Westworld: Season 2 Finale

(mild spoiler alert)

Is anyone else's mind still blown by processing that season finale? Michael and I were both stuck on the whole William arc, and the timing of that (he was in the elevator, then he wasn't in the elevator, then we see him and we don't know how much time has passed). We were also happy that we coincidentally left the credits rolling or we would have missed the most important scene.  I wonder where the next season will go, because there are just so many directions where they could take it. It could go a day in the future, or a hundred years, or who knows. With the exception of a few characters, there might simply be an entirely new cast and setting. 

Anyway, it had been a while since a season finale really surprised us, so it was enjoyable. One thing's for sure, Westworld is not a show you can watch half-assed. Some episodes really require your full attention, and even then, they require you to juggle multiple timelines in your head at the same time. So, if you find it hard to follow movies like Interstellar or Inception, or a show with a lot going on, like Game of Thrones, listening to a podcast that points out all the details, theories, and really breaks things down, is really helpful. 

Speaking of other shows, I'm also pretty deep into The Handmaid's Tale, which is super intense and dark. That's one that you kind of have to follow with something lighter, for sure. We also finished Cobra Kai's first season, which was enjoyable all the way through. 

Winter is the best time of year to get sucked into some fiction. It's a new golden age of television, ironically, because creative people aren't restricted to telling their stories on just a few TV networks that have to cater to the middle of the road. Networks that aren't mainstream, like HBO and AMC, have really pushed the envelope in the last few years. And, several different streaming services are also producing really high quality series and movies, and they can take risks. 

Good times.

Cadenshae

Cadenshae is my new favorite breastfeeding-friendly, sporty clothing brand. My only regret is I didn't find out about them a little big sooner. If you need a gift for someone who is pregnant or nursing, their stuff is great and doesn't look dowdy like maternity or feeding clothing can often look.

Civil Civilians

Right now, my cousin's daughter (with whom I have sort of auntie-niece/younger cousin relationship), who is in high school, is on a service trip in Costa Rica. The purpose of the trip is to give young people an leadership and community service experience, and not religious in nature. They are doing manual labor to improve the quality of schools, as well as working with the children, and getting to do a little bit of fun travel stuff in between the work. The group has been posting blog updates, and it warms my heart to see the good work they are doing, as well as getting to explore a country that I really loved visiting. It's also most of the kids' first experience travelling without their families, which is always a huge step, and so good for personal development.

Another friend of mine was telling me about the family her UU church has sponsored a refugee family, and she brought them dinner one night to welcome them. Even though it was not her forte, she looked up an unfamiliar meal from where they were from, rather than cooking something that would have been easy for her. 

In this time of so much negativeity and polarization, I'm so happy to hear stories about people simply doing nice things for other people. Period. It's great if you can help in big ways that involve travelling and donating lots of money and time. But, even if you can't, just doing small for anyone else - a friend or a stranger- is what this world needs more of right now. When we had Penelope, it was huge when a friend just brought over a meal. Just buying the stranger behind you's cup of coffee, picking up that bit of trash on the sidewalk, tipping the waiter a little bit extra, giving up your seat on public transport, bringing a box of donuts for the coworkers, etc. can really make a huge difference in someone's day, and just generally make the community a nicer place to be. 

Cobra Kai

On a whim, Michael and I started watching Cobra Kai, which is about the lives of Daniel from the Karate Kid, and his main nemesis, Johnny, but as adults. It's told more from the perspective of Johnny. Surprisingly, I didn't think I would say this about a show produced by Youtube, it's really good. What legitimizes is is that they got the original actors. There are some enjoyable throwbacks (Daniel now owns a car dealership and "Every customer leaves with a Bonsai") and some interesting juxtaposition about social issues happening today. It's also more family friendly than the violent/gory zombie, dragon, and sci-fi westerns that we watch these days, so we don't have to worry about Penelope seeing it. Anyway, it's worth getting the free Youtube premium free three month trial for. We blew threw four episodes immediately - they're pretty short (20 minutes). 

