Okay, fine. I'm a sucker for a blogging prompt as evidenced by '09 and '08. I'm also bored at work. I do have some tasks, but... aykm? On Dec 30? Forget it. So here is my 2010 review:
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Hmm. Started going to the office at 6:30 am. And had an honest-to-goodness White Christmas.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Skip.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nicole! Her 6th! She is amazing. Also my neighbors next-door, across the street, and next-door in the cube! But those 3 are 'close' in proximity only.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Oh, come on.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Lottery winnings.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I think June, because it was the first time AJ went to his grandparents' house all by himself for a week. :)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think making Flex-Time work for us was a big achievement. It's not always easy, but it satisfies one of my wishes, which is to be a little bit more present for AJ as he tackles school and homework and such.
9. What was your biggest failure?
After a decent start in the spring, and even a good idea in the fall, I let my motivation to exercise completely deflate to zero. I've got to reboot, again, in that department. FRICKINFRACKIN.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Only minor ones, I guess. That one weird stomach bug during a T-ball game that made me faint and put me down for at least 2 days, in the bed! And asthma returned to my life in November, which is not cool. It's died down for the last few weeks but I should probably look into the better management of that. I.E., get myself to a doctor.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
New inhaler? No, I think all the Christmas presents we bought this year were well received. Kids and adults, alike. We did good!
12. Where did most of your money go?
We replaced one of 2 AC units in our house, so that was a big chunk, and we had to pay for Puppy's surgery, but other than that we didn't have gigantic expenses this year, thank goodness.
13. What did you get really excited about?
The Spring T-ball playoffs were such fun, and I got very excited about our trip to North Carolina in the fall. I'm about to get excited about a new car purchase!
14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
The Phineas and Ferb theme song, I'm sure. Lovers in Japan by Coldplay. The choral Christmas album my sister sent me was really magical for me this year, most especially Veni Redemptor Gentium.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or Sadder: Equally happy
Thinner or Fatter: Fatter
Richer or Poorer: Richer, I think. All my new oil money, heh.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I'm torn because I want to say, "Having friends over." But I'm a homebody and recluse, too. I see other people having little parties -- I attend them -- and I think, "I should do something like this." I need to have our across the street neighbors over very soon, for dinner, and our T-ball buddies as well. So, fine: there are 2 resolutions for 2011.
17. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Aiming bad feelings toward my next door neighbors. But they're SOOOOOO annoying. Sigh. I can't win - I don't WANT to dislike them, but it's oh so satisfying.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
See here.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
Modern Family. And even Cougartown!
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Loved The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and loved The Host by Stephanie Meyer. (Hey, another thing to love about the Kindle is it helps you 'remember' what you read during the year!)
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Already answered that above, I think.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
Finally saw Little Miss Sunshine, which I liked a lot. Saw the Twilight series, and enjoyed sharing that with DH. Still haven't seen HP and the Deathly Hallows, if you can believe. Sad about that. Oh, and I mentioned the Princess and the Frog yesterday! We saw a lot this year compared to years before!
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 36 in June. We had pizza dinner at Vincent's, a cute little restaurant nearby, and then cake with a candle at home afterwards. It was lovely!
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? All in all, I think it WAS pretty satisfying. Just the lottery winnings, thanks.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? About the same, heh. Pretty bad, heh. Needs Improvement. I did buy one sweater dress and tights that I love.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
This is life. Life is messy. Just ride along and try not to worry. I feel like that's how I got through this busy, but normal year. Just ride along. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. :)
Thursday, December 30
A transition and phase
KT-pie,
I know it's a long day away from Mama. I know it's hard to be left there in the morning when none of your friends are there yet; Makenzie-Maddie-n-Addie make everything more fun. I know you've had a week off and returning to school is always a bummer. Believe me, I know that. I know it's scary to watch Mama walk out the door and I pray you aren't wondering if I'll even come back, because I will ALWAYS come back for you, at the end of every day. (Or Daddy will, which is even better.)
I also know you love your teachers. I know you turn around 5 seconds after I'm gone to start helping pass out plates and juice, and chattering away in your "little mommy" voice, probably directing your friends which chair to sit in, and saying "We don't spill/hit/bite, okayyy?" which is so darling... So please, I beg you, stop giving me the Oscar-winning performances and pitiful, quiet tears after I take off your coat. I thought we were over that part of our lives--the guilty/sad feeling of leaving you at daycare. I'm sure it's a phase but it's been an unpleasant reminder, this week, of the very earliest days of leaving your brother and you to go to work. Do Not Like. Cut it out. (sniff)
Love,
Mama
(which you're inexplicably calling me again after at least a full year of "Mommy.")
I know it's a long day away from Mama. I know it's hard to be left there in the morning when none of your friends are there yet; Makenzie-Maddie-n-Addie make everything more fun. I know you've had a week off and returning to school is always a bummer. Believe me, I know that. I know it's scary to watch Mama walk out the door and I pray you aren't wondering if I'll even come back, because I will ALWAYS come back for you, at the end of every day. (Or Daddy will, which is even better.)
I also know you love your teachers. I know you turn around 5 seconds after I'm gone to start helping pass out plates and juice, and chattering away in your "little mommy" voice, probably directing your friends which chair to sit in, and saying "We don't spill/hit/bite, okayyy?" which is so darling... So please, I beg you, stop giving me the Oscar-winning performances and pitiful, quiet tears after I take off your coat. I thought we were over that part of our lives--the guilty/sad feeling of leaving you at daycare. I'm sure it's a phase but it's been an unpleasant reminder, this week, of the very earliest days of leaving your brother and you to go to work. Do Not Like. Cut it out. (sniff)
Love,
Mama
(which you're inexplicably calling me again after at least a full year of "Mommy.")
Wednesday, December 29
…And we’re not through yet
It was so lovely to have the week off before Christmas. Typically I like to take this week in-between, like most people do, but this way worked out very well. I’m not even too sad to be here in the office this week, because Monday and Friday were/are holidays, and a lot of coworkers are out, so it’s not stressful. Yesterday our daycare was closed in the morning, unexpectedly, so I went to the office to grab my laptop (with the two kids in tow), exchanged “How were your Christmases?” with two work buddies, and worked from home until 1:00. Obviously I babysat the kids with their new DVDs – first The Princess and the Frog, and then Alice in Wonderland (the original cartoon), and it was nice to have that extra half-day with them. We made popcorn.
I couldn’t resist watching the P and the F’s final half-hour, and I must say I loved the whole movie. I thought they did New Orleans perfectly, and the cast was amazing. I made the kids sit through all the credits to see the cast list, because I thought surely there would be some surprise A-listers on it. But not really! Most were people I hadn’t heard of. One of my absolute favorite things to do, movie-wise, is to figure out who voices the animated characters just by listening. Do you do that? The first time I saw Cars, I spent the entire movie trying to place the voice of the female Porche, Sally. Bonnie Hunt!! I had a hard time with that one but enjoyed the challenge. Anyway, in the P and the F I immediately loved John Goodman’s role, and Oprah’s, and… then I was at a loss. I almost thought that the Prince was Sacha Baron Cohen. Glad that turned out to be false.
Did you have a White Christmas? We did. And I need to record it because it may never happen again, or at least that's how it feels. Maybe global warming means it WILL happen, every year, but all I know is that's the first time in my 36 years that I was indoors on Christmas Day, watching big flakes fall out of the sky, and stick to the ground, ALL DAY LONG. We had the warmth of the kitchen as we cooked our 4:00 Christmas dinner, carols playing On the Eights because we kept it on the Weather Channel a good part of the day, and it just felt cozy and beautiful. (Although the floor got dirty as we tracked it in.) The kids loved their gifts. AJ's favorite was, of course, his DSi handheld, but more for the extra features (built-in digital camera and editing abilities). He is also pretty jazzed about the Lego Harry Potter board game and ALL his Ben10 action figures. KT loves playing her Dora Memory Game, and the Barbie swimming pool (without water!). I love leaving the Christmas toys out for a few days and just watching them immerse themselves.
So, after we get through these three days of supposedly very productive work (ahem), we’ll drive down to Savannah for more celebrations with DH’s brother and SIL. They have a new house and a brand-new puppy. I’m excited to see the house and I know the kids are going to go nuts over the puppy. Unfortunately, she is named “Shania.” I am sorry but I think that’s a terrible dog name. How do you create cute little poopie-doopie nicknames from “Shania?” She-She? Nia? Shanny? There’s nothing good.
Other things on my mind here as the year winds up… :: Our family’s overall diet needs to improve in 2011 – as in, more fiber, less crap, especially for my kids. :: We want to scope out and buy a new car this week (deals!) but we can’t seem to find one that we just love –we’re going to drive the Ford Edge today. :: Words with Friends! DH and I are still obsessed with this game. He’s beaten me 2 out of 3 but I’m about to win the 3rd game. :: I got a Buy One, Get One free coupon from Weightloss Wars yesterday and I’m tempted by it – anyone want to do a competition with me? I’ve never done one there but it might be fun and I definitely need to be held accountable. Even without the competition, I have a goal to get fit this year like DH did last year (and I know I say it all the damn time, but such is life). :: On an unrelated note, my parents got me the wine club membership I wanted, and sis got me the stemless glasses! So obviously 2011 is going to be a good year!
I couldn’t resist watching the P and the F’s final half-hour, and I must say I loved the whole movie. I thought they did New Orleans perfectly, and the cast was amazing. I made the kids sit through all the credits to see the cast list, because I thought surely there would be some surprise A-listers on it. But not really! Most were people I hadn’t heard of. One of my absolute favorite things to do, movie-wise, is to figure out who voices the animated characters just by listening. Do you do that? The first time I saw Cars, I spent the entire movie trying to place the voice of the female Porche, Sally. Bonnie Hunt!! I had a hard time with that one but enjoyed the challenge. Anyway, in the P and the F I immediately loved John Goodman’s role, and Oprah’s, and… then I was at a loss. I almost thought that the Prince was Sacha Baron Cohen. Glad that turned out to be false.
Did you have a White Christmas? We did. And I need to record it because it may never happen again, or at least that's how it feels. Maybe global warming means it WILL happen, every year, but all I know is that's the first time in my 36 years that I was indoors on Christmas Day, watching big flakes fall out of the sky, and stick to the ground, ALL DAY LONG. We had the warmth of the kitchen as we cooked our 4:00 Christmas dinner, carols playing On the Eights because we kept it on the Weather Channel a good part of the day, and it just felt cozy and beautiful. (Although the floor got dirty as we tracked it in.) The kids loved their gifts. AJ's favorite was, of course, his DSi handheld, but more for the extra features (built-in digital camera and editing abilities). He is also pretty jazzed about the Lego Harry Potter board game and ALL his Ben10 action figures. KT loves playing her Dora Memory Game, and the Barbie swimming pool (without water!). I love leaving the Christmas toys out for a few days and just watching them immerse themselves.
So, after we get through these three days of supposedly very productive work (ahem), we’ll drive down to Savannah for more celebrations with DH’s brother and SIL. They have a new house and a brand-new puppy. I’m excited to see the house and I know the kids are going to go nuts over the puppy. Unfortunately, she is named “Shania.” I am sorry but I think that’s a terrible dog name. How do you create cute little poopie-doopie nicknames from “Shania?” She-She? Nia? Shanny? There’s nothing good.
Other things on my mind here as the year winds up… :: Our family’s overall diet needs to improve in 2011 – as in, more fiber, less crap, especially for my kids. :: We want to scope out and buy a new car this week (deals!) but we can’t seem to find one that we just love –we’re going to drive the Ford Edge today. :: Words with Friends! DH and I are still obsessed with this game. He’s beaten me 2 out of 3 but I’m about to win the 3rd game. :: I got a Buy One, Get One free coupon from Weightloss Wars yesterday and I’m tempted by it – anyone want to do a competition with me? I’ve never done one there but it might be fun and I definitely need to be held accountable. Even without the competition, I have a goal to get fit this year like DH did last year (and I know I say it all the damn time, but such is life). :: On an unrelated note, my parents got me the wine club membership I wanted, and sis got me the stemless glasses! So obviously 2011 is going to be a good year!
Thursday, December 23
Merry
We have done some baking. Sand Tarts, Swistle's Mint-Chocolate Brownies (so good!), and just now my MIL and AJ whipped up some chocolate chip cookie dough, for cookies to be baked tonight. Gotta have plenty for Santa, you know. I actually enjoyed letting her run my kitchen for a while -- I got out the ingredients for her, so she wouldn't have to go digging blind in my pantry, but I know that her normal place during the holidays is in the kitchen, so I'm sure she feels a bit untethered when she's not at her house. I don't think she felt put upon, just something fun to do to pass the holiday time. AJ has become quite adept at the counter, measuring out sugar and Tablespoons and sampling chocolate chips (he's a natural!). He won't crack eggs, but I don't blame him. I have a small fear of getting shells in my cookies, myself.
I got to do a solo shopping trip this morning -- basically I just left, with FIL in charge. Might not have been wise, heh. But I went to Target for stocking stuffers and last minute brainstorms, and then to Publix for sausage dressing ingredients and some more chips. And bread, milk, and potty paper -- did you hear we might have snow? A whole INCH! It's going to be magical and maybe icy, and maybe something will get cancelled if we're lucky.
KT is being adorable. We got her hair cut yesterday before meeting DH at his office and taking him out to lunch (something I hope becomes a tradition). Except when she's refusing to take a nap; that's not adorable. Her go-to line is "I wanna snaaaack" when she's starting to get really tired. I know what she means: she wants something but can't put her finger on exactly what it is, so... it must be food she wants. (Hmm. Might need to address this problem before she gets too emotionally dependent on food like her genes might lend her to be, ahem. And yes, I HAVE been enjoying the cookies, thank you very much for asking.) We suckered her with blankie and Elf with Will Ferrell this afternoon, and she's still out on my bed right now.
DH and I are playing Words With Friends because the App Store has had a 99-cent sale on games. (I also got Tetris! 1995 FTW!) I love it. A tiny little connection and reason to smile about him during random moments in the day. He played the word "S-E-X" today, a ten-point letter and a subtle wink, all at the same time. Hee hee. Technology is keeping us sane for the holidays (as you can see by my typing here).
We're all healthy and happy, and I wish the same for all of you sweet people who keep coming here to read my thoughts. Merry, Merry Christmas, and blessings to fill your heart.
I got to do a solo shopping trip this morning -- basically I just left, with FIL in charge. Might not have been wise, heh. But I went to Target for stocking stuffers and last minute brainstorms, and then to Publix for sausage dressing ingredients and some more chips. And bread, milk, and potty paper -- did you hear we might have snow? A whole INCH! It's going to be magical and maybe icy, and maybe something will get cancelled if we're lucky.
KT is being adorable. We got her hair cut yesterday before meeting DH at his office and taking him out to lunch (something I hope becomes a tradition). Except when she's refusing to take a nap; that's not adorable. Her go-to line is "I wanna snaaaack" when she's starting to get really tired. I know what she means: she wants something but can't put her finger on exactly what it is, so... it must be food she wants. (Hmm. Might need to address this problem before she gets too emotionally dependent on food like her genes might lend her to be, ahem. And yes, I HAVE been enjoying the cookies, thank you very much for asking.) We suckered her with blankie and Elf with Will Ferrell this afternoon, and she's still out on my bed right now.
DH and I are playing Words With Friends because the App Store has had a 99-cent sale on games. (I also got Tetris! 1995 FTW!) I love it. A tiny little connection and reason to smile about him during random moments in the day. He played the word "S-E-X" today, a ten-point letter and a subtle wink, all at the same time. Hee hee. Technology is keeping us sane for the holidays (as you can see by my typing here).
We're all healthy and happy, and I wish the same for all of you sweet people who keep coming here to read my thoughts. Merry, Merry Christmas, and blessings to fill your heart.
Wednesday, December 15
Virus, as expected
My special snowflake is properly diagnosed, and he's fine enough today to go to school. I didn't take his temp but he didn't feel abnormally warm like he has the last 3 days. So, Tylenol, brisk clap, you're going to school, Mister. Especially since the next 2 weeks are holidays. He's gotten smart enough to WANT to stay home "sick" now: Ferris Bueller syndrome, uh-oh. Good thing our thermometers are "instant-read" these days and he doesn't have time to dunk it into his hot chocolate while I'm not looking!
I only have 3 more days of work until my own Christmas break! Realizing this today has made me happy. I think my in-laws arrive on Wednesday next week (or maybe Tuesday), which will help with the entertaining of the kids - as will my neighbor's offer of a play-date with her son. Woo! I'll have a few additional shopping tasks to complete, and some dinner menus to stress over, but other than that, I'm looking forward to some one on one time with my Kindle. Book Club chose a very fluffy Carl Hiassen novel (Star Island), which should be Perfect. I've never read him before but it sounds like just what I need.
