The Happy Geek

Insert Interesting Title Here

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Last weekend we took a last minute trip to Edmonton. It was a great deal of fun, but if one is foolish enough to go away a week before Christmas then one turns into a whirling dervish when she returns. Especially if that said person had been laid up with a killer cold the week before.

And whirling dervishes are not good at blogging.

However, I was feeling the blogging guilt. This is intensified by the fact that my husband posts every day and has at least a week's worth of posts all queued up and ready to go at any time. Me? Not so much.

I have a bunch of photos to show you of all the decorating, but that would involve walking up the stairs to go get the camera and download them. And the whirling dervish is TIRED.

So, instead I shall tell you everything you did not want to know about our weekend and were afraid to ask.

We did have a lovely time. We spent a day with my sister and her brood and my sons almost jumped out of their skin for the sheer joy at spending time with their cousins. I made the mistake of telling them a day or two in advance where we were going and lived to regret that decision every 2.8 seconds as I was asked yet again how many sleeps till we went to their house.

Much hilarity was had by all. I have a question for those of you with four or more children. How on earth do you get through supper? Earplugs? A rule about whispering? A sedative? MY WORD. THE NOISE. You'd think it would be relatively quiet what with them shoveling food in their mouths but NOOOO, that just makes them louder. I've been to quieter monster truck rallies.

The following day we met up with our dear friends C and G at West Edmonton Mall, which was shockingly quiet for a week before Christmas. I must confess, I had no desire whatsoever to spend anytime in Canada's largest mall, but then we got a room at the fantasyland hotel and didn't leave the mall for 24 hours.

My kids went to galaxy-land, saw the lemurs and the sea lions, had Starbucks AND McDonalds and yet their favorite part? THe bunk-beds. While riding the rides they kept asking their dad when they were going back to the hotel room to play on their beds.

Uh Huh.

If we weren't certain the novelty would have worn off by the time we got home, we would have been stopping at Ikea on the way out of the city for their very own bunks. And then sold all the toys cluttering up my bonus room.

I must tell you, whoever thought of popping a hotel onto a mall was rather brilliant. The next morning my kids woke up at Dark o clock and we snuck out of the room and wandered the mall at 6:30 in the morning. It was my favorite part of the trip. Two little hands in mine, exploring a big mall in search of breakfast. When we finally found a McDonald's that was open Spud exclaimed, "Oh look mommy, it is open!" Isn't that exciting?" We are so lucky!"

Lucky indeed Buddy. Very very lucky.

How the Geek Does Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:47:00 +0000

Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. We've got PLENTY 'o snow. It's also been waaaay colder than should be legal but at least it's not Edmonton.

So, since I'm feeling all Christmassy and stuff I thought I'd steal this meme from Missy at It's Almost Naptime.

Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? Both. Now would be good. Really good. And this is where I express my extreme disappointment that Starbucks did not bring back the salted caramel hot chocolate. BAD, OVERPRICED YUPPIE HANGOUT. BAD.

Does Santa wrap the presents or leave them open under the tree? We've killed off Santa here at the house of Geek, so in compensation for his untimely demise all presents are wrapped. Not well, but they are wrapped.

Coloured Lights on a tree or white? This is where I earn my wife of the year award. I really like white. Way Cooler prefers coloured. So our tree is a multi-coloured ~~eyesore~~ delight. I also get bonus good wife points for the fact that most of the lights are hand-me-downs. We didn't have to buy them ourselves. Score one for the frugal team.

Do you hang Misletoe? I actually put up a tree. Any decorating beyond that would be a Christmas miracle.

When do you put your decorations up? When I feel like it. I'm sorta the anti-type A. I'm more type Z. So, this year, they went up before December. When I had colicky babies, they stayed in the box. And note, Tonggu Momma, that I did NOT decorate before Thanksgiving. That would be weird seeing as how Thanksgiving is in October. It was a good month past Thanksgiving before I decorated.

What is your favorite Holiday Dish? You're asking me to pick one? I'm rather fond of all holiday dishes. Mind you, I'm rather fond of food. My least favorite? Well, that would be the nasty smoked oysters that Santa leaves in my dad's stocking. In my opinion you need to be smoking something strong in order to want to put one of those things in your mouth.

Favorite Holiday Memory as a Child? You want me to remember something from childhood? Right now I can't even remember where my keys are.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? In keeping with our not-at-all-traditional traditions we open all our presents on Christmas Eve.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Envision the perfect Martha Stewart tree. Mine would be the exact opposite of that.

Snow. Love it or Hate it? It doesn't really matter what I think, I live on the Canadian prairies. Enough said.

Can you ice skate? Did I mention where I live? Ice skating is part of our genetic make-up.

What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? It's not really a dessert per se, but the dark chocolate salted caramels from President's Choice make my heart go pitter patter, and if I ate as many of them as I would like to they'd eventually make it stop altogether.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? There is no way I can pick just one. But St. Nicholas Day is fast becoming one of my favorites.

Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck? Nasty little peppermint things. I was utterly delighted when I gave one to Spud and a minutes later he basically spit it out. "But this tastes like toothpaste" he cried. "We don't EAT toothpaste." Exactly my boy. Exactly.

