I've Moved Please come see me in my new (and much more attractive home): www.allessandria.org That is all from here!  ¶ 10/29/2003 12:19:00 PM

  I've Moved Please come see me in my new (and much more attractive home): www.allessandria.org That is all from here!  ¶ 10/29/2003 12:17:00 PM

  Not Sure What This Means   ¶ 10/28/2003 12:19:00 PM

  Some Nice Photos I really like these shots from fall.   ¶ 10/28/2003 08:17:00 AM

  We are the Champions! This isn't a great shot of the costume, but Cosmo and I won 2nd place in the Pugaween costume contest. My little Austin Puggers was quite the competitor! Here are some more shots from around the event: I'm posting the rest on my fotoblog. Check it out by using the link on the right.  ¶ 10/28/2003 08:06:00 AM

  America's Least Wanted I was sending an Evite out for some Scrapbooking night, and after hitting the send button, I got this list of eligible bachelors. Having just celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary yesterday, I browsed. I am so glad I am not single. I just have to share my top two guys. Crunchy Scabby   ¶ 10/27/2003 12:07:00 PM

  Techno Daycare Can I just share how cool it is that Lili's day director is on IM? I just had a conversation with her to check in on Lili. She is fine and in the 2 year old room.  ¶ 10/27/2003 10:55:00 AM

  False Advertising I am looking for give away ideas for Lili's party (and incredibly bored at work), so I tried locating some dollar stores near my house. This is my favorite photo: Notice how the signs in the window are for items that cost $2.50 and $8. Hmmmmm.  ¶ 10/24/2003 08:06:00 AM

  Friday Five There is no Friday Five today, so I made up my own. 1. What was your favorite tv show as a child? Love Boat 2. What was your favorite movie as a child? A Tie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and 16 Candles 3. What was your favorite band as a child? Blondie (followed by some serious Duran Duran worship) 4. What was your favorite food as a child? Baked macoroni and cheese 5. What was your favorite toy as child? Barbie (boardgames are a close second)  ¶ 10/24/2003 07:56:00 AM

  Dr. Pepper Shower YOu know it is a good day when you make your work buddy laugh and spray Dr. Pepper all over.  ¶ 10/23/2003 02:03:00 PM

  Some more ideas for Lili's invites   ¶ 10/23/2003 12:53:00 PM

  Some Ideas for Lili's Invites   ¶ 10/23/2003 12:39:00 PM

  View Dissection Advised Saw the big hoopla Angel last night. I have to say, I wasn't too impressed. It didn't seem like that big of a deal. Any theories on what graphic images were the problem? Were they: A) Naked Spike? B) Fred in the shower? C) The chick with the glass in her eye? or D) The really bad maincure (aka the guy cutting hiw own fingers off)?  ¶ 10/23/2003 11:57:00 AM

  Crafty Time I got a coupld of friends from work to sit and scrapbook today at lunch. We wound up just working on two pages for my Zoo book, but it was a lot of fun!  ¶ 10/23/2003 11:55:00 AM

  Oh La La This woman posted a comment on my photo blog. I like her pictures of clouds and horses.   ¶ 10/22/2003 11:45:00 AM

  Calling All Readers I need to find acute ideas for having a Faery Tale themed party for Lili's 2nd birthday. I do not want anything too princess-y. If you know of any ideas or sites with info on the following, please let me know! * Invitations * Decorations * Give away gifts Thanks!  ¶ 10/22/2003 08:03:00 AM

  In case you missed me Here is one of those annoying e-mails I sent some friends. 1. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR KITCHEN PLATES? Brown 2. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Ha ha ha . . . the Going to Bed Book by Boynton 3. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? The free Aon University one 4. FAVORITE MAGAZINES? Wired, Child, and Ms. 5. LEAST FAVORITE SMELL? Rubbing alcohol . . . that whole fear of needles thing. 6. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN MORNING? Is Lili awake or can I sleep 7. FAVORITE COLOR? Blue 8. LEAST FAVORITE COLOR? Yellow 9. HOW MANY RINGS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE PHONE? 4 and that's when the answering machine picks up. 10. FUTURE CHILD'S NAME? Evelyn Grace 11.WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE? Family 12. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? chocolate 13. DO YOU DRIVE FAST? As fast as one can as an old lady 14. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? I hadn't thought about getting him or the pug stuffed, but now that you mention it. 15. STORMS - COOL OR SCARY? Very fun as long as I am home. I hate hate hate driving in storms 16. WHAT TYPE WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? Something expensive and convertible. 17. IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO? All my ansestors (have to go with Mika on this one) 18. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK? Anything frozen and fruity. 19. WHAT IS YOUR SIGN &YOUR BIRTHDAY? pisces 03-16-1971 20. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI? only when I am forced to eat brocolli. I used to love it but developed an aversion when I got pregnant that hasn't left. 21. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB WHAT WOULD IT BE? Travel guide writer 22. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY COLOR HAIR? Black seems fine. 24. FAVORITE MOVIE? Right now, Amalie, Death to Smoochie, Snatch, and Jackie Brown are in the DVD player. Can't say I have just one favorite 25. DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS? Yes, but not in any "officially trained" way. 26. WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED? Dust bunnies, a lpastic bin of wrapping paper, and a plastic bin of wires and crap for stereo junk! 27. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NUMBER? 3 (although 42 would be more obvious) 28. FAVORITE SPORT TO >WATCH? Baseball!! 29. WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST FEAR? Needles 30. SAY ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS. She makes me laugh and feel myself. 31. PERSON MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Adelle 32. PERSON YOU SENT THIS TO WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Maggie (onlu cause I know she's really busy!) 33. FAVORITE CD? Right now, it's "No!" by They Might Be Giants -- best children's album EVER! 34. FAVORITE TV SHOWS? Angel (duh) 35. KETCHUP OR MUSTARD? Mustard. I even dip my damn fries in that stuff! 36. HAMBURGERS OR HOT DOGS? Hamburgers 37. FAVORITE SOFT DRINK? Vanilla Coke 38. THE BEST PLACES YOU HAVE EVER BEEN? Stockholm, Florence, Arcadia, CA. 39. WHAT SCREEN SAVER IS ON YOUR COMPUTER RIGHT NOW? Picture of Lili in her wading pool 40. BURGER KING OR McDonald's? Wendy's (Carl's Jr. when I am in CA)  ¶ 10/21/2003 02:59:00 PM

