The Ninth Circle

I'm not sure what I ever did to deserve this week - probably didn't floss enough or refill the ice cube tray - but it has resembled Dante's Inferno in all its glory. Okay, that's a bit dramatic. But it hasn't been fun, I can tell you that.

However, there are better days ahead because the new Harry Potter will be in my hot little hands soon. I am instituting an Internet moratorium on any Harry-related articles for fear of anything leaking into my innocent brain. I have re-read the Half-Blood Prince to ensure I am completely up to date on the latest installation. I have reserved a book at Borders and have one ordered through Amazon, just to cover all my bases.

I like to be prepared.

Good Advice

"I get a lot of letters from people. They say, 'I want to be a writer. What should I do?' I tell them to stop writing to me and get on with it." - Ruth Rendell

Baby in Tow

So on Friday night I discovered a surefire way to keep all panhandlers, suspicious men, and other unsavory characters away from you on Second Avenue downtown - simply bring along your best friends' baby! That's right, one glimpse of the baby carrier and those about to ask for money begin steering themselves in another direction. The scruffy guys waiting to get into the latest club, or simply hanging around the outside of Hooters for, well, I guess the smell of those famous wings, will shy away to the furtherest corners of the sidewalk and avert their eyes.

It makes for quite a refreshing walk, and hoofing it with the baby carrier and diaper bag gives you a nice little workout, as my friend assured me. Our destination was a free dessert at the Melting Pot - a nice big bowl of melted chocolate - and it did not disappoint. In honor of the occasion, we took a few pics. I know she looks a bit worried in this picture, but Baby Maddie was especially thrilled to come with us.



And we also decided to mix it up a bit...



And much fun was had. Have a great July 4th!