http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife Woah! There's a bug in that rug Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:42:42 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en ...this time in the marsh grass of Southern Maine http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/09/09/more-andrew-wyeth/ Its my daughter's ninth birthday today, and she received one huge and expensive present from me. It is a playmobile set with over 200 small plastic parts. Before opening the box, Rada and I decided that this time we'd keep the set sequestered in a corner of her room, so ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/08/21/birthday-purge/ Rada spends hours directing her stuffed animals through tense dramas. She covers issues such as power, war, bullying, pushing to the front of the line, and -- with her carnivores -- who gets to eat whom. At one time I saw these play sessions as opportunities to teach morals and good ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/08/12/stuffed-animal-rights-activist/ She attached the animals together with an elastic band and then they go off riding across the savanah. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/07/29/and-another-still-life/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/07/21/channeling-andrew-wyeth/ Poul & I flew in to Bar Harbor this afternoon. He taxied his small excellent plane to the parking area for private aircraft. We both got out and took a look around. There was a beautiful misty salty air and a slight breeze coming in from the sea. But before he'd ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/07/17/runaway-plane/ I've been staying with my sister in rural upstate New York. This morning, I was riding my bike past a field of grazing cows. One of them must have gotten spooked by the bike, because suddenly as a group they began lumbering disgruntledly away from me, further up the meadow. It ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/07/15/cows-in-a-bad-mood/ After an injury last fall which cut short her season, the Somerville Swing is back on the field this summer with a new set of moves... click here to play Notice the left hook for initial propulsion, followed by the single arm finish. 'Swing' is really at the top of her game. Rare ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/06/30/sports-update/ During the winter, Rada and I play alot of chess, not so much so this time of year. But given the unrelenting rain, she pulled out the set last weekend and we set up the pieces. She's not a very good loser so I usually let her win the first few ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/06/29/humiliation/ "You are the best mom. I love you more than anyone else in the entire world. You are my beloved mom, and I love you a million trillion gazillion ninety hundred thousand zillion quadrillion 10 hundred thousand ninety nine billion times." (I guess I should soak it up now, might not ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/06/23/direct-quote/ Every non-rainy day we ride the bikes to school and work. There is a routine: First Rada straps on her knee pads and I unlock the cables and u-locks. After this, we pull the bikes off the porch,  put on our helmets, and attach any relevant cargo to the front platform ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/06/17/a-riders-life/ There is a piano in our apartment and I play it from time to time. When I was young and restless, I played alot, and once even fancied myself an expert of sorts. But now, with jobs, soccer practice, and daily laundry loads, I am content to get in a ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/05/28/music-lessons/ Rada's white mice Suzie and Sally had a short run with us. Only in residence five months last fall, they both became sick and died within a few days of each other. Sally was the first to go and was buried in the back garden behind the azalea bush. Suzie, however, ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/05/22/suzie-sally-end-note/ Serving tea with milk and sugar to the rabbits. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/05/18/tea-party/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/05/15/an-encounter-with-history/ I never thought I'd see this day. Look at her go! And WITH NO TRAINING WHEELS. Here she is with Pata Suyemoto, the bike whisperer who made all it happen: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/04/10/rada/ My friend Elizabeth describes herself as her daughter's sherpa. For those of you not familiar with mountaineering, sherpas are local experts who hire themselves out to wealthy tourists to help with climbing the summit. The sherpas follow along behind the mountaineers, carrying tents, sleeping bags, emergency medical supplies, food for ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/03/19/sherpa/ Rada and I showed up at the YMCA yesterday, trudging through the snow, with Rada clutching her seemingly incongruous baseball mitt in her cold mittened hand. The clinic was in a chilly basement gym, with decor that reminded me of the Y of my childhood: there were metal painted gym ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/03/02/baseball-clinic/ ... from the Akumel Lagoon in Tulum, Mexico. Rada, Poul and I saw yellow striped fish, bright blue parrot fish and big grey ones. The lagoon was a naturally situated ocean pool with limestone rocks and landscaped with lush shrubbery and modern sculpture. Rada did most of the snorkeling on her own... ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/02/26/sea-monster/ This is why they're so smart: lots of circulation to the brain. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/02/11/brain-power/ The campers are gathered around the fire. The easy chair is part of the campsite, and the crocodile is tame. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/02/04/campfire/ Jan 16-18: daughter succumbs to sickness: listless, tired, coughy and sneezy. Mother in good health. Jan  18-19: daughter remains groggy, coughy. Mother feels onset of fatigue and slight sore throat - immediately reverts in to 'rest' mode... long naps, abbreviated social schedule. Jan 19: lapse in judgment -- Mother and daughter go ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/01/28/trajectory-of-a-cold/ At the library yesterday, Rada picked up a DVD and CD for something called "Camp Rock". It looked innocuous enough: a Disney movie about a young woman learning to be true to herself, honoring humble roots, and all this taking place in a summer camp for aspiring rock musicians. Well, the ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/01/12/ach/ Oh winter...! how do I love thee. Let me count the ways -- When the cold slush of a rainy day turns to ice, gritty with soot and dirt: how blasted lovely. When the grimy snow melts, partially freezing to an outer shell, with no warning now slick and cold: how damn exciting! When the puddles ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/01/07/ode/ This week Rada went to theatrical day camp. They sang songs, learned dances and made unusual and interesting objets d'art. At school, Rada conforms to a very strict dress code, but at camp the kids wear whatever they want to. Rada could show up in polka dot pajamas with striped tights ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2009/01/01/breaking-free/ Last weekend, 'Santa Claus' made an appearance in downtown Cambridge.  Rada gleefully met him and related all her wish lists for Christmas. A few days ago 'Santa' made another appearance at the local mall. We noticed that this Santa looked really different from the other one. What am I supposed to ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/12/18/the-santa-claus-problem/ She recently came down with it. One day she was reading out loud, stumbling over words, and the next she lay curled up on the couch head buried in a book, reading silently to herself, oblivious to the world around her. She asks me could she have the book next to ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/12/14/the-reading-bug/ Currently, I can do no wrong in my daughter's life. As we walk along the sidewalk towards school, she hangs off my arm declaring, "Oh my mommy... MY mommy, MommyWommy!"