Favorite Christmas Show? While it is not a Christmas-y show, I have very very fond memories of watching The Sound of Music with my family every Christmas. Way Cooler does not share my fondness and now I have memories of watching it alone while wrapping (very poorly) all the presents.

There you have it, everything you did not want to know about Christmas at the house of Geek. Feel free to steal this for your blog should the spirit move you.

The Bestest Christmas Concert Ever

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:20:00 +0000

As promised, I must tell you about Spud and Sprout's Christmas concert, but before I do I need to send a shout out to a hard-working blog designer.

Jackie from Memories by Design is one amazing chick. She is the one who designed Way Cooler's new blog. Which may not have been the easiest thing she has ever done. By a long shot. Way Cooler can be rather, um, precise in what he wants. Very, very precise.

She answered all his e-mails right away, did exactly what he wanted and then made revisions ~~after revision, after revision, after precise revision~~ . All while being exceedingly pleasant. Which is waaaay better than I would have done. If you ever need blog work done, I totally, totally recommend her.

Now about that concert. Spud was in a junior choir for the first time. He did a fantastic job. This is was a huge step for my son and way outside of his comfort zone. He rose to the challenge beautifully. We practised together so much that I may never get the songs out of my head but it was totally worth it seeing him up there on stage singing away.

It was totally a Hallmark moment.

Which stands in direct contrast to what had happened seconds earlier when Sprout sang with his Sunday School Class.

You know how in every concert there is a child who totally hogs the microphone, puts their hands down their pants and up then their nose and sings at the top of their lungs? The one who has to be moved way from the microphone for the second song?

This year it was my baby. I was SO PROUD. Or something like that. Did I mention that we attend one of the larger churches in our city? LOTS and LOTS of people got to see it.

LOTS.

And they were noticing. I could tell because the laughter ratcheted up a crescendo when he started to um, boogey.

Also a Hallmark moment.

P.S. Way Cooler is having a giveaway on his site. It turns out that while he has a good amount of traffic already financial blogs don't get the same kind of comment love as mommy blogs. Even when giving away Starbucks giftcards. So, if you head over, you stand a good chance of actually winning.

Calling All Sherlocks

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:52:00 +0000

Last week I made myself some notes about ideas for Seven Quick Takes. Unfortunately, I was just getting a rather evil case of the flu and these are my notes.

Blogging

Cheap

Cheese

Yep. Those were the notes I made myself. Problem is, I have no idea what they mean. I wanted to talk about cheese? Really?

So, do you want to help me out? What do you think I wanted to say?

My evil cold is gone and I now have lots to tell you about. Including a Christmas concert, a really good sandwich, and maybe a weather report or two.

See you Monday.

The Results are In

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:22:00 +0000

So, remember how I asked you about a sweater?

Turns out not many of you like it much. In fact, the word grandma may have been used a time or two. The final tally:

Eight of you voted that it should be sent to Goodwill. NOW. (No Janet, voting three times does not count. But nice try.)

Four said to keep it and wear it proudly. My favorite quote of the week comes from Veronica who told me to "Embrace the quirk. Be proud. Be strong. Stare down the mockers. Look them dead in the eye and flip the switch on your electric Christmas-light socks." You have no IDEA how much I want to find those kinds of socks now. They'd be so cool. Or my version of cool anyway.

My husband voted that I should keep it in case it comes back in style. However, I kind of hesitate to take advice from a man who sees no problem with wearing a longsleeved striped shirt with plaid shorts. In public.

Speaking of my husband, if yours ever asks you for help with starting a blog, run away screaming into the night. It's not really a hobby, it's become more of an obsession. He checks his stats more frequently than a teen girl checks her hair. He's even using birthday money to get a blog makeover and he is now buying his own domain name. Way Cooler is even cheaper than I am, so for him to spend money on a hobby, well, that's really something.

But I digress. How terribly unusual.

So, the sweater is on it's way to a new home. My cousin knows of someone who needs an ugly sweater for a party and apparently mine fits the bill nicely.

That's Ok, I'm gonna have my socks.

Love

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:49:00 +0000

Is it seriously the second Sunday of Advent already? Why is it that December goes at three times the speed of January?

Seriously, they say that January is 31 days long but I don't believe it. It's actually 92 days.

According to some traditions the second Advent candle is the Bethlehem candle. Others refer to it as the love candle.

This struck me as a bit odd.

When I think of Bethleham love isn't the first thing that jumps into my mind.

Let's face it, Bethlehem wasn't exactly throwing a festival of love for Mary and Joesph. She had to give birth in a barn. I don't know about you, but if I had some pregnant lady about to give birth show up on my doorstep, I'd have been kicking someone else out of a room for the night. But no one did. They found her a room in a stable instead. Betcha there was no germ gel in sight either.

So, while Bethlehem wasn't exactly running over with love, this is where the ultimate love story started.

A story of a Holy God who wanted to reconcile with his people. So He sent them his son.

I think we sometimes miss the ultimate point of why Jesus came to earth. It wasn't to perform miracles, to start a revolution, form a new religion or even to teach all those parables.

All those things eventually happened, and they were all good, but the ultimate reason was to save us. To save us from our anger, our self-centeredness, our lies, our pride and the consequences of all of these kinds things.

He came to offer us a new way of doing things. His way. Through his Spirit.

But the only way to accomplish this for us was his death.

He offered himself in our place.

That is love.

And it all began in Bethlehem.

