Shut up, yes I was wearing a competing floral print with my paisley pink sling! Eek! I am a fashion don't!
Thursday, September 4
Slingy sling sling!
Maaaaaajor shout out to Nicole, who reminded me recently in a comment or a Tweet or something, that the sling is my friend. The hip-carry has become my very best friend for that magical hour from 5:30 pm 'til dinner is on the table. I love that KT baby likes riding around the kitchen with me. I wish I'd had one of these when AJ was little.
Shut up, yes I was wearing a competing floral print with my paisley pink sling! Eek! I am a fashion don't!
Shut up, yes I was wearing a competing floral print with my paisley pink sling! Eek! I am a fashion don't!
Wednesday, September 3
Nothing to report, really
Today I don't really have anything earth-shattering to tell (do I ever?), but I think some of my better posts are the ones where I just type for a while and see what materializes. Free-form blogging, as it were. You've been warned.
My mind has been trying to wrap itself around the elections the last week or so, like most people. I don't like watching either convention, because it's all just a lot of scripted cheerleading and Other-Party-Bashing, and I don't like that. There's little of substance. But I have peeked in on each convention and you know what I've noticed the most? The sets. Like, behind the DNC podium one day last week they had a couple of huge window panels, right? Those were pretty, with the beige carpet-y looking surroundings. I don't know if that was the stage all the way through. Like I said, I try not to watch. Last night I wasn't as fond of the large black and white images behind the RNC podium, because I thought it took away from being able to see the person who was speaking. I did think Laura Bush looked lovely in red, and behind her they had a giant, soft image of an American flag -- that was nice.
You see how much I pay attention to the content, though. Not much. The debates? I will watch. The tickets this year make the race really fascinating (I = Master of Obvious) and I want to hear what everyone has to say about how they will lead this country. Even the debates, though, can't be trusted. Politicians will SAY whatever they have to say; whether or not they follow through on "promises" is certainly a toss-up. I do hate all the meanness that comes with politics, though, and I wonder if we'll EVER move away from the either-or mentality of a two-party system.
BUT! I don't want to talk politics with my friends. It's impolite.
Speaking of impolite -- one of AJ's favorite stories lately is "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby." We have it in an illustrated children's literature anthology, as well as a Little Golden Book handed down from DH's childhood collection. Do you read this story to your kids? It was a favorite of mine, too, when I was small. Of course there's the dialect. Brer Rabbit says to the Tar Baby: "Ain't you goin' to say 'Howdy?' Ain't you goin' to be PER-LITE?" And I read it in dialect because that's the way it's meant to be read -- it's part of our country's literary tradition. But it makes me feel a little funny. I worry that, in one edition, they repeat the phrase, "And the Tar Baby, he say nothin'," over and over again. AJ quoted it back to me yesterday. "Mommy, I like the part where the Tar Baby he say nothin'." Eeek. "He doesn't say anything, son. Anything." Just what I need is to raise a boy who thinks "ain't" really is a word. Maybe I'll suggest "Make Way For Ducklings" tonight instead.
And speaking of dialect! (Wow, the segues are just perfect this morning!) I heard a radio interview with someone from Montague, LA, where the reporter kept saying "Hurricane GOOSE-tahv," like we've all been saying. The Montague resident, however, said, "Gus-TAHV," with his French-Cajun accent. How I love that sound. It made me smile.
My mind has been trying to wrap itself around the elections the last week or so, like most people. I don't like watching either convention, because it's all just a lot of scripted cheerleading and Other-Party-Bashing, and I don't like that. There's little of substance. But I have peeked in on each convention and you know what I've noticed the most? The sets. Like, behind the DNC podium one day last week they had a couple of huge window panels, right? Those were pretty, with the beige carpet-y looking surroundings. I don't know if that was the stage all the way through. Like I said, I try not to watch. Last night I wasn't as fond of the large black and white images behind the RNC podium, because I thought it took away from being able to see the person who was speaking. I did think Laura Bush looked lovely in red, and behind her they had a giant, soft image of an American flag -- that was nice.
You see how much I pay attention to the content, though. Not much. The debates? I will watch. The tickets this year make the race really fascinating (I = Master of Obvious) and I want to hear what everyone has to say about how they will lead this country. Even the debates, though, can't be trusted. Politicians will SAY whatever they have to say; whether or not they follow through on "promises" is certainly a toss-up. I do hate all the meanness that comes with politics, though, and I wonder if we'll EVER move away from the either-or mentality of a two-party system.
