Enough said.

I’m banging my drum to get a summer playgroup/babysitting co-op started with some of Lucas’s classmates. I created one last summer with three other families and it was a super success. Out of 12 summer vacation weeks, each participating family hosted the playgroup at their home only three times. That meant there were nine days when I dropped Lucas off at someone else’s home for a 3.5-hour play date. It kept him entertained, strengthened his bonds with his friends, and helped me get a bit of work done on my off days when he was away.

It’s looking like the playgroup will happen nicely again this summer, too. Another 12 weeks off yawn before us, starting on June 6. We have five or maybe six families participating in the group, so that probably means each of us will host only twice—even better than last summer! But it’s more kids (six, possibly seven). I think it will be terrific fun for them, almost like a party every week on Wednesday afternoons, but probably a bit more work for the hosting parent. I plan to feed them ice-cream as a bribe to keep them happy and cooperative when it’s my turn to host.

Scheduling work projects, school, babysitting, playgroups, play dates, swimming lessons, art camp, nature detective camp, doctor and dentist appointments, birthday parties, and grandma time is quite a bear, let me tell you. So don’t let anybody tell you motherhood makes you stupid. It makes you the equivalent of a CEO and managing director of a major corporation.

Nice turn of phrase:

“Sam left the office walking light and smiling, feeling strangely as if the pieces of his life, rather than fitting back together, were jingling in his pocket like sleigh bells warning Christmas.”

Christopher Moore, Coyote Blue

I mentioned that the Boundless Universe has been providing us with amazing gifts lately. The piano was one. Here’s another: 

Some anonymous Birthday Fairy gave me an Amazon Kindle electronic reader for my 36th. Although I can usually wheedle information out of my husband, despite my considerable and creative efforts, his smiling lips remain sealed on this subject. I do not know the name of my benefactor. This gift-giver is crazy, over-the-top generous and I’m just thrilled to have this gizmo. 

So, whoever you are, wherever you are, Birthday Fairy, thank you. You rocked my world.

I mentioned that the Boundless Universe has been providing us with amazing gifts lately. The piano was one. Here’s another: 

Some anonymous Birthday Fairy gave me an Amazon Kindle electronic reader for my 36th. Although I can usually wheedle information out of my husband, despite my considerable and creative efforts, his smiling lips remain sealed on this subject. I do not know the name of my benefactor. This gift-giver is crazy, over-the-top generous and I’m just thrilled to have this gizmo. 

So, whoever you are, wherever you are, Birthday Fairy, thank you. You rocked my world.

Remember those three books about the Middle East I’ve been copyediting lately? Well, I finished Lebanon on Friday, just in the nick of time to make it to NoNo’s graduation. 

Today, I received an offer to work on another title from the same publisher. I wrote back and asked for more money. I thanked the editor for the project offer and explained I do have time in my schedule and would like to take it on. I then told her my normal hourly rate, reminded her of my excellent and reliable service, experience, and timeliness, and said I hoped I could continue taking on their projects on a regular basis. I took a gamble in asking for this raise. I don’t exactly have offers of work coming out my ears right now. My “busy season” hasn’t started yet and I have big ol’ bills to pay.

Here’s hoping my gamble pays off.

Remember those three books about the Middle East I’ve been copyediting lately? Well, I finished Lebanon on Friday, just in the nick of time to make it to NoNo’s graduation. 

Today, I received an offer to work on another title from the same publisher. I wrote back and asked for more money. I thanked the editor for the project offer and explained I do have time in my schedule and would like to take it on. I then told her my normal hourly rate, reminded her of my excellent and reliable service, experience, and timeliness, and said I hoped I could continue taking on their projects on a regular basis. I took a gamble in asking for this raise. I don’t exactly have offers of work coming out my ears right now. My “busy season” hasn’t started yet and I have big ol’ bills to pay.

Here’s hoping my gamble pays off.

It’s true. I’m an addict. I have actually socialized with people I love and admire for four days in a row, beginning on my birthday last Thursday and continuing through until late last night. It was wonderful and my heart feels full from all the hugs and kisses, love and attention I’ve received.  

