-image-I made it!

November 30, 2007 | Deep Thoughts Friday,NaBloPoMo,The Office,TV/movie addiction

And it wasn’t quite as difficult or terrible as I thought it would be….what am I talking about? NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month — where thousands of bloggers committed to posting every day in November)!! Even with tempermental wi-fi at several hotels & blogging from my parents’ home, I did it. I may even do the “We did it! We did it! We did it!” dance that normally I reserve for the end of Dora with Jojo! Seriously, the kid runs over, grabs my hand and starts doing the twist at the end of every episode. Argh and then my heart melts, and I know the meaning of complete and utter head-over-heels-all-consuming love. Whew.

So, back to my usual Deep Thoughts Friday random randomness:

• You remember my love for Project Runway, well, two people on there bug me. Ok, that’s a lie. Several constestants bug, but the two that hold the highest place are Christian and Steven — for two different reasons. Christian, well, besides his whackjob haircut, is a doll. If I could shrink him down and put him in my pocket, I might just do that, depending on how big my pocket is, because I already have Coop, Kenneth, and Alison in there. Something about him, however, always had me wondering WHO does he remind me of…and then a smart commenter/fellow PR junkie revealed it to me here. And I thank you. I can sleep better now.
• THE REAL BUGGEROO is Steven — born and raised in Chicago? Well then where did you cultivate that annoyingly pretentious accent? Get OVER yourself. No one raised in Chicago sounds like that. I don’t think there’s anything I like less than pretentiousness, and he’s reeks of it. And there we have it. I want you auf’d.
• If, on a day that you are sick, you have a decision to make about going into work to finish a few small things for the following week, because you’ll be out on Monday, too…always choose to go in and finish said small things on the weekend. Even if that means using more gas, being alone in a creepy building and/or not having heat. Just go in on the weekend. Because going in when you shouldn’t be there always results in you wanting to club your coworkers.
• Did I mention that I have tickets to this show on Tuesday? Squeeeeee! I’m bringing my camera! Some friends of mine and I are heading down on Monday (I think there’s suppose to be a snowstorm, but that won’t stop me! Even if I’m still sick and dragging an iron fucking lung behind me, I’m going.).
  
  Posted by Mrs. Squirrel @ 1:00 pm | 12 Comments  

-image-Foiled! And, Project Runway discussion!

November 29, 2007 | blogger birthday bonanza!,NaBloPoMo,TV/movie addiction

Karma bit me in the ass when I suggested to Vera (work friend) that I might call in sick to work soon so I could get some Christmas shopping done. Well, guess whose teeth started hurting yesterday? Clogging ears? Runny nose? General feeling of poopiness? Check. Check. Check. DAMNIT CHECK.

NOT COOL.

Thankfully, Mr. Squirrel offered to drive Jojo to daycare so I wouldn’t have to spend an hour driving there and back. In my single days, when I took time off work for illness, I’d either go out for pancakes or rent movies and eat Junior Mints. Now that I’m not a mom, if I do get to recover without having to watch Jojo, then I usually end up NOT taking care of myself and instead getting stuff done around the house. I really should be sleeping and not watching Four Weddings and a Funeral. Or wrapping gifts. Or looking online for more perfect gifts.

Ok, I’m going to bed by 1pm. But first…

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PROJECT RUNWAY. Who’s in (the discussion with me)? As you may remember, I’m in LOVE with this show. One of my favorite show-related pasttimes includes creating a Project Runway spreadsheet where I list the designers and score them according to the challenge outcomes. I started this last season, which proved my system made little difference, since asshat Jeffrey won. But if I had the time to rewatch Season 2, I think my spreadsheet would have clearly shown why (the ridiculously talented but not camera-hoggy) Chloe won.

So far this season, three challenges have highlighted and frustrated the designers. While it’s very earlyl to make predictions, according to my calculations, the top 3 designers so far are:

-image-Recaps! Explanations! Updates!

November 28, 2007 | Baby Making,NaBloPoMo,random randomness

Hiya. Sometimes I just leave you hanging. One or two of you will email or follow up — hey, how did xx go? What’s with the yyy? So…why not answer a couple of these?