  And I thought I was the only one! Adelles sent me a link to this site! Gotta love the Pimp and Ho combos! Every year Kevin and I go to DFW Pugaween. This year, Cosmo is going as Austin Puggers and Lili is Foxy. Yes, I made my daughter gold bell bottoms, what's it to ya? But there will be no store bought costumes for this competitive junky! And,yes, that's my dog on the website dressed as a sailor! This was our entry last year   ¶ 10/17/2003 12:23:00 PM

  Friday Five 1. Name five things in your refrigerator. Whole organic hormone-free milk, tofu (unopened), yams, a jar of jelly from Sweden, and moldy guessables. 2. Name five things in your freezer. Mangos, dinners that they gave away at work when they changed out refridgerators, booboo penguin (a washcloth puppet with a ziplock baggy of ice), old baby food I made and never threw away, and lemonade. 3. Name five things under your kitchen sink. The wet vac, plastic dishes, silverware, and paper napkins. We moved everything up when Lili arrived. 4. Name five things around your computer. At work: a dream candle, a photo of Lili in nothing but a diaper and purple feather boa, my palm pilot charger, my wooden puppet collection (those thingys that you press the bottom of and they move), and my desk set I got as a going away gift from ///. At home: dust, Lili "drawings", my litcrit books, the printer, Kevin's treadmill. 5. Name five things in your medicine cabinet. Oravail, birth control pills my positive pregnancy test from Lili, aspirin, and Ferum Phosphate.  ¶ 10/17/2003 11:31:00 AM

  Dallas Toddler I have started a new blog for stuff to do with your toddler in Dallas. I just built it Tuesday. I have killed the Word Wed meme due to lack of participation. Anyway, come on by and visit my Toddler site.  ¶ 10/17/2003 08:27:00 AM

  I Know What I Want!! Hedwig is playing in Dallas this weekend and next! My anniversary is next weekend!! I have got to go and see this!   ¶ 10/17/2003 08:18:00 AM

  My child the bully? Having me as a mother and her woosey but loving dad, who would have thought my little darling would be a bully at school? They are moving her into the 2 year old room because: 1. She is bored in the toddler room. 2. She is significantly bigger than the other kids. 3. Her friends are moving to the 2 year old room. 4. She is beating up on some of the other kids.  ¶ 10/17/2003 08:10:00 AM

  What is for dinner? This is what Kevin is making for dinner. He was really struggling and was going to make "some food product." He found abunch of whole wheat pasta and spaghetti sauces on clearance and wanted to make something with them.  ¶ 10/16/2003 02:54:00 PM

  I love this movie! If you haven't seen it, do it!  ¶ 10/16/2003 12:39:00 PM

  Fishacide My koi committed suicide this morning. For some reason, it lept out of the pond and died in the dirt. Perhaps he was listening in on some of my conference calls!  ¶ 10/16/2003 12:25:00 PM

  Random stuff Went out to a "wives happy hour" last night for wives of the SAHD of Dallas group. I was met by one woman, her husband and her two kids. Her 3 year old kept asking who I was. It was depressing. I kept calling Kevin and my cell phone decided it was sleepy and didn't want to work any more. I borrowed the hubby's phone and finally got a hold of Kevin. He begrudgingly agreed to drive over and meet us. He did not seem too happy about it. When he arrived, though, we wound up having a relatively nice time. The quesadillas were free and the margaritas were a buck. What is not to love. The couple seemed nice, although the kids were either too young or too old for Lili. She ate the quasadillas with little protest and did a good job drinking milk from a cup. So, it wound up being a family night with a little liquor. I guess I can handle that. One thing I did enjoy was talking to another mom who works outside the home. She also nursed her babies, so she could share my pumping tales. Boy it is a good thing I didn't have the blog back then!!  ¶ 10/16/2003 12:00:00 PM

  Two for Tuesday 1. If you were to host your own talk show, who would your first three interviewees be? Why? 1. My grandma, Evelyn-- I think she is interesting 2. My great-grandmother, Grace-- I would like to talk to her again 3. My future self -- I'd like to know what mistakes I am making now 2. Of all the talk shows ever (and lord knows there has been plenty) which would you prefer to have been a guest on? (Whether it is currently on or has been cancelled) Oprah. I always wanted to be on her show since I was in high school. I thought one day I'd be a famous something or other. I mean, with a name like Allessandria Polizzi, it was only a matter of time, right??   ¶ 10/14/2003 10:20:00 AM

  My Hubby Wants to be a Girl! Had Kevin do the Sci Fi character. He was Ingo Montoya! A likeable character with a lust for life, you do what gets you by while continually pursuing your own interests. Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die. Kevin's response? "Are all of the answers dudes? I wanna be Sigorney Weaver!"  ¶ 10/13/2003 07:57:00 PM

  Which Sci Fi Character Are You?

"Boldly striving to overcome the darkness both in this world and within yourself, you are righteously devoted to forging your own destiny. It's your choice, but I warn you not to underestimate my powers."  ¶ 10/13/2003 11:58:00 AM

  My Baker's Dozen 1. Birthday times 2. 2. Partied til eight. 3. Ate some hot dogs. 4. And birthday cake. 5. Had lunch with Haven. 6. Bounced a bunch more. 7. Watched Hedwig again. 8. Went to the store. 9. Made Austin real puggy. 10. Made the house really clean. 11. And did some more sewing 12. For a faery that's green.   ¶ 10/13/2003 11:48:00 AM

  Need I say more? If you can't see it, click here or go to my fotopages.  ¶ 10/13/2003 08:54:00 AM

  Friday Five 1. Do you watch sports? If so, which ones? 2. What/who are your favorite sports teams and/or favorite athletes? 3. Are there any sports you hate? 4. Have you ever been to a sports event? 5. Do/did you play any sports (in school or other)? How long did you play? Okay, this week's friday five sucks big time. I hate sports. The only sport I have had a mild interest in is baseball, but not so much any more. So I am not even going to bother . . .   ¶ 10/10/2003 08:11:00 AM

