tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55684199882427175582011-10-10T17:25:28.974-06:00as in the "insane; frenzied; wildly foolish" definition of madabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.comBlogger1271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-14736732321302704612011-09-30T07:16:00.000-06:002011-09-30T07:16:25.538-06:00

Tomorrow we are headed to the island Hainan in the South China Sea. If you're a weather nut, or just keeping track, there was just a Typhoon that rolled over the island. And another is headed there on Monday. When we're there. I've told the embassy, but figure it's good to let as many people know we'll be there as possible. Bon voyage!

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-73232506128792185612011-09-28T07:03:00.000-06:002011-09-30T07:13:25.012-06:00

I enjoy playing Scrabble and Bananagrams and other word games. Thus, I know the elusive nature of the letter 'q' in the English language. However, at work I find myself writing q's often, and was surprised today to see how many q's were on my white board after just one class. Teaching math, I write "equation" a lot. And how often do you think of "equation" when playing Scrabble? (well, maybe you

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-72556062101914993542011-09-27T07:29:00.000-06:002011-09-27T07:45:28.203-06:00

I've disappeared and I'm not certain it's a bad thing. Since returning to Chongqing 6 weeks ago, I've debated whether or not to keep this here blog. Not only am I super busy at work, but the time I do have off I'd like to spend away from the computer. Months and months ago I read another blogger's farewell. Having begun to find other moms in a time of need, she now felt less needy and ready to

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-68856372226993321982011-08-13T01:49:00.000-06:002011-08-13T01:49:58.134-06:00

I would like to apologize in advance to all the people this post will offend. --------------------------------------------------- I am not a size 2. My stretch marks are not stretch marks with this 3 inches of fat around my middle. I am not a size 2. I cannot fit into the jeans I wore in high school. I am not a size 2. I have 2 kids, not 2 sizes on my pants. I am not an XS. What am I? 13?

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-32579048790726977642011-07-12T22:18:00.000-06:002011-07-12T22:18:04.636-06:00

I returned from a bout of traveling last week and have since experienced the oddest Colorado weather I can remember. Thunderstorms? Sure. Rain? Definitely. But day after day after day of severe weather and flood warnings in this place known as a high desert has got me stumped. For the past half hour I have been listening to continuous thunder spurned from multiple layers of lightning. The rain,

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-71849221564799127252011-06-24T22:29:00.001-06:002011-06-24T22:29:47.730-06:00

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3. Cool.-- Abby

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-33760815359771583412011-06-24T22:14:00.000-06:002011-06-24T22:14:35.625-06:00

I know, I know. I started the year wanting to do a post a day, and here I am over one month since a post. The absence of angry emails tells me no one's madder about this than me. Anyway, I feel an update is in order. Here goes: I finished my first year teaching. Whew. I'm still a bit in shock that it's over so this is all that can be said now. Next week I have a work thing away from family that

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-78693649375949358532011-05-15T00:40:00.000-06:002011-05-15T00:40:57.584-06:00

I'm feeling a bit jittery. There's work to do and all I can do is play with my feet, shake my sitting booty, and wring my hands as if waiting to hear "it's a girl!" at the hospital. The reason? What I feel are restless legs. My mother suffers from restless leg syndrome, and since being pregnant with PB, I have also. It's a strange thing, and hard to describe to someone who does not have it. For

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-56983461265542353152011-04-19T06:48:00.001-06:002011-04-19T06:49:01.282-06:00

The Li River in Yangshuo  As mentioned previously, I took a trip with some of my students to Yangshuo, China to do some backpacking. A wonderful company, Terratribes (http://www.terratribes.com/), was our guide around Yangshuo and into the surrounding "backcountry". At their shop we loaded our packs with sleeping bags, cooking supplies, food, tents, pads, a bucket, and a shovel. Once the weight

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-73048230090758075242011-04-11T06:07:00.000-06:002011-04-11T06:07:10.400-06:00

Wednesday I leave for my first ever backpacking trip. 3 days in Yangshuo, China, hiking backcountry with 8 teenagers who haven't done anything like this either. Well, at least I've slept on the ground before. Under a tarp. In the rain. PB got sick on Saturday, me on Sunday, HD today, and hubby...I hope it waits until I return on Saturday next. Wicked cold with body aches. Hello Spring!

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-10588915630416527662011-04-05T08:08:00.000-06:002011-04-05T08:08:00.275-06:00

I have always been a voracious reader. Okay, only since I learned to read, but really... When I graduated from picture books to chapter books, there was Charlotte's Web, A Wrinkle in Time, and Phantom Tollbooth. Moving past those it was time for a brief stint with The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and The Babysitter's Club, but then, "adult" fiction was all that was left. Alas, at 12 years of age, I

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-42474370427799641192011-04-04T23:32:00.002-06:002011-04-05T08:29:30.564-06:00

Running last week I finally witnessed some sure signs that Spring and a time of renewal are here: - A formerly quiet street is now buzzing with cicadas. They have awoken! I had forgotten how loud they are and hadn't realized how quiet it had been without them. - I smelled flowers! Sure, I had already seen flowers, but to smell them? Amazing! This city is not known for its fresh air, and to