First, the dinner last night with Mr. Squirrel’s Chinese coworkers! It was a success! Thank you for your suggestions and emailed recipes (which I will save for a day when I have more time to plan!). My plan was to make this fruit salad that my mom makes, and I (stupidly) relied on having the peach pie filling in my vast black hole known as The Pantry. I bought or had every other ingredient. Needless to say, I could not LOCATE said pie filling in The Pantry, so I said “screw the fruit!” and carried on with only a warmed-up loaf of fancy bakery bread to go alongside my grandma’s yummy baked beef stew.

The guests arrived and brought me wine…which was sweet, but I’m allergic to it and preggers, and they didn’t want it, so we left it out for “possibilities.” While I tried to get them all seated for dinner, I noticed one of them left their lights on the rental SUV. The one who rented the big ass SUV– the one of the two who has a Chinese drivers license but has only driven to prepare for and take the drivers test — (foreshadowing…) jumped up and said he’d go turn them off. He swung open our front door and walked SLAM into our glass screen door. Like SLAM left a mark on the glass. Oh my GOD I cannot believe neither he nor the door broke something. Whew.

Anyway, once he made it back inside, we sat down for dinner, and they seemed to really like the meal (whew!). I had purchased a cherry pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert, but the guys had to leave early to make a conference call to their colleagues back in Shanghai about an unfortunate lab fire incident. Oops. Plus, they claimed they were too stuffed to eat any more. More pie for me!

Jojo was sad to see them go, so we waved from the front window (still no decision made as to what to do about that!)… and we about peeeed watching the unexperienced driver back out of our driveway with the lights off (in our pitch black neighborhood) and then back up not onto the street, but onto our lawn. He totally did a three point turn on our front lawn, even managing to run over our leaf bag but narrowly missing our fledgling tree seedling. Eventually, after that, he at least noticed that the lights weren’t on.

And that concludes the recap for last evening.

Second…onto a few weeks ago, when I posted this poll about your particular word preference. I asked what you call the place where you do the majority of your food shopping because one of my good friends says “I have to go to the market.”

The first time she said it, I did a double take and just shrugged it off as I misheard her. Not that her word choice isn’t correct, but when I think ‘go to the market,’ I think of my mother-in-law remembering how, when they lived in rural France, they would stroll to the charming market every day to pick up fresh bread and the food they’d eat for the day…not the local fluorescently lit mega-chain that we have here. Plus, I don’t say that, so it MUST be whack.

So the next time my friend mentioned going to the market, I called her out on it. She laughed and asked what I say…and apparently both she and her husband say “market.” Hmmm… am I missing out on something? So I launched my own investigation…

Of the 59 votes:
55 respondents said “grocery store”
2 respondents said “market” (Hi N & husband!)
2 respondents said “votes” (which … um, I don’t get.)

Clearly, the “going to market”ers stand alone. And that is why I posted the poll.

Third and finally, hi. Just wanted to let you know that Cletus McFetus continues to grow well! We’re at 24 weeks, and I’m looking kind of biggish, but then again, ‘you pop earlier with your second child’ so can I have that in writing to give out to the asshats who tell me that I look “huge?” Also, can I have a signed note saying that I’m within measurements and weight for this stage of the pregnancy…I’d also like to roll up that note real paper-cutty-like and shove it up someone’s a-hole. Oh yes, a particular person.

But back to ME and CLETUS. I totally felt Cletus turn while on vacation– and the OB confirmed it. He’s head down! Don’t start towards the light too soon, buddy, but thank you. He’s kicking a lot, which I love. I luuuurve it. I can’t get enough of the kicking (for now). I’ll reconsider this position further down the road.

Overall, I’m feeling great, but in the past 2 weeks, I’ve started getting leg and foot cramps while trying to sleep and also the dead arm (from shoulder to hand), which drives me nuts. The carpal tunnel has made a comeback, so now I have to figure out where I stashed that sexy royal blue wrist stabilizer. Also — my bladder, weakened from Jojo, is not too trustworthy. Just today, I sneezed at Best Buy and wet myself a bit. Ok, more than a bit but not so much that I couldn’t carry on to finish some Christmas shopping. Seriously though — NOT COOL.

TMI? Well, suck it.

Ok, I have to hit the bed for a night of cramps, tingliness and kicks! Hope the recaps/explanations/updates satisfied some of your curiosities…

-image-Sometimes, I need a cork.