  Blast from the Past -- part duh! Had dinner with my best friend from high school last night and hung out and talked and talked and talked. It was like we never lost touch! We caught up on each other's histories and laughed and ate. What better night could you have? I am completely exhausted and my throat is sore but I am so glad I had a chance to just enjoy the company of an old friend!! Thank you, Mika! In my usual fashion, here are my top ten for the evening: 10. Knowing that someone else doesn't remember much from high school either! 9. Knowing that someone loves you from a distance. 8. "Millions of people do this every day!" 7. Red hair dye and a pregnancy test-- a memory only we could share! 6. Having someone listen to the details of my child's birth. 5. Showing my cute shoes and then being able to take them off. 4. Feeling comfortable with someone you haven't talked to in over a decade. 3. Hearing about the many career options I had not previously explored, such as sunglass hut and nine west! ;-) 2. Hearing about her wedding dressed as Wonder woman. 1. Seeing that people don't really change that much in 15 years.  ¶ 10/10/2003 08:09:00 AM

  Blast from the Past I am going to be meeting my best friend from high school tomorrow night. I haven't seen her in 15 years. More details later.  ¶ 10/08/2003 08:22:00 AM

  No Dinner at Arnold's Tonite I am heading out the door to lovely Pasadena. I am extremely irked because I was supposed to be going to this club with my friend whose husband is the rich lawyer and FREAKING ARNOLD has decided to have his victory party there. I hope they get food poisoning! First off, I was annoyed because what idiot would vote for someone who can't answer a question . . . oh wait! The same retards who voted for our president, I suppose. But now, he has cancelled my reservations for a fun time! I am out for blood!!   ¶ 10/08/2003 08:22:00 AM

  A Fair Time Yesterday, I went with Kevin and his SAHD's group to the State Fair of Texas. This was our first time at the fair, so we weren't sure what to expect. We had a blast and wound up staying until 6:30. We thought we'd leave at nap time, but Lili never fell asleep. In my fashion, here are the top 10 things we liked about the fair. 10. Eating cotton candy. 9. Tryng out cars at the auto show without someone asking me what they could do to get me to take this car home today. 8. Putting my slightly scared child on a ride like my mother did to me. 7. Thinking about going on the carousel and not having to because I am the mommy now! 6. Lying on my back with Lili and watching the monarchs go by. 5. Watching my daughter feed corn to and gather eggs from fake chickens. 4. Feeding the crazy and agressive ostriches. 3. The butterfly exhibt in which we stood among thousands of butterflies (only #3 because it cost extra) 2. Yummy and oddly different corn dogs (if you know the secret ingredient, don't share). and the number one thing I like about the fair: 1. Petting and feeding a baby giraffe.  ¶ 10/08/2003 08:19:00 AM

  Going to Mommy Hell Reasons why my child will need therapy: 1. We wake her up when we get bored or need to leave. 2. We laugh when she has a melt down. 3. We took her to school even though we thought she was sick because we figured the school would take a couple hours to catch on and Kevin had a test. 4. Sometimes, she watches Buffy with me. 5. We brush her teeth once a day. 6. We don't change her sheets as often as we should. 7. We don't make her eat her vegetables. 8. We laugh when she says no and flings her arms around. 9. Rejected good-bye kisses must be repaid six times. 10. Her first hair cut looked like a mullet.  ¶ 10/06/2003 12:29:00 PM

  Mutterings

1. Coat:: Wool
2. Allowance:: $1.50
3. Mist:: Water
4. Disorder:: Chaos
5. Scheme:: Theme
6. Dick:: Tracy
7. Homework:: Paper
8. Milton:: My 1st Step-brother
9. Shampoo:: Hippies
10. Z:: Sleep

  ¶ 10/06/2003 12:11:00 PM

  Friday Five 1. What vehicle do you drive? 1998 Blue Volvo S70 with the gold trim package. 78K miles. 2. How long have you had it? January 1999 3. What is the coolest feature on your vehicle? Did I mention the gold package. It makes it all shiny. Also, I love the leather seats. They repel milk and bubble gum quite well. 4. What is the most annoying thing about your vehicle? Not too sexy and not a lot of room in the back. I am drooling over the Volvo SUV but terrified by the price. 5. If money were no object, what vehicle would you be driving right now? Okay, see 4. We test drove the Volvo SUV and loved it. Here is a link to that entry.  ¶ 10/03/2003 08:59:00 AM

  Update on Me So, I am still a slacker. Basically, work is hectic, I get home and Kevin demands my time, and then there is my little Lili. Last night, we went to lap sit. The last one we went to was in July. Gillian really emphasized the sitting portion. A lot of the moms just struggled to get their babies to settle. I tried to get mine excited. I know I should count my blessings. Lili is a very attentive but quite child. But, I feel my mother's pain. While we were at the Plaza fountain festival, they had a booth for making bubbles. Lili loves bubbles, but she was intimidated by the other kids. So, she just hung back and watched. I was up to my elbows in soapy water showing her how much fun it was when it hit me; I am my mother!! I could suddenly remember my mother's frustration when I, a shy child (no protests please), would refuse to participate in the various activities she'd take me to. And now, here I am, sitting in the sheep crap at the petting zoo showing Lili that the chickens are really soft and that she should try petting them. No, really. Try it. Stop staring at that other kid. Pet the DAMN CHICKEN! Breathe.  ¶ 10/03/2003 08:56:00 AM

  6 degrees to slackerdom 1. My boss was in town Tuesday-Thursday afternoon which meant I had to actually work 2. I was exhausted after all of the work! 3. Scrapbooking on Friday night 4. Stayed up until 2 scrapbooking Friday night 5. Did weekend stuff 6. Got really busy looking for b-day party ideas for the Lili-monster  ¶ 9/30/2003 01:34:00 PM

  Kevy Porn Here is the sexy thing my hubby was checking out on the internet: Is it making you hot?  ¶ 9/23/2003 12:17:00 AM