All that comes AFTER the Company Christmas Party this weekend, however. Ughhhhh. Do you hate your Company Christmas Party, too? No matter what, I think, they are destined to be LAME. Good thing I have a few good friends at work, and that we've made a pact that no one sits down until ALL of us have arrived. Last year I made that mistake, thinking a random table would be "A good opportunity to GET TO KNOW more people." Wrong-o. DH and I small-talked our way through about 7 minutes of our meal and then got up "for drinks" and never went back. Boring people! Also drunk and unappetizing (one couple were plotting their escape to the hotel room they'd booked, and having a dress rehearsal for what they were planning to do in said room FTLOG). Our friends finally got there and as soon as we could, the 4 of us booked it to the hotel bar. I also WILL NOT participate in the Electric Slide this year, no matter what anyone says!!
I only have 3 more days of work until my own Christmas break! Realizing this today has made me happy. I think my in-laws arrive on Wednesday next week (or maybe Tuesday), which will help with the entertaining of the kids - as will my neighbor's offer of a play-date with her son. Woo! I'll have a few additional shopping tasks to complete, and some dinner menus to stress over, but other than that, I'm looking forward to some one on one time with my Kindle. Book Club chose a very fluffy Carl Hiassen novel (Star Island), which should be Perfect. I've never read him before but it sounds like just what I need.
All that comes AFTER the Company Christmas Party this weekend, however. Ughhhhh. Do you hate your Company Christmas Party, too? No matter what, I think, they are destined to be LAME. Good thing I have a few good friends at work, and that we've made a pact that no one sits down until ALL of us have arrived. Last year I made that mistake, thinking a random table would be "A good opportunity to GET TO KNOW more people." Wrong-o. DH and I small-talked our way through about 7 minutes of our meal and then got up "for drinks" and never went back. Boring people! Also drunk and unappetizing (one couple were plotting their escape to the hotel room they'd booked, and having a dress rehearsal for what they were planning to do in said room FTLOG). Our friends finally got there and as soon as we could, the 4 of us booked it to the hotel bar. I also WILL NOT participate in the Electric Slide this year, no matter what anyone says!!
Tuesday, December 14
Sick days
I'm feeling anxious this morning. AJ has had a fever now for 2 days, hovering between 100 and 102. It started Sunday afternoon, when he said he was tired -- something he NEVER says -- and slept through dinner. Later that night *I* was the one running to toss my cookies (you're welcome), so we both stayed home yesterday (Monday). My third sick day w/a child in the last month-ish. AJ felt fine all day yesterday, although I couldn't get his fever down with ibuprofen or magic. I figured he'd be completely righted by this morning, just a little 24-hour thing, until he came into my room and asked for some Sprite, because his tummy hurt. He was laying his head down on the table at breakfast. Still eating, which I thought was a good sign, but clearly not feeling great. Still a 101 fever.
This is where it gets harder as a 2-working-parent family than if one parent stays home, or even works at home. Of course, DH immediately said he would stay home with him today, which we always do. Switch off, I mean. He probably went to bed last night knowing that might be his fate today -- but I still feel guilty that I'm not there (it's a Mom thing, right?) and I'll feel bad about my work if I have to stay home with him again tomorrow (although I'll take my laptop home, obviously), and my mind's not focusing on all my catch-up work here at 6:50 a.m., not to mention an email that was waiting in my Inbox indicating I'm not completing one of my job-tasks the right way.
It's bad timing, too, since I've already requested off all next week for Christmas. I realize this is why they give us sick days, but when they're all close together like this it's uncomfortable. My boss is kind and I know she would/will say, "Take care of your son and get some rest," but still.
I'm sure I've written this very same post before. And with 2 kids, I'm sure I'll write it again in a couple of weeks when KT gets the germ. Sigh.
I wonder what this weird fever is, that won't go away? DH will take him to the doc today, and gosh, I hope they say, oh, his body's just trying to keep warm in this strangely cold winter we seem to be having, no biggie. But somehow I doubt it.
This is where it gets harder as a 2-working-parent family than if one parent stays home, or even works at home. Of course, DH immediately said he would stay home with him today, which we always do. Switch off, I mean. He probably went to bed last night knowing that might be his fate today -- but I still feel guilty that I'm not there (it's a Mom thing, right?) and I'll feel bad about my work if I have to stay home with him again tomorrow (although I'll take my laptop home, obviously), and my mind's not focusing on all my catch-up work here at 6:50 a.m., not to mention an email that was waiting in my Inbox indicating I'm not completing one of my job-tasks the right way.
It's bad timing, too, since I've already requested off all next week for Christmas. I realize this is why they give us sick days, but when they're all close together like this it's uncomfortable. My boss is kind and I know she would/will say, "Take care of your son and get some rest," but still.
I'm sure I've written this very same post before. And with 2 kids, I'm sure I'll write it again in a couple of weeks when KT gets the germ. Sigh.
I wonder what this weird fever is, that won't go away? DH will take him to the doc today, and gosh, I hope they say, oh, his body's just trying to keep warm in this strangely cold winter we seem to be having, no biggie. But somehow I doubt it.
Wednesday, December 8
More Arts, Please
I am enjoying your lists of traditions (see below); keep 'em coming. :)
Today, though, I want to document a couple of things. I've always loved the arts. And... hee, hee, the crafts. They've both been on my mind.
The Arts, because this season is filled with music, and mine has been speaking to me profoundly. My sister's chorus (oh look! there she is, right on top of their webpage!) recorded an amazing Christmas CD. I've been listening to it daily, but only as much as I can stand, because it's so emotionally moving I can only do one or two songs at a time. I'm amazed by the power that one chord, or, in "The Friendly Beasts," (a song I usually don't care for, btw) ONE NOTE at the lower end of the piano honestly moves me to tears. I've been wishing that I could fill my every HOUR with music and make a living from it. I don't know that that's my calling, but oh, what a joy it would be. I'm ever grateful for my own small part in the world of Music -- like last night, I got to cantor at the Immaculate Conception vigil Mass. Although it took me away from my home and family for yet another hour, I was truly lifted up by being allowed to sing. Even humble little ol' "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman." So, so grateful.
And The Crafts, because yesterday I went to the fabric store to buy grosgrain ribbon and barettes. I'm making KT a few hairbow stocking stuffers all by myself, and the idea of getting out my glue gun and attempting a new thing was surprisingly exciting for me. I don't have time for big craft projects anymore, but even a tiny trip into that side of my creativity gives me a little boost. I need to remember that, and find things I like doing, and DO THEM. Creativity is good! Crafts are okay!
Today, though, I want to document a couple of things. I've always loved the arts. And... hee, hee, the crafts. They've both been on my mind.
The Arts, because this season is filled with music, and mine has been speaking to me profoundly. My sister's chorus (oh look! there she is, right on top of their webpage!) recorded an amazing Christmas CD. I've been listening to it daily, but only as much as I can stand, because it's so emotionally moving I can only do one or two songs at a time. I'm amazed by the power that one chord, or, in "The Friendly Beasts," (a song I usually don't care for, btw) ONE NOTE at the lower end of the piano honestly moves me to tears. I've been wishing that I could fill my every HOUR with music and make a living from it. I don't know that that's my calling, but oh, what a joy it would be. I'm ever grateful for my own small part in the world of Music -- like last night, I got to cantor at the Immaculate Conception vigil Mass. Although it took me away from my home and family for yet another hour, I was truly lifted up by being allowed to sing. Even humble little ol' "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman." So, so grateful.
And The Crafts, because yesterday I went to the fabric store to buy grosgrain ribbon and barettes. I'm making KT a few hairbow stocking stuffers all by myself, and the idea of getting out my glue gun and attempting a new thing was surprisingly exciting for me. I don't have time for big craft projects anymore, but even a tiny trip into that side of my creativity gives me a little boost. I need to remember that, and find things I like doing, and DO THEM. Creativity is good! Crafts are okay!
Tuesday, December 7
Holidays are Here
We put up our tree this weekend and got the house decorated with minimal trouble and fuss. I mean, there’s always nonsense when you’re asking a six-year-old and a two-year-old to calmly (ha!) put the ornaments on, one at a time please (ha!), and no, don’t take them off againDon’tTOUCHTHATONE (ha?)… but mostly we got it done in under 2 hours. Then Sunday I got the other inside decorations up (stockings, garlands, candles) while DH vacuumed. The kids just wandered around behind me looking at all the new things. It was peaceful. I do remember them both getting sent to their rooms for throwing things at one point. But usually I stress about the whole ordeal, and get overwhelmed when I see ALL the plastic tubs of Christmas decorations we’ve collected over the years. Yesterday I didn’t, though. We have too much stuff so I don’t even attempt to put everything up anymore. I think the house looks lovely, and wow, is it CLEAN! Cleaner than it’s been in a long while, I’m sad-but-happy to admit.
All that’s left is for me to display the Christmas china. One of my favorite things.
Tradition is a big deal for me, so our Elf on the Shelf is making his daily appearance, which the kids love. Aside: AJ had to do a Social Studies project yesterday about a family tradition. I didn't want to do the Elf because it's so common around here. I couldn’t really think of a great holiday one. I mean an Event. We haven’t ever adopted something like a Wintery Walk around the Neighborhood to look at lights, or a Christmas Pajamas and Photo on Christmas Eve tradition. I felt kind-of weird about that, but had to put something – I told him, ‘How about our summer tradition of a family reunion at the beach?’ It IS something we do every year, after all. Is that lame? I don’t know. I could have said Christmas Cherries Jubilee (see below), but we haven’t exactly done that every year. I guess we’re a young-ish family, and traditions will develop eventually And I’d rather they develop organically and not be forced. Anyway, the Elf: We suspect AJ has an inkling about the Truth, and KT is slightly afraid of Pepper, understandably, but it’s still a fun thing to do every year. We had a little festive snack after decorating the tree, as we do (tradition). This year it was pumpkin bread (from a mix) -- a HUGE hit. I’d like to make some Christmas cookies one weekend, as well. There are so many kid-friendly recipes from which to choose!
We’ll be home for Christmas, and DH’s parents will be with us. I’m singing with the choir at Midnight Mass, but I think we’ll take the kids to an earlier one and fight for parking with everyone else. I usually do some kind of soup (like baked potato) for Christmas Eve dinner, and then a festive breakfast on Christmas morning. I haven’t decided what to make, exactly, for Christmas dinner, but I am requiring myself to include my Mom’s sausage dressing, so that probably means turkey, and I want cranberry jelly from the can and I want Cherries Jubliee, even though my Mom won’t be here to light and stir the fire. Oh! I think I also want to make her bread pudding at some point this year. Lots, lots to do. :)
All that’s left is for me to display the Christmas china. One of my favorite things.
Tradition is a big deal for me, so our Elf on the Shelf is making his daily appearance, which the kids love. Aside: AJ had to do a Social Studies project yesterday about a family tradition. I didn't want to do the Elf because it's so common around here. I couldn’t really think of a great holiday one. I mean an Event. We haven’t ever adopted something like a Wintery Walk around the Neighborhood to look at lights, or a Christmas Pajamas and Photo on Christmas Eve tradition. I felt kind-of weird about that, but had to put something – I told him, ‘How about our summer tradition of a family reunion at the beach?’ It IS something we do every year, after all. Is that lame? I don’t know. I could have said Christmas Cherries Jubilee (see below), but we haven’t exactly done that every year. I guess we’re a young-ish family, and traditions will develop eventually And I’d rather they develop organically and not be forced. Anyway, the Elf: We suspect AJ has an inkling about the Truth, and KT is slightly afraid of Pepper, understandably, but it’s still a fun thing to do every year. We had a little festive snack after decorating the tree, as we do (tradition). This year it was pumpkin bread (from a mix) -- a HUGE hit. I’d like to make some Christmas cookies one weekend, as well. There are so many kid-friendly recipes from which to choose!
We’ll be home for Christmas, and DH’s parents will be with us. I’m singing with the choir at Midnight Mass, but I think we’ll take the kids to an earlier one and fight for parking with everyone else. I usually do some kind of soup (like baked potato) for Christmas Eve dinner, and then a festive breakfast on Christmas morning. I haven’t decided what to make, exactly, for Christmas dinner, but I am requiring myself to include my Mom’s sausage dressing, so that probably means turkey, and I want cranberry jelly from the can and I want Cherries Jubliee, even though my Mom won’t be here to light and stir the fire. Oh! I think I also want to make her bread pudding at some point this year. Lots, lots to do. :)
Friday, December 3
The grumpies, some links and Christmas Shopping!
I’m in a grumpy mood, for, um…. lunar reasons, as well as my kids being growly monsters to me this morning, AND S’bux not having Christmas Blend available to drink, only to purchase as beans or grounds. Boo. I wanted to taste that today and feel cheery.
In an attempt to turn the tides, let me now talk about Things I Like. Nicole suggested I do this, as did my Darling Husband, because then my Christmas wishes would be out there for the people who need to see them. I have an Amazon wish list, but every time I go to ‘shop’ for my own list, I start feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus. For some reason writing down What I Like in a Word document is easier.
I like Wine. Swistle suggested this as a gift for people who don’t want anything, and I agreed with her! It’s slightly expensive-ish, but when you’re trying to develop a wine project, it’s an investment, am I right?? I'm concerned about delivery - someone said they ship "Signature required," and I'm never home. But I like the idea of a 3-month subscription, delivering 1 Red/1 White, every other month. (Seems rude to get so specific. I want I want I want.)
I like wine glasses (but not my cobalt blue ones). I want some stemless ones, even though they’re not “in” anymore, according to my home décor and entertaining sources. Our “thing” this year has been Netflix and wine, when we remember it and I’m not half-dead-asleep on the couch on a weekend night, and it’s uncomfortable to hold a stemmed glass when you’re trying to snuggle under a blanket in the dark.
I like Purses. I love purses, in fact. I haven't bought as many this year as usual. I've never had a Vera Bradley (and this one's on sale), so it would be a fun, new look for me. And naturally I like Coach, but they are not in a very jolly price range so I wouldn't ask anybody to buy one for me. Still, fun to look!
I like Jewelery. I say this every year, but I can never have enough new earrings. When you wear an accessory every day, it’s nice to have plenty to rotate around, you know? Even cheap ones from Target are a welcome gift for me, because I rarely buy myself new ones (except I DID buy a pair the other day, on clearance, and that was FUN)! I prefer silver as a general rule, but gold is making a comeback and I don’t have anything NEW in gold. I need a long, bangly necklace of some sort (cheap), too.
I like Coffee. My Mom always gets me Starbucks gift cards and I LURVH her for that. But coffees for my home use, or VIA instant flavored packets, would be rilly cute in a stocking! A friend has been giving me her Vanilla Gevalia coffee, and it’s delicious. Really, any pretty flavored coffee gift set would suit me just fine.
I am surprised to find I like Aprons. It's the one Amazon browsing success I've had. They seem to be making a comeback, and my husband will tell you that I am a MESS in the kitchen. I’ve ruined plenty of white blouses while cooking spaghetti. Dumb. One apron that I think is cute is this one at C&B. (Aside: I love red. It’s been my favorite color since childhood. Is that odd? Never changes. None of the other colors in the rainbow sparkle, for me, like red.) I also totally love this one, even though it is decidedly NOT red.
Can’t you just see me, decked out in my apron, with new silver earrings, and a stemless glass of red wine in-hand while I cook? Me too.
In an attempt to turn the tides, let me now talk about Things I Like. Nicole suggested I do this, as did my Darling Husband, because then my Christmas wishes would be out there for the people who need to see them. I have an Amazon wish list, but every time I go to ‘shop’ for my own list, I start feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus. For some reason writing down What I Like in a Word document is easier.
I like Wine. Swistle suggested this as a gift for people who don’t want anything, and I agreed with her! It’s slightly expensive-ish, but when you’re trying to develop a wine project, it’s an investment, am I right?? I'm concerned about delivery - someone said they ship "Signature required," and I'm never home. But I like the idea of a 3-month subscription, delivering 1 Red/1 White, every other month. (Seems rude to get so specific. I want I want I want.)
I like wine glasses (but not my cobalt blue ones). I want some stemless ones, even though they’re not “in” anymore, according to my home décor and entertaining sources. Our “thing” this year has been Netflix and wine, when we remember it and I’m not half-dead-asleep on the couch on a weekend night, and it’s uncomfortable to hold a stemmed glass when you’re trying to snuggle under a blanket in the dark.
I like Purses. I love purses, in fact. I haven't bought as many this year as usual. I've never had a Vera Bradley (and this one's on sale), so it would be a fun, new look for me. And naturally I like Coach, but they are not in a very jolly price range so I wouldn't ask anybody to buy one for me. Still, fun to look!
