Sorry. I realize that title makes no sense at all.
But after a morning of listening to the little man scream that very phrase AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS, it’s the best I can do right now. I am embracing my limitations, if you will.
So.
How are you?
I have spent my morning on the telephone trying to get information about a yellow fever vaccination, and if that tidbit alone doesn’t tell you that my life has taken a bit of an unexpected turn over the last two or three months, then I don’t know what would. Because, oddly enough, yellow fever vaccinations are not really required when you spend the bulk your time happily ensconced in the suburbs of a large Southern city.
But as it turns out, I need me a yellow fever vaccination. Oh yes I do. And on Monday I’ll have more details than you ever wanted to know about why I need me a yellow fever vaccination.
I’m sure you’re trembling with anticipation.
Or, you know, ambivalence.
Whatever works.
And also.
I don’t know about y’all, but we were riveted by the Iowa caucus coverage last night. RIVETED. My husband is a bit of a political podcast junkie anyway, so he added some mighty fine color commentary as we watched.
And while I will probably never discuss my personal political views on this blog because WHY WOULD I DO THAT, WHY, THAT WOULD BE SO STUPID, I can tell you without hesitation that the English major in me absolutely loved listening to Mike Huckabee’s and Barack Obama’s beautifully crafted speeches.
Oh, the abundance of parallel structure and repetition made my little geeky grammarian heart sing.
(sidenote: There was a point in my life - probably after I watched The American President for the sixty-third time - when I dreamed of being a speechwriter.)
(But then I realized that I have absolutely no grasp of foreign policy, and besides that, I really doubt that any serious political contender would benefit from a speech that recounts Martha’s most recent Steinmart(s) excursion.)
(Because, say, a “Points of Light” metaphor isn’t quite as effective when the beacons are clearance racks.)
(And alas, my dream did die.)
Have a great weekend, everybody.
p.s. TRANS-FORRRRRRRRRRRRRRM!
p.p.s. I’m so sorry. It’s playing on a loop in my head.
p.p.p.s. The joys of motherhood, they know no bounds.
A. Beaverhausen says:
I didn’t watch the caucus and now I feel bad about that. And now–suddenly–very uninformed. But I like a good speech too. It’s the former English teacher in me.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Joanna says:
You’re leaving the country??! Tell hubby future of country isn’t THAT bad! hehe
I thought both men did a wonderful job on their speeches - good for both of them!! :)
Q: are y’all adopting? out of country? Thought I would add to the drama.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Liz says:
West Wing gave me all the political fun I ever needed :)
January 4th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Mrs. Who says:
This is a statement about my life. I didn’t watch the political hoo-hah. But I did see the Transformers movie, so when I saw your title, I thought it was all about the movie and was so excited. This is a little embarrassing.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Diane J. says:
Oooh…are ya flyin’ on one of them aeroplanes? ;-) Now I’ll be pondering the possibilities all this wonderful weekend. (Did you catch that nifty alliteration?)
Love and hugs,
Diane
January 4th, 2008 at 11:59 am
B. Burke says:
I know your pain.
Like, really, really know it.
For Christmas, our oldest BEGGED for a transformers helmet that not only blares pre-recorded snippets from the movie, but amplifies and alters his voice to sound like said robots. “How bad can it be?” we asked ourselves as we wrapped it up and put it under the tree.
After a week of high-pitched, mechanical screaming in the playroom, we now know how bad it can be.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
erin says:
They were good speeches, weren’t they. Hubs watched everything non-stop. I for some reason, (maybe the year long campaigning) had reached my limit on political information and left the room.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Lora Lynn says:
good heavens. Is there some sort of yellow fever outbreak in B-town that I know nothing about? I am intrigued.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Makeshift Mama says:
I’m surprised that the English major in you can stand to write multiple paragraphs in parentheses, but it definitely spices things up! Thanks for making me smile!
January 4th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Gretchen says:
Me thinks we’re (the royal we) either going on a mission trip or thinkin’ about adoptin’ a wee one from a foreign land. Just my 2 cents. Whatever it is, I’ll be waiting with bated breath.
Transfoooorrrrm!
January 4th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Mary B says:
Godspeed in whatever you do. But I will be waiting for the “big post” on Monday :)
January 4th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Beth says:
Love it that Iowa is mentioned on my favorite blog! Yes I am sitting here in freezing cold NE Iowa. My husband is out ice fishing. Glad the caucus is behind us. I was afraid to pick up the phone anymore! Are you going to the holy land?!
