today

Rock out time was in the car today. Hard to dance so we sang to this instead - Kooka loves this one - but Punk sings loudest.

this really happened

I was at GAP Kids - and the clerk was at least 40 something. I only say that - so you realize she was not some 17 year old air-head . . . well at least you will know she is not 17.

So after buying the most amazing robot shirt for Punk, she gives me my change - one of those new five-dollar bills with the purple ink. And I comment on it. I say, "Cool - I never got one of these before."

She takes it in her hands, looks it over, and says, "What does that mean? The purple 5?"

"Oh," I say, "that means it's really worth 20 bucks."

No laugh - just silence. And then this: "Really? Is that true?"

"Yes," I say. "It is true. So you'll actually have to give me three more - which means actually - you'll owe me 80 bucks."

"Wow - I didn't know - I'll probably have to call a manager to help me with that."

No way.
No way.

it factor

Sometimes Kooka gets clothes that have that certain "something."
This is one of those things.

"I love this dress," she said, "It makes me feel funky and hip and it is just a very Kooka think to wear." She has paired it up with jeans, tights, bloomers, bare legs and hippie gear. "This dress is just 'it' for me," she said.

She has not taken it off for three days straight.

I should be a better mom - I should peel it off of her and at least wash it, but there is no sign of dirt yet, and if it makes the chick feel funky - who am I to interfere?

When she starts burning incense and getting the midnight munchies, I am laying the hammer down.

commercial

It is not everyday that I say to Punk, "Wash off your mascara before you go to bed." But today was one of those days.

He and Kooka spent four hours shooting a commercial for a program on an NBC affiliate. In the spot, they play two kids who's mom has forgotten them at soccer practice. When she finally does show up, she is so excited to see her favorite TV show that she drives right past them.

Both kids had a great time. Kooka loved Ben the make-up guy, who not only made her look fabulous, but told us stories of dancing at Larkin,and played soccer with us. The guy has some mad skills. Kooka was kicking like a pro after 10 minutes with him. Punk refused to let me take his picture while he was putting on makeup, but he also loved Ben. The kid even shared his granola bites with him - so they must have had a connection.
He spent most of his time with Ryan - the tech guy. They sat next to the giant bowl of M&M's and talked shop. Punk told him all about the movies he wants to make and Ryan shared his first film with us (click here - it cracks me up).

The spot is set to air in mid-June. If we get a copy - we'll put it up. In the mean time - here are some snapshots to tide you over.

new gig

Punk and Kooka both landed a spot in a TV commercial. We film on Thursday. I will post more about it later . . . but they are pretty excited. They play a brother and a sister, and even though they didn't NEED real siblings - the client really liked how they worked together. I think it is some sort of cable spot for NBC - so we will likely never see it - but maybe some of you will.

recital

There are no good pictures of Kooka's recital. Dress rehearsal was at the studio - and no flash pictures are allowed during the performance - so this is the best we have. She was a little stir crazy before the show - that's what happens when your mom has to be there two hours before the curtain goes up. But she had an amazing performance, and we were so proud of her.

where we eat

They call it "The Dog Restaurant" and I wish they wouldn't. Whenever we tell anybody where we went for dinner, they will look at us, completely appalled, like we stole our meal from a ten year-old street urchin pushing a Chinese rickshaw.

And for the record - I do not feed my kids black lab. At least not on weekdays.

The restaurant is called "Raising Cane's" and it is indeed named after the owner's dog. It's decorated with pictures of a golden retriever - and other famous canines. It is one of Kooka's favorite hang-outs at the dinner hour - and it's not really about the dogs . . . it is all about the dip.

You can only order ONE thing at this place - Chicken Strips. That's it. You can get four strips with fries and cole slaw. You can get two strips with fries and cole slaw. You can get five strips, a box of strips - but all you can get is strips. And it always comes with dipping sauce.