I like Jewelery. I say this every year, but I can never have enough new earrings. When you wear an accessory every day, it’s nice to have plenty to rotate around, you know? Even cheap ones from Target are a welcome gift for me, because I rarely buy myself new ones (except I DID buy a pair the other day, on clearance, and that was FUN)! I prefer silver as a general rule, but gold is making a comeback and I don’t have anything NEW in gold. I need a long, bangly necklace of some sort (cheap), too.
I like Coffee. My Mom always gets me Starbucks gift cards and I LURVH her for that. But coffees for my home use, or VIA instant flavored packets, would be rilly cute in a stocking! A friend has been giving me her Vanilla Gevalia coffee, and it’s delicious. Really, any pretty flavored coffee gift set would suit me just fine.
I am surprised to find I like Aprons. It's the one Amazon browsing success I've had. They seem to be making a comeback, and my husband will tell you that I am a MESS in the kitchen. I’ve ruined plenty of white blouses while cooking spaghetti. Dumb. One apron that I think is cute is this one at C&B. (Aside: I love red. It’s been my favorite color since childhood. Is that odd? Never changes. None of the other colors in the rainbow sparkle, for me, like red.) I also totally love this one, even though it is decidedly NOT red.
Can’t you just see me, decked out in my apron, with new silver earrings, and a stemless glass of red wine in-hand while I cook? Me too.
Wednesday, December 1
A is for Aladdin, B is for Belle…
Once you start looking, you realize that Disney basically owns the entire known universe, especially the commercial parts. ESPN, the Herbie movies, both old and new, the Three Little Pigs for heaven’s sake, and ABC News. They may even station a glittery Tinkerbell over the A-B-Cs, themselves, one of these days. I wouldn’t be surprised.
You kind-of want to dislike them for that. For commercializing everything and charging an arm and a leg for it. For playing that incessant song on the Ride That Shall Not Be Named for your earworm convenience (on the boats, with the dancing dolls). For putting Princess stuff EVERYWHERE from the time your girl babies are born, including on diapers and underwear. And for making you feel like you WANT to pay an arm and a leg when you’re there at the parks, because it’s MAGIC. They have conned you! There’s nothing magic about it, it’s just the savviest of savvy businessmen getting ready to hear the ka-ching.
But, in fact, it IS pretty magical.
KT meets Princess Aurora by running up to her and promptly telling her all the things she knows, about her friend MacKenzie, and school, and going to the fair, and cake, and Dolly… like she’s just met her BFF in person for the very first time. I cried.
And AJ, seriously committed to his appointment to the Jedi Academy at Disney Hollywood Studios. He learned his moves and especially made his Daddy proud (near to tears, I hope he doesn't mind if I mention) by fighting Darth Maul. In a Jedi robe! All I can say is CUTE! And BEWARE, Dark Side.
We had a wonderful, magical time this Thanksgiving. Thank you, Mom and Dad, and thank you, Walt Disney. I'm grateful for you, too!
You kind-of want to dislike them for that. For commercializing everything and charging an arm and a leg for it. For playing that incessant song on the Ride That Shall Not Be Named for your earworm convenience (on the boats, with the dancing dolls). For putting Princess stuff EVERYWHERE from the time your girl babies are born, including on diapers and underwear. And for making you feel like you WANT to pay an arm and a leg when you’re there at the parks, because it’s MAGIC. They have conned you! There’s nothing magic about it, it’s just the savviest of savvy businessmen getting ready to hear the ka-ching.
But, in fact, it IS pretty magical.
KT meets Princess Aurora by running up to her and promptly telling her all the things she knows, about her friend MacKenzie, and school, and going to the fair, and cake, and Dolly… like she’s just met her BFF in person for the very first time. I cried.
And AJ, seriously committed to his appointment to the Jedi Academy at Disney Hollywood Studios. He learned his moves and especially made his Daddy proud (near to tears, I hope he doesn't mind if I mention) by fighting Darth Maul. In a Jedi robe! All I can say is CUTE! And BEWARE, Dark Side.
We had a wonderful, magical time this Thanksgiving. Thank you, Mom and Dad, and thank you, Walt Disney. I'm grateful for you, too!
Tuesday, November 23
November: Lists, Drugs, Cone-heads and Mickey Mouse
Has anyone seen the month of November? I know it was here, but somehow it got away from me and I’m looking over my shoulder, side to side... nope, gone. What happened?!
In related news: I’m not ready for Christmas yet!! I did, however, get an Advent calendar, about which I'm unreasonably excited. I got a paper one so I wouldn't have to come up with 25 days' worth of non-candy treats. Usin' the ol' noggin.
DH and I have done some shopping for the kidlets – he handles the action figures and I handle the pink stuff. I think they’re both going to have a nice Santa spread, but not extravagant. I still need to get a few small things to round it out, and stocking stuffers. The stressful part for me is shopping for family members and friends. Don’t you agree? My main issues are thus:
I don’t mean to complain. Mostly my sis-in-law was very persistent about wanting our lists this year. In AUGUST. I don’t think I ever sent her one so she’s going to have to figure it out. I’m anxious to get myself in gear for them, and for all our parents, friends and neighbors. My failsafe: I bought extra Cub Scout popcorn in yummy flavors so the neighbors might be taken care of. ;)
LISTS!
...
November has been asthma awareness month. By the end of nearly every night I’m sighing REAL LOUD and my lungs kind-of ache. I got a doctor's appointment as soon as one was available (Nov 30) and then went to the Little Clinic for a new inhaler that is not expired.
And speaking of drugs. I’m one of three of us family members on antibiotics at the moment, for the vague issue of "sinus trouble" (HATE). Frankly, the humidifier seems to have helped more in the last 2 days than 7 days’ worth of horse-pills, but whatever. AJ had strep so he’s on teh juice, too, and Napoleon the dog is also medicated. I hadn’t told you about that but long story short, he had some surgery after a difficult decision about whether or not he could handle the anesthesia. Happy to report that he handled it just fine, and we’re glad to have him back, and have him available for cuddling and patting. He is no longer a smelly cone-head, and I am no longer wiping down his reverse lampshade collar every day with a Lysol wipe. Thank GOD. Blech.
...
Let’s end this month with a flourish – we’re off to Disney World tomorrow. The Happiest Place on Earth, during The Busiest Week of The Year (a fact about which I was not aware). Could be our least favorite trip there, but somehow I think it’ll still be awesome. Happy Thanksgiving!
In related news: I’m not ready for Christmas yet!! I did, however, get an Advent calendar, about which I'm unreasonably excited. I got a paper one so I wouldn't have to come up with 25 days' worth of non-candy treats. Usin' the ol' noggin.
DH and I have done some shopping for the kidlets – he handles the action figures and I handle the pink stuff. I think they’re both going to have a nice Santa spread, but not extravagant. I still need to get a few small things to round it out, and stocking stuffers. The stressful part for me is shopping for family members and friends. Don’t you agree? My main issues are thus:
- Distance -- We don’t know from seeing them daily what kinds of things they like, or already have.
- Wish Lists – Agh. Have I whined about this before? We typically exchange “gift ideas” with each other, but I’m completely bored by it. It feels more like business and not like we give because we love the recipient and are thoughtful and creative. I struggle with this every year. Of course everyone wants to receive things they like, and sometimes coming up with ideas out of thin air is hard (see: Distance, above)... but some people in my family insist, “I need your lists!!” and there’s all this pressure, and I want to say, “Just go to Pier One and pick something pretty! Like a candle because it’s consumable and won’t stay in my house for the next 40 years. Or better yet, a tin of hot cocoa.” Why does it have to be so hard? I guess we don’t all want a pile of Hostess Gifts, but on the other hand... why not?? They’re lovely.
I don’t mean to complain. Mostly my sis-in-law was very persistent about wanting our lists this year. In AUGUST. I don’t think I ever sent her one so she’s going to have to figure it out. I’m anxious to get myself in gear for them, and for all our parents, friends and neighbors. My failsafe: I bought extra Cub Scout popcorn in yummy flavors so the neighbors might be taken care of. ;)
LISTS!
...
November has been asthma awareness month. By the end of nearly every night I’m sighing REAL LOUD and my lungs kind-of ache. I got a doctor's appointment as soon as one was available (Nov 30) and then went to the Little Clinic for a new inhaler that is not expired.
And speaking of drugs. I’m one of three of us family members on antibiotics at the moment, for the vague issue of "sinus trouble" (HATE). Frankly, the humidifier seems to have helped more in the last 2 days than 7 days’ worth of horse-pills, but whatever. AJ had strep so he’s on teh juice, too, and Napoleon the dog is also medicated. I hadn’t told you about that but long story short, he had some surgery after a difficult decision about whether or not he could handle the anesthesia. Happy to report that he handled it just fine, and we’re glad to have him back, and have him available for cuddling and patting. He is no longer a smelly cone-head, and I am no longer wiping down his reverse lampshade collar every day with a Lysol wipe. Thank GOD. Blech.
...
Let’s end this month with a flourish – we’re off to Disney World tomorrow. The Happiest Place on Earth, during The Busiest Week of The Year (a fact about which I was not aware). Could be our least favorite trip there, but somehow I think it’ll still be awesome. Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 12
Seven Quick Verbs for the Weekend
1. Read: I can’t wait to do some reading this weekend. It is now 5 days before my next Book Club meeting, and I’m finally dialed into the book. (The Host, Stephanie Meyer.) And oh, man, do I want to read it A LOT this weekend. I’m going to have to carve out unique times for reading, though, because prime time is OUT. I fall asleep nearly immediately once my friend, A$$, meets my friend, Couch. Especially if their buddy, Afghan, comes over. Watch out. Yesterday I read for an hour and a half in the late afternoon, outdoors, while AJ played with our neighbor friend. It was heaven. (KT was still at school which, I’m sorry to say, makes a huge difference.) Maybe I’ll get up before the kids this weekend and make my coffee, and read for an hour. HA. I said maybe.
2. Sing: We sang the first of our Christmas music last night at choir. I’m supremely excited because 1.) I haven’t sung at a Midnight Mass in YEARS because we were either traveling or I was on a choir-break. This year, I’m IN choir, we’re staying HOME for Christmas. Win win! AND 2.) we have an excellent director who’s chosen some of my very favorites (Still, Still, Still – in English, not German, but …still (heh), it’s a great piece, and In the Bleak Mid-Winter, with a soprano solo that I WANT I WANT I WANT).
3. Hike: Did I mention I hiked yesterday? Am So Proud Of Self! The best news is the Cub Scouts have a “Go See It” planned for Sunday, at “my” mountain! Avec hike! I’m excited to share this family activity. Built-in exercise for the win!
4. Wash: Laundry, of course. I shamefully let a load sit in my dryer for 3 days this week. Just folded ‘em last night. I am a terrible laundress.
5. Choose: We’ve been saying we’re going to repaint the walls of our kitchen/living area. It’s been on the goal list forever. “This year,” I’ve said. “THIS YEAR we’re going to do it.” I had October in mind. ...Whoops. Anyway, tomorrow’s only got one planned activity at lunchtime – maybe we could at least go to the paint store and choose the colors. Bring home a test pint, or something. It’d be nice to have it done for Christmas.
6. Sleep. OBVS.
7. Charge: my iPod nano. I have to go down to the basement to plug it into my now old G3 iMac (or, wait, is it even an “i” Mac? Or just a plain ol’ Mac? I can’t keep up) because this iPod is synced there, instead of our family-room laptop. But I have some great music on there for the kids, and I can’t continue to listen to the Disney Halloween CD in the car every time they shout, “Halloween music!” October is PASSED. I’m ready for some new Tunes.
What’re you doing this weekend?
More Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.
2. Sing: We sang the first of our Christmas music last night at choir. I’m supremely excited because 1.) I haven’t sung at a Midnight Mass in YEARS because we were either traveling or I was on a choir-break. This year, I’m IN choir, we’re staying HOME for Christmas. Win win! AND 2.) we have an excellent director who’s chosen some of my very favorites (Still, Still, Still – in English, not German, but …still (heh), it’s a great piece, and In the Bleak Mid-Winter, with a soprano solo that I WANT I WANT I WANT).
3. Hike: Did I mention I hiked yesterday? Am So Proud Of Self! The best news is the Cub Scouts have a “Go See It” planned for Sunday, at “my” mountain! Avec hike! I’m excited to share this family activity. Built-in exercise for the win!
4. Wash: Laundry, of course. I shamefully let a load sit in my dryer for 3 days this week. Just folded ‘em last night. I am a terrible laundress.
5. Choose: We’ve been saying we’re going to repaint the walls of our kitchen/living area. It’s been on the goal list forever. “This year,” I’ve said. “THIS YEAR we’re going to do it.” I had October in mind. ...Whoops. Anyway, tomorrow’s only got one planned activity at lunchtime – maybe we could at least go to the paint store and choose the colors. Bring home a test pint, or something. It’d be nice to have it done for Christmas.
6. Sleep. OBVS.
7. Charge: my iPod nano. I have to go down to the basement to plug it into my now old G3 iMac (or, wait, is it even an “i” Mac? Or just a plain ol’ Mac? I can’t keep up) because this iPod is synced there, instead of our family-room laptop. But I have some great music on there for the kids, and I can’t continue to listen to the Disney Halloween CD in the car every time they shout, “Halloween music!” October is PASSED. I’m ready for some new Tunes.
What’re you doing this weekend?
More Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.
Thursday, November 11
Tuesday, November 9
Not Hiking, and Camping
I guess it’s sinuses. I woke up yesterday with a ridiculous headache, right behind my left eye. All morning I was worried it would devolve into a migraine. I don’t really know how migraines work, but I have had them thrice in my life, and it felt like yesterday was on a migraine trajectory -- even AFTER taking an Extra-Strength Tylenol Rapid Release Gelcap, which was recommended to me by my nurse friend. Four hours and several snotty Kleenexes later, I took a generic brand ibuprofen, and finally got some relief.
I’ve been having these “allergies” now for 3 weeks. I think they may not be allergies? Ahem. Sadly, they are also involving a good bit more asthma than I would like. Once, in my 20s, I was diagnosed with a very mild case of it. After it passed, I really haven’t had any “episodes” in a long time. Until lately. Nearly every night, when my 24-hour Claritin wears off, I’m having to medicate with the leftover Albuterol inhaler that was prescribed to AJ in 2005 (I know – I feel shame about using a probably expired, not prescribed to me, inhaler. But it helps).
Yesterday I made telephone calls. First to the insurance company to initiate the process of changing my primary care doc. Next to the new doc to see if they have any appointments this week. (They don’t.) Next up: Find a minute-clinic and see if I can get a proper Albuterol Rx.
It’s all very sad and tragic over here, isn’t it?!
So I didn’t hike. OBVS. Why would I have posted about it, without the express knowledge that some minor roadblock would certainly derail my plans?? That’s what ALWAYS seems to happen. It's like the universe Reads Blogs. However, my coworker and I did our 15-minute walking video, which helped clear my head, and then after putting the kids to bed I did my slated-for-Tuesday yoga. It also helped a bit. I will have to hike Thursday and Friday this week, but dangit, I am HIKING.
P.S. Camping went well. AJ is one of only 2 kids in his Den who braved the cold and received a Polar Bear patch – for those who camp overnight in less than 27-degree weather. (!!!) They were tired and smelled of campfire when they got home, but full of memories.
I’ve been having these “allergies” now for 3 weeks. I think they may not be allergies? Ahem. Sadly, they are also involving a good bit more asthma than I would like. Once, in my 20s, I was diagnosed with a very mild case of it. After it passed, I really haven’t had any “episodes” in a long time. Until lately. Nearly every night, when my 24-hour Claritin wears off, I’m having to medicate with the leftover Albuterol inhaler that was prescribed to AJ in 2005 (I know – I feel shame about using a probably expired, not prescribed to me, inhaler. But it helps).
Yesterday I made telephone calls. First to the insurance company to initiate the process of changing my primary care doc. Next to the new doc to see if they have any appointments this week. (They don’t.) Next up: Find a minute-clinic and see if I can get a proper Albuterol Rx.
It’s all very sad and tragic over here, isn’t it?!
So I didn’t hike. OBVS. Why would I have posted about it, without the express knowledge that some minor roadblock would certainly derail my plans?? That’s what ALWAYS seems to happen. It's like the universe Reads Blogs. However, my coworker and I did our 15-minute walking video, which helped clear my head, and then after putting the kids to bed I did my slated-for-Tuesday yoga. It also helped a bit. I will have to hike Thursday and Friday this week, but dangit, I am HIKING.