January 4th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
De-Lurking Denise says:
I, too, have seen “The American President” many, many times! I love it! Heck, I own it!
“Bob Rumson, your 15 mintues are up. I’m Andrew Shepard, and I AM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!”
Did I mention I love it?!?
January 4th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Stephanie says:
Enjoying the joys of motherhood here also. This morning I woke up singing “Temp…TATION!” (Think VeggieTales and the Apple, whatever her name is.)
My heart (and ears) goes out to the poor B. Burke!! Thankfully our annoying noise making Christmas presents was limited to 2 gifts this year. That shows amazing restraint on the part of the grandparents in our family!
Can’t wait to hear your big news!
January 4th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Andrea says:
I smell a little somethin’ cooked up between you and Mrs. Dryer (she of the passport-getting over Christmas)!! BTW, I too thought Obama and Huckabee did outstanding.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Clemntine says:
Here’s my guess:
You’ve been cast as an ill-fated love interest for John Stamos’ character on ER and you’ll be filming the season-ending cliffhanger in Panama and while it will end in your untimely (faux) demise, you WILL get to TV-smooch John before you are whisked from his manly grip in the current of the Panama Canal.
Close, right? I’m kind of uncanny like that.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Beth says:
It sounds like you may be going overseas…curiouser and curiouser. :) My dh is an english grad too. It’s come in very handy for him since he speaks weekly, as a pastor. I guess he’s sort of a speech writer…. he he
January 4th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Judi says:
I have a 5 year old. I know allll about Transformers and traaans-foooorming.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Maggie says:
I can’t get my dog to stop barking. She wants to go for a walk. I really wish she’d get a blog instead. I know…there is all kinds of messed up thinking here.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Karen @ Simply A Musing Blog says:
I wasn’t sure whether that was Transformers or if it was Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii…my son says that when he plays that game — apparently the stars transform and burst into galaxies.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Babystepper says:
Being an English major too (And is there really a more useless major, I just have to say.) I enjoy listening to well-crafted speeches, and cringe at those that cannot seem to manage parallel structure and the other basics of our language.
I remember many people telling me I should go into speech writing back in the day, and I told them basically what you pointed out. I have no grasp of politics, foreign policy, or even the ground rules of our government, so that would not be my wisest move.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Sabrina says:
My 5 year old got a T’formers flashlight ray-gun-thing for his birthday a couple of weeks ago and all I hear all day long is him singing ‘Transformers, more than meets the eye, Transformers, robots in the sky.’ He has a hearing loss issue and I haven’t taken the time to tell him that ‘in the sky’ is actually ‘in disguise’ because it’ll produce an argument. Love it when the action-figures also have a theme song. We go back to pre-K in 4 days. Not that I’m looking forward to it or anything.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
courtney says:
So cut the suspense… where are you going that you need a yellow fever vaccine?!
January 4th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
chickadee says:
sounds like that’s a perfect title for this post. obviously (with they yellow fever vaccine and all) your life is about to be transformed.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
karen says:
We have to wait until Monday? Why? Why? Why? (do I sound like a four year old. I guess if I really wanted to sound like a four year old, I would have started screaming as soon as I heard the word “shot”.) Oh, and I want the beacons of light to be clearance racks. Because that’s like, relating to where I am, you know?
January 4th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Erica (A Yankee In Jawja) says:
BooMama, your blog is “more than meets the eye” so your title is actually quite fittin’. :0)
My dear sweet hubby would continue to recite the theme for you, but you see he’s in “The ‘ham” on business! If you see a good ol’ Georgia boy (I mean you can’t, just CAN’T miss him) would you send him home to me? I miss him so.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Jenny says:
oooohhh… I can’t wait to hear your big news on Monday! Leavin’ on a jet-plane, huh? Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Leslie says:
I have a close relative who attends Brook Hills. He told me that 3000 people committed to do missions this year. Perhaps you were one of them? Can’t wait to hear more!
January 4th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
KatieBug says:
re: the Iowa caucus coverage. Were you by any chance watching CNN? We were, and about cracked up when Anderson Cooper introduced the interactive pie charts w/the Dem and Rep. We said a quick prayer that the writers would come off strike soon, because SNL so needs to be doing some skits of this stuff. And also, because we miss our shows dearly…
Can’t wait to hear where you’re going!