What We Found At The Library #1

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Sarah from This Heavenly Life is hosting a Brand New Carnival!

This one is right up my alley. Books.

BOOKS!

I'd like to have pics to go with the titles, but I have one of those colds where congestion is rapidly replacing grey matter and pictures are far beyond my ability. So, for today, you get Amazon links.

Next week, pictures.

I think.

Spud's Choice:

Horton Hears a Who

This is Spud's favorite book. Week after week after blessed week. I have very, very large portions of it memorized. LARGE portions. It is classic Seuss; a fun, silly story. It's about a little elephant who tries to save a very small town from certain death at the hands of some other jungle creatures that don't realize the town is actually full of people. Since they live on a dust speck and all. Much hilarity ensues. At least hilarity if you are five.

Sprout's Choice:

Toot, Toot, Zoom

The hero in our story is Pierre, a fox (I think he is a fox, but hey, he could be a cat, the illustrations aren't all that clear) who has no friends. The story chronicles his journey up a large mountain to find a friend.

This one is full of repetition and fun sounds. Which basically is what Sprout looks for in a book. Quite honestly I think his favorite part is his mother reading Pierre's dialogue with a horrid French accent. I'm not trying to have a horrid French accent, I just do. He actually ends up sounding Italian when I do it.

It brings back precious memories of working for the federal government* and having to answer the phone in both French and English. It was easy to tell when the caller was a Francophone as there would be this pause and then poorly concealed laughter on the other end.

Mommy's Choice

Velvet Elvis

No, I did not read this one to the boys. And technically I did not take it out of the library, it was loaned to me, but it was one of my favorite reads recently. I can't say I agree with everything Rob Bell says, but I like his approach. I can totally see why he's FREAKED OUT the Calvinists or any ~~humourless~~ defender of Orthodoxy but if you want a good look at the rationale behind some of the emerging church beliefs, this is a great read. Plus, it will not tax your grey matter at all. It's a tad bit simplistic, but I have a funny feeling he wasn't trying to write a classic work of theology. Seeing as how most great works of theology do not have Elvis in their title.

Spoiler alert: This book has basically nothing to do with Elvis.

So there you have it, gems from the library. For more selections, go see Sarah.

*I am Canadian and we have two official languages. So, I had to answer the phone, "Good Morning Transport Canada, Bonjour". And that is the extent of my French.

What Do You Think?

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:37:00 +0000

While I am not one to shy away from controversy, I have avoided it on this blog.

Until now.

Forget religion, politics and breastfeeding in public, today I want to address something even more controversial.

The Christmas sweater.

Specifically, this one.

It's mine.

I've had it since university. Which I think helps clarify the state of my social life in university. However, it has recently come to my attention that maybe it is no longer as cool as it once was to wear this.

Or maybe it was never cool. I'm not exactly sure.

Anyway.

Since it takes a village to make the Geek look good what do you think?

Should I

A) Get it off to Goodwill as fast as my car will drive.

B) Keep it and wear it proudly, quirky is the new cool.

C) Save it. You never know when that will come back in style.

D) Forget Goodwill, do NOT subject anyone else to that. Burn it.

For the record, D is my Sister-in-law's choice. But she doesn't read the blog so she doesn't get a vote. You wonderful people do. Voting closes Friday at which time I will bow to to will of the people and do whatever the majority says.

The sweater's fate is in your hands. Vote wisely.

Hope

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:41:00 +0000

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Langston Hughes

What a cheery way to start advent eh?

It's funny. I always think of this poem on the first Sunday of Advent. This is the day that we light the prophet's candle. In a way, the prophets had a dream. They prophesied a Messiah. A saviour. A rescue from their slavery. This was a dream that not one of them would see realized. In fact, most of the Jewish nation is still waiting.

4000 years they've been waiting.

I have trouble waiting in line at the grocery store. I cannot fathom the patience that nation has learned.

This is the Sunday we remember the promise. For those of us who believe the New Testament, the promise has been fulfilled. The dream is realized. And we rejoice.

But today, I choose to remember. I remember those who believed. Those who walked by faith their whole lives. Those who trusted a God they could not see for a Saviour they would not know.

I rarely have that faith myself. I prefer the stuff I can see and hold and know. My natural tendency is to choose one of Mr. Langston's options. I stink sometimes.

Yet, I do believe in a God I cannot see. I believe there is a Saviour whom everyone can know.

I will have hope.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

A Small Story

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Once up on a time I had sent the boys upstairs to get their jammies on. They've been doing this fairly well for a few months now. I came up a minute or two later after tidying the kitchen. I rounded the corner at the landing and gazed at my precious baby who was just starting to urinate on my carpet.

On purpose.

I may have raised my voice just a little bit.

He stopped. Which is why he is still drawing breath today.

We then had ourselves a time of correction.

When asked why he was doing such a thing, he shrugged and grinned. Apparently one does not need a reason to use my hallway as a urinal.

Then we had the following conversation while I scrubbed urine out of my carpet. I do believe in having my kids clean up the messes they made, but I also believe in clean carpet. This is one thing I do myself.

"Mommy, I am sorry for peeing on your carpet."

" I forgive you."

"Mommy, you need to say you are sorry."

"Huh?"