Strike first.

Strike hard.

No mercy.

Space Case

When #45 took office, I imagined I would dislike many things he did. I have to say, he has really gone below and beyond some of the lowest standards I could have possibly imagined for a US president. It is not an overreaction to say that it's disturbing. All the latest immigration chaos and hateful rhetoric is the just the most recent stuff. And then there's this stupid space force plan. America keeps digging itself into deeper and deeper holes, internationally and domestically, but let's spend a ton money we don't really have to invent a branch of the military we don't really need?! That money could be used on so many more things that would benefit so many more Americans. We could improve healthcare, life for existing veterans and military branches, schools, drinking water quality in Flint, Michigan, invest in our infrastructure, invest in American companies that manufacture renewable energy, national parks/the interior, repair Puerto Rico, etc. But no, #45 wants to go play in space. If we want to do something in space, why not give the money to NASA, which already exists and does valuable research, instead of ignoring the research and projects they already do?! And don't get me started on this business of him holding rallies for himself, which is just kind of pathetic and sad. Stop campaigning for a job you already have, and actually properly do that job. 

I gripe a lot about the US government these days, but the Australian government has its own issues. I won't go into them because I honestly know less about them, but it's not perfect here either. It's not perfect anywhere. There is an immigration crisis all over the world, and there is no quick fix for any of the countries dealing with it. But, I'm fairly certain that splitting up families and putting children in cages is not the answer. And then, arguing whether or not they are in cages further wastes our time. 

All I know is it's my goal to teach Penelope, and all the kids I work with, about love, positivity, and empathy. Those ideals don't have to equate to being weak or a pushover, I associate them with strength and wisdom. There is this silly idea that #45 is masculine and powerful because he isn't politically correct, says what he thinks, and doesn't apologize. It really makes him seem completely foolish, juvenile, and like he doesn't have any self-control or manners.  

Anyway, life goes on. 

All in a Week's Work

It's official - in case there was any doubt - Penelope's Australian citizenship certificate has arrived in the mail. Also this week, Penelope and I went to see Oceans 8 at Prams at the Pix (which was average but entertaining enough), we went to a fun game night at friends' house, I had a mums group meeting at The Tramsheds, and Michael and I found time in-between that stuff to workout. All in a week's work. 

The never-ending chain of paperwork continues as I prep Penelope's passport application, and gather everything we need to apply for Australian citizenship next month. Applying for a police background check here was infinitely easier than when we had to apply for an FBI one about two years back. Then in a month or so, I'll have to file our Aussie taxes, another thing that is infinitely easier here than it is in the states.

This after noon, we have yet another going away get-together for some Irish friends who are moving away. It's a bummer, but there's a good chance we will see them again somewhere around the world. The downside of knowing having interesting international friends is that some among them are always in flux. 

Incredibles 2

Note to self: when seeing a movie in the theater with a baby, make sure there is a baby in the movie, so other people in the theater can't really tell if the sounds they hear are from the audience are the movie, and therefore, cannot be annoyed with you. That's what we did, and other than the fact that we possibly overstimulated Penelope temporarily, it was a success. Who's cooing? Who's fussing? Is it Jack-Jack? Is it Penelope? Who's to say? It also helps to see movies in theaters that have big recliner seats, since they're comfy and spacious enough to feed or hold a small child. 

Incredibles 2 was entertaining enough, and it touched on some gender equality issues, as well as an interesting parental quandary: do you teach your kids that it is right to obey the law, or do you teach them that if you don't think laws are right, they should be challenged? It seemed appropriate during these times when the US government is doing questionable things. It was mostly lighthearted, though, and I particularly enjoyed the moment when the tween daughter is upset, turns herself invisible, but still very obviously is crying while walking to the fridge and taking out a pint of ice cream to go eat and sulk. We've all been there. Also, a scene with a baby righting a raccoon? Good times. Bonus: characters voiced by Catherine Keener and Bob Odenkirk.