  Insomnia Don't you hate it when you wake up and can't go back to sleep? Current items on the menu of my sleeplessness: - Add Critical Success Factors to presentation for web-based training project - Boss arrives tomorrow at 2:30 - What am I going to wear tomorrow? - Which dog is making that licking sound? - Boy that puppy on petfinder was cute! - Should we go to Utah for vacation in January? - Should we invite others to join us? - I wonder if I should have left /// - I wonder if /// would have laid me off - I need to delete my Word Wednesday blog - Should we get a babysitter for the season premier of Angel? - Should we have a party for the season premier of Angel? - Who would babysit for next week? - I need to register Lili for the new lapsit class - Should I get up?  ¶ 9/22/2003 11:59:00 PM

  New Mutterings

1. Savings:: Daylight
2. On:: Off
3. Wire:: d Magazine
4. Word:: Wednesday
5. Bladder:: Function
6. Missing:: Persons
7. Side:: Left
8. Window:: OPen
9. Digit:: Finger
10. Swirl:: Ice Cream

  ¶ 9/22/2003 09:16:00 AM

  Baker's Dozen 1. Monkeys that snooze 2. Monkeys that howl 3. Toddlers that nap 4. Toddlers that scowl 5. A trip on a train 6. A trip on a bus 7. Standing in line 8. Crowds aren't for us 9. Japanese drumming and tea 10. No church and no gleaning 11. Indian food, some shopping 12. No long lines, no cleaning   ¶ 9/22/2003 09:11:00 AM

  DIY Scrapbooking Saturday Okay, they haven't updated their website, so no cute little link, but I saw on HGTV this weekend that DIY is having a Scrapbook camp or something like that all day on Saturday starting at noon. More later.  ¶ 9/22/2003 08:41:00 AM

  My Saturday (a ranking)
Activity: Watched a bit of the commentary for Frida (our newest Netflix rental) Ranking on the weekend scale: 9

Activity: Went to the zoo to see the monkeys and ride the monorail. Ranking on the weekend scale: 8

Activity: Hung out and watched Robin Williams stand-up while Lili napped Ranking on the weekend scale: 8

Activity: Took the DART train and then bus to the Plano Balloon Festival Ranking on the weekend scale: 3

Activity: Watched the balloons inflate and light upRanking on the weekend scale: 9

Activity: Stood in line for 45 minutes to get back on the bus to get to the train station to get back to our car Ranking on the weekend scale: 1

Activity: Watched Ghost World (one of Kevin's 5.99 DVD purchases)Ranking on the weekend scale: 2   ¶ 9/21/2003 06:13:00 AM

  Mutterings

1. Wedding:: White taffeta
2. Roach:: Cock
3. Expense:: ive
4. Fight:: Punch
5. Air:: Balloon
6. Protect:: Gillian
7. Glance:: Look
8. Boo:: Casper
9. Steamy:: Wet
10. Caviar:: Fish

  ¶ 9/16/2003 08:36:00 AM

  Two for Tuesday 1. Have you ever had surgery of any type, elective or not? Only having a molar extracted, and that was a very begrudged surgery. The molar was broken so they couldn't save it. I was suddenly faced with my mortality. I took some valium before hand, and then I didn't give a shit what they pulled. 2. Have you ever broken a bone - how and which bone? Yes, my collar bone. I fell while at my dad's. I think I was about 4. Anyway, I told him it hurt, but he ignored me. A few days later, when I was back at my mom's, she took me to the doctor, who discovered it was broken.   ¶ 9/16/2003 08:32:00 AM

  Friday Five - the Name Game 1. Is the name you have now the same name that's on your birth certificate? If not, what's changed? It is the same name, just spelled a little differently. My BC has one s, but I have always spelled it with two my whole life. When confronted with this a few years ago, my mom said. "you dad mut have been stoned when he filled out the paperwork." 2. If you could change your name (first, middle and/or last), what would it be? I wouldn't change a thing. I like my long obnxious name. That's why didn't change it when I got married. 3. Why were you named what you were? (Is there a story behind it? Who specifically was responsible for naming you?) My mom saw a box of china when she was pregnant with me. She want something Italian, since she is a Barile and I was all set to be a Polizzi. This was the name of the china pattern or city the dishes were from. She can't recall now. This leads me back to the whole double s saga. In Italy, there is a city: Allesandria. But there is also an Alessandria province, so who the hell knows. 4. Are there any names you really hate or love? What are they and why? Not really. I have always liked the name Paula; not sure why. When picking names for our daughter, I really struggled. Since her last name is McClanahan, I wanted something Scottish but felt she should have something that reflects her Italian heritage as well. Gillian is in now way Italian, but she has my middle name: Elizabeth. 5. Is the analysis of your name at kabalarians.com / triggur.org / astroexpert accurate? How or how isn't it? Big shock . . . my name wasn't on these sites! With one L, however, I found the following: Your name of Alessandria has made you systematic and practical in all you do. You enjoy the feeling of accomplishment from working diligently at a task. Particular about your material possessions, you keep everything you own in a good state of repair, and you budget your personal finances very carefully. You are clever in mathematics and have great patience with work of a detailed nature, such as bookkeeping or accounting. Systematic and practical in all you do, you enjoy the feeling of accomplishment from working diligently at a task. You budget your personal finances very carefully. Particular about your material possessions, you keep everything you own in a good state of repair. This name limits imagination, flexibility, responsiveness, and spontaneity in your nature. It also limits your sense of humour and any real empathy of the problems of others. Those close to you do not appreciate that you may forget the thoughtful expressions of affection toward them. Your very practical nature does not allow you the appreciation you might have for life's more aesthetic values as it keeps your mind mostly concerned with facts and figures. Ha ha ha ha! I keep everything in s good state of repair? Highly unlikely! I budget?? I have limited imagination, responsiveness and spotaneity? Yea, right!!  ¶ 9/12/2003 10:23:00 AM

