4 Years and Several Pounds Ago

I gave birth to Gracie.
On July 22, 2004.

My pregnancy caused great stress and I wondered how we would get through.
A double-blow was dealt when I found out that we were having a girl.
I wondered how.

How I would mother a girl.
I knew love and hugs would be involved. That's easy.
But it was all of that other stuff.

Needless to say, it's been fine.
Beyond fine.
I still struggle with the horror of horrors:
Princess crap.
I draw the line at tiaras and clothing with the words princess on it.
But she's a girl.
Through and through.

Despite being my daughter, she is my rock.
She has no idea that there are days when she is what is holding me together.
And I recognize that might not be good.
But all it takes is for her to smile or touch me.
And I know it will all be OK.

She is full of something that I will never possess.
She is what would happen if you mixed the very best parts of Rav and I
but only
made it better.
She is that fantabulous.

I love my daughter.
My girl.
Happy Birthday, my little lovely.

Here is your (latest) favorite song.
May you hold it close. And remember it is so true.

Card Holding Member Of Geekdom

In the midst of my panic and anxiety (yes, I know...you're sick of hearing about it. And quite frankly, I'm sick of feeling it. It's on its way out. Promise) I have been geeking out. A lot.

I have been so wrapped up in birthdays and summer activities, mini-vacations and anxiety that I haven't even blogged about it. But now I will.

First let me say that as I type this, I should be on a plane heading to Chicago with the rest of all those cool gals. But it was not meant to be.

Anway.......

I've been geeking out because of Harry Potter. Within a week I've seen the new movie and bought the new book. The movie was one of the better ones, I feel. However, as most fans of the series who read the books, I was bummed about some of the things that had to be left out of the movie. I know that is unavoidable. But all in all, a pretty good movie. And just to show you what a geek I am (and those of you who have seen the movie will know what I am talking about here), I had goosebumps. Yes, goosebumps when The Aurors showed up in the movie and when they were flying over the river. Do you know which scene I am speaking of?

I have/had regrets about watching the new movie and reading the new book as I have forgotten many details in Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince. But Rav has been happy to remind me of the minor details as he has been a good little nargle and re-read the books (and re-read and re-read).

The book....oh, the book. I will not spoil anything here. Promise.

Rav finished the book in a blink. He's a crazy, fast reader.

Me? I take a bit longer. It took me about 2 1/2 days. Of nonstop reading.

The first 300-400 pages? For whatever reason....total snooze fest for me. It wasn't bad. It just reminded me of Order of the Phoenix when I read it. Not much went on in the beginning. I was becoming agitated and just wanted J.K. to get on with the damned story already.

She didn't let me down. I have to say that I am sad to see it end. But happy with the outcome. I think this book will make one wicked, kick-ass movie.

To invited geekdom further into my life, any of you who read the books and read my blog...feel free to email and I'd be happy to discuss the book and the latest movie.

I need distraction from my longing/jealousy over missing out on Blogher (and my unused, nonrefundable plane tickets).

Yeah, I'm whining. Just a little though ;)