January 4th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Jennifer says:
As a not so long ago recipient of the yellow fever vaccine (as well as Hep A and Tetanus—skipped the Typhoid—isn’t 3 enough??), I feel your pain. And by pain I mean I seriously think my arm is going to swell up and fall off and I feel like I have the flu, pain. Just to warn you…. and it goes away in a few days. I know! Did I just win the encourager of the year award for new commenters?!
January 4th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Indiana Keetha says:
When I saw the title Transform, I thought you were going to share with us from Romans 12:2 “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .”
And I’m guessing you need your Yellow Fever shot ’cause you’re going on a missions trip - - - I had to have mine to go to Africa.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Leslie says:
Funny the Big Man has been screaming that very phrase at me for the past few weeks, in a 2 Corinthians 3:18 kind of way. Your blog title kind of took me aback :)
~Leslie
January 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Connie says:
Looking forward to hearing your news on Monday…it’s obvious it’s BIG!
January 4th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Jenn says:
The yellow fever, eh? I’m intrigued :) Can’t you tell us before Monday? huh? huh? huh?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Megan(FriedOkra) says:
I didn’t have time to read everyone’s comments but just in case I’m jumping on a bandwagon here, lemme be the 37th person to say that I do believe I would actually sit and listen to the State of the Union address with rapt attention for the first time ever if you were to write it. Really! Because it’d be guaranteed to be entertaining, even if it weren’t full of, you know, specific facts, or even correct generalizations. I bet you’d be as good a speechwriter as Rob Lowe was on the West Wing!
P.S. That is some Big Tease you are delivering, Missy. Yellow fever vaccination, hmmmm? Going to do a Google search immediately.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Pastormac's Ann says:
BooMama, are you going to Africa??!! Yellow Fever wasn’t a big deal, it was the other 5 shots that I got at the same time that were a pain.
Can’t wait to hear about your latest adventure.
I might be traveling to Africa again soon.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Holly Smith says:
The political world is missing out!
BTW, my Chris and I have sat at the table & had supper with Mr. Huckabee. Would you like for me to put in the good word for you to realize your long-lost dream?
No really, he came to our church in Little Rock and had church supper with us. Also, he was good friends with my bosses and they regularly attended Razorback functions together.
Trying to TRansFOOORRRRMMM! Ug, the scales, they are not pretty right now. All that cream cheese and soup! :)
January 4th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Amanda says:
I can’t wait to hear the big news! For now, Jackson can’t say “Transform!” But he can say “Poo poo! Uh oh!” over and over again. It’s so fun to think about poo poo all day.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
groovyoldlady says:
I love me some Huckabee! (His name is so fun to say!)
January 4th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Jackie Sue says:
Ok…I’m saying that you are a) adopting from Ethiopia(you were going to read”There is no Me without You”, which I DID read at your recommendation and it changed me forever) or b)you and hubby are taking a missions trip somewhere….either way I can’t wait to hear on Monday!!!! Also, read your last blog and oh, are you my kind of woman….food and friends…it just doesn’t get any better than that! Happy New Year BooMama and thanks for the laughs!
January 4th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
~*~ Jennifer ~*~ says:
Of course — since I went to a caucus for the first time EVAH in my life — I blogged about it this morning.
http://gabbygwenhwyfar.blogspot.com/2008/01/caucusing-we-will-go.html
It was interesting — then I too came home and watched it on TV. My dh said, “WHY? Weren’t you just there?” ::giggle:: Just an excuse to sit on the couch and eat some brownies of course. (Those ones I read about here… with a candy bar in the middle — Oh. My. Heavens.)
°Ü°
January 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Amber says:
we will have to get the yellow fever vacc. in the coming months. we are starting the adoption process for ethiopia in march. let me know how painful it is :)
January 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Ashleigh says:
I’m going with Clemntine and her uncanny ablilities…
January 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Tonya says:
Hmmm…makes me think of a trip to Africa.
Not sure I want the recipes you might bring back though - LOL!
January 4th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Melanie says:
I just hope that you aren’t getting the yellah fevah vaccine to hit the campaign trail. :>)
January 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
shelley says:
Oh, that was a good good movie! The American President, that is. I have no desire to see Transformers! I stayed up until midnight watching CNN and Fox News’ coverage. I don’t know why, but it absolutely fascinates me. My hubby? He was sleeping. Both speaches were great. I’m very interested in watching both of those canidates, and hearing what they have to say. It’s nice to see fresh faces!
