Marriage: Not A Science, But Just Like It?

This little gem popped into my head, fully formed, the other day:

Science is like marriage. Everyone warns you it's really hard work, but for the most part, they tell you it's worth it.

And there you have it. After a possible personal record of approximately a zillion days away from here, I'm back with that tidbit. A tidbit that has nothing to do with anything previously written here! I'm such an overachiever.

Cheers,
Alison

PS: No wedding bells in my immediate future. I'd say it's test tube clinks a-ringing, but the only lab tubes I use are plastic.

IQ

Intelligence tests are fuzzy, controversial things. They have come up in many of my classes here at the University of Where I Go. I am even taking a class specifically on differences between people, cognitively.

First off, measuring intelligence was not just to pick geniuses out of the crowd (though there have been plenty of "scientists" who tried to do just that). Alfred Binet wrote the first usable test, in order to determine which children should receive special help in school. I think that was pretty awesome and forward-thinking of him.

"IQ" stands for "intelligence quotient," where an individual's test score was divided by his or her age, to produce a ratio of mental age (how well he or she did on the test) to chronological age (how old he or she was). As you can see, this wasn't exactly fair to older people. Say you got a score of 150 on the test, and you are 10 years old. You could say your IQ is 15, whereas someone with the same score who is 50 has an IQ of 3. (IQ tests through the years have had different calculations; I made this one up just to illustrate the point.) Huh? Exactly. Now they are based on bell curves and such and the ageism has been eliminated.

What intelligence really is is a matter of much debate. I think it's pretty safe to say that the various ideas about multiple intelligences, different processes, etc. are much closer to the truth than what an IQ test can show.

But IQ obviously measures something (the skill set for an IQ test is extremely narrow, but is still a skill set) and that something is highly heritable. According to Matt Ridley in his book Genome, if a person takes the test twice, his or her test scores are about 87% correlated (100% being exactly the same, 0% being completely randomly different). It is clear it is the same person taking it. Now, take the scores of identical co-twins raised together and compare. 86%. A statistician would have to concede that he or she couldn't tell if it was the same person or not. In fact, it wouldn't be out of line to declare "Yup, same person." Identical co-twins raised apart have scores that are 76% correlated. To compare, fraternal twins reared together have 55% correlation and biological siblings have 47%. Adopted children living together have 0% correlation.

The higher correlation for fraternal twins probably has something to do with "nature" in the womb, compared to biological siblings, who each have different experiences (their own specific nine months, so to speak) in the womb. The large difference between biological siblings and adoptive siblings clearly points to "nurture" as playing a large role in IQ.

Cheers,
Alison

A Product Change Should Require a Memo

"You smell different."

I had been smelling something new occasionally for a few hours. Definitely not bad, just new. Something shampoo-like. Eventually, I realized it was when Baby A was around.

I accused her of smelling different. OK, maybe "accuse" isn't the right word, but I stated it. Forcefully.

Well, she has some new hair product, something in a green bottle that is supposed to be good for wavy hair. (Our hair is awkwardly between wavy and straight, so it needs a bit of help sometimes picking an option.) I vaguely remember her purchasing it but a) I tend to use non-smelly stuff so it didn't compute and b) I was only half-paying attention when she mentioned it. And it smells quite good, actually.

Baby A and one roommate laughed. This roommate is the one who is a twin too.

"I was confused! I didn't get it!" I justified my declaration.

My roommate just said, "No, I totally get it!"

Twins, man.

Cheers,
Alison

Missing Maddie

It's been a year since Heather and Mike lost their sweet Madeline Alice Spohr, their wonderful daughter they shared with the internet over at The Spohrs Are Multiplying... and The Newborn Identity.

Not a single day has gone by without me and Baby A thinking about Maddie and the Spohrs. Every single day. Maddie continues to inspire me. She is the reason I found what I want to do, both academically and as a career. I found human development as I researched further into the maternal and child nutrition field. She really did change my life, as silly as that may seem. Maddie was a little girl I never had a chance to meet, but she had an amazing smile, a huge personality, and some crazy ability to make people crazy about her.

Thank you, Maddie. You are so missed.

Love,
Alison

Let's Play a Game

It's called "Guess the age of that baby."

I often play this human-development-nerd game. And the people around me, mom or sister, roomie or friend, sometimes play along. They don't take it seriously though, because they know I'm going to own them don't have the same knowledge base. And they aren't majoring in babies HDE like me.

