Happy Birthday Brenna

Brenna turns 25 today! I helped Ruby make a sign for her so she'll know we're thinking about her. We also came up with a list of things we love about her. I welcome you all to add your own reasons and special birthday wishes in the comments.

Why Ruby, Vivian and I love Brenna

• She's funny
• She likes us
• People say she looks like me (Joy) which heightens my self esteem
• She's nice
• She gave me (Ruby) that toy dress thingy and the shell purse
• She rocks the mic

We love you and miss you sweetie!! Have a great birthday!

Introducing Mrs. Pitch

I'd like everyone to meet Mrs. Pitch. She'll be staying with us for a while. As you can see, she dresses impeccably, though she has a taste for the flamboyant, and she doesn't go anywhere without her toy terrier. She looks a bit stern in this photo, probably because she has a touch of laryngitis that makes her sound like a young Brenda Vaccaro.

Well, it's official. I quit my job at Keane last week, and I'm back home here in Burlington. For those keeping track, in the span of 10+ years, that means I've worked at 4 consulting companies through 3 turbulent acquisitions, 2 by Indian firms. More importantly, it means no more weekly road trips to New York, no more crappy hotels, no more parenting via cell phone from Laguardia airport during yet another flight delay. My new job is at a local company called C2. We're pretty thrilled about the opportunity to both live and work in Vermont.

Rice Dreams

It's been too long since I've posted, so here's an update from my neck of the woods with video! We got the girls to bed on the early side tonight, amazing considering how hyper they were. Ruby was playing with her doctor kit and Vivian--scream queen--was shrieking, as she does now with no prompting. She isn't upset, just happy to use her new-found voice. Lately, she seems to be testing how loud it can get. She's got a tooth in and a couple more on the way, and tonight she sampled her first solid food: Rice Dream. I'm no child psychologist, but from the looks of her face in the video, I doubt she'll be dreaming of this stuff.

Another snow storm's heading in, a Nor'Easter in New England parlance, so our first winter in Vermont has definitely been "as advertised" on all the local brochures. If you ski or have ever thought about skiing, time to plan a visit! I've made a goal to go skiing at least three times this year, and I may possibly try snowboarding. Again. The first time I did a few years ago, I was very, very sore the next day.

We have been doing a lot of snowshoeing and sledding though. We had an incredible hike at Niquette Bay State Park, about 15 minutes from our house. The trail winds around Lake Champlain and up through some wooded areas. The trees were loaded with snow. Ruby got some snowshoes shaped like dinosaur feet for Christmas, but she wore them about 20 feet before asking me to carry her, so I threw her in the child carrier backpack and away we went. Sorry, no pictures. I am still kicking myself for not having our camera with us.

By the way, THANK YOU ALL for the Christmas gifts. The girls had an amazing Christmas. Ruby has worn all her new clothes (miraculously, they all fit!), and she's been playing nonstop for the last three weeks.

That's all for now. I fly back to New York tomorrow. Week 8 or 9 of this project, I've lost track. Hopefully the last week for a little while. Happy Belated New Year!

Please Remember Those Who Can Not Speak

Dear Joseph,

"It's the most important wildlife conservation legislation in history," said John Kostyack, NWF's wildlife policy expert.

"Really?" I could see this question in the eyes of many in the room.

Could this new global warming bill--the Climate Security Act--really be as big as the Endangered Species Act...or the Clean Water Act...or the Clean Air Act? How?

"Well," said John, "Global warming has the potential to wipe out all of the conservation victories of the last century."

Endangered wildlife on the road to recovery could face new challenges as global warming alters their habitat and way of life. Waters that we once fought to protect could dry up from extreme drought.

This is why passing the Climate Security Act is the #1 priority for the National Wildlife Federation.

This bill, introduced in the Senate by Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA), will be voted on in the next few months.

Not only does the Climate Security Act take big steps to cut the pollution that causes global warming, it also provides billions of dollars to help wildlife survive a changing climate.

The National Wildlife Federation will be working on all fronts to pass this legislation. And we are going to need your help in getting this done!

Please stay tuned to find out more about the Act and how you can be a part of the campaign. Together we can make a difference and protect America's wildlife and wild places.

Thanks!

Kristin Johnson
Grassroots Mobilization Coordinator
National Wildlife Federation
alerts@nwf.org

Muse

There exist jars of dreams that preserve
Life's unknowns and always-have-knowns.
When the lids are unscrewed and twisted
Off the confines of our minds,
Strawberry robins and blueberry
Jays dart speedily into a world
Of nymphs and silver linings,
And our lives then bear much fruit and seed.

Watch now, little dream bird, for the skies
You swim can drown even you!
They'll open up great and wide
And welcome your wings to move
Like the wind and flap like a blanket
Hushing a fire. A hypnotist's crystal,
You'll hit balls like Mantle and birth
Word as Shelley once did.

You'll realize there's more jam in your jar
Than can be seen through glass walls and shudder
In knowing it's been there all the while.

Carrie Spirakus

Simple Goals for 2008

Compost to be Cool!: Composting is easy and important. Why waste room in a landfill?

Go Native at Home!: Make sure to plant native species in your garden and around your home. Also try to remove invasive plants that choke out habitat.

Feed the Birds!: Create a wildlife friendly backyard by providing birds with a food and water source that promotes a natural habitat.

Furnish to support the Forests!: Buy furniture that is made from sustainable wood such as oak or bamboo.

Help a Child Go Wild!: Take your kids outside to foster their connection to nature.