There has been serious intent to update more frequently. However, intent doesn�t always cultivate action. I�ve sat down several times to wax poetic about my daily grind and�nuthin�. But I�ll do my best here to get you caught up on all things Caribou.

Husband�s birthday bash was a rousing success. He graciously played along with all of the �gag� gifts and enjoyed a few surprise guests (which I wish I could take credit for, but they were someone else�s doing). I think he�s a lot like me in that he�s always pleased to see how many people actually care for him. (I guess that would make him a lot like all of us.) I, myself, enjoyed draught cider and mushroom gratin (who knew that�s what mushrooms were supposed to taste like?) and the company of dear friends, all the while sending telepathic love notes across the room to Husband when we caught each other�s glance. The very best part for me, though, was the thought that I didn�t have to rise at 6am and go to work the next day.

I�ve decided not to quit my second job after all. I really want to, but it�s silly to give it up. It�s only three hours a day and what would I be doing anyway? Just lying in bed waiting for MTV to play that new Kelly Clarkston video so I can dance around in my underwear. It�s really not even the money � since the money pretty much sux. It�s about appreciating the time I�m not working and not wasting it. And even if the money sux, it helps.

Boy is doing well. He survived his week of school while his classmates were in D.C. I�m glad we decided not to send him, as we certainly are not in the position to afford either the trip or the new wardrobe that would be required, but I was a little sad for him to be left out. He felt better once he realized that all the teachers were gone as well and this meant no homework for the week. Ahhh! Brilliant!

Been spending a lot of time with dear close friends lately. We traveled last weekend to meet them and enjoy the music of a local folk singer. The poor singer was doing her act at a coffee house and was competing with the grinder, blender, and several rude patrons, but it was wonderful fun. As usual, these friends made me feel so wonderfully loved and comfortable. It�s like sinking into a favorite chair to be with them and their families. Unfortunately, I also tend to go back in time and forget that I�m married or have children. Poor Husband and Boy have to fend for their own entertainment.

I think I�ve decided I�d like to go camping. I really love to vacation and our days of spending two and three hundred dollars a night on hotels are more than over. Camping can be done relatively cheaply, still, as long as we don�t travel too far, and I like the idea of sitting outside around a campfire with a beer in my hand. While the part about sleeping on the ground isn�t really appealing, it�s a lot cushier than it used to be when you factor in the air mattresses, etc. Husband thinks one time will cure me of ever wanting to do it again, but we�ll see. Anyone want to take me camping for a trial run? (Imagine Boy without electricity! HA!)

Notice I haven�t mentioned the diet. Last week I struggled with some major PMS symptoms. Seemed I couldn�t get enough sugar into my system to make me happy. I bottomed out Sunday night when I delved into the left over jelly beans. After several hundred calories worth of lemon, orange, lime and licorice, I tossed the rest and fell into a fitful sleep, my drool more of a syrup than saliva. It�s been difficult getting back on track, but I�m working on it. I got through phases. Feelings of deprivation lead to binges and then, out of the blue, I�ll notice progress (like being able to put on panty hose without feeling like I�m wrestling greased pigs) and want to get back on track. It�s hard and I�ve no way to make it easier.

I made a cool card for Nana for Mother�s Day. I took some pictures of our lilacs last week and printed one on fabric. I cut it out and put it on the front of a card with a border and background to make the colors pop, then put a dot of gold glitter in the center of the few buds that were open. It�s really pretty and has an almost 3-D effect. Grandma�s card turned out nicely as well, using a technique I read about where the stamp is colored with water color crayons and then misted with water so the image takes on a very real water color quality. We don�t have big Mother�s Day plans. I have to work in the morning (of course) and then we�re having dinner at Grandma�s with all the other old people. I asked for no presents. Instead I want to go see �Poseidon� and I�m making my family come with me.

Time to get to work now. Gotta keep ahead of the rest of my team. Ego, you know. Must be stroked.