November 27, 2007 | Me,Mr. Squirrel,NaBloPoMo,trips down amnesia lane

For my mouth. Remember this conversation? Well, my husband’s coworker leaves early next week…and we haven’t had him over for dinner yet. I’m so bad! UGH.

We did take him apple picking with us, though — so that must count for something. And last night, Mr. Squirrel took him and another colleague (from China, who is in town for only a week), out to dinner with Jojo. With Jojo. Apparently, Jojo charmed the pantalones off of the waitress (me: “did you ask her if she ever wants to babysit?” Mr. Squirrel: “shit. No, I didn’t think of that.”). Still, they had fun.

But I don’t know what came over me. Is anyone else like this? You feel COMPELLED to have the foreigners over for dinner because it should be done? It’s the right thing to do and possibly, the tasty way to do it? Last night, when I learned they were both leaving next week, I suggested they come over for dinner.

Tomorrow and Thursday evening, Mr. Squirrel would be working late on some ‘extra’ projects that he doesn’t get paid for but OH does he love helping out the community and OH does Mrs. Squirrel try to be supportive. Friday is out because I work and get home around 6pm. Saturday, one of the two visitors returns to China. That left tonight.

Tonight. So tonight, the two nice scientists from China will be coming over for dinner.

The last time we had a Chinese-American over for dinner, it twas a disaster. It was another of Mr. Squirrel’s coworkers — an American male, and his lovely wife (Chinese-American, but came over for college/stayed) and their ahhhhdorable little girls. We liked the couple a lot (they have since move. I don’t think the reason is due to the dinner, but that hasn’t been confirmed.) and had done things socially with them before. All of this, mind you, was before Jojo.

Mr. Squirrel told me HE would cook the meal. He wanted to make pad thai.

I love Mr. Squirrel. I do. I just don’t love his pad thai. The thing is, he never cooks/soaks the rice noodles long enough, so they’re at least a portion of the pack sticks together in a huddled, crunchy craptacular mess. It’s never good. I tried a gentle reminder to let the noodles soak. And uh, we should probably make 2 packs, since 1 pack serves just barely 2 people.

Did he listen?

Ahem. Ok, so where were we?

Ah yes, so Mr. Squirrel prepared the meal, and I huddled around, entertaining and enjoying our guests’ company. Then it was time for dinner. And to my dismay, Mr. Squirrel neither soaked/cooked the noodles long enough nor put in two packs of noodles.

The reason I was particularly upset and embarrassed about the amount of food was that in one of my graduate courses, we were learning about communication across cultures and the importance of food/hosting dinners in China. According to a boatload of research, in a typical Chinese dinner party or gathering, food is the main focus, and there are specific roles guests and hosts play with one another. The host should provide MORE than enough food and continually encourage guests to eat more more more, not taking “no thank yous” or “I’m fulls” or any initial protests from the guests (who are, in turn, playing their parts by eating a little of every bountiful and colorful dish that arrives at the table while also complimenting, suggesting they are full and putting up a protest…but then carefully eating a bit of everything and taking more until FINALLY, someone pops.). Or, until several rounds of this conversation until clearly, the guest is full and the mountains of food have a noticeable dent in them.

Now, our guest would NEVER ever ever say anything to let us know that we did NOT have enough food. I think that’s taboo, too, but she must have noticed and internally cringed at the embarrassment of it all. I certainly was. I think her husband was able to squeeze out a tiny bit of seconds, but it was just a token request, as the noodles weren’t cooked through and stuck together in massive clumps. Oh people. It was NOT good.

For tonight, I’m making my grandmother’s baked beef stew recipe. I had just bought the ingredients before I suggested having them over, and it definitely serves four adults adequately. I’m not going full-out craziness with the number of dishes, etc. I mean, I realize we’re not a typical Chinese family. In fact, we’re not typical nor Chinese. I do, however, want to serve them a hearty, delicious meal that leaves them satiated and satisfied.

I’m thinking of picking up some bakery bread to go along with the beef/potatoes/carrots/celery stew. But what else? The oven will be taken from 2:25-6:15. What can I do for appetizers? Are they necessary? What about dessert? HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, wish me luck!

-image-She asked. I answered.