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-45588986908037767442011-03-26T00:13:00.000-06:002011-03-26T00:13:39.256-06:00

I've been away from here so long I feel as though I've been on vacation. Unfortunately, life has not been so exotic, though interesting things have been occurring: 1. PB turned 2. We are officially out of babyhood, even out of diapers. Quite a milestone for the entire family. She enjoyed her party, ate some cake, and received an incredibly noisy gift. All-in-all a success. 2. I ran the 5K

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-22100336239219564502011-03-14T18:46:00.000-06:002011-03-14T18:46:10.449-06:00

On Saturday I will be running in the Chongqing Marathon, though not the marathon part - the 5K. However, even that is a stretch seeing as I've done no real cardio work since leaving Portland last summer. Any-hoo, I've been training, a bit, and ran about 6K the other night, nearly fainting upon completion. I took a day off to recover and swore I would get up early and run every morning this week.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-42754510543771420132011-03-05T06:30:00.001-07:002011-03-05T06:59:02.338-07:00

When I hear a little voice say pee or poop, I jump up, respond with a quick let's go! and run to the nearest bathroom or otherwise appropriate location. Yes, my 2-year-old-in-7-days is potty training. Tonight was no different. I got up twice for pee, once for a poop false alarm. Then I heard poop again, but rising to the occasion I saw a child already without underwear, a scary picture.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-43678188722856677392011-03-03T06:38:00.000-07:002011-03-03T06:38:05.826-07:00

When I was 12 my dad asked me if I wanted to run in the Turkey Trot, a 5K and 10K race on Thanksgiving to benefit a charity or foundation. I thought, sure, I can run. I'll do the 5K. My dad at the time was running 5-10 miles per day and was doing the 10K race. I was playing soccer, and, as a half-back ran the field more than anyone other than the other 2 half-backs. The day arrived, with little

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-60762420497411458992011-02-26T23:14:00.000-07:002011-02-26T23:14:22.895-07:00

I have spent the past two weeks in internet agony. In my last post I expressed a bit of my frustration, but the past two days have really solidified my rage. Why must communicating be so damn hard?! First, my email froze. Then, I suddenly cannot view my student loan website to pay my student loans (important) and get my tax info (also very important). Then, I can't get on turbotax.com anyway,

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-17979972108355976062011-02-20T06:09:00.000-07:002011-02-20T06:09:35.213-07:00

1. The internet hates me and only works sometimes, kind of. 2. Not being able to tell the woman "for the love of god, stop cutting!" before she destroys my hair and makes me look like a 10-year-old. 3. No lentils. 4. I like clothes dryers. 4 more months and we will return stateside for the summer. I can do this. Easy. Maybe my hair will look normal by then.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-5226516510950697172011-02-17T06:10:00.000-07:002011-02-17T06:10:54.125-07:00

There's a full moon behind those clouds tonight and that explains the fireworks - it is the last day of celebrations for the New Year. The Year of the Rabbit has literally been brought in with a bang, or many, rather. Fireworks are seemingly unregulated here meaning they are loud, big, and EVERYWHERE. The amount of professional-grade fireworks here is frightening. And the little sign at the gate

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-79587567709229658512011-02-14T07:23:00.000-07:002011-02-14T07:23:05.398-07:00

I'm having internet issues and I'm scared to write of them. I mean, with blog sites blocked in China, how much outside of China is really monitored? Not that Joe-blow 中国人 (Chinese person) could even access this site and all its scary info, but, I don't know. Is anybody out there? I guess I'll know tomorrow when I try to log in.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-50266756731361362822011-02-10T06:16:00.000-07:002011-02-10T06:16:27.107-07:00

We're dueling computers tonight, side-by-side on the couch. One old, one new. One yelled at every few minutes (guess which?), the other working away sans complaints. All for the love of...I don't know - career? Money? Security? Travel? I wonder sometimes why hubby and I put ourselves through the stress and chaos of life with job and school. I keep telling myself there will come a day when it

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-62233943918671786692011-02-08T06:13:00.000-07:002011-02-08T06:13:57.855-07:00

Last I wrote, I was reflecting upon my 20s and preparing for a 3 hour trek to Zigong (自贡). A week later, I am filled with stories, sighs, and few words to put to it all. Though we took extra time in Zigong, it still felt like a whirlwind trip. Four days is a short time to "see" a place. I have only one thing to say today about the trip (more to follow, I'm sure): Xie xie, Zigong (谢谢，自贡). You

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-75366745650826443652011-02-01T22:53:00.001-07:002011-02-01T22:53:32.495-07:00

Yesterday I turned 30. I mulled over writing about it from the moment I woke. This should be a momentous occasion, beginning my 4th decade. Instead, I find myself reflecting on the decade now finished. My 20s were fun, sad, hard, beautiful, and each year is marked by a change in life, and a change in me. Thus, rather than go on about how old I am, I will chronicle my so-called coming of age in

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-27411484554802323992011-01-30T07:05:00.002-07:002011-01-30T07:07:05.875-07:00