BUT! I don't want to talk politics with my friends. It's impolite.
Speaking of impolite -- one of AJ's favorite stories lately is "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby." We have it in an illustrated children's literature anthology, as well as a Little Golden Book handed down from DH's childhood collection. Do you read this story to your kids? It was a favorite of mine, too, when I was small. Of course there's the dialect. Brer Rabbit says to the Tar Baby: "Ain't you goin' to say 'Howdy?' Ain't you goin' to be PER-LITE?" And I read it in dialect because that's the way it's meant to be read -- it's part of our country's literary tradition. But it makes me feel a little funny. I worry that, in one edition, they repeat the phrase, "And the Tar Baby, he say nothin'," over and over again. AJ quoted it back to me yesterday. "Mommy, I like the part where the Tar Baby he say nothin'." Eeek. "He doesn't say anything, son. Anything." Just what I need is to raise a boy who thinks "ain't" really is a word. Maybe I'll suggest "Make Way For Ducklings" tonight instead.
And speaking of dialect! (Wow, the segues are just perfect this morning!) I heard a radio interview with someone from Montague, LA, where the reporter kept saying "Hurricane GOOSE-tahv," like we've all been saying. The Montague resident, however, said, "Gus-TAHV," with his French-Cajun accent. How I love that sound. It made me smile.
Saturday, August 30
Brief but lovely meeting
It has been all I could do today not to come giggling over to you, to tell you this super-cool news. For the last 5 hours I've had to, like, care for the kids and feed them and talk to them and stuff... So annoying! Because guess what? Today I got to meet someone I really like and admire from The Internet. And she is just as sweet and fantastic in person as she is on-screen, and I just had to share.
Hi, Mir, you're pretty! Sorry I was such a schoolgirl. (I really was, y'all. Starstruck happens. I couldn't even logically tell her my name. God, I am so embarrassed. If I ever get to go to BlogHer I will clearly need drinks. Which is good, I've heard they have them there.)
Blogging is funny. One minute you're feeling all comfortable, all "part of this great community," and the next minute you're you again, the shy girl. Hee. But I love it. I was proud to be there, happy to understand this medium (somewhat) and how it works, nodding in agreement when they (Mir and also-famous Kristen) explained why they do it. When my husband asked me on the way home, why *I* do it, I had several answers for him. It started as a substitute for the paper journals I'd been writing my whole life. I have since found it's a great place to park the memories we're making, so that when these kiddos grow up, I won't forget. And, it's allowed me to meet fascinating people and expand my circle a bit. He knew I was excited because I went on and on. I mean, it must have been fun if I'm blogging about it on a weekend! When I got home, I really wanted to hop online just to BE with you guys. If that isn't silly.
Anyway, go and buy their book. I already read about 1/3 of it since we got home today (while I was "caring" for the kids, ahem). It's like a handy bookmark of the best posts from the best momblogs. Blogs-to-books: will that continue? Will the "craze" fizzle eventually? Will all of the rockstar bloggers get published? Who knows. It will be fun to see where this whole things takes us in the next several years.
Hi, Mir, you're pretty! Sorry I was such a schoolgirl. (I really was, y'all. Starstruck happens. I couldn't even logically tell her my name. God, I am so embarrassed. If I ever get to go to BlogHer I will clearly need drinks. Which is good, I've heard they have them there.)
Blogging is funny. One minute you're feeling all comfortable, all "part of this great community," and the next minute you're you again, the shy girl. Hee. But I love it. I was proud to be there, happy to understand this medium (somewhat) and how it works, nodding in agreement when they (Mir and also-famous Kristen) explained why they do it. When my husband asked me on the way home, why *I* do it, I had several answers for him. It started as a substitute for the paper journals I'd been writing my whole life. I have since found it's a great place to park the memories we're making, so that when these kiddos grow up, I won't forget. And, it's allowed me to meet fascinating people and expand my circle a bit. He knew I was excited because I went on and on. I mean, it must have been fun if I'm blogging about it on a weekend! When I got home, I really wanted to hop online just to BE with you guys. If that isn't silly.
Anyway, go and buy their book. I already read about 1/3 of it since we got home today (while I was "caring" for the kids, ahem). It's like a handy bookmark of the best posts from the best momblogs. Blogs-to-books: will that continue? Will the "craze" fizzle eventually? Will all of the rockstar bloggers get published? Who knows. It will be fun to see where this whole things takes us in the next several years.
