I used to live in Lakewood. Steilacoom was much, much nicer.

A bit of news from my corner of the world. Ryan, of course, is still a delight. He's seven months old today. He has discovered the joys inherent in being tossed in the air and caught (glad we got the higher ceilings now) and being worn as a hat. Wallybee is still the light of my life, and much too hard on herself.

In lesser news, Australian politics is a blood sport this week. As you know, we too have a House and a Senate fulfilling similar roles. However, we have a queen instead of a President, which means the party controlling the House forms the government, and ministers are all elected MPs. The other major party forms a genuine opposition, and the leader is that party's offering to the electorate for the Prime Ministership. (No prospect of some radio talk showb eing touted as the leader of the party - its Parliamentary representation is expected to present itself as a full viable alternative government, with developed policies and such like.)

That opposition is currently the Coalition - senior partner is the Liberal Party (amalgam of Conservatives, business interests, free marketeers - similar to the Repubs back when they had a moderate wing), junior partner is the National Party (agrarian socialists). The govt is the Labor Party.

The Coalition lost power two years ago. Its PM at the time, John Howard (Bush's mate) was a conservative and a cunning political animal, but he got outfoxed by a Mandarin-speaking career diplomat named Kevin. Bygones. Last man standing and heir apparent was the (ex-)Treasurer, Peter Costello, who'd spent the last four years or so whingeing that Howard had promised him he could have a go as leader. After they lost, he took one look at the sham Les and said he didn't want it anymore.

The Libs put a guy named Nelson in the job. Really not up to it, he was just there to stop the decidedly not conservative Turnbull from getting the job. Fast forward a year and Nson's approval has hit single digits, so Turnbull gets his shot.

Tomorrow he's getting taken out back for the Cons to put the knife in. (Remember, this job matters.) He's gone ballistic, sent sprays in every direction and written Labor's re-election ads for them. It's a sight to see, the next election will not be a happy one for the Coalition.

Final piece of news: I've submitted my last assignment for the semester, huzzah! Study's over for the time being. Now to get a job. Oh, one of my lecturers has a client who have been soliciting his help with a project. But he has a new baby and a day job, so he's puttng my name forward to do some consulting work for them. Fingers crossed, I could do with a paycheck. (I was also pretty flattered that I'd apparently made such a good impression. Here's hoping my exam and assignment don't change his mind.)

But he has a new baby and a day job, so he's puttng my name forward to do some consulting work for them.

This is the advantage of the slightly less new baby -- you can wear the hat to work. Best of ~ma to you, and whatever you do, don't put yourself up for lib party leader. It sounds like you're looking for something a little steadier...

This is the advantage of the slightly less new baby -- you can wear the hat to work. Best of ~ma to you, and whatever you do, don't put yourself up for lib party leader. It sounds like you're looking for something a little steadier...

I think Ryan should go for the job. Votewinner! [link]

I never get tired of that photo.

Yeah, the local newscast this morning said that it was in "a Seattle suburb."

Votewinner!

Those eyes - just luminous!

Skippity skips almost 400 messages

Five years ago today I was sleeping through active labor and transition. I woke up around 10am ready to push. I ended up in the OR and she was born at 1:20 pm, five years ago today.

Happy Birthday baby girl. You'll probably never see this post, or any others I make today, but know that I love you and am everyday amazed by your existence in my world. And I am so sorry I forgot to make the jell-o treats for your class today.

Happy Birthday Emeline!!

Poor Tacoma. It's inferiority complex will be HUGE with its 'burbs getting confused with ours.

Tacoma's like... Oakland or something.

The airport is in Tacoma, right?

The airport is in SeaTac. Which is, err. The city that we named after the airport. (Seattle-Tacoma International, aka SeaTac.)

Also, OMGWTFPOLARBEAR! FIVE???

Also, OMGWTFPOLARBEAR! FIVE???

My thoughts exactly this morning. I looked at her and said, "Stop it. Stop it right now."