"You was mad at me"

"I raised my voice to get you to stop your inappropriate behaviour. When we had our talk, mommy talked in a quiet voice. Mommy did not sin and she is NOT sorry that she disciplined you."

"I forgive you anyways."

And then my head exploded.

The end.

A Pretend Sort of Post

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:07:00 +0000

I had full plans to write a deep and insightful post today.

But then something very very strange happened.

Very strange.

I felt this urge to decorate.

I KNOW. It's like aliens took over my body or something. For those of you new here, I am not being sarcastic. For a change. I really hate to decorate. Usually, I don't.

So, instead of writing, I put up the Christmas tree, decorated my mantle and decorated the Christmas tree with the boys.

I wasn't exactly looking forward to decorating the tree with my helpers, I figured that they would last for about 4 ornaments each and they would take off but I guess a lack of love for decorating isn't something I passed onto them.

They were decorating machines. The lower half of my tree was fully covered in less than 20 minutes. I had to race against them to just get enough ornaments for the top half.

I am sure you would like pictures but the lighting in my living room is rather poor, and I have enough trouble taking a good picture when conditions are excellent. So, no photos for you!

So instead of pictures (or a post )I give you some links that made me laugh so hard I think I may have scared my children.

Tim Challies has a proposal for the ultimate Christian novel.

Melissa attends the funniest funeral ever. Rest assured, it's not for a person.

Beck writes her yearly commentary on Oprah's gift guide. Do not miss it.

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:27:00 +0000

I have a dear friend who has an amazing daughter. She is funny, determined and smart as a whip. And for some reason that hasn't been fully explained yet, she will not talk in public. Or around people she does not know. They are working hard on getting to the bottom of it but in the meantime whenever my friend goes out in public she is accompanied by a silent five year old.

I am trying very hard not be jealous.

While I understand how challenging it would be to try and get into the mind of a five year old and help her communicate there is a very small part of me that wants to know how to get my child to stop talking All.The.Blessed.Time.

Case in point.

A few weeks ago I had to run some errands with Sprout while Spud was in school. This is a short excerpt of the running conversation we had for 2.5 hours.

Sprout:(as he asked in every single store we went into) Mommy, why are we in here? Why this one? Is this Canadian Tire? What do you need here mommy?

HG: Mommy is looking for peat moss for her garden. They didn't have any at Rona or at Home Depot so we are looking here.

Sprout: Oh right. Peat moss. (To random stranger) Mommy is looking for peat moss. (To the air as loud as he can) Peat moss; where are you? Peeeaaaatttt mmmmmooooosssss.

HG: Sprout we use our inside voices inside.

Sprout: that's right. Sorry Mommy. (Whispering) have you found the peat moss yet? Do you know where the peat moss is? Does this store have peat moss? What are you going to do with the peat moss? Peat moss; where are you?

HG: I found it.

Sprout: You found the peat moss? Is that the peat moss? Good job mommy. Good for finding the peat moss. What are you going to do with the peat moss? Are you putting it in the cart with me? Hello peat moss! That's a lot of peat moss. Look, it is squishing me. Oh no, I am squish-ed. Oh, thank-you mommy for moving the peat moss. It was squishing me. What are we doing now? Are we paying the peat moss? Then we are we going? Can I help you with the peat moss at the house? (To another random stranger) Look, mommy got peat moss. They didn't have any at Rona, or at Home Depot, so we had to come here, what is this store again mommy?

HG: Canadian Tire

Sprout: That's right. We had to come to Canadian Tire to get peat moss. Look at all the peat moss my mommy got. (Turning to the other random stranger who is cursing his lack of choice of lines) Mommy got peat moss. Do you have peat moss? Look at all the nice peat moss.

And on. And on. And on.

I know that when they are teens they will lose their ability to speak in sentences and will mainly grunt and so I should be treasuring these days of ALL THE TALKING but I must confess, sometimes I do long for selective mutism. Or at least selective hearing.

A New Song

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:51:00 +0000

A while ago, Jennifer at Conversion Diary had a wonderful post about how some of the prayers she was praying through in the liturgy of the hours didn't seem to apply to her at that moment in life and she had come to pray them for others, even those she didn't know.

It struck me like a ton of bricks.

Now, I am not Catholic and do not pray through a liturgy. I'm evangelical. We sing.

A lot.

I think by the time I was ten I had half the hymn book memorized. I had expressed my boredom one day to someone much wiser than I and they told me to pray what I was singing.

So I do.

Just not about me anymore. Well, not much. I am trying.

Thanks to two very wise people I have forever changed the way I view "worship time" at church. While I still worship, it is also I time I reach out and worship on behalf of those who are so burdened that they cannot yet praise. I then hope that someday we will stand together and sing. If not here, then hereafter.

Maricella needs compassion,

A love that's never failing,

let mercy fall on her,

Nidal Hasan needs forgiveness,

The Kindness of a Saviour,

The Hope of nations,

Saviour, you can move the Mountains,

So I ask that you save,

You are mighty to Save,

Forever, be their salvation

For them you rose from the grave,

That's why you rose from the grave.

So Take Mar as you find her,

All her fears and failures,

Fill her life up new,

May she give her life to follow,

May you be the one she believes in,

Help her to surrender,

Jesus you can move these mountains

You are mighty to save,

Mighty to save,

May they take your salvation

Save them from the grave,

You can save them from the grave.