God only knows what is in that sauce - it's pinkish with black specks, and if I had to hazzard a guess, there is ketchup in there somewhere, maybe barbeque sauce, and some sort of ranch something. But it could be mayonaise and floor cleaner for all I know - never tasted anything like it. It's amazing - you'll dip your strips in there, your fries, and when those are gone, your bare fingers - it's that good.

this kid

I love this kid and his cartooning. Too bad it doesn't translate very well on the web here. His computer stuff has amazing detail and texture - hard to see here, but still wicked cool.

perfect day

That's what they said it was - a perfect day. And I have to agree. When you are 5 and 8 - the best way to study science is to be outside. The best reading lessons are at Barnes and Noble with an iced mocha in one hand, and the whole marine biology section at your disposal. Best economics lesson is figuring out that if you spend two quarters on a souvenir squished penny - then you will not have enough left for goat food at the zoo.

And that is pretty much how it went. Everybody slept in, we had lunch on the road and got to the zoo at 12:30. Punk was dying to see the meerkats, and both kids decided we needed to be on the outdoor trail since the weather was so beautiful.

I hate the outside trail.
Really - I do.

There are geese and deer and other animals that nobody in their right mind goes to the ZOO to see. There is a tiger den - but there is always a sign up that says "because of the construction nearby, the tigers are scared, and may be hiding in their cave - we hope you understand." I don't understand. Even Kooka didn't get it. "Ummm, Mom," she says, "Don't they know they are like the fiercest land animal in the world?" Apparently not - and for that matter, god only knows if there even are any tigers in that brand new multi-million dollar den. We've never seen them. Then again maybe they are scared of the six thousand field trip kids that are stealing money from the donation funnels, shaking the fences and shoving my five year old out of the way so they can get a closer look. Even I am afraid of them.

Did I mention I HATE the outdoor trail?

But - as usual - when it comes to matters like this . . . Punk was right. Animals flock to this child in a rather surreal fashion. Honest to god - as soon as Punk approaches the farm gate, this goat pops up to pose with him. Lots of kids are hanging by that goat . . . none of them get this treatment.

Then - there is a chipmunk, and goose - that walk right up to us and perch in our path like we are characters in a Disney film. A whole family of geese - both parents and six goslings come within arms reach and stop to preen in front of him - while father goose hisses at everybody else on the path.

But the highlight was the turtle.

On the way back from the farm we spot this red eared slider - just hanging out in the bushes. Punk has ALWAYS wanted a turtle and asks if he can pick it up. Fine by me - if he can catch it. The sucker is speedy - and his claws are sharp. But he nabs t from behind and the little turtle is content as can be with the reptile whisperer. It isn't until Kooka and I reach out to touch it, that the thing opens it's mouth like it's gonna rip our fingers off.



I like to think I am pretty good with animals - I know I am. But this kid could load the ark without a scratch - it is unreal.

After the zoo we head to the bookstore where he studies cryptozoology stuff. Kooka and I read Fancy Nancy books and sip icy mochas.

After that it is off to try on a dress for her pageant this summer, and then dinner at Raising Canes. We get home at 8:00 read stories, give kisses, and put everybody to bed with a new book.

And a day does not get much more perfect than that.

punk's blog

Punk wants me to spread the word that he has updated his blog - and has a new poll. He can't find out to see what you think. Weeping Rhinos

fair warning

This week is terrifying for me . . . both as a mom and teacher. Two shows taking place this week - and two of my best students in the front row for both.

On Thursday the 15th - both Punk and Kooka will be performing with their theater class, in the WAC production of Mary Poppins. Kooka will be playing the part of a china doll and chimney sweep, while Punk is playing one of the lead roles - Michael Banks. Show starts at 5:20 next Thursday. Let us know if you want us to save you a seat.


Then, on Saturday, Kooka will be dancing three pieces in her spring dance recital - tap, ballet, and a cameo in the big kid's hip-hop routine. We still have a few front row tickets - if anybody wants to catch her in all of her glory - glitter, lipgloss, and a swirly lavender chiffon dress. She is the youngest in her class by far - but seeing this girl perform that "Lullabye" ballet dance - is going to make you weep. Don't say you haven't been warned.

immigration reform

I just realized, I never posted pictures of Kooka in her play. There are many more pictures - all of them better than these. But these are handy - and she looks sooooo cute as a little Swedish immigrant. If all immigrants looked this cute I bet George Bush would just throw open the gates.