  Question of a Lifetime Courtesy of Jezebel At what point do you settle? I recently had a friend from high school make contact with me. We proceeded to summarize the last fifteen years of our lives. There is nothing more unnerving than going through this process. Putting your life, who you are, what you've become into writing is a challenge. Putting it into a decently sized e-mail is nearly impossible. While the question above was geared mainly at picking a mate (the theme to the SNL "Lowered Expectations" comes to mind), I have to look at this in context of my life in general. I set out to become an academic scholar. What I am now is far from that. I rarely even read, let alone define literary theoretical movements or participate in scholarly conversations. I am a scrapbooking, corporate-working mother of a toddler who, gulp, lives in TEXAS! Radical feminism, artistic/poetic aspirations, theoretical discussions? Gone. In their place, quiet liberalism, snotty kisses, and the need for a bigger house to hold all of my crap. Have I settled? YOU BET!! Am I worse off . . . I am not sure. My ethics have not changed, but my priorities and how I express myself has. This makes me sad, and yet part of me (and this could be the part of me that has sold out and wants to buy the SUV), feels that this is part of growing up. I know I can't be a vetrinarian-fireman-princess (or double PhD in poetry writing and American Literature with a pyscho-therapy business on the side, when I am not going to book signings or making appearances on Oprah or the Love Boat). But I know that whatever changes my life takes, I can adapt. So, while the journey may not be along the path I had planned, the destination is still the same. And right now, that destination is home to my napping daughter and lonely hubby. After the bathroom of course!   ¶ 9/11/2003 11:52:00 AM

  My Netflix Pics So I just signed up for netflix. We are trying out the two week trial period thingy. Not really sure how that works because it takes several days for the movies to get here and they automatically send you more when the ones you have are returned, but anyway. Here are the first three movies on their way:
Cowboy Bebop 3

Lilo and Stitch

Chicago Wish me luck!  ¶ 9/11/2003 11:31:00 AM

  Wheee!

My inner child is six years old!

Look what I can do! I can walk, I can run, I can
read! I like to do stuff, and there's a whole
big world out there to do it in. Just so long
as I can take my blankie and my Mommy and my
three best friends with me, of course.

How Old is Your Inner Child?
brought to you by Quizilla Yesterday, my inner child was 16. I wonder if it's because I want to be a vetrinarian-fireman-princess. Just call me Dr. Firr-arella   ¶ 9/11/2003 11:21:00 AM

  My worth Okay, so I am having another productive day at work today. I just found out I am worth $2,092,668.00. I am not the most valuable chick in the world, but hey it's a start. What concerns me is that, according to the list of Today's Most Expensive Females, I am the 29th most expensive female!! Go me!!   ¶ 9/10/2003 12:23:00 PM

  Dancing Dog Jubilee! What could be more fun than a dog conference with dressed up poodles and women dancing tango with their dogs? I venture to say, nothing!! Click here to see the rest of the photos!  ¶ 9/10/2003 11:04:00 AM

  Mutterings

1. Bookends:: with a postscript
2. Compliment:: me on something
3. Gutter:: leaves
4. Obsession:: perfume
5. Heavy:: Metal
6. Real:: World
7. Disposable:: Diapers
8. Breeze:: Spray
9. Work:: Ha ha ha ha
10. Sweetheart:: candies

I have suddenly become a really good consumer!  ¶ 9/09/2003 09:02:00 AM

  Two for Tuesday 1. Who was your favorite teacher? Why? I had two. My high school Humanities teacher my junior year. I cannot remember her name (Mika, can you? We had that class together). She inspired me to look at the interconnectivity of art. She also promoted freewriting in her class, which I used when I taught English. She attended a poetry reading I had at the Fresno Barnes and Noble, and I was so proud. The second was Dr. Pickering, the only teacher I made cry. Not because of my "contentious personality" to quote another teacher, but because of the beauty of my writing. Or horror. Not sure. My least favorite teachers: all three of my dissertation directors. They were the least encouraging, most selfish people I ever met. Perhaps this was because they thought my work sucked, but that's why they are teachers; teach me something for chissakes. At least my final director was enough of a pushover to let me graduate. Although he didn't even come to my graduation. 2. Do you have a memorable moment from highschool? What was it? Whether it was scoring the winning touchdown or falling down the bleachers...share with us. I hated high school, so this is hard. My most memorable moments were when I was on the improv team. I went to a performing arts magnet and we would perform at area functions and what have you like a comedy troup. It was a blast.   ¶ 9/09/2003 07:34:00 AM

  Baker's Dozen 1. He's really hot. 2. He's really cold. 3. He's really white. 4. I'm really old. 5. I hate to drive. 6. They love to swim. 7. Isn't that cute. 8. I'm thinking of him. 9. Mommy's really tired. 10. Scrapbook stuff's organized. 11. It is time for a snack. 12. Now close your sleepy eyes.   ¶ 9/09/2003 07:24:00 AM

  Crazy Scrapbooking Lady Kevin heard this episode of This American Life about scrapbooking. Anyone who scrapbooks has got to listen to this.   ¶ 9/08/2003 01:59:00 PM

  My Weekend My weekend was pretty stressful. Kevin's diverticulitis was in full swing and he was fever-boy all weekend. His fever got very high and I responded promptly with thorough and overwhelming worry. I worried that fever to death!! This reminds me of those ads for some cold medication where they have the sylish photos of the sophisticated moms and big titles that say things like "kicks butt" or "takes no prisoners". I was armed with worry rather than nice clothes and some medication. Although I did give him asprin. We both still cringe at the name of his illness because we used to make fun of it based on the Saturday NIght Live sketch of the whiners. I still tell Lili she has winerticulitis. When I went to church and answered their inquiries about Kevin's wherabouts, I paused and just plowed through saying what the problem was. Most people don't know what it is, so I just said it's a chronic intestinal problem that gets infections. He is in bed with a high fever and has been for days. Then I share my secret worry weapon! Speaking of church, I was disappointed with our new Meet and Eat group. Basically, they were old and bitchy. I assume none of them will ever read this blog, so I am not going to worry about hurting their feelngs. The only person I liked was a woman who teaches high school Biology, Kristina. She was cool. She even got my reference when someone asked if we were sitting at table #42, and I looked down to find that the little card they gave me for checking in my child was 42. Wierd coinkidink, huh? I took Lili to the Aquarium and that dancing dog thing. I should be able to post photos of that soon. Adelle has some of the Aquarium.<. Other than that, I scrapbooked and got a bit organized. We rented A Bug's Life, and I did the slacker parent thing and let Gillian watch it. I know I am going to burn in over-achiever parenting hell. I am repenting tomorrow by attending the Parent's Advisory board at her school. So speaking of parenting, I am little grouchy with several of the webrings I have tried to join. None of them have gotten back to me. One was for Feminist Moms and another was just a mommy ring. Although, the latter basically linked to cutesy blogs of stay-at-home moms. Think they'll let me in now?  ¶ 9/08/2003 09:28:00 AM

