belgianwaffle

Archives for April 2006

I asked you a question


Posted in: Princess

I must assume that when the Princess speaks English, she takes her tone from me. I fear it is not a very nice tone.

When I stub my toe and howl in agony, she will kindly ask what’s wrong and when told say sternly “well then be careful and don’t do it again”.

The house usually echoes to the sound of herself shouting “are you coming or not?” when she wants me to inspect her latest achievement “look Mummy, I’m eating a slice of ham” regardless of what I might be doing “I’m just finishing changing Daniel’s nappy” and how easy it might be for me to get away and how important I might consider what she particularly wishes to draw to my attention.

Every time she addresses me and I fail to respond instantly she says in a strict and reproachful voice “I asked you a question, Mummy”. A lot of the time, I’m forced to point out to her that no, actually, she hasn’t asked me a question and has just made a statement to which I am supposed to respond. She is trying to work out what a question is, so now when she says something she follows it up with “Is that a question or a misstatement Mummy?”. It’s like living with President Bush.

Curtain Call


Posted in: The tale of Lazy Jack Silver

I am not here anymore. I am now here where the delightful Emily has designed a website for me. Is it not beautiful? As Mr. Waffle points out, the experience of outsourcing my technical needs to a low wage country has worked well for me. Should you be thinking of taking steps outside 20six, I encourage you to consult her, she is talented, she is speedy and she is cheap, in a good way, actually, I think I mean inexpensive. And she is prepared to do maintenance for the technically inept, what more could a girl ask for? Other credits go to Technobubble who did lots of code I didn’t understand and let all 20sixers use it. For nothing. Is he not saintly? No more than our Bobble deserves though. And to kind and good Heather who sent me a long email explaining how to set up my own website which convinced me that a) she’s a lot more technically ept than me and b) I needed professional help.

All the same, I am sad to be leaving 20six where I took my first tottering steps in the world of blogging. More especially as I fear it’s going to mean losing many of my readers (please update your bloglines subscriptions now, no, I’m not begging, just saying) each and every one of whom is vital to the continuing survival, nay, flourishing of my ego. But with so many of the old guard gone, it’s just not the same here any more and it’s probably time for me to move to another place – one where I won’t be threatened with upgrades. Yes, I know the 20six upgrade never happened, but the prospect of it shook me. And then I’m back to work in the morning, so it’s all change and it seems like a good time to move.

I note that all of the dramatis personae of LJS (look up it’s that neglected category up there at the top) have now left 20six except for pog (sorry about abandoning you pog but think of the glory of it “the boy stood on the burning deck, when all but he had fled” and all that). I am therefore, delighted to announce that, somewhat fortuitously, to coincide with my departure and almost exactly a year after the last entry, the ever fabulous Heather has crafted a conclusion that will sweep you along with its drama and grandeur and also, rather miraculously, tie up all the loose ends. It will be here shortly.

Thank you and goodnight.


All things to all people


Posted in: Work

Today, I got up at 7.45. Of course, I had already been up for considerable periods at 1.30, 2.20, 4.45 and 6.00 but at 7.45, I got up. I fed the boys and dressed them. I had breakfast with the Princess on my lap. I made ham sandwiches. I packed the boys into their car seats and bundled them into the car leaving herself and her father waving us off (they were going to her course in a separate convoy – Easter holidays from school you will recall). I dropped the boys off at the crèche and arrived into work (at 9.20 which is pretty good going, I can tell you), where, after some meeting and greeting, I worked. It turns out that being in the office is more tiring than I recall. At lunch time I went to the crèche and picked up the boys, brought them home, fed them, expressed a couple of bottles, fed me, put them into the arms of their afternoon minder, turned around, came back to the office and worked for the afternoon. At the end of the day I drove home, to be met by two mildly unhappy boys, one hard working minder and one very reproachful girl – “I wanted you to collect me from my course but you were at work”. Cooked dinner while spouse minded children. Fed everyone, bathed the junior members of the family and persuaded them to retire to bed. Collapsed on the couch. Heard distant wailing. Not distant enough. As I type, Mr. Waffle is off ministering to the “Princess of Wails, Queen of Hearts” (his description) who appears to have dropped doggy out of her bed and needs expert assistance for his retrieval. Is it really only Monday?

Surely some mistake


Posted in: Princess

Him: Hurry up sweetheart, Mummy has to go to work.

Her: What? Work? Again? But she went yesterday.

She might have a point


Posted in: Twins

From the Dutch Mama:

“Will you be mortally offended and never speak to me again?

Would you not stop breastfeeding those two strapping big young fellas? Yes, of course, breastfeeding is superior to bottles, but not so superior that it’s worth putting yourself (not to mention your poor frayed out readers) through this. They’re twins. They’re six months old. It’s too much to be tearing home at lunchtime like that.

Let them grow up. You could still breast-feed in the evenings for a while if you wanted. And they’ll probably take to the bottles with such speed and delight that you’ll be heartbroken – but be sleeping so soundly at night-time that you’ll forgive them.

There – I’ve said it. Do think about it (and don’t hate me!)”

Goodnight


Posted in: Princess

Me:  Sleep tight sweetheart.

Her: Why can’t you wake tight Mummy?

Him: Actually, that is possible.