Before I get to the last installment of photo descriptions, I have some news: we have a cleaning lady. It's weird. It's inexpensive. It's gaudy. It's fabulous. As odd as it felt to have someone sloshing through my house with a bucket and 3 rags, it felt nice to have some time to relax with HD without thinking about how late I'd be up cleaning that night. This city is just too damn dirty.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-51765398987992484992011-01-25T07:57:00.000-07:002011-01-25T07:57:55.009-07:00

I just realized how many photos need describing in two more posts. Oye. Okay. Part 2 of putting words to these. Let's begin with the yellow scaffolding. That was also early into our adventure here. There seems to be less scaffolding around to walk under, though it still surrounds every other building in town. In this photo, the guy nailing something into the 'ceiling' is not standing on a

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-12342308319320520832011-01-24T08:31:00.001-07:002011-01-24T08:33:36.668-07:00

I have found something to write about - all those pictures I just posted! (see previous post) I find pictures much more exciting when the background information is with them. Instead, I'm going to make you look back and forth a bit. Sorry, but some of the stories are worth it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-59052439461541862282011-01-22T23:27:00.002-07:002011-01-23T08:12:44.958-07:00

I just realized I have put few pictures of this crazy place on here. So rather than bore you with my banter today, please enjoy Chongqing, in all its splendor!

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-79667342092125982272011-01-19T05:31:00.000-07:002011-01-19T05:31:01.872-07:00

你 好 吗？我 很 好。 我 叫 Abby。 你 叫 什么？我 是 老师。 你 从 哪 儿 来？ 我 来 自 美 国。我 是 美国 人。 再 见。 (How are you? I am very well. My name is Abby. What is your name? I am a teacher. Where are you from? I am from America. I am American. Good bye.) And I can say it too!

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-82728477734381210122011-01-18T07:23:00.000-07:002011-01-18T07:23:37.605-07:00

So that resolution thing? A bust. Well, not a total bust. But the writing everyday has lost its flair, as was inevitable. I missed a day on purpose, and yesterday, in a flurry of children, Chinese lessons, and oh-sh*t-I-have-to-teach-something-tomorrow planning, the blog was again left silent. Do not fear loyal readers! This does not mean an end to regular updates of the life that warrants the

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-38868570245663971122011-01-16T07:50:00.000-07:002011-01-16T07:50:23.814-07:00

I know, I know - I missed a day. Well, we went to a huge expat party, ate, drank, were merry, and came home late with the kids. I decided, everyone needs a day off. I considered doing two posts today to make up for it but this is my blog and I reserve the right to change the rules as I please. So resolutions are good. And this resolution is going very well (aside from the paragraph above). I

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-79311012280368596602011-01-14T08:24:00.000-07:002011-01-14T08:24:30.545-07:00

A bit ago I wrote this about parents in China having babies and handing them over to be raised by grandparents. Of course, since going on my diatribe, I have have seen more parents with their kids than grandparents with grand kids. I even saw a lady make her gambling partners wait for her to get her baby latched on before the next hand was dealt in an illegal roadside game. But just when I

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-64679804628583442462011-01-13T06:50:00.000-07:002011-01-13T06:50:39.436-07:00

Yawn. I'm at a complete loss tonight. Nothing seems good enough to write about. Decent day at school with a good lab field trip. Chill night at home with no work to do because I forgot all the papers that need grading. There are pictures I would like to share, but the energy to get the camera, upload them, and wait for my incredibly slow internet to get them here, eludes me. Coca-cola is not a

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-29071812670241664052011-01-12T07:57:00.001-07:002011-01-12T07:58:20.777-07:00

Does spell-check help or hurt kids? Do they really need to know how to spell anyway if most of their work is done on computers? How important is it? Should spell-check be disabled on school computers so kids have to proof-read and use a dictionary to check spelling? I will now never forget how to spell 'reminiscent' because I went through 2 different spellings and a conversation in trying to

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-20734484362366390072011-01-11T07:47:00.000-07:002011-01-11T07:47:25.324-07:00

So far, so good. I crocheted tonight (no work!) while watching Wall Street. I've done a blog every day. I hope my cold is better by Thursday to begin my exercise regimen. And reading is going well. I'm reading about Buddhism and it's appealing to my, well, should I say, spiritual side. Or what sort of a spiritual side I have. I am not religious. I am not an atheist. But what if? Buddhism's

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-37093003509586253372011-01-10T05:17:00.000-07:002011-01-10T05:17:05.599-07:00

There's a store here called Metro. It's kind of like a Sam's Club or Costco - bulk-buy discounts with inexpensive membership. This is a favorite of expats for many reasons. First, there's a large imported section with things directly from home like, refried beans, spices, spaghetti sauce, CHEESE, and inexpensive wine. There are also just a lot of good deals. Well, sometimes. But the funnest part

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-25082337538410696692011-01-09T08:07:00.000-07:002011-01-09T08:07:10.726-07:00

This is my 100th post! Woo-hoo! I made it! I'm very impressed with myself for sticking with this thing for so long. Through grad school, my first year teaching, and moving to China, I wouldn't've thought this would still exist. However, I've been thinking about purging lately. Does deleting long ago posts violate blogging ethics? I've matured since beginning this over a year-and-a-half ago.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-48776910363542197792011-01-08T09:03:00.000-07:002011-01-08T09:03:14.437-07:00