Pixar has set a very high bar for themselves in past years. I wouldn't say this is even close to my favorite Pixar movie, but it was still an enjoyable one. I am a fan of their short films too, and Bao (shown before Incredibles 2) was really good. I also just found out it's the first Pixar short directed by a woman - a woman who started working for Pixar as an intern, relatively not that long ago. 

Needless to say, we got to see Penelope transfixed again this weekend. She could not keep her eyes off the screen, even though I'm sure she had no idea what she was looking at. Surprisingly, she didn't get scared during any loud scenes or action sequences. Looks like there's another Pixar fan in the our household now. 

Vivid 2018

On a whim, we decided to go to brave the Friday night crowds and checkout Vivid with Penelope. 

We didn't get to see everything, it's just so spread out and we have limited time considering I didn't want to have to stop and feed Penelope along the way, since it was cold and windy out. We saw some of the exhibits at Circular Quay and everything in the Botanical Garden. What we did get to see was pretty fun, but not mind-blowing. The Opera House always looks pretty impressive, and the Botanical Garden stuff was okay. Our favorite installment was the one pictured above, with Penelope in her warm bear suit, just transfixed. 

I normally enjoy Vivid, but wasn't crazy about braving the crowds with a baby this year. In the end, I'm glad we went. It's funny, because I think of these first few years with a baby as time where you're teaching them what is "normal". You teach them how to walk and talk and eat, how to have a routine, just generally what people do. As our friend, Andy says, "Penelope is learning how to human". And so, when we go to events like Vivid, which are a kind of a celebration of novel and strange art and experiences, I wonder if Penelope thinks, "Oh yeah, this is just another normal thing", even though it really isn't normal anywhere else, or any other time of year. 

It was enjoyable to watch Penelope just stare wide-eyed at the spectacle and the crowd. Towards the end she succumbed to sleep, and held out until we got home to eat without a tear. Then she fought sleep until 10:30PM, which was our fault for taking her out late to begin with, but it was worth it. 

Wills and Ways

Now that we have Penelope, we have to make grown-up decisions like who we want to take care of her in the event that (heaven forbid) both of us die while she is still young. It is really upsetting and to hypothetically imagine your cute little baby as a sudden orphan, but you kind of have to do it, at least briefly, so that you can make some good decisions just in case (again, fingers crossed that, in a million years, this never happens). Maybe it's also upsetting to think about because we just re-watched The Lion King, and we had to watch Simba become an orphan all over again. It's really an intense seen where Mufasa gets murdered - more than most of the other Disney death scenes. Anyway, I asked a couple of new parents we know about whether or not they have written wills, and not one of them had done it. I'm sure they're all planning to do it, but it's on the backburner for a lot of them for now. Anyway, we are making plans because we are trying to be responsible.

Penelope continues to smile and laugh more everyday. She particularly loves looking at herself in the mirror, and music and dancing. She's getting really close to rolling over. She basically has done it, but the way she does it, one of her arms is stuck under her still, and her attempts to free that hand usually end up springing her rolling back in the direction she came from. It's quite amusing to watch, actually. It's a work in progress... just like everything else going on.

Kombucha, A Winter Dinner Party, and A Rainy Day

I've started home brewing my own kombucha. The first batch is done fermenting and it's now sealed and becoming carbonated. Exciting stuff! I'd say it's surprisingly easy, except I haven't completed the process yet. So, there's still time for me to screw up.

Last night we went to a dinner party at our friends', Mick and Leslie's. Penelope was a little social butterfly, and enjoyed being passed around to probably more people than Mike or I even talked to at the party. 

Today was supposed to be my first day back on the frisbee field, but the fields were closed because it was rainy. We made the most of the rainy day, like doing the kombucha stuff, and inviting some friends over to play boardgames. Penelope, again, was happy to play with our visitors and giggled up a storm. 

