In Which I Am A Total Slug (Or Maybe A Sloth)
Let's start with a THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE A GENIUS! shout out to the amazing and friendly Nap Warden--she is responsible for this great new layout. Click the button on my sidebar to see the possibilities that await you. And all for a price so reasonable you'll be rubbing your eyes in disbelief. I have to share with you her advice to me when I confessed that the character sketch might be totally half-the-size a wee bit more svelte than I actually am. "Here's the thing . . . I always make the figure of the sketch a hottie . . . If you can't be hot on your blog, where can you be? It's the easiest weight you'll ever lose." Truer words were never spoken. As you can see, I took her advice.
You may have heard we're having a little heat wave here in California. Now, I'm not going to complain too much. After all, no levees are overflowing and nothing is on fire yet. Besides, I've mentioned before that I'm a glass half-full kind of gal. So let me tell you what's great about having it be 104 degrees outside in June in my backyard and 95 in the house! (June? One week in late August maybe. Labor day, maybe. But JUNE?!)
First, a little backstory . . .
I'm really going to impress you with my optimistic spirit when I tell you that I don't have central a.c. There are several reasons for this. When we doubled the size of our house in a remodel we put in the ducting for the a.c., but never bought a new unit that could handle the increased square footage; it never seemed worth the $5,000 bucks until Friday good lord, I'd sell my future grandchildren for an air conditioner right now.
Also, I don't like air conditioning. I like windows thrown open to the world outside. I like light and airiness and huge windows with no window coverings so your house has that outdoors in the indoors feel. I like to hear birds chirping and children at play and I like not having to yell "Close the door! We can't afford to air condition the whole subdivision!"
Additionally, we live on the edge of a canyon. If you open the garage door, the garage/house door, and the back slider we get an awesome breeze. This is enough for us virtually year round. But not this weekend, NOT this weekend AT ALL!
Thank goodness, that Mr. Fix-it, in his infinite wisdom and possibly possessing heretofore unknown e.s.p., bought and installed a room air conditioner in our upstairs master suite (I know it sounds pretentious, but the contractor talked me into it and that's what it is). I was a little skeptical at first because it's hideously ugly practical looking and I was going for more of a serene look than Early 21st Century Large Appliance (the walls are a phenomenal sage color that doesn't show up on camera).
This picture doesn't really do the unit justice as it doesn't show the large tubing (maybe 7 inch diameter, 2 tubes) that is vented to the outside via a piece of plywood in the window. I'm not sure it really complements the $700 shades that I talked Mr. Fix-it into because they were so perfect with the room and really you can't touch a custom window covering for under $500.00, but whatevs.
Anywhoo . . . thank goodness for that unit. By running it on high for 48 hours I've managed to maintain my cave hermitage bedroom at a temperature range between 78 and 90 degrees this weekend.
Mr. Fix-it and MVP are mountain biking in Mammoth. Social Butterfly has moved into the swim club with a group of friends. Danger Boy is impervious to temperature changes as long as he has a PS3 controller in his hands.
And me? I will need to see the chiropractor this week. I don't think the human body is designed to spend 48 hours straight on a bed, with a fan pointed at their scantily-clad body (not as attractive as it sound), blogging. Okay, so I didn't just blog (although honestly that's mostly what I did--hello, Mrs. G's entire blog roll!). I read all of the New York Times, Salon.com, Slate.com, Queen Bees and Kingpin Dads (book review Thursday!), A Summer Affair (book review July 2), watched several episodes of Law and Order and Matt Lauer's Mistaken Identity, and wrote a somewhat ranting post about parenting which I'll probably never publish. I took the occasional cool bath and left the room for sustenance and liquid refreshment a handful of times.
The promised upside? Everyone in my family can feed and clothe themselves. They don't need me need me anymore (of course they still NEED me) which is why I didn't have to move anymore than minimally needed to sustain life. You know how you always want a day to do nothing? I just had two. I'm looking forward to a little activity. Plus, there's a rumor about a break in the high pressure system. I'm hanging my hat on that rumor!