January 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Jesslev says:
Don’t know if you have Kroger over there- but Kroger Pharmacies can get and administer all travel vaccines. Can’t wait to hear where you are going!
January 4th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Nan says:
Yellow fever??????????? Tell us more.
We were not home last evening,so, we did not see the coverage in Iowa. I will not discuss my political views here either, as much as I would like to!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Nan
January 4th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Genni says:
Tease.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Antique Mommy says:
Okay, I guess I’ll see everyone over on the “WHAT THE HECK IS YELLOW FEVER!!!” Google search pages.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Karen @ Simply A Musing Blog says:
Good NIGHT nurse…by all means, get that vaccine…I just read what “yellow fever” is and although I’m not planning any trips to South America, I’m thinking it’s a good idea for ME to get one…’cause North America is connected and all…
January 4th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Sandy says:
The English major in me cringed when Obama said “two-thousand-and-eight.” I had a nun in school whose pet peeve was putting “and” in the middle of a number, and I guess it stuck with me.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Lori says:
Eritrea? No. Too dangerous.
England?
No. Venezuela.
Oh, I’ve got it.
Djibouti. DJIBOUTI!
Have fun shakin’ Djibouti.
(I swear I did not plan that. I SWEAR.)
January 4th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
~E says:
It seems I have finally discovered someone (besides by hubby) who loves the movie “The American President” as much as I do!
January 4th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
bj says:
Soooooo, you are going out of the country into country that has YELLOW FEVER!! GOOD GRIEF, I have to run over to google and see what that is!
Oh, yes, we also were right in front of the tv all evening watching IOWA…Oh, dear, I am so trying to hold my tongue and not start talking politics. I could get myself in BIG TIME trouble so I’ll keep my mouth shut!! :)
hugs, bj
January 4th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Nicole @ lifeinprogress says:
The American President is one of my very favorite movies - it’s possible I’ve seen it even more than sixty-three times.
I have this curious feeling that we should be anticipating an adoption announcement on Monday. I am absolutely eaten alive with anticipation.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
MyBestInvest says:
That’s funny that you dreamed of being a speechwriter. That’s what I thought I was going to do also.
In fact, I worked on Capitol Hill when I was in college and interviewed for an internship with Jeff Sessions when he was elected to the Senate. (I opted to work for Connie Mack, the Sen. from my home state instead.)
Then I realized that if I went into politics, I was committing my life to conflict and that’s just not my cup of tea.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Amy says:
A yellow fever vaccination….wow. Your friend and “new Martie” must be having a heckuva wedding.
Thanks for having us all remember that “patience is the companion of wisdom” as we wait for your news.
Or, (in my case because I am impatient) “I got a FEVER! And the only prescription…is MORE COWBELL!”
I will go and find a life now.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Lindac says:
Former English majors of the world, unite!
January 4th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Nancy says:
Now how could I be ambivalent about yellow fever? Thank you for the smiles.
Nancy
January 4th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Amy says:
Just had to say that “The American President” is my FAVORITE MOVIE EVER. EVER.
That’s all. Thank you.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Rocks In My Dryer says:
“the beacons are clearance racks”….just snarfed ice water all over my monitor.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Holly says:
I too love the American President- it’s one of those that I must stop and watch every time it’s on tv.
Curious about the trip…can’t wait to read Monday.
Just wondering your predictions for the National Championship game. Of course, I’m totally assuming that you’re pulling for the SEC team, am I right? Even though there’s much controversy where the tigers are concerned…just wanted to hear your comments. Inquiring minds want to know!! Of course I’m shouting Geaux Tigers!
Holly
in Tiger Country
January 4th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
fabthemayor says:
I’m sorry, Boomama, but have you never read the part in my blog where I talk about BUYING MY OWN CHRISTMAS PRESENTS BECAUSE I CAN’T STAND SURPRISES?!?! You could go ahead and post it and we wouldn’t tell anyone about it until Monday (pinky promise!)
January 4th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Mama C says:
It’s okay. It’s got to be better listening to the little man say it than a 12-inch high Optimus Prime action figure thing. Which says it in a gravelly voice. Every time you accidentally touch it. And it scares the crap out of you because you are not expecting it to talk because you thought you turned it off.
Hope you are enjoying some friend time!
January 4th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Stephanie(ocean mommy) says:
Yellow Fever!?!?!?!?
My guess is adoption or mission trip. Whatever it is, you sure have us on pins and needles!
I just hate surprises! Can’t you just give us a little hint???? Please? We’ll be your best friends!
steph.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Melissa says:
Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure! I’ve got all kinds of speculations swirling in my head. Maybe we should have a contest. “Where in the World is BooMama going?” :)
January 4th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Tina Vega says:
I thought perhaps it was a Word for me. The Lord was speaking mighty heavily to my heart this morning (Romans 12:2 - be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind…)
Yes, I think it is.
Can’t wait to hear what you have up your sleeve! Is it a visit with Big Mama? No, wait, she has the Black Plague not yellow fever…
January 4th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Frazzmom says:
My husband, two children and myself have all had the yellow fever vaccine in the last couple of years. If you haven’t already checked the CDC website- they have a great travel section. Make sure you check with your insurance company- sometimes they’ll pay for it, but you usually have to jump through a few hoops first!
January 4th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Wendy Darling says:
OK, I am on the edge of my seat waiting to hear about the Yellow Fever Vaccination. All sorts of things are going through my head.
I too watched the Caucus, and enjoyed the speeches.
Unlike you I WAS stupid and did JUST FINISH posting a political post saying who I am supporting. God help me…. :-)
January 5th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Kate says:
My guess would be adoption or a mission trip ;0)
Have done the first twice (and am praying that the Lord will allow it to happen one more time - or that He will wipe this desire, this need, from my heart ;o) -
Haven’t done the second yet - but plan to when my babies get a little older!
Good luck and God bless!
January 5th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Becky says:
Short term missions trip? Foreign country adoption? An exotic vacation?
And alone, not with any other vaccinations?
Oy, the suspense! (And in case you’re wondering, I’m thinking that in Pa Grape’s voice from Veggie Tales).
January 5th, 2008 at 3:15 am
Leigh says:
I cannot wait to find out why you need a yellow fever vaccine! You do know how to keep people coming back, don’t you? LOL
January 5th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Jean Stockdale says:
Yellow fever shot. Hmmmmm. I have had one of those and I am dying to find out why you are contemplating one. Hurry and reveal. Blessings.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Tee says:
Well, I don’t think you need a Yellow Fever shot for New York City. Can’t want to hear what the Lord is doing in your life. As for the speech writing at the White House, perhaps you could get Holly Smith to introduce you to her political contacts. :-) Tell us about Martha’s latest trip to the Steinmarts!
January 5th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
gina says:
transform is better than the plain out screaming I’ve been listening to. ;)
are you going on a trip? i love hearing about trips. do tell…
January 5th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Natalie says:
Are you really going to leave us all hanging until Monday? You’re killing me with the vaguery :-)
January 5th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Charity says:
Can’t wait to hear where you are going. Africa?
January 5th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Sarah G. says:
My very first thought when I read the yellow fever thing was,”Oh, I hope they’re adopting internationally!” We’re planning to start the process sometime in ‘08 so I have adoption on the brain. :) I’m all excited to know what y’all are up to!
January 5th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Kim Hoyt says:
Hmmmm. Yellow Fever. Needed in third world countries. Actually you usually need a LOT of shots, but the yellow fever is the worst. It hurts!
January 5th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Jessica says:
Oh, well you should go read my blog from the night of the Iowa Caucus!!
January 5th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Ruth says:
It warms my heart to know that someone else loved The American President as much as I did. Must be an English major thing. ;-)
January 7th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Vanessa says:
Wow! Those plates are just adorable :) I wish I had a local Target to get to!!
Come Check out the Free Fabric Softener Contest at Homemaker of the 21st Century!
January 7th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Julie Schaal says:
Iowa caucuser checking in here…I am one of those first time caucusers everyone is talking about. It was an inspiring night. You are correct, those speeches were amazing and made me tearfully wistful with hope and idealism. I was VERY proud to caucus and think highly of BOTH winners. Dare I say that they would make an interesting team…
As a Califonia native, I can tell you that the whole ordeal of causcusing would NEVER fly in CA. Too long, too many impatient people. I WAS the only one in mine asking,”Are they doing this right?” “Do we need to count again” “What else do we do?”
Everyone, take the time to learn about candidates and issues. And vote!
January 7th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Krista says:
Um, Shannon just spilled your secretnmm… that is my son helping me type :)
January 7th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
R says:
how funny! the american president inspired me too…made me want to be a personal assistant! strangely enough, i did end up there in a roundabout way…i was an event coordinator for a US Rep prior to children!
January 7th, 2008 at 4:16 pm