Planet Lu

This time with a working link....

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 18 May 2010 03:43:00 +0000

A New Home

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:49:00 +0000

Hey all. The site has moved visit us at the new site!

I Am Here

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:48:00 +0000

So, many of you know I've had been thinking about the issue of homelessness here and there for the past couple years, mostly because I've had to explain it to Lucy. Just this Thursday on the way to the airport, we passed a homeless man with a sign that said "Please help." Of course she wanted to know what kind of help he needed, what we should do, why we can't just help him right now.

Why can't we help him right now? Because we don't have cash. Because he might spend it on booze. Because he needs real help: a bed, a home, a community. The answers are so complicated, seeing homeless people is so uncomfortable, that we get overwhelmed. We look away. We pretend not to seem them: all these unfortunate souls, who for whatever complicated reasons have found themselves not only homeless, but also, identity-less. It's too much.

I am so happy to say (and forgive the plug), we can help right now. I have had the privilege of working on a project for Mobile Loaves and Fishes to raise awareness of homelessness and advertise mobile giving: help that homeless person you see right now by getting out your phone and texting a donation to Mobile Loaves and Fishes.

The theme of our campaign is "I Am Here." Imagine what it would be like if all those homeless ghosts we ignore everyday could be seen as human beings. And we could have an immediate way to help.

We're kicking off our campaign with an event where we're putting Danny, a courageous homeless man, and Alan, the fabulous founder of MLF, up onto a billboard for two days. Our goal is to raise the visibility of the cause and raise money to get Danny and his wife Maggie (who has had a stroke and is in a wheelchair) into a home through MLF's Habitat on Wheels program. Yes, it's a little crazy, but Alan's whole mission is to lift up the homeless. We're just doing that in a very dramatic way.

If you're driving down southbound I-35 April 27 or 28, look for our billboard. If you want to help Danny and Maggie get into their new home, send an instant $10 donation by texting "Danny" to 20222. To find out more about the project, visit our website. To keep up with the conversation on Twitter, follow the #iamhere hashtag (Mom, I will explain this later), and by all means, tweet and retweet. Or RSVP to the Facebook event to show your solidarity for the cause.

And to make a difference to another human being who's just saying, "I am here," a simple "hi" is a pretty good start.

Milostone: Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Milo cut his first tooth last week, and another one is on the way.

This makes me strangely sad. There is something so tender about a big, gummy grin. Teeth are aggressive...especially when Mom is still the major food source.

Have I mentioned he is the cutest baby in the history of babies? Just wanted to make sure you knew that.

Lu at Kindergarten Rodeo

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Milestone: Teenage Years Begin

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:53:00 +0000

The Disney princess shirt Lucy wanted to wear this morning was nowhere to be found. Jason told her she needed to pick another shirt. She refused, huffing, "Well, then I'm leaving." Jason said, "Yes, you are leaving. To go to school." Lucy: "NO, I MEAN I AM LEAVING THIS HOUSE AND NEVER COMING BACK."

Why Choose Violence?

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Last night, Lucy was throwing an angry, kicking, screaming fit -- the kind she rarely has anymore, thankfully. The whole thing was so overacted she was practically chewing scenery. I hid in the bedroom trying not to laugh. Jason stood impassive in her room waiting for her to finish. Finally, she opened her arms and surrendered into a hug.

Super Dad Proof Point #42

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:17:00 +0000

I called Jason yesterday evening to check on him and the kids. "HORSES DON'T WEAR PURSES!" is how he answered the phone.

Horses don't wear purses? He was arguing with Lu. They were in Hobby Lobby, getting supplies to make her stick horse for the kindergarten rodeo, and she was plying him with other things to buy. Carting two children through Hobby Lobby before dinner is my idea of hell. I bid him goodnight and returned to the lovely wine and weather I was enjoying at the Hotel San Jose with some out-of-town coworkers. I mean, technically I was "working." But what Jason was doing sounded like a lot more work.

Did You Know...

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:48:00 +0000

...the Easter Bunny lives closer than Santa Claus? Because the Easter Bunny has to do something more complicated: you know, hide a bunch of eggs. And eggs are SUPER breakable. And Santa Claus just brings presents.

Ed. note: For those of you who haven't figured this out already, our Did You Know series is from Lucy herself. I can't make this stuff up.

School

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:20:00 +0000

Milo started daycare...I mean, uh, "school" on Monday. And guess what? I did not die. I did not cry. He did not cry.

This is clearly the right arrangement. He gets to spend every afternoon in the company of some nice people whose job it is to pay attention to him. We're doing a little juggling in the mornings, Jason, my mom and I, but so far so good.

They LOVE Milo at school. It is a sweet little church daycare with just a few babies, and I've spent a lot of time getting to know the place because Laney and Solly both go there. Every time I've come to get Milo they are holding him or playing with him and he is...happy. The only sad thing about the place is one baby, who's a little older than Milo and started school not long before Milo did, who always seems to be crying. The kid is having a hard time adjusting, but I am comforted by how hard the teachers are working to cheer him up (and also the fact that Milo is NOT crying all the time).

The stress of trying to do it all — all at the same time — has been lifted. I don't think I realized what a toll it was taking, but I am much better now.

Addendum to Car FAQ

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:53:00 +0000

FAQ #5. Was your husband mad about you hitting the tree mere days before needing to sell the car?

Why no. Like he is never mad about any of the air-headed things I do. In fact, he knew how mad I was at myself, and so he brought me flowers. After I screwed up. Further proof I married the right man.

Kate's Car FAQ

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 03:34:00 +0000

So, we have been in the process of buying a new car. On Thursday I accelerated that process. A handy FAQ to spare me the embarrassing conversation:

1) Kate, is there, um, something wrong with the hatchback on your wagon?
Your eyes don't deceive you. That hatchback only vaguely closes.

2) Wow, how did that happen?
Well, I was moving my car in hurry to make room for the jogging stroller that wouldn't fit between two cars. The hatchback was up. We have this fabulous oak that arches over our house at weird angle. I hit it.

3) Bummer, has this happened before?
Miraculously, I have never hit this particular tree. Shocking. Especially given that I was planning not to own this car mere days after this incident.

4) There are, uh, some other things wrong with your car.
Yes, I know. That's why I am trying not to be its owner anymore. Someone once told me, "Kate, there is a piece of your car in front of your car." I vowed to get rid of it then. But not without a thorough beating.

In other news...
FOR SALE: USED VW PASSAT WAGON. MINOR COSMETIC DAMAGE. NOT ENTIRELY WATERTIGHT. LOVED. FILLED WITH MANY MEMORIES AND SMASHED GOLDFISH CRACKERS.

6 Things I Like About Lu

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:26:00 +0000

My girl. She turned 6 on Friday, and this post is much delayed by life, work, Milo...like so much of our attention to her these days.

I brought two dozen decorated sugar cookies in the shape of the number 6 to her classroom on Friday. I got them from Central Market, and that is okay. That compromise allowed me to show up in her classroom vaguely on time and smiling.

As part of her birthday celebration, Ms. P invited the class to think of compliments for Lucy. The birthday girl got to call on 6 people, and they said:
• I like your printing
• You run fast
• You're cool
• You're my friend
• You're my best friend

I forgot #6, the compliment from the youngest, most ostracized member of the class, but I was most proud that she called on him. We'll call that #1: her kindness. Here's the rest of what I like about Lu:

Her emotional intelligence. She's tuned into other people's feelings, and she understands nuance.
Her singshpiel. Lu's Gilbert and Sullivan-style operettas are elaborate, if somewhat off-key. She thinks in song.
Her manners. She has written 17 of the 36 thank-you notes she has to write. It's been a bit of a battle, but she understands the importance of writing them. Also, she can't play with the gift until she has written the note.
Her imagination. The other day, I heard her say haughtily, "Trevor, please bring the limo 'round." Seriously. We should put this both in the category of imagination and ambition.
Her sense of humor. She likes knock-knock and fart jokes. She inherited this from her father.

There is so much more that I truly like about her: her brain, her curiosity, her confidence. She's a good kid.

The Grooming

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:02:00 +0000

I just want you to know that I know I'm falling down on the job. But this morning, upon discovering that rice cereal has the consistency of spackle when dried and some of it was stuck to the side of Milo's head, I had a choice to make. I tried to remember when I'd last bathed him. I gave him a good sniff. He smelled like leftovers. So I washed him, and now he smells like a cookie.

But no, my hair is not washed. No, I am not wearing cute shoes. And yes, that is urp on my shirt. And I know that you know. We're just not gonna talk about.

Happy Half Birthday, M!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:22:00 +0000

Six months ago, at this very hour, I was...busy...bringing Milo into this world, and I didn't even know who he was yet. Seems like a lifetime ago, but then, I guess, before Milo, it was another life.

This life is really, really good. The goofy lovefest we are having with him — Jason, me and Lu — would make your teeth squeak, it's so sweet.

His face just breaks open when he smiles. He makes me feel like I am the most entertaining, spectacular, important person in the world. And I think there's a good chance he is actually charming: other people seem to have a similar response to his smile. Smilo. He's a pretty magic baby.

Milo at Work

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:21:00 +0000

While it might look like he is contributing BIG IDEAS to this meeting, it is getting harder and harder to have Milo at the office with me. He wants — and deserves — more attention than I am giving him, and I think maybe my work does too.

So, in a couple of weeks, he'll start "school." The thought of it makes me ill.

In the mean time, I will bask in the popularity that Milo provides. Walking around our campus with him is like having a small celebrity strapped to my body.

Aunt Patricia

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:01:00 +0000

My great Aunt Patricia died today. She was 83. She had the most amazing life, full of adventure and love. There is a picture in her kitchen, yellowed by the sun streaming in from the windows that overlook the Bay Bridge, of Patricia in her 30s, dancing on the bar of a Greek restaurant. She looks like Doris Day. If my memory of the photo serves, Uncle Bob looks on, bemused.

She was from Nocona, Texas, but she went to Stanford Law School. She had friends and adopted "children" from all over the world: celebrities, clerics, doctors, socialites. She and Uncle Bob traveled the globe, and even after he died three years ago, she kept traveling on her own. She cruised the South Pacific this Christmas. She was a brilliant, accomplished person with more verve than anyone I know.

When we last saw her in April, she took us out to an evening of cabaret, then we drove to a favorite restaurant of hers for a nightcap. When we pulled up to Firenze By Night, the parking situation was San Francisco laughable, as usual. When we suggested we should just have a nightcap at home because the parking was too bad, she said, imperiously, "They save a spot for me." And sure enough, as soon as they noticed Aunt P's car, a handful of strapping Italian men came out and began rearranging vehicles to accommodate us. The best-looking of the bunch, Paolo, who was younger than me, kissed Aunt P on both cheeks and said, "Where have you been, bella?" She and Paolo made teasing plans to meet in Milan for Easter. They treated us like kings in the bar.

When I am old, please let me be like Aunt Patricia. Hell, let me be like her when I am young.

Funny Ha Ha

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:24:00 +0000

Tonight on our way to House Pizza, as we were driving down North Loop, we encountered some kind of exotic fowl — a guinea hen? — wandering around the middle of the street. After some initial concern about where the animal might live, should we take it to a shelter, etc., Lucy started laughing. "It's like the joke! That chicken was actually crossing the road." We still don't know why he was crossing the road, but we did have a good laugh.

Famous

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:42:00 +0000

Lucy is newly obsessed with fame. Yesterday was "Scottiewood Red Carpet Day" at school, which meant the kids dressed up (or dressed up like movie stars?) to build excitement for some kind of event this weekend that involves some of my money. An aside: Lucy's school doesn't cost anywhere near as much as private school, but what with all the boosting and raffle tickets and sales of various kinds of wrapping paper, we pay.

So I had to explain Hollywood. And being famous. Which I explained wrong because Lucy determined that she was famous for singing and for art. And I corrected her by saying she was talented at singing and art (and left out a snide remark about being famous for talking too much and bossing everyone around).

I said that famous was about being known by a lot of people. And she said, "I thought that was being popular." I said that they were very similar words. She asked, "Which has more value?" They are studying money in school, so this incisive question is not out of the blue.

I answered "famous." And she said, "Well, I am already popular, because a lot of people know me, but I guess I am not famous."

Then tonight, as we watched Olympic ice-dancing on TV and she twirled around the living room, she asked, "Can only famous people be on the Olympics?" Which brought us back to the discussion of fame vs. talent (to say nothing of the teeny tiny marketing window for Olympic athletes).

We watched the story of Apolo Ohno and his dad, who locked Apolo in a shed after he did badly in the Nagano Olympics when he was 15. His dad made him choose to be excellent.

I don't know how, or if, or when, to do that for Lucy. I want to be the kind of parent who helps her find Her Thing and supports her in the pursuit of it. Not for the sake of being Famous. For the sake of my beachfront retirement home.

Lucy vs. World

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:29:00 +0000

We had Lucy's spring conference with her teacher, Ms. P. There are so many things I could brag about, but I won't. I mean, I want to really, really badly, but I won't. Because that would be unseemly. What I will share with you is the bit of praise that has made me smile, that tells me more than her, ahem, exceptional math and reading (see the unseemly way I worked that in):

"Lucy is amazing in the way she makes connections about how the world works. It's rare that students as young as Lucy show signs of being gifted and talented in social studies, but I'd love to see Lucy working on the world's problems."

Naturally, the proud mother interprets this as a prediction that Lucy will save the world. Her father thinks she will use this complex understanding of the world TO BEND IT TO HER WILL.

Hello.

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:58:00 +0000

Sorry for the radio silence from Lucyandmiloland. We are good. These past couple weeks, our life has been a Jenga game outside on windy day. We haven't blown over yet.

Milo news:
Milo discovered the existence of his feet last week. He can get the left one in his mouth. This week, he realized his hands are attached to his body. He'll hold one hand out in front of him and gaze at it, kind of horrified, the way you would if you'd grown a third one. He can roll over, but sometimes gets too upset to roll himself back. There's a particular squeal that means turtle boy needs a flip. Oh, and spit-bubble-blowing. Little animal is a font of spit.

Lucy news:
Lucy is awesome. On Sunday, I took her on a Girl Scout outing to the family dance workshop at Ballet Austin. When the woman with the microphone asked an auditorium full of people if they had any questions, Lucy raised her hand and got called on TWICE, spoke clearly and asked very incisive questions. I would have needed a beta blocker to come off so cool.

This morning, she came and got in bed between me and Jason and said, "If Milo were in here, we'd have a family sandwich."

Oh, and her favorite vegetable? BRUSSELS SPROUTS. You heard me.

Sigh. Life is hard, but it is good.

"Do My Wrck Qiitly"

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Last week, we got an email from a parent of one of Lucy's classmates. The subject line was "Bite." I started laughing before I could even open the email. Apparently, there was a scuffle over a seat and some shoving and biting ensued.

Lucy came home with this note:

The note said "Please sign and return," but I asked Ms. P. if we could keep it.

Home

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:40:00 +0000

I went on my first business trip since Milo was born and I survived. I pumped breast milk in an airplane bathroom, but I survived. We all did. Jason was Super Dad (with some help from Super Granny). Lucy was amazingly helpful and cooperative, and Milo was a peach, I am told.

While everything went very smoothly without me, I think they missed me. When I went into Milo's room to feed him at 2 a.m. he gave me the biggest grinningest "GUH" ever. Lucy kept wanting to sit or lie down next to me all tonight, stroking my arm. She even told me I was beautiful, which kind of made me want to cry. And Jason's been shmoopy too. I should leave more often if I'm going to get this kind of welcome home.

Whack-a-Milo

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:09:00 +0000

I know it's wrong, but we can't stop laughing.

Did You Know...

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:48:00 +0000

...that Milo is unusual? He is unusual because he is wacky. You know, he is always whacking everything! Maybe he is so unusual they will put him on the news.