At least it's DRY heat! lol
I know, it's still oppressive. When the heat is dry, it's like breathing in a hot oven, and when it's humid, breathing in a stinky sauna.
I'm off on a 13 hour car ride in less than 8 hours. I printed out 4 sets of directions and packed with all 4 kids (2 of whom are tacking on a mission trip directly from vacation, so packing was a bit complicated). Still haven't packed myself! Of course, my dh calmly packed himself and went to bed. He wonders why I'm not done yet! (MEN!!!)
Posted by: kcinnova | June 23, 2008 at 12:51 AM
I must have had too much wine at dinner tonight, because I totally don't get what you're saying here. Except for the part about being hot. We in Alabama get "being hot." (I could re-read it and try to understand, but then I wouldn't be the first comment, which is worth all my future grandchildren.)
Posted by: Kalynne Pudner | June 23, 2008 at 12:53 AM
So I have this friend visiting from Florida. And he's all, "This heat sucks. We went to the beach yesterday and it wasn't even cooler." And I'm all, "Dude, don't leave. It's supposed to cool down to the NINETIES tomorrow." And he's all, "I can deal with that. That would be nice."
Because when it's 100-freaking-7 degrees, anything with only double digits sounds good.
Posted by: McSwain | June 23, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Dang! I should have opted for comprehension over primacy. Serves me right.
Posted by: Kalynne Pudner | June 23, 2008 at 12:54 AM
As I share in the sweltering misery that we call "my husband won't turn on the air conditioner, OR open the doors because bugs may come in", all I can say is, I hear ya'.
And NOT being needed long enough to read ONE blog, or ONE article n the WSJ is shocking. But you? All that?! How can it be? You're just ASKIN' to come babysit. :)
Posted by: Just Jamie | June 23, 2008 at 01:10 AM
We moved to the coast to avoid days like the one's we've had. It was too hot even to go to the pool! But I did anyway and hogged all the shade.
Posted by: Melanie | June 23, 2008 at 01:35 AM
Congrats on the new hottie look!
Your weekend sounds dreamy - albeit a bit sticky. We've been around 107ish for two days now. Hope it breaks tonight!
Oh, I also hope you get your real face back on the sidebar. Miss it!
Posted by: JCK | June 23, 2008 at 01:38 AM
Your blog looks great!
I've never experienced your kind of dry heat for any more than a few days, so I should probably keep quiet. The humid heat of Winnipeg was horrid when you had to work, though.
BTW, we still have a basket of wood handy by the stove because we know the temperature is liable to dip down to about +5 during the night.
Posted by: Trudie | June 23, 2008 at 02:29 AM
Nice face lift to the blog. I feel for you in that heat. We have had central air ever since a particularly unrelenting hot, humid summer. I can't imagine not having it now. I hope your heat wave breaks soon.
Posted by: Hilary | June 23, 2008 at 06:42 AM
My mother is visiting California for the first time this very week -- she was worried about earthquakes, mudslides, earthquakes, fires, and earthquakes -- and I'm sure she's going to come back to Virginia and tell everyone that California truly is the on-ramp to the Apocalypse. ;-)
Posted by: Jen on the Edge | June 23, 2008 at 08:00 AM
First of all I LOVE your redecorating. Looks fab. You are a great looking cartoon character.
Sorry to hear of the sweltering heat. It still amazes me that you don't have a/c. We would never ever dream of this in FL.
I hope it gets cooler for you, so you can come out of your cave and join the rest of the S. D. population.
Posted by: Suzanne | June 23, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Love the new blog look!
I, too, hate air conditioning...hope the weather cools off soon for you.
Posted by: LifeAsIKnowIt | June 23, 2008 at 08:37 AM
yes, the old look for the blog was good, this is even better!