  Damn, I Want a Brownie! I so want some chocolate right now!!  ¶ 9/08/2003 09:03:00 AM

  Googlin! I got a note from someone I hadn't talked to in years (hi, if you are reading this) and was curious to see how my life looked from a Google State of Mind. Here is what I found: First entry: Moving and Breeching Poems I wrote in 1994 while working on my master's. My dad thought that Moving was a lesbien poem, but it is supposed to be written form the perspective of our neighbor (a guy) back in California. I was the "her" of the poem. The main thing I remember about this poem was the conversation we had about legs like horses. I think of horse legs as thick and stocky (as I think of my own legs), but several people thought that horse legs were long and slender. The Breeching poem was from the same era, but I added interest by making the woman alone. Very dramatic and 22. In reality, I was with Kevin watching the whale and yelling in the ocean spray, "is the video camera on? do you have it in focus?" We still have that on tape. Second entry: 42 at 96 Go me! Being the indecisive person that I am, I still debate about changing the title to Forty-Two @ Ninety-Six. Typical writer constantly revising. I couldn't even get convinced that Gillian was the right name until . . . . well . . . still haven't. Third entry: Allessandria's Fotopage Go me, again! Fourth Entry: Women's Poetry Websites I wrote this in 1998. I cannot believe it is still on the web. That sucker must be so out of date! My favorite bit is that it says "This ongoing feature in Feminist Collections suggests and evaluates key websites on particular topics" On going, huh? Fifth Entry: Stockholm in AugustAllessandria & Erin -- Annoying Sweden one person (or train, lobby, office, etc.) at a time. Erin, we f%#@ing rock!! I think we are funny a year later!! More crap about that Women's Poetry Websites review I wrote! Sixth Entry: CFP: Writing in a Literary Culture Ah, the grad school days! To be honest, I don't even remember if I did that panel or not. I think I did. I know I presented at the SCMLA in New Orleans because Kevin and I went with Robin, David, and Margo and shared a hotel room. I had beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, and President Clinton ( who was on his campaign trail for re-election) stayed at our hotel. OMG--was it that long ago???? Margo, Kevin and I satyed up waiting to see Clinton. We never saw him because he came in through the back rather than the lobby where we were, but we got a good view of his exercise bike. I should have gotten it's autograph! Even more crap about that Women's Poetry Websites review! Seventh Entry: CFP: Ethnography and Literature This one did not make. I liked the topic and even thought this was going to be my dissertation topic. Kind of wish it would have been. What I wrote about ended up being something a little embarrassing. I mean, can one say "I wrote a dissertaiton about the performance of whiteness through work in early 20th century American literature" without 1) getting tired, 2) getting confused looks, and 3) looking like a freaking racist? Eighth Entry: To Strengthen the Wings of a Caged Bird: Constructing Woman in Margaret Fuller's Woman in the Nineteenth Century and The Una by Allessandria Polizzi Some article I wrote in grad school got accepted into a book. Neat. Ninth Entry: Communes of Italy First off, comunes! HA! Second, I thought this one was kind of cool. I e-mailed them to see if I could find another Polizzi. I had some guy send me an e-mail in Italian a few years ago looking for fellow Polizzi's. Not knowing any Italian, I sent it to my dad. He kept in touch (shock) with the guy, so when I was heading to Rome a few years ago, I e-mailed him. I heard nothing, so I put together an e-mail in Italian and heard back immediately. He said something about working a lot or being sick or something and couldn't make it for dinner. Oh well. I am sure our conversation would have been a little . . . boring with me not knowing Italian and him not knowing English. Or maybe what I pieced together with the online internet Italian traslator really said "I will eat you," and he was frightened. Other Italian stuff that has nothing to do with me. Tenth Entry: NY LITTERATUR OM KVINNOR I got nothing. I don't even know what freaking language this is. I am guessing something Slavic or Scandanvian. and last but not least: Eleventh Entry: Pugchat about Shedding (AkA Puggate) I posted on this site about a possible solution to the horrible pug shedding problem being shaving the pug. I got so creamed for that suggestion! I was clearly the antichrist because I was going to cut their hair. They'll get sunburned, they get skin cancer, they'll be embarrassed!! Dear GOD! People are stupid!   ¶ 9/04/2003 02:39:00 PM

  Unconscious Mutterings

1. Kiss:: and tell
2. Nothing:: much
3. Reach:: toothbrush
4. Late:: Night with David Letterman
5. Stump:: Y the one-legged boy
6. Dreams:: Sleep
7. LOL:: WTF?
8. Ornament:: Christmas
9. Neck:: lace
10. Guitar::string

  ¶ 9/04/2003 01:37:00 PM

  What the Hell?? My friend Robin sent me this flyer about a dancing dog competition. Okay, this is a big time what the &^*%!!??!!?? That said, I fully intend to go!!  ¶ 9/04/2003 01:33:00 PM

  Unconscious Mutterings

1. Bay:: City Rollers
2. Boarding school:: plaid
3. Riddle:: me this
4. Hunger:: pains
5. Allergy:: sneeze
6. Sponsored:: by
7. Spin:: magazine
8. Interest:: ing
9. Scrabble:: wood
10. Mold::Houston