Well, Baby A is going to double major in HDE like me, but she hasn't taken the infancy and early childhood class yet. Once she does, then the game will be based entirely on luck or whether or not the baby does something developmentally age-appropriate while in view. Plus, it's not like I creep on every family I see, like "How old's your baybee? Huh, huh? I'm trying to win here!" I only ask if the baby or kid engages me in an interaction.

Things I use when playing the "Guess the age" game:
Infant in a chest carrier? Good head control, he's looking around? 6 months.
Out at a restaurant? She dips spoon or bangs it into bowl? 12 to 18 months. Baby getting close to feeding itself? 18 to 24 months.
At the park? Not using the pedals on her trike? 24 to 32 months. Two year olds also can't steer. Keep that in mind next time you pass one while you're out on a walk, because your foot could be involved in a minor collision.
Preschooler jumping? Definitely 4 years old. Try as they might, most younger kids cannot jump. But they are funny to watch as they try.

Oh, the hobbies I have. Really hip stuff here, guys.

Cheers,
Alison

PS: Baby L.ouis is fine. He was deeerunk for a few hours after we got him home. It was a little funny, but I felt bad for him, since he certainly didn't understand what was going on. He's eating fine even though he's missing some teeth now.

Back to School (and the Vet)

The great thing about the quarter system is that you get to start fresh every 10 or so weeks. (11th week is finals.) The not-so-great thing about the quarter system is that you have to start over every 10 or so weeks.

Oh, and our sweet baby kitty L.ouis needs oral surgery, and it's scheduled for this Friday. (He's not actually a kitten. He's approx. 2.5 years old but he'll always be our baybee.) Right now, Baby A and I are pretty calm about this. On Friday, after we leave him in the very capable hands of the vet though, I'm pretty sure there will be TEARS.

In more upbeat news, PICTURES!

Amanda's tattoo is all finished, but needs some touch ups.
I have a few broken lines, but nothing noticeable, so I think I'll leave mine.

Ignore the dry skin. Look, shiny! And pretty ocean!

This is the beach, on the North Shore, where the nose ring picture was taken. So. Blue.

The twinks at a different beach. Yes, we have the same style of sunglasses. Not because we're twins, but because Wayfarers are awesome.

Cheers,
Alison

A List, Because I'm Lazy and on Spring Break

• I'll definitely be posting some pictures of my nose piercing and some more of our tattoos...
  
• Because we're in Hawaii, and hellooo, people take photos on vacation. And in Hawaii, it's all beautiful weather and ZOMG amazing beaches, which makes the whole showing-off-tattoos thing a lot easier than 40 degrees and rain, like it was for much of the school quarter.
• Baby A is sick with bronchitis, unfortunately. Here, on the island. Poor thing. Thank goodness for health care. HCR, anyone?
• On a different health-related note, apparently helmets aren't the law here. I have seen so many moped and motorcycle riders without them. Every time I see one, I freak out a bit, because traumatic brain injury or even worse? Not even HCR can fix that. Granted, I do ride my bike without a helmet (shame on me), but I ride almost exclusively on bike paths, away from motorized traffic (rationalization, FTW!). I could fall off my bike or get hit by a bike and hit my head, but I'm pretty sure the probability of a brain injury from that kind of fall is much lower than the probability of one from getting hit with a car or truck or hitting the asphalt at high speeds. I really should get a helmet or wear the one I actually do own, in any case.
• I am obviously going to enjoy this vacation, but I'm also looking forward to next quarter. I will start working in a lab studying lactation and infant development on campus, I'm taking classes I (mostly) really want to take, and I have a big sewing project all ready for me to getting a-sewing on. Speaking of that project and next quarter...
  
• I'm marching for Maddie again. Are you?

Cheers,
Alison

What is a Twin Good For, Anyway?

Lots of things!

A shoulder to cry on, a companion when you need it (and sometimes when you don't), unconditional love...

Oh, and help taking care of new tattoos and piercings.

There is NO way I could have taken care of my back tattoo by myself. I knew that if I wanted something there, it would have to be when I lived with Baby A or someone similarly awesome and close to me. Baby A it was.

Aaaand I recently got a nose ring. I didn't have enough hands today when I was messing with it (cleaning it, moving it, making sure the hole in my nose is A-OK), so Baby A was called in as back-up.

The things we do for each other.

Cheers,
Alison

New Year, Part Deux

It is our birthday! How is it that we are 21 today? Twenty. One. Years.