 Before moving, we read a lot of books about China and living in China. There are a few things that have remained with me, maybe because I notice them daily. One is the filth. In the more well-known cities like Beijing and Shanghai, air pollution standards have begun to make the cities cleaner. These standards have not had as much of an effect on Chongqing. Long a factory river town, Chongqing is

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-24924179709003010062011-01-07T07:45:00.000-07:002011-01-07T07:45:54.218-07:00

Things I wish China would invest in: - Insulation - Western toilets (you know, the kind you sit on) - Internet cables - Green energy - People - Breweries Things I love about China: - Scary looking fruits and veggies - Hot pot - Slippers - Inexpensive buses - Trains - My students

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-87230609197604705732011-01-06T07:43:00.000-07:002011-01-06T07:43:04.480-07:00

We were invited to a belated Christmas dinner on New Year's Day with some other expats. The dinner was very much a Thanksgiving meal for us, complete with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, and sweet potato-pecan amazingness. Very, very good. At the end, a half-eaten turkey glared at us as we cleaned up the kitchen. I offered to take the poor thing

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-63735861761450113892011-01-05T05:32:00.000-07:002011-01-05T05:32:52.228-07:00

I'm supposed to be studying my Chinese - I'm up in 3 minutes. Let's see what I can do, in pinyin (the latin version of Chinese) for now. I will figure out characters soon. Ni hao. Ni hao ma? Wo hen hao. Ni jiao shen me? Wo jiao Abby. Ni ne? Wo jiao (insert your name here). Wo shi lao shi. Zai jian. Zai jian. *note: All these words are missing the tone accents. I will add them later if I can

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-30091082302543311962011-01-04T07:37:00.000-07:002011-01-04T07:37:38.263-07:00

What's in my brain... I'm finding it a lot harder than I thought to just brain dump here. Tate did mention I should tell him I'm going to take a dump when I do this. Anyway, there is a lot of pressure that comes with writing for an audience, small though it may be. I do like that about writing in a notebook, the way it can can just flow and no one ever has to read it, even me. But this is my

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-81269068683414619832011-01-03T23:04:00.000-07:002011-01-03T23:04:57.853-07:00

Today I had to manually tear apart a toddler poo so it would flush down the toilet. Never thought I'd have to do that. **I did start this on time, yesterday, really. But computer freezes and slow internet delayed the posting of this until now. Another post, really meant for today, will come shortly.**

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-88709584014270274912011-01-02T06:40:00.000-07:002011-01-02T06:40:32.770-07:00

Yesterday, Tate and I were discussing New Year's resolutions. I said mine was to find stress relief so my stress doesn't effect my relationships. I have realized how little I have done for myself here, allowing all my energy to go into work and the girls. Therefore, I am proposing 4 ways to a stress-managed Abby. Here's the list: 1. Run/walk at work 2 afternoons per week. During the week, I do

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-70379167270888482572010-11-26T23:29:00.002-07:002010-11-26T23:34:24.244-07:00

Even in the States I was familiar with the custom of Chinese grandparents caring for their grandchildren. I envied those parents, having help with the kids that didn't cost $1000/month, a live-in cleaning and kitchen staff, and just a closer family in general. Moving here, I was prepared for the stories of people living with their parents, their parents caring for their children. A colleague of

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-28103762431421479282010-11-11T05:16:00.000-07:002010-11-11T05:16:19.481-07:00

There are so many things I want to say but fear the breadth of my readership. The expat community here is very small, and though I don't feel totally at home, they are our link to the world outside Chongqing. Sometimes you just need a China break. Ah! I can't say what I want. Title change. 'Some things are better left UNsaid'. Mood change... Here are some recent thoughts and goings on:My

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-54996504185086656262010-10-31T00:23:00.000-06:002010-10-31T00:23:09.293-06:00

I'm glad you asked! 1. I have developed seasonal allergies to whatever blooms here in the fall. After a "oh sh*t I'm allergic to dust mites and they're in our mattress" scare, we have determined I am just allergic to the normal stuff. Still pretty horrible. 2. I have lost 10 lbs! Without trying! Baby weight finally leaving after 19 months. This is a very cool and very frustrating consequence of

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-5475723235957830982010-10-01T23:58:00.000-06:002010-10-02T00:00:02.079-06:00

Being a Caucasian mother in Chongqing is difficult. There are so many things I don't have here that I take for granted back home: clean water out of the tap; clothes without a bunch of sparkly crap on them; car seats. But most of all, it is two things: the attention, and reading labels. Oh, the attention. Alone, I bring a lot of attention to myself just because I am not Chinese. I constantly

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-51901983998494318752010-09-24T23:55:00.000-06:002010-09-24T23:55:31.852-06:00

HD: ysho thawas safbi asdifn ifawoei. Me: What? HD: ysho thawas safbi asdifn ifawoei. POP! (out comes the binky) Me: What? HD: You're the best momma in the world.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-12868255959841474532010-09-04T00:25:00.000-06:002010-09-04T00:28:26.980-06:00

Hello all!We have been in Chongqing, China for a month now and I finally figured out how to access this blog (as well as yours!). I have been handed a crazy load of work at school so I may not be able to update this as often as I would like. However, I'm happy to be able to check in with all of your goings on.And Tate will be helping keep the new family blog going over at wordpress:http://

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-43661255971189121762010-08-03T22:30:00.001-06:002010-08-03T22:30:29.268-06:00

Will be in touch soon!

