the eugene bean

But that shouldnt' stop me from blathering, right?

E: Mom, didn't you hear me blesshew? I blesshewed and you didn't say anything.
Me: Please forgive me, I am dreadfully sorry.

But I don't really bless you.

I know it's just something people say, I know it doesn't mean that I'm really asking God to keep that sneeze from killing you, but I'm uncomfortable saying it. Like people are looking at me and thinking, "Shame on that liar." I also feel guilty saying Jeeezus, Holy Crap, and Goddamnittohell. (Although I admit to liking that last one a lot.) It's a bit ironic (Is it? Ironic I mean. I always have trouble with irony.) that I now have issues with using the Lord's name in vain. Like I was only allowed to do that as a Christian.

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My friend Connie is having a baby. A little boy, in just a couple weeks. It's her first, and I'm very excited. I've enjoyed shopping with her and folding little, tiny, bitty, baby clothes. It has brought back the good memories of having those little tyrants in my life. Over the last few weeks, when I could make it to Portland, we've set up the bassinet, hung pictures in the nursery, installed the carseat, and just spent time talking about what she could expect- her fears, frustrations, excitement- it has been lovely to spend time like that with a girlfriend.

But the truth is, it's made me more than a little sad, too. I am painfully aware of how far I am from my own sister, and how hard it will be for me to be there for her when she has her first baby. Sometimes I feel every single one of those miles.

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There is a fly in here the size of a small bird. One of the disadvantages of leaving the front door wide open so I can at least pretend to be paying attention to my kids.

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My classroom is draining my creativity. I'm working so hard to keep 11 middle schoolers actively excited about learning that I have No Time Left for any of my own creative endeavors. That family layout? The One and Only layout I've created in weeks and weeks. How 'bout this? You challenge me. Give me a topic and I will either blog about it or create a layout about it.

Ready, set, go!