She has also managed to get herself into a handstand position trying to get into the bath. We think this is the best hotel ever, despite the carpets that give us black feet.
Sunday, 30 November 2008
"Then the clouds opened up and God said, 'I hate you Alfalfa'"
When it rains, it pours. In the past days, LQ and I have managed to get a head cold. Our heads have been stuffed to the gills with mucus and we have had aches and pains.
The Petersen schedule has been quite full with Thanksgiving, a three day reunion and then Anaheim, Disneyland. So our head colds have kind've taken a back seat to our schedule.
Unfortunately today, my body gave up and welcomed all sorts of ailments to the party. The party headed south and I ended up curled up trying to abate the cramping on our oversized (and probably a little less washed than it should be) hotel bedspread. It was all too much for this little girl to handle, so I did what all good women do when life gets overwhelming. I cried. I sobbed. Then my darling husband and daughter came to comfort me on the bed.
Dal gave me a kiss and a cuddle and LQ jumped on my tummy and started riding me like a horse. She did it so well, it was all I could do but laugh. What a good cheering up.
LQ riding the "mummy horse"
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Cousins
LQ met her cousin, Audrey (8 months old), today for the first time. LQ and Audrey like to do the same things, just so long as they don't have to touch each other. Like many children their age, they co-exist quite nicely, with an occasional blow out when they both wanted to play with the same toy.
Audrey is VERY cute and can say her own name already! She also LOVES to squeal very loudly when she is happy. She is very active, having less nap time during the day than LQ and she is very vocal. Audrey is fun to watch and cuddle, though and it was so fantastic to finally meet my only niece.
Playing phones together
Playing phones together
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
We Are in Arizona
We made it into AZ at 12.30am this morning. Granny Jules and Grandpa came to pick us up, but our bags took so long to get off the plane, Granny Jules HAD to come inside and find us. LQ was very gracious and let Granny kiss her little face all over.
Since waking up this morning, LQ has been the pleasant little social butterfly that we know and love. She was also really happy to learn that there are stairs in the house for her to climb. Once she is done with her nap, I am sure she will want to tackle those stairs once more.
LQ already loves her Uncle Cam and she loves cheerios. Tomorrow she will meet her cousin Audrey and a whole lot of other relatives from Grandpa's side of the family. We are really excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow, we just hope we can keep our jetlagged eyes open!
LQ's "Diamond hair" in front of Diamond Head.
Since waking up this morning, LQ has been the pleasant little social butterfly that we know and love. She was also really happy to learn that there are stairs in the house for her to climb. Once she is done with her nap, I am sure she will want to tackle those stairs once more.
LQ already loves her Uncle Cam and she loves cheerios. Tomorrow she will meet her cousin Audrey and a whole lot of other relatives from Grandpa's side of the family. We are really excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow, we just hope we can keep our jetlagged eyes open!
LQ's "Diamond hair" in front of Diamond Head.Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Hel's Random thoughts on a Hawaiian Midnight
RmT (Random Thought) #1: When did my daughter get so cute? So cute in fact, that I can't seem to discipline her as well as I know I should - "No, LQ don't phone Zimbabwe it's too expensive and we don't know anyone there.... but I guess, if you keep saying "heyo" with that cute impish grin on your face I'll dial the number for Buckingham Palace while you are at it."
"Well, it IS midnight, but you look so happy rifling through my personals, I'll just keep blogging and let you choose your own bedtime."
RmT #2: I HATE having big boobs. I am certain that if my two fun bags were a little smaller I would look at lot thinner. These things weigh me down, not just physically but emotionally. I look forward to the day with great delight when they start to shrink. Please tell me they WILL shrink. Sorry if that shocked you a bit. Just what I am thinking.
RmT #3: In contrast to the above thought, I absolutely adore the lighting in our hotel bathroom. They have managed to get the perfect lighting for me to look fabulous whatever angle I catch a glimpse of in the full length mirror provided.
LQ and I, chillaxing.
"Well, it IS midnight, but you look so happy rifling through my personals, I'll just keep blogging and let you choose your own bedtime."