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-13983448934173031062010-07-25T22:12:00.000-06:002010-07-25T22:15:40.219-06:00

I am so inspired by the amount of readers finding their way here. It's weird. I don't know really how to feel about it other than to say thanks. I started this for fun and as a way to connect with other moms. Now I'm moving and this will (hopefully) transform into a wild travel guide for Chongqing, China.Thank you for reading now, and I hope you continue to find your way here in the future.By the

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-48557793479668770542010-06-27T19:47:00.000-06:002010-06-27T19:47:41.979-06:00

The three most popular blogging sites are blocked in China: Blogger, Wordpress, and Livejournal. What do I do?I'm tempted to just create my own website, but don't know how. Is it hard? I feel a bit dumb asking this. I mean, I have a blog, right? But I don't do anything special here. I can't even figure out how to do that cool strike-through thing 'cause it's not on my toolbar. And I still don't

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-39764543729322935482010-06-20T22:27:00.000-06:002010-06-20T22:44:00.502-06:00

Harper has been amazing with potty training. Until this week, she has had few accidents, and the ones she has are usually due to a refusal to stop playing to go potty. As Tate reflected, it's like when we have to pee during a good conversation: if you leave, the flow is disrupted and can't be restored. Indeed.Any-who, in light of the awesomeness Harper has been, Tate and her went to get big-kid

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-10425643937967151892010-06-20T14:44:00.001-06:002010-06-20T15:09:46.044-06:00

Thank you for your patience. I have finished student teaching (YEA!) and just have two weeks to go to the end of my master's. It's been a crazy year that I'm glad is coming to an end. And this is good since the next year is sure to be even crazier since we're moving to China.What?! China!?!Yup, China. Insane, right?I got a job teaching at an international school in Chongqing, China. I will be the

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-68114460592081902952010-05-09T22:46:00.000-06:002010-05-09T22:47:07.791-06:00

we did it. we jumped into the potty-training abyss. wheee!!!!a couple weeks ago Tate and I realized we were wimps when it came to potty training. we put Harper in underwear, would inevitably forget to remind her to go potty and puddles of pee would appear. how did we respond? must not be ready - put a diaper on that kid!how wrong we were.last Saturday we took the plunge: no more diapers (except

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-31148360407989114642010-04-10T23:33:00.000-06:002010-04-10T23:33:32.043-06:00

Tate and I were having a perfectly wonderful evening: watched a movie, good special features, no kid interruptions. Until that magic time when toddlers know you really want to go to bed, and they wake. For us, this is about 10:30. Last night was no exception, and it was very, um, frustrating? upsetting? I don't know. I'm not good with adjectives. Maybe by the end of this, I'll have a good one.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-28460131565695947892010-04-07T12:11:00.000-06:002010-04-07T12:12:35.053-06:00

HD: Penny, you wanna hide and poop?PB: Gaa.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-16234492215238242012010-03-29T21:53:00.000-06:002010-03-30T00:38:06.102-06:00

I cannot guarantee anything here until at least July 2: date of master's completion. until then, I am just way too busy and dread this place. I read your comments but have no intelligent words left of my own. so, as it is the first day back from Spring Break and I am not yet crazy busy (starts tomorrow), I feel I should document some things. the past month was full of fun and adventure! okay,

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-22541773864363743402010-03-02T22:01:00.000-07:002010-03-02T22:01:16.778-07:00

Tuesdays I have a class down at PSU after being at the high school. the class includes pot luck snacks. usually included are donuts, cookies, chips, other sweets, and sometimes veggies.anyway...because there is all this food around, I snack for 2 and 1/2 hours. on all of it. luckily today, the donuts ran out before I got there, but not the cookies. or popcorn. or chips. or baby carrots (I was a

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-21575211177370117302010-02-21T20:40:00.001-07:002010-02-21T20:44:56.285-07:00

daddy, stop talking to mommy. daddy, talk to me.mommy, don't talk to me while I'm eating.for 2 1/2 she's quite demanding.on the other hand, my good friend's 3-yr.-old told the house only big breasted women could come play with him. as a woman 7 months pregnant, my friend was thrilled to join.and the cherry on top? my baby head-butts kisses.the kids keep me smiling.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-43632133139317187822010-02-18T22:14:00.000-07:002010-02-18T22:16:33.816-07:00

I will catch-up reading all your wonderful posts.just can't right now. too far behind.reading blogs.cause, you know, that whole school/family/university/family thing.I promise to return soon.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-78084521689468833872010-02-07T20:05:00.000-07:002010-02-07T20:35:12.313-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS NEW ORLEANS!in other news, I find myself scrambling for things to write of. I feel I have a blog, I should post. all of my loyal readers come daily looking for words of wisdom, the next great epiphany and the solution to the world's problems (yes, there's just one).but alas, I leave my brain with 15-year-olds every day at 1:00, and after that, babble until I have to sound coherent

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-91193823786037648892010-02-02T22:30:00.000-07:002010-02-02T22:33:21.277-07:00

ever see those dogs that "smile"? they look like they're snarling.same thing here. we call this happy expression, "scrunch face".aww...