Today is going to be for cleaning our apartment, bowling, hanging out with friends, and enjoying our own personal New Year.

It's a new year for us (and, as the bartender said last night, a new era in our lives). We're "grown ups" now, or so people say. I'm not sure being able to purchase alcohol and gamble in Vegas really makes me an adult, just sayin'.

21 years and 9 months of kicking it, twinkie style!

Cheers,
Alison

Twenty Ten

2009 is behind us. It's January 1 of a whole new decade. And I'm looking for to 2010 and the new decade, because...

In 2010:
Baby A and I turn 21 in less than 2 weeks.
In month and a half or so, we'll be halfway done with our five year, double major undergraduate education.
During spring break, we'll be swimming in warm ocean waters, hiking green mountains, eating plate lunches, and sipping fruity drinks on the sand. With our mom, which makes it even better.
Summer is for work and play.
In fall, my upper division nutrition courses will start.

And this decade:
Who knows what this decade will bring? But I know I'm ready for it.

New year's resolutions? Got 'em. There are only a few, but they all fall under this theme: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." Annie Dillard

Cheers,
Alison

Sunny and 60 is NOT Conducive for Sleigh Rides

Baby A and I are snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be. (I've had the song Sleigh Ride stuck in my head for days.)

If you're celebrating Christmas, we wish you all a wonderful day! I should have posted for Hanukkah (Challah!) and the winter solstice, but winter break turns my brain to mush, and the internet and I have been a little distant. So, belated Happy Hanukkah and Happy Solstice!

We heart the holidays, every one of them.

Happy Holidays!
Alison

It's the Most Twinful Time of the Year

Maybe it's because this is the busiest travel time of the year, with people jetting off to be with family or friends.

Maybe it's because it is at this time of year that we travel, leaving NorCal for SoCal once again, spending significant amounts of time in both regions.

Maybe it's just the way it is.

Maybe it's just a coincidence.

Whatever the cause, this is the time of year when twins come out of the woodwork. We see twins, other twins see us. It's holiday festivities all around, double vision without the aid of eggnog or hard cider.

Mmm... eggnog. I love it (half eggnog, half milk), Baby A HATES it. Such is life.
Photo from Tasty Kitchen.

Of course, there are always those who feel like they have imbibed a bit too much holiday cheer when they see us. "It's like... I'm seeing double." The subtext of that usually being "I'm fully capable of that at the moment" or "Like last night."

Cheers,
Alison

100th Post and I'm a Winner!

100th post right here. And what way could be better to celebrate it than "winning" NaNoWriMo? 50,479 words. I did it, and I am SO happy it is over.

*ETA: Official NaNoWriMo count is 50,077, according to their official word counter. It's still victory!

Despite how crazy NaNoWriMo made November I am really happy I participated. I now have a first draft of a novel that will hide on my hard drive forever. (No aspirations to get published here.)

I have been neglecting school work and such since I have written more than half of that word count in the last week. Just call me a comeback kid (stolen from a NaNoWriMo inspirational email). Now, it's time for me to polish up my philosophy paper then turn it in.

Cheers,
Alison

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for (in no particular order):

• my sister, Baby A, but you all knew that. I'm pretty sure she (usually) knows it, too.
• my education. Public higher education in California is going through some major issues that must be resolved, but through it all, I am here to get my degrees and I know that I am lucky. Baby A and I are particularly grateful for scholarships and grants this year, as we will be in the coming years as well, I am sure. I personally have met students who are either honestly unsure if they can continue their education in this university system or know that they must try to go elsewhere next year or face not finishing their degree at all. I am not taking my education for granted.
  
• our kitties. Pets are important, and our boys bring us joy. It's nice having pets in college. Money and time, yes, they require those, but pets reduce stress for everyone, even college kids. So worth it.
  
• my family and friends. Of course.
  
• the internet. Oh, what? You were totally thinking it too.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Alison

Separation Success

Trishna and Krishna, conjoined twins from India, were separated in an operation lasting 25 hours in Australia, according to this BBC article. Twenty. Five. Hours. The girls were brought to Australia by the Children First Foundation two years ago because they were extremely sick in an orphanage in Dhaka, and the operation was performed at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

Both Trishna and Krishna are awake now and the outlook for both girls is very good. The girls were craniopagus twins, attached at the skull, so the surgery involved separating brain matter and circulation. That's some delicate and intensely technical surgery!

Wishing Trishna and Krishna a speedy and full recovery!

