Cure Autism Now

My cool cousin Sam is taking part in the Los Angeles Cure Autism Now walk tomorrow. God forbid I should actually walk myself. But I want to do more to support Sam than just make a donation on his web page (which I did). So I am entreating my generous and benevolent readers to join me in contributing to this great cause. Autism is on the rise and it remains pretty much a mystery. Imagine sitting in a doctor's office, being told that your child has autism. Now imagine if a cure could be found for this confounding condition. If you haven't blown your charity budget on American Idol, consider clicking here and donating to Cure Autism Now.

Doctors' Orders

Twice this year I've been advised by my doctors, both of whom I greatly respect and admire, to rest more, get more sleep, take some time for myself and (trying to keep a straight face here) and take a day off. From this I can only conclude, sadly, that the problem of crack addiction among our medical community is much, much worse than I ever imagined.

Tagged by Meghan

It appears I've been tagged by the lovely Meghan, who happens to share my birthday. I usually ignore these things but my blogging has been so sparse lately, and guilt is a powerful motivator. Here's what you do:

Go to Wikipedia and look up your birthday. Then list 3 events, 2 important birthdays, 1 death and 1 holiday that occurred on that day. Except for the death part is sad, so maybe I'll do an extra birthday or holiday instead. Let's see how it goes.

Events:

1769 - Father Junipero Serra founds Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first mission in California. The mission later evolves into the city of San Diego. Of course, if you spent 4th grade at any elementary school in California, you already know this, and have the diorama to prove it.

1942 - Holocaust: Rafle du Vel'd'Hiv: The Vichy France government orders French police officers to round up 13,000-20,000 Jews and imprison them in the Winter Velodrome. In 1995, president Jacques Chirac officially recognizes the French police's responsibility. Way to Jacque, and it only took 50 years.

2005 - The sixth book in the popular Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling is released to record sales of 287,564 books per hour in its first 24 hours, making it the fastest selling book in history. And I got my copy shortly after midnight. Thanks, Ray!

Birthdays:
1952 - Stewart Copeland, American drummer (The Police). Incidentally, he and I have a date in June when I have tickets to see The Police play at Dodger Stadium. Wooo hoooo!

1958 - Michael Flatley, Irish-born American dancer ("Lord of the Dance"). I MUST go wrap a shoelace around my head to celebrate.

And here's your bonus birthday. Actually it was a toss-up between

1967 - Will Ferrell, American comedian

and

1965 - Tina Tyler, Canadian porn star

So I'll give you both at no extra charge. No need to thank me.

Holiday:

United States - National Ice Cream Day, as made official by President Ronald Reagan. All my birthday cakes from here on out will be ICE CREAM CAKES. And who ever said Reagan didn't do anything worthwhile in 8 years? Here's proof that he did!

Now, I tag:

1. Kim
2. Beth
3. Jacquie
4. Abby
5. Nik
6. Teri-Lynn
7. Tannaz, who gets a special challenge. All of yours must be food-related.

GO!

Peeking Out From Behind The Boxes To Say Hello

Well, it seems we've survived. We're here, surrounded by boxes and piles of stuff. Almost nothing is where it should be. It's pretty nuts. The first two nights we stayed up past 3 a.m. Thank God the pace seems to be slowing down a little. There's no end in sight to the unpacking, putting away and organizing. Plus we still have some stuff to clear out of the old house. It doesn't help that it's spring break and the kids are completely over being stuck in the house. I have a few little activities planned and hopefully I can also unpack a box or two a day. I hope to be back in full Internet swing soon, browsing and posting and commenting all over the place. Until then I'll be here in spurts...

Not Too Much Going On

The last couple of weeks have been pretty humdrum. Between packing, endless trips to the new house, taking care of the kids (school, activities, award ceremonies, play dates, even baths and meals), a birthday party, and not one but two nights of Passover to celebrate, I hardly noticed when our computer and Ray's car both died on the same morning.

Still, I feel like the end, or at least a major milestone, is in sight. The movers come Friday, ready or not...and the way things are looking, it'll be not. We're so excited to move, and even though the next 3 months will be spent unpacking, getting into a new routine and figuring it all out, we can't wait.

Tomorrow we celebrate Ethan's 4th birthday. It'll be (flourless) chocolate cake and Matzah, but our whole family will be together. He has grown up so much in the last few weeks. Now that potty training seems to be miraculously behind us, he seems so much more mellow and loving. I think over a year of stress was weighing down his little shoulders. I'm really proud of my little guy.

Internet service will be spotty for the next few days. I'll check email when possible but I have no idea when I'll get a chance to post here again. Be seeing you soon and happy Passover to those who are celebrating it!