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-71451289449205956262010-01-31T20:30:00.000-07:002010-01-31T20:36:36.489-07:00

still here. still surviving. still keepin' on.I finished teaching my worksample (ridiculus amount of work to prove I taught some stuff) for my license. I'm tired. I still have a lot to do. Job fairs start soon. classwork too. still teaching, still planning, still fighting to stay in control in the classroom.it will come.it is coming. the know-how. the ability. the comfort.but we all have to start

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-44850976661231119702010-01-17T19:38:00.000-07:002010-01-17T19:57:44.200-07:00

I feel obligated to write. and there's a lot to say. but how to say it...the past three weeks (wait, almost 4!) our family has been sick. Harper started it and got off easy -- 4 days of cruddiness. then Penny started. and me. and Tate.Penny is still trying to kick the phlegm that collects while she sleeps that began once she recovered from rotavirus.I went from sore throat, to cough, to cold

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-83754906131685125672010-01-09T15:55:00.000-07:002010-01-09T15:59:19.593-07:00

the other day I saw a guy go a couple steps out of his way to avoid a puddle and my first thought was,"I could jump that".no need to lay down any coats here, gentlemen.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-87053994811441597542010-01-02T22:20:00.000-07:002010-01-02T22:20:06.951-07:00

I've never made New Year's Resolutions before (notice it says resolutions not resolution? goin' all out). for some reason I feel this is the time to do it. and nothing says official like posting it on the web.so here goes...1. crunches every morning (good-bye baby belly!).2. ride bike to school every day. yes, every day. and rides to the bus or MAX count -- it's still at least 10 blocks...3.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-34377053019921788482009-12-29T17:03:00.000-07:002009-12-29T17:04:08.268-07:00

I may be premature in writing this post (it's been snowing for 2 hours), but when the muse strikes...reasons I love Portland when it snows:1. everything shuts down and is quiet2. snow is magical3. laughing at idiot drivers4. Bluedog goes crazy5. it only snows once a year with accumulation and that is the only thing besides family I really miss about Denverso...reasons I hate Portland when it

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-62573434929727464032009-12-27T14:46:00.000-07:002009-12-27T14:54:36.507-07:00

I underestimated the pride I thought I'd feel when Harper was finally potty trained.she's not potty trained, per se, but pooped 5 times in the toilet today.I was ecstatic.I am ecstatic.and what makes it better? she went 5 times because it was so exciting for her, she held back so she could poop, wipe, flush, and start all over again. I always thought potty training would be a battle, hard fought,

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-87490334694525742642009-12-26T15:34:00.000-07:002009-12-26T15:40:23.617-07:00

Happy/Merry Everything!I have fought celebrating Christmas since I was 13. I didn't understand the necessity of buying people a ton of gifts for a day that was supposed to be honoring the birth of Jesus. my argument, to my parent's dismay, against buying presents was always, "if we are celebrating Jesus' birthday, shouldn't we be buying him gifts?"in many ways, I still feel this about Christmas,

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-40157487211375176682009-12-17T15:57:00.000-07:002009-12-17T16:01:19.449-07:00

completing a term of school really frees one up to do the important things. you know, cleaning off the bookshelves; cleaning out one's inbox; repeatedly singing "Frere Jacques"; making baby food; painting gifts; and jumping on the bed.just forget the 5 months of lesson plans that need to be written.just forget for a little while.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-7959253105326074752009-12-03T23:21:00.000-07:002009-12-03T23:23:16.250-07:00

I will be released from this madness in......7 more days....7 more days....7 more days....7 more days....7 more days.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-33023115330262388282009-11-24T17:24:00.000-07:002009-11-24T17:24:45.605-07:00

today I received my first request for a review and subsequent blog post. I am noting this for a few reasons:1. this confirms that someone other than my husband, friends, and a couple other bloggers sometimes, occasionally, read this blog;2. it was mommy related -- I am officially known as a mommy-blogger to the internet world;3. I'm not doing the review.I've been following (a little) all the

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-77038090932531254682009-11-20T17:20:00.000-07:002009-11-20T17:20:25.324-07:00

It was March 22, 2004 and my roommate Sam and I were recovering from celebrating her birthday the night before. and the night before that. we decided to cook. Sam was making bbq chicken. I was making Minnesota Wild Rice soup from the Book of Soups mentioned here.Sam's phone rings -- of course she would like to hang out (her new love interest); of course he can bring his roommate; and by the way,

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-10317746763845682162009-11-16T15:21:00.001-07:002009-11-16T15:29:05.819-07:00