... and at home she spontaneously tells me she loves me, constantly. I get lots of hugs for no reason, and ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/11/24/on-the-upswing/ ...it was going to be grand: Rada would get back mobility in her arm. We would preserve the cast for posterity, displayed in some honored place in her room, not unlike a moose head. For me, life would return normal: No more lady-in-waiting. And no more strange contraptions constructed out ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/11/17/the-day-the-cast-came-off/ Last week, Rada fell off the monkey bars at school and fractured her wrist. I got the call at noon on a Friday and rushed to school to find a sobbing girl cradling her arm in the nurse's office.  A series of trips to primary care and Children's Hospital resulted in ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/11/06/celebrity/ The principal of my daughter's school is an African American man. The governor of the state we live in is an African American man. And our president-elect is an African American man. But these men are so much more than the mere color of their skin or accident of their ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/11/05/america/ My track record with resisting temptation of the edible variety is not good. I spent one summer, after quitting smoking, systematically clearing out the local convenience store of M&N chocolate peanuts. The situation got so bad that I would get one bag of M&Ns after lunch, swearing it  would last ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/10/01/honey-crisp/ I've been avoiding many problems this fall, brushing them to the back of the queue, pretending they're not there, or will go away if ignored. You know the drill. Anyway, one of the problems I've been avoiding is telling my daughter's teacher about a vacation in mid-October which will necessitate my ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/09/23/coincidence/ My daughter has several cognitive and gross motor delays and she's received remedial services over the past several years. Earlier this month, she went through her 3-year comprehensive review. The school psychologist and I talked on the phone last week and although she had many lovely things to say about Rada ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/09/22/the-expert-the-soccer-player/ Following the directions on their website, this is how I got to KidsPlayground from Somerville last weekend: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/09/16/loop-de-loops/ I fondly remember my pet worm Henry. I found him one afternoon in the school yard. A suitable habitat was constructed for Henry, filled with earth and leaves. I'm not exactly sure how long he stayed with me before being released to the wild or coming to a less auspicious ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/09/10/pet-worm/ click here to play http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/09/02/in-the-way/ R: Mom, I think I have a noodle in my nose. M: How did that happen? R: Well, I was smelling the noodle and I sniffed it right into my nose. M: Hm... R: Wait a minute. Its not a noodle; its just snot. M: Oh, good. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/09/02/nasal-discomfort/ Seen on a wall in Providence, RI on the campus of Brown University. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/08/12/hows-your-integrity/ Last week we went to buy turtles. We'd seen some cute little green ones owned by our neighbors, and they seemed easy to care for. So after a long discussion on responsibility and ownership, we headed to the pet store. Rada had already picked out names for them and was very ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/08/07/turtles/ Cycling home from work, I noticed someone had spilled a box of crayons in the street: The next day, they were still there, but more downtrodden: And today there was still an echo of color in the street: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/08/01/accident/ The challenge: pick the cherries. The team: The strategies: Aikena climbs. On Rebecca's shoulders, Rada picks cherries that would otherwise be out of reach. Here is the result: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/07/26/useful-children/ click here to play http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/07/24/monkey/ My daughter is spending 2 weeks with her aunt in upstate new york. She attends the local day camp and plays with neighborhood kids in the afternoons. Worried that she would not be able to spend such a long span ot time away from me, I brought Rada to my sister's house with the ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/07/15/worries/ She keeps churning them out: "It is a procession to see the Queen" and... "Friends come to visit the bird in its nest." http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/07/13/more-2/ Eric is a lucky boy. For his birthday today, he's getting this card from Rada: Its a Celtics player slam dunking the ball. Note the arrows pointing its trajectory. The player is #20, apparently of great meaning to a devotee such as Eric. The inside of the card further celebrates Celtics pride: with ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/06/29/lucky-boy/ My daughter's and my entire life revolves almost exclusively around 20 square blocks of Cambridge, Somerville, and part of Boston. Our primary modes of transit are walking, biking, taking the bus or T, and occasionally driving when necessary. This week has been different. My daughter is in special day camp in ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/06/26/driving-in-circles/ All over the house I constantly discover animals and things arranged as if in a still life or tableau: Unicorn with plastic bottle. Polar bear with hair clip and elk. Dance party. T-rex giving two baby bears a ride. She sets them up absentmindedly, and then forgets about them. Aren't they cool? http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/06/15/tableaux/ This evening, Rada decided she was a wise old dog named Shadow. I poured her a bowl of water which she messily lapped up from the kitchen floor. Then I set out a bowl of 'dog food' (actually dried apricots) which she knelt before and happily dug in. After that, she ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/06/04/ridiculous/ This morning, Rada and I walked to her school in the gentle, warm rain. Chatting and twirling our umbrellas, we made our way up the hill, over the train bridge, and then down the other side where her school came into view at the end of Webster Ave. She ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/06/04/goodbye/ Rada made puppets a few days ago: ... and here is the show: You can just see Rada's arm and forehead behind the 'stage'. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/05/30/crafts/ 7 year-olds saying goodnight: "Caio! ...peace out." http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/05/20/overheard-on-the-soccer-field/ Poul is a grown-up. When I play chess with Poul, I really try to win. It's tough to accept when he's cornered my king and shakes my hand and says "good game". I smile graciously, always the elegant loser, but inside I want to send my stealth weapons to bomb ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/05/19/more-chess/ I was good today. I like my self. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/05/15/fridge-graffiti/ After dropping my daughter at school, I headed to work on my bike. As I cycled down the main road just past my house, I almost collided with another cyclist who had come out of a side street on the wrong side. Furious, I considered the lunacy of people who ride ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/05/14/on-the-way-to-work/ ... and the audience is assembled. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/05/10/the-match-is-about-to-begin/ Do you remember these? When I was a kid, I made a million of these for appreciative aunts and grandparents. Don't say anything, but Rada's grandmother is going to get one for her birthday this weekend. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/05/02/flashback/ ...after a long day on the construction site. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/05/01/best-friends/ Even with the good weather now upon us, my daughter and I are still playing chess. We play the Lower Southeastern Somerville convention which allows players to use best guess strategies when pieces are accidentally knocked off the board. LSS rules also allow long breaks for baths, dinner, snacks, and ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/04/14/mind-games/ Last Sunday, after a swim lesson, a walk to the park and a visit to Dunky's for her favorite donut, my daughter and I came home. Telling her that I'd like a little time to myself, I asked her to play on her own for a while, and set her ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/04/09/dream-child/ It's a meeting. Diplomatic negotiations are underway. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/04/08/summit/ Walking to school... Rada (noticing that people leave their cars running to warm them up): Thats wasteful Me: Yes, it is. Rada: Its bad for the earth. Me: Yes. Rada: God must see this and be angry. Me: Perhaps. Rada: How can God see everything? Me: Well, I think God is everywhere. Rada: No, it can't be! You're wrong. Me: ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/04/01/gods-posse/ At Kidstock, Rada gets to try on several new identities. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/03/27/rada-as-doctor-and-scientist/ It has been hidden too long. I shall speak it to the world: I love the Burger King Whopper with bacon, cheese, tomato and extra pickles. I love the cool mayonnaise on hamburger and the sweet-tartness of the pickles. I love the salty chewiness of the bacon, the meltedness of the cheese ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/03/01/secret-love/ Saturday's plans were dead in the water by 9:30. The long-awaited roller-skating playdate had been canceled. While listening to the bored whines of my daughter, I perused the snow on the ground, considered the moderate temperature... and decided this would be the day to go cross-country skiing. I had to practically drag ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/02/26/the-quitter/ 2/24/08 17:12:56... 2/24/08 17:39:04... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/02/25/27-minutes/ Beth, Jo, Amy and Meg. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/02/18/little-women/ Rada and I are playing chess again. It's a nice indoor activity for these cold, gray, slushy days. Shown below is the dreaded 'double-upside-down-rook' move... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/02/13/mid-winter/ Little did I know that Pythagorus would have such a huge impact on my commute. Here's why: My new job is in a building 3 blocks closer to home and my daughter's school. And those 3 mere blocks change everything. From the old building, it would take 29 minutes to walk from ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/01/28/hypotenuse/ My daughter got together with her cousins Hailey and Maddie during the holidays, and as usual the three had a blast. At ages 5, 6 and 7, they form an excellent triumvirate, and for my daughter who is and shall remain an only child it is as close to having ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/01/16/from-cousin-marc/ I'm learning astounding amounts, broadening horizons, etc., but the deadlines come fast and furious, the timeline for deliverables is absurdly unrealistic, and the midnight oil is burnt night after night after night. And what makes it all the more ironic is that I was already in grad school when I ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2008/01/09/when-work-is-like-grad-school/ Finally! Photos from Thanksgiving. Unable to finesse turkey preparation for another year, I landed the job of cooking. Rada helped at several stages: folding napkins, setting the table, and preparing the meal cart in Ritz dining-room style. Not sure where she picked this up (since my idea of haute cuisine is S&S ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/12/16/fine-dining/ ...muttering and grumbling, I shoveled, scraped, and angrily drove out into the slush and the crust. My daughter, looking around wide-eyed, said "wow...its like a soft white blanket." I stopped for a moment to peer out from under my scarf and hat. She was right. It was utterly beautiful. There is an irony ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/12/04/snow/ Last Sunday was a big day, anticipated for weeks. It would be my daughter's first skating lesson. Skates had been bought and adjusted. Blades had been sharpened. Long underwear and double layers had been put on. We arrived at the rink 20 minutes ahead of time and got her laced up ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/11/30/reversal-of-fortune/ ...angels can dance on the head of a pin? As many as your dreams can imagine. How many girls can fit on the bed in Anne's cottage...? Six. Count them! http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/11/15/how-many/ Tuesday of last week was voting day in my community. It was a minor election, but nevertheless there were some candidates I wanted to support. However, after considering the day's schedule, it became clear that voting just wasn't going to be possible. I had recently started a new job and ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/11/11/accidental-voting/ I've worked in PC-centric environments for most of my career. And I've prided myself on wrestling the OS into submission, experiencing a moderate success rate with getting apps to launch properly, de-code hostile error messages, and keep the peripherals fed and happy. However, a recent and fortunate set of circumstances has ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/11/03/the-bully-and-the-butler/ Bill supplied excellent loaner camera at the 11th hour. For which I am so grateful because I wouldn't have known how to begin describing this 7-year old princess who is cuter than a button. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/11/01/halloween-princess/ My daughter's school enforces a strict dress code which bans hats, make-up, and several styles of shoes. In spite of the 'Soviet Youth' aspect to it, I like the resultant ease in which my daughter gets dressed in the morning. There are very few questions; nothing to agonize over except ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/10/26/crazy-hair-day/ Earlier this week, we at chez rugslife were eagerly anticipating arrival of a new computer. With superior negotiation skills I had been able to wrangle free overnight delivery from the manufacturer. So Monday afternoon, I came home ready to take possession of my laptop, but received a DHL slip saying ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/10/18/391/ Earlier this week, Rada came home talking about the Red Socks, err Red Sox. Apparently it was the main topic of discussion at after-school that day. There was going to be a night game and although the Sox were not playing the Yankees, it was going to be a really good ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/10/04/sports-tv/ Ayce took these from the next booth. She asked Rada to make some silly faces, and Rada dove into the task with sincere abandon. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/09/24/at-the-ice-cream-shop/ We are in celebration mode. The primary bread-winner at chez rugslife has just been offered a wonderful new job and rejoicing is underway. The phone was busy all evening with calls to relatives and close friends. Plans are underway to perform purgative housecleaning with particular focus on cleaning the study, ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/09/21/new/ I just re-discovered the talented Dilettante Debutante. Drop by if you can. Also worth a visit is the hilarious My Mini-Van is Faster Than Yours. And now that I think of it, Paul's tips and Ben's list always offer good food for thought. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/09/17/389/ I'm smart and can handle most logistical puzzles that come my way. But this week I got blinded-sided by the seemingly innocuous tasks of getting my daughter from school, to the babysitter, and back home each day. What started out as several phone calls turned into a logistical nightmare: Babysitter is ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/09/12/rocket-science/ Please accept my apologies for the delay. There's been lots to report, but its been busy busy busy. Rada's 7th birthday party was a study in chaos and redemption. Planned for the outside, it was on one of those days where the weather never figured out what to do: threatening, hinting ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/09/07/busy/ Last weekend, I was invited to a roof-top dinner party. The hosts encouraged me -- several times -- to bring my 6 year old daughter and, hesitatingly, I complied. My daughter usually handles adult situations for about 20 minutes, and then lapses into a half whine/half groan state, where I ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/08/23/dinner-party/ She's got it. By George, I think she's got it. After what seemed like years of frowing fings on fursdays, she just started throwing things on thursdays. She was so excited she had to show me. 'Look mom, look!" And I watched as she put her tongue just under her upper teeth ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/08/14/th/ Rada got to try out the controls on Poul's plane. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/08/09/pilot-in-training/ When I pick up my daughter from camp at the end of the day she barely resembles the child I said goodbye to in the morning. The morning child has its hair combed, face and hands washed and is wearing clean, albeit it stained, clothes. The afternoon child has tangled, ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/08/07/sparkles/ Last weekend Rada and I attended the wedding of dear friends. It was her first one and it left a strong impression. I don’t think she was expecting it to be so theatrical. The ceremony took place on the lawn of a quaint farm north of Boston, with flower girls, ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/08/06/nuptials/ Ben showed me how to do this. Isn't it cool? (thanks, Ben!) What would I call it?? Well, its an individually annotated map of rugslife's locations of interest. You can do it, too, for your own neighborhood. Make sure you've got a google account (which is easy, just sign up, its free). Then ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/08/02/some-help-from-my-friends/ Last week, Rada got a chance to spend some time with her second cousin Hailey, visiting from Colorado. The two girls had met once before several years ago, but they hit it off instantaneously and disappeared for the rest of the evening: taming caterpillars, reading books together, and re-decorating the ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/07/30/rada-hailey/ Its easy to get out of the habit of posting. Being on vacation and in new surroundings made me forget this blog. While away, I occasionally visited the local wi-fi cafe on the main street of a very small town in upstate New York, but just wasn't in the mood to ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/07/19/long-time-away/ Rada reads all the time. Yesterday, in the car, she noticed a Dunkin Donuts sign... R: There is a boy in my group at camp named Duncan. But his last name is not Donuts. M: Hmm. R: Graham and I are going to name our first son Duncan. (Graham is her 5 y.o. ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/06/29/duncan-donuts/ In action... coming off the field... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/06/23/8/ Last week, when I pulled into our usual parking space next to the house and found someone else's car Rada said, "What the...?" And yesterday when we unexpectedly came upon a traffic jam on the way home from Judy's house, Rada said again, "what the...?" Her turn of phrase certainly summed up ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/06/23/what-the/ Rada's soccer team had their last game this past weekend. The weather threatened rain, and throughout the game it was touch and go whether or not the 'mist' and 'fog' had really turned to 'drizzle.' But with raincoats, umbrellas, and sweaty kids who didn't mind running around in a little ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/06/12/bears-end-season-on-high-note/ "For a long time, it seemed to me that life was about to begin: Real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/06/11/kind-of-sums-it-up/ My daughter attended theater camp earlier this spring during April school vacation. It was a wonderful experience, and she learned alot about music, art, acting, movement, and dance. The product of the week-long camp was a DVD video, which finally arrived last week. The DVD lasts about an hour and is comprised of ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/06/04/in-the-limelight/ My daughter really likes me to read outloud to her. Earlier this week, she said, "Mom, when you stop reading it hurts my tummy. When you start reading again, my tummy feels better. Its just the way my body is." I am flattered that she likes the sound of my voice, though I'm not ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/05/30/manipulation-or-persuasion/ Each weekday morning, events happen in sequence. As my daughter and I approach the train bridge just before her school, we hear a rumbling in the distance, signifying that the 7:32 is on the way. As we cross the bridge and look down Webster Ave, we see the attractive young couple waiting for ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/05/24/groundhog-day/ Mary's comment got me thinking. Here's a photo of Rada in her school uniform. It was taken on the first day of kindergarten last September. Rada looks to me a little too enthused about it all: possibly intending to take the class by storm or scale school walls with her bare hands. But ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/05/21/school-uniform/ My daughter is unpredictable in her moods. Some mornings she jumps out of bed, alert, interested, and happy to start the day. She'll contentedly eat her fruit and cereal, calmly reading a book while I take a shower, and then will help me put on her school uniform. Other days she'll be totally ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/05/18/in-search-of-an-algorithm/ Salt and pepper balanced on top of 10 magic markers, which are balanced on top of cinnamon, which is sitting on top of paprika. Where does she get these ideas?  http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/05/17/what-is-it/ Isn't it gorgeous?!   One wears the helmet at all times - even indoors - in order to be ready to jump on trusty steed at moment's notice. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/05/15/new-bike/ When Nora York sings "What I want", I just want to run out in the street and sing along.  (...you have to sit through 30 seconds of car commercial before you get to her song) http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/05/10/a-find/ My daughter and I went to the children's museum yesterday. It was one of a series of outings that have just been my daughter and me. Six months ago she was bored with my company, now she seems to crave it. I am flattered. I believe it is partly because she ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/05/08/time-stretching-on-for-hours/ Mary (formerly of Manilla) has just moved over to WordPress this week. Drop by and say 'hi!' if you have a moment... Her pics of her adorable cat, Shadow, always make me wish I wasn't allergic.  http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/04/25/new-neighbor/ Rada started soccer practise last Friday. We reported to a field near Tufts at 5:45pm. Earlier that week I had bought cleats and shin-guards. Rada was so enamored she wore the cleats out of the store and through the apartment all that evening. When she woke the next morning, she made sure they were ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/04/17/soccer/ R: I don’t want to go to school! M: I don’t want to go to work, either. But I have to, so we'll have money for food and clothes, and you have to go to school because it’s the law. R: I want to change the law. M: In that case, I suggest you become ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/04/09/morning-walk/ Rada and I went to the Big Apple circus last weekend. I enjoyed it immensely, marvelling in its otherworldliness, and appreciating the unusual talents of the performers. There were people who stood on their head and allowed people to stand on top of other people who then stood on top of ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/04/06/the-big-apple/ You must hear this old HP scanner reprogrammed to play Fur Elise. Lends new meaning to the term "multi-purpose device"... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/04/04/and-with-such-sensitive-phrasing-and-musicality/ As Rada and I were waiting for the 85 one afternoon last week, we saw an empty bus go by. Rada said, "Look! its 'Out of Service' " And it was, but it actually had a purpose. It was driven by a student bus driver. The LED screen on the front and side said 'INSTRUCTOR ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/03/28/instructor-bus/ Last week, I came down with a stomach bug, not as bad as February's noro-virus, but a stomach bug nevertheless.  I became sick after the first day of an educational technology conference. I'd been having a great time, and really wanted to go back for the second day.  So, on the next day, after dropping Rada off at ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/03/27/we-dont-know-what-we-know/ These just in...  On the way to the beach.    In the sun.     In the water. It really was that sparkly, and so will the deep-green waters of New England be in a scant 2 months.   http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/03/26/florida-07/ My daughter and I recently returned from a six day vacation in Florida. The weather was gorgeous, the water swimmable, and grapefruits grew wild. As I looked back on the visit, remembering good times with family and friends, I realized that some of the best moments with my daughter were on the long ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/03/16/stolen-moments/ Rada lurked at the front window, anxiously perusing cars and passersby.   Finally he arrived. (photo taken by Nathan's dad.) http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/03/07/waiting-for-nathan/ When my daughter and I visit the library, we usually choose enough books to last the week. Each evening, we'll select a new book from our stash which I'll read outloud to her. Yesterday, I noticed I'd taken out a book that was much too simple for Rada's tastes. It had very ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/28/rada-the-reader/ Today is the last day of Rada's school vacation. We've been managing well with the adjustment to a different routine and the change in commute involved with taking her to her old daycare provider. We've walked with the stroller, we've taken the car, and today we took the bus. It was a new bus, one that neither ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/23/the-91-bus/ This week is school vacation. While I'm at work Rada has been spending the day with her old daycare provider, Tracey.  I pulled the umbrella stroller out of storage and walked to Tracey's house this morning. Rada settled into a spectator frame of mind, enjoying watching the world go by at ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/22/february-vacation/ My sister Rebecca made these snowpeople with her 10-year-old friend Aikena.   And Aikena got in some snow-boxing, too.       http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/16/baltimore-snowmen/ Because of the snowstorm, Rada's school let the kids out at 11:30 on Wednesday. There was no way a babysitter would be willing to go out in the bad weather. So after making my apologies to my boss, I went home and prepared to spend the rest of the day looking after ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/16/snow-day/ It is interesting how different schools have their own cultures and values. Last year, Rada's pre-school studiously refrained from celebrating Valentines Day. The rationale for this was related to the notion of Valentines Day as a religious holiday. Given the diversity of cultures and ethnicities attending the pre-school, by not celebrating any religious ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/14/valentines-day/ Rada is engaged with school. It is what she does. It is her business. I don't believe she's thought about whether she likes it or not, its just what she does. She neither anticipates it with dread nor does she approach it with unbridled joy. It is somewhere in the ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/08/kindergarden-at-midyear/ My daughter has left school three times this winter without a mitten. Each time we have carefully retraced steps, rethought the traffic pattern, and each time we have found the mitten. They are a very snazzy set of mittens, carefully ordered from LandsEnd, and holding up well in sub-zero temperatures. Last week ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/07/lost-and-found/ A friend described it as 'Las Vegas for kids'. Its essentially gambling, thinly disguised as family fun. But along with the commercialism, ever-present TV screens, and blaring dance music, there is a carnival aspect and it has a garish charm. Anyway, Rada and I were there for a good-bye party on Saturday. ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/02/05/chuck-e-cheese/ My dad was able to drive my daughter home from school this cold winter evening. So that was a relief.   ...and here are just a 'few' more additions to my birthday list: bigger TV combination VCR and DVD player new winter boots quieter fridge better take-out in my neighborhood fresh watermelon in February (when I started the birthday list, a little voice inside of me ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/26/update/ ...the parka fabric turns crinkly. This morning was a cold day. Along with half of Boston, my car would not start. When my daughter learned that we would have to walk to school instead of take the car, she was irate and tried to blame the failure on me. I testily explained that ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/26/you-know-its-cold-when/ Since my birthday is 3 1/2 months away, it seemed a good time to get started on my wish list. Here it is: a high-quality, user-friendly mid-range digital camera an ipod (but will settle for an mp3 player) a laptop for my home office ... and a new cement foundation for my basement Whew! that was easy. Its so good ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/25/birthday-list/ Rada and I have gone to several family dances this winter. At these events, one's partner may be 6 years old, 60 years old, or any age in-between. Its been fun for me to get back into dancing, especially during January when there's not much else to do. The photos below are from ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/24/dancing/ The snow this morning, lightly dusting the cars and street, took my breath away. It was soft and fluffy, and had fallen so quietly the evening before that its presence was a complete surprise. When Rada woke up, she glanced sleepily out the window and broke into a huge smile. I told her if she ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/23/a-perfect-snow/ Recently arrived from Christmas: One cute reindeer.   