Megadorkalicious

I have just watched the movie for all of us who were dorks as children. And believe me, I was a dork. I'm sure many of you have heard of this, as it appears to have been the breakout indie flick of recent memory, but if you haven't, run to your nearest video store and pick up Spellbound. Go, go, go. You'd never think that a documentary about younger teenagers that remind us painfully of ourselves at 13, competing in the National Spelling Bee, could be this compelling. The eight kids that are tracked through their experience are all intensely lovable in their own quirky little ways, and I found myself having difficulty deciding who I actually wanted to win. I defy you not to howl with laughter at the elderly couple in the first segment (employers of the father of the first girl), or the Hooters sign. Just...trust me on this one.

I also defy you not to tear up at various points during the film---I don't want to give a lot of the film away, but just go rent it, it's so worth it. Make sure you watch the bonus features too, because you not only get to see where the eight contestants are now, but you get three additional spellers and their stories...frankly, they're even funnier and sweeter than the others. I suppose they all got knocked out fairly early in the competition, but they are worth watching as well.

If any of you were ever decent spellers as kids and remember those damn spelling bees, you will find yourself spelling along and probably on the edge of your seat, heart in your mouth...what else can I say? This is just one megadorkalicious movie.

Swings

Took Bean to the park today, to take advantage of the break in our wild and woolly winter weather, and I was reminded of how much kids are kids...regardless of the challenges they may face. I think I often forget that in the face of all the naysaying we hear so much...but she is more normal a little girl than not, and did she ever dig the swings. I took her into the sand for a bit too, and while she was fascinated with the way it felt, lunch (and nap) time was encroaching, so we kind of maxed out with swinging.

It was good for me too, to realize how utterly pleasant it was to stand there, pushing my daughter on the swing and watching the sheer joy on her face--I could have stayed all afternoon.

Terrible Twos

Are upon us...about three weeks, to be exact. Granted, with Bean's delays, we are perhaps a little farther away than usual, but it will hit us sooner or later. First, however, we have a 2nd birthday to enjoy, and it's sort of pleasant to know that this will be a very relaxed birthday, just mommy/daddy/Bean/dogs. I will see how long I can push off mad kiddie birthdays at Chuck E. Cheese.

I was pleased to come up with a great birthday present, though...at least I hope it will be a hit. It took rather a while to track down, but I think it will be worth it, even if she isn't immediately interested: http://www.horse-gifts.com/foroho.html
Apparently it's good for her balance/equilibrium development to be on rocking toys, and this one is just so darn cute. I expect it will confound and antagonize the dogs, but that's another Huzzah.

Valentine's Day

An uninspired title, I realize. But honestly, I have been particularly uninspired as of late, and yet people seem to want me to post something. Let's face it, flattery will get you everywhere, or at least a new post on Huzzah.

So, Valentine's Day. Well, it's tomorrow. And it's kind of nice to be at a point in my life where I'm more concerned with whether or not I have made Valentines for Bean to "send out" (and thus make extended family happy for another two months) than whether or not I've gotten something massive and sparkly, a seventeen course diet-conscious but tasty dinner, and a bouquet of flowers large enough to qualify for environmental protection status. Don't get me wrong, all those things are tremendously appreciated, should they appear...it's just not necessary anymore for a "perfect Valentine's Day". To tell the truth, I have always been a bit of a cynic (all who know me well, feel free to insert "well, DUH" at this point), and V-Day just seemed sort of haggard and tired and set up for failure.

But having a little one does change some of that. I can't wait to help her make valentines, I can't wait to GET a valentine from her, dripping with glitter glue and strange pieces of yarn, I can't wait for the cinnamon hearts to be strewn all over the car. And the best news is, dearly devoted husband and I will be enjoying a romantic evening...at home, preferably in our pajamas, eating in front of the fireplace, preferably with Bean snoring peacefully away downstairs. I have come up with what I hope is an appropriately schmancy and yet easily prepared dinner, replete with Atkins friendly dishes and garnishes.

The bells and whistles are nice, assuredly, but how much nicer is it to know that you love and are loved, and it's going to stay like that regardless of how "perfect" Valentine's Day is? So here's my schmaltzy valentine to all y'all out there...may you have a glorious day that is just as glorious as every other one. Big slurpy Bean kisses.

PS I did get sparkly things, by the way...all the way from Finland!