I love Portland because of all the people commuting on bikes in the rain.without rain gear.HD ate a piece of broccoli!study or play with my kids?that is a lot of ginger.I hate writing essays.I never win anything.Penny does love me!thinking of Tate gives me warm fuzzies.should I grow my hair out?Blue ate the tiger's feet.I spend too much time cooking.how is it there's never enough money?I hate

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-79552986838380352702009-11-11T11:05:00.000-07:002009-11-11T11:19:02.384-07:00

yesterday I made an amazing Indonesian chicken, noodle and potato soup called soto ayam. I got the recipe from a wonderful soup book called Book of Soups, put out by the Culinary Institute of America. I've made many soups from this book to great success, and someday I will write about the soup that is now celebrated on our Soup Day.however, I needed ginger for the soto ayam. fresh ginger. I went

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-74061784791192276532009-10-27T23:10:00.000-06:002009-10-27T23:14:27.625-06:00

AHHH!sleep-short nights, super-long days and children of all sizes everywhere -- such is the life of a mother/wife/student teacher. when people find out all I do they say something like, wow, how do you do it? why doesn't I don't have a f-ing clue ever suffice?the days are all one (it's tuesday, right?); the assignments many, long, and complicated; the children cry at daycare for mommy; dinner's

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-49251481085495918912009-10-22T08:46:00.000-06:002009-10-22T09:00:14.194-06:00

time has slowed down for me today so I feel obligated to write. I've been quite neglectful and though it may not bother any of you it really rankles me.today is a good day -- first day of super-fog of the season. this is one of the biggest reasons I love Portland, the fog. and one of my favorite things to do is ride over the Broadway bridge in the fog where you can't see a damn thing when you're

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-80746744938902187862009-10-16T16:45:00.000-06:002009-10-16T16:49:29.899-06:00

can you tell I'm in school? I thought I would have a lot to say during this time and would be blogging at least once daily. the problem is I have plenty to say, but no words to express my thoughts with. all my brainpower is going into my classes and preparation for teaching and job fairs in January. and when I have downtime, I'm down, literally.so you may not see much of me for a while, but I

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-11214577189361728302009-10-08T21:51:00.000-06:002009-10-09T10:46:43.790-06:00

I've been tagged for a meme by Nonlinear girl, my first tag! thank you thank you thank you. I am deeply honored and hope I can live up to the task. the rules are: list 10 honest things about yourself and tag 7 others to do the same. here goes...1. I was very shy growing up. I had lots of friends, but I was the one who always responded, "I don't know, what do you wanna do?" when teenage scheduling

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-41893895223511322342009-09-30T23:04:00.000-06:002009-09-30T23:08:08.368-06:00

recently when I comment on other blogs, my profile picture shows but without a head.headless me. headless momma. headless random body on a beach?yeah, lets go with that until that new one of my awesomely post-2-babies bikini body is ready.right...

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-59843416022753467782009-09-28T15:30:00.000-06:002009-09-28T15:35:19.856-06:00

my baby is sick, really sick. vomit, crying, smiling through purple-rimmed eyes, and fit-full sleeping. poor, poor thing. there's nothing worse than a baby so sick that even mega-tiger doesn't cheer her up. and not being able to tell someone how you feel so they can make it better must really, really suck.penny and mega-tiger hangin'I remember when the family got the flu when harper was 7-

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-72008946330192395372009-09-25T17:22:00.000-06:002009-09-25T17:27:39.945-06:00

here's a quick update:student teaching: wow. awesome. crazy. cool. so busy. and excited.last weekend: home to Denver for high school reunion. ugh to the reunion. good to see family, friend, and have some time with just Penny.Tuesday: took Harper to visit new daycare and decided did not like new daycare. need to find daycare by Monday. out $900. found a place then get a call that we got in to

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-4858358442771475142009-09-20T21:26:00.000-06:002009-09-20T21:28:44.388-06:00

I have been so gone. my brain is starting to feel as though not much more will fit in. I have neglected my blog, and yours too. sorry! I promise I will read all of your wonderful posts that I have missed and get caught up. and by tuesday, a real post here too. I have a lot to say, and I will. I'm sure you're not worried.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-39859889786033120442009-09-12T23:28:00.000-06:002009-09-12T23:34:31.168-06:00

please go see this. and do something. my wonderful little p was born at home, and I'm not totally sure (not sure at all, actually) that hd needed the hospital birth she had. the more that women are misinformed about their choices, the longer it will take to give them back the power to birth their babies themselves.I am a feminist. I am a homebirth advocate. I am a mother.I am writing a letter to

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-53243656775430482052009-09-07T23:09:00.000-06:002009-09-07T23:16:04.539-06:00

I got new bras today. real bras with underwires, push-up features, and no clips for baring all to adoring infants.it's a good day.it's been 2 years.and my, have things changed. well, on me, not with bras necessarily. bearing children does a number on ones breasts in many ways, but for me, this mostly involves an increase in size. good? sure! I'm game. though the way they look in a real bra is a

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-35638919452403187142009-09-01T23:21:00.000-06:002009-09-01T23:28:18.960-06:00

I've been getting a lot of random views from Britain and India. they come to me after searching for "mad momma" which I found funny.so I searched "mad momma".turns out I am not the first. and not the most popular.there is another - British, Indian or both, who came before. so now I must change.any ideas? I need something representative of myself, original, and witty would be nice too. feel free