P.S. Camping went well. AJ is one of only 2 kids in his Den who braved the cold and received a Polar Bear patch – for those who camp overnight in less than 27-degree weather. (!!!) They were tired and smelled of campfire when they got home, but full of memories.
Friday, November 5
Hiking and Camping
Last week I made a Health Kick decision adjustment goal wish. It was based on the fact that my husband has been so successful this year, working out FAITHFULLY at least 3 days a week at his gym. He has, in 11 months, shaped up and done good things for his heart and his muscles, and I’m really, really proud of him. I want that kind of consistency for myself, SO BADLY. So I decided that I need to do things that I ENJOY, otherwise I won’t stick to them.
You know what I enjoy? Hiking. I mean, I haven’t ever done a LOT of hiking, but I’ve always preferred to take my walks on some sort of nature trail, rather than on the streets of my boring ol’ subdivision. And there’s a mountain right near here. I mean, RIGHT near – less than 7 minutes’ drive from work and home. So Monday, at my lunch break, I went to the mountain. I was wearing work clothes (not fancy ones, just khakis and a long-sleeved t-shirt) but I put on my walking shoes in the parking lot and began my trek. And it. Was. Awesome. Just adding an incline to my 20-minute walk boosted my energy and my heart so much! I was somehow surprised by that. I went very slowly, but the blood was pumping. And the view was lovely, of course, and it was a beautiful day.
So I put in my calendar to do this on Mondays and Fridays, at lunch. I don’t want to jinx it by declaring all the working out I’m going! To! Do! But… I’m planning for Tuesdays and Wednesdays to be yoga days after dinner, because the other thing I enjoy? Yoga. And it's not so strenuous. I should, in fact, think of it as RELAXING time. Thursdays = choir practice, which is a workout in itself. And one day of the weekend, I want to get up early and do a kickboxing video, because I liked kickboxing, too, back in the day. (I think my only video is a VHS, however. Hm. Might have to remedy that first.)
Anyway, hiking! Today!
The boys’ camping trip looms. Yesterday DH and I became Lifetime Members of REI during our lunch break. Ha! We are definitely not REI-types. But we needed to rent some Varsity-level sleeping bags for them, and that was the cheaper way to do it. Temps are predicted to be in the 20s where they’re going. It may snow. Ay-yi-yi. I’m praying for them to have fun and not be miserably chattering their teeth. I made sure to also buy thermal underwear and new gloves for AJ. They leave at 8 am tomorrow morning, and return on Sunday at noon.
Monday, November 1
Menu-Plan.. Tuesday
My darling husband did the shopping Sunday for me, based on this list. I love him so. Getting a break from my weekly Publix, as much as I do love Publix, was a very welcome gift.
Monday: Brinner! Breakfast for Dinner, for those of you who didn't watch Scrubs when it was funny. Pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. *hallelujah chorus*
Tuesday: chicken nuggets (over salad for me). Corn or green beans on the side.
Wednesday: pizza and salad
Thursday: Chili, mmm. Served with saltines.
Friday: Crock-pot Buffalo Lasagna, courtesy of the Fabulous Stephanie O'Dea. Tried this recipe out a year ago (or more), and it was a hit.
Saturday: Who knows, because KT and I are having Girls' Night! Daddy and AJ will be on their 1st Cub Scout camping trip if all goes as planned, and I predict Beauty and the Beast will be on our TV while they're gone! Perhaps some nail polishing activities will take place. :)
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Anyone keep an Advent calendar? I like the idea of the pretty ones from Pottery Barn and C&B, with the little drawers, but what in the world do you put in the drawers, if not candy? I also want a way to make it Advent and not Christimas, i.e., relative to the Church season. I suppose I need to go online but thought I'd ask you smart people first.
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I volunteered to sing today at the noon Mass for All Souls' Day. Why did I do that? I don't have time to do that. I mean, I'm perfectly happy to tkae a 1.5-hour lunch, but ...sigh. Department of "Can't Say No."
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Another project on my list is to take a whole bunch of clothes to this kids' consignment place nearby. I SO want to do that, but it will involve a full day's worth of organizing and laundering first, I think. Argh. However: They pay cash and I have some CUTE stuff worth selling. These Difficult Economic Times... anyone else do consignment sales?
Monday: Brinner! Breakfast for Dinner, for those of you who didn't watch Scrubs when it was funny. Pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. *hallelujah chorus*
Tuesday: chicken nuggets (over salad for me). Corn or green beans on the side.
Wednesday: pizza and salad
Thursday: Chili, mmm. Served with saltines.
Friday: Crock-pot Buffalo Lasagna, courtesy of the Fabulous Stephanie O'Dea. Tried this recipe out a year ago (or more), and it was a hit.
Saturday: Who knows, because KT and I are having Girls' Night! Daddy and AJ will be on their 1st Cub Scout camping trip if all goes as planned, and I predict Beauty and the Beast will be on our TV while they're gone! Perhaps some nail polishing activities will take place. :)
---------
Anyone keep an Advent calendar? I like the idea of the pretty ones from Pottery Barn and C&B, with the little drawers, but what in the world do you put in the drawers, if not candy? I also want a way to make it Advent and not Christimas, i.e., relative to the Church season. I suppose I need to go online but thought I'd ask you smart people first.
--------
I volunteered to sing today at the noon Mass for All Souls' Day. Why did I do that? I don't have time to do that. I mean, I'm perfectly happy to tkae a 1.5-hour lunch, but ...sigh. Department of "Can't Say No."
-------
Another project on my list is to take a whole bunch of clothes to this kids' consignment place nearby. I SO want to do that, but it will involve a full day's worth of organizing and laundering first, I think. Argh. However: They pay cash and I have some CUTE stuff worth selling. These Difficult Economic Times... anyone else do consignment sales?
Monday, October 25
Important Shift re: Working
Honestly, I could post all day on the topic of working moms. In fact, if WorkIt, Mom offered me a full-time job (that paid the bills), I would consider it heaven.
I found this comment from Moxie's post particularly fascinating, although it shouldn't be a surprise, it's not NEWS, really. Our modern-day version of SAHM-dom is a totally new concept. I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this, but I think it's true, the idea that we can run a household all by ourselves, be directly involved with our kids in scheduled, engaging activities, pursue our own interests on the side, etc., is distinctly different from the way our grandmothers did it (i.e., with help). My fascination with the evolution of feminism and the economy continues. If I were very smart (and not working, ha), I'd write something intellectual about it with sources and citations and theories.
I often talk about my Mom being a SAHM. Well, I need to clarify that. She was a SAHM when we were infants and toddlers, but went to work as a teacher the very DAY my little sister started Kindergarten, and worked all the way through until she just recently retired at age mumblemumble. I want to give her ALL the props she deserves for raising two productive members of society as a WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME Mom! Shout it from the mountaintops! She was a role model to me in that way, though I'm only just now realizing it. She went to graduate school, and so higher education and a career were just something I assumed would be part of my life, and they now are. (Well, not a master's degree, but a career anyway.) And her income was significant to our family operation, as is mine. Thank you, Mom! Also: Solidarity!
As my babies grow up and I move away from that often painful, biological desire to be with them every minute of the day, I'm coming to an end of my jealousy toward the moms who stay at home. (Which was always tempered with, "I don't know if I could even handle that, myself.") I'll never get the time back, I guess, but it's easier to reconcile at this point than it was when my parenthood journey began. I'm grateful as ever for that emotional shift.
It's almost comical to talk about whether or not daycare babies will be affected -- of course they're going to thrive. We had AJ's first grade parent-teacher conference last week. Um... I don't want to brag, but... he seems to be turning out just fine. According to the report and the "results" we're getting so far, I wouldn't change a single thing. ;)
I found this comment from Moxie's post particularly fascinating, although it shouldn't be a surprise, it's not NEWS, really. Our modern-day version of SAHM-dom is a totally new concept. I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this, but I think it's true, the idea that we can run a household all by ourselves, be directly involved with our kids in scheduled, engaging activities, pursue our own interests on the side, etc., is distinctly different from the way our grandmothers did it (i.e., with help). My fascination with the evolution of feminism and the economy continues. If I were very smart (and not working, ha), I'd write something intellectual about it with sources and citations and theories.
I often talk about my Mom being a SAHM. Well, I need to clarify that. She was a SAHM when we were infants and toddlers, but went to work as a teacher the very DAY my little sister started Kindergarten, and worked all the way through until she just recently retired at age mumblemumble. I want to give her ALL the props she deserves for raising two productive members of society as a WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME Mom! Shout it from the mountaintops! She was a role model to me in that way, though I'm only just now realizing it. She went to graduate school, and so higher education and a career were just something I assumed would be part of my life, and they now are. (Well, not a master's degree, but a career anyway.) And her income was significant to our family operation, as is mine. Thank you, Mom! Also: Solidarity!
As my babies grow up and I move away from that often painful, biological desire to be with them every minute of the day, I'm coming to an end of my jealousy toward the moms who stay at home. (Which was always tempered with, "I don't know if I could even handle that, myself.") I'll never get the time back, I guess, but it's easier to reconcile at this point than it was when my parenthood journey began. I'm grateful as ever for that emotional shift.
It's almost comical to talk about whether or not daycare babies will be affected -- of course they're going to thrive. We had AJ's first grade parent-teacher conference last week. Um... I don't want to brag, but... he seems to be turning out just fine. According to the report and the "results" we're getting so far, I wouldn't change a single thing. ;)
I love this from Ask Moxie
I'm not having working mom angst lately, but it pops up perennially for me, and I think for nearly every mom who kisses her babies goodbye on weekday mornings during their toddler years.
Her response to a new WOHM was awesome:
From "Guilt guilt guilt:"
Her response to a new WOHM was awesome:
From "Guilt guilt guilt:"
Being a mom hurts in all sorts of ways, big and small, transitory and lasting, and from all sorts of things, doesn't it?
Before we go any further: You are not damaging your son by working. He will thrive,
because you are his mother and you come home to him every day.I wish that we all had jobs we loved and feel are worthy of our time, but earning the money to support our families is honorable and right. You are a good mom. You were a good mom when you were home with him, and now you're a good mom because you work.
Wednesday, October 20
With Bruises on Both Knees
So far, what I know about the Cub Scouts is that it’s very loud and the kids have plenty of time to chase each other around the school cafeteria. That’s the basic gist of the Pack meetings I have attended thus far. They do try to use that “2 fingers in the air” trick to quiet the boys down, but it does nothing, I’m afraid, to quiet the talkative parents, and that is a shame.
I’ve always thought that trick was pretty ingenious, myself. I’m a shusher, admittedly. Sometimes I kind-of horrify myself because I’ll shush a group of adults as if they’re children (in the choir loft before Mass starts, for example). But my goodness, people, SHHHH! There are microphones, and no choir needs to be heard as they gossip about the parishioners or chatter about yesterday’s college football games! Yi-yi-yi. Shh. As soon as I do it, I’m embarrassed for being the goody-goody, but on the other hand… *two fingers in the air*
Anyway, the Cub Scouts. Last night was their Halloween party, so they were extra excited. Costumed kids – I saw a Billy Idol, a Shaun White, several white-masked, black-hooded ghouls and the 6-year-old store-bought superheroes -- played some toss-the-ghost-into-the-pumpkin games for candy and pencil prizes. It was like, the best night of their LIVES. (No, I take that back: the first meeting, when they “built” “rockets” out of construction paper and then LAUNCHED them into the night sky with one of those air pedal thingys – THAT was probably the best night of their lives. But this was a close second.)
In other words, Cub Scouts is going exactly as it should be. :) Boys, snips, snails, etc. The first camping trip coming up in two weeks. I am incurably romantic about the boy-and-his-father bond, relative to scouting. The dads who are den leaders just warm my heart, wearing their uniforms and saluting with the boys as they introduce and then retire The Colors. Lovvvvvve. Respect and Good Citizenship: I am FOR. I am very eager for DH and AJ to share this overnight experience. I hope it will be fun for both of them, and I’m mildly jealous that I can’t be a fly on the tent wall, but I imagine AJ being nervous when he hears the nighttime noises of the forest, and DH being the strong, calming presence. I also imagine there will be some silly camping antics, throwing of rocks into the fire, the requisite lesson on peeing in the bushes, and all that other boy stuff.
It starts with blue blankets, then dinosaurs and trains, and then progresses to this stage, and I don't know if it's just all so NEW for me, as a girl who grew up without any brothers, but I still just really love having a little boy.
I’ve always thought that trick was pretty ingenious, myself. I’m a shusher, admittedly. Sometimes I kind-of horrify myself because I’ll shush a group of adults as if they’re children (in the choir loft before Mass starts, for example). But my goodness, people, SHHHH! There are microphones, and no choir needs to be heard as they gossip about the parishioners or chatter about yesterday’s college football games! Yi-yi-yi. Shh. As soon as I do it, I’m embarrassed for being the goody-goody, but on the other hand… *two fingers in the air*
Anyway, the Cub Scouts. Last night was their Halloween party, so they were extra excited. Costumed kids – I saw a Billy Idol, a Shaun White, several white-masked, black-hooded ghouls and the 6-year-old store-bought superheroes -- played some toss-the-ghost-into-the-pumpkin games for candy and pencil prizes. It was like, the best night of their LIVES. (No, I take that back: the first meeting, when they “built” “rockets” out of construction paper and then LAUNCHED them into the night sky with one of those air pedal thingys – THAT was probably the best night of their lives. But this was a close second.)
In other words, Cub Scouts is going exactly as it should be. :) Boys, snips, snails, etc. The first camping trip coming up in two weeks. I am incurably romantic about the boy-and-his-father bond, relative to scouting. The dads who are den leaders just warm my heart, wearing their uniforms and saluting with the boys as they introduce and then retire The Colors. Lovvvvvve. Respect and Good Citizenship: I am FOR. I am very eager for DH and AJ to share this overnight experience. I hope it will be fun for both of them, and I’m mildly jealous that I can’t be a fly on the tent wall, but I imagine AJ being nervous when he hears the nighttime noises of the forest, and DH being the strong, calming presence. I also imagine there will be some silly camping antics, throwing of rocks into the fire, the requisite lesson on peeing in the bushes, and all that other boy stuff.
It starts with blue blankets, then dinosaurs and trains, and then progresses to this stage, and I don't know if it's just all so NEW for me, as a girl who grew up without any brothers, but I still just really love having a little boy.
Tuesday, October 19
Two links you've got to see
In case you've missed this, clickclickclick right now! So funny:
http://mompetition.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-i-cant-make-mom-friends.html
And from the comments on that video, a about being a "good enough" parent (AMEN):
http://www.informedparent.com/article.html?thegoodenoughparent
http://mompetition.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-i-cant-make-mom-friends.html
And from the comments on that video, a about being a "good enough" parent (AMEN):
http://www.informedparent.com/article.html?thegoodenoughparent
Friday, October 15
Sad, sad tragical people
Yesterday AJ and I were a couple of sad sacks at the monthly skating party his school puts on. Neither one of us had any friends to play with. There were plenty of girls from his class, but none of the boys he plays with – in fact, only one other boy from his class at all. So he bumbled around the indoor-jungle-gym area, climbing up and sliding down kind-of aimlessly, and coming over to sip on his drink at my table more often than he normally would. I felt sorry for him.
I would have felt sorry for myself, too, at the table all alone, except that I had my Kindle app and a new book to read. But the other moms were definitely cliqued up, in an “our girls have already spent the night together” way. They’ve bonded since we all started Kindergarten last year. For one thing, Daisy Scouts starts in Kindergarten whereas Cub Scouts doesn’t start until First Grade for the boys, so they’re a year up on us in extra-curriculars. Whatever. They were perfectly nice, just didn't make much effort toward me. But it was no big deal – as I said, I had a book to read and bought myself a carby soft pretzel. No good socializing, but a fine way to get some “quiet” me-time while the music played loud and the crazy lights created my backdrop. AJ managed to get some exercise, I guess, and did play with the girls as much as he could stand. But when we left, he was definitely bummed out.
And then KT. She is a JOY when you pick her up from school – telling you all about her day, talk-talk-talking, asking for gum (her new favorite thing).... But the minute she comes in the house and sees me (DH picks her up most days), she morphs into the whiniest, want-i-est pitiful baby. Nothing to say about it, I suppose – she’s two – but man, does it make me weary. I cringe when I think of how little I am able to SMILE when she’s like that. I get that weary sound in my voice, and I act like it's a chore to DEAL WITH IT, which it IS. That usually bleeds over into AJ’s mood, too, and then no one in the entire FAMILY is able to smile. And forget about doing fun projects after dinner, or about anyone having dessert – when the kids are whiny and we’re directorial, they clearly won’t want to eat their dinner or behave at the table. And somehow I can't *brisk clap!* and shake it off and get everyone to about-face back to Happy (Dammit)!
