Imagination

by Blinkie Obsession

Imagination, imagination.
A dream can be a dream come true,
With just that spark in me and you.

Anyone recognize those lyrics? I know for sure at least one of my readers does (hi, little brother). I'll post all of the lyrics to the song, as well as the source, at the end of this post.

I have spent a lot of time lately pondering imagination. Luke has recently started to mimic us, especially talking on the phone (didn't realize I did it that much). Very cute, and more than a little bit scary, I have to say. But the weirder thing was to see him pretending to cook. I don't know why that seems different than the phone thing, but it does. Either way, they both require imagination, and it is so cool to see it develop in someone else where it never existed before.

Isn't the brain an amazing thing? It gives us so much, and we understand so little. Why is it that we start to imagine? And more importantly, why is it that so many of us stop. Well, maybe not stop, but we sure don't spend much time on it. Too busy with "practical matters," I suppose. That is why I so envy my artistic acquaintences, like Jennifer Aikman-Smith and Teresa Wentzler. Coming from a world of engineers, I won't say that we don't use our imaginations, because we do. Think about the air filter problem during the Apollo 13 mission. Now *that* took some serious imagination to come up with a solution. But it's not the same. It's not as fantastical, or as fanciful, or gosh darn it, not nearly as fun (at least not to me). All kids have such amazingly vivid imaginations. Why on earth do we let that go? I'm not saying we should have a society of daydreamers, but a little mental escape never hurt anyone. I wonder if that is why our dreams get so wild as we get older; our brain has to find other outlets for all of that creativity.

Now please excuse me, I'm off to hitch a ride with my friends, Dreamfinder and Figment.

Journey Into Imagination (One Little Spark)
from the original "Journey Into Imagination" ride at EPCOT
Lyrics and music by Richard and Robert Sherman

One little spark of inspiration,
Is at the heart of all creation.
Right at the start of everything that's new,
One little spark lights up for you.

Two tiny wings, eyes big and yellow.
Horns of a steer, but a loveable fellow.
From head to tail, he's royal purple pigment.
And there--Voila!--you've got a Figment!

We all have sparks, imaginations.
That's how our minds create creations.
Right at the start of everything that's new.
One little spark lights up for you.

Imagination, imagination.
A dream can be a dream come true,
With just that spark in me and you.

Mix red and gold from autumn flowers,
Purple and blue from twilight hours.
Green summer hills and rainbows play a part.
A painter's brush, a work of art.

One chilling word, like shriek or killer,
Can spark the mind to start a thriller.
And some words like dagger, blood, and gory.
And then, a mystery story.

Some happy songs, some snappy dances.
Costumes and sets, spoofs and romances.
With laughs and tears, and footlights all aglow,
The sparks ignite a brand new show.

Imagination, imagination.
A dream can be a dream come true,
With just that spark in me and you.

Currently feeling: fanciful

Squirrel Brothel

Will someone please explain to me exactly what it is about my back deck that makes all of the local squirrels think it is a brothel? Yes, I know it is spring. Yes, I know what "spring is in the air" means. That does not give you the right to be indecent on my deck! We have a bazillion trees in our yard; use one! I'd like to be able to eat dinner and glance outside onto our deck without multiple copulation attempts occurring easily within view (especially the couples who are showing off by doing it on the rail).

Currently feeling: unromantic

Federally Inappropriate

Luke had his 18 month check on Friday, his official 18 month birthday. When did I get old enough to have an 18 month old?! Anyway, he did really great. Checked out fine, had his first reflex text (hit your knee with a hammer and such), which he found rather funny. He also got two shots (his last until he turns 4, which is a rather difficult concept for me to grasp at the moment (him turning 4, not the shots)), and he didn't cry AT ALL! Not even DH does that well with shots.

We got all of his measurements, which I will report in just a second, but the amazing thing is that he is *literally* off the charts in height (he grew another two inches). He is above the 95% line, so she guestimated him at around the 98th percentile (which means he is taller than 98% of other 18 month olds, and based on personal observations, I believe it). They put his weight at 65% (he actually *lost* two ounces from his 15 month check, but if they aren't worried about it, then I won't either), and his head circumference at 50% (yay, he is finally *up* to being average in head circ!). Using an online Children's Growth Calculator, I decided I wanted to see his "actual" percentages. I nearly died laughing at the height result. See for yourself:

Head Circumference = 18.75 inches, 44 percentile

Weight = 26.5 lbs, 57 percentile

Length/Height = 35 inches, above the 97th percentile; According to the most recent federal guidelines, the height range appropriate for this age group is 30.1 - 34.9 inches.

So, according to the federal government, Luke is now at an "inappropriate" height for his age. LOL!

To put those numbers in perspective, they are average (the 50th percentile) for a 26 month old. You know, 8 months older than he is now. Even if he doesn't grow *at all* between now and his next appointment at 24 months, he will still be above average at 63%. And somehow, I just don't see that happening. Sheesh! At least *someone* in my family is getting to benefit from all of the "tall genes" we have running around. I just hope it keeps up. I'm not sure I want him to get to be 7 feet or something (I certainly can't afford to *feed* him enough to grow that tall), though DH says he'd love Luke to be that tall, but I think 6'2" or so would be quite respectable.