Friday, August 29
Identity freaking crisis
*SIGH* This day and age, I swear. I now have so many multiple personalities (not to mention logins and passwords) that I can barely keep up with myself, and I'm supposed to be keeping up with two kids and a husband, too? WTH, Web 2.0?
(....Who?)
- In February 2005, I didn't want to publish my kids' names or my last name on this blog because I didn't want all the wackos of the world to be able to find our house/school/whatever wackos want to find. I was also aware of the employer/potential employer's ability to Google. So it's anonymous.
- Except when I go and link to Vimeo where I've signed up using my real name, DUH.
- And never mind that half my regular readership is related to me. (Hi Mom! Hi Dad! Hi husband, sister, cousins!)
- The other half of you have likely emailed me at some point, and I wasn't smart enough to create an anonymous email to accompany the blog; just used my regular ol' junky yahoo address. So now you guys know my real name, too. Which is fine, I don't care about that because I like you, I really like you. But it seems dumb, now, to have an anon blog and a revealed email.
- I love Facebook and have become friends with a few of you guys and a LOT of old high school and college buddies. I definitely don't think I want all of them to be reading my blog so I don't publish its URL over there.
- I finally succumbed to the everloving Twitter tease, and set up my account... possibly without thinking, using my real and actual name. So I can't very well publish my Twitter feed here, can I? Haha, oh, isn't this fun?
- AND NOW my office has created Facebook and Twitter accounts. I want to become a fan of and follow them; however, my manager has said explicitly that we should have TWO identities for these things, one personal and one professional. Because he doesn't want our clients, who may also follow us, seeing "our naked toga party pics." (It's funny because we work in higher ed.) And I get it, and I don't want my clients on my real Facebook page, either, necessarily -- perhaps they don't need to know how often I'm playing TextTwirl?-- but ArrRRGHEHEH. Two Facebook accounts? Two Twitter accounts? Annoying.
- Oh, damn, I just remembered Flickr, too. Which I think I don't want to use, personally, anymore (don't like the way it functions) but the office may start using it for clients' photo archives, so again, I'll need to sign up with my Professional identity. Which is.. who, again?
(....Who?)
Wednesday, August 27
Badly lit, but still pretty darn cute
Happy Baby Jumperoo! from Lee on Vimeo.
Also: this is one of the most beautifully written things I've read on the Internet lately, from Sundry:
...all I wish for is that time would slow down, that I could enjoy your babyhood for as long as I want, instead of the cruel truth of days slipping by faster and faster, every moment taking you just a bit away from me. The entire act of parenthood is a path of loss, Dylan, where the whole point is for you to grow up and away, and we will know we did at least a few things right when you carve out your own life completely separate from ours. I know how this time is such a sweet shutter-flash, and my heart, my little one, it will be over so soon. I am trying to hold on to it all, even as it constantly changes.
Tuesday, August 26
Red Beans and Rice
We eat Red Beans and Rice (RBR, as it appears on my weekly Post-It Note menu) quite often. Usually it comes from this box, which I will say unashamedly is delicious. I can claim to know, since my Mom is pure, 100% Louisianan. Sunday, I decided to make real Red Beans. I don't know... I guess I had extra time on my hands. ;)
This recipe is mostly my Mom's, with 1 or 2 ingredients from the back of the bag of Red Beans. My husband said it was delicious.
1 pound bag dry red beans (pick out the bad ones while they're dry)
6-8 cups water
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper
3/4 TBSP salt
1 TBSP Creole seasoning (I use Tony Chachere's)
1 pound smoked sausage*, sliced, or a ham bone, or just ham
*you could use spicy sausage or andouille, but I'd omit the Cayenne pepper in that case.
If you don't remember to soak the beans overnight, then place them in a big pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them boil 2-3 minutes, turn the heat off and remove them from the burner. Let them sit, covered, for an hour or so. Drain.
Place soaked beans in crock pot and add 4-6 cups (new) water. Add other ingredients and stir. Cook on low 10-12 hours or on high at least 6 hours. (Or, bring to boil and simmer on the stove for 2 - 2.5 hours.) Add sausage or other meat whenever you like. An hour or so before cooking time is finished, take about 1 cup of beans out, and puree in the food processor. Add them back in. This is to make the mixture creamier.
