The ladybug myth

Some people are really into this idea, me not so much.

Oddly enough, I bought a spring garden flag this year and picked one with ladybugs. It was the least cutesie, bunny-ie, cheesy one I could find.

Today it's in the 70s here so I'm cleaning the porch, picking up new pillows, etc. Generally enjoying spring.

What appears? Eight ladybugs clinging comfortably on the inside screens.

I do hope good luck is coming this way.


m

Got my diploma - now what?

I finally received my diploma last week. It's official - I have a Master's degree.

Now what? I honestly don't know what to do with myself; going back to school was supposed to occupy all of the wait time.

Since classes finished I've cleaned the house, organized closets, caught up on TV (thank you Hulu.com!), read a few non-textbook books, and alphabetized my CDs. Okay the CDs were already alphabetized but they needed tidying.

I need a hobby. One other than waiting for BeachBaby.

Knitting? Glass blowing? Anyone? I am taking my bike in for a tune up this week.

Even the dog is bored!

Send your cards and ideas to www.mollyisboredandneedsahobby.com

m

Orphans in Haiti

I've received calls from friends and family asking if I'm going to pursue adoption from Haiti, given the children orphaned because of the earthquake. There is information on the 'net that the U.S. has lightened the red tape on Haitian adoptions.

That, sadly, is incorrect.

Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State announced what they term a "humanitarian parole policy". To quote the announcement: ". . . allowing orphaned children from Haiti to enter the U.S. temporarily on an individual basis to ensure that they receive the care they need - as part of the U.S. government's ongoing support of international recovery efforts after the earthquake."

Unfortunately, the earthquake has created more orphaned children and created an even greater barrier to adopting from Haiti. With national and local governments in disarray and the physical damage to the towns and cities it is almost impossible to determine the status of the children. They may have been temporarily separated from parents, or there is extended family to contact who may take on care of the child.

The net result for potential parents is that adoption from Haiti just became that much more difficult. It is heartbreaking to see and heartbreaking to acknowledge.

m

I wish I’d known then what I know now

What I thought/ knew then – Wait to submit my paperwork until after I finished at Otterbein. There’s too much on my plate at once and I might make mistakes. A delay of a few months is no big deal.


What I know now – Those few extra months are really a few extra years.




Update from the CCAA – Parents with dossiers registered on or before April 3, 2006 have been matched to children.

Hey, my dossier date is August 10, 2006! That’s only four months left! Right?! Right?

Wrong. That could be another year.

Or two.

Maybe even three.

See, I really wish I’d known then what I know now.

m

P.S. - Yes, yes, shoulda, woulda, coulda. Everything in its time. Blah, blah, blah. I am truly not a patient person.

Subliminal influences

This is one of those 'too weird to be true' things.

Last night I caught the last hour of my favorite holiday movie, White Christmas. Very kitschy I know, but I love it.

There's a scene in the movie with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Vera Ellen arguing and I tuned out a bit. But then I saw something on the wall behind them. A familiar print/ picture.

The very same vintage balloon print I put in the nursery! I swear! I even ran the film back twice to look at it again. There were two of them on the wall; one definitely was this print:



So, did I fall in love with these prints because I'd been staring at one every year when I watched White Christmas?



m

Nursery Update - Part 1

At the end of the summer I painted the nursery.

Once again I reminded myself that I really don't like painting. Really. And it's a pretty small room. Like a good, over-protective not-yet-parent, I selected a no VOC paint. At least it smelled nice.

Here is a picture of the new wall color. I like it, but it's a bit brighter than I expected.


And surprise, surprise, I finally found a rocking chair. It's in great condition, very sturdy and the upholstery goes with the new paint!

The rocker is vintage so it sits rather low to the ground, but with my short legs it's easier to rock. For once my feet completely touch the ground!

Here's the new chair:


The chair, combined with the rematted prints and new wall color, is a good start.

m

School's out!

It's all over - all of the papers, late-night assignments, too many textbooks, and no free time.

Done, kaput, finito!

Yes, my graduate school experience is finally, finally finished.

I'm thrilled but oh so tired. I'm looking forward to weekends and lots of extra sleep. I don't think the enormity of it has hit me yet.

So pop open the champagne!

And now, back to your regularly scheduled baby watch . . .


m