"We are coming."

If you haven't figured it out yet, I really like science fiction. One of my favorite shows is TORCHWOOD. It's a spin off of Dr Who. (TORCHWOOD is an anagram of Doctor Who.) It's on BBC America. They don't do seasons like we think of them. Every September there's a new season of NCIS starting. If BBC does do regular seasons, they don't do it with TORCHWOOD. Or Dr Who, but that's a whole different story.

TORCHWOOD is very well written science fiction. It's not just aliens and time travel. They do have that, but it's well written aliens and time travel. It's definitely a grown up show. You'll find sub plots that include a homosexual couple, an extra marital affair, and a man who never ages with a daughter & a grandson yet looks 26. And he's gorgeous too!

The mini series is available from On Demand. Scroll down till you find TORCHWOOD and start the series from the beginning. It's just 5 shows, and they're just over an hour each. All you really need to know to get started watching it is that Captain Jack can't be killed, aliens exist, Gwen's husband is very laid back, and Yento really does love Jack. Give the series a try, I think you'll enjoy it. Oh, and no, you don't have to watch Dr. Who to understand what's going on.

Good Behavior Chart

Paige doesn't listen. I know, that's normal for a 3 year old. Really, I do. But, well, she's just acting bad. She keeps going after the cats, won't pick up her toys, and tells us what she will and won't do. Not that we listen to her and let her get away with it. We've tried spanking, time out, taking away her favorite toys, turning off the TV, everything we can think of. Every time we try something it works for a few days, but then stops working.

Now, I'm trying a good behavior chart. Nothing fancy, just a chart each day on it. I sat Paige down and talked to her about it. Each day she's good and listens to Mommy & Daddy, she gets a smiley face. When we get to the end of a week, and she has all smiley faces, she gets a special treat. She gets to put the smiley face on the chart each night before bed.

This week's special treat is a movie. We'll rent something she hasn't seen before, pop some popcorn, and even get candy. Candy is a very special treat for her. We don't do it much. At least not large quantities, just a piece or 2. I'm thinking of doing something like Jonah Lisa. It looks like a great idea! I'll make the movie tickets tonight. Now, off to search Netflix for a movie.

We're Better!!

I think it's safe to say the fever has broken. I'm so glad. We got out and about for a bit today. It's been hard on all of us being cooped up in the house for a week. Paige is very active and always wants to be out doing things. She would live outside if we would let her. Keeping her in wasn't the best of ideas as far as she's concerned. We got out and did a bit of window shopping for a Big Girl Bed.

It's back to school for her on Monday and back to work for Mommy & Daddy. Actual full week of work, not a day on day off kind of work. I'm sure our bosses will be very happy about that. I know our bank account will be since I was out of PTO.

Sick Little Girl

It's been going on since Monday. As soon as the Motrin or Tylenol wears off, her fever goes back up to the 103 range. She's hit an all time high of 103.6. New record for us. Not one I really wanted to set, but we have, so I go with it. We've had 2 trips to our pediatrician this week. I like Dr. Harrell, but that's 2 times too many. And he agrees. We've run tests for strep. Nope. UTI? Nope. Any bacterial infection? Of course not. Her white blood cell count is exactly where it should be. Except for running a high fever, she's perfectly fine. She's not really eating much, but we're going through milk like crazy. The only thing he found in her urine was evidence that because she isn't eating much her body is using up its minimal fat to function. Perfectly normal with what she's going through. Great. I have a perfectly normal child with a fever. Hmp.

Ronnie and I have been taking days staying home with her. He was off Monday, so he got Monday & Wednesday. I got Tuesday and Thursday. I had already asked for today off. Daycare is closed in order for the workers to attend a 2 day conference out of town. I have learned a few things. Like Thursday morning is the best time to go to Walmart. Yesterday I made the weekly menu for next week and my grocery list. Not wanting to tackle grocery shopping on the weekend with a sick child, we went yesterday. There was hardly anyone there. It was nice.

Today she woke up with a temp of 101. Definitely an improvement over the 103 she's been having the past few mornings. I'm making cheese grits & green eggs & ham for breakfast. After we eat, we'll be going to the library and get my oil changed. Things that need to get done but I don't care to do over the weekend.

I'm going to see Kim!!!

Well, Paige & I are going to see Kim. She's been my best friend for more years than I would like to admit to. Probably about 25 years or so. Yeah, that sounds about right. Her husband is in the Army, and they're stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. We see each other when we can, but it's not nearly often enough for either of us. I haven't seen her since New Years Day, 2008. She just bought tickets for me and Paige to fly out there for Labor Day. We'll leave that Thursday morning and get back on Labor Day. No idea what we'll do while we're there. Maybe go to Myrtle Beach for a day or 2 or something. We'll have to see. All that matters is that we're going to see Kim and her girls, my Goddaughters, Gabrielle (AKA Mini Angie) and Julia.

On closer to happening news, Paige has been sick. I got that dreaded call from daycare yesterday. "Hi, Angie. It's Ann. Um, Paige is running a fever of 102.5. Can you come get her?" Ronnie was off yesterday, so he got her and spent the day with her. Today is my turn. Her fever comes and goes. When it stays at 101 or less I don't give her anything for it. I let the fever do it's job. When it suddenly goes from 100.8 to 102.2, that's when the Motrin comes out. Other than no appetite and running a fever, she's doing OK. She did throw up some yesterday, but that seems to be over. And the couch is glad. Ah, just another reason why we bought a cute but cheap couch.

Class is over

Almost. We had our final regular class this past Thursday. My large project was due then, so the brunt of my homework time is done. Now no class for me until this coming Thursday when I have my final. This class has consumed all of my time, but I must say, it's been enjoyable. I didn't think I would say that about Accounting for Government & Not for Profit Organizations. Odd, I know.

I will be taking a short break from studying. In a few months I'll start preparing for the CPA exam. That will once again take all of my time and energy. For now, I would like to have a life. There are things I would like to do. Maybe go to the science museum with Paige. It's really cool with a special section just for pre-schoolers that's super amazing. There are books I would like to read. I'm on a real Orson Scott Card kick right now. I could go see my parents. My aunt has some new cool shopping bags for me. I just have to go pick them up from her. She lives across the street from my parents. Sounds like a 45 minute car trip I need to take.

Other things are coming up too that I would like to see or do. Torchwood, one of my favorite shows, is doing a mini series on BBC America next week. I know, really thrilling. But it's been a while since our last Torchwood, and it will be a while before we get anymore. The BBC is holding out on me. Eureka just had a new half season start. Other than that, my TV viewing is down to a minimum. I should probably do a deep cleaning of the house. It needs it. Ronnie & I have both been rather busy lately. Oh, the house is clean. The kitchen is clean, I vacuumed, I even mopped today. That layer of dust? It's just a protective layer over all my stuff. It was either get rid of it or read Paige another book. We read.

Now that class is almost over, I'll be back to more regular posts again. Expect more of the boring, after all I am an accountant. And the mundane, I spent my day doing housework and grocery shopping. And the funny. I've got some great blog ideas out there just waiting to be blogged. Wait until you see the collection of stuff I've gotten from Paige's pockets.

It's getting closer

The next Harry Potter movie. It's almost here. The next movie, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince comes out tomorrow night at midnight. If it weren't a work night I would be there. As the title of my blog lets you know, I'm most definitely a science fiction freak. That expands out to the world of fantasy as well. In some cases I'm not really sure where to draw the line. Anyway, I'm a Harry Potter fan. A huge Harry Potter fan.

I started reading the books just as book 3 came out. I was living in Miami at the time. There was a midnight book release for it, and I went. My (now ex) husband thought I was weird. I then stayed up all weekend reading it. He really thought I was odd then. I finished it before the end of the weekend. I went to every midnight release afterwards. I barely slept the weekend book 7 came out. Just barely. I had to go to work that next Monday and I hadn't finished the book. I tried to call out Harry Potter so I could finish reading it. My boss asked how close I was to the end, about 2 chapters. He told me to bring the book & come in anyway. In my defense, I stayed up all weekend each time a new book came out. Maybe that's not a defense. Maybe that does just prove that I'm a bit odd.

I know some people have issues with the books. There are people who don't approve of magic, so they don't care for the books. No matter what you think of magic, JK Rowling is getting kids to read. And not just a little here and there. Kids are reading 800 plus page books. That counts for a lot with me.

I can't make the midnight premier of Half Blood Prince, but we do want to go see it this weekend. With the price of movies we're pretty picky on what we want to see at the theater. Most times we see a preview we like and save the movie to our Netflix que for when it's released on DVD. This may be the only summer movie we see this summer. But it will sooo be worth it. Oh, and in case you haven't heard, book 7 will be turned into 2 movies. The producers screwed up so much of the story line between the books & movies that she wouldn't let them make 7 unless they did 2 movies and fixed their mistakes. There are many story lines to be tied up properly. Ms Rowling's point of view being those who only see the movies should get closure to all her story lines. If you're just starting to read them, you're in for a treat. Reading the books start to finish really makes them amazing. You see how she had a complete plan from page 1 of book 1. They flow very well. And if you've only seen the movies, not read the book, let me tell you a secret: The book is always better.

It worked

Our little attitude adjustment must have done the trick. When I picked Paige up yesterday I asked how she was, and the answer was perfect. She didn't act up in any way. She ran out of her room (Jessi opened the door for her) so she could tell me she didn't call anyone an ugly poo poo head. She was so proud of herself! And yes, I did have another special treat waiting for her in the van. I was so glad she got to eat it!

I'm not completely delusional. I'm sure we'll have more issues in the future. For now, or at least yesterday, life is good & Paige is back to being a mostly good little girl.

Attitude Adjustment

I picked Paige up from daycare today expecting the usual comments that she had been good. Boy was I mistaken. Let's see, she called a boy "Ugly poo poo head" while running around the lobby ignoring the director. She was supposed to be in line for the water fountain. When Ann told her repeatedly to stop & she didn't, Ann pulled out the big guns: "I'm going to tell your Mother." Paige just looked at her and said "So." That had me seething.

After hearing about that little incident, I walked back to her room. Jessi, her teacher, spotted me through the window & came out. Nothing unusual there since we're friends. Paige had just run across the room and tried to bite another little girl. No reason. And Paige isn't usually a biter. When I asked her if she did that she just grinned and nodded her head.

By then I was was beyond mad. I told Paige she would be punished when we got home. First though, no snack. I always bring her a snack: a juice & a treat. Today was a good day too. I stopped and got her lemonade (her current favorite drink) and gummy bears. Both of us love gummy bears. I called Ronnie on my way home to discuss punishment options. I was so upset at the time that I didn't want to make a rash decision I would regret later. See, I'm one of those moms that when I say it, I do it. There are no idle threats from me that you hear so often.

Ronnie brought home a big box from work. We sat Paige down & talked to her. Then she got a spanking. (I know, some of you may not approve.) We asked if she knew why she was getting the spanking and she said yes. After the spanking she sat in time out until she finished crying and we got the box ready. I picked Paige's 4 favorite toys and sat them on the table. Ronnie had her help box them up. They put the box in the shed. Paige can have them back when she can be nice. Ronnie told her if she can't be nice she can't play with nice toys. Tomorrow, if she's not nice at daycare again, we pack up 4 more toys. Oh, and she can't watch any TV tonight.

I'll ask Jessi and Ann tomorrow if she's been nice. If not, we get a repeat of today. I don't expect a 3 year old to be perfect, but I do expect her to be nice to people, and to respect adults. I know the kids she was mean to today, and they're good kids. In fact, Paige usually plays well with them. I'm hoping our attitude adjustment works.

Michael Jackson

I can't believe today is his funeral. I was a huge Michael fan, back in the day. You know, before he got weird. Think back to Thriller days. The height of Michael Jackson's career, in my opinion. And since this blog is all about my opinion, that's what matters, right?

I remember coming home from school and watching the MTV World Premier of the Thriller video. I still think it's the best video ever made. There's just something about hearing Vincent Price speak that makes the video perfect. I taught myself to Moonwalk. I wore out several tapes of his music. His music was fun, and good, unlike most music of the 80's, which was just fun.

I don't know whether he did the things he was accused of. By then I had gotten over Michael and was on to other musicians. I do have my ideas on things, but I'm just not sure. I thought he was a bit odd keeping his kids faces covered all the time. I thought holding his youngest over the side of a balcony was a stupid idea. Not that any parent I know in real life has had a stupid idea with their kids. Never. We just don't have the media following us around. Lucky for us. From all accounts he was a great father who loved his children more than anything. I think his childhood was very screwed up and that he was trying to do better with his kids.

It's sad for me when someone I had posters of as a child dies. Not that I knew him, not that I cried, it's just sad for me. A happy piece of my childhood has gone. Paige will only knew him by watching his videos on You Tube.

In case you haven't seen it recently, here's a link to the full 14 minute Thriller video. Sit back, turn up the volume and watch the best music video ever made. Back when MTV still played music videos, and musicians actually took pride in the videos they produced.

My Girly Girl

I'm probably the least girly girl I know. I'm more baseball than ballet. Because of this, I always thought I wanted a boy. As we all know, I got a girl. I was welcomed into the world of pink. Pink of course being my least favorite color. I got a girl who loves pink, loves dolls, and luckily likes to play with cars.

One of her favorite things to ask on the weekends, is to go to the mall. Yes, at 3 Paige is already asking to go to the mall. The biggest attraction at the mall is the carousel. Paige likes to ride the pink horse. Go figure. After riding the pink horse, she likes to shop. First we stop at The Disney Store. After some time in there, we go for a cookie & lemonade. These must come from 2 different places. Great American Cookie does a good cookie, but they can't touch the lemonade at Chick Fil A.

After that refreshing stop it's time for more shopping. Mommy's influence was seen at The Disney Store (and Daddy's if I'm being honest). We need to get some shopping done that was influenced by Daddy. We go to Hot Topic. My pink princess little girl is head banging her way through the black t-shirts looking for pirate stuff. She spots a skull and yells she's found a pirate! She also likes to point out the Superheros and band logos that she likes. That's how I end up sending my little girl to daycare wearing an AC/DC shirt with a plaid skirt, looking like she just stepped out of an AC/DC video. They looked fabulous with her pink sparkly shoes.