  ¶ 8/29/2003 07:56:00 AM

  There is No Place Like Home I am so anxious to get the hell out of here and go home. I miss my little munchkin (and her dad, of course). Lili has been sick all week while I was gone with (warning to non-moms) diarrea. I feel horrible that I can't be there to hold her and to help Kevin deal with the nastiness. Thank God for diapered babies! I am promising myself no more trips for a while, but we will see what happens with that. I need to be home for a few weeks though. This five day trip is killing me. And, I don't have a flight until 5. Bullshit! I am running out of this building as soon as these people can get get done!!   ¶ 8/29/2003 07:53:00 AM

  Two for Tuesday Compliments of Jewdez 1. I totally cannot stand.... people who are passive learners. If you don't know how to do something, read about it. Figure it out, Don't just shrug your shoulders and walk away because it is "too hard." (can anyone tell I am back in the classroom?) I also can't stand women who don't support other women and see them as competition . . . or people who have to make others look bad because they have low self-confience . . . or . . . I should stop. 2. If I wrote an autobiography, I'd call it ..... Evidently, it would be called "The Things I Cannot Stand and Why." Actually, I took an autobiography writing class when I was the ripe old age of 20. I entitled mine "Beginnings." Gag!  ¶ 8/26/2003 09:31:00 AM

  Houston Heat It is hot here. And nasty humid. Kevin called me this morning to tell me that it was one of the worst smog days in years. Yeah, well losing a lung is worth it when you are in the fattest city in the nation! I feel so svelte!! This completely beats being in San Diego, the skinniest city in the nation.  ¶ 8/26/2003 09:19:00 AM

  Friday . . . uh Saturday . . . Photo Theme: Broken Courtesy of PhotoFriday Can't get links to work and Kevin is bored, so here: Fotopage   ¶ 8/23/2003 01:43:00 PM

  Saturday's Schedule 1. Feed Gillian Breakfast 2. Get Gillian ready for pictures by chasing her around with a comb and picking out 4 outfits. 3. 10:00 appointment at the Wa*mart for pictures. 4. Wish for alcohol. 5. Clean house 6. Wait for Kevin to get home and be indecisive about what to do about lunch or Gillian's nap. 7. 1:30 appointment for haircut and eyebrow waxing. 8. Call Haven and Wes about dinner. 9. Go to dinner with Haven and Wes (and family). 10. Watch old episodes of Angel Season 1 in sadness because season 2 isnt out yet. 11. ****Censored****  ¶ 8/23/2003 06:37:00 AM

  Unconscious Mutterings

1. Only you:: Can make my heart feel blue
2. 33:: OMG! I am going to be 33 next year!!
3. Foundation:: Clinique
4. Accidents:: Happen
5. Hometown:: Fresno
6. Natural:: Leaves
7. Bombastic:: The Hell?
8. Bachelor:: Pad
9. Far away:: India
10. Tony::the Tiger

  ¶ 8/22/2003 01:48:00 PM

  Dear God, I am Tired I was up until midnight last night posting my damn 26 things! Kevin and I had fun, except he fell asleep around 10. I learned a few things by doing this project: 1. My camera kind of sucks. 2. The best photos are the ones you could have taken while the camera is thinking. 3. My ISP kind of sucks. 4. Taking pictures of a toddler is hard. 5. I am getting really good at playing freecell while the computer thinks.  ¶ 8/22/2003 09:40:00 AM

  26 Things I did it! Well, Kevin and I did it, but since he is currently sleeping on the futon behind me: I did it! Here are the 26 things. And we didn't even have to leave the house!  ¶ 8/21/2003 09:54:00 PM

  Thursday Affirmations -- How Did I Do? I will not goof off on the internet all day today. Failed miserably. I played with adding Java to Lili's site. Now I have random pictures of her royal cuteness, though! I will complete my expense reports. I did it . . . almost! I need one more receipt I have at home. But I did my expenses for the trip to Pasdena and San Diego, as well as Kinko's accounts and my cell phone! I will have a good hair day. I got a complement on my hair today. I also had Kevin make me an appointment to get my eyebrows waxed! Gulp!  ¶ 8/21/2003 03:14:00 PM

  Thursday Affirmations I will not goof off on the internet all day today. I will complete my expense reports. I will have a good hair day.  ¶ 8/21/2003 08:06:00 AM

  What's On Wednesday Compliments of June What's On your 'things that really matter' list Right Now? 1) Be a great mom 2) Be a great wife 3) Keep my job to afford 1 and 2 4) Getting something to eat for lunch (you meant right now, right?) 5) Find happiness every day These are the short versions. I'd have longer but that number 4 is really nagging at me!!  ¶ 8/20/2003 10:19:00 AM

  Where the Hell Art Thou? Okay, so this is one of those double (no, triple) -entendre titles. 1) Where in the hell is my Angel Season 2????? He was supposed to be available on 8/19 but now the release date is setp for 9/2. I hate that!!! 2) Kevin has just figured out that he is going to need to take the GRE before February 1 in order to go to graduate school next year. He didn't even CRACK the GRE study guide we bought in May. So, we are studying words that he insists haven't been spoken since the Victorian ages. Get out! I use abhor and implacable all the time! Listen a little more closely to NPR, you silly man! 3) My step-mother and father called me yesterday!! I haven't spoken to them since January. When I heard it was my step-mother, I though someone was dead for sure. Then, my dad called at like 10:30 at night. I guess that would make that title "who the hell art thou" huh?  ¶ 8/20/2003 10:08:00 AM

  Yes We Have No Baby So, the pregnancy test was negative, but it took me until yesterday to even feel like myself again! I have been a little busy with the in-laws in town and all. Pictures should be posted soon. One thing that did happen was that Kevin and I were able to go on a date. We were going to see a movie but opted for sitting around and talking about what we want from the future. We set some pretty hefty goals, but one thing we did discuss was location. Now, the plan has been to move back to California as soon as we can, but the more we look at the numbers, the ickier it is. So, we went online and took a test to find the best place to live. I was really interested to see Portland!! I love Portland. We went online and looked at houses, and they weren't too bad!! The weather's great, there is a major airport, and we are near the ocean: what else could a girl want?? BTW, for anyone interested, Fresno and Bakersfield were not even options!!  ¶ 8/20/2003 09:41:00 AM

