* As soon as it seemed that the various viral and cold bugs had vacated our lovely home, the intestinal flu attacked. With. A. Fucking. Vengeance. Trent got it and two days later the rest of us were all down with the upchucking poopies. It took me a record eight days to get to the point at which the smell of food didn't trigger my gag reflex. Thankfully, I was the exception, as everyone else got over it all rather quickly. Now we're all just exhausted. But pushing ahead. 'Cause, you know, life goes on.

* A week ago yesterday I took Zoe to the ENT, who informed me that her snoring, difficulty breathing through her nose and inability to get a full night's sleep would be greatly improved if she were to have her adenoids and tonsils removed. I have sleep apnea and recognise a lot of the same patterns in Zoe, plus she has lots of sinus and ear infections (which is partly attributable to the fact that our tonsils hold onto every bit of particulate garbage we breathe in), so I agreed, but am not looking forward to it. She is not quite able to understand at this point why she will be hurting, and though I know the surgery is necessary in order for her to breathe normally (as opposed to via mouth like she does now because her adenoids are so big it's blocking air circulation through her nose), I still feel like a rotten mom and person in general because I know with absolute and undeniable certainty that she will be in pain. Dr. Y went over all of our options with me, though, and to just remove the adenoids will mean a shorter and less painful recovery time but only short-term relief, as her tonsils are also huge. She's scheduled for surgery tomorrow at 7:30 am.

* Pan's Labyrinth is a beautiful film, both horrific and fantastical. The line between the horror elements and the faery-tale elements are so sharply drawn that sometimes the transition between the two is a shock, and both presented with equal intensity. Everything about it works to perfection; the writing, the acting, and (as always) Guillermo Del Toro's directing is flawless. The man is absolutely incapable of making a bad film. And if you don't fall completely in love with Ofelia, something is terribly wrong with you. This is no pretty hollywood faery tale for the kiddies, though, so anyone who goes to see it should leave them at home. Also, it's in spanish only with subtitles. I thought that made the film more enjoyable, but it's worth mentioning for those who don't like to 'read their movies'.

* I turned 38 last week. Whee. We were all too sick to do anything and I don't want to try and have a get-together with baby girl recovering from surgery, so we've had to put off any celebrating by at least a couple of weeks. Probably more because my dad has some weekend work days coming up and if he's not there to supervise the crew they fuck off all day. Ah well. Eventually. By then at least I should be able to entertain the thought of eating the cake without heaving.

* John and I have started trying energy drinks because they're supposed to help you keep going so you can game longer. Thus far we've just gotten some of the blue (lo-carb) Monster, which has got to be some of the worst tasting stuff I have ever ingested. It's like getting a mouth full of liquid Sweet-Tarts, heavy on the sweet. I'm currently gagging it down to get the caffeine rush, but really not digging it. It's my understanding that Joker Mad Energy tastes much the same, kind of a cross between the Monster and Red Bull, which I loathe. Red Bull's taste stays with you no matter what you do - you'd better like it because it's in for the long haul, baby. I hear Bawls is tasty and kicks like a mule, but haven't tried it yet. We're still looking for it and not having much luck. I don't want to have to order it because if we hate it we're stuck with a case (case of Bawls, ha-ha) of something that won't get consumed. Very wasteful. Anyone who has sipped the Bawls is welcome to comment.

* Speaking of gaming...Stay Alive (a film about a video game prototype that kills those who play it), is actually pretty enjoyable. The gaming sequences in particular are lush and well filmed, with graphics of beautiful clarity and realism. Made me wish the game actually existed (a version that doesn't kill, of course). It's based upon Elizabeth Bathory, and while a lot of historical license was taken here, the film is still fun to watch. Could have used a bit more gore, but that's just me, I guess. All of the gamer archetypes were represented, and John and I figured we both fall into the personality area between October and her brother, Phin (gothic chick and hardcore smartass). Frankie Muniz is of course adorable and the CGI is gorgeous *at times breathtaking*. What the hell is up with Samaire Armstrong's hair, though? That bothered me so much. I mean, really, what the hell was that? Anyway, decent movie. Fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. If you're not already gaming.

* The Book of Daniel is now available on DVD!! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!! Up yours, protestors. You raised your whiny, self-important little fundaMENTAList voices and got the show dropped, but you failed to make it inaccessible to those of us who want it. Got that? You failed. You can stop using it as a point of argument now.