Grandma King arrived bearing golden hair ornaments.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Thursday, December 15, 2005
The not-so-weekly update from Bicetopia
Hello again family, friends, and interested readers!
Well, the snow has finally abated for the time being here in the greater Lafayette area. Finals are winding down so the town is emptying out, and for the next few weeks we'll have the town to ourselves. Erin, Madelyn and I are hunkering down for Christmas and awaiting the imminent arrival of Madelyn's new sister, Olivia.
For those of you who don't know/can't remember we're expecting Olivia Diana Bice around January 17th. Since we had problems with prehyclampsia (sp?) last time, Erin has been watching her blood pressure closely. Everything was going well up until last week, when Erin noticed she wasn't feeling well at work. She checked the blood pressure and lo and behold it was 170 pver 104. Needless to say, after consulting the doctor she was told that she's done working until Olivia arrives. Erin is now living the life of a housewife and Madelyn is getting alot more mommy-time.
Naturally one of the side effects of Madelyn being at home full-time is we're getting to see alot more of what she's capable of pulling off. Unbeknownst to her parents, Madelyn has somehow trained herself to climb with primate-like abilities. The mystery of the month here has been how did Madelyn climb into her crib by herself. Dad, being laissez-faire middle manager that he is, let's Madelyn play back in her room for as long as she chooses. One afternoon while Mom was napping, Dad (that's me for those who haven't been following along) went back to check on the little rug-runner and found her standing proudly in her crib, looking quite pleased with herself I should add.
We've gotten a couple christmas packages from Grandpa and a Great-aunt we're rumored to have. This means that Madelyn has a ready supply of brightly colored, highly tempting packages constantly singing their sirens' songs to her. Needless to say we have a lot of "Madelyn don't touch that!" moments here these days.
The other big development around here has been Madelyn forays into walking. Madelyn is slowly venturing away from the relative comfort and safety of the "couch-line" to explore the wide open spaces of the middle of the living room floor on her own two feet. She's even started standing up on her own. I feel its the begining of the end for all of her parent's possessions, and the rebuilding effort could take years.
That's all for now from Indiana. Feel free to drop us a comment or wish us a Merry Christmas.
We wish everyone the merriest of Christmases.
Well, the snow has finally abated for the time being here in the greater Lafayette area. Finals are winding down so the town is emptying out, and for the next few weeks we'll have the town to ourselves. Erin, Madelyn and I are hunkering down for Christmas and awaiting the imminent arrival of Madelyn's new sister, Olivia.
For those of you who don't know/can't remember we're expecting Olivia Diana Bice around January 17th. Since we had problems with prehyclampsia (sp?) last time, Erin has been watching her blood pressure closely. Everything was going well up until last week, when Erin noticed she wasn't feeling well at work. She checked the blood pressure and lo and behold it was 170 pver 104. Needless to say, after consulting the doctor she was told that she's done working until Olivia arrives. Erin is now living the life of a housewife and Madelyn is getting alot more mommy-time.
Naturally one of the side effects of Madelyn being at home full-time is we're getting to see alot more of what she's capable of pulling off. Unbeknownst to her parents, Madelyn has somehow trained herself to climb with primate-like abilities. The mystery of the month here has been how did Madelyn climb into her crib by herself. Dad, being laissez-faire middle manager that he is, let's Madelyn play back in her room for as long as she chooses. One afternoon while Mom was napping, Dad (that's me for those who haven't been following along) went back to check on the little rug-runner and found her standing proudly in her crib, looking quite pleased with herself I should add.
We've gotten a couple christmas packages from Grandpa and a Great-aunt we're rumored to have. This means that Madelyn has a ready supply of brightly colored, highly tempting packages constantly singing their sirens' songs to her. Needless to say we have a lot of "Madelyn don't touch that!" moments here these days.
The other big development around here has been Madelyn forays into walking. Madelyn is slowly venturing away from the relative comfort and safety of the "couch-line" to explore the wide open spaces of the middle of the living room floor on her own two feet. She's even started standing up on her own. I feel its the begining of the end for all of her parent's possessions, and the rebuilding effort could take years.
That's all for now from Indiana. Feel free to drop us a comment or wish us a Merry Christmas.
We wish everyone the merriest of Christmases.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Snow Days
Well we've finally gotten a little snow up here. The temperatures lingered between zero and 20 degrees all week long. Then finally on Friday the snow arrived.
It started snowing around 2 in the afternoon on Friday. This is what it looked like by about 6 PM that night from our back door.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Jake's a 45, Erin's a 36...Together we make an 81!
