no amount of coffee
Most expressions and idioms in other languages don’t translate directly; that is, word for word. But interestingly, the English expression “That’s a piece of cake,” referring to the ease with which something is performed, does translate directly: “C’est du gateau.” Well, nearly enough at least; the French literally means “That’s cake,” but the difference is negligible.
For all you Hem and Over the Rhine fans out there, check out Say I Am You by The Weepies. It’s an unfortunate band name, but the neo-folk they craft is literate, meticulous and uses metaphors that sound like they haven’t been recycled from other songs. Some favorites are “Gotta Have You,” “Citywide Rodeo,” “Living in Twilight” and “Stars.” The band, a husband and wife team much like OtR, is democratic about singing duties. The husband handles most of the downtempo, more contemplative fare, whereas the wife (who has a particularly charming voice) takes care of the less brooding songs. Recommended.
Luke is almost fully potty-trained. We ceremonially disposed of all his remaining diapers on the night of his birthday last Thursday, something he had known was coming for several months. Diane bought him a few packs of brand new underwear (one set is dinosaur-themed, which he likes very much), and we told him that from that day forward there would be no more diapers, but only big-boy underwear. Anticipating a nightly disaster scene, we lined his bed and set out an emergency cleanup kit. But to date, knock on wood, we haven’t needed it. He goes right before bedtime, is suitably rewarded with a gumball (to be phased out eventually) and stays dry all night long. We’re so proud of him. This is an answer to prayer, besides which, as Diane’s mom says, it’s an incredible sense of accomplishment to have potty trained our child. The remaining “basic life skills” seem pretty simple to impart in comparison.