Weekend Update 3/9/09

My camera's not that good, and I still haven't figured out my computer's new photo editing software, but I love this shot. We started our weekend off at the zoo, and I got a kick out of these birds. I love how the middle bird is doing the splits, trying to claim perch possession of both branches!! I find it a perfect metaphor for greed.

After our super quick zoo visit, (forgot about winter hours still being in effect), we met DH for pizza. Shamefully we ate out way too much this weekend, but its sort of a last hurrah. Car payments begin this month!

Saturday DH & I had our date. We had Lupper out, (late lunch, early supper). It was suppose to be romantic. I wore a new purple top and was feeling pretty good until the hostess said to me, "All you need is a red hat." Way to deflate my balloon.  DH tried to help by telling me I looked good, but I was feeling old and gray at that point.

I think if the hostess would have been younger than me, I would have thought she was just a beeatch. I guess since she was older than me, she was just trying to acknowledge one of her own. I wanted to scream at her, "LOOK LADY! I'M 1O YEARS AWAY FROM BEING ELIBLE TO WEAR YOUR RED HAT!" I think my purple top is heading to Goodwill even though I've only worn it once.

After our meal, we decided to do books for dessert.  I was really discouraged to see prices on used books are up, but I suppose everyone is hurting. Why should I complain about spending $4.98 for a book that new cost $10.95? I'm still getting it for less than half price.

Maybe dumping all those classic children's books because of the fear of being prosecuted for selling items which may or may not contain lead in them has forced our used book sellers to increase their prices? But hey, I guess its now okay if I allow my 10 and 13 year old to lick and suck their reading materials!

Okay, off my soapbox.

The book I did pick up for $4.95 was Writing Without Teachers by Peter Elbow. Yes, being an unschooler I was sucked in by the title. I'm still on the first chapter but his thoughts on free writing seem dead on. Schools have taught us to edit while we write, being aware of spelling and grammar. We also edit our unacceptable thoughts and feelings while writing.

"The habit of compulsive, premature editing doesn't just make writing hard. It also makes writing dead. Your voice is damped out by all the interruptions, changes, and hesitations between the consciousness and the page." - Peter Elbow.

My goal is to exercise my free writing. Editing comes later, but the idea is to become used to allowing whatever needs to come out, come out. Let go of restrictions and loosen it up- Next time blogger's block rolls around, I may even free write a post. Want to join me?

I need spring...

I'm tired of trying to function like an astronaut. I don't want to be bundled up anymore. You don't realize how wonderful manual dexterity is until you try to buckle your seatbelt wearing gloves. Dialing a cell phone is out of the question.

I think I may need a spring makeover. Last night a guest at the pool asked me if I remember when the Beatles made their U.S. debut. I admit my hair is going gray, but the Beatles were way before my time! I was screaming for Bono not Paul, George, Ringo or John.

I really don't want to color my hair again with chemicals. I did the bottle blond thing for years. DH says he likes the gray, but am I prepared for this aging gracefully thing?

I feel like giving away everything in my closet and starting over. Of course I don't have the money to do this. I have no sense of style either. I'll buy the same shirt in the same colors.

I told DS12 I was turning 40 this summer and he said to me, "You still have another 60 years left." I love his optimism! This is how I should look at this. I can get in shape and take care of my body and hopefully make it to 100! I did have a great aunt who reached 104. She said her secret was lots of sleep. Of course she never married or had children. Getting sleep would not have been a problem for her.

Its time I stop feeling so old and bundle up yet again. We're heading to the sledding hill for our need for speed. It will be great to feel like I'm 10 again, although something tells me the climb back up will remind me I'm not.

Have a great Friday!