7 Quick Takes

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:42:00 +0000

1. Because of all the sick, all four of us have been home pretty much non-stop for ten days. No school, no church, no park outings, just us, here. I realized that maybe it was getting to me a little bit the other night after I put the kids to bed. Since they've been sick they have been getting out of bed for every little reason, something they normally never do. I really DID NOT want to deal with anything more so I hid in a closet. Seriously. I went to the storage closet in my laundry room and read there for 45 minutes. At one point I realized that I was sitting on the floor, next to the vacuum hiding from my kids. Maybe I wasn't handling the whole sick thing as well as I thought.

2. The other night I made this chicken for supper. I really wasn't sure how it would turn out, but it was very moist and super tasty. Spud kept calling it Swiss Chalet chicken. Which in our house is a supreme compliment because Swiss Chalet chicken ranks right up there with ice cream and chocolate. Plus, I got two meals out of the chicken aannnddd made two liters of chicken stock. All that from a 5 buck chicken that required zero effort on my part.. It just does not get better than that my friends.

3. Pomegranates are now in season. My kids almost jumped out of the cart for sheer joy the last time they were in a grocery store. I like them too, but I cannot quite fathom the level of happiness my kids get out of this fruit. I wish the suckers weren't quite so expensive, but when my kids willingly eat something that good for them, I ~~grudgingly~~ shell out.

4. My boys make up their own prayers at mealtimes. It's a good way for them to learn to express real gratitude, plus it's cheap entertainment for us. Recently Sprout had slipped into using the same prayer over and over again as fast as he can. So, the other night Way Cooler told him he had to pray a nice, new prayer. This is how it started. "Deaaaar Desus. This is a nnneeeeewwwwww prayer." I can't remember anything after that as I was laughing too hard to even breath. Told ya. Cheap entertainment.

5. I am a technical weenie. Doe anyone know how to have the 7 quick takes banner actually show up on a post? I've tried a bunch of things and none work. I like to comfort myself that I at least know how to work a mouse. There may or may not be people related to me who find that a challenge. So, I come by my technical illiteracy honestly.

6. There are a whole bunch of bloggers right now in El Salvador. If you click on the link in my side bar (or here or here) you will be directed to their posts. Go. Read. Learn. Be changed. Sponsor.

7. Seriously. Go read a compassion blogger. I've been reading the posts with the boys looking over my shoulder. It's been a great time to talk with them about how much we have and how little others have. It's put a face to a concept that is so horribly abstract for someone raised in such affluence. I think my boys might be "getting it." Their mom is too.

For more quick takes visit Jennifer at Conversion Diary.

Money for Nothing.

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:35:00 +0000

When I first started blogging, it was met with some rather healthy skepticism by a certain husband of mine.

He wasn't exactly sure he saw the point and was a bit nervous that I would be airing all our dirty laundry right out there on the internet. A concern that does have a fair bit of basis in reality, as I do like to over-share. And then share some more.

So, imagine my surprise when I was asked the other day, "So, how do you set up one of those blog-things?"

It turns out, that his blog has a purpose. As does everything Way Cooler does. In direct contrast to his much flightier wife.

One of Way Cooler's BIG interests in the stock market and wise investing. Always has been. He spends hours researching, analyzing and generally doing stuff that makes my eyes glaze over. I honestly cannot think of a more boring hobby. Watching bowling on TV holds more appeal to me. But he truly loves it and I love that he has a hobby. Keeps him out of ~~my way~~trouble.

Plus, another upside to all this research and stuff is that we have a portfolio. And money in it. If I was in charge, there'd just be dust.

And now, my hubby wants to share his insight with the Internet. He's good that way.

So, I'm pleased to introduce Way Cooler's blog. It will be full basic investment advice, tips on how to pick good stocks, and all that fun stuff. And no dirty laundry. (That's my job.)

So, if you've got a second, head on over, and say hi.

Welcome to blogging sweetie. You're gonna love it.

I Get by With a Little Help From My Friends

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:16:00 +0000

This week all three of my men have been sick. ALL WEEK. ALL THREE OF THEM.

We even lined up at the doctor's office for an offical diagnosis. It coughed like a pig, had a persistent fever like a pig and is lasting forever like a pig, but it's not a pig. It's a mild case of Pnemonia for poor Spud who is probably wishing he will never cough again.

Anyway, it certainly is not a cause for alarm, just no fun for those who have it.

However, this has been one of the easiest "sick times" we have had. I think it helps that I have a baseline to compare it to. Tough is when you have an infant and a barely two year old and all four of you have the tummy flu AND due to an incompetent plumber you are without running water for 36 hours. That's tough. This, not so much.

Plus I've had a lot of help from my friends.

Internet, meet my friends.

The medicine. Just in case you thought I was crunchy or something. Not even close. Natural- smatural. Bring on the drugs baby! We burned through our first Costco sized bottle of children's Advil in 2.5 days.

The games. This has actually been a lot of fun. Sprout is quite the gamer and to have all of us playing with him, he is pretty much in hog heaven. However, if I NEVER play Go Fish again, it will still be much too soon.