November 26, 2007 | NaBloPoMo,trips down amnesia lane

Back when I was reluctantly considering posting every single day this month, Isabel suggested I blog about my favorite outfit in high school & why. Hmmm, this is a toughie. The best part, however, is that I don’t have any high school photos at my house, so DAMN I can’t scan a picture for you.

Snap!

I’m really having trouble coming up with ONE particular outfit, and really only one repeat outfit from high school comes to mind. I’m not sure, if I could peruse ye olde wardrobe that this combo would be thee BEST one, but it’s what I got left in my deteriorating memory, so here goes:

I think this outfit debuted in my sophomore year, and it may actually be in that years school photo. The light pink cotton Esprit ribbed sweater had a mockish length neck with a button-up henley front and was baggy. The ribbing on the top half was about an inch wide, while the ribbing on the bottom half was like 1/2 inch wide. Under the sweater, I either wore a white tshirt or white turtleneck. I’d usually wear this sweater with my light colored Guess jean skirt (sweeet!), tan colored pantyhose, white socks and pink hightop Esprit leather boots. No, I’m not kidding. I loved those shoes.

The BEST of the ensemble had to be the tan pantyhose that I chose to mask my pasty legs and fool people into thinking “wow! Stacy is one hott tan goddess! I’ll pay no attention to her albinoesque face and hands!” Seriously, I thought I was hott.

Sadly, I was not.

I’m dropping labels here because they say a lot about how I dressed in middle & high school and how I decorated my room.

Most of my favorite clothes were Esprit or Benetton. Oooh I also loved Forenza from The Limited…remember that line? Sam & Libby shoes? And, I can still remember opening my first pair of Guess jeans on Christmas morning in the silver box from Jacobson’s. I think I still have my three Swatch watches, too.

Some of the store’s salespeople in other departments thought I worked in the junior department, since they saw me around the store so often. The walls of my bedroom were covered in Esprit ads and big, thick & glossy store decorations from our local Benetton (they would call me when their new displays would come in to replace the existing ones).

I’ll try and find a picture of me in that outfit. Maybe I’ll scan my yearbook pictures from high school — I actually do have those in my possession now; of course, I’m not sure where our scanner is.

Oh, and while I was at the Esprit site, what do you think of this purse? Also, will you still be my friend?

-image-Curtain Call

November 25, 2007 | blogger birthday bonanza!,NaBloPoMo,the homestead

LIZA! Hey, you, busy mommy?! It’s your birthday. I hope you haven’t forgotten. I’m sure Jill didn’t forget, and you’ve probably got the little guy already singing the birthday song and giving you LOTS of hugs and kisses! Happy BIRTHDAY to you! I hope your day has been filled with joy and may your year bless you with your greatest wishes (squeee!)! BIG HUGS from me to you (sorry if that reminds anyone of the Barney song!)!

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Ok, we need your help over here at Squirrel headquarters. Since we moved in over 5 years ago, our front window covering situation hasn’t improved. Well, ok, it’s improved since the first day when we ripped the dusty (and I mean that both literally and color-ly) pink drapes. See? This was how the living room looked when we first walked through the house.

For several weeks, we went without curtains, which was fine — we didn’t need extra fabric to get in our way while we stripped wallpaper, primed, painted and then scraped decades old wallpaper paste, primer and paint from our floors! Once we finished the walls and ceiling, we simply put back up the curtains that covered our ginormous windows in our drafty Chicago apartment.

They’re fine. Neutral. Bland. From IKEA. They’re too long, though. We prefer the longer curtains, but as you can see below, our HUGE and OLD heating system sits right below most of the entire front window, so the curtains really only cover the smaller side windows because we’d rather have heat than privacy. Dontcha love how we twist them together? When my mom’s here, she ties the two panels on each side with our red dinner napkins. She works it.

Actually, we stopped closing the curtains altogether after last winter. According to one of our friends who used to walk her dog past our house in the evening, we are “the most exposed house” in her 7 block walk! Honestly, we just don’t care. If I’m in the basement doing laundry and need to wash the jeans I’m wearing, the rest of the evening, I’ll walk around in my underwear. I just don’t care. I probably should, right?

Ok, well, I must a little bit care since I’m asking for help in remedying this home decor/Squirrel family dignity situation!