3-year-old Shravya and I jammed. She danced; I accompanied.   http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/23/christmas-photos/ Last night, she stood in the middle of the kitchen, jumping up and down, waving her arms wildly. "What are you doing?", I asked. "Trying to fly."   .....you go girl! http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/22/bird/ My daughter brings many things home from school: paintings, sculptures, school newsletters, and occasionally a treasured left-over from snacks or lunch. Friday, however, she came home from school with dim eyes and a wan face. Going to sleep early did not help the situation and she woke up Saturday morning with a ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/18/the-return-of-the-germinator/ Yesterday, as usual, I went to pick up my daughter from the extended day program at her school. Rada was in her classroom, deep in conversation with her kindergarten teacher, Ms. C. I've grown to like and respect Ms. C. over the past few months. She is young enough to be ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/10/school-update/ I assisted the marchers with putting on their make-up. And then sat back to enjoy the procession.   ...which went right through my kitchen. Several times. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/05/new-years-parade/ Last weekend, Rada and I had the pleasure of meeting Ethan Azamat, an adorable, bright-eyed four-year-old who is the brand new son of Gwen and Mark. They travelled to Kazakhstan to meet Ethan earlier this year, and Gwen just recently returned from fulfilling final legal obligations and bringing him back to the ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/04/new-citizen/ Last year I resolved to Think Outside the Box. Did I actually do this? No, but on a few occasions I peaked over the lid and waved, which was an improvement over 2005. This year I am going to Live The Dream. But what that means I am not completely sure. Last night I ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/03/resolution/ My daughter and I spent 6.5 hours in the Baltimore airport on the day after Christmas.   Even now, all I can say is thankyou thankyou thankyou for the children's play area next to the observation deck. It had several climbing structures and there were various kids in similar situations to my daughter. Pick-up playdates ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2007/01/02/delay/ There is a bell on the front door.         As it jingles, someone looks over their glasses from a desk in the back. You step inside politely, at once sensing the orderly chaos, the accumulation of paraphenalia, and the impression of a hey-day many years gone by. Everywhere is stacked the detritius of ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/12/18/university-stationary/ When Rada was 3 years old, I spent most of my free time on the playground. Rada craved fresh air, wide-open spaces, and the opportunity to play with other kids. There were several parks we would frequent, and we got used to seeing familiar faces. Often, in the late afternoons, the children would ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/12/13/rati-budathoki/ ...I can't stop listening to it. Its here (code monkey dance) and here. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/12/12/when-is-the-music-is-good/ My daughter was diagnosed with strep throat yesterday. I took her home and started a course of anti-biotics. At one point in the afternoon she decided that she really really wanted to go play in the playground. I was surprised to see so much energy in a sick child but was willing ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/12/07/sick/ I spent a delightful Thanksgiving in Illlinois with my sister and her family. The weather was lovely with sunny days in the mid-fifties. We walked alot and went to playgrounds. We visited a real live prairie and participated in a uniquie Illini custom called the 'turkey trot'. Isabel showed saintly patience towards the 6 ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/12/01/thanksgiving/ Kindergarten for my daughter has been very different from my own experience.  For instance, one example is that her school assigns homework. Four nights a week she brings home something to do. When I was in kindergarten, the most rigorous learning we did was to sit in a circle and learn songs by ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/11/16/homework/ It was a rainy Sunday and with two squirmy 6 year-olds in the back seat, I was happy to be on my way to KidSpace. Located in a church basement, KidSpace has a gymnasium for running, with balls to throw, tricycles to ride, slides to slide up and down, and so much more. ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/11/13/saccos-bowl-heaven/ Monday morning begins with the reluctant walk to school. My daughter drags her feet, complaining that she is 'not feeling well' and has a 'cough'. This from an individual who 5 minutes previously was jumping off the couch and making airplane noises. I try to cajole her along, half commiserating, ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/11/06/ritual/ I'm a good citizen in most situations: I stop at red lights, even when no one is around for miles. I pick up trash from the playground, and abstain from littering. I don't peek on tests, cheat at my taxes, or park illegally, and when I do, pay the ticket promptly. Sometimes I nauseate ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/10/27/confession/ I am so sorry. I stepped away from this blog for a moment and two weeks went by. How did that happen? It is the busiest time of year, from Labor Day to Thanksgiving. So much is going on, and it’s certainly the case with me, my life, work, family, and friends A ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/10/20/i-am-so-sorry/ My daughter and I have settled into a daily routine. In the morning I walk her 6 blocks to her school, walking my bike alongside. I say goodbye, and ride the remaining 1.5 miles to work. In the afternoon, it is reversed: I ride my bicycle from work to her school, pick ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/10/03/this-will-not-last/ We interrupt our regularly scheduled "Kindergarten Obsession" programming to bring you photos from Rada's birthday a few weeks ago. Party guests having meaningful conversation: The birthday cake: The wish:   http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/09/21/something-completely-different/ Every morning, the principal in my daughter's school rings the bell in the school yard to signal the beginning of the day. Its an old fashioned ring-a-ling type that you'd see in a Norman Rockwell painting. I really like that he's there every morning, visible, smiling and ready to help. The teachers ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/09/19/heres-whats-good/ Having my child start kindergarten has been a roller coaster. Just when I think that she's going to be OK and that I made the right decision to send her to this particular school, I learn about some byzantine rule or procedure. Like, for example, the 'card system'. If your ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/09/18/thoughts-at-day-ten/ Reporting from kindergarten front-lines... At the end of day one, the parents gathered in the school yard waiting for their kids to exit the buildling, like paparazzi waiting for movie stars. When Rada appeared, she was at the front of her line, holding her teacher's hand and scanning the crowd for my face.  When ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/09/06/the-new-era-day-two/ Reporting to you live from the Parent Channel -- we are interviewing a mom whose child just started kindergarten this morning... PC: How did the drop-off go? Mom: It was OK. My daughter got a little shakey at one point so I did the Kissing Hand for her, and it seemed to help. PC: What is ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/09/05/in-the-belly-of-the-beast/ I'm not sure what to write about. There are so many big changes going on. I could talk about this freshly minted six year old, just 6 days ago, and how much she is enjoying her seniority, being the oldest (though not tallest) in her daycare, and the one who knows the answers.   I ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/08/29/the-big-k/ These photos, just in, were taken by Jane's dad. They're from Casey's birthday party in July.   Rada and Jane loved going on the water slide at the party.   They went over and over again, probably twenty times. They took a break and had a snack, and then went back and did it some more. Many people went ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/08/28/water-slide/ or The Battle of the Plurals  I have to hand it to my daughter. She may be fighting a losing battle with grammar, but she's giving it her best shot. According to her, there is a gaggle of gooses in our house and one of them is a geese by the name of Goose.  ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/08/24/still-arguing-about-geese-and-gooses/ My daughter must take medicine without fail for 9 months. It is a half a pill in the morning and a tablespoon of syrup at night. The nurse-practitioner stressed how important it was to not miss a single dose. The pill procedure is going well. My daughter splits the pill with her ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/08/15/medicine/ Although my camera got waterlogged, its memory card was ok and the photos from our recent trip to Storyland were salvaged, thanks to Tom's intrepid efforts (and if anyone has any ideas on how to go about purchasing a servicable, reasonably priced digital camera, please feel free to share your ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/08/08/these-just-in/ This is the homepage for my daughter's daycare:   And there's Rada making a block castle. If you go the the center's main page here, and keep pressing the refresh button, it will cycle around to her picture.   http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/08/03/web-presence/ After months of anticipation Rada and I finally visited Storyland, the 'Disney World of the Northeast'. (though comparing Storyland to Disney World is like comparing ballet to disco.)  The 3 hour drive was grueling, but Storyland was a delight. There was Humpty Dumpty, Mother Goose, the Itsy Bitsy Spider, Little Red Riding ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/08/01/pilgrimage/ I want to write about the bug in my salad. It was 'boxed' lettuce, advertised as organic, double-washed and ready to eat. So I opened it up, sliced it into thin shreds, adding tomatoes, cucumbers, dressing, and a bit of chicken salad. Oh my, it would be delicious. I was ready to take my first ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/07/21/a-bug/ I stumbled onto this today. I'm not sure what to think, but watching and hearing the bouncing squares was mesmerizing. Do people make music with this? If so, I wonder how? http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/07/10/pianolina/ What have we been up to? A big art project.     Like a minor talent in a Renaissance atelier, I was conscripted to do easy things like wheels and windows.   Here it is, finished.       http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/07/07/airplane/ My daughter began living with me at just under 3 years of age. Before then, she had lived in a babyhouse with gentle, enlightened, but overworked caregivers. After she came to live with me I was always aware that she had spent most of her life elsewhere, that her tenure ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/07/06/crossing-the-line/ Every year my daughter and I go to a picnic hosted by the social worker who helped my daughter and I find each other. Its a big gathering with lots of families. And there are, naturally, lots of kids. We've been to this picnic 3 years in a row. The first year we ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/06/28/on-my-own/ Last weekend Rada and her friend Kayla had their long-awaited sleepover. While Kayla's mom Kathy enjoyed some grown-up time, Kayla, Rada and I mixed it up at home. It was the third or fourth time the girls had gotten together without the presence of both moms and the dynamics were interesting. During the transition ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/06/15/sleepover/ It had become more and more difficult to shift my car's gear into park. On Sunday, I struggled against several bumps and pops before it reluctantly slid into place. Finally, the reality bubbled up through layers of denial: your car is about to breakdown, take care of it sooner rather than ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/06/14/lightning-strikes-twice/ I had thought I could finesse it: that it would be possible to escape certain embarrassments, but no... This morning, my daughter and I were trying to get our things together and out the door. She was looking for the 'chosen animal' , the one which would accompany her to daycare. I ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/06/02/the-indignity/ She loves taking photos. She looks through the lens, and uses the preview screen.  I try to breathe normally as she runs around pointing and clicking, hoping she'll stay steady on her feet. The camera's owner, a professional photographer, assures me repeatedly that this is a 'second-string' camera, worth but a fraction of its ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/05/31/new-hobby/ There is a new member of the household.   Niri Pinky-Ming, a Betta fish, has taken up residence in the living room. Originally puddle-dwellers, Bettas are renowned for being hard to kill, which is just our kind of fish. They're low-maintenance, too: no bubbles, filters, or live plants required.  Isn't s/he beautiful? Niri Pinky-Ming had his/her first ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/05/24/niri-pinky-ming/ Ben's post on his son's activities, reminded me of Rada's most recent accomplishment. Last week, she and Ian were playing noisily in the front room while Ian's mom Laurie and I were trying to chat-chat in the kitchen. All of a sudden the noise level in the front room dropped to an ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/05/21/beware-the-silent-children/ She already had many; but I broke down and got her more. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/05/19/ducks/ Sunday night, I bounded out of bed at 3 am and started looking for the two children.The two children? Yes, Rada and the baby. Where was the baby!? I ran from room to room, feverished, panicky, looking for the baby. Finally, it dawned on me that there was no baby. There was ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/05/16/hamsters-babies/   My daughter is morphing and I don't like it. Until recently, I had her figured out, pigeon holed. We had our routine: snacks, reading, the video, playing with stuffed animals, dinner, fun in the bathtub, more stories, and then to bed. But recently she has started to change. Her little mind is developping. She's turning ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/05/03/change/   This past weekend my daughter and I attended Earth Day celebrations at the Worcester Ecotarium (a fabulous place, by the way). One of the performers was a juggler/musician. He was entertaining the crowd singing songs, and juggling inanimate objects. However, it also appeared that he was looking after his pre-school-aged ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/04/24/literal-parental-juggling/ ...yesterday at 2 minutes and 3 seconds after 1? Whatever it was, you were doing it at 1:02:03 4/5/06. If you missed it, a similar opportunity will present itself on May 6th, 2007 at 02:03:04. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/04/06/what-were-you-doing/   Mary's parents were right: they predicted one more snow fall before spring. And here it is, April 5th, and the flakes are big and white and coming down fast. They melt as soon as they hit the ground. Its definitely a spring snow. I recently received more photos from my Florida ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/04/05/snow-and-sand/   The past week has been peppered with beautiful days. Temperatures are inching into the seventies, with bright blue skies as clean as a freshly laundered bed sheet, and a warm yellow sun as cute as a button. But it seems whenever I wax poetic about the gorgeous spring, someone has to ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/04/03/global-warming-is-taking-the-spring-out-of-my-step/   It is utterly beautiful outside. March came in like a lion and out like a lamb. Good job, March! I am going to take this woman's advice. Urgent business requires my presence on the other side of campus. Got to leave right now. Usually I know my way around pretty well, ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/03/31/urgent-business/   Rada and I have been trying our best to deal with the cooped-up-ness of late winter. Last weekend, we dressed her teddy bear in a matching coat and turban, held together by clothes pins. Note also, the body art on legs and feet. She did this using a stamp pad received at one ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/03/24/out-of-the-doldrums/   This time of year is worst. The days crawl by. Snow flurries threaten. Winds blow. The temperature hovers in the thirties. No wonder March harbors silly holidays like St Patty's, Mardi Gras, and Purim: anything to relieve the monotony. I am sick of seeing my pasty white face in the mirror, sick of putting on ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/03/16/ick-bleh-grrrrrr/   Stegosaurus   Ankylosaurus http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/03/11/dinosaurs/   I recently returned from 5 days in Florida visiting family and friends. The mornings were cool but it warmed up by afternoon. There was wind, water, sand and sun. My sister Rebecca visited. She is an amateur manicurist and she brought her kit. One evening -- either because we had seen so many bare feet in Florida (and ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/03/10/pedi/   "....wait a minute. I need my cape and purse."     "OK... is there room at the inn?"       http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/02/22/kayla-and-rada/   One of the kids in Rada's pre-school class plays chess with the teachers. Rada has been hanging out on the sidelines, watching the game. Last weekend she asked me to get her 'chest'. Somewhat dubious, but nonetheless delighted, I bought her a chess set. And we proceeded to play. Very soon it was clear she ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/02/22/genius/   It started out as another mundane errand: one more sheet to add to the mountain of adoptive paperwork that bio families never see. First it is the dossier, then the INS forms, then the green card (yes! for a 3 year old) and then the re-adoption process, and the certificate of ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/02/16/oath/   ...of my favorite links Heather, Leta and Jon The Daily Oliver Steve Tricks of the Trade What are your must-sees? http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/02/15/these-are-a-few/   I recently spent 2 wonderful days in New Hampshire at an inn that is a working farm.  Rada was transported milking cows, feeding goats, holding bunnies and gathering eggs. She also deeply enjoyed running around the dining room with the other guests under 5. We all enjoyed the three healthy meals that ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/02/14/vacation/   I feel pretty incredibly special right now. I've been named someone's Fairy Blog Mother and am absolutely thrilled. I did nothing to deserve this honor except show a very talented blogger how to log on and publish her first post. From there, she's been on her own and doing beautifully.        http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/02/06/oscar-tony-pshaw/ Rada received the Dora Explorer PlayPark board game for Christmas. There are 3 versions of the game: Easy, Medium, and Advanced. We are currently playing Easy. If the players are older than 3 (as both my daughter and I are) they should be able to do Medium and Advanced but I cannot, for ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/01/26/childs-play/ Tuesday night, at 3 am, I pulled myself from a deep sleep, bolted out of bed and panically started looking for the hamster. Apparently the hamster had not been fed for several days and I must feed it right now. I ran feverishly through several rooms before I finally woke up... ... and realized ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/01/20/sleep-walking/ Nathan of La Familia Brophy fame and Rada of this Rugs Life (with its devoted and fanatical readership of 12) recently met for absorbing evening of trains, tracks and playing. Nathan's dad Ben helped build an amazing track matrix. Nathan's mom Lisa prepared a delicious dinner. And for Nathan and Rada she made ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/01/17/blog-summit/ My car had been making a disturbing “whump, whump, whump" noise. So I brought it to the local repair shop early this morning. ...and drove away 20 minutes later, $15 poorer, with a smoothly humming car. Fifteen dollars ?!? It has got to be a personal best. I am ecstatic. I had been sure ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2006/01/10/lucky-day/   My daughter has an insatiable appetite for stories. In her perfect world, I'd tell stories non-stop from morning to night.  But I put my foot down. A  mother is not an entertainment center. And this mother's creative skills are limited. However, I usually accomodate her with a few tales peppered throughout the day. Though even that feels ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2005/12/30/reality-storytelling/   My daughter and I spent a wonderful Christmas in Baltimore with my sister and family friends. I was amazed by the following photo. Chloe the cat started out the weekend hightailing it out of the room at the mere sight of my daughter, but by the last day she let Rada pet ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2005/12/28/baltimore-holiday/   My daughter didn't want to leave the house. She didn't want to get dressed, and she was 'not ready' to have breakfast. When she point blank refused to brush her teeth, I felt the approach of a dead-end. I had already given her time-out for making a mess of my bedroom. So I ... http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2005/12/20/the-bug-returns/     Rada: "Everyone is gathered around Jesus to watch over and protect him.  Jay-Jay the airplane and Harold the helicopter are there to help. The donkey and cow are sitting in a bed of soft hay." I wasn't able to get her to comment on the hippopotamus. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/arugslife/2005/12/12/radas-nativity/