Posted by: gary | June 23, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Love. Love. Love the new layout. Love orange!!! So cheery!!
Posted by: Claudia | June 23, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Such a cute layout!! One of these days I will get around to getting a real layout!!! Congrats!!
Posted by: Brittany | June 23, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Great design, love this color!!!! And heat wave? Feel your pain - it's been 113-ish for over a week here, ugh. Hang in there.
Posted by: Ann | June 23, 2008 at 09:58 AM
okay...so...you kind of lost me after "I don't have central a.c.". I would give up a body part to have central air!! open up the windows here and UGH!! Hot..wet..air..can't breathe...help!!
When we go to Colorado in the summer though, I feel the aging process speeds up 100 times over!! Holy Moly but do I go through a bunch of Jergens!!!
I know how SD has THE perfect weather...hope it gets back to that soon!
And...LOVE the new look!!! Very bright and cheery...and YOU are looking very hot...in a Jane Jetson kind of way!!! vrrrry nice!!
Posted by: debbie | June 23, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I LOVE your new look. Isn't NW the greatest? My favorite part (beside you lookin' so HOT) is the color. The outside color is the color of the trim molding in my house and the inside color is my wall color...why? BECAUSE I love it!
Heat sucks. ugh.
Posted by: HRH | June 23, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Girl? I love your new digs!
Posted by: standing still | June 23, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I love air conditioning. I want to marry our air conditioners. I would rather live where I didn't need it, but I'll be damned if I'll sit here and pant like an exhausted animal in this ridiculous inferno.
Crazy from the heat, I tell ya.
Posted by: KathyR | June 23, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I CAN NOT live without A/C!! NOPE!
I love your new look - really cute!
Have a good day - Kellan
Posted by: Kellan | June 23, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Oh you poor thing! I know the feeling...we had a heat wave in early June and being in New England...well, it's also not necessary to have central AC LOL! Stay cool!
Posted by: Janet | June 23, 2008 at 11:49 AM
no. central. air. Dear God.
It's the humidity here more than the heat. I still marvel about playing soccer in high school, when we would do camp for eight hours a day in JULY -- what was I thinking?!
Other various things:
1. I always giggle when you mention Scripps Ranch. My dad works with the Scripps family. :)
2. Hal and I are thinking about taking some vacation out your way (in California). What cities do you recommend?
Posted by: Stacie | June 23, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I almost clicked back out thinking I was in the wrong place. The site looks great, and I love your illustration.
Posted by: Tricia | June 23, 2008 at 01:50 PM
The new layout is very cute!
All we have is one wall ac here. When it gets into the 115 area we all sleep in the living room. It sucks but it's kind of fun at the same time lol.
Posted by: Julie | June 23, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I have a/c. It never went below 79 degrees in my place all weekend. It KILLED my gardenia and I've never had a heat wave out here fry a plant. FRIED.
Posted by: Suzy | June 23, 2008 at 03:44 PM
LOVE the new look!!! AWESOME! It is fresh and cheery!
It's 100 degrees here today too. But girl, I have air conditioning! You must be miserable.
Posted by: Denise | June 23, 2008 at 04:09 PM
I believe your heatwave is retribution for your boastful posts early in the spring and later in the winter about your awesome mild Souther California weather.
My turn My turn : have had high 70s and low 80's for highs for over a week with no humidity.
Actually, all kidding aside, I hope you come out of the hot dry weather. I hate to think of the fire hazards.
KEEP BELIEVING
Posted by: Angie @ Keep Believing | June 23, 2008 at 05:09 PM
You are so crazy! I admire your fortitude. And your new blog design! It exceeds my definition of awesomeness. (thanks for letting me use my new word here)
Posted by: Melissa | June 23, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I rushed over here to tell you how much I love the new photo you're using with your comments (usually I just read 'em through email, so I don't notice the pics) and then saw you have a whole new layout, too! Way cool! OK. Off to admire it some more (and read your post, too!)