(I added my sausage before the last 2 hours but here's a note: bring it to room temperature first. Otherwise you will be worried that you've just cooled the temperature of the beans so much that they will never fully cook. Ack! As it turns out they were the perfect consistency, right on time!)
Serve over white rice, obvs.
Sure hope my friends will post their easy weeknight recipes today, too! Happy Tuesday!
This recipe is mostly my Mom's, with 1 or 2 ingredients from the back of the bag of Red Beans. My husband said it was delicious.
1 pound bag dry red beans (pick out the bad ones while they're dry)
6-8 cups water
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper
3/4 TBSP salt
1 TBSP Creole seasoning (I use Tony Chachere's)
1 pound smoked sausage*, sliced, or a ham bone, or just ham
*you could use spicy sausage or andouille, but I'd omit the Cayenne pepper in that case.
If you don't remember to soak the beans overnight, then place them in a big pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them boil 2-3 minutes, turn the heat off and remove them from the burner. Let them sit, covered, for an hour or so. Drain.
Place soaked beans in crock pot and add 4-6 cups (new) water. Add other ingredients and stir. Cook on low 10-12 hours or on high at least 6 hours. (Or, bring to boil and simmer on the stove for 2 - 2.5 hours.) Add sausage or other meat whenever you like. An hour or so before cooking time is finished, take about 1 cup of beans out, and puree in the food processor. Add them back in. This is to make the mixture creamier.
(I added my sausage before the last 2 hours but here's a note: bring it to room temperature first. Otherwise you will be worried that you've just cooled the temperature of the beans so much that they will never fully cook. Ack! As it turns out they were the perfect consistency, right on time!)
Serve over white rice, obvs.
Sure hope my friends will post their easy weeknight recipes today, too! Happy Tuesday!
Monday, August 25
Puttering around the house
We had lingering effects of Tropical Storm Fay over the weekend, meaning gusty wind and overcast skies, and a little pittance of rain in the north suburbs. Still, it felt kind-of like fall, and made me wish it really WAS fall, with cool temperatures and a reason to crock-pot (v.)! I did, even without reason. I made red beans and rice and tomorrow I might even share the recipe I used, in the spirit of Trader Tuesday.
I just went outside this morning, and something about the way the trees, grasses, and my garage smelled made me want Loaded Potato Soup. Yum.
Our first Sunday School experience went... okay. AJ shed some nervous tears when I left him in his classroom, which ticked me off because I wanted to teach HIS CLASS and they didn't put me there. The whole reason I was doing this! But in the end, he said he had fun, and the class of Kindergarteners I'm teaching seems really sweet, too. I think it's probably going to be a good experience for both of us. (No update on my "New Best Friend," but she did a great job with the lesson plan so I like her that much more. Hee. Looking forward to working with her.)
Our weekend, looking back now, was packed! We attended YET ANOTHER friend's birthday party. I got an inferiority complex inside their enormous brand-new house. DH went to his annual Fantasy Football Draft. I went to dinner and a movie with Colleen. Together, we watched some of the last remaining Olympics (Group Rhythmic Gymnastics? Interesting! And Weird!), played as much Ben 10 (pretend) as we parents could stand, and watched KT baby jump in the Jumperoo. I swear I'm taking pictures tonight. Pinky swear. Somehow all of this seemed relaxing.
In the category of Homecaring, DH dusted and re-org'd AJ room, I did a load of towels, and we managed not to break the bank JUST yet (although my grocery trip tonight could get us close) -- this damn 2 kids in daycare gig is a lot pricier than I'd imagined. In fact, I didn't really imagine it at all -- just didn't THINK that adding another kid, without adding more salary, was going to feel quite so pinchy. Oh well. I've decided I'm asking for new bath towels for Christmas. :) Let someone else take care of my household expenses.
Hope your weekend was equally boring and nice.
I just went outside this morning, and something about the way the trees, grasses, and my garage smelled made me want Loaded Potato Soup. Yum.
Our first Sunday School experience went... okay. AJ shed some nervous tears when I left him in his classroom, which ticked me off because I wanted to teach HIS CLASS and they didn't put me there. The whole reason I was doing this! But in the end, he said he had fun, and the class of Kindergarteners I'm teaching seems really sweet, too. I think it's probably going to be a good experience for both of us. (No update on my "New Best Friend," but she did a great job with the lesson plan so I like her that much more. Hee. Looking forward to working with her.)