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-16883485521757687542009-08-31T22:55:00.000-06:002009-08-31T23:01:05.357-06:00

1. denial and isolation. "she'll change her mind, it'll be okay"2. anger. "this sucks hard and doesn't she know how impossible it is to find care and I don't have time for this and I'm just so freakin' pissed off"3. bargaining. "just stay and watch ours"4. depression. "what am I going to tell HD?"(while crying, a lot)5. acceptance. coming soon...our daycare lady is shutting down at the end of

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-77899113522300613422009-08-25T13:28:00.000-06:002009-08-25T14:05:03.306-06:00

I'm feeling kind of blah...I have a week off before crazy busy time starts and I'm feeling very ambivalent about life. and about writing. on the blog. I have much and little to say, and finding the right words to convey my blah is a little overwhelming at the moment. as much as I love some down time from crazy busy time, I feel much more productive when I have a lot going on. now I just sit

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-66359593261844354322009-08-21T14:57:00.000-06:002009-08-21T15:20:15.040-06:00

My wonderful HD,Two years ago today, you were pulled, screaming, from my belly. I was crying, until I saw your chubby cheeks and incredibly long eyelashes. A wonderful calm overcame me in your presence. You were little, long, and a horrible eater. And I loved and kissed every bit of you.Today, you are a big girl, tall and still a horrible eater. I love you more every day, but now I only kiss

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-67626211607000503452009-08-20T14:25:00.000-06:002009-08-20T14:37:58.281-06:00

I'll admit it--I've got quite the ego when it comes to my intelligence and ability. maybe because I've always studied things that interest me, I don't feel I've ever had to work very hard to get good grades. maybe my good grades haven't always translated to knowledge. maybe I just got my system down and went with it.but I've always been good at school. until now.actually, I'm being harsh. I still

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-6732231210982191352009-08-16T23:50:00.000-06:002009-08-16T23:51:01.138-06:00

round one of classes done thursday. see you then....

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-28605352154743559802009-08-10T23:53:00.000-06:002009-08-11T00:04:51.374-06:00

we are lucky enough to have cool "kneeling" buses that lower for easier access and have bike racks on the front. so when I decide to be lazy and bus part of the way home, it's quite the comfortable experience.today, as usual, I signal to the driver that I will be putting a bike on the rack and he lowers the bus for me. not too much of a difference, but the gesture is nice.ten blocks later,

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-23009298247000444832009-08-07T10:41:00.000-06:002009-08-07T10:43:12.456-06:00

how am I expected to study when my dog lays next to me and farts every 2 minutes? wicked, horrible, RUN from the room farts.seriously dog.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-9942756054105959002009-08-05T23:31:00.000-06:002009-08-05T23:42:39.631-06:00

we've been really excited by Harper's ability to begin feeling when she's "gotta go". she talks about peeing all the time, pooping sometimes, and loves that she gets to take her diaper off and sit on her potty.so lately, when she mentions pee and grabs her diaper, we strip it off and go to the potty. sometimes she goes, sometimes not. but we always let her run around for a bit sans diaper

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-29820254972081268602009-08-03T22:43:00.000-06:002009-08-03T23:01:08.995-06:00

ever feel like your children (and the gods) are conspiring to ruin your life?I totally understand.last night was to be a work of art in the studying department: tate hanging art from 8-10, girls in bed by 8 and me alone to finish preparing for my first graduate school presentation that I had totally put off until the last minute.okay, maybe it was partially my fault. but the kids are still young

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-85595244427389354042009-08-03T00:51:00.000-06:002009-08-03T00:54:16.694-06:00

I haven't been up this late in ages. I guess this is the price I pay for going back to school.speaking of which, the work is really starting to pile up. I thought I was ahead, but a 5-week term sure catches up to you quickly. I may go MIA for a little bit. I may find time to check in. my great worry is that I'll have nothing to say.nothing interesting at least.

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-71887815047464791482009-07-29T16:26:00.000-06:002009-07-29T16:30:24.812-06:00

I missed a day, meaning I'm calling off the blog a day for 365 days thing. for now. I may pick it up again, but life really is moving way too fast for me right now.add demanding children, a summer cold, and 105-degree heat, and blogging gets pushed aside.not to mention I'm in school.I don't know what I was thinking is the answer to the question you all want to ask.but here I am, I'm doing it,

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-90170058436436752202009-07-27T23:12:00.000-06:002009-07-27T23:22:04.194-06:00

I will now prove how non-tech saavy I am.something happened to my small, cute, and fits-in-very-nicely-with-my-others little banner thing under my "What I Believe In" heading. no longer was it cute or VISIBLE.my cure?put on the other one. the bigger one. and really show who believes in blogging with integrity.I'm happy to support the effort to bring all bloggers into a respectful space, where

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568419988242717558.post-36411596194701889052009-07-27T20:42:00.000-06:002009-07-27T20:45:58.535-06:00

so effing hot I want to die. can't think, can't blog, can't.what I would do for central air...

abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011401296282740367noreply@blogger.com0