October 21, 2008

just your normal Tuesday, really

October 20, 2008

I hear Chicago is cold

Congratulations to Erin, who said, “OOH! I like the Thermacheck in the Aruba Aqua because if I have to wear a fleece, I’m gonna be wishing I was in Aruba!”  Me too, Erin.

(Email me and I’ll put you in touch with the Lands’ End people!)

I’m tossing a bunch of random things in a suitcase this morning, because I’m leaving for Chicago this afternoon.   And you will NEVER guess why!

(But you have to go over here to find out.  It’s worth the click — there are PICTURES, you all!)

Lands’ End graciously provided a chance for one Friday Playdate reader to win a fleece pullover. Thanks!

October 16, 2008

a million smooches later

My brother and his family were here last weekend; my two-year-old niece called me Nana over and over.   Then she would catch herself and say, “No no, not Nana!  Aunt Susan!”  Eventually, I ate her because she was so darn cute.

Also delicious.

Charlie was smitten by my five-year-old niece; they told the same pointless jokes and laughed until they couldn’t breathe.

“Knock knock!”

“Who’s there?”

“Tractor.”

“Tractor who?”

“Lightbulb!!!”

(Hysterical laughter and falling down.)

The big kids played together in the yard; they drew flags and taped them to sticks and made a pirate camp.  They all slept in the playroom, sprawled on the floor with the blankets kicked off and their arms and legs flung every which way.

On the first night, Charlie woke up at 3:00 am with a bloody nose.  He made his way from the playroom to our room, remembering to cut through his room and the bathroom to miss the baby gate that was blocking the hall.  I sent Wade to the boys bathroom for kleenex and hand towels; he forgot about the gate and smashed into it.  Twice.

In the morning, my brother said, “Did you hear us laughing when you hit the gate?”  They heard the crash and the “Goddammit!” and they started to giggle.  Really, who wouldn’t?

On Saturday night, we watched Man vs. Wild, which somehow my brother had never seen before.  He was mesmerized by Bear Grylls eating a raw snake; I looked over and he was frozen, staring at the television with his Reeses Peanut Butter Cup suspended halfway to his mouth.  I think he’s hooked.

On Sunday, as we were finishing lunch, my wee little niece toddled up to Henry and said, “Henwy, will you wead to me?”  And I ate her, again.

Still delicious.

(Fleece giveaway ends at midnight Friday.  Get in on it while you can!!!)

October 14, 2008

in the spirit of giving

Pea coat is here! Woo! Fall weather is also here, but it’s more lightweight trench coat than Thinsulate lined pea coat weather. But that’s coming, I’m sure.

Other things to celebrate: thanks to you all, two Oklahoma teachers are getting the help they needed in their classrooms. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it — thank you. If you’re still interested in helping, go to DonorsChoose.org. Look around and see who else you can help. Please.

And now, it’s time for me to give something back: Lands’ End wants one of you nice people to have a new fleece pullover this winter.  They’re offering to give one lucky Friday Playdate reader her choice of a fabulous fleece pullover, to keep her warm and chic this winter.

Option number one: Sherpa fleece pullover

Fleece lined with soft cotton jersey — ooh comfy!  And, according to our friends at Lands’ End, “Over layering pieces, this Sherpa Fleece Half-zip will keep you warm in 0° weather; over a light layer, in 10° weather.”  I can’t even imagine right now what ten degrees will feel like, but I know I would like to have a cozy fleece something or other on the day it gets that cold.  Brr.

Available in 11 colors, in sizes XS to XL; also available in petite and plus.  List price: $39.50.  Your price: FREE!

I know!  But wait, there’s another option!

Option number two: ThermaCheck 100 half zip pullover

This is a lighter weight fleece pullover, perfect for exercise or wearing around the house this winter when you’re refusing to turn the heat up any more because OMG gas is expensive you all!  Comes with an “antistatic treatment resists static cling, static shock, lint and pet hair.”  Sweet.

Available in 20 colors (twenty! colors! you all!), in sizes XS to XL.  Also available in petite and plus sizes.  List price, $25.50 — but not for you!

Woo fun!

So what do you have to do to bundle up this winter?  Tell me which fleece you want to take home, and what color you want.  See?  SO EASY!  In the mean time, head on over to Lands’ End and get free basic UPS shipping on any orders; enter code OUTERWEAR at checkout, from now through October 20.

Contest ends Friday at midnight.  Ready — GO!

Lands’ End is providing a fleece for one lucky winner at Friday Playdate. Thanks!