Seriously, my one great wish, even if it were just for the weekends, is that we could do something fun, something together, that makes us laugh and just ENJOY each other for goshsakes.
Do you have any suggestions that aren't "Go out for ice cream?"
I would have felt sorry for myself, too, at the table all alone, except that I had my Kindle app and a new book to read. But the other moms were definitely cliqued up, in an “our girls have already spent the night together” way. They’ve bonded since we all started Kindergarten last year. For one thing, Daisy Scouts starts in Kindergarten whereas Cub Scouts doesn’t start until First Grade for the boys, so they’re a year up on us in extra-curriculars. Whatever. They were perfectly nice, just didn't make much effort toward me. But it was no big deal – as I said, I had a book to read and bought myself a carby soft pretzel. No good socializing, but a fine way to get some “quiet” me-time while the music played loud and the crazy lights created my backdrop. AJ managed to get some exercise, I guess, and did play with the girls as much as he could stand. But when we left, he was definitely bummed out.
And then KT. She is a JOY when you pick her up from school – telling you all about her day, talk-talk-talking, asking for gum (her new favorite thing).... But the minute she comes in the house and sees me (DH picks her up most days), she morphs into the whiniest, want-i-est pitiful baby. Nothing to say about it, I suppose – she’s two – but man, does it make me weary. I cringe when I think of how little I am able to SMILE when she’s like that. I get that weary sound in my voice, and I act like it's a chore to DEAL WITH IT, which it IS. That usually bleeds over into AJ’s mood, too, and then no one in the entire FAMILY is able to smile. And forget about doing fun projects after dinner, or about anyone having dessert – when the kids are whiny and we’re directorial, they clearly won’t want to eat their dinner or behave at the table. And somehow I can't *brisk clap!* and shake it off and get everyone to about-face back to Happy (Dammit)!
Seriously, my one great wish, even if it were just for the weekends, is that we could do something fun, something together, that makes us laugh and just ENJOY each other for goshsakes.
Do you have any suggestions that aren't "Go out for ice cream?"
Tuesday, October 12
Things that didn't take
We didn't make it to the apple orchard; our friend who planned the outing got sick and bailed. It was too hot, anyway -- not very fall-like -- and I found out later that our neighbors went apple picking the same day... so then I was glad. I would not really have wanted to run into them. Shame on me, but we see them nearly every day.
We're in another night-waking phase with KT. I'm sure it's teeth. It's always teeth. And I have seen some little molars in the back of her mouth, poor thing. She wakes up and wants to come into our bed. Uh... no. Sorry. Co-sleeping doesn't work for us. For one thing, we have a queen-sized mattress. We've brought her in a couple of times and it has usually been a mistake. (Despite that one tender moment when she patted my cheek.) So we cover her back up, doze in her rocking chair for a few minutes, leave her door open as requested, and cross our fingers on the way back to bed. I've never had trouble falling back to sleep after these episodes, until now. It's at least half an hour these days. And last night, I had some song in my head -- one of the kids' songs -- and THAT was annoying. And then I had the weirdest dreams about random people from my high school years. (Some of whom I couldn't find on Facebook this morning -- because of course, after dreaming about them, I had to look! Who isn't on FB?? ComeON.)
South Beach Diet didn't really take. A person can only go so long without a carb at breakfast -- and I'm not talking about a whole-grain healthy starch. I'm talking about a CARB. A delicious, white-bread fattening carb, preferrably with some cheese and bacon or butter and jelly. Mmmmm. I'm still going to TRY -- Canadian bacon with lo-fat cheese and V8 this morning, but I'm extremely bored with it. NOT to mention, it's about to be Gumbo season (serve over rice). I'm ready to pick a weekend to make a big pot of it.
Of course, THAT won't take with the kids. How do you get little kids to like Gumbo? It has okra and is spicy; I'm sure it'll be a no-go. But somehow all of us kids with Cajun heritage learn to love it... Maybe get them interested in the fun of dipping French bread in the broth? Hrm. A challenge for me in the years to come.
1. excited to be on the 1st grade Halloween party committee
2. Godiva coffee
3. time to plan holiday vacation days!
4. happy to continually be carried through these days
5. grateful for my loving, little kisses marriage
We're in another night-waking phase with KT. I'm sure it's teeth. It's always teeth. And I have seen some little molars in the back of her mouth, poor thing. She wakes up and wants to come into our bed. Uh... no. Sorry. Co-sleeping doesn't work for us. For one thing, we have a queen-sized mattress. We've brought her in a couple of times and it has usually been a mistake. (Despite that one tender moment when she patted my cheek.) So we cover her back up, doze in her rocking chair for a few minutes, leave her door open as requested, and cross our fingers on the way back to bed. I've never had trouble falling back to sleep after these episodes, until now. It's at least half an hour these days. And last night, I had some song in my head -- one of the kids' songs -- and THAT was annoying. And then I had the weirdest dreams about random people from my high school years. (Some of whom I couldn't find on Facebook this morning -- because of course, after dreaming about them, I had to look! Who isn't on FB?? ComeON.)
South Beach Diet didn't really take. A person can only go so long without a carb at breakfast -- and I'm not talking about a whole-grain healthy starch. I'm talking about a CARB. A delicious, white-bread fattening carb, preferrably with some cheese and bacon or butter and jelly. Mmmmm. I'm still going to TRY -- Canadian bacon with lo-fat cheese and V8 this morning, but I'm extremely bored with it. NOT to mention, it's about to be Gumbo season (serve over rice). I'm ready to pick a weekend to make a big pot of it.
Of course, THAT won't take with the kids. How do you get little kids to like Gumbo? It has okra and is spicy; I'm sure it'll be a no-go. But somehow all of us kids with Cajun heritage learn to love it... Maybe get them interested in the fun of dipping French bread in the broth? Hrm. A challenge for me in the years to come.
1. excited to be on the 1st grade Halloween party committee
2. Godiva coffee
3. time to plan holiday vacation days!
4. happy to continually be carried through these days
5. grateful for my loving, little kisses marriage
Friday, October 8
7 Quick-Takes Blessings to Count
It's your lucky day -- I have not 5... not 6... but 7 things for which I'm grateful. :)
1. Fri-hi-hi-hi-day. THANKFUL is not all-caps enough to explain how happy I am that THIS work-week is over. It wasn't hard or terrible, just full. Yesterday and today, especially, we've been hosting a consultant in my department. He is easygoing and very nice, and the meetings aren't hard -- they're just talking! -- but it's no fun to have to be ON a full 8 hours.
2. 8:30 am T-ball practice tomorrow. I know you're scratching your head -- she's thankful for this? -- but I am. I love the morning, and hardly ever get to be outdoors that early. I like the crisp air, the angle of the sun, wearing a hat, and most of all the dark cherry mocha that goes so well with it all.
3. Apple-picking. We're going to an apple orchard this Sunday for its fall festival, something I've wanted to do for YEARS but am too lazy to plan myself. So thank goodness for friends who are resourceful about those kinds of things. They suggested it, and I'm jumping on-board. Very excited -- they have a petting zoo, bobbing for apples, a tractor-pulled "hayride," and... the best part... a "Moonshine Museum," whatever that is!
4. Anyone watch "The Office?" last night? I'm very grateful for funny television. I laughed out loud several times, cringed a few others -- it was a very entertaining episode with a musical theater performance, to boot! Sometimes a good laugh is very good medicine after a long day.
5. Grateful for music, even when it's hard. Choir practice kicks my butt most of the time, and definitely did last night. It's physically demanding, and mentally even moreso. I'm not so grateful for the pitch problems in our particular choir, but as our director put it, it improves our prayer life, in order that we get through it! Ha! What a... gift. But really... music is sometimes just amazing. 16th-century harmonies? Can't beat that for beauty. I read this about music recently -- it is long, but very worth it.
6. I am so, so grateful for every hug, smile, and kiss that I receive from my husband and sweet kids. They are my whole reason for everything.
7. The little blessings of working for a good company. Free lunch today, early "dismissal" on Fridays, kindness and goodness of our people, especially regarding one employee in need right now, and the blessing of doing good work that actually means something to people. All that really helps when I'm feeling whiny about the daily grind of databases and proposals and content plans and blah-blah.
XOXO, Sweetsies.
More quick takes here.
1. Fri-hi-hi-hi-day. THANKFUL is not all-caps enough to explain how happy I am that THIS work-week is over. It wasn't hard or terrible, just full. Yesterday and today, especially, we've been hosting a consultant in my department. He is easygoing and very nice, and the meetings aren't hard -- they're just talking! -- but it's no fun to have to be ON a full 8 hours.
2. 8:30 am T-ball practice tomorrow. I know you're scratching your head -- she's thankful for this? -- but I am. I love the morning, and hardly ever get to be outdoors that early. I like the crisp air, the angle of the sun, wearing a hat, and most of all the dark cherry mocha that goes so well with it all.
3. Apple-picking. We're going to an apple orchard this Sunday for its fall festival, something I've wanted to do for YEARS but am too lazy to plan myself. So thank goodness for friends who are resourceful about those kinds of things. They suggested it, and I'm jumping on-board. Very excited -- they have a petting zoo, bobbing for apples, a tractor-pulled "hayride," and... the best part... a "Moonshine Museum," whatever that is!
4. Anyone watch "The Office?" last night? I'm very grateful for funny television. I laughed out loud several times, cringed a few others -- it was a very entertaining episode with a musical theater performance, to boot! Sometimes a good laugh is very good medicine after a long day.
5. Grateful for music, even when it's hard. Choir practice kicks my butt most of the time, and definitely did last night. It's physically demanding, and mentally even moreso. I'm not so grateful for the pitch problems in our particular choir, but as our director put it, it improves our prayer life, in order that we get through it! Ha! What a... gift. But really... music is sometimes just amazing. 16th-century harmonies? Can't beat that for beauty. I read this about music recently -- it is long, but very worth it.
6. I am so, so grateful for every hug, smile, and kiss that I receive from my husband and sweet kids. They are my whole reason for everything.
7. The little blessings of working for a good company. Free lunch today, early "dismissal" on Fridays, kindness and goodness of our people, especially regarding one employee in need right now, and the blessing of doing good work that actually means something to people. All that really helps when I'm feeling whiny about the daily grind of databases and proposals and content plans and blah-blah.
XOXO, Sweetsies.
More quick takes here.
Tuesday, October 5
Mind you...
To clarify: I am not feeling especially stressed this week. But I find it funny that when I clock in at work, especially on Mondays, it takes a long while before I transition the mind from home-manager to work-manager. If it ever transitions at all.
We turned the heat on last night. Yay! Fall! However, my eyes are suffering the effects of the dry air being pumped in (even though they were closed the majority of the time it was on). They don't want to be open AT ALL this morning. My babies were sleepy, too -- our T-ball game lasted longer than we thought it would, and then a lot of us gathered at the Dairy Queen for ice cream slash dinner. It was such fun -- all the kids, including little KT, the only girl among those big, rowdy boys, gathered in one big circular booth. Us parents hovered in booths nearby. There was talk about our end-of-season party (hooray, it's almost end-of-season!). There were Dilly Bars! (KT ate nothing but sugar last night. Some applesauce, Skittles at the game -- I was the Mom corrupting all the other toddler siblings, and I could feel the dirty looks coming my way, as other kids whined that they wanted some Skittles toooooo! WHOOPS -- ketchup, and ice cream.) I think it was a memory-making moment for the kids. :) And well worth it.
But we got home late. I told DH we would have broccoli smoothies for dinner tonight, by gosh, and the kids will be in bed early. And on we go.... !
1. cool weather, enough for a jacket
2. small pleasures, like Skittles :)
3. AJ played so well - it's fun to be proud of your kid working hard
4. a warm home and bed to go to sleep in
5. a job to come to in the morning.
We turned the heat on last night. Yay! Fall! However, my eyes are suffering the effects of the dry air being pumped in (even though they were closed the majority of the time it was on). They don't want to be open AT ALL this morning. My babies were sleepy, too -- our T-ball game lasted longer than we thought it would, and then a lot of us gathered at the Dairy Queen for ice cream slash dinner. It was such fun -- all the kids, including little KT, the only girl among those big, rowdy boys, gathered in one big circular booth. Us parents hovered in booths nearby. There was talk about our end-of-season party (hooray, it's almost end-of-season!). There were Dilly Bars! (KT ate nothing but sugar last night. Some applesauce, Skittles at the game -- I was the Mom corrupting all the other toddler siblings, and I could feel the dirty looks coming my way, as other kids whined that they wanted some Skittles toooooo! WHOOPS -- ketchup, and ice cream.) I think it was a memory-making moment for the kids. :) And well worth it.
But we got home late. I told DH we would have broccoli smoothies for dinner tonight, by gosh, and the kids will be in bed early. And on we go.... !
1. cool weather, enough for a jacket
2. small pleasures, like Skittles :)
3. AJ played so well - it's fun to be proud of your kid working hard
4. a warm home and bed to go to sleep in
5. a job to come to in the morning.
Monday, October 4
As expected, October:
Today is the Blessing of the Pets at AJ’s school. It’s at 2:30. I wish I could go. I remember when my elementary school had Blessing of the Pets. Luckily, AJ’s school lets kids bring a photo of their pet. So that will suffice. I grabbed one off the fridge this morning on the way out the door. I hope there are lots of other kids with photos in lieu of actual animals.
Tee-ball tonight. I hope AJ’s uniform isn’t balled up at the bottom of his hamper. Six o’clock game, so it’s another fast-food dinner. Dislike. I’m going to attempt Subway. (That way at least I get some vegetables.) Thank goodness it’s a 6 o'clock game, so we can get home at a decent hour, and thank goodness we took baths last night. After they go to bed, I get to attach the patches onto AJ’s Cub Scout uniform. Nothing like leaving it until the last minute! I’ll be thinking of my Granny, who had to sew the patches on for her FOUR boys. Thank goodness for “Badge Magic.”
I have to remember to pay for “Fun Food” this week, as well as sending in a form to order ground coffee (they’re selling it to earn a portion of the cost for the school).
Friday, I’m helping with the school’s annual picnic by making a trip to Costco with another volunteer, to buy burgers and hot dogs and buns, and whatever else they ask us to buy. I’m told we’ll need two cars to transport all that food back to the school. Yipes.
What night can I make peanut butter chicken? What night do I need to do KT’s laundry? Are the kids going to get sick this week? (Please no.) AJ’s class had a streak of strep last week, and KT already has the sniffles and her signature cough. Please don’t let it get worse. Please don’t let the ½ tsp of Dimetapp be really bad for her, even though the label says “not for kids under 4.” Was DH’s sickness this weekend just a 24-hour thing, or part of his chronic thing? When do I have time to go shop for long-sleeved t-shirts and Halloween costumes? Maybe today at lunch? Thank you, God and reflexology, for my lovely (Mother’s Day) massage yesterday.
These are the things I’m juggling in my brain this morning, trying to sort out. (Not the eleventy-umpteen things I have on my To-Do list at work – 7 new articles to post, new lists to compile, a new system to learn, a big contest to launch, 4 traffic reports to construct, some headlines to compose -- although those things probably need to be given some thought. At some point.)
1. massage
2. massage
3. choir sang a capella at Mass yesterday, and we didn't sound abyssmal
4. massage
5. beautiful Fall weather
Tee-ball tonight. I hope AJ’s uniform isn’t balled up at the bottom of his hamper. Six o’clock game, so it’s another fast-food dinner. Dislike. I’m going to attempt Subway. (That way at least I get some vegetables.) Thank goodness it’s a 6 o'clock game, so we can get home at a decent hour, and thank goodness we took baths last night. After they go to bed, I get to attach the patches onto AJ’s Cub Scout uniform. Nothing like leaving it until the last minute! I’ll be thinking of my Granny, who had to sew the patches on for her FOUR boys. Thank goodness for “Badge Magic.”
I have to remember to pay for “Fun Food” this week, as well as sending in a form to order ground coffee (they’re selling it to earn a portion of the cost for the school).
Friday, I’m helping with the school’s annual picnic by making a trip to Costco with another volunteer, to buy burgers and hot dogs and buns, and whatever else they ask us to buy. I’m told we’ll need two cars to transport all that food back to the school. Yipes.
What night can I make peanut butter chicken? What night do I need to do KT’s laundry? Are the kids going to get sick this week? (Please no.) AJ’s class had a streak of strep last week, and KT already has the sniffles and her signature cough. Please don’t let it get worse. Please don’t let the ½ tsp of Dimetapp be really bad for her, even though the label says “not for kids under 4.” Was DH’s sickness this weekend just a 24-hour thing, or part of his chronic thing? When do I have time to go shop for long-sleeved t-shirts and Halloween costumes? Maybe today at lunch? Thank you, God and reflexology, for my lovely (Mother’s Day) massage yesterday.
