Author: Carrie Spritzer

Above are my fraternal grandparents. The left photo is from my grandmother’s college graduation; the one on the right is from their wedding. My grandmother passed away five years ago, my grandfather over thirty years ago and I never knew him.

I keep these photos on the bulletin board above my desk and see them every day. I love the sepia tint of the photos, the expression on their faces, the way the photos are worn, no longer crisp. I love seeing them when they were my age and seeing them together.

When I look at them it makes me feel both happy and sad. (Even now, in writing this, my eyes are filled with tears.) Yet I love that they are immortalized in this photo, and always here in me, and now–through these pictures–with you.

Check out this fascinating trailer for the documentary “Pregnancy in America.” The trailer touches upon on why David and I have no intention of giving birth in a hospital. Some parts that were especially interesting to me:

Doctor in the Netherlands: “We don’t see [birth] as a medical thing. It’s a natural thing and sometimes you need medical assistance.”

Woman with European accent: “In America, it’s not usual that you deliver at home?”

No, it’s not usual. In America most babies are born in hospitals (in Europe most babies are born at home) and we have one of the highest newborn death rates amongst developed countries. You do the math.

(And we’re not pregnant.) link via Elaine

Congratulations to our dear friend Stefan on passing his comprehensive exam! Wish we could celebrate with you!

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It looked like it was going to rain all day today — so beautiful. All the greens were vibrant and there was a lovely breeze. I got all bundled up for my walk, which involved putting on a Polartec. Above are some pictures from my stroll (it’s my day off from running!). Isn’t that sky so stunning?!

Because of the long weekend, my sense of time has been completely off. I kept thinking today was Monday instead of Tuesday… or maybe Wednesday though I cannot explain why. Tonight David has his yoga class and I shall continue setting up my newly reformatted computer (oh, how fast she is running! so nice!). I also have a date with the kitchen. Menu items for this week include spinach, garlic, mushrooms, and onion lasagna, enchilada casserole, curried noodle patties, and a variety of salads. Yummers!

Did you hear that Tori Amos is releasing a new album on May 1, 2007? I am curious about the sound she’ll go for this time. I am partial to her Little Earthquakes and Under the Pink albums… haven’t been as in love with her more recent stuff. Keeping my fingers crossed for lots of piano and soulful singing.

75 degrees, sunny and beautiful out, so we headed to the beach today. As we were leaving, the fog was rolling in from the bay out to sea (right picture–goodbye blue sky!). Absolutely gorgeous.

Have a great three-day weekend, everyone!