RmT #2: I HATE having big boobs. I am certain that if my two fun bags were a little smaller I would look at lot thinner. These things weigh me down, not just physically but emotionally. I look forward to the day with great delight when they start to shrink. Please tell me they WILL shrink. Sorry if that shocked you a bit. Just what I am thinking.
RmT #3: In contrast to the above thought, I absolutely adore the lighting in our hotel bathroom. They have managed to get the perfect lighting for me to look fabulous whatever angle I catch a glimpse of in the full length mirror provided.
LQ and I, chillaxing.
Monday, 24 November 2008
Because it is Just Cute
When they rolled in the crib yesterday afternoon, I managed to keep my squeals of delight contained until they left the hotel room. I couldn't stop grinning after that. I wanted to throw LQ into the bath straight away. Here's why.
Doing a sexy pose
Doing a sexy poseSunday, 23 November 2008
LQ's Travels
Like I said last night - LQ was a social BUTTERFLY at Sydney airport. She, unfortunately, missed her afternoon nap and so from the time she woke up from her first nap to when she went to sleep on the plane it was a total of ELEVEN hours!! Normally she can't go three hours without a nap or a sleep.
So while we were waiting for our DELAYED flight, she walked around doing anything BUT sleep.
LQ was fantastic on the flight and having her own seat helped considerably with her behaviour. My other little secret was a plastic tube container with about six ten cent pieces. She was enamoured with that special little toy.... along with a few other "new" toys that I had brought along. LQ slept for five hours of the 8.5 hour flight. Just as we were descending she fell asleep again (about three hours after she woke up).
With our special car seat contraption we were able to wheel our sleeping babe through immigration, customs and baggage. She continued to sleep as we shuffled into a taxi and took a nice drive to Waikiki - Halekulani Hotel. As we waited for our room to be readied for our early check-in, she continued to sleep. Our perfect LQ was so nice to us, she only woke up when the room was ready!
We have an amazing room! Hooray for agents rates....
So while we were waiting for our DELAYED flight, she walked around doing anything BUT sleep.
LQ was fantastic on the flight and having her own seat helped considerably with her behaviour. My other little secret was a plastic tube container with about six ten cent pieces. She was enamoured with that special little toy.... along with a few other "new" toys that I had brought along. LQ slept for five hours of the 8.5 hour flight. Just as we were descending she fell asleep again (about three hours after she woke up).
With our special car seat contraption we were able to wheel our sleeping babe through immigration, customs and baggage. She continued to sleep as we shuffled into a taxi and took a nice drive to Waikiki - Halekulani Hotel. As we waited for our room to be readied for our early check-in, she continued to sleep. Our perfect LQ was so nice to us, she only woke up when the room was ready!
We have an amazing room! Hooray for agents rates....
Dallas is finished!
Before we left the country, the most important thing that needed to get done was the submission of the thesis.
This almighty event occurred on Friday 21st November. There was not much fanfare, just a happy wife waiting with a camera and a nice long celebratory kiss.
This almighty event occurred on Friday 21st November. There was not much fanfare, just a happy wife waiting with a camera and a nice long celebratory kiss.
We are at the Airport right now!
Everything went smoothly and so far the car seat on the luggage cart has been FANTASTIC!
LQ has been running around (apparently on her 3rd or 4th wind) saying "heoo" to anyone who will listen. This is a new word that has just come out in full force while we sit and wait for the flight to open up. I am looking forward to a nice bed in Hawaii. Until then, think of me trying to sleep upright for at least six hours - UGH!
LQ has been running around (apparently on her 3rd or 4th wind) saying "heoo" to anyone who will listen. This is a new word that has just come out in full force while we sit and wait for the flight to open up. I am looking forward to a nice bed in Hawaii. Until then, think of me trying to sleep upright for at least six hours - UGH!
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Remember that Tag?
You know the one... it's down there, just a little further. There you go, you found it. I found a willing soul that wanted to help me out so I wouldn't look completely lazy. She really is a great blog friend!
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
I'm sorry, I mistook you for a human child
As of half an hour ago our Boarder (D) has gone on an adventure to Tasmania. She and I were standing in her room yesterday afternoon discussing the many things she could do while she was down there.
