This gets better every year.  Santa Claus IS real.  And if you are patient enough, and believe enough, he brings the presents our hearts desire most.

From one of my favorite writers (and favorite people):

After spending an entire day either in a hot and stuffy conference room full of angry, yelling, exasperated voices, or on London transport, I took a very long journey home and finally made it home at 8:30 at night. Which meant, at the end of the day, that I had spent a whopping 6 hours in transit and 7 hours straight in meetings, stopping only to exercise my bladder's rights and to scarf down a thoroughly unsatisfactory baked potato, and that I got home a shattered shell of a human being.

But all that time in transit allowed for something that I needed-a little thinking time. I needed some time to sit down and think about why it is that I was missing the holidays so badly, why it was that the baubles and bangles weren't getting into my heart, why the lights reflected in disjointed pools from my disbelieving eyes. This (for me) has nothing to do with religion and I don't want to get into that aspect with this post, I'm simply talking about the spirit of hope and laughter that the holidays imbue you with. I thought about why it was that I was unable to project myself into my favorite Christmas activities-watching Scrooged, A Miracle on 34th Street, and the old Burl Ives' steadies Rudolph and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Why couldn't I listen to the whole John Denver and the Muppets Christmas CD? What was happening?

And then it hit me as fast as it hit Susan in A Miracle on 34th Street (not the old one, the newer one with the doe-eyes Elizabeth Perkins and the new lisping Susan who is so damn cute it made my ovaries throb). I realized with a slight smile and a shake of the head why it was that I no longer felt so light and joyous about Christmas. In one moment, a smile spread on my face and I started to laugh (which I was on a crowded train at the time, so at least the guy moved away from me, lest I have something contagious).

The reason I felt so lost was that I didn't believe in Santa Claus anymore.

I had outgrown him and joined the race of jaded adults too afraid to let themselves confess that there might be something just a little bit bigger to life than they would be willing to admit.

Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Sinterklaas, the Hannukah Armadillo. Why had we forgotten them? Why have they become symbols that are reserved only for the kids, for the young, for the little people that are still chock-full of innocence, of hope, that the world really will reward you if you've been good and kind to Mommy and Daddy, that there is someone looking out for you and checking a list to make sure that you are going to get what it is that your little heart so badly needs?

I need to feel like there is a fat man in a red suit who is out there who exists purely to make the hearts of other people lighter. I need to know that the dreams that the children go to bed with on Christmas Eve are not wasted dreams, that the candy cane visions and sugarplum dreams go into a melting pot of something bigger, something that will bind and wrap up the children in little invisible force-fields of optimism as they grow up. I need to feel like there's someone who cares so much about what it is that will make us happy that he's keeping a list, checking it twice, giving me a reason to not be naughty, just nice.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 12:59 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 whirled peas

Posted by: wRitErsbLock at December 10, 2007 06:38 AM (+MvHD)

2 For somebody *else* to volunteer to do the farookin' church newsletter... I am a firm believer in Mr. Claus... ; )

Posted by: Richmond at December 10, 2007 08:21 AM (U0sKl)

3 Aiiie. Reminds me of my old job. I think people deserve to not have their souls crushed every day -- not just at the holidays. That's why I quit my soul-killing job.

Posted by: silvermine at December 10, 2007 11:27 AM (4gdyI)

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I hope your birthday turns out better than Palpatine's did!

I love you so much, Happy Birthday, darling!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:56 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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1 Happy Birthday J!