Erin sent me one of these 10 question personality tests at work the other day. Now, I enjoy being my own shrink as much as anyone else. I was happy to learn that according to this test I seem reasonably well adjusted (well to other people at least).
I've posted the test for your own pleasure. Have fun analyzing yourself.
This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees.
It's only 10 simple questions, so...... grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers.
Ready??
Begin...
1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon & and early evening
2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly
3.When talking to people you...
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your
hair
4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you
5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile
6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you
know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed
7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and
you're interrupted......
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes
8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray
9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments
before going to sleep....
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers
10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant
POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1 !
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1.
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1 .
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1.
Now add up the total number of points.
OVER 60 POINTS:
Others see you as someone they should "handle with care."
You're seen as vain, self centered, and who is extremely
dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more
like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become
too deeply involved with you.
51 TO 60 POINTS:
Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather
impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to
make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see
you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try
anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an
adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the
excitement you radiate.
41 TO 50 POINTS:
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing,
practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly
in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced
not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind,
considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer
them up and help them out.
31 TO 40 POINTS:
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical.
They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest.
Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but
someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and
who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who reallyget
to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in
your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to
get over if that trust is ever broken.
21 TO 30 POINTS:
Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you
as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady
plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did
something impulsively or on thespur of the moment, expecting
you to examine everything carefully from every angle and
then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is
caused partly by your careful nature.
UNDER 21 POINTS:
People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone
who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to
make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with
anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always
sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're
boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.
I've posted the test for your own pleasure. Have fun analyzing yourself.
This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees.
It's only 10 simple questions, so...... grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers.
Ready??
Begin...
1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon & and early evening
2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly
3.When talking to people you...
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your
hair
4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you
5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile
6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you
know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed
7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and
you're interrupted......
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes
8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray
9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments
before going to sleep....
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers
10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant
POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1 !
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1.
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1 .
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1.
Now add up the total number of points.
OVER 60 POINTS:
Others see you as someone they should "handle with care."
You're seen as vain, self centered, and who is extremely
dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more
like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become
too deeply involved with you.
51 TO 60 POINTS:
Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather
impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to
make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see
you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try
anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an
adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the
excitement you radiate.
41 TO 50 POINTS:
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing,
practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly
in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced
not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind,
considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer
them up and help them out.
31 TO 40 POINTS:
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical.
They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest.
Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but
someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and
who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who reallyget
to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in
your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to
get over if that trust is ever broken.
21 TO 30 POINTS:
Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you
as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady
plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did
something impulsively or on thespur of the moment, expecting
you to examine everything carefully from every angle and
then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is
caused partly by your careful nature.
UNDER 21 POINTS:
People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone
who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to
make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with
anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always
sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're
boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Holiday Madness Sweeps the Bice Household
Hello again friends and family. Lately, we haven't been as good at getting new little nuggets up onto the blog as we have in the past. However, with the Thanksgiving weekend now behind us, and a full five days here at home with Madelyn, I've collected enough stuff to manage throwing a post up.
As I mentioned earlier, Madelyn and I held down the fort for five days this past week (Wednesday through Sunday). So what do you do when two people (one of whom only communicates via pointing and grunting) have that much time together?
You got it: Alot of television watching. Actually, on Wednesday we trekked up to Erin's work for her clinic's chili cookoff. I made a nice Texas chili, which it turns out was a whole lot hotter than your garden variety Indiana chili. Erin got to watch me take perverse pleasure in people takng a bite and saying "Oh man--That's hot!" We managed to even come in second place despite burning off a few more tastebuds than everyone else.
Erin had Thursday off, so we spent the day fixing alot more food than two and a half people could possibly eat. Ham, squash casserole, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, beets, a relish tray, and pumpkin pie. As you can see below, Madelyn is wondering who else is coming over for dinner. While we were cooking Madelyn was positively soaking up the Macy's day parade.
Almost as soon as we cleared the table we had to begin setting up the tree. We had apparently decided that we didn't have enough stuff around for Madelyn to get into/pull down ontop of herself.
All of this activity was too much for Madelyn who retired to her crib for a few practice run throughs with the sugarplums on the dance floor.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Madelyn Gears up for Winter
It was 17 degrees outside when we got up this morning, so Madelyn got to try on her new winter coat. Needless to say it was not a big hit.
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