Our weekend, looking back now, was packed! We attended YET ANOTHER friend's birthday party. I got an inferiority complex inside their enormous brand-new house. DH went to his annual Fantasy Football Draft. I went to dinner and a movie with Colleen. Together, we watched some of the last remaining Olympics (Group Rhythmic Gymnastics? Interesting! And Weird!), played as much Ben 10 (pretend) as we parents could stand, and watched KT baby jump in the Jumperoo. I swear I'm taking pictures tonight. Pinky swear. Somehow all of this seemed relaxing.
In the category of Homecaring, DH dusted and re-org'd AJ room, I did a load of towels, and we managed not to break the bank JUST yet (although my grocery trip tonight could get us close) -- this damn 2 kids in daycare gig is a lot pricier than I'd imagined. In fact, I didn't really imagine it at all -- just didn't THINK that adding another kid, without adding more salary, was going to feel quite so pinchy. Oh well. I've decided I'm asking for new bath towels for Christmas. :) Let someone else take care of my household expenses.
Hope your weekend was equally boring and nice.
Friday, August 22
Six Month Love Letter
Dear KT,
Half a year goes by in a flash and I find myself a few days... okay, a whole week... late with getting this written out. It seems that "late" is a continual state of being with two kids. Not "Very Late," because that would make me feel bad about myself, but just a few minutes past on-time. It's okay. It's expected, really. You manage to find some very sweet ways to fill up the minutes in our days.
I don't know, yet, how tall you are or your official weight, but you're growing. :) You have discovered your feet and like to kick them up over your head when you're lying down. But! You don't have to lie down all the time anymore -- you can sit up, big girl! It makes bathtime and getting dressed a WHOLE lot easier, and you love being upright on a blanket, surrounded by toys. Mostly you go for the cloth things to chew on -- cloth books, your burp cloth, or your dress; I'd have to say your favorite toy is your green pacifier, because your turn it over and over in your hands and chew on it actively. But you just haven't been exposed yet to all the toys that are coming to you -- just wait until you meet the ball popper and the "gumball" machine! We scored a JumpeRoo from some kind friends, and you seem to really like that, too, although you're only just getting acquainted with it.
Rolling is your current method of transportation, when given some time and space, but we can see you trying to pull those little legs up behind you. The days when we can set you down and come back to the same spot 3 minutes later are definitely numbered.
You love the bath! This is really fun for Daddy and me, because *whisper* your brother AJ has never liked getting wet! Never, not since he was tiny like you! So we laugh and laugh to see you, watching yourself in the mirror, getting water ALL OVER THE MIRROR, and making a big ol' mess. It's awesome. In fact, I can't wait to take you to a birthday party this weekend at a friend's pool! I think you're going to enjoy it.
One other thing we laugh at you about: Spitting. You will make bubbles at us all day -- it's like your own little language. Baaaab-bbbbaabbb-bhhhhhtth-th-thtth-thh. We call you Spitty-Spitty when you do that. Somehow I don't remember AJ doing the same, but then again I don't remember a lot about his babyhood anymore. (That is why Mama keeps the blog!)
You still adore Big Brother, and the last few days, when you are downstairs, and you see him at the top of the stairs, you scream with delight, "Aaaahh!" and giggle excitedly! Like he is the funniest thing you've ever seen! I know it makes him feel good to be considered such a comedian, and it makes Mama smile to think that deep down, instinctively, you love him so much. That HE is the friend who makes you happiest.
We certainly love you, Baby. You add infinite sunshine to our days (and you're adding back a little more sleep to my nights, now that you're sleeping 7:30 pm to 6:00 am! Keep that up. Just had to document that one last detail.) I'm going to tickle you right on your delicious squishy thigh when I see you next.
XOXO,
Mommy
Half a year goes by in a flash and I find myself a few days... okay, a whole week... late with getting this written out. It seems that "late" is a continual state of being with two kids. Not "Very Late," because that would make me feel bad about myself, but just a few minutes past on-time. It's okay. It's expected, really. You manage to find some very sweet ways to fill up the minutes in our days.