Currently feeling: astonished

The Unveiling

Ta-Da!!

Like the new template? Isn't it spiffy? I know, I know, not drastically different that my old one, but it wasn't intended to be. With the exception of the text parameters for the posts themselves (which I liked, so I didn't see any need to reinvent the wheel), I coded the CSS myself, by hand (using the tutorial at CSS From the Ground Up). I also designed the graphics for the sidebars titles and the "Erin Expounds" title. Not that they were overly complicated (nice star font, background the same as what is on the blog), but still, I'm so proud of myself!

Please let me know if it works okay in your browser and on your monitor. If it looks wonky or if the columns overlap, please let me know what browser you are using and what your monitor resolution is, and I'll see what I can do. It should work fine at 1024x768 or higher. 800x600 will be cutting it close, I think. I also tested it in Windows IE and Firefox.

So, three things off my 101 list!! Learn some CSS, revamp my blog, and try Firefox. Not bad for less than a week. :-)

Currently feeling: like dancing

Validation

I'm not one to do things just so that someone else will say "good job." I don't need the validation to do what I think is right, and I don't do things just to hear such a comment. But every once in a while, it is really nice to receive a compliment for something I'd be doing anyway, even if it is small and silly.

Friday, a group of local ladies from my stitching BBs got together to shop and eat with an out of town BB member. We had a great time, as we always do. But the unexpectedly best part of my afternoon was when the conversation turned to movies. Obviously, I have an affinity for the subject. :-) Eventually, I mentioned V for Vendetta as a recent movie I'd seen, and someone asked me a few questions about it. I answered, pretty much with the info in my musing, and Heather turned to me and said she wasn't sure about seeing that one, but after reading my movie musings on it, she decided it would probably be pretty good to see. You mean, my opinion on a movie actually affected whether or not you wanted to see it? Really? You're not just kidding me? She really did mean it. She said she wasn't sure if it would be too violent, but she knew that if I had seen it and I liked it, that it was probably okay for her. And since I compared it favorably to The Matrix (a film she quite likes), she added it to her list of films to see. I was so honored! I mean, I send these things out, and I know I have 40+ people on my email list, but most of them are family or friends, and I just assumed the signed up to be nice. To find out that someone actually cares about what I think and has been swayed by my thoughts on the matter to see a film.... well, I was touched. Nice to know I'm doing more than simply amusing myself.

Currently feeling: pleased

We want Gordon!!

by Blinkie Obsession

Nooooooooooooooooo!! What is Celebrity Poker Showdown doing? It is the only reason I know anything about poker, certainly anything about Texas Hold 'Em. I love that show, and I love Phil (Gordon, that is)! Where is Phil? What did you do to him? And of all the people in the world to replace him, you picked Phil Hellmuth?! Why not just hire Cujo? He would be a lot nicer. Hellmuth is such a jerk! Daniel Negreanu would have been a much better choice, but I know he already does commentary for another poker tour. Jennifer Harmon, Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson, Annie Duke.... anybody, but Hellmuth? Waaaaahh!!

Currently feeling: very sad

101 Things in 1001 Days

by Blinkie Obsession

I saw this on Joy's blog, and I thought it was a fantastic idea! Way better than New Year's Resolutions to me; I don't know why. The expanded timeframe, perhaps? Or the fact that I tried really hard to pick things that will require some effort, but I also tried not to set myself up for failure (like "lose 100 pounds" or "eat a fruit and vegetable every day"). Yes, some are easier than others, and some are more fun than others, but that's okay.

And for the record, it took me about 3 days to come up with 101 things. I got the first 50 or so pretty easily. The next 40+ took quite a bit of thought, and those last few (somewhere in the 5-10 range) nearly killed me! LOL The categories shown here are of my own choosing for organization purposes; you don't have to categorize. Anyway, here we go, and I'll try to update my progress every month or so (but notice I didn't make that one of my items).

101 Things in 1001 Days

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).

Begin Date: April 1, 2006
End Date: December 27, 2008 (might make it Jan 1, 2009, just for the heck of it)