These are the things I’m juggling in my brain this morning, trying to sort out. (Not the eleventy-umpteen things I have on my To-Do list at work – 7 new articles to post, new lists to compile, a new system to learn, a big contest to launch, 4 traffic reports to construct, some headlines to compose -- although those things probably need to be given some thought. At some point.)
1. massage
2. massage
3. choir sang a capella at Mass yesterday, and we didn't sound abyssmal
4. massage
5. beautiful Fall weather
Thursday, September 30
Yes, I really am going to bore you with this
1. I'm thankful for the sweet, hot goodness of coffee every morning.
2. Thankful that the rain stopped just enough this morning that I didn't get wet walking to the front door of the office.
3. Thankful for job security, even though it means I have SO MUCH CRAP TO DO, more than 1 job's worth.
4. So, so thankful for my girlfriends. THey let me say what I feel, they dont mind if I say something that I later feel was really stupid-sounding, and wow, can they cook.
5. So, so thankful for my husband. He did bathtime and bedtime duty last night, and will again tonight, so that I can do things I love like Book Club and choir. I love you, DH, and you get the night off Friday, PLUS a glass of wine.
2. Thankful that the rain stopped just enough this morning that I didn't get wet walking to the front door of the office.
3. Thankful for job security, even though it means I have SO MUCH CRAP TO DO, more than 1 job's worth.
4. So, so thankful for my girlfriends. THey let me say what I feel, they dont mind if I say something that I later feel was really stupid-sounding, and wow, can they cook.
5. So, so thankful for my husband. He did bathtime and bedtime duty last night, and will again tonight, so that I can do things I love like Book Club and choir. I love you, DH, and you get the night off Friday, PLUS a glass of wine.
Wednesday, September 29
Survivor Story
I’m compelled to share: My 6 year-old son NOW EATS BROCCOLI. Steamed. With a shake of salt and pepper, and nothing else.
He even LIKES it. Willingly finishes his entire serving.
I would not kid about this. It’s meant as a little life-preserver of HOPE for all you mommies of 2 and 3 year-olds (or 6s or 7s) who refuse to eat anything, especially anything good for them. He was once like that.
Steamed broccoli, people. For the Win!!!!
(We started with the frozen-in-cheesy-sauce variety. It appears to have worked.)
He even LIKES it. Willingly finishes his entire serving.
I would not kid about this. It’s meant as a little life-preserver of HOPE for all you mommies of 2 and 3 year-olds (or 6s or 7s) who refuse to eat anything, especially anything good for them. He was once like that.
Steamed broccoli, people. For the Win!!!!
(We started with the frozen-in-cheesy-sauce variety. It appears to have worked.)
Tuesday, September 28
Cheesy (but Helpful) Gratitude Lists
I was bogged down yesterday by a crummy mood (don't you love the word 'crummy?' it's so innocent). I drove home at lunch to eat peanut butter and jelly on squishy white bread -- for some reason it was the comfort food I craved in that moment. (With Cheeze Its and a Diet Coke w/lime.) After I ate, I curled up in a blanket on the couch for 20 minutes. It helped a bit. I wasn't tired, but I needed that "power-down" time.
Anyway, I'm writing something for work that reminded me: I want to start recording my 5 things again. I know it's cliche, but I believe that it works to change bad attitudes. So, here goes. I'm grateful...
1. for working close to home when I need a break like yesterday
2. for the rain!! we have needed it, and it made things seem cozy
3. for cooler temperatures. Such a relief after the unrelenting heat.
4. for working in an air conditioned office, even during unrelenting heat (thank goodness)
5. for my amazing Mom whose birthday was yesterday! ya-ya-ma! I'm so thankful to have her in my life.
Anyway, I'm writing something for work that reminded me: I want to start recording my 5 things again. I know it's cliche, but I believe that it works to change bad attitudes. So, here goes. I'm grateful...
1. for working close to home when I need a break like yesterday
2. for the rain!! we have needed it, and it made things seem cozy
3. for cooler temperatures. Such a relief after the unrelenting heat.
4. for working in an air conditioned office, even during unrelenting heat (thank goodness)
5. for my amazing Mom whose birthday was yesterday! ya-ya-ma! I'm so thankful to have her in my life.
Thursday, September 23
Of sighs and whispers
I’ve been trying, at least this week-ish, to be more fully present in the moments, especially the ones with the kids. I know I mentioned particularly that on Thursdays I only get to be with them for a couple of hours total, all day. I need to stop reminding myself of this because when I type “couple” it makes a stabbing pain right in my heart. But that’s not the point, the point is the Moments. Whether we’re reading or playing, or looking at pictures on the iPhone, I’m just wanting so much to enjoy them and be my best self during them.
It’s getting harder with AJ because one, he’s a jumping, squirming, knees and elbows and head-butting wonderful boy. When he tries to climb up on me for hugs and cuddles I have to watch out for my spleen. And he always manages to grind his kneecap into my femur. But he’s still up for hugs and cuddles so I try not to complain. And two, his playtime is so complicated now. He asked me yesterday to please play Jack and Annie with him. So I tried to be Annie, but I don’t remember these books word for word, and he apparently does. He gets mad when I try to use my imagination and say, “Ooh, Jack, here’s a BUG! Maybe Merlin needs it?”
“MOOOMMM, there wasn’t a BUG in book nine hundred and eleven, [siggghhh].” Or else it's a Bakugan battle, about which I only know, "Bakugan, STAND." And that's not nearly enough for him. ;)
But with KT, it’s a bit easier. She likes to lay on the bed together, nose to nose. Sometimes we giggle, sometimes we sing (current fave is Jesus Loves Me, which just sends sunshine through my veins), most times we pretend-bite each other’s necks, and get each other’s sugar, and play with each other’s hair. It’s delectable.
And last night – she’s been waking up in the middle of the night again, either from some molars coming in, or just because she thinks it’s fun – we lay in the dark, trying to wish sleep’s heavy return (at least I was). Everything’s hazy and in whispers but I do know that she, at one point, brushed my hair back from my face, like I do for her when I lay her down every night, and patted me on the shoulder with her soft little fingers. And that pat... wow, do I ever treasure sweet moments like those.
It’s getting harder with AJ because one, he’s a jumping, squirming, knees and elbows and head-butting wonderful boy. When he tries to climb up on me for hugs and cuddles I have to watch out for my spleen. And he always manages to grind his kneecap into my femur. But he’s still up for hugs and cuddles so I try not to complain. And two, his playtime is so complicated now. He asked me yesterday to please play Jack and Annie with him. So I tried to be Annie, but I don’t remember these books word for word, and he apparently does. He gets mad when I try to use my imagination and say, “Ooh, Jack, here’s a BUG! Maybe Merlin needs it?”
“MOOOMMM, there wasn’t a BUG in book nine hundred and eleven, [siggghhh].” Or else it's a Bakugan battle, about which I only know, "Bakugan, STAND." And that's not nearly enough for him. ;)
But with KT, it’s a bit easier. She likes to lay on the bed together, nose to nose. Sometimes we giggle, sometimes we sing (current fave is Jesus Loves Me, which just sends sunshine through my veins), most times we pretend-bite each other’s necks, and get each other’s sugar, and play with each other’s hair. It’s delectable.
And last night – she’s been waking up in the middle of the night again, either from some molars coming in, or just because she thinks it’s fun – we lay in the dark, trying to wish sleep’s heavy return (at least I was). Everything’s hazy and in whispers but I do know that she, at one point, brushed my hair back from my face, like I do for her when I lay her down every night, and patted me on the shoulder with her soft little fingers. And that pat... wow, do I ever treasure sweet moments like those.
Friday, September 17
Balanced
I’ve been reading Linda’s latest news with great interest, having always identified with her in certain ways. One, because I found her when her oldest son was first-born, and my own AJ was 1 year old. Two, because she also had a long commute, and was (is) a working mom. Six years ago, I, too, was driving more than 40 minutes to and from a job that was less-than-fulfilling (but had wonderful people!). So I stayed there and stayed there until circumstances finally combined in the right way that I could leave.
Linda has taken the leap that so many of us bloggers think about from time to time to a freelance writer working full-time from home, staying with her kids. I am so thrilled for her. If anyone deserves writing success, it’s her. Naturally part of me is a smidge jealous, but a MUCH smaller percentage than would have been, 2 years ago. Her announcement has made me feel proud, actually, that I have also taken steps to remedy what was a somewhat "soul-sucking" situation.
1. I now have a much more pleasant 7-mile commute. My office is located in the same suburb as my home and my kids’ schools, the way God intended.
2. I made it clear when I was hired here that I was not available for travel, and I asked multiple times if my position required it – the answer was always “No” from the particular manager who hired me. (It still comes up from time to time with other managers, but I’m trying very hard to stick to my guns about it.)
3. We’re rocking flex-time. It’s not perfect by any means. Thursdays have become especially long now that I’ve rejoined the choir: I’m out my door at 6:15am and not home for good until 9:15pm, and that means I only see KT for about an hour and a half total on Thursdays. But overall the plan works. I’m able to pick up AJ, do homework, get dinner started, and sometimes even more in the afternoons.
What I'm saying is, I’m happier with my work-life balance than I have been in a long time. Not that I’m finished complaining about it all -- I agree with Linda that the system is so flawed -- our need/greed for THINGS with accelerated growing costs, like expensive higher education, expensive homes, and all the other trappings that have us trapped. I also have this odd desire to tell my daughter, someday, to consider becoming a nurse or a teacher, because those 2 jobs seem, to me, to offer the best working hours options for moms -- now isn’t that backward? The only jobs women were "allowed" to do for so long. Feminism, whah? But maybe that is finally starting to change. Maybe a Mom can successfully be a full-time writer/editor/marketing-office-worker, on her own scheduling terms, and enjoy both of her jobs.
I have to hope so.
Linda has taken the leap that so many of us bloggers think about from time to time to a freelance writer working full-time from home, staying with her kids. I am so thrilled for her. If anyone deserves writing success, it’s her. Naturally part of me is a smidge jealous, but a MUCH smaller percentage than would have been, 2 years ago. Her announcement has made me feel proud, actually, that I have also taken steps to remedy what was a somewhat "soul-sucking" situation.
1. I now have a much more pleasant 7-mile commute. My office is located in the same suburb as my home and my kids’ schools, the way God intended.
2. I made it clear when I was hired here that I was not available for travel, and I asked multiple times if my position required it – the answer was always “No” from the particular manager who hired me. (It still comes up from time to time with other managers, but I’m trying very hard to stick to my guns about it.)
3. We’re rocking flex-time. It’s not perfect by any means. Thursdays have become especially long now that I’ve rejoined the choir: I’m out my door at 6:15am and not home for good until 9:15pm, and that means I only see KT for about an hour and a half total on Thursdays. But overall the plan works. I’m able to pick up AJ, do homework, get dinner started, and sometimes even more in the afternoons.
What I'm saying is, I’m happier with my work-life balance than I have been in a long time. Not that I’m finished complaining about it all -- I agree with Linda that the system is so flawed -- our need/greed for THINGS with accelerated growing costs, like expensive higher education, expensive homes, and all the other trappings that have us trapped. I also have this odd desire to tell my daughter, someday, to consider becoming a nurse or a teacher, because those 2 jobs seem, to me, to offer the best working hours options for moms -- now isn’t that backward? The only jobs women were "allowed" to do for so long. Feminism, whah? But maybe that is finally starting to change. Maybe a Mom can successfully be a full-time writer/editor/marketing-office-worker, on her own scheduling terms, and enjoy both of her jobs.
I have to hope so.
Monday, September 13
Temper Tantrum
I had a bad afternoon/evening of whining kids and obnoxious kids -- kids who were off their routine specifically because I dragged them off to the mountains for a weekend with MY friends, during which I didn't get nearly enough sleep in order to HAVE FUN andstay up late and drink wine and ENJOY myself.
So last night after one of those, "Child, do NOT do That Thing one more time, do you hear me? Keep your hands to yourself and I mean it!!"
"That thing. [hands flailing]"
I yelled in the WORST way and was a raving lunatic right there in front of both kids' faces. Their voices became very small and their movements hesitant. After kissing them mightily to bed, I gave myself a Time Out in the hot shower, and I cried. I dealt with the parenting shame spiral until my own bedtime, and was so grateful to be given another chance to do better this morning. So, so grateful. I pray I'll do better.
I just wish I could learn this most difficult lesson, once and for all. But I don't think it works that way.
So last night after one of those, "Child, do NOT do That Thing one more time, do you hear me? Keep your hands to yourself and I mean it!!"
"That thing. [hands flailing]"
I yelled in the WORST way and was a raving lunatic right there in front of both kids' faces. Their voices became very small and their movements hesitant. After kissing them mightily to bed, I gave myself a Time Out in the hot shower, and I cried. I dealt with the parenting shame spiral until my own bedtime, and was so grateful to be given another chance to do better this morning. So, so grateful. I pray I'll do better.
I just wish I could learn this most difficult lesson, once and for all. But I don't think it works that way.
Thursday, September 9
Notes for 2019, when I finally get to the Baby Book
KT has dimples on the backs of both shoulders. They are adorable, and barely noticeable except in summer when she’s wearing sleeveless shirts. I want to remember those. I should take a picture.
(I don’t remember if AJ had any particular dimples. sad face)
KT also has one teeny, tiny freckle on her right hand. She LOVES that freckle. I, myself, have a whole armful of freckles, and so she has asked where hers are. I remember when she found this little itsy speck of a freckle during a bedtime story in the rocking chair, she was so happy. She sometimes forgets what it’s called, and tells me it’s her “sprinkle.”
It must be about time to remove the rails on her crib to make a toddler bed. At 2 and a half, most mornings she wakes up laying perpendicular, with her feet hanging out through the slats. Hee hee.
She asks for chocolate milk (warm) the minute she wakes up, and the minute she gets home from daycare. Sometimes forgets to HUG MAMA, so focused is she on that chocolate milk. Lately I’ve been using sugar-free chocolate syrup.
She eats more than Craisins and ketchup these days, but not much more. Hot dogs, French fries, cheese pizza (no pepperoni!), oatmeal, corn and yogurt are her favorites. And obviously ice cream and cookies. Did I ever tell you she opens her Oreos? She was never shown to do that – came up with it by INSTINCT – and she only eats what she calls the “cream.” She leaves the apple peels, but eats the ‘meat’ on apples. Still No on PBJ and mac-n-cheese. Both kids have been slow learners on those 2 favorites.
Dora is her favorite right now. Loves to read it and watch it on TV. (I hated Dora when AJ was a toddler, but have been surprisingly glad to have “Bate, bate, Choc-o-late!” back in our lives.) She received a big Dora story book earlier this summer, and it’s all she has wanted to read. I’m so sick of “Little Star” that I actually sort-of miss Elmo’s Get Up and Go Songs.
In TV-land, we had to correct a mistake we’d made in letting her brother (and therefore, her) watch iCarly. She spent a couple of weeks requesting it. “iCawly, Mommy? iCawly on?” Cute, but definitely inappropriate for a 2-year old. And a 6-year old. Parental controls to the rescue.
Some of her best words/phrases right now:
“Yes, I m’am.” Means “Yes, I am,” usually said in opposition to whatever I’m telling her. “KT, you are not looking at your toes, are you?” “YES, I M’AM.” (Oh, yes, she loves to inspect her toes for “dirt.” She will do this for 20 minutes at a time. Sometimes it’s handy – keeps her quiet! But it’s weird.)
“So much.” She misplaces this in sentences, like, “Mommy, I so much didn’t get Dora wet all day today.”
“M-M-Ms.” You know it’s a keeper when it changes the way your whole family refers to an object. M&Ms are now M-M-Ms at our house, just like “Loo-Loos” from AJ’s babyhood, and the nickname of our dog, from my cousin’s baby Anna.
“I’m leaving yooo...” When she wants me to go somewhere and I don’t immediately follow her. I think I accidentally taught her this one. Heh.
“Walkie-walkie.” I have to report on this for the baby book, although the phase has mostly passed. In June during our beach vacation, my Dad’s cousin Bill, a grandpa himself many times over, teased KT by pretending he had something in his pocket. He’d take his hand out to reveal...his “walkie-walkie.” By which means he’d “walk” his fingers over to tickle... and DELIGHT her. She adored the walkie-walkie, and therefore Bill, and the whole family picked it up. We still sometimes bring out our own walkie-walkies when we’re coaxing a smile out of her, and SHE likes to do it to us, too.
