he cracks me up

D., in the bath, playing with his knight and castle bath toys (we got these in Chicago and used them to bribe him to wash his hair. Not sure how to top this; we may have to resort to offering him cash): "This knight just got killed."

Papa: "I don't like killing."

D.: "He didn't get killed. He died because he was old. And an arrow went through him."

Observation 1: At least he knows what his parents values are even if he hasn't completely absorbed them.

Observation 2: That y chromosome has a pretty strong influence. Parenthood has made me renounce long-held convictions in the nature-nuture debate.

I will start to work on my Chicago and BlogHer updates, pics and observations tomorrow, after the Demerol wears off.

Until then, you can find the first batch of photos at Flickr.
I'm nowhere near done but wanted to share. Please excuse all the pictures of the jelly bean in Millenium Park. We really liked that thing.

Actually, I really liked it but my spouse LOVED it. I had to drag him away to get food, as he protested, "I want to get more pics of the bean!"

home is where my heart is

I crawled into my hotel room (near the Toronto airport)at 2:00 this morning. I spent the last several hours of my trip looking forward to being able to take this pic of my beautiful sleeping son (my spouse and the boys were at T.'s brother's place for the last few days. My oldest stayed on to hang with his cousins and my spouse and youngest son checked into the hotel near the airport ahead of me).

He woke me at dawn with a joyful cry, as he hopped into my bed and went back to sleep on my pillow.

When he was cuddling with me a little (OK, a few hours) later, his papa asked him if he was happy his mama was home.

"I was happy to see her this morning. I'm happier now that she's awake."

We're home now.

Chemo tomorrow.

I have so much I want to share with all of you but I really do need to go to bed.

o'hare: my new home away from home

I arrived with a half-empty suitcase. I left Chicago with a bag so full of BlogHer swag ("stuff we all get") that I had to pay a twenty-five dollar fee. If I had known, I would have left the plastic martini glass and the box of shampoo samples behind.

I ordered a beer with my dinner in the restaurant. For the first time since I can remember, I was asked for ID. I said, "Really? You've just made my day! I'm turning 40 on Saturday!"

I gave myself plenty of time so that I wouldn't have to rush when I got here. I needn't have bothered. My flight has been delayed. I will arrive, as I left, in the wee hours.

grateful (a post before I leave for the Chicago airport)

I owe you lots of updates (and I have pics!) but I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who made this trip possible.

My dear friends and family,

I had a wonderful time at the BlogHer conference, made all the more special by the fact that this trip was given to me by people who love me. I don't actually have the words to convey how meaningful your gift has been (not to mention the fact that I would not have been able to pay for it!).

And I should tell you all that I told the story many times over the last few days of how my friends gave me the trip to BlogHer as a 40th birthday present. They were always touched (some even got shivers and tears in their eyes). My 10 second post was even part of a slide show at the beginning of the conference.

I have a friend who often speaks about being a lucky person. I am so lucky to be here. I am lucky to know each of you. I am just really freakin' lucky.

much love,
L.

today was a very good day

Live blogging went out the window pretty quickly.

I am exhausted.

So glad I'm here.

Today was a very good day.

A Comprehensive and Independent Progress Report on the Massachusetts Health Plan

The Center for Studying Health System Change has issued a comprehensive report on the progress of the Massachusetts health reform plan.Anyone interested in the plan's progress will find this must reading.From their overview:As Massachusetts' landmark effort to reach nearly universal health coverage continues, affordability of coverage remains a key concern for individuals and small

liveblogging from BlogHer part 2: compromised

We just finished an icebreaker session that left my head spinning. I really need to get business cards. I may be the only one here without them.

And I know I'm mad at Yahoo(they capitulated to outrageous censorship and oppression in China) but I just grabbed some swag (paper clips and jelly beans), as well as a free Americano. Apparently, I can be bought, when decent coffee is involved.

I am now attending a session on online communities.