Just before walking into her room, LQ had escaped my clutches in the middle of a nappy change. I thought "why not let the child run free for a bit?", she was certainly enjoying the naked freedom and I know I wouldn't want to be encumbered by a huge nappy all the time so why should she?
LQ came toddling into D's room looking all pleased with herself and casually leaned against D's bed. I knew it was going to happen before it even did. The words "if you pee in D's room...." were on the tip of my tongue and then I hear the sweet sound of liquid against floorboards. LQ looked like a drunk bald man on his way home that has stopped to whizz against a random wall - very satisfied.
I stood there frozen, knowing that if I tried to stop her mid-whiz, then we would be in even more trouble.... but how do you just let someone just stand there and pee against another's bed?
And more to the point... when did I get a puppy instead of a child? I thought we were rid of "accidents" when we gave our beagle puppy (Jemima) away. Obviously with children, you get the best of both worlds.
On a different note, we got another package from Grandma Jill yesterday. LQ loves her beanie. She has also found Dal's old style goggles and had to have a turn at putting them over her eyes (please excuse the MOUNTAIN of laundry in the background).
Just before walking into her room, LQ had escaped my clutches in the middle of a nappy change. I thought "why not let the child run free for a bit?", she was certainly enjoying the naked freedom and I know I wouldn't want to be encumbered by a huge nappy all the time so why should she?
LQ came toddling into D's room looking all pleased with herself and casually leaned against D's bed. I knew it was going to happen before it even did. The words "if you pee in D's room...." were on the tip of my tongue and then I hear the sweet sound of liquid against floorboards. LQ looked like a drunk bald man on his way home that has stopped to whizz against a random wall - very satisfied.
I stood there frozen, knowing that if I tried to stop her mid-whiz, then we would be in even more trouble.... but how do you just let someone just stand there and pee against another's bed?
And more to the point... when did I get a puppy instead of a child? I thought we were rid of "accidents" when we gave our beagle puppy (Jemima) away. Obviously with children, you get the best of both worlds.
On a different note, we got another package from Grandma Jill yesterday. LQ loves her beanie. She has also found Dal's old style goggles and had to have a turn at putting them over her eyes (please excuse the MOUNTAIN of laundry in the background).
Sunday, 16 November 2008
"I've got a package"
Hehe.... I finished watching Legally Blonde last night, so it should be only fitting that I should get a package of my own today. Technically it was a package for me and LQ.
I got my singlet top back and LQ received a lovely hand knitted cardigan from Grandma Jill (Mum, because you haven't answered the phone I will tell you here - I LOVE IT!!). I have some photos of LQ modelling the new addition to her wardrobe. It should look Very trendy once I team it with a nice peasant skirt (or even some nice jeans) and a white long-sleeved undershirt - what do you think?
I got my singlet top back and LQ received a lovely hand knitted cardigan from Grandma Jill (Mum, because you haven't answered the phone I will tell you here - I LOVE IT!!). I have some photos of LQ modelling the new addition to her wardrobe. It should look Very trendy once I team it with a nice peasant skirt (or even some nice jeans) and a white long-sleeved undershirt - what do you think?
Sunday Night at the Movies - 16 November
The Last Temptation of Harold Crick
I return to my reviews after several weeks of finding myself too exhausted to use my leisure time to do more writing. I have been writing, and revising, and editing so much lately that I would usually catch myself just staring at a wall (or the television) when I was not required to do anything else. Last night we were spending a quiet evening at home, Isabel was puttering away with her blocks, and books, and puzzles; so Helen and I decided to watch Stranger Than Fiction, which was playing on one of our several movie channels. We both quite enjoyed the film, and I felt it deserved a review. My list for tonight comprises my top five horror films. Enjoy!
Top Five Horror Films
1. The Exorcist
2. Rosemary's Baby
3. Alien
4. Dawn of the Dead
5. Evil Dead II
Let me first say, that I loved Stranger Than Fiction. I found this unabashedly absurd film quite enjoyable from beginning to end. It tells the story of Harold Crick (Will Ferrell), an IRS agent who suddenly begins hearing a British woman (Emma Thompson) narrate his life. Harold is a rather fastidious individual who finds the constant narration unnerving, and begins to think he may be going crazy. But Harold doesn't begin to seriously worry about the narrator until, in a moment of foreshadowing, Harold hears, "Little did he know, Harold was about to die." He then goes on a search to discover the source of this narration, and in the process discovers love, life, and himself.
Harold's journey is analogous with the search for answers many people undertake upon a true realization of one's own mortality. He discovers that he is the protagonist in a narrative by author Karen Eiffel (said British woman). In finding a suitable ending for Harold's story, Eiffel has contracted writers block. She is obsessed with finding the perfect way to kill off the Harold character, but is unable to satisfactorily construct his demise. While furiously chain-smoking, Eiffel discusses her intentions with assistant Penny (Queen Latifah).
As Harold searches for his "creator" he finds meaning beyond his mundane, lonely, work centered life. On his search for the narrator, Harold meets Jules Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman), professor of literary theory. As an expert on other narratives, Hilbert is able to provide Harold direction on his quest to meet the narrator. Harold also develops a magnetic infatuation with Ana (Maggie Gyllenhall), whose emotional warmth and flippant regard for IRS tax laws make her Harold's polar opposite.
This eclectic cast of characters provide an effective backdrop for Harold's story. The location shooting, in Chicago, and production design by Kevin Thompson also add a certain flair to this unique picture. Although quite enjoyable on the surface, I believe the religio-moral undertones also add great depth to Stranger Than Fiction. Karen Eiffel, as a metaphor for God, is usually shown laboring over Harold's death in her airy white-walled apartment. Her haggard demeanor and macabre outlook betray a once loving deity now obsessed with man's destruction. Hilbert, as God's prophet, is an expert on Karen Eiffel, and very passionate about her writings. Although he exudes an aloofness, he guides Harold to Eiffel, and helps the two come together. Harold represents the common man, unaware of the beauty around him and the greatness within him, until the day he realizes he is going to die. His search for God is a hopeful journey; a quest the filmmakers assert is ultimately worthwhile. By the film's conclusion, Harold has embodied Messianic features, as he knowingly, and willfully, accepts his future.
In its exploration of the nature of man and power/impotence of God, Stranger Than Fiction is a superb film and would make for an appropriately quirky segment of a film festival sandwiched in between The Seventh Seal and The Last Temptation of Christ (and maybe washed down with a bit of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy just for good measure). Fans of the Spike Jonze/Charlie Kaufman collaborations will find obvious parallels between their work and Stranger Than Fiction as both examine self consciousness. But there is an undeniable warmth and humanness in this film that is lacking from Jonze/Kaufman. Stranger Than Fiction, as a pleasant return to the absurd, should be considered one of the finest films of the past few years.
*** 1/2 Stars
- by dallas
I return to my reviews after several weeks of finding myself too exhausted to use my leisure time to do more writing. I have been writing, and revising, and editing so much lately that I would usually catch myself just staring at a wall (or the television) when I was not required to do anything else. Last night we were spending a quiet evening at home, Isabel was puttering away with her blocks, and books, and puzzles; so Helen and I decided to watch Stranger Than Fiction, which was playing on one of our several movie channels. We both quite enjoyed the film, and I felt it deserved a review. My list for tonight comprises my top five horror films. Enjoy!
Top Five Horror Films
1. The Exorcist
2. Rosemary's Baby
3. Alien
4. Dawn of the Dead
5. Evil Dead II
Let me first say, that I loved Stranger Than Fiction. I found this unabashedly absurd film quite enjoyable from beginning to end. It tells the story of Harold Crick (Will Ferrell), an IRS agent who suddenly begins hearing a British woman (Emma Thompson) narrate his life. Harold is a rather fastidious individual who finds the constant narration unnerving, and begins to think he may be going crazy. But Harold doesn't begin to seriously worry about the narrator until, in a moment of foreshadowing, Harold hears, "Little did he know, Harold was about to die." He then goes on a search to discover the source of this narration, and in the process discovers love, life, and himself.
Harold's journey is analogous with the search for answers many people undertake upon a true realization of one's own mortality. He discovers that he is the protagonist in a narrative by author Karen Eiffel (said British woman). In finding a suitable ending for Harold's story, Eiffel has contracted writers block. She is obsessed with finding the perfect way to kill off the Harold character, but is unable to satisfactorily construct his demise. While furiously chain-smoking, Eiffel discusses her intentions with assistant Penny (Queen Latifah).
As Harold searches for his "creator" he finds meaning beyond his mundane, lonely, work centered life. On his search for the narrator, Harold meets Jules Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman), professor of literary theory. As an expert on other narratives, Hilbert is able to provide Harold direction on his quest to meet the narrator. Harold also develops a magnetic infatuation with Ana (Maggie Gyllenhall), whose emotional warmth and flippant regard for IRS tax laws make her Harold's polar opposite.
This eclectic cast of characters provide an effective backdrop for Harold's story. The location shooting, in Chicago, and production design by Kevin Thompson also add a certain flair to this unique picture. Although quite enjoyable on the surface, I believe the religio-moral undertones also add great depth to Stranger Than Fiction. Karen Eiffel, as a metaphor for God, is usually shown laboring over Harold's death in her airy white-walled apartment. Her haggard demeanor and macabre outlook betray a once loving deity now obsessed with man's destruction. Hilbert, as God's prophet, is an expert on Karen Eiffel, and very passionate about her writings. Although he exudes an aloofness, he guides Harold to Eiffel, and helps the two come together. Harold represents the common man, unaware of the beauty around him and the greatness within him, until the day he realizes he is going to die. His search for God is a hopeful journey; a quest the filmmakers assert is ultimately worthwhile. By the film's conclusion, Harold has embodied Messianic features, as he knowingly, and willfully, accepts his future.
In its exploration of the nature of man and power/impotence of God, Stranger Than Fiction is a superb film and would make for an appropriately quirky segment of a film festival sandwiched in between The Seventh Seal and The Last Temptation of Christ (and maybe washed down with a bit of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy just for good measure). Fans of the Spike Jonze/Charlie Kaufman collaborations will find obvious parallels between their work and Stranger Than Fiction as both examine self consciousness. But there is an undeniable warmth and humanness in this film that is lacking from Jonze/Kaufman. Stranger Than Fiction, as a pleasant return to the absurd, should be considered one of the finest films of the past few years.
*** 1/2 Stars
- by dallas
Saturday, 15 November 2008
Husband Tag
I have only seen these things go around, I have never been tagged myself. If it was an email I would just press delete. But I was tagged on someone elses blog and I just can't go around deleting other peoples posts now, can I?
Because I love my sister-in-law, I am going to have a bit of fun (fun?) and tell you all about my husband.
What is your husband's name? Dallas Stephen Petersen II (yes... he's a number two)
How long have you been married? 2 years and 8 months (almost exactly one year more than amelia!)
How long did you date? hmmm... we met online in January 2005 but didn't meet until March. We were then engaged in September 2005 and married March 2006. Soooo.... from the time we met to the time we were married, one year and 3 months.
How old is he? 29 (so close to 30!)
Who eats sweets? Hmmm... we probably eat about the same amount.
Who said I love you first? Dallas did. He sent it to me via a text message. I read it first thing in the morning.
Who is taller? Definitely Dallas. I would have a hard time finding a man shorter than me.
Who does the laundry? I do. Occasionally Dallas will do it, though.
Who pays the bills? I used to, but now Dallas pays them all. I find I am a lot more stressed if I pay the bills.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I guess it depends which way you are looking at it. I usually do I guess.
Who mows the lawn? I am the yard worker of the family. It's in our marital contract apparently. I can't remember what I get for doing it.
Who cooks dinner? Traditionally I guess I am supposed to, but Dallas ends up doing it about 50% of the time just because he enjoys it a LOT more (I guess it runs in the family, hey mills?)
Who drives? Whoever is feeling the least tired!
Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Neither of us is ever wrong.... so I am yet to figure that one out.
Who kissed who first? I think we both wanted to kiss each other so it just sort of happened. In the Seattle Space Needle. To be honest I couldn't remember it, I had to ask Dallas. What I do remember is Dallas flicking me in the leg the first time we met. Something magical about that flick.
Who asked who out first? You just don't understand, it doesn't happen like that in the world of meeting online. This is how it happens online: Dallas saw my profile and sent a silly message about my love of Commonwealth countries and other such nonsense. I was hooked and replied.... and as they say, the rest is history.
I tag anyone who wants to do this. Sorry I am so slack - I just don't have many close blogger friends that I know would want to do this. If you do it, I will link from this post. Cheers!
Because I love my sister-in-law, I am going to have a bit of fun (fun?) and tell you all about my husband.
What is your husband's name? Dallas Stephen Petersen II (yes... he's a number two)
How long have you been married? 2 years and 8 months (almost exactly one year more than amelia!)
How long did you date? hmmm... we met online in January 2005 but didn't meet until March. We were then engaged in September 2005 and married March 2006. Soooo.... from the time we met to the time we were married, one year and 3 months.
How old is he? 29 (so close to 30!)
Who eats sweets? Hmmm... we probably eat about the same amount.
Who said I love you first? Dallas did. He sent it to me via a text message. I read it first thing in the morning.
Who is taller? Definitely Dallas. I would have a hard time finding a man shorter than me.
Who does the laundry? I do. Occasionally Dallas will do it, though.
Who pays the bills? I used to, but now Dallas pays them all. I find I am a lot more stressed if I pay the bills.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I guess it depends which way you are looking at it. I usually do I guess.
Who mows the lawn? I am the yard worker of the family. It's in our marital contract apparently. I can't remember what I get for doing it.
Who cooks dinner? Traditionally I guess I am supposed to, but Dallas ends up doing it about 50% of the time just because he enjoys it a LOT more (I guess it runs in the family, hey mills?)
Who drives? Whoever is feeling the least tired!
Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Neither of us is ever wrong.... so I am yet to figure that one out.
Who kissed who first? I think we both wanted to kiss each other so it just sort of happened. In the Seattle Space Needle. To be honest I couldn't remember it, I had to ask Dallas. What I do remember is Dallas flicking me in the leg the first time we met. Something magical about that flick.
Who asked who out first? You just don't understand, it doesn't happen like that in the world of meeting online. This is how it happens online: Dallas saw my profile and sent a silly message about my love of Commonwealth countries and other such nonsense. I was hooked and replied.... and as they say, the rest is history.
I tag anyone who wants to do this. Sorry I am so slack - I just don't have many close blogger friends that I know would want to do this. If you do it, I will link from this post. Cheers!
Friday, 14 November 2008
A Grand Day Out.... in Glenfield
Today Dal, Hel and Bel ventured out of the city to a little place called Glenfield. To be honest, it is only a 30 minute drive from our house, but as we were driving out there, I felt as though I had stepped into a different (country) town altogether.
The reason for our venturing was Dal's thesis advisor, Matthew. He and his lovely wife (Kyoko) invited us over for lunch and as we Petersens can never resist a free meal, even if it is in a different land than ours, we accepted. LQ met her new friends Miyako and Kent. Miyako was very excited to have a "little sister" to play with for the afternoon. Unfortunately, LQ hasn't learned the social grace of playing with another person, so I fear little Miyako may have been a little disappointed with her "little sister". She did seem content to follow LQ around and try to tell her what to do, though.
LQ got to dress up in a pretty princess costume with Miyako.
She also found some fellow avid tv watchers.
LQ found a bright pink chair that she took a liking to. She carried it around where ever she pleased and then would just sit.
We had such a lovely time and a GREAT meal. I was in the minority today being surrounded by three American's, so I let them talk about the things well educated American's talk about (don't ask me what that is, though.... I kind of tuned out at a few points).
When we were ready to leave (LQ was due for a nap, so we had to leave), Miyako made this cute pouty face and refused to talk to us for a time. I assured her that we would love to see her again and because we are too stupid to figure out skype on Dal's Mac laptop (I think it's more about hooking up a non-compatible webcam) I promised I would take a movie of LQ saying hello to her. Here it is. LQ wasn't very cooperative. Miyako - I will try again when LQ is in a better mood.
Thanks for the great day Matthew and Kyoko! I hope you enjoy the rearranging that LQ blessed your house with.
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