The sweatshirt. This is my favorite shirt, it's red, it fits just right, it's super comfy and I have been banned from wearing it in public. By numerous people. SO, I've been able to wear it ALL WEEK since we haven't gone anywhere. AWESOME. Just in case you were wondering, it was what all the staff wore one Christmas concert when I taught in Texas. I did not pick it out. My taste is a little dubious, but not quite that umm, bold.

The Youtube playlist. My kids are nuts about the Salsa Twins. If I go near the computer they clamour to check Ree and Ro's blog. When I told them the girls had picked out their favorite Youtube videos and we could watch them too they were utterly delighted. It's killed many hours this week. Because what could be better than an operatic orange?

The stash. When my kids are sick, behaviours I was certain we had addressed and eradicated come back. ALL OF THEM. So, yes, that is a bag of cheese curls hidden in my laundry room. Don't judge me. Please.

It's good to have friends.

The Hole Story

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:44:00 +0000

There are many great mysteries in life.

Stonehenge. Why people enjoy watching Cricket. Man's true purpose. Why little boys must wear the knees out on their pants.

I do not have the answers to the questions, but I do have a solution for one of the problems raised by these mysteries.

Sears Kidvantage.

Sears ~~rather foolishly~~ guarantees all their kids clothes. If a child wears it out before they outgrow it, they will replace the item for free.

Repeatedly.

It's enough to make a mom of little boys do a cartwheel at the cash register. Except that would lead to a visit from the paramedics and who has time for that?

Anyway, last year at Christmas time I bought Spud three pairs of pants from Sears. I cringed at the price as I am much more accustomed to buying things from clearance racks and second-hand stores. However, second hand pants with the knees intact for the 3-7 year old set are about as common as a keg party at a Southern Baptist Convention. And pants from clearance racks still lose their knees in about a month in this house.

So, I bought the pants, paying nearly 40 dollars for three pairs. It has been worth every last penny as we have replaced those pants 12 times in less than a year. Yep. I go pretty much once a month and they give me a new pair. Spud wore one pair less than five times before we were back getting new ones. It means that I have paid less than 2 dollars for each pair that we have worn through. And he still isn't done. I noticed last night his jeans have a day or two left in them. At best. There's a lot to be said for slow-growing children, more time to ~~totally abuse~~ take advantage of this money-saving program.

There are other retailers that offer this program as well. Which is a good thing as Sears may be forced to cancel their program because of us. So, if you have little boys, and Nana wants to know what to get them for Christmas, now you have a suggestion. Pants from Sears. Truly the gift that just keeps on giving.

Overflowing

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:24:00 +0000

My boys are good at many things. Talking, hugging, singing and spilling. They are especially good at spilling. I must sweep after every meal and at least three times a week (on a good week) a full glass of milk is spilled at mealtimes.

This is an area where I am struggling to be patient in. You see, we have hardwood floors. Yes they are beautiful, but only when clean. And mine stay clean for 2.5 seconds once a week. I read a post recently where an amazing single gal was day dreaming about dancing on her hardwoods with her future hubby. I too dream about my hardwoods, Way Cooler and I, only we are ripping up the stupid things and replacing them with linoleum like God intended for homes with young men.

Last Tuesday I had just cleaned all morning because we host our caregroup every Tuesday night. So, at lunch both boys spilled full glasses of milk on the floor. To say I was a little upset is like saying the Mississippi is a small creek.

I was a ball of fussing, grumping resentment.

But then a voice reminded me of what I had prayed for that very morning.

A heart overflowing with thanksgiving.

Mine wasn't even beginning to drip.

So, as I cleaned the milk, I practised that which I wanted.

Thank-you that I have boys to spill this milk.

Thank-you for milk to spill.

Thank-you for more milk to refill the cups.

Thank-you for a floor to spill it on.

Thank-you for a husband who works so hard to provide milk and floors.

Thank-you for strong arms to clean this spill.

Thank-you that my boys are able to receive correction and can be trained to change the behaviours that caused the spill.

Thank-you for grace.
Grace that forgives an angry momma and allows to her to extend it to her boys so that milk is not the only thing overflowing today.

Thank-you.

Maybe Three Isn't So Bad

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:54:00 +0000

The other day I was holding Sprout in my arms for a little face to face chat about some behaviours that I wanted to um, modify.

When our chat was done he told me to hold out my hand. This is fairly common around here ever since Spud read The Kissing Hand in school. He told Sprout about it and Sprout really latched onto the whole concept. I am often asked to hold out my hand so that Sprout can kiss it and then proclaim, "This is my love for you."

Pleased that he was still OK with me even after our um, chat, I did. He kissed my hand and said, "this is love." I went to put him down, but a little hand gently grabbed my face and held it while he kissed my forehead. "This is love."

Then my neck, nose, cheeks, lips and shoulder. After each proclaiming, "This is love."

It is buddy. It sure is.

Linkage!!!

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:54:00 +0000

We've been pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, play-landing, church going, family bonding, birthday partying, story reading, snow driving, and picture making.

My poor computer is getting dusty.

I'm discovering that's a good thing.

BUT, not everyone has let their poor blogs wither away. Here are some of my favorite reads recently.

Melissa has tickled my funnybone yet again. It's the ultimate sitter instruction letter.

Beck has been taking classic children's stories and giving them a Halloween-y twist. These are NOT meant to be read to your kids. Unless you'd like your kids to stay awake for the next six months or so. But for adult who have to read these stories a bazillion times, well, Beck's takes are SO MUCH BETTER. Scroll down to read them all.

