(no subject)

So that was kind of weird - yesterday I wound up in two houses: one I mentioned, gorgeous, "a place I'd like to get drunk," and the other a family home. The family one kind of made me all fuzzy. It looked very family like - not in disarray, but very being-lived-in-right-now. It had a homey smell, several. It was a place for living, not tip-toeing. After biking everyone sat, covered in their briney filth, on the cloth couches. I couldn't get myself to do that, opting for wood floors. The girls were frigging adorable, and if you ignore the 'mom is a jungle gym' urges, very well mannered. Why is it that you don't so much notice how cute and tiny children are, but their hands and feet just look adorably miniature? The youngest bowled me over in her sister's hand-me-down rainbow striped dress - it made her look like a roll of life-savers. This silly part of me wondered if in my dress-wearing days I could have pulled that off (what a pride outfit). For once I mostly didn't use profanities around the kids - it was ok to say butt, I was told. "Of course, it's a conjunction!"
And, but, and or...they'll get you pretty far!

I really like the idea of quieting down and settling in to that life, though I know NOTHING about it. Kids? I just got busted on how long it has been since I had a pet of my own. My mom has always done the lion's share of pet responsibility, except perhaps for my cat (but that was over 20 years ago?) (and it was a friggin cat, for crying out loud, not exactly demanding constant attention). I don't understand how you do it - it's such a huge (but rewarding) responsibility. How do you feed and respond to someone who has a constant need for attention (uh, sounds like me) and continue to do that for years? I heard a couple guys in the gym complimenting a fairly fit big guy - for being in shape after kids. I have a big emphasis on fitness, but I can't even imagine how hard that has to be post children - if it's hard to keep a program going on your own, how about when you have an 80 - 120 hour a week demanding job with little foots? Oh god, how do you talk to children like adults like you're supposed to when that baby talk thing is so cute?

I also got schooled, big time, on some of the things that can happen with the pregnancy process and post-pregnancy changes or not-changes. Had no idea, though it all makes sense. Tendons do what? Pelvis huh? Back where? Oh, well yeah that would make it easier, huh.

But curiosity and appreciation from afar aside, I'm a million miles away from kids.

Speaking of warm and cozy - spellbound last night was really cool. It was a funny club vibe - very mellow, conversational, and comfortable. Lots of good talkery. Had yet another straight guy compliment my physique. Maybe I should put on a few more pounds so I seem more approachable?