Personal
1. See a dermatologist to have my moles checked.
2. Take a multivitamin every day for 30 consecutive days (hopefully becoming a habit after that).
3. Give blood.
4. Don't eat "fast food" (McD's, Wendy's, etc) for 30 days.
5. Try at least one new recipe per month.
6. Learn to make a pork dish.
7. Learn to make a fish dish.
8. Learn to make a shrimp dish.
9. Learn to make cheesecake (using a springform pan and everything).
10. Learn to make something involving yeast (I have never had a yeast recipe turn out correctly).
11. Learn to make something involving kneading (I have no idea how to knead).
12. Learn some CSS.
13. Revamp my website (changing the graphics *does* count).
14. Revamp my blog template (just changing the graphics does *not* count).
15. Rejoin the workforce (or try; whether or not I get hired isn't necessarily up to me).
16. Start going to church again (defined: attend services 3 Sundays a month for 3 consecutive months).
17. Attend a Catholic mass (I am Protestant, but I've always wanted to go to Mass).
18. Stop cussing; I'm really not bad, but I tend to cuss while driving, and Luke is usually with me (defined: no cussing for 30 days).
19. Call Connie (my best friend) every 6 months.
20. Call Sandy (a friend I greatly miss seeing) every 6 months and try to plan a time to get together.
21. Post comments to at least 3 blogs each week (barring out of town trips, power or computer failure, or a truly serious life issue).
22. Blog at least twice each week (barring out of town trips, power or computer failure, or a truly serious life issue).
23. Send at least one RAK, even if just a card, every 3 months.
24. Have our friends over at least once a year.
25. Go out by myself once a month.
26. Get a pedicure.
27. Get a "real" haircut and style.
28. Buy new undergarments (my current ones are ancient).
29. Wear jewelry once a month (besides the earrings and wedding band that I *always* wear).
30. Primp for a date with DH once every 3 months, including make-up.
31. Find a new shade of lipstick I like (currently only 2 I like, and I've been wearing them for years).

Family
32. Move to a better school district, or have a firm plan in place to do so.
33. Have new family portraits made.
34. Print some photos of Luke and put them in an album (currently, they're all digital only).
35. Go on vacation with my whole family (husband, child, parents, brother).
36. Get away with my husband, just the two of us, once a year.
37. Use the china and crystal at least once a year.
38. Decide if or when we want another baby.
39. Make a will.
40. Bug my family (husband, parents, brother) until each person also has a will.
41. Have DH's cousin and family over for dinner.
42. Visit BIL at his new house (whenever it gets finished being built).
43. Decorate Luke's room when he moves to a "big boy bed."
44. Take Luke to Walt Disney World (he's already been, but we want him to be old enough to enjoy it).
45. Take Luke to a baseball game.
46. Take Luke to the beach (as in down on the sand and water, not just the pier or boardwalk).

Financial
47. Restore our savings account to the amount we agreed.
48. Start a Roth IRA.
49. Start a college fund for Luke.
50. Roll over my 401(k).
51. Buy a new vacuum.
52. Buy new dining room chairs (and maybe a table).
53. Buy a new mixer (preferably a stand mixer, but a new hand mixer would be fine).
54. Replace my ruby earrings (I recently lost one).
55. Start taking the Sunday paper and using the grocery coupons.

Fun
56. Eat Japanese (Hibachi) at least once a year.
57. Go to an NBA game (the only major US pro sport I'm missing; baseball, football, and hockey I've done).
58. Go to the symphony (I've never been; I know, it's sad).
59. Attend a cultural event at least once a year (symphony, opera, ballet, theater, etc).
60. Visit the farmer's market every 3 months.
61. Visit a museum once a year.
62. Visit an Asian market.
63. Go to the Georgia Renaissance Festival.
64. Go to the Georgia Aquarium.
65. Visit Arizona.
66. Visit Texas again.
67. Visit another country (Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Europe, Australia, doesn't matter).
68. Average reading a book a month (12 per year).
69. Read a graphic novel (suggestions anyone?).
70. Read one non-fiction book per year.
71. Read one of Shakespeare's sonnets every month.
72. Average seeing a new movie each month (12 per year; theater, DVD, or television).
73. See all "Best Picture" Oscar nominees before the telecast if possible (they may not play here, and I won't do horror or gory films).
74. Watch Firefly (the series, probably borrowed from Ginny since she offered).
75. Host a stitching get-together at my house.
76. Start stitching again (defined: 5 hours per week for 3 consecutive months).
77. Finish A Midsummer Night's Fairy (been a WIP for at least 5 years).
78. Finish my beaded strawberry fob (again; I gave my first one away, then restarted it before Luke was born).
79. Make a temari every 6 months, each one a different pattern.
80. Get cards for Christmas alphabet scrapbooks organized.
81. Make at least one Christmas alphabet scrapbook a year.
82. Re-learn to crochet and make an afghan for Luke.
83. Take a beginning quilting class.
84. Learn to set up the sewing machine and sew a straight seam.
85. Make a quilt for Luke (I already have the fabric).
86. Ride a new roller coaster.
87. Learn a new card game.
88. Learn to juggle (I gave DH a learning kit for Christmas; defined: juggle 3 balls for 1 minute).

Miscellaneous
89. Correct my Social Security information (just found out part of it is wrong).
90. Renew my passport.
91. Get a copy of my own birth certificate.
92. Back up the computers every 6 months (at least).
93. Burn digital photos to CD every 6 months.
94. Try Firefox (the browser).
95. Update DH's wardrobe matrix (don't ask) every year.
96. Have our foundation inspected.
97. Get my bedroom tidy and organized.
98. Clean out my drawers and closet; get rid of clothes I don't wear.
99. Box up the clothes Luke has outgrown.
100. Frame my Disney lithograph that has been sitting in the closet for over a year.
101. When 1001 days are up, update this list, then make a new list, including carrying over any of these not completed. :-)

Currently feeling: accomplished