Posted by: Madmad | June 23, 2008 at 06:37 PM
I'm totally with you on the A/C thing - except when you really, really need one. Then you really, really need one. But if you have one, then you use it, and I hate using it. But oh well. Life is full of these hard choices, isn't it?
Posted by: Madmad | June 23, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Very, very nice! And I'd love to read the parenting rant...
Is your blogroll truncated? Or do you not read any blogs starting past the letter "M" on principle? (And I'm not just asking because I'm not on it...really)
Posted by: suburbancorrespondent | June 23, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Wow, Mrs. G's entire blogroll is quite an undertaking!
I like swamp coolers myself. They're great if you live in a dry place, which I do. In Florida we had central A/C and our electric bill in the summer was $300. Here it's barely $75, and we're a lot cooler.
Posted by: Memarie Lane | June 23, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Nice layout. We broke down and got central air a few years ago when the heater had to be replaced. Last year we put a separate unit in our master bedroom (an add-on). All I can say is, THANK GOODNESS. I would have been miserable without it during this heat wave. Except I am dreading the electricity bill.
Posted by: Smalltown Mom | June 23, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I lived one summer without AC in Boston. I left Boston for good that fall. Hang in there. Find much ice.
Posted by: MereCat | June 23, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Oh. And by the way, you are a BABE in your new blogskin. Stone cold fox, I tellya.
Posted by: MereCat | June 23, 2008 at 08:59 PM
I like your new look! As for the heat, I am getting hot just thinking about you (not you but your situation - you KNOW what I mean!!!) he he he I can't tolerate the heat but then again, I don't have to! I hope you cool off soon!
Posted by: amy | June 23, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Love the blog . . . and the new avatar is awesome!
BTW, Nap made me look way too good. Sort of a disappointment in real life, really :)
Heard about the heat wave . . . makes swimming in ice cubes sound fabulous!
Posted by: LaskiGal | June 23, 2008 at 11:03 PM
I love the new look! And I wish I could eliminate my air conditioning. I love the ceiling windows open, the fans lightly twirling overhead, the sounds of the crickets and the birds, the breeze. But alas my family cannot live without it - ugh.
Perhaps I should move in with you??!! Or just tell the kids the air conditioner is broken!
Posted by: The Girl Next Door | June 23, 2008 at 11:27 PM
We don't have AC either (I know I'm in Washington, don't laugh - it sometimes gets hot here!) because I hate the monetary & environmental costs plus I also enjoy the breezes & sounds through windows.
Your day of immobility sounds just like my summer pregnancy ten years ago. But my sluggishness lasted two months.
(Super cute summer look, btw!)
Posted by: stephanie (bad mom) | June 23, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I thought everyone in SoCal had AC! I grew up in the Bay Area and called my parents once when they were on vacation and I was home during a heat wave to ask how the heck to turn on the AC. They said, "honey? We don't have AC." D'oh!
Posted by: CC | June 23, 2008 at 11:53 PM
my Friend? that guy? he has AC, a little apartment that we were holed up in all weekend, and? he doesn't like AC. all the while i've melted into a sweaty puddle on his couch. who doesn't like AC when it's 1555 degrees outside? blargh.
Posted by: kate | June 24, 2008 at 01:00 AM
and oh my frick, how much do i love your new layout? So Much That I Will Use Upper Case.
Posted by: kate | June 24, 2008 at 01:01 AM
I love air conditioning as much as I despise being hot.
Love the new look (and Nap Warden!)!
Posted by: Jennifer H | June 24, 2008 at 02:15 AM
I went to the Hollywood Bowl last Friday night, and IT NEVER COOLED DOWN! I've lived in LA for 18 years, and I never remember it not cooling down!
I don't have central air, either, and I live inland. I do have one of those window units, though, but this past week, it didn't seem to help.
Love the new look on your site.
Posted by: La La | June 25, 2008 at 01:34 AM