I keep meaning to blog in the evening when I'm home from work, but I work on the computer all day, so by the time that I come home, the last thing I want to do it get on the computer. So I decided to utilize my lunch break and computer access to write a short entry about my new job.
I've aquired a temp position doing graphic design for a company in Rock Hill, SC. It's not so bad of a drive in the mornings, because I'm happily sipping my coffee and listening to the radio, but the drive home is brutal. There is no coffee and no good radio. It's been almost a year since we bought a new CD so all of the music is old and tired... which is much the way that I feel sitting in traffic on 485 for over an hour.
I like the place that I'm working and love the variety of things they have me doing. I'm working on a new Dell system, straight out of the box, which has made me realize one thing specifically. Our computer at home, is incredibly slow. It's a pleasure designing on a system that can keep up with me. As great as everyone says a Mac is for design, on my last assignment, I used a Mac and couldn't keep the thing up and running for more than 45 minutes without a crash. Now all of you Mac Nazi's out there are going to say that it was some sort of conflict or that I should reinstall the Mac OS, but who has time for all of that crap with a deadline looming ahead. The PC, well then... it's been working just fine. And guess what else? I can even right click.
I also have to add that today, while taking a break on the outdoor patio at work which backs up to several acres and woods, I saw two baby deer, (with spots) come out of the woods. They watched me with suspision for a while and even came close enough to that I started to get a little nervous. Probably about 20 feet away. I was rummaging in my purse for my badge to get back in, because I was a little bit worried that two wild animals would be coming so close to me and I think maybe they thought I had food. I bet if I had, they would have eaten right out of my hands.
You keep talking about Toot this month, who is your friend that we can't see and scares away the goats that come out of your ceiling at night to scare you when you are lying in bed. I think you may have gotten the word "ghost" confused with the word "goat" somewhere along the way. But it's most amusing. For two glorious weeks you were completely potty trained, but since have started regressing, just a bit. We don't push the issue because we know you have the ability and are just trying to establish some control. You are still going on the potty and are pretty proud of yourself, but are still trying to learn the rules. Yesterday, you asked if it was ok to poopoo in the shower. I said, "No, we don't poop in the shower". To which you responded, matter of factly, "Pink poopoos in the shower". In fact, Pink, our cat does poopoo in the shower which I'm surprised you've even noticed, so quickly does it get scooped up and flushed.
But you notice everything. everything. And listen to everything. We are starting to have to watch what we say. We've cut out profanity around you completely, but sometimes still say things that a toddler shouldn't be repeating. For example, when you told your brother the other day when you were holding on to his shirt and running him around the living room (which he loves) we heard you say, "STOP TRISTAN! You're going to fast! You're Killin' ME!" 
When he cries you run over and say, "It's ok Tristan. Your brother is here", in your sweet baby voice. Sometimes you bring him your sippy cup and offer it which is enough to make him stop crying as he stares at this new phenomena… sharing. You tolerate him climbing on you and I’ve seen you smile at each other, (when you think no one is watching) from across the room like long lost friends and I hope that never changes.
If we talk or smile at you, you pause for a brief moment, as not to break your concentration. When your balance is lost you land on your bottom, your diaper providing precious padding, as you let loose a groan of frustration and get up and try again.
You are into everything! It's a constant exercise in diligence for us to keep you out of the trashcan, toilet and kitchen cabinets. Luckily they all have child safety locks, so we watch in amazement as you open the cabinet the one and a half inch until the latch catches and finger it thoughtfully as if you are trying to figure out how to spring its catch.
Everything still goes into the mouth (We can’t wait until this phase is over) but every now and again when your brother takes something from you, you let out a wail of protest, either crying while you look at me and your Dad, a look that could best be described as accusing, or turning around and going to get it back yourself. You are incredibly strong for a baby and you put up quite the fight. Now for the first time we hear your brother yelling, STOP, STOP, because you are strong and fast enough to try to take something that he’s holding.
I had forgotten how sweet this age is. I love it when you toddle over to me and throw yourself on my leg like it’s your lifeline, as you gaze up at me beaming, showing off the fourteen teeth you have so far.When you reach your teen years and you’re to cool to tell me you love me, I hope I’ll remember that for a brief time, I was one part of the center of your universe.