On my birthday I went to Bellagio Spa and spent a gift certificate that Ian bought for me in 2005. I met nonosays there and we got pedicures. I also got a lovely facial and a manicure. I could totally get used to doing that as often as possible.

See how cute my toes are?

On Friday I went to see nonosaysgraduate with a graphic design degree from Sacramento State. It was super cool seeing her so happy in her funny black cap and gown. I only wish I got a photo of the googly eyes on her cap.

Here she is. Isn’t she beautiful?

On Saturday, we went to  her graduation party at her home in midtown. I got to meet some more of her and her husband’s family, which was fun. I especially enjoyed talking with mrplanet4   ‘s mother and sister. We took the boys along and they did really well, considering we were at the party for 9 fun-filled hours. We finally dragged ourselves away at 9 p.m. when the boys’ eyes became glassy. They fell asleep the moment we strapped them into the car seats to come home. Some friends, including our gracious hosts, complimented us on how great Lucas and Asher were, which pleases me so much. Ian and I try hard to provide Lucas with plenty of positive reinforcement for being polite, friendly, and well behaved when we go places.

My home was full yesterday of delightful shenanigans, hot tub soaking, champagne, cocktails, brunch, burgers, dancing, sunshine, conversation, and beautiful people. My children were well behaved and wandered hither and thither among friends who love them. I admit I was sad when the last guest left at around 11 p.m., but felt glorious when falling into my bed. I slept a heavy, restful sleep and woke up feeling fantastic. Nothing quite like a day spent relaxing in the spa. It was exactly the day I imagined and wanted. Thank you, darlings. If anyone has some photos to share with me, I’d love to have them.

It’s true. I’m an addict. I have actually socialized with people I love and admire for four days in a row, beginning on my birthday last Thursday and continuing through until late last night. It was wonderful and my heart feels full from all the hugs and kisses, love and attention I’ve received.  

On my birthday I went to Bellagio Spa and spent a gift certificate that Ian bought for me in 2005. I met

nonosays

 there and we got pedicures. I also got a lovely facial and a manicure. I could totally get used to doing that as often as possible.

See how cute my toes are?

On Friday I went to see 

nonosays  

graduate with a graphic design degree from Sacramento State. It was super cool seeing her so happy in her funny black cap and gown. I only wish I got a photo of the googly eyes on her cap.

Here she is. Isn’t she beautiful?

On Saturday, we went to  her graduation party at her home in midtown. I got to meet some more of her and her husband’s family, which was fun. I especially enjoyed talking with 

mrplanet4

   ‘s mother and sister. We took the boys along and they did really well, considering we were at the party for 9 fun-filled hours. We finally dragged ourselves away at 9 p.m. when the boys’ eyes became glassy. They fell asleep the moment we strapped them into the car seats to come home. Some friends, including our gracious hosts, complimented us on how great Lucas and Asher were, which pleases me so much. Ian and I try hard to provide Lucas with plenty of positive reinforcement for being polite, friendly, and well behaved when we go places.

My home was full yesterday of delightful shenanigans, hot tub soaking, champagne, cocktails, brunch, burgers, dancing, sunshine, conversation, and beautiful people. My children were well behaved and wandered hither and thither among friends who love them. I admit I was sad when the last guest left at around 11 p.m., but felt glorious when falling into my bed. I slept a heavy, restful sleep and woke up feeling fantastic. Nothing quite like a day spent relaxing in the spa. It was exactly the day I imagined and wanted. Thank you, darlings. If anyone has some photos to share with me, I’d love to have them.

This is a superquick post to say THANK YOU for all the sweet birthday wishes I recieved on LJ, Barbarians, my email, voice mail, and in person. My friends are the BEST. It was a great birthday except for something that Mother Nature did, which has me feeling sad and disappointed. (Wicked wind storm shattered my favorite tree. Kaput.) 

I would go on to enumerate the amazing, fantastic qualities of my peeps and describe in detail my gratitude, but I can’t because I’m racing a deadline this morning and have plans for the afternoon.