Antique Mommy reminded me of one thing I miss about teaching. The unexpected joy from a simple assignment.

I read this a week ago on Tonggu Momma's Sunday Linkage and it still makes me shake my head a week later. I really hate judging parents before I know the whole story and have walked in their shoes, but in this case I will make an exception. I hope they've saved up for their daughter's therapy.

Happy Monday!!

7 Quick Takes Vacation Edition

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:42:00 +0000

1. While in Texas we went to the Texas State Fair. It was too much fun. I even almost tried the deep fried butter but upon seeing other people eating it, thought better of it and stuck to a sausage. In fact, my credit card had such a good time at the fair that it decided to stay and jumped out of my wallet in order to do so.

I discovered this the next morning when I went to pay for my purchases at Kohl's. However, some amazing soul turned in my credit card to the lost and found. So, after Way Cooler's conference let out we went to pick it up. Our arrival coincided with the ending of the OU/UT game. There are 5 million people in the Metroplex. I think every last one of them was at the fair along with the greater portion of Oklahoma. But I had my credit card, so I happily waded through the throng.

2. We flew to Texas on Areoplan points and decided to splurge and upgrade to Executive. What a ridiculously fun way to fly. There's nothing quite like munching mixed nuts and sipping herbal tea while watching a movie in a very comfy seat. It's really ruined me for the next time I have to fly economy with kids.

3. I tend not to drink alcohol, mainly because I am very, very cheap and it's rather expensive here in Canada. I cannot bring myself to pay that much for a beverage. However, it was free in Executive so I decided to try some. Turns out, I do not like wine or beer, (really, people pay money for that?) but Bailey's in hot chocolate is quite a treat. However, I think I'll stick to my Coke Zero from here on in.

4. I watched "My Sister's Keeper" on the plane. This is not something I would recommend. Unless sobbing uncontrollably amongst fifty strangers not watching the same movie is your idea of a good time. Otherwise, this one is best watched on your own.

5. You Southern women really need to help me out. I think I drank my weight in sweet tea while down there and really don't want to wait another six years to have some again. I'd forgotten how very good it is. How does one make it at home? Please help me. Please. I'm in some serious withdrawal here.

6. Early Saturday morning I was able to shop at Kohl's all by myself. Early morning shopping was one of my favorite pre-child activities and it was very enjoyable to do it again. But it got me thinking, I don't think I'd trade it for my current early Saturday morning ticklefests with two small boys. I loved the pre-kid season and I love this one now. So very different, and yet both so very good.

7. Biscuits and Gravy is THE breakfast of champions. Forever and amen.

For more Quick Takes, please visit Jennifer at Conversion Diary. Even if you don't want the quick takes, visit Jennifer anyway. Her blog is truly one of the most thought provoking out there.

The trip

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:03:00 +0000

I'm back.

It was fabulous.

Can I make a confession? I didn't really even miss my kids. Not much anyway. I knew they were having more fun than I was, and I see them all day, every single day of their lives. I've gotten enough of them over the years to tide me through a few days apart.

And I didn't even feel guilty typing that.

Much.

Anyway, I could go on and on about my trip, (and probably will in future posts) but just wanted to pop in, say hi and tell you the highlights.

It was snowing when I left. I had shoveled. They de-iced the plane. It was sunny and 28 degrees (C) when we landed. That alone made the trip absolutely perfect.

I went here. Twice. That story is worth a post ALL to itself.

I ate here. Three times in one day. That alone will reduce my life expectancy by at least six months, but it was so worth it.

I shopped here for the first time. Got me two bras. Man, those things are comfy. Worth every penny. And if you have ever spent time at this blog, you know I do not say that lightly. At all.

I had coffee with her. And her. Both of whom are the ultimate in Southern women; friendly, warm, charming and funny as all get out. Those coffees were definitely highlights of the trip.

And then I came home to the two cutest boys on the planet.

It was perfect.

Fashionably Yours

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:34:00 +0000

Recently I have been downtown for several medical appointments. Both times I was alone, (Praise Jesus) which necessitated me getting there early so I could drink an Iced Capp and people watch, which to me is much better than TV. Or almost anything.

I actually didn't get there early just to goof off but because I am physically incapable of being late. For anything. Seriously, I am certain I will go up in flames if I am not at least five minutes early. Since I have no desire to leave my kids without a mother I always give myself plenty o' time to arrive at my destination.

While people watching I made some general observations about fashion. Now I must admit, this is a little bold, seeing as how I never pay more than ten dollars for any piece of clothing I own and happily wear hand-me downs from a 60 year old, but it is my blog. I can be as bold as I want.

1. EVERY single male between the ages of 20-40 who works downtown wears a dark suit with a blue shirt and a tie that had at least one pastel colour on it. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Usually I am a sucker for a guy in suit, but this, it was just a bit frightening. It was like walking into a factory of little pin-striped worker boys.

2. Short women should NOT wear a maxi dress. EVER. Unless the wearer likes to look like a five year old wearing mommy's clothes, in which case, carry on.

3. Women who haven't seen the inside of a gym in at least ten years and have a fondness for fried chicken should not wear high waisted pants.

4. NO ONE should wear generic flip-flops with a business suit. Man or woman. And yes, I saw examples of both. It was almost painful to look at.

5. Just because one wear an expensive suit and drink a fancy latte does not give one the right to
butt in line in front of the housewife at the LRT pay station.

OK, it's not a fashion observation per se, but it was ugly.

Just in case you were wondering, the medical appointments were about nothing serious, just the reoccurring drama of the lumpy thyroid. It's still lumpy, it is not cancerous and some glorious day I may develop hyperthyroidism. Never in my life have I wanted a condition so badly. Why? If I have hyperthyroidism I lose weight. WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING. Yee haw. Yes, there is the whole racing heart, cold limbs, messed up bowel stuff to worry about, but hey I'll be thin. What's not to love?

A Canadian Geek's Guide to Texas

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:41:00 +0000

As I've mentioned, I have an upcoming trip to Texas. It has got me thinking about our move there. Things were a bit different in Texas than up here, but nobody told me that. Consequently I made a bit of a turkey of myself on more than one occasion. I don't want that to happen to anyone else, so as a service to you, I am offering a Geek's guide for Canadians living in Texas.

You're welcome.

1. When people say to put something up, they mean to put it away. This can be confusing if someone tells you to put it up down there, but I'm sure you'll catch on quickly. Or at least faster than I did.

2. If someone offers you tea, it will be in a glass with ice cubes. And if you are lucky it will have enough sugar in it that you could stand a spoon up in it. If you want tea as we know it, you have to ask for hot tea. But don't. Have the tea in a glass. It will make you swear off Goodhost forever. I plan to drink my weight in sweet tea while we are there.

3. If you go to someones house do not take off your shoes. Yes, I know it is weird, and yes they do spend a fortune in steam-cleaning, but if you do take off your shoes, like say for your first time at care group, everyone will look at you weirdly and talk about you. Not that I speak from experience or anything.

4. If you are ever in a group of seminary wives, do not ask who Beth Moore is. Even if you don't know. Go google her. Asking that kind of a question can cause a collective gasp that will literally suck the oxygen right out of the room. Also, you may get on a prayer list or two.

5. No one knows what a washroom is. Bathroom, yes, washroom, well, more staring.

6. Chik-fil-a is closed on Sunday. But make sure you go every other day of the week. I honestly believe that a Chick-fil-a sandwich is the reason God made poultry.

7. They do not sell Smarties in the USA. At least not Smarties as we know them. Instead of the lovely bits of candy covered chocolate that we know and love, they are those nasty rolls of compressed sugar that everyone trades away at Halloween.

8. Do not go to the state Fair on the day of the OU vs Texas game. If you do go, wear orange. Do not, for any reason wear burgundy. THIS IS VERY VERY IMPORTANT. I do not speak from experience on this one, well, we were at the fair on game day, but we were appropriately attired so we did not get rolled, but I can see how it might happen.

9. Pecan is pronounced pa-cahn, not pee-can. As I heard many many times, (many many) a pee can is something you keep under the bed. Good thing that joke never got old. Ahem.

These are just a few tips to make your first week or so a bit more pleasant than mine. Coming next, "the Joy of the Coupon."

noreply@blogger.com (happygeek) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:55:00 +0000

Post originally published November 7 2007.

Well, I found myself grumbling a lot today about the advent of winter. It's just not my favorite season. However, I have also had the indisputable privilege of listening to or being around the umpteenth showing of Madame Blueberry. As a result I have "A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart" running through my head over and over and over again. At some point I have to pay attention.

So, because I could use this whole happy heart thing, and not the grouchy mommy who appears at our house on an all-too-frequent basis I have been thinking of the top ten reasons I am thankful for winter and I will share them with you.

10. No more mosquitoes. This is especially good because Spud has this compulsive need to pick at his bites until they bleed. Over and over again. Oh, and family members, you don't need to comment and sarcastically ask where he got that from, I know I did it too, but I kinda wanted him to inherit my winning smile and my killer wit, not the weird, compulsive need to pick at anything abnormal on his skin.

9. My deck and my garage can now double as an extra freezer and fridge.

8. I no longer have to sit on the bus and wonder if that lady is wearing a bikini top or if she is just wearing her bra. And nothing else on top. On the bus. In front of my kids. But then I realize that they probably don't make purple satin bikinis with lace.

7. I no longer have to wonder what would possess someone to wear just a bra and cut-offs on the bus. In front of my kids.

6. Wintry days are perfect for cuddling up in front of a fire with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. Unfortunately Sprout would make for the fire like a moth to a flame, knocking my hot chocolate over onto my book on his way. But winter days are still good for thinking about a fire, with a book and hot chocolate while I help my kids paint with shaving cream.

5. Snow is pretty. ~~So are flowers, I miss flowers~~

4. The steady stream of unwanted door to door solicitation pretty much dries up in the winter. The only ones brave enough are the missionaries (of all faiths) and I have sympathy for them. I might even give them a cup of coffee. But it'll depend on how well this whole happy heart thing holds up.

3. Way Cooler no longer has to mow the lawn giving him more time to ~~watch hockey~~ play with his kids.

2. Tobogganing. Because there is nothing like careening down an icy hill on a thin piece of plastic (with no steering) in -20 degree weather to say, I'm a crazy Canadian.

1. And the number one good thing about winter, it only lasts for 4-5 months!