I don't know, yet, how tall you are or your official weight, but you're growing. :) You have discovered your feet and like to kick them up over your head when you're lying down. But! You don't have to lie down all the time anymore -- you can sit up, big girl! It makes bathtime and getting dressed a WHOLE lot easier, and you love being upright on a blanket, surrounded by toys. Mostly you go for the cloth things to chew on -- cloth books, your burp cloth, or your dress; I'd have to say your favorite toy is your green pacifier, because your turn it over and over in your hands and chew on it actively. But you just haven't been exposed yet to all the toys that are coming to you -- just wait until you meet the ball popper and the "gumball" machine! We scored a JumpeRoo from some kind friends, and you seem to really like that, too, although you're only just getting acquainted with it.
Rolling is your current method of transportation, when given some time and space, but we can see you trying to pull those little legs up behind you. The days when we can set you down and come back to the same spot 3 minutes later are definitely numbered.
You love the bath! This is really fun for Daddy and me, because *whisper* your brother AJ has never liked getting wet! Never, not since he was tiny like you! So we laugh and laugh to see you, watching yourself in the mirror, getting water ALL OVER THE MIRROR, and making a big ol' mess. It's awesome. In fact, I can't wait to take you to a birthday party this weekend at a friend's pool! I think you're going to enjoy it.
One other thing we laugh at you about: Spitting. You will make bubbles at us all day -- it's like your own little language. Baaaab-bbbbaabbb-bhhhhhtth-th-thtth-thh. We call you Spitty-Spitty when you do that. Somehow I don't remember AJ doing the same, but then again I don't remember a lot about his babyhood anymore. (That is why Mama keeps the blog!)
You still adore Big Brother, and the last few days, when you are downstairs, and you see him at the top of the stairs, you scream with delight, "Aaaahh!" and giggle excitedly! Like he is the funniest thing you've ever seen! I know it makes him feel good to be considered such a comedian, and it makes Mama smile to think that deep down, instinctively, you love him so much. That HE is the friend who makes you happiest.
We certainly love you, Baby. You add infinite sunshine to our days (and you're adding back a little more sleep to my nights, now that you're sleeping 7:30 pm to 6:00 am! Keep that up. Just had to document that one last detail.) I'm going to tickle you right on your delicious squishy thigh when I see you next.
XOXO,
Mommy
Thursday, August 21
Sunday School
Last night was the opening meeting for catechists for the 2008-09 schoolyear, and I got to attend! Because I am a catechist! Or, a catechist's assistant anyway. I am (pretending/volunteering to be) a teacher of Kindergarteners, can you believe it? I'm a tad bit excited about this and only wish I had more hours in the week to devote to planning each Sunday lesson, because man, there are some fun things we could do. Anyway, some things last night that made me smile:
- They referred to our being there as a calling. And I think it is. Obviously, this is a more difficult volunteer job than, say, stuffing envelopes for the front office, so to do it requires a hearty level of commitment (although I don't mean to belittle those who volunteer to do the other stuff). The idea came to me out of the blue. A whisper, almost, after I heard from a friend that I should get AJ registered. "You should sign up to be a teacher," I thought. I have never in a million years considered doing this before. But I felt very sure about doing it, from the minute the thought surfaced. I'm excited by that, as I don't feel I've been particularly "called" to anything -- certainly not a ministry -- in a long, long while. Well, except married life and parenting, of course.
- This is going to force me to be more aware of others, and of my faith, and I think I desperately need that. I am really hopeful that this will give my soul a boost. Give and ye shall receive, ya know?
- One of the first Kindergarten lessons is "God made the plants and animals," and of course I thought of "If I Were a Butterfly." I think I even remember all the lyrics.
- The other song I thought of was "Zaccheus was a Wee Little Man," and lo and behold, there is a chapter on Zaccheus, too. SCORE. (Sunday School is the same now as it has ever been, I guess.)
- The woman I'm teaching with seems very nice, has 3 little kids, one in AJ's 4-yr-old class, and we are going to be new best friends I am just sure ofitawesomeawesomelet'sgetlattes! Okay, not really, I mean, I don't KNOW if we'll hit it off, but I am kinda hoping for a new girlfriend out of the deal (and get a leeettle carried away about it). I'll try not to be too lovey toward her, right here at first. Hee. She seems very sweet.
- There was a funny lady at my table who's taught Kindergarten CCD for 5 years. She's originally from Long Island and says she begins every Sunday by making all the kids come "Give me mah Sugah." Apparently the kids ADORE it. ;) She was one of those people, though, whose appearance -- big earrings, bright clothes, etc -- would lead you to believe she's outwardly focused, but in reality, she is very much on a spiritual journey. She lost her 23-year-old daughter to a car accident 10 years ago, and shared a lot about her walk with God since then. Inspiring. I LOVE when people surprise me like that.