Posted by: wRitErsbLock at November 15, 2007 11:33 AM (+MvHD)

2 All the best J! Have a great birthday! RG

Posted by: RightGirl at November 15, 2007 11:38 AM (caKmw)

3 Happy Birthday, J!

Posted by: Amanda at November 15, 2007 12:05 PM (ay+rD)

4 Happiest of Birthdays to your Love. Enjoy!

Posted by: vw bug at November 15, 2007 01:17 PM (FPOeI)

5 Happy Birthday KID!! LOLL xoxo

Posted by: Margi at November 15, 2007 09:45 PM (k3tPv)

6 Happy birthday J!

Posted by: Richmond at November 17, 2007 06:05 PM (ev9Zg)

7 Late as usual, I am. Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Mrs. Who at November 18, 2007 12:57 AM (6zbwL)

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How do you market a revolutionary product that crosses generational boundaries and reaches beyond its traditional audience successfully and efficiently? You simply let people tell their own stories. Nintendo is doing that at MyWiiStory.com. Possibly the smartest advertising campaign for a video game EVER.

It's easy to see why you might want a Wii in your home if you can read the stories of dozens of families and how the Wii has become an integral part of their family time, and even how it is a positive influence on their lives.

Yep. I said positive influence. From a video game.

Here's my favorite Wii Story (posted by Chris Whitaker):

My son brought his new Wii to Easter Dinner. My mother in law, Dorothy, was so impressed she wanted to buy one for each of nine grandchildren. She called and traveled East Tennessee and KY buying them where she could find one. She had purchased seven and needed two to complete her task. It was a stormy night in April, a tornado touched down in our neighborhood, two miles from Walmart. Dorothy, knowing the local Walmart was expecting some Wii's on this date, called to see if they had arrived. The sales associate said they had and she could get them tomorrow. Dorothy stated she would come now. The sales associate said, "maam we are having a tornado". Dorothy said, "I know but I'll be there anyway". She drove to Walmart during the tornado just to purchase your product. The tornado did over 1 million dollars damage across the street from Walmart, but no damage to my 71 year old mother in law as she walked out of the Walmart carrying her three Wii purchases (1 for herself).

And because I can't resist, one more (posted by Carol Toy):

My son found his Wii when we were in Oregon on vacation. That was the start of our awesome Wii story. Although the whole family and all our friends enjoy playing, the most amazing players are "Grandpa Bill" and "Grandma Bert". Both are in their 80's. Grandpa has Parkinson's disease, Grandma has difficulty walking without a cane. Both can be found staying up late swing a golf club with Tiger Woods or bowling with the Mii family my son has created. Grandpa has, since the Wii came into our life, returned to hitting real golf balls at the driving range and uses his "skills" from bowling in is real-life senior bowling league. The sequencing, use of controls, etc. is helping to keep us all more alert. The friendly competition, laughter and time spent together are priceless. Thank you Wii for getting us out of our chairs to enjoy each other while keeping minds and bodies active. Wii should be prescribed by physicians for the increased well-being of all types of patients!

Here's my Wii story:

I'm a member of Generation X, or so they tell me. The video game generation, right? But not me. My parents refused to buy me a game console, and it turns out that was ok, because I am PATHETIC at traditional games. Oh, I can run the maps and mazes, and strategize with the best of them, but I have rheumatoid arthritis, and I can't use the traditional controllers. I can't run the joystick and hit the buttons and shoot and duck and everything else all at the same time. I used to be the backseat driver in Nintendo land. I would call the shots and point out the bad guys and bonuses to get and where to move, and someone else would work the controller. Wii changed all that. Yeah, there are traditional elements to the controller, and many games require you to do many things at once, but the way you hold and use the Wii remote and nunchuck controller makes it easier for me to play the games myself. And games like Wii Sports don't require all that coordination, just holding the remote.

My husband is amazed. His wife, who could never play a game harder than Yoshi, Kirby, or some other game designed for a 5 year old, is kicking his ass at real video games. And I don't bitch when he plays, because I get to play, too. I can't even tell you how much fun we have together playing Wii.

Wii is also the star at every get together. Even our least outgoing friends can't resist an evening of Wii. And let me say, for the record, that since half of the games are apparently designed simply to make the player look like an idiot using the Wii remote, Wii and alcohol go pretty well together (I suggest Wario Ware: Smooth Moves and Rayman's Raving Rabbids for drunk Wii-ing) just be sure to wear the wrist strap and drink responsibly! We've laughed harder (even sober!) at the Wii, and the person playing at the moment, than we have in a long time.

It's amazing how a small change in the hardware can make such a difference in way we use and appreciate the game console... Thanks, Nintendo, for making a game I can play, too!

Oh, and for the record, this is a personal, unpaid endorsement. LOVE my Wii, and I think the ad campaign is just SMART.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:31 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Joanie is almost literally liveblogging the fires from Northern San Diego County.  Lots of pictures, information, and links on her site.

Be sure to scroll down through the posts over the last few days!

Stay safe, Darlin'!

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Fuck off and Die. And that Honorary Turk, George Bush, can FOAD too.

That is all.

Love,

The Armenians

P.S. Remember who said "...Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?"  It was some German dude named Adolf.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 02:22 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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UPDATE: The official word is now posted, here. Sniff.

I hope I'm not stealing the proud parents' thunder as they both have a lot on their minds, but they didn't say I couldn't post it.  I received an email this afternoon informing me that the Lemonheads are now offcially Nick and Nora, having been born today, 10/3/07 at 4:00pm local time.  Mom, Dad, and babies are all well.

Congratulations, Helen and Angus.  I am so happy for you both, and so glad your long journey has reached its happy ending.  You'll never know how much it has meant to the rest of us that you allowed us to join you every step of the way.  Big tears of joy and relief are running down my face, knowing that your dreams have come true and there's new and bigger dreams in store for all of you. 

And, little baby Nick and Nora, I wish you love beyond measure, a life full of beautiful moments, and above all, peace.  You are loved more than you will ever know, by your Mum and Dad who wanted you so much, and your family: your brother and sister, your grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins; your amazing silly dog and grande dame kitty; and by hundreds of people you'll probably never meet.  People who waited with your mum and dad, who prayed and watched and laughed and cryed and hugged and high-fived across the internets everyday, as if willing you to be perfect and healthy and sweet, just as I'm certain you are.

Congratulations, sweetie!  I knew you could do it.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 05:00 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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It's been a long 7 months since Helen and Angus first found out about the impending arrival of the twins, and now they're almost here.

Helen has been admitted to the hospital, do not pass go, do not collect $200, with a C-section scheduled for Monday.  Assuming there's no reason to yank the bebes before then.

Think happy thoughts in her direction, and pray to the benevolent deity of your choice for a safe delivery and a happy, healthy new family.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 08:23 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 She'll be just fine. She's in good hands. The Benevolent Diety, A, the hospital staff, and the HUGE prayer circle - she's got half the globe praying for her! Heh.

Posted by: Margi at October 02, 2007 10:11 AM (wpu3a)

2 I can't wait to see pictures of Nick and Nora.

Posted by: pam at October 02, 2007 04:35 PM (l6NIn)

3 Any word on how she's doing today?

Posted by: Omnibus Driver at October 03, 2007 12:22 PM (WOXRM)

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To our Fearless Leader, Pixy Misa!



Thanks, Pix, for keeping the MuNu ship afloat.  You're the bestest!

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I think a person's politics are defined mainly by which nutjobs piss them off the most.

   - Exgaucho Ben

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So, how bad IS your attitude today?

You Are 82% Bitchy

While you may not think of yourself as the ice queen, admit it, you're often in a bad mood. And it's those around you who often bear the brunt of your annoyance, even if they haven't done anything wrong!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 05:39 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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1 70% - and have I told you how much you *rock* lately?? You do my friend... Thanks....

Posted by: Richmond at August 23, 2007 06:11 PM (54219)

2 I'm only 42% bitchy!! But I also just consumed half a bottle of wine. I don't think I could be a bitchy drunk. LOL!

Posted by: pam at August 23, 2007 07:06 PM (l6NIn)

3 I'm not taking it right now, I'd be off the bitchy scale I think. *insert maniacal grin*

Posted by: Teresa at August 23, 2007 07:07 PM (rVIv9)

4 28%. Shocker. Heh.

Posted by: ZTZCheese at August 24, 2007 03:28 PM (2//TA)

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August 2007 is officially Fucking Asshole Ex-Spouse month. I know of at least 6 separate incidents (both online and in RL) where my friends and their children have been having issues with psycho evil exes, for seemingly no reason.

Is there something in the water?

Y'all have my love and my sympathy, and the fucking bitches/ dickless assholes on the other side of the equation can just FOAD. Eternally. If there's anything I can do, you know where to find me. I just hope this sentiment isn't contagious.

Don't you stupid fuckers know that the ONLY ones who get hurt in these scenarios are your KIDS?

Posted by: caltechgirl at 02:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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7:57 AM
B lbs 4 oz
18 inches
Sooo cute. All boy. Looks like me and Sadie.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 11:21 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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The universe is conspiring against me.



It's the small pathetic things that rankle so much.  Like your husband
being called into jury duty on FRIDAY after being told to go about his
business all week and basically being told that he will be sitting on
his ass from 7:30 am until 4pm, thank you very much, on THE day you
made plans to go out of town early, and for which you took the day off
of work.... and since you are sitting at home, the cable decides to go
out,and of course the internet with it.  And when the son-of-a-bitch
finally comes back up, the fucking router refuses to do its job, so I'm
now within 6 inches of no internet and the TV is fuzzy on and off.



Not to mention that he got lost driving into downtown, ended
up in East LA and I had to talk him in to where he was going after
figuring out where he was.  FROM 10 MILES AWAY.



Big things I can handle.  I can deal.  I have a gameplan.  This piddly little shit?  I could murder someone today.

*FFO = Friday Fuck Off.  Here.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:02 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I cried like a baby this morning, y'all. Seriously. Helen writes:

There's a song I heard by chance when this IVF round started. I heard it and I listened to it constantly, as it's a sweet, calming, pure song that goes in one ear and right out the top of your toe, massaging every nerve in comfort on its way out. I listened to this song through the shots, the surgeries, the positives, the scans, the scares. This song has been with the Lemonheads since before their existence. I got the headphones and placed one beside one baby, one beside the other.

I hit play.

I heard the song myself as I watched the slide move, indicating the song was playing.

I waited.

And waited.

Then I felt it - a flutter from the left. A kick from the right. Mama, we're sleepy.

I smiled as the song ended, then plugged the iPod into my own ears and fell back asleep listening to the song.

All this is a long winded way of saying that Helen is home from the hospital, and feeling a bit better after a hell of a scare, although she and the Lemonheads will be closely watched for the next 10-12 weeks (hopefully!)

Do drop by and give her your love, as she is worn out, sore, and scared, and I'm pretty sure your well wishes are more than welcome right now.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:24 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Bless your heart. I do know how that feels, tho. I cry when I read a LOT of her posts. And you're NOT a jinx. See? xoxo

Posted by: Margi at July 30, 2007 02:39 PM (Y7BFR)

2 I couldn't even leave a comment over there this morning after I read her post; I was SO messed up. My heart nearly stopped when I thought the Lemonheads might be in danger, then I cried my eyes out at approximately the same passage you cited. I was spent. Thank God she and the babies made it through! And I agree; the internet IS a funny thing!

Posted by: pam at July 30, 2007 05:27 PM (l6NIn)

3 You don't have to ask me. I stop by almost every day, and have for, umm, the last 4-5 years. I'm glad that she's doing better, albeit in a kidney suffering kind of way. Watching her countdown reminds exactly of my wife's pregnancy. Each week that passed marked another milestone on the way to healthy, surviving baby. Passing the 90% mark did a lot to calm me down.

Posted by: physics geek at August 06, 2007 01:00 PM (MT22W)

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As many of you know, from my occasional posts about the subject, my dear friend Helen is 26 weeks pregnant with twins after a series of failed bouts of IVF.

Last night brought word that our girl was in the hospital, with hydronephrosis and a terrible kidney infection.  She's being treated for the infection and the twins (her Lemonheads) are being monitored for any signs that they want to jump ship early.

So far so good, as there's no sign yet of early labor and the antibiotics seem to be helping the infection.  However, the doctors don't know whether or how they'll treat the hydronephrosis.

Which is all a long way of saying that our girl needs love and good wishes and prayers, which I am sure she and Angus can feel and do appreciate, even in the UK.

Please drop by and give her some love and encouragement.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 09:58 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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First, two Happy Birthdays:
Ith and Ktreva both have their special day today!

And also, Happy 41st wedding anniversary to CaltechMom and CaltechDad. I love you.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 09:54 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Happy 41st to your parents! That is wonderful.

Posted by: vw bug at July 16, 2007 11:26 AM (FPOeI)

2 Thank you! And happy anniversary to your parents.

Posted by: Ith at July 16, 2007 02:57 PM (Xoeyh)

3 OH wonderful! Happy Anniversary to the Caltech Parental Units! May they have many many more.

Posted by: Teresa at July 16, 2007 03:40 PM (gsbs5)

4 Happy 41st Anniversary to your parents!

Posted by: pam at July 16, 2007 05:51 PM (l6NIn)

5 Thanks for the birthday wishes, and congrats to your parents!!

Posted by: ktreva at July 17, 2007 07:14 PM (gSaan)

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Profanity alert!

My dear friend wRitErsbLock wrote something this morning that struck a nerve with me. She writes:

Do not ask people "when are you going to start having children?"

It might just be a very, very sore subject for the couple.

Maybe one wants children while the other does not. Maybe you asking that question will cause the couple to have yet another fight about it later on.

Maybe the couple is unable to conceive and has been trying without success for quite some time. If so, you just helped plunge them back into despair.

Maybe the couple hates children and never plan to have any.

No matter where the couple is at, you are stepping into dangerous water when you ask the question. It's none of your business. And you are running a risk of either angering the couple or upsetting them. So just don't ask.

People really fuck me off when they ask this kind of shit. It may take a village to raise a child, but does the entire village need to know the details of the conception and whether or not the child was wanted, planned, or a complete surprise? Does the whole village need to know why?

It's amazing to me how the most private and significant moments in our lives, and their accordant choices seem to be public fodder: who we marry (or not, as the case may be), whether we parent, and how we parent. People pop out of the woodwork with advice and questions better for weddings and babies than any other event I've ever seen. Every new mom or mom-to-be that I know has been made to feel pathetic for one choice or another with regard to her baby.

And you know what else fucks me over? A lot of these nosy nellies are the same bitches who go around screaming, 'My Body, My Choice" but then they want to censor your right to do the SAME FUCKING THING if your choices don't agree with their holy-anointed-best-for-the-child-best-for-the-world-happy-shiny BS.

AUUUGH. Get over yourselves, people

With regard to WB's post, the real answer is this: You shouldn't have to ask. If you know me well enough to PRESUME to ask such questions, you should already know the answer. So if you're even considering asking those kinds of questions, that should serve as your notice that I don't want you to know.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:12 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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A little bird tells me that today is a very special day for a very special person!

Chrissie turns the big 4-0 today! Drop by and wish her all the best, as I do.

Happy Birthday my friend, and may the next year bring immeasurable blessings... in straightforward and entirely pleasant ways!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 04:12 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Here's the perfect cat for you both!

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The Shackleford clan has increased by one.  Mrs. Rusty gave birth via C-section to a healthy daughter earlier today.  Drop by the Jawas and give Rusty and family some love.

I sure hope she takes after her mom.  Dad is on the left, below:

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