Maura's Illuminated Manuscript

In addition to the Usual Haunts, I stopped in at NW Film Forum for an opening. I knew I was going to miss the main performance, but I did catch clips of wacky Japanese live action kids' shows, including "Condorman". Schmoozed filmmakers, said yeau to the DJ who posted about it. (And who recognized me?!) Judging by the looks I got, they're even less used to seeing people like me than ravers, but they didn't give me any grief. It was, as the kids these days say, chill.

A long and eagerly awaited inevitability finally happened this morning: I watched Star Wars with my boy as a reward for good behavior this week. He's heard so much about the whole series that he's been grilling us about it for months. I'm going to have to clue him in about not talking during movies.

After two library outings and a little searchery I must reluctantly conclude that nobody really knows what Queen Esther would have worn. I've been charged with costuming us all for Purim, and for me there's only one way to do it: the anal-retentive way. Her Nibs tried to talk me into doing Esther without a corset and makeup. As if that's ever going to happen. I might even have to make myself a new corset because I don't have any that are white or neutral.

Apparently I tortured my son with sleep deprivation by ironing to groovy music (KEXP Expansions) until 10:30. Aww! Poor boyboy. We go floppy tonight.

Seattle Jewish Film Festival flicks: we saw "Nowhere In Africa", which while well acted and written was a little predictable. I wouldn't have gone if Her Nibs hadn't wanted to. Tonight, "Divine Intervention", which is a comedy -- if you can believe it -- about the intifada that's gotten really good reviews. Watch this space.

The good: I finally saw Princess Mononoke. I have to say it was more educational than fun because I'm more of a fiend for plot than for visuals, but still, it was nice to see the MOOists. Afterward, I had a good time clubbing and meeting peeps (see ugly for the aftermath); I got a parental pep talk from an unlikely source: serpentmoon. I like meeting parents who haven't turned completely into... parents. I got my pay cut from last year restored because my employer got venture financing. That also means we'll soon be moving to a new space where, one assumes, the heat and the toilets work. I had a fun and active Wendling night last night, playing catch, writing stuff, and making a box with a hammer and nails, which was a welcome break from...

The bad: the Wendling is still peeing and even occasionally pooping in his underwear. I hope he didn't get us banned from our nearest Ben & Jerry's. Her Nibs and I are openly discussing the possibility of committing child abuse. If it's getting to her, you know it's bad. Speaking of discussions with Her Nibs...

The ugly: I was 70 minutes later home than I said I would be on Saturday. I didn't call her, even though I had my cell. She invoked the name of her alkie first husband and accused me, perhaps rightly, of being passive aggressive. Actually, I checked the time right when I was supposed to be home, and I thought, 'I can either fight right now over the phone, or I can fight in person after one more hour of fun.'

Stay tuned for: Her Nibs sees Heap Big Doc on Thursday.