I can’t remember what he was singing now – but it doesn’t matter.

It’s all in the delivery.

For the Ishida’s, a new year means a year without renovations. Which also means that we now have no excuse not to invite people over to our house. Sure, some of the trim is still not painted, we have big patches of plaster on the dining room walls, and we desperately need to update some of our accent furnishings (really must do something about the stuffing falling out of the cushions), but I have to let go of all of that and embrace the house as it is.

Last weekend had us entertaining on Saturday AND Sunday – wow! Actually I find it easier because then I can clean once and get two visits out of it (hee hee!). Our friends Tim and Laurie came over on Sunday with their two gorgeous children. “M” loves the camera so I have plenty of photos of her, but the boys were moving a little too fast for me to catch them. Here’s what I managed to shoot.

Getting stuck under furniture. One of the downsides of becoming more mobile. The upside? He manages to clean up some of the dust bunnies that have collected under the couch.

The daycare Christmas party. Not just our daycare, but a whole bunch of local daycares which meant a whole bunch of kids in one big room. It’s always fun to catch up with the other parents when we have the chance, but the evening passed quickly and noisily. I took a few photos but this is one of the few that worked thanks to the low light. Besides, who can resist those cheeks.

November 20th was a big day for me at work. A day that marked the delivery of a lot of projects and the first day that I could really take a breath in quite a while. It didn’t help that Kei was out of town for work on this day and that between us we had been working crazy hours for the past few weeks (hello Hong Kong time). I honestly can’t remember being so busy. Two kids + work + keeping up the house + impending holidays makes for one crazy life.

I am looking forward to some down time – whatever that means for this little family of four. I just have to make sure I stop and enjoy it and don’t let this time pass by quickly in a blur of work and business. It’s all about maintaining focus on what’s important.

Like everyone else, I spent November 4th watching people talk about red and blue and delegates and polls… And for the first time since I have been living in America, I was able to celebrate the outcome.

Made me laugh and laugh and laugh…

http://www.236.com/video/2008/get_your_war_on_new_world_orde_10121.php

I unexpectedly received a new laptop from work on Friday. It’s great news – more RAM, more hard drive space and a clean slate. I haven’t had time to install everything to it’s original state so I am feeling a little lost – like I’ve just moved into a new house and things are not quite as they should be.

I plan to get back on track tomorrow and will be back soon – bigger (and faster) than ever.

M: Thomas, who do you think will win the election today? John McCain or Barack Obama?
T: The Wiggles… I like Yellow

There you have it folks. Local polls show The Wiggles with an early lead.

Thomas: I want to go to the ack pack

Mummy: What was that?

T: I want to see the pack pack?

M: The back pack?

T: No, the pack (unintelligable)

M: Sorry sweetie – what are you trying to say?

T: The pack….I don’t know what I am saying.