Below you’ll see another picture of the front window in relation to our what we did to the fireplace (that’s another whole call for help, as you can see), but it’s much more tolerable to look at! You can also see more of the “look” of the room, including part of our neutral colored microsuede couch. The balloons and streamers only come out at birthdays (such as Jojo’s!), so disregard those when considering suggestions.

People have recommended blinds or shades. I’m not sure that would work with a 3-panel window. Are the shorter curtains really THAT bad, or did the dusty pink ones cloud my judgment? And what COLOR(S) would work here? The color leading up the stairwell is like a dark orangish red, and an orangecicle would be lost in our dining room (both can be seen from the living room).

Help? Please? Colors? Thoughts? Websites? Pattern/No Pattern? I’m desperate.

-image-Your Holiday Gift Guide

November 24, 2007 | holidays,NaBloPoMo

I know what you’re thinking…ugh, the holidays are upon us & I’ve gotta score some awesome gifts for my loved ones! As always, Mrs. Squirrel is here to help in a kind of unorganized way. Enjoy the linkages!

TOYS FOR THE CHILDREN

• And you thought I liked squirrels…someone has a lot of time on their hands — just check out the wacky personalities within this charming squirrel family! Those nutty British squirrels!
• This pull-toy kills me! How cute is THIS? Only one left at Etsy!



• I’m all about this stacking game. I’m guessing it would serve well as some sort of adult drinking game, too. I mean, if people roll pigs (which, honestly, is LOTS of fun), then why can’t they balance squirrels on stacked logs? And if I weren’t preggers and I played this drinking game, you’d hear me loudly singing “LOG ON (clap clap), LOG OFF (clap clap), LOG ON LOG OFF… THE SQUIRRELY (CLAP CLAP)” cuz I’m a loud, sing-songy kind of drunk who tends to repeat things again and again and again cuz I’m SOOO damned funny. Oh come on. You’d still love me. And, YES, I’m sure the kids would LOVE this!
• OH this treehouse rocks. I heart this. Totally up my alley, I mean, any child would love this amazing tree house, which you can outfit with different animal families, squirrels, naturally, being the BEST choice! I love the quirky squirrel family — yet another colorful & FUN european offering! I’ve bookmarked this site — now my go-to for beautiful toys for Jojo & Cletus!
• Check out this awesome growth chart. I can totally see this in Riley’s room. Not that I’ve seen his room, but it just seems like it might fit their cozy and stylishly rustic home (ok, that sounded weird. That’s why I’m not in PR.)
• Is a book a toy? Well, I’m not messing with another category. I bet you think I’m going to recommend that pointy-eared Squirrely Nutkin or whatever, but I’m not. My heart belongs to Scaredy Squirrel. Cheer the friendly yet fearful furry friend (ffffffffffff) along in the “sequel”, too!

CHILDREN’S APPAREL

• This here toddler shirt? Loveit Loveit Loveit! Also comes in blue.
• Ooooh I can’t wait to get this onesie on Cletus McFetus!
• This (ridiculously adorable) outfit may be a tad more expensive than the usual amount one (ok, me) spends on their child, but really? This outfit is beautiful. My only hesitation — uh, the white shirt, cuz HELLO, we can’t get a bib on Jojo to save our souls. If you look really close (at one of the other images of the set), you’ll see the pants feature a bark pattern (how very camo!).
• Hear the squirrely get wicked!

WOMEN’S APPAREL

• Long-sleeve, lovely tee from one of the many talented artists at Etsy!
• Cute tee, again at Etsy!
• Ugh…it’s a Christmas MIRACLE that I’m not ordering one of everything, people. This tshirt screams “MUST HAVE!”
• I don’t mean to freak out, but HURRY FOR THE LOVE OF CUTE GLOVES, only ONE pair left!

ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR STYLISH FRIENDS

• This scarf, while quite spendy, looks well worth your hard-earned dollars. Looooove it!
• Looking for something a little more affordable yet still stylish and sassy? That’s what I’m here for, people. To share with you finds like this! HURRY, HURRY though, cuz you know how it is in the cutthroat world of Etsy finds!
• Got yourself an uptown friend suddenly in need of reusable, environmentally-friendly grocery bags? Well, this one may be for her!
• And if your friend hovers on the edge of WackyTown, maybe she’d like this satchel instead? Oh hell yeah.
• Who doesn’t need a pocket mirror for their purse, glove compartment or desk drawer? That’s right. A dead person. But since I don’t buy gifts for the dearly departed, I’m scoring these for several friends!
• Hurry! Only one adorable squirrel necklace available!
• I wasn’t sure where to place this little joyous helper — either with apparel or hostess gift or start a whole new “stocking stuff” category, but I think it will do just fine here. Who doesn’t need a cute new lint roller — your cat-owning or dandruff-suffering friend, that’s who!
• Is your stylish friend from the office? Perhaps she isn’t, but she still computes from home. Whichever, she definitely needs to tidy up her desktop, what with all of the snacking important business going on there!

HOSTESS GIFTS

• So if I throw a party, will you bring me these? Is that tacky to request? Oh wait, this gift guide is for you. The thing about Etsy is you’ll find amazingly unique gifts and treasures, but there seems to be only one in stock of everything I covet OR RECENTLY SOLD OUT!! WHY ETSY PEOPLE, WHY???
• This next perfect gifts hails from my favorite store in the Twin Cities. I spent many wonderful, carefree hours wandering the store, coming away with hilarious, beautiful and/or unique gifts for my family and friends. As much as I’d rather be shopping with Sweets and Poodle in the actual store, one small saving grace remains: they have a website! And lookee here what I found (those of you on my list, you know who you are, don’t dig too deep, cuz I have bought stuff from here for you already. ok good. byebyenow)! I didn’t think this would make a good children’s toy — it seems more of an amusing adult gift. Perfect for the hostess who welcomes a certain class of rodent in her home.
• Adorable magnet sets always make for great hostess gifts, just ask me! I love receiving gifts, and once I even hostessessededs a party. Oh yes, it was back in the 90s, maybe? I don’t know. I think someone might have broke out in hives at the party, but really, what did he expect when the ping pong balls fell out of the medicine cabinet — he shouldn’t have been snooping! I digress… squirrel magnets — I wish the website’s picture showed a little bit more of all that this magnet set surely offers, but at $14.95, what’s not to love? And just think, if the party does indeed suck, you won’t even notice because you’ll be too busy putting boxers on that nekkid squirrel!
• Know any coffee or tea drinkers? Know anyone who hearts fluffy tailed rodents with a penchant for ballet? Oh I knew you did! Check out this perfect cup for your friend, kid’s ballet instructor or uptight homophobic animal hater.
• Well hello Crate & Barrel, getting into the squirrel game. Just in time to make your holiday decor more festive!

HOME DECOR

• The thing about creating a holiday gift guide is that you end up wanting (most) everything for yourself, such as the gorgeous print seen above!
• I love this. Since it’s another unique Etsy find, only one gorgeous screen print remains in stock…and I may just scoop it up. This is a squirrel gift I can put my VISA behind!
• Now, this tray wouldn’t exactly fit with my decor, but you never know. Your Great Aunt Gertrude may delight at this dark and woodsy art piece.
• I love this table! Would someone in your life like it, too?
• What a sweet gift this pillow would be — comfy, cozy and cute.
• Bookends. I heart them. Just look in any home decor catalog, and you’ll find them. But look on your shelf. Right now. LOOK. Do you see any? Well then you might want to put these on your holiday wish list!

GIFTS FOR YOUR DOG(S)…cuz I care (cuz they’re not cats)

• Apparently this toy also serves to increase your dog’s puzzle-solving skills…just weeks away from helping you complete Sunday’s crossword puzzle!
• Check it out, ya’ll — a new collar for the puppers!
• For those of you with toy-terrorizing dogs, let me introduce you to the purple squirrel dude. Hey, I didn’t name him, nor was it my idea to shove Beggin’ Strips up its bum, but allegedly, it drives dogs mad!

FOR THOSE YOU DON’T LIKE BUT HAVE TO BUY FOR

• I mean, at this point, just get them a chia pet. Seriously.
• I love squirrel tshirts as much as the next girl, but this one eminates hostility! bitterness! Perhaps you have a bitchy sister-in-law or coworker you need to buy for? This might be just the thing for her– let her know she can bring it any ol’ time. You’re ready to throw down.

SUBCATEGORY — LIKE YOU REALLY, REALLY HAVE TO LOATHE THE GIFT RECIPIENT

• And I know just the person for this treasure.
• This may be one you want to ship directly to the recipient.