MY KID IS THE CUTEST ONE. ;)
(I don’t remember if AJ had any particular dimples. sad face)
KT also has one teeny, tiny freckle on her right hand. She LOVES that freckle. I, myself, have a whole armful of freckles, and so she has asked where hers are. I remember when she found this little itsy speck of a freckle during a bedtime story in the rocking chair, she was so happy. She sometimes forgets what it’s called, and tells me it’s her “sprinkle.”
It must be about time to remove the rails on her crib to make a toddler bed. At 2 and a half, most mornings she wakes up laying perpendicular, with her feet hanging out through the slats. Hee hee.
She asks for chocolate milk (warm) the minute she wakes up, and the minute she gets home from daycare. Sometimes forgets to HUG MAMA, so focused is she on that chocolate milk. Lately I’ve been using sugar-free chocolate syrup.
She eats more than Craisins and ketchup these days, but not much more. Hot dogs, French fries, cheese pizza (no pepperoni!), oatmeal, corn and yogurt are her favorites. And obviously ice cream and cookies. Did I ever tell you she opens her Oreos? She was never shown to do that – came up with it by INSTINCT – and she only eats what she calls the “cream.” She leaves the apple peels, but eats the ‘meat’ on apples. Still No on PBJ and mac-n-cheese. Both kids have been slow learners on those 2 favorites.
Dora is her favorite right now. Loves to read it and watch it on TV. (I hated Dora when AJ was a toddler, but have been surprisingly glad to have “Bate, bate, Choc-o-late!” back in our lives.) She received a big Dora story book earlier this summer, and it’s all she has wanted to read. I’m so sick of “Little Star” that I actually sort-of miss Elmo’s Get Up and Go Songs.
In TV-land, we had to correct a mistake we’d made in letting her brother (and therefore, her) watch iCarly. She spent a couple of weeks requesting it. “iCawly, Mommy? iCawly on?” Cute, but definitely inappropriate for a 2-year old. And a 6-year old. Parental controls to the rescue.
Some of her best words/phrases right now:
“Yes, I m’am.” Means “Yes, I am,” usually said in opposition to whatever I’m telling her. “KT, you are not looking at your toes, are you?” “YES, I M’AM.” (Oh, yes, she loves to inspect her toes for “dirt.” She will do this for 20 minutes at a time. Sometimes it’s handy – keeps her quiet! But it’s weird.)
“So much.” She misplaces this in sentences, like, “Mommy, I so much didn’t get Dora wet all day today.”
“M-M-Ms.” You know it’s a keeper when it changes the way your whole family refers to an object. M&Ms are now M-M-Ms at our house, just like “Loo-Loos” from AJ’s babyhood, and the nickname of our dog, from my cousin’s baby Anna.
“I’m leaving yooo...” When she wants me to go somewhere and I don’t immediately follow her. I think I accidentally taught her this one. Heh.
“Walkie-walkie.” I have to report on this for the baby book, although the phase has mostly passed. In June during our beach vacation, my Dad’s cousin Bill, a grandpa himself many times over, teased KT by pretending he had something in his pocket. He’d take his hand out to reveal...his “walkie-walkie.” By which means he’d “walk” his fingers over to tickle... and DELIGHT her. She adored the walkie-walkie, and therefore Bill, and the whole family picked it up. We still sometimes bring out our own walkie-walkies when we’re coaxing a smile out of her, and SHE likes to do it to us, too.
MY KID IS THE CUTEST ONE. ;)
Thursday, September 2
The Mountains
We’re going to the mountains in a week. A group of my college friends has planned a get-together, families included. We’re all going to pile into a (rather large) home in Highlands, NC, for 2 days and 2 nights.
I am pretty excited about this, for a number of reasons. One, these are my dear friends, some of whom I haven’t seen since they moved away to Virginia in 2002. I’ve not met some of their children, nor have they had a chance to meet mine. Two, the friends who DO still live in town, I NEVER GET TO SEE! It’s crazy how life changes and friends get married and develop new friendships and lives, and boom, we go months (years?) with hardly any contact. The friends I had class/lunch/parties with every day in college. Three, I took a day off work, and what can I say, that excites me.
I’m thrilled to take the kids somewhere with a mountain landscape. I don’t know if we’ll do much outdoor activity – I think there’s a lake on the property but I’m unsure – but I just want them to SEE it. To breathe it. I know AJ is old enough to remember it later, and I crave memories like this for both of them. FUN things that we did as a family. Scenery. And other, new kids to play with, whose parents are important to me. I'm eager for a photo of all the kids together. I have memories like this: Once, my family went to Colorado when I was young, with 1 or 2 other families, I think. It’s hazy, but I remember fondly a picnic and a beautiful grassy field.
What’s different about this group of friends is that we were all in concert choir together. Let that sink in for a moment and then let me tell you I was asked to bring my digital piano.... yyyyyeahhhh, we’re THAT kind of group. There’s going to be singing. Late into the night, I suspect. It’s impossible for us to get together without music being involved. And I’m sorry for my own husband and one other spouse, who were not part of that (nor any choir). But in fact, it’s fun even if you’re not singing.
I have always felt a little less musically talented than most of these friends. Of the 8 of us, two are music teachers with masters’ degrees, and one is an opera singer (his real job, not a hobby). 3 others sing in their cities’ civic choruses. Me? I haven’t even kept up with the church choir. Last time we got together, it was less fun for me to contribute parts and harmonies as it was to just LAUGH at the fact that we were sitting around singing hymms and various Barbershop Quartet tags (yes, we have a Barbershop nerd among us, as well). It’s just fun because it’s a bit ridiculous. Especially when you pair an evening like that with wine. I’m not even kidding, DH, the fun part is the laughter.
I'm bringing Uno cards, and I hope we’ll all have the best time.
I am pretty excited about this, for a number of reasons. One, these are my dear friends, some of whom I haven’t seen since they moved away to Virginia in 2002. I’ve not met some of their children, nor have they had a chance to meet mine. Two, the friends who DO still live in town, I NEVER GET TO SEE! It’s crazy how life changes and friends get married and develop new friendships and lives, and boom, we go months (years?) with hardly any contact. The friends I had class/lunch/parties with every day in college. Three, I took a day off work, and what can I say, that excites me.
I’m thrilled to take the kids somewhere with a mountain landscape. I don’t know if we’ll do much outdoor activity – I think there’s a lake on the property but I’m unsure – but I just want them to SEE it. To breathe it. I know AJ is old enough to remember it later, and I crave memories like this for both of them. FUN things that we did as a family. Scenery. And other, new kids to play with, whose parents are important to me. I'm eager for a photo of all the kids together. I have memories like this: Once, my family went to Colorado when I was young, with 1 or 2 other families, I think. It’s hazy, but I remember fondly a picnic and a beautiful grassy field.
What’s different about this group of friends is that we were all in concert choir together. Let that sink in for a moment and then let me tell you I was asked to bring my digital piano.... yyyyyeahhhh, we’re THAT kind of group. There’s going to be singing. Late into the night, I suspect. It’s impossible for us to get together without music being involved. And I’m sorry for my own husband and one other spouse, who were not part of that (nor any choir). But in fact, it’s fun even if you’re not singing.
I have always felt a little less musically talented than most of these friends. Of the 8 of us, two are music teachers with masters’ degrees, and one is an opera singer (his real job, not a hobby). 3 others sing in their cities’ civic choruses. Me? I haven’t even kept up with the church choir. Last time we got together, it was less fun for me to contribute parts and harmonies as it was to just LAUGH at the fact that we were sitting around singing hymms and various Barbershop Quartet tags (yes, we have a Barbershop nerd among us, as well). It’s just fun because it’s a bit ridiculous. Especially when you pair an evening like that with wine. I’m not even kidding, DH, the fun part is the laughter.
I'm bringing Uno cards, and I hope we’ll all have the best time.
Tuesday, August 31
Writers write about a moment in time.
Did I tell you that AJ wants to be a writer when he grows up? I’m unsure what kind of writer, but that’s what he says. I sort-of love it. It’s his first “When I grow up” statement, I think. He never said “Dinosaur” or “Truck driver” or “Superhero” when he was smaller – in fact, he used to just say, “I want to be MYSELF” when we used to ask him. Which is, I think, a perfect prerequisite for his current professional goal, don’t you? Hee hee. We’ll see how this develops. At the moment, he’s writing/drawing a book called “Doctor Doofinsmerts ‘In-Ator Book” [sic and sic].
There’s a poster in his first-grade classroom, telling the rules of writing. All through Kindergarten, the kids kept a journal, and that process continues this year. This year, however, they seem to be given better prompts. I glanced through his journal when I visited the classroom last week. It was awesome. On page one, they were to describe their thoughts/feelings about the first day of school. His last sentence for that entry was “I was happy.” A Mama’s joy to read those words. I pray he’ll stay happy in school.
Aside from writing, however, AJ has other goals: Namely, to be in the Cub Scouts. Oh, ALL the boys are doing it – I think there’s one boy in his class who’s already got an older brother and therefore, a uniform, and that uniform CALLS to the kids. Naturally, I believe it’s one of the most worthy causes out there. It grows good men, IMHO, and I should know as my Dad went from a Tiger Cub to an Eagle Scout, and probably earned every patch in-between. I’m concerned about the time factor, though. We already have a huge commitment in T-ball, and I know that scouting requires time from the parents to complete projects… not to mention camping trips. (Not to mention ANOTHER fundraiser, separate from the school fundraiser. Gah.) AJ also asked me about swimming lessons the other day, which I definitely want him to do (on weekends only, FTLOG).
So begins the time in DH and my lives where we meet every Friday night and say, “So, how was your week?”
There’s a poster in his first-grade classroom, telling the rules of writing. All through Kindergarten, the kids kept a journal, and that process continues this year. This year, however, they seem to be given better prompts. I glanced through his journal when I visited the classroom last week. It was awesome. On page one, they were to describe their thoughts/feelings about the first day of school. His last sentence for that entry was “I was happy.” A Mama’s joy to read those words. I pray he’ll stay happy in school.
Aside from writing, however, AJ has other goals: Namely, to be in the Cub Scouts. Oh, ALL the boys are doing it – I think there’s one boy in his class who’s already got an older brother and therefore, a uniform, and that uniform CALLS to the kids. Naturally, I believe it’s one of the most worthy causes out there. It grows good men, IMHO, and I should know as my Dad went from a Tiger Cub to an Eagle Scout, and probably earned every patch in-between. I’m concerned about the time factor, though. We already have a huge commitment in T-ball, and I know that scouting requires time from the parents to complete projects… not to mention camping trips. (Not to mention ANOTHER fundraiser, separate from the school fundraiser. Gah.) AJ also asked me about swimming lessons the other day, which I definitely want him to do (on weekends only, FTLOG).
So begins the time in DH and my lives where we meet every Friday night and say, “So, how was your week?”
Friday, August 20
7 Quick Takes - This Week in Living
1. I posted on Facebook last night that Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, stresses me out more than a door-to-door solicitor. This could be a whole post in itself, actually. I’ve been burned once or twice by scam artists, and have therefore TRIED to establish a Policy , so when the doorbell rang last night, I told myself “POLICY. POLICY. I DON’T DO BUSINESS at the front door. Thankyougoodbye.” But then I opened it, and it was a guy selling new fiber-optic cable! and Voice-over-IP! and blah blah blah, and his tactics (“I’m just here to see if you’re on my lines and want to verify your phone number… etc. and How much are you currently paying... ohhh, that’s too much….”) completely distracted me, as they are supposed to do.
I leave the TV business to my husband, but of course just initialing this form – not a contract, mind you – would ensure that if we DID decide in the future, even a year from now, that we want to go with his company, we’d lock in today’s pricing... and I totally Failed to Adhere to the Policy, or even mention it! And it was HOT AS BLAZES out there, and it took a long stinking time to fill out his stupid forms and verify me over the phone. And should I invite him in to cool off in that case (NO, Of course NO, but it feels pretty rude just the same). So, stress! And then I was anxious that DH would drive up before the dude had left, and would see me there on the porch DOING BUSINESS with him, and shake his head and think, “Not again.” ...and the stress just multiplied and I nearly broke down after the whole thing was said and (NOT SIGNED) and done. HATE.
2. DH was wonderful about it, actually. Hugged me and said it was fine, and he’d call the guy back to cancel slash follow up.
3. I’ve mentioned a co-worker who’s recently become very vocal about her views on the Food Industry, a la Omnivore’s Dilemma. I mean, she's entitled to her opinions, obviously, but she’s been slightly self-righteous and annoying about "over-processed" foods and organic etc. WELL. The other day she asked me where I’d like to eat lunch. My suggestion (a chicken place, I love their salads) made her wrinkle her nose, and she said, “I can’t eat there. I don’t know WHERE they get their chickens, or if they’re treated humanely.” So, fine. Whatever. But TODAY I told her I was running out to pick up a salad from the same place, and could I bring her a drink? She gave me money instead for a fried-cheese appetizer! So evidently she doesn’t care if they treat their cheese (cows?) inhumanely. Picture me with squinty eyes of irritation.
4. My over-processed and questionably treated chicken salads have garnered me a South-Beach Diet loss of 3 pounds so far. It is going well and one of the reasons I haven’t posted much here is that I’m sorta doing my online time-wasting on the message boards there. Heh. I’ve allowed some cheating (weekends are a killer), but still I feel like I’m following the plan pretty well. It’s so much easier for me than counting calories!
5. I had additional stress this week over a LONG list of work assignments, mostly writing. It’s not that I can’t DO the writing, it’s that I put off starting it. And these 5 or 6 articles kinda snuck up on me, all due at once. (On top of a bunch of other tasks, of course.) But with some focus I’ve gotten 3 of the 6 DONE, and 1 more assigned and OFF my PLATE, and boy oh boy, is that a nice way to finish out the week.
6. Remember I mentioned wanting to sign up for a Yoga class again? Yeah. Still haven’t done that. Still want to, though.
7. Finally, turning this all around to a positive note, I had a really lovely musical experience once this week. The deal is, I love Contemporary Christian music. Jesus Rock, my DH calls it. One of the first albums I ever bought at age 11, in fact, was Michael W. Smith’s Project, thanks to my friend whose Dad was in the permanent Deaconate. So I heard an old, romantic Jesus-Rock song the other day in the car ("I Will Be Here," by SCC), and it got me thinking about the wonderful gift I have in my husband (awwww). Then just now, I heard “His Grace Is Enough,” which is upbeat and new, but totally made me thankful for getting through This Week In Living. Without His Grace, I might not have. I feel really good about the upcoming weekend.
For more Quick Takes (hopefully quicker than mine...) visit Jen!
I leave the TV business to my husband, but of course just initialing this form – not a contract, mind you – would ensure that if we DID decide in the future, even a year from now, that we want to go with his company, we’d lock in today’s pricing... and I totally Failed to Adhere to the Policy, or even mention it! And it was HOT AS BLAZES out there, and it took a long stinking time to fill out his stupid forms and verify me over the phone. And should I invite him in to cool off in that case (NO, Of course NO, but it feels pretty rude just the same). So, stress! And then I was anxious that DH would drive up before the dude had left, and would see me there on the porch DOING BUSINESS with him, and shake his head and think, “Not again.” ...and the stress just multiplied and I nearly broke down after the whole thing was said and (NOT SIGNED) and done. HATE.
2. DH was wonderful about it, actually. Hugged me and said it was fine, and he’d call the guy back to cancel slash follow up.
3. I’ve mentioned a co-worker who’s recently become very vocal about her views on the Food Industry, a la Omnivore’s Dilemma. I mean, she's entitled to her opinions, obviously, but she’s been slightly self-righteous and annoying about "over-processed" foods and organic etc. WELL. The other day she asked me where I’d like to eat lunch. My suggestion (a chicken place, I love their salads) made her wrinkle her nose, and she said, “I can’t eat there. I don’t know WHERE they get their chickens, or if they’re treated humanely.” So, fine. Whatever. But TODAY I told her I was running out to pick up a salad from the same place, and could I bring her a drink? She gave me money instead for a fried-cheese appetizer! So evidently she doesn’t care if they treat their cheese (cows?) inhumanely. Picture me with squinty eyes of irritation.
4. My over-processed and questionably treated chicken salads have garnered me a South-Beach Diet loss of 3 pounds so far. It is going well and one of the reasons I haven’t posted much here is that I’m sorta doing my online time-wasting on the message boards there. Heh. I’ve allowed some cheating (weekends are a killer), but still I feel like I’m following the plan pretty well. It’s so much easier for me than counting calories!
5. I had additional stress this week over a LONG list of work assignments, mostly writing. It’s not that I can’t DO the writing, it’s that I put off starting it. And these 5 or 6 articles kinda snuck up on me, all due at once. (On top of a bunch of other tasks, of course.) But with some focus I’ve gotten 3 of the 6 DONE, and 1 more assigned and OFF my PLATE, and boy oh boy, is that a nice way to finish out the week.
