blind squirrels

I returned to the mitten this weekend (as any native Michigander will hold up their hand to indicate where they are from, sort of like a retarded boyscout's honor). The drive up was a bit too rainy, but my spirits were lifted by the fact that gas was $2.35, they were practically giving it away.

There were so many people to see and so much to pack into one little weekend. Friday, I strong-armed my brother and his family to have dinner at my favorite restaurant, which at one point in the meal, he even uttered the words "really good," a first after numerous dinners there. Later on in the evening, we met up with everyone and had the first of many cocktails. We went to a few different places and like any good night should end, we found some rather poor musical selections with a wide open dance floor. It was also someone's birthday and apparently I was quite liberal in doling out the birthday kisses to just about anyone whose ever had a birthday, my sincere apologies. The night really never ended due to the ridiculous amount of snoring that was resonating throughout our room.

Saturday was the big game. Now, just for some quick background. I have been watching the Spartans play the Wolverines now for 14 years, roughly half my life. And generally speaking, U of M has almost always had a far superior football team. Apparently, this is a rebuilding year for U of M, and MSU was favored to win. It was an exciting game to watch, we were up, then tied and then up and then tied and then we actually won. Only to be met with disdainful glances and told that "well, every once in a while the blind squirrel gets the nut." So now my victorious team is a handicapped rodent...what is that about U of M breeding snotty elitists?

Sunday came quickly, a bit too quickly for some. I will not disclose why, for fear that my parents may ground me. But overall a most lovely trip home, I loved seeing everyone and hope that it doesn't take another 10 years for all of us to gather.

the little dutch boy

There is a hole in the fence in the backyard, and Ethan is fascinated by it, and is always poking things and peaking through it. His curiosity and endless fascination with the world amazes me. He is talking more and more, his newest word is 'later,' usually used in a sentence like "no, no, no mama, later," and there is usually some finger wagging involved.

In preparation for Halloween we have been reading lots of Halloween books. He has been practicing his vampire laugh and seems to be slightly befuddled by the concept of a "mummy," usually pointing to the picture and then to me, making a vague connection between the two. I have found that most things Halloween related are tricky to explain including werewolves, witches, skeletons, and ghosts. And up next we have flying reindeers, santa claus, elves, cupid, leprechauns, and the easter bunny...a rather daunting task. In preparation for this onslaught of questions, I have been lucky enough to have inherited an iPhone from a friend that was upgrading, so now I will be able to wiki the little man's questions on demand.

The fall season has arrived, the leaves have changed and there is that wet leaf smell everywhere. I am sad that it is going to be cold soon, but have been enjoying the weather. It is nice to not be in an office all day and be able to go for a run during the day, one of the few perks of unemployment, that and being able to wear pajamas until the fear of actually seeing someone shames me into showering.

One of the best parts of fall is going back to Michigan, the vibrant autumnal colors actually make the drive down 94 tolerable. This weekend is the much anticipated UofM vs. MSU game and shockingly we are favored, but if there is one thing I got out of my time in East Lansing, it is that the Spartans will find a way to botch it. This is our 10 year anniversary since graduating, and we are having a reunion of sorts. And though I did go to MSU, my fondest memories are of Ann Arbor and of my closest and dearest friends that I will see this weekend. I can hardly wait.

one step forward, two steps back

The job hunt has been a bit lackluster. I got overly excited about a freelance job that was supposed to be for three days, but got cut short due to lack of work. My first and only day there consisted of doing some lame print production, even though I was brought on as a web designer. It was a disappointment all around, long commute, freakishly quiet office (punctuated only by my awful cough that I was just getting over) and crappy work. And to add insult to injury, this one day of work may screw up my unemployment, I think it is safe to say that my optimism has waned slightly.

On Saturday, I went over to a friend's place and she suggested that we take a walk and go do some early voting. I was only vaguely aware of said concept, and had a flashback to four years ago when I had to wait two hours to vote, and so we went, we voted and both agreed that it felt anti-climatic because the election isn't for another two weeks. But at least it is something that I can check off my oh so pressing to-do list.

Saturday night consisted of me accidentally getting punch-drunk. In my head, I thought a bottle of wine with dinner followed by an impromptu bar crawl to meet up with friends seemed like a brilliant idea. The night ended just about as quickly as it started. And though there are some interesting photo booth pictures, can't say that I really remember much. The only thing I did remember the next morning is why I stopped drinking Jameson.

a patch of pumpkins

Today, Ethan and I ventured out to the suburbs with one of Ethan's favorite classmates and one of my favorite mom friends, to go to the Bengston's Pumpkin Patch. It was an action packed day, filled with an oddly exotic petting zoo (including a baby zebra and a kangaroo), "bunny town" (with a rapidly growing population), a vast field of pumpkins, and pony rides (which unsuprisingly was voted the favorite part of the day). We rounded out the day with purchase of some highly addictive kettle corn and caramel apples and the boys picked out pumpkins, the only rule being that they had to be able to carry it and rolling was not permitted. All and all, a glorious autumn day, and I couldn't ask for better weather or better company.

beggars can't be choosers

After sending out roughly 40 resumes the past 3 weeks, I got a job, well sort of, I got a two-day freelance job way up in Buffalo Grove. And sadly, I am pretty sure that the amount that I will make is only roughly equivalent to the cost of one week of Ethan's child care. I also swallowed my pride this week and applied for unemployment, and am now worried that that effort may go to waste by accepting this somewhat meager job. But in an attempt to be more optimistic, this is a start at least.

In other news, I thought the debates last night were a wash. McCain seemed to be painfully trying to hard, between the fake creepy grins to his awkward body language. It seemed less of a debate and more of a straight up Q&A, leaving the candidates with very little mano y mano time. I thought Tom Brokaw's moderation was lacking, paling in comparison to Gwen Ifill, who ruled with a much stronger hand, demonstrating that perhaps woman are better leaders? In closing, I thought the highlight of the debate was just how striking Obama looked, it may be superficial (see S. Palin) but i thought the lavendar tie was a knock out and it certainly was change that I could believe in.

sick days

On Monday, Ethan was sent home from school due to a high fever and apparently is not allowed entrance back until 24 hours later. We were not privy to this last detail until an attempt was made to bring him back the next morning, can't imagine that this reflected well on us. Needless to say, I have spent the last two days kickin it with the Ethan. The first day went well and then day 2 came along and I am pretty sure Ethan duped Mike with a possible fake cough and I imagine a thermometer warmed by his night light. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with him and am pretty sure the sentiment was returned. We went to the park, where sick boy insisted on running around with a coat, not without a wrestling match or two to get it on, we also had a field trip to Target, watched a movie, and had a play date...good stuff. The day ended on a brilliant note, Ethan peed in his potty, which surely only a parent could appreciate and I hope for you non-parents, your eyes don't roll back too far.

Today, I had a streak of good job postings that I applied for. My goal was to actually to apply for unemployment, but after said application process, am going to procrastinate a bit longer. I also got a email requesting an interview for next week. So all and all, I believe things are looking up.