Throw-up Television

Julia got sick tonight. Julia threw up what looked like more than she's eaten all day. I won't go into the very gory details but after I had showered and shampooed her she said:

"I wish it was on TV." 

What do you mean, Julia? 

"I wish throwup was on TV."

I quizzically looked at her and asked why.

She said with a grin, "so you can see it happen."

I decided it might be time to introduce her to Captain Underpants books.

Tara's comment: It was like a crime scene, as I climbed the stairs, heard the sounds in bathroom as Jai helped Julia. I nervously walked down the hall, so slowly, approaching our bedroom as that is where Julia had fallen asleep. It was unbelievable, so disgusting ... our bedding was white this week too AND we'd just changed the sheets. UGH! Ironically I had been about to go to bed, but it was another 1.5 hours before I got to sleep. I stripped the bed & washed comforter, then sheets. The sheets are not going to make it, maybe I can dye them. The room smelled so bad so we slept in the guest room - thank goodness we have it.

SB 2013 - Phoenix - Day 2

"NO cable in PHX"

Friday morning, after not sleeping enough since both of our children decided to wake up at 6:00am (OMG!), Julia says she wants to watch TV. She announces to both Susie & I that she knows the channel for Sprout - "it's 1-5-0-5, but I don't know how to work the TV." I explain that Susie doesn't have cable. Surprised & with barely a pause, Julia says with a serious expression on her face "do you have PBS?" Susie & I cannot contain our hilarity and laugh A LOT. We also answer 'yes, she has PBS.'

"You don't look 42. I hope I look that good when I'm 42."

Later that morning I went to a training school, Southwest Institute for Natural Aesthetics for a SWINA signature facial for some lovely relaxation. Three years ago when we last came to Phoenix, Susie took me to SWINA for an affordable spa experience; I haven't had a facial in about 6+ months. The student aesthetician made the comment above after reviewing my registration paperwork. I also got more compliments on how nice my skin looks. Ah, so sweet! Last week I went to Empire Beauty, my school in Nashville for some wax services, but I didn't have time for a facial before we left for Phoenix. I'd really like to get a massage next, but that might have to wait until May ... Mother's Day gift (hint, hint, Jai!!). : )

"Sir, are you here with a child?"

After naps, we ran some errands before heading downtown to the PHX public library in the afternoon. What a cool place! HUGE!! Unbelievable structure, incredible, amazing architecture.
It has 5 stories - FIVE you heard me. Really cool elevator banks with lights, a water feature, neon signs for everything, information booths everywhere - this was just on the FIRST floor! We spent most of the time in the children's section. The bathrooms had GIRLS & BOYS on door and low toilet, almost on the ground. There also was a children's garden with a poem written in the sidewalk as well as some stone steps/seats with flowers all around.

Before venturing outside to check out the garden area, 2 guards approached Jai & asked the question above. He also had been using his camera to take photos of the cool features. Ironically we had been discussing security at NPL, particularly in children's area. We didn't realize that he wasn't close enough to us to be considered with his family though there weren't lots of other brown people ... though I guess we look more Latino! : ) Jai quickly turned to us as we were walking towards him as they asked the question. We laughed of course later & joked that we should have said "I don't know that man. Children, stay away from that strange man!" However, it is reassuring that the child safety procedures are in place & enforced when something questionable happens. We suspect the camera taking & flash probably caught someone's attention.

There also was a neat area for young children under 2 years old. After feeding Jacqueline in a nice comfy chair, while Julia was with Susie & Jai at the computer doing something, we played there. As I sat nursing Jacqueline, I wondered about Arizona's NIP (public breastfeeding) law as I realized that in TN, I'm no longer protected since she's over 12 months. Of course I'd love for someone to say something to me, but I'm in another state, a not so friendly to human rights kind of state, so not feeling as confident as I usually do. Susie says she thinks it is 2 years which would really surprise me. While Jacqueline plays on the cushy floor, Julia picks out some DVDs (Caillou, Disney Princess sing-along, Handy Manny). Lots of books on the shelves under the benches, some magnet letters, other tactile type toys, cool area.

We headed home for leftovers (pizza from Thursday night), baths and early bed (hopefully).
Another fun day in PHX!

In Treatment

Another show I watch, however, I've been kind of an inconsistent fan. We didn't have HBO when the show began 3 seasons ago. I started watching the 2nd season kind of by accident. It seemed like an interesting premise, a therapist's weekly sessions with 3 different clients, then the therapist's session with his own therapist. Occupational interest at best, voyeurism at least.

While watching therapist Paul Weston's transition to living in NYC separated from his family, I watched Paul's life in Baltimore in season 1 as his marriage begins to dissolve. DVD is a great way to catch up quickly & in my case obsessively. I remember doing the same thing with "The Gilmore Girls" 5 years ago!

Anyway, same thing happened. We recently got a few months of HBO for free so I had access to season 3. However, I never finished watching season 2. I'm sure I got tired of watching therapy "for pleasure" (what TV is for me usually), after working with people's issues all day at work. Yet it wasn't a problem since he had new clients. I learned his divorce was final, his ex-wife was engaged & Paul had a new girlfriend. I got consumed again, fascinated by these character's issues & how the analyst (the term used) negotiated the therapy sessions.

I was curious how Paul maintained professional boundaries while working in a room inside his cool NYC apartment. At the same time I watched as Paul fought his own personal demons in both client sessions & the ones with his new analyst played by Amy Ryan. I definitely look at my own counseling techniques & see how I can improve. It's different since I'm not a Freudian analyst & I don't have 50 minutes once a week with a student. It's a frustrating process actually, brief-solution focused counseling, usually 10-15 minutes max per student & not all students anyway.

It really makes me think about establishing a private practice & using own home. Technically I'm not sure if I have the appropriate credentials actually, but gives me pause. Jai sees a therapist (I don't think she calls herself an analyst) who works in her home. I've talked about my mom's business in our converted garage. Maybe that's what we could do with ours! HAHA!

I talk about being self-employed, but I like the comfort of working for an organization. I have so many ideas - baker/chef, organization consultant, therapist - & I'm sure I could come up with more. Something brainless would be nice ... not really, but sometimes seems appealing. 19 more years in public education seems like a long time yet I know retirement at 59 is not likely either - for monetary reasons mainly.

Modern Family

OK - another great TV show we love to watch!
The episode where Mitchell dances in the "Flash Mob" was awesome!
Cam seemed so offended that he wasn't included since he's the creative one.
There are so many hilarious characters on this show.
I love how inclusive & multi-cultural it is too.
The families represent/reflect a range of experiences, including 2 gay men adopting a baby.