  OMG I am still SICK! So, I am back home now and still sick, so I sent Kevin out for another pregnancy test. That is exactly how I feel, too. all nausiated and blechy. Lili is her usual charmer, running around her playroom while I e-mail people at work. She just put her talking Alphabet Pooh in her desk chair. I guess he wants to color. Now she found some foam packing from Kevin's e-bay boxes and is playing with that. Even though I am staying home sick, I have a lot on the schedule. 1) take another pregnancy test (and pee, finally) 2) click lunch at 11:30 3) sign on refinance at 3:00 4) pick-up Kevin's parents from the airport at 7:30.   ¶ 8/15/2003 08:09:00 AM

  Still Sick in San Diego So, I still feel like crap and am dragging big time. My students are fumbling around like lost little retards trying to figure out EXACTLY what I have spent the past day teaching them. My favorite is when they have the book in their hands and they scream out "I am lost!" with the answers in their sweating stupid hands. But I am not bitter! I am using my time to add comments to my blog! Go ME!  ¶ 8/14/2003 10:06:00 AM

  Sick San Diego So, I went out last night with Kim, who I met when I was in Pasadena. We hung out and talked about our dads and stuff, then went to Old Town San Diego, which is this touristy wild western/mexican village. You couldn't sneeze without hitting the Eurotrash! We ate and one of the twelve Mexican restaurants and a good time was had by all. Until at about 3 AM, when I woke up with this horrible tummy ache. I tossed and turned and tried not to get sick, but by 5, I gave up. I have been nauseous and sick all day. I finally gave up and went back to the hotel for a two hour nap. I got a $2 Sprite and a $6 PBJ sandwich. I am now sitting in class during one of the breaks, and the only thing I can feel good about is that the Eurotrash might be as sick as me.  ¶ 8/13/2003 03:33:00 PM

  Two for Tuesday Compliments of Adelle via Jewdez 1. Do you have a cell phone and if so ... Do you have a personalized ring tone? What is currently your ringtone? I have three rings: BeeGees "Jive Talking" as my normal ring, the Buffy the Vampire theme for my husband, and Popeye the Sailor man for my coworker Cyndi. 2. Do you pay bills via USPS or via Online? I don't pay the bills; the hubby does it. But he pays online for everything. It is a big time saver because with his dyslexia, he took hours to write checks. That sounds so pathetic you'd think I made it up!   ¶ 8/12/2003 03:35:00 PM

  Keep Away from Me! So I keep surfing and looking at blog related stuff because, as most of you know, I am obsessive. So, if this is my new obsession, I want to do it right. As I am typing, I am sitting in a conference room with file cabinets and two insurance people are looking for some insurance file. "I see Luiz but Jorge Gonzalez. Ah shoot!" Can't you people see that I have important research to attend to?? Keep away from me! Besides, I am all B-O-ey from the plane ride and quite sleepy. I don't want company and you don't wanna smell me!! I guess I should take off and check in to my hotel.   ¶ 8/12/2003 03:29:00 PM

  Sunny San Diego So I am off to San Diego this morning and feeling sad about leaving my daughter behind. Two weeks ago, we went to California together which, although a bit stressful with a 19 month old in first class, was much better. Last night, we had a horrible downpour. Kevin wanted to go for a swim; he had been thinking about it all day. So we put on our suits and jumped in. BRRRRR! The wind was cold, the water was cold, and I was goose-pimple galore! Not Kevin and Lili. Nope, they were fine. We heard some thunder, and the mommy took over, so inside we went. Lili wanted to watch tv, so I turned on the computer and played some of her Winnnie the Pooh CD ROM. Then I went to Noggin.com, where we played Oobi Animals. Damn that Oobi! Yes, this is a hand puppet (literally), but I find his shows endearing. Speaking of shows, I have to share an experience this Sunday that pissed me off. This old lady was meandering aimlessly in the toy department at Target and stopped to ask th Shreek-like teenaged boy for toy ideas for her grandson. Being the helful citizen that I am (and just having returned from church), I asked how old he was. "13 months," she said. "Oh, my daughter is 19 months. What does he like? I mean, which character does he like?" I asked. She replied with a puzzled expression. "You know, is he a Pooh man, or does he like Barney, Tellatubbies, what?" "Oh, he doesn't watch tv. He doesn't like any of that." She replied, smuggly. Now, anyone reading this knows I am the biggest tv snob. My daughter thought the tv was a big black box with buttons for her to push until she was about a year old. The only show I ever let her watch was the fish channel, which shows scenes from the Dallas World Aquarium set to classical music. I wanted to punch this woman.   ¶ 8/12/2003 05:58:00 AM

  Thanks! Thanks to my buddies, Erin and Adelle for walking me through the stressful process of changing my template!! You guys kick ass!  ¶ 8/11/2003 01:42:00 PM

  "Did I Get It?" Buffy I have done it! I have finally created a blog just for me!! While Lili's site is fun and all, there is too much pressure to have photos, upload them, etc. This way, I can muse about life, the universe and everything without all the fuss! So here is an introduction to me: I am 32, live in Texas with my husband and daughter, and work as Systems Training Manager for an insurance company (trust me, you've never heard of them). I am new to blogging and am sure to be a pain in the ass for my two friends, Erin and Adelle, who are not new to it. But, having looked through all of the blogs I can find, I thought to myself: hey, I am interesting, too! And, so, here I am. I debated heavily about whether or not to splurge for the ability to post photos because, well, even though they are a pain for me to post (at least, somewhat time consuming), I love taking pictures! So, I am starting with this version with the option of upgrading should I continue my interest. Speaking of interests, mine are currently focused on: travel, sewing, toddler chasing, scrapbooking, designing, children's fashions, Buffy/Angel studies, and lomography--which I know very little about. I am also getting into young child education because I want to learn as much as I can about helpung Lili follow her interests. Obsessive? You bet!! Speaking of obsessive, I started this morning by taking a pregnancy test. And no, there was only one line on the test. Whew! But, I was a little disappointed. And relieved.   ¶ 8/11/2003 10:03:00 AM