by:Pamela | March 20, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday! Mine is Saturday, and Ohhh My.....I'll be 60!!!
Enjoy your day, and God Bless.
Posted by:Lynn | March 20, 2008 at 12:23 PM
That must have been quite the meaningful look, cause I rarely comment anywhere!
Happy Birthday!
Posted by:MsShad | March 20, 2008 at 12:26 PM
One should be careful where one sits to read comments. I read Amma's while filling in for the receptionist down at Pioneer. It is embarassing to cry at reception.
However, I remember the day you were born too. It was Saturday morning the day after Augustana Nursing school closed for spring break. Labor started early that morning. A joyful event since Dawn was intent on graduating in the fall. She had already had patients in her practicum jump out of bed to help her with her rounds.
We took Josh to Candy and Sam's, then Dawn threw up in the snow, we checked into L&D and a hard labor began. Finally at about 4 PM you made your appearance. Dawn's face was flushed with pushing effort. She laid back on the table and cried. I laughed out loud - a girl child. We didn't know ahead of time. Then you went away and I went home. At 3AM I got the call. Dawn had chosen your middle name - Jael.
Bless you sweet daughter. This happy day blesses that first happy day 37 years back.
Posted by:Appa | March 20, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Well Happy Birthday!
(Hey, guys, I wonder how she's gonna act when she turns FORTY?!?!)
I got to thinking about your dog. Maybe you could slip her some of Max's meds.
Posted by:Colleen | March 20, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Happy Birthday, Kira!
Isn't it great that your birthday falls on the first day of Spring!!?? You have a refreshing perspective of life in general that I can't stay away - love to read your blog every week. 37 was a great year for me (I'm sadly enjoying 2 more months of it, before I add another number...*groans*)
I hope you have a great day!
Happy Spring Birthday!!!
Posted by:Shi Keyah | March 20, 2008 at 02:28 PM
You are pretty and funny and have a weird dog. Happy Birthday from the other side of 40!!
Posted by:Loth | March 20, 2008 at 04:21 PM