Cheers,
Alison

A Really Good Way to Tell Us Apart

Our new tattoos! They are entirely different and in entirely different locations. During summer, when sun dresses, tank tops, and camis are the norm, mine will be out there for the world to see.

The goosebumps and redness are sexeh. You know it.

For scale, here's the design transfer.

I'm hunched over a bit. Ignore the optical illusion of linebacker shoulders.

Baby A's tattoo is freaking gorgeous. And NOT as FREAKING HUGE as it looks. It's only 9 inches long and 2 to 3 inches across at the widest points.

It looks a little angry here. Like needles are irritating or something. Psssh.
Quote can be read here, fourth line down in the poem.

That's all the ink for now, folks. For a long time, actually. Mom made us swear to it. (She'd prefer never, ever, BTW.)

Cheers,
Alison

For Maddie

Today, Maddie, is your second birthday. Baby A and I, and so many people, wish with all our hearts that you were here to celebrate. Last year, on this day, you celebrated with a cream puff. This year, we think of you, how lucky the world is because you were here, being brave, being kind. Even now, you are still making the world a better place.

Darling girl, you are so missed, by those who met you and those who never got the chance. By close family and friends and complete strangers.

My continual gift to you is the spot in my heart that is yours. Love, always, to you, your mommy, your daddy, and your family.

Love,
Alison

Muni Brings the Funny

Public transportation is always an eye opener. This ad made us laugh.

(It's usually a shock when one finds out that she is carrying multiples. Mom got a huge shock when she found out there were two of us when she was seven months along.)

Cheers,
Alison

Twins: Universal Language for "Awesome"

I know this street so, so well now.

Yesterday involved a big city adventure in San Francisco. Baby A and I joined a friend in the Bay Area and set off to pursue that flighty temptress, adventure. (Name that mythical wizard!)

To make a long story short, we ended up having a Chinese mom for about 10 minutes. It was awesome, and she directed us to a bakery on the edge of Chinatown known both for its delicious pastries and entrees and for validating parking for the garage where we parked. (We walked and Muni'd around, as one should do if possible.) As we, the three college students and the middle aged woman, parted ways, she asked "Are you girls twins?" She told us that she has a twin brother.

Twins. We're cool in every language.

Cheers, Alison

I heart lanterns. The end.

I Only Wish I Could Juggle

It is true. I cannot juggle. I also can't whistle, and this is something that, yes, actually bothers me. And so many people have tried to teach me! I am slightly tongue tied (Baby A too); it was enough of a problem to make feeding a concern when we were just wee new humans but not enough of a problem to go under the knife. Like how I dramatized an outpatient procedure performed on many people with no complications? It's actually called a frenotomy, and it's just a little snip with a scalpel or a laser of the tissue that holds your tongue down. But in any case, Baby A and I can speak/eat/etc. normally. It could be why I cannot roll my R's so my Spanish SUCKS and I cannot whistle. These two reasons are not pressing enough to let someone take a sharp instrument to the bottom of my mouth.

And I digress. Hard. I should be a college professor, that's how awesome my digression skills are. Anyway: JUGGLING. Also, I hate the circus and I HATE clowns. Clowns juggle. Maybe my inability to juggle is my subconscious way of further distancing myself from them. And when did hating clowns become cool? It's become a part of pop culture. I, on the other hand, instead of wearing shirts that advertise such a phobia, just break out into a cold sweat when there is one around and duck behind the nearest object, animate or inanimate. Wait: a brief Google search reveals the phrase "Can't sleep, clowns will eat me" came from an Al.ice C.ooper song. So it's HIS fault I see clowns on shirts everywhere. Got it.

JUGGLING. I am currently juggling school, work, a few projects of the crafty variety, trying to not let the piles of clothes and papers in our room reach waist high, one intramural sport, a few clubs, and having a social life.

Nope, this post had nothing to do with twins. You know what else has nothing to do with twins? National Novel Writing Month. Go ahead and add NaNoWriMo to that list above. Word count as of last night: 2640. I am a little behind schedule, but I really want to do it this year and get 50,000 words of prose down before 11:59 the night of November 30.

And now we've reached the end and you are wondering "What the hell was the point of this post?" Here you go: I can't juggle when it comes to actual, physical juggling, but I do try my best to juggle the things in my life. And sometimes I drop a bowling pin (I decided my mental picture of juggling is going to include bowling pins because I LOVE BOWLING), but I'm trying.

Cheers,
Alison