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Well, there you go! My first attempt at a holiday gift guide! Go forth and buy your loved ones (or loathed ones, in some cases) these fine (or freaky) squirrelly finds!

-image-head pounding

November 23, 2007 | Mr. Squirrel,NaBloPoMo,vacation

My patience has tapped out. I think I’m allergic to my parents’ laundry detergent, since I’m breaking out in rashes everywhere and scratching myself so hard in my sleep that I have sores on my legs. I’m a sexy beast, people.

We leave tomorrow a.m., and honestly, it’s time.

Sweet serenity. Mr. Squirrel bought and installed a wireless internet router thingy for my parents’ computer so he and I could access the internet from our laptops in my parents house without using their computer. That’s been a sanity saver. My parents have a fine computer, but their keyboard placement drives me batty, and my mom’s always wandering in, wondering what I’m doing (“well, I’m not blogging about you, if that’s what you’re thinking. Blogging? Oh nothing. It means nothing. Nevermind…”)

So my mom, for the past 15 minutes has been complaining about not being able to get to her computer because Mr. Squirrel’s laptop is there. In front of hers. So I went in, picked up his laptop, moved it to the floor, and told her to go ahead. His laptop was just SITTING on the desk– not plugged, even. Honestly, woman.

Also: why don’t my parents DISCUSS the plans for calling the septic tank company BEFORE my mom gets on the phone, so then they don’t fight and discuss and generally ANNOY each other and the poor receptionist? Sweet baby J.

My mom suggested Mr. Squirrel and I go out to a movie tonight, and I hopped on that like BritBrit on the Bad Idea Train. I’m like “seeyabye” so now we’re going to dinner and a movie…something we haven’t done in tandem since before Jojo was born. I’m not sure we even know how to do it.

My husband even suggested we see the new Keri Underwood movie. Who? He’s like, isn’t “Keri Underwood your favorite actress?” You mean, “Keri Russell, my dear.” He’s like “Felicity. Whatever.” Wow, I’m impressed he knew that!

Now where should we go out to eat? I’m honestly THRILLED with the options compared to those back home. A full report will come aftah. Now, onto the basement to play with Jojo before we leave. He likes having us chase him on the John Deere tractor toy while he races around on the tricycle. The thing is? The John Deere tractor doesn’t exactly fit any of our pelvis/ass areas so well. Talk about ass cramps!

Hope you’re all finding holiday shopping deals and/or recovering from overindulgence!

-image-Dinner’s Over. Table’s Cleared.

November 22, 2007 | blog business,NaBloPoMo

Now you have many important things to do:

1. Sign up for one of Jojo’s personalized HollowSquirrel holiday card here!

2. Get plotted on our latest quadrant by answering the questions posted at the end of my review of the Quadrants of Seasons Past!

3. Shop safely…there be some CRAZIES out there!

-image-Turkey Day Well-Wishes to YOU

Jojo,NaBloPoMo,vacation

and YOU and YOU!

Oh good morning! I heart not being able to sleep! So I’ve been “officially” up since 4:30 after several frustrating hours of leg and foot cramps, annoying arm and hand tingliness and general tossing-and-turningness. I’ve been busy doing a little online holiday window shopping. I think I’m probably a day early on some internet bargains, but I am getting a lot of ideas.

I’m pretty sure Jojo is coming down with the croup…or else a barking seal has slipped into his crib. I’m sure my brother & SIL will be thrilled when I tell them that — what with my nephew’s recent respiratory plague that sent him to the hospital. The Squirrel family ruins yet another holiday feast! Yippee!

Not all is lost, however, dear friends. Good news still abounds, such as when you’re sick of the parades and football and casseroles, stop by the Game Show Network for The Family Feud marathon! If you’ve been with me awhile, you know me — I LOVE ME SOME FAMILY FEUD! Where else can you get great televised brain blockages like this? Well, besides while watching the President? That’s right! Just last night, we watched an episode where a rare 4th round face-off yielded this gem:

QUESTION: Name something you do when it’s windy.

CONTESTANT: sleep.

Um, no. Not so much.

We here in the Squirrel family wish you a delicious and drama-free Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones. BIG HUGS from Jojo and a soft kick from Cletus McFetus!