- I thought of my Mom, who taught Kindergarten at one time, and my Aunt L who taught school for 20-something years, and Maryb and my cousin Dominique, who've taught CCD/PSR/Sunday School, too... now it's my turn.
- Okay, don't tell anyone, but I'm ALSO secretly hoping that I'll be so good at this (heh) that a teaching position will open up at the school, and they'll totally ask me to apply. School hours, dude. School. Vacations.
- It's very cool to be doing this in the Internet age, because: Resources! Tips! Communities! Very helpful for this first-timer.
Wednesday, August 20
Another rant-like entry
I am tired of playing "Ben 10" with AJ. I love the show, it's very creative, but... I am ashamed to say this: I DREAD when he says, "Let's play 'Ben 10!'" with all that enthusiasm. I don't have any IDEAS for Ben and Gwen and the DNAliens, I'm sorry.
I used to think of myself as imaginative. Or at least able to pretend! I was an ACTOR for a few years in high school, even. I played "improv games!" But having a child has proven that I am NOT, in fact, an idea warehouse. All of AJ's and my pretending scenes start like this: "So, [Michaelangelo or Ben or Hulk or whomever], what are we going to DO today?"
GAH. I feel like I need to work on this (maybe revisit some of the improv games?) but I just don't wanna. Whine. I love that HE has the desire to pretend, and want to foster that. And I know I'll regret it someday when he grunts at me and shuts the door to his room, turns the music up louder. I will. I'll miss it.
But I'm also tired of Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles in the tub! I have no imagination for these, either, except "Let's practice our ninja moves." *insert 4-yr-old king-fu sound effects here* Last night I finally thought of one thing: DIVE BOMBING. Meaning Mommy throws the Power Rangers into the water, splashing AJ. Good fun. Satisfying for me, too, tossing those guys into the water with a flourish.
We need a neighbor kid who likes these same characters to move in, stat. I will bake cookies. Come over to play.
Until then, CAN WE PLEASE PLAY A BOARD GAME OR DO A PUZZLE??
I used to think of myself as imaginative. Or at least able to pretend! I was an ACTOR for a few years in high school, even. I played "improv games!" But having a child has proven that I am NOT, in fact, an idea warehouse. All of AJ's and my pretending scenes start like this: "So, [Michaelangelo or Ben or Hulk or whomever], what are we going to DO today?"
GAH. I feel like I need to work on this (maybe revisit some of the improv games?) but I just don't wanna. Whine. I love that HE has the desire to pretend, and want to foster that. And I know I'll regret it someday when he grunts at me and shuts the door to his room, turns the music up louder. I will. I'll miss it.
But I'm also tired of Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles in the tub! I have no imagination for these, either, except "Let's practice our ninja moves." *insert 4-yr-old king-fu sound effects here* Last night I finally thought of one thing: DIVE BOMBING. Meaning Mommy throws the Power Rangers into the water, splashing AJ. Good fun. Satisfying for me, too, tossing those guys into the water with a flourish.
We need a neighbor kid who likes these same characters to move in, stat. I will bake cookies. Come over to play.
Until then, CAN WE PLEASE PLAY A BOARD GAME OR DO A PUZZLE??
Monday, August 18
Jewelery giveaway
Before Mother's Day this year I was poking around greedily online at lots of "mommy" jewelery -- the kind where you have your kids' names engraved on it, yaknow? I couldn't quite find the perfect thing.
But today, I did find the perfect thing! Because it's Free! Musings of a Housewife is hosting a giveaway with the gorgeous and talented folks at Suede at Heart. All I can say is WOW.
I WANT!
You would look totally hot in that necklace. Go! Enter! (Thanks for the tip, Nicole!)
But today, I did find the perfect thing! Because it's Free! Musings of a Housewife is hosting a giveaway with the gorgeous and talented folks at Suede at Heart. All I can say is WOW.
I WANT!
You would look totally hot in that necklace. Go! Enter! (Thanks for the tip, Nicole!)
Thursday, August 14
Today: Levity and frivolity
I think it was at Mandy's that the question "Who's in your top five?" was asked several months ago. (I can't find it in her archives, but trust me, there was a conversation.) I had a hard time with it because I'm so (OLD and therefore) behind in the mainest of mainstream pop culture, I guess... everyone was saying "David Cook" was on their top five. Y'all, