The Brookston Family Blog
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The word of the day is most definitely “sure,” as in “ya sure, ya betcha” as a substitute for yes. I guess I say it a lot, but today Porter has picked it up with abandon. In fact, he’s rarely said “yes” today, substituting “sure” almost exclusively as his term of assent. I think he’s used it at least a hundred times today. Seriously. Surely that’s not possible, you may ask? “Sure it is. I’m Sure. Sure.”

“Sure, daddy. Sure!”

Sarah, bless her heart, sent me this little tirade against the faux war on Christmas, charmingly titled Fuck Christmas. And while the writer may be suffering from Tourette’s, the sentiment and anger certainly ring true. One other warning: those still laboring under the delusion that their religion is the one true expression of god’s purpose just might possibly be a wee bit offended if they follow the link. Don’t say I didn’t try to coddle you. I know how upsetting it can be to accidently read opinions that you don’t agree with and have to think about them.

Oh, and by the way, happy holidays.

A few weeks ago on a lark I picked Christmas goldfish, which is essentially just red and green ones instead of the usual orange. Today Porter was rummaging through the pantry when he happened upon them, deciding they were just the thing for his mid-day snack.

Porter shows off his red and green goldfish.

“They don’t taste any different. What gives?“

I may be a bad parent (see previous post) but at least my son is good. He not only didn’t finish his cake and put it in the sink without having to be told, but immediately afterward he asked for something far more nutritious and good for him: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Porter enjoys his delicious and nutritious PB&J while playing with his new train set.

On Sunday when I picked up the “Christmas cake” at the grocery store, I knew someone (probably me) would have to eat it but this morning, Porter thought he’d like to have a piece of cake. Now I know what you’re thinking. What parent in his right mind would give his cooped-up toddler a sugar rush or indeed cake for breakfast? Okay, I admit it. I’m a bad parent. I’ll be sure to catch him when he starts bouncing off the walls.

Cake for breakfast!?!

My sister-in-law Kit sent this in, and it was also forwarded to me by my other sister-in-law Margaret. So I’ll give them both credit for it since it’s so funny.

You Know You’re In California When …

1. Your coworker has 8 body piercings — and none are visible.

2. You make over $250,000 per year and still can’t afford a house.

3. You take a bus and are shocked at two people carrying on a
conversation in English.

4. Your child’s 3rd-grade teacher has purple hair, a nose ring, and
is named Breeze.

5. You can’t remember — is pot illegal?

6. You’ve been to a baby shower that has two mothers and a sperm
donor.

7. You have a very strong opinion about where your coffee beans are
grown, and you can taste the difference between Sumatran and
Ethiopian.

8. You know which restaurant serves the freshest arugula.

9. A really great parking space can totally move you to tears.

10. You can’t remember — is pot illegal?

11. A low speed police pursuit will interrupt ANY TV broadcast.

12. Gas costs $1.00 per gallon more than anywhere else in the U.S.

13. A man gets on the bus in full leather regalia and crotchless
chaps. You don’t even notice.

14. Unlike back home, the guy at Starbucks at 8:30 am wearing the
baseball cap and sunglasses who looks like George Clooney really
IS George Clooney.

15. Your hairdresser is straight, your plumber is gay, the woman who
delivers your mail is into S & M, and either your Mary Kay or Avon
rep. is a guy in drag.

16. It’s barely sprinkling rain and there’s a report on every news
station: “STORM WATCH 2005.”

17. You have to leave the big company meeting early because
Billy Banks himself is teaching your 4:00 pm Tae Bo class.

18. You pass an elementary school playground and the children are all
busy with their cells or pagers.

19. It’s barely sprinkling rain outside, but even so you leave for
work an hour early to avoid all the weather-related accidents.

20. Hey!!!! Is Pot Illegal????

It’s another foggy grey day in Marin, and after we got back from taking Sarah to the ferry, Alice found a comfy spot on the sofa to watch Teletubbies.

The comfy spot.