So where are you from .... originally?

There is something in my office right now that is making a sound eerily similar to the Egon's Psycho-Kinetic Energy (or PKE) meter from Ghostbusters. If you don't remember, (and honestly, why would you?) this little device makes its first appearance in the library and has these little arms on the side that raise up and down. Since Ghostbusters is one of my favorite movies, quotes are running through my head left and right:

"Get here ... he he ... that was your plan?"
"Don't worry Ray, everyone has 3 mortgages nowadays."
"What about the Twinkie?"
"Okay ... so? She's a dog!"
"If someone asks you if you're a god ... you SAY YES!!!!"

Don't worry .. the meds will kick in soon

You're such a virago!

The internet is awash in random crap for people to learn. Being a crapologist (as opposed to a poopologist) myself, I enjoy looking for this crap so I can whip it out later and seem smarter than I really am. For that is the definition of a crapologist! A few days ago, My random crap search brought to me a beautiful little word:

virago: an ill-tempered, overbearing woman; also, a woman of great strength and courage.

I read the first definition and thought little of it. It is the second definition that really caught my eye. How could this word be used then? It appears to be an insult and a compliment at the same time. Amazingly enough, there are several women I know to whom this word applies, I just won't tell you which definition fits best. :)

Dictionary.com definition of virago

I would have tried Valium, but there are laws

Prior to kids, having either Debbie or I sick was annoying, but could be a blessing. If Debbie were ill, I would take care of her, but I could also hop on the computer for long stretches. Even with one child, things weren't so bad. After all, plenty of rest time could be had when nap/quiet time came around. Now, putting one of us out of commission on a weekend is borderline cruel and unusual punishment. With two kids, there's no down time at all. I think they secretly confer to make sure they each demand their naps at separate times of the day so you have to keep at least 1 occupied at all times.
It all started last weekend when Eric contracted a fluctuating fever with some minor coughing. We figured it was an ear infection coupled with a cold. By Tuesday, we decided a pediatrician visit was required and found out the poor little guy had pneumonia. Blech! By Thursday, Lauren started sporting the signs of a cold, but fortunately not pneumonia. On Friday, I too was stricken with a cold. Then came Saturday morning. I only had congestion, with some sneezing and coughing. Debbie woke up in the middle of the night with the flu. That put me in charge of both kids for the whole day. Things went pretty well right up to about 4 in the afternoon. Around that time, my mind and body decided they were done and wanted to take a break. The kids did not oblige. I trudged through the remaining 4 hours of the day, but playing with them was really tough. I became terse and a bit snippy. Especially when Lauren would pull out her crying for no reason routine. Thank goodness for The Jungle Book. That kept Lauren occupied for an hour and a half while I gave Eric some one on one time. Once the movie was over though, it was back to both of them demanding all my attention. Debbie came down around 6:30 because Eric had heard mommy talking and went ballistic (he loves his mommy!). Debbie got him to nap while I took to the task of dinner. After the kids went to bed, so did I.
Fortunately, Sunday found Debbie feeling much better and able to at least help a bit. Good thing too, I'm not sure I could have gone that second day all by myself again feeling like I was. I've decided that next time, though, I think I'm going to sign up to be the sick parent. Suddenly the idea of holing up in the bed room with some occasional sickness unpleasantries doesn't sound nearly as bad.

Short and Sweet

Lots going on ... very very busy ... quick updates:
1. Sheba is a welcome addition and adjusting nicely. Does seem to have an unhealthy affinity for the trash.
2. Lauren is potty trained completely now. May move out of nighttime diapers tomorrow.
3. Eric is crawling like a fiend, standing with support.
4. Moved groups inside company, now very very busy which I haven't been in a long time.
5. Eric getting over pneumonia; kind enough to pass on colds to Debbie, myself, and Lauren. He's so giving.
6. Debbie back at work leaving me to get kids ready in the morning. Awfully fun.
7. Before we leave, Lauren tells Sheba "Bye Bye! You be good! No pee pee, no potty, no trash!"
8. Sick and tired of the damn snow. Particularly since I don't have a snow blower. Getting one after the season.
9. Stupid weather channel is calling for 2+ inches on Sunday.