We've discovered that sometimes when she's mildly fussy and makes her pouty face, if you show her what she looks like in the mirror, she can't help but smile or laugh. It's pretty funny. It only works if she's just a little bit fussy, like if she just wants you to change the position she's sitting/standing in, or if she wants you to standup. I don't think it would work if she's starving or super over-tired. 

It's actually a three day weekend here because of the Queen's birthday. Woo hoo for three day weekends! I'm not back at work yet, but it means Michael is off and I get the extra help with Penelope. Yay!

The Tramsheds

Today my mums group met at The Tramsheds. It's basically a small mall made out of an old tram depot, but most of the businesses are gourmet restaurants and cafes. It also has the most amazing parents' room I've ever seen: there is a pram parking area, three separate curtained-off private rooms for breastfeeding, a seating area with two couches and little tables, multiple padded changing tables, a microwave/sink/counter area for preparing bottles, a low glass wall "fenced" off area with some toys attached to the wall and a TV playing cartoons where you can put down toddlers for a minute if you need to (but still easily watch them), and an accessible-sized toilet area with grown-up and tiny child facilities. Not only was this room nice in general, but it was pristinely clean despite regular use. They set the bar high; I wish every family destination was this considerate of parents to little ones. I'm sure it pays off, with the word of mouth advertisement among parents. I will certainly be back to try the different restaurants, and I will recommend it to friends. 

Regression, Atlanta, and Lucky Number Seven

Of course, just when I talked about how Penelope is getting onto a schedule and doing pretty well, she hits what is known as the three month sleep regression. So, she's back to sleeping shorter amounts of time and wakes up more easily, apparently due to all the cognitive growth going on. So, even though it's a little bit annoying, overall it's temporary and a good thing. We have friends whose baby is a few weeks older than Penelope, and when they started going through it, they were so frustrated. They had been trying so hard to get their son on a schedule, and this regression made everything go haywire. My friend felt like everything they'd done was kind of futile, since it's already out the window. So, even though I take no pleasure in their struggle, I guess it makes me feel a little better about the fact that Penelope has yet to fully get on a schedule yet. We'll all get there eventually. 

Luckily, I have been keeping myself occupied with season 2 of Atlanta, which I am just in awe of. I love that they have managed to pull off a smart show that combines comedy, social commentary, and occasionally suspense. I most recently watched the Teddy Perkins episode and they did an incredible job making something intense and eerie, and yet a few parts were still funny. It leaves the viewer with a lot to think about - I'm not sure yet what exactly they were trying to say, but it's stuck with me - which was perhaps the point.. Without spoiling too much, one of the characters goes to answer an ad for a free piano, and it gets weird really fast, and then gets only weirder. Another fantastic episode this season was the one where Earn goes to Oktoberfest, and the show comedically points out how awkward some cultural celebrations like that can feel for black people who attend. Anyway, Atlanta deserves all the awards its earned so far, and then some. 

Finally, Michael and I just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. The first wedding anniversary after having a baby and when you don't have anyone to babysit is a pretty low-key one, but a milestone nonetheless.

How is it June already?

It's hard to believe Penelope is already three months old. She is now pretty good at holding up her head, close to rolling over, and she is starting to get into a more regular napping/sleep pattern. She enjoys songs with hand movements that are up in the air, dancing in the mirror with her mom, "exercising" with her dad, being social with everyone so far, and trying to say "Oh, yeah" back at you when you say it to her. She is at her smiliest in the morning.

One of Michael's good friends from here recently moved to Vancouver. We actually were able to video chat with him and play a boardgame successfully this morning, and while keeping the baby relatively happy at the same time (while not being the center of attention).  As if we needed more people to video chat with in different time zones. 

Other than that, it's been mostly a "life admin" kind of weekend so far - running errands and the usual taking care of Penelope. As the weather gets colder, and the next few days may be on and off rainy, we are happy to spend more time inside.