6. Remember I mentioned wanting to sign up for a Yoga class again? Yeah. Still haven’t done that. Still want to, though.
7. Finally, turning this all around to a positive note, I had a really lovely musical experience once this week. The deal is, I love Contemporary Christian music. Jesus Rock, my DH calls it. One of the first albums I ever bought at age 11, in fact, was Michael W. Smith’s Project, thanks to my friend whose Dad was in the permanent Deaconate. So I heard an old, romantic Jesus-Rock song the other day in the car ("I Will Be Here," by SCC), and it got me thinking about the wonderful gift I have in my husband (awwww). Then just now, I heard “His Grace Is Enough,” which is upbeat and new, but totally made me thankful for getting through This Week In Living. Without His Grace, I might not have. I feel really good about the upcoming weekend.
For more Quick Takes (hopefully quicker than mine...) visit Jen!
Monday, August 16
Snide (and awesome)
We got the kids’ portraits done Sunday, which is always a festival of fun. They were actually very well-behaved during the session, and we took them for ice cream afterwards. Then, we needed to run to the sporting goods store for AJ – he’s grown so that last spring’s baseball cleats no longer fit, and practice begins today. WELL, that was the straw that broke his back, and the whining commenced. He didn’t WANNNNNNT to do another errand, we had already been TWOOOOO PLACESSSSSS, he hadn’t had any time to PLAAAAAYYYYYYY, and it was going to take too LONNNNNNNGGGGG, waa waa waa like a 2-year-old even though he is now six, and much too old for tantrums (as I tell him all-too-frequently). [Pause for breath.] We managed him into the car, calmly told him he had just been given a TREAT for goshsakes', we couldn't understand him in his whiny voice, and got going anyway.
He settled down for the most part, but was still sniffling and kicking his feet on the back of my seat (I KNOW)... when we heard one declarative comment from KT’s side of the car....
“You’re a baby.”
It was monumentally hard not to laugh right out loud.
He settled down for the most part, but was still sniffling and kicking his feet on the back of my seat (I KNOW)... when we heard one declarative comment from KT’s side of the car....
“You’re a baby.”
It was monumentally hard not to laugh right out loud.
Wednesday, August 11
Thank-you note
- For every lovely meal you bought us while you were here;
- For every fast-food meal, too;
- For babysitting every day for 8 days, and 1 night! An enormous gift to us;
- For staying up late to watch silly BravoTV shows (the best!) with us;
- For making Publix runs to get dinner, or more chocolate milk, or Pop-Tarts;
- For telling us again that we made a good investment when we bought our modest little home;
- For driving the Highlander safely and carefully with our precious cargo;
- For treating us to the wonderful local Science museum;
- For new school shoes a-plenty;
- For watching baseball together, Dad -- I really enjoyed that last night;
- For laughter and eye-opening conversations;
- For hugs and kisses (not the kids -- ME! I needed every one of 'em!);
- Most of all, for enduring, even when the kids were acting LIKE THEY NEEDED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL, and for assuring me that this, too, shall pass... and that we're doing an okay job at this parenting thing;
- And for Washing the Sheets!! Such GOOD MANNERS.
I thank you with all my heart.
Wednesday, August 4
All that...
...and then, just now, I get a nostalgic little “rush,” walking down the office hallway with a file folder in my hand, because I used to love to play office when I was a little girl. File folders and staplers and copiers, oh my! How can something be meaningless AND somewhat of a childhood wish come true, at the same time?
I am all sorts of messed up, my friends.
Ah, well, moving on to the purely physical: FRITOS. My mind is locked on Fritos today. But let’s start at the beginning -- I lost a pound in Week One. That’s slow and steady, like it’s supposed to be, so Bully for me! I am encouraged, and South Beaching hasn’t been that bad. Boring, maybe, without a nightly ice cream cone, but not terrible. Tonight might prove difficult, however. My parents are arriving tonight to help with the first week of school’s wacko schedule – Monday Orientation, Tuesday off, Wednesday and Thursday half-days, Friday full day! WHY, School Administrators? Elementary school shouldn’t be this complicated, truly – and I’m planning to serve taco salad for dinner. Which is a perfectly acceptable South Beach meal, actually, unless you add the best part, the FRITOS. I bought them enthusiastically last night, because apparently 2 weeks ago when AJ arrived at his Gammy’s, she had an unopened bag on her counter and it was THE thing he was happiest about. He said, “My Mommy hardly EVER buys me Fritos, and I love them.” Sigh. You come by it naturally, kiddo. I will TRY to resist them, or only add a few. It is frankly going to suck.
I am all sorts of messed up, my friends.
Ah, well, moving on to the purely physical: FRITOS. My mind is locked on Fritos today. But let’s start at the beginning -- I lost a pound in Week One. That’s slow and steady, like it’s supposed to be, so Bully for me! I am encouraged, and South Beaching hasn’t been that bad. Boring, maybe, without a nightly ice cream cone, but not terrible. Tonight might prove difficult, however. My parents are arriving tonight to help with the first week of school’s wacko schedule – Monday Orientation, Tuesday off, Wednesday and Thursday half-days, Friday full day! WHY, School Administrators? Elementary school shouldn’t be this complicated, truly – and I’m planning to serve taco salad for dinner. Which is a perfectly acceptable South Beach meal, actually, unless you add the best part, the FRITOS. I bought them enthusiastically last night, because apparently 2 weeks ago when AJ arrived at his Gammy’s, she had an unopened bag on her counter and it was THE thing he was happiest about. He said, “My Mommy hardly EVER buys me Fritos, and I love them.” Sigh. You come by it naturally, kiddo. I will TRY to resist them, or only add a few. It is frankly going to suck.
Monday, August 2
Solve for X
Sometimes the time I spend at my office doesn’t even feel real. When I think about it from far away, at night or in the fog of my next morning’s shower, I think, “Did I really spend 8 hours there yesterday? Seated in that same position, looking in the same direction at the screen? A full day?” It can’t be.
I talk to people, sure. Through the cubicle wall as we both continue with our work-tasks. During lunch breaks. Or on the phone, irritated as I am whenever it rings. I talk to strangers or to people I only know marginally. They’re not the people that truly matter to me. I don’t feel engaged. I don’t actually feel loved by these people, or that I’m bringing them love.
Not that I remember, every day, that my purpose should be bringing love to others. I don’t. My purpose should be taking care of my family, and I achieve that, working to bring them food and shelter and a living. This isn’t a post about wishing to stay at home. But I think, “This is not meaningful. This is not living, doing. It’s sitting.” What I'm fretting over is my fulfillment. I think it’s the sitting that makes it seem so unreal. Our lives tangled up in wires and wireless, and keystrokes and data, and websites and typing – how can that be real?
I wonder, is it up to me to make THIS daily existence more meaningful? Or is it critical to find something else that would engender its own meaning? Something where I stand in front of people, or hug them? Or touch the earth? Or laugh about whatever thing we’re doing? Not that I feel I’m an extrovert. Far from it – I keep a semi-anonymous blog, for heaven’s sake. I’ve never cared for group projects. But spending the day doing something WITH people seems more acceptable than, at the end of the day, closing up the laptop, bidding my neighbor goodbye and wondering if either of us really SAW the other at all in the last 8 hours.
I’m not a save-the-world type. I don’t mean that. I don’t even know that I’m looking to solve a problem. But the sitting still, I just don’t know. It doesn’t feel real, sometimes, looking back at it. I wish I would at least get something out of it, some recordable emotion.
Time ticks away and it feels strange to just accept this.
I talk to people, sure. Through the cubicle wall as we both continue with our work-tasks. During lunch breaks. Or on the phone, irritated as I am whenever it rings. I talk to strangers or to people I only know marginally. They’re not the people that truly matter to me. I don’t feel engaged. I don’t actually feel loved by these people, or that I’m bringing them love.
Not that I remember, every day, that my purpose should be bringing love to others. I don’t. My purpose should be taking care of my family, and I achieve that, working to bring them food and shelter and a living. This isn’t a post about wishing to stay at home. But I think, “This is not meaningful. This is not living, doing. It’s sitting.” What I'm fretting over is my fulfillment. I think it’s the sitting that makes it seem so unreal. Our lives tangled up in wires and wireless, and keystrokes and data, and websites and typing – how can that be real?
I wonder, is it up to me to make THIS daily existence more meaningful? Or is it critical to find something else that would engender its own meaning? Something where I stand in front of people, or hug them? Or touch the earth? Or laugh about whatever thing we’re doing? Not that I feel I’m an extrovert. Far from it – I keep a semi-anonymous blog, for heaven’s sake. I’ve never cared for group projects. But spending the day doing something WITH people seems more acceptable than, at the end of the day, closing up the laptop, bidding my neighbor goodbye and wondering if either of us really SAW the other at all in the last 8 hours.
I’m not a save-the-world type. I don’t mean that. I don’t even know that I’m looking to solve a problem. But the sitting still, I just don’t know. It doesn’t feel real, sometimes, looking back at it. I wish I would at least get something out of it, some recordable emotion.
Time ticks away and it feels strange to just accept this.
Friday, July 30
7 Quick Takes Re: Nothing in Particular (& the diet)
- Hard to get used to: Vegetables with breakfast. It would be one thing if I had time to make omelets in the morning, but I don't. So, V8 it is. Which is fine, I like V8. What's a diet without it, really?
- They stress you're not supposed to have High Fructose Corn Syrup. I get that, sure. But I'm not eating non-fat, sugar-free PLAIN yogurt. Gross. I got a Yoplait NF/SF blackberry yogurt yesterday at the store, which is a perfectly acceptable yogurt in any other diet scenario. And since I dislike yogurt SO much, but need my dairy servings, guess what, South Beach? HFCS. Pbbbllltt. Still: I like having to be conscious of HFCS. Like all you other organic-minded people. Makes me feel like I'm part of the IN crowd.
- Enough about the diet, How're your mom-n-them? My Mom and I had a fun phone conversation Wednesday. We talk at least one weekday afternoon while I'm driving to get the kids. And while I'm sitting in the parking lot putting off getting the kids. (Ha. It's impossible lately to talk WITH the kids in the vicinity.) We chatted about the idea of parents moving to where their kids/grandkids live. Surprisingly, 3 generations on my Mom's side have learned to be Moms without our OWN Moms around every day. I wish it weren't that way at times, but on the other hand, there's truth to the saying, "Two things you can give your children: One is roots, the other, wings." How often do you talk with your Mom?
- From the Less Philosophical Files: KT refuses barettes and ponytails these days, so I got her hair cut shorter than usual. It's better. Still doesn't stop her from getting maple syrup and who-knows-what-else in it! She's a little pixie with this hair.
- I've just had a very odd Twitter encounter. Someone found my account by happenstance, I think, and started following me. There are some striking similarities between him and my cousin (who's almost a brother to me). Both are pianists/composers, in that soft, Windham-Hill-records style; both grew up in north Florida; both are gentle souls with a Christian mission and generous outlook. I'm really intrigued at why/how this person found my account - he lives in my town.
- We're south-Georgia-bound this evening, to pick up AJ. I have missed that boy. I've even caught myself missing him beside my bed in the early morning when I wake up. (For some reason he has taken to coming into our bedroom again. He curls up on the floor with an extra pillow and his blanket. I always have to be careful I don't step on him in my half-dazed, 5:30 a.m. state.) I can't wait for a good AJ-cuddle.
- After we get him, it's one week and then school starts! Summer has flown by. I'm already anxious for fall weather, though, like the rest of the country. I'm wanting to hike the mountain and have picnics, and these 100-degree days just won't do.
More quick takes here... happy weekend!
Tuesday, July 27
Jumping In?
I think I'm going to try it (South Beach Diet). Just had my cottage cheese and V8 for the morning. If I commit, I'm starting in Phase 2. Which is basically a good Weight Watchers-like, sensible diet plan. I don't really believe in Phase 1. I am wise to the fact that it's water weight that you're losing at first, and more important, I call bullshit on the idea that you can "eliminate" carby cravings completely. Don't think so. I will never stop loving Cheeze-Its, no matter how much lean turkey and string cheese I eat! While I would love to lose a quick 5 pounds and thus be extra motivated, I'm pretty much unwilling to give up apples and Triscuits. They are my workday staples and they're allowed in Phase 2.
Besides that, I only want to lose about 8 pounds and the FAQs say I don't have to start with Phase 1, in that case. So there. All hail the FAQs! I'm signed up for the free trial period online, and I can use the site for $20 through the end of August. That seems like a fair minimum amount to contribute towards better eating.
I'm happy that there are no calories to count. Giant relief. I am sick to death of trying to track calories/points. However, the idea that you only eat until you're satisfied is daunting. I eat very fast. I never really KNOW that I'm satisfied, until I'm past the point -- until I'm Very Full. So that will be the biggest challenge, I think.
I've got questions, of course, but scouring the Message Boards today to find answers. Is decaf coffee really required? Do grape tomatoes count or are they too sweet? Etc.
DH is worried he's going to have to eat "yucky stuff" to help me. He is sweet to be supportive but I'm not going to make him eat yucky stuff. It's fun to have a new project, even if it does continue the annoying, near-obsessive thinking about food. At least in the beginning.
Besides that, I only want to lose about 8 pounds and the FAQs say I don't have to start with Phase 1, in that case. So there. All hail the FAQs! I'm signed up for the free trial period online, and I can use the site for $20 through the end of August. That seems like a fair minimum amount to contribute towards better eating.
I'm happy that there are no calories to count. Giant relief. I am sick to death of trying to track calories/points. However, the idea that you only eat until you're satisfied is daunting. I eat very fast. I never really KNOW that I'm satisfied, until I'm past the point -- until I'm Very Full. So that will be the biggest challenge, I think.
I've got questions, of course, but scouring the Message Boards today to find answers. Is decaf coffee really required? Do grape tomatoes count or are they too sweet? Etc.
DH is worried he's going to have to eat "yucky stuff" to help me. He is sweet to be supportive but I'm not going to make him eat yucky stuff. It's fun to have a new project, even if it does continue the annoying, near-obsessive thinking about food. At least in the beginning.
Monday, July 26
Diet dichotomy
I was just doing some research on the South Beach Diet website, debating whether or not to sign up for their online tools. I'm probably buying the book today.
In my subsequent click, I searched for a slow-cooker Buffalo Wings recipe, since I have a package of wings in my freezer this week. HA! (Didn't find one -- I'll likely marinate, then grill them. I guess that might even fit into the South Beach scenario, sort-of.) It just felt funny to look up a diet and then look up WINGS.
Anyway, I feel like I need a food PLAN. I not only NEED, but WANT some new recipes for dinners and lunches. I mean, I basically know how to cook more healthfully, but I resort instead to all my old habits. I was thinking Phase One of SBD might be a good idea, because lordy, have I had eaten some garbage lately. Dumb eating episodes like last night's Animal Crackers binge, for instance. Which was a "finish with something sweet" antidote to the chips-n-salsa episode ten minutes before. All that because I'd forced myself to eat a small dinner, since I'd had a giant fast-food lunch. SIGH.
I'm thinking the Intervention aspect of Phase One would stop all that nonsense in its tracks, if I could stick with it for 2 weeks. (Even though, according to the plan, I could technically start in Phase Two, having less than 10 pounds to lose.)
I know Mighty Maggie's a fan of the SBD. Anyone else tried it with success?
p.s. Changed my template because something weird was going on with it! I'll miss those big ol' flowers.
In my subsequent click, I searched for a slow-cooker Buffalo Wings recipe, since I have a package of wings in my freezer this week. HA! (Didn't find one -- I'll likely marinate, then grill them. I guess that might even fit into the South Beach scenario, sort-of.) It just felt funny to look up a diet and then look up WINGS.
Anyway, I feel like I need a food PLAN. I not only NEED, but WANT some new recipes for dinners and lunches. I mean, I basically know how to cook more healthfully, but I resort instead to all my old habits. I was thinking Phase One of SBD might be a good idea, because lordy, have I had eaten some garbage lately. Dumb eating episodes like last night's Animal Crackers binge, for instance. Which was a "finish with something sweet" antidote to the chips-n-salsa episode ten minutes before. All that because I'd forced myself to eat a small dinner, since I'd had a giant fast-food lunch. SIGH.
I'm thinking the Intervention aspect of Phase One would stop all that nonsense in its tracks, if I could stick with it for 2 weeks. (Even though, according to the plan, I could technically start in Phase Two, having less than 10 pounds to lose.)
I know Mighty Maggie's a fan of the SBD. Anyone else tried it with success?
p.s. Changed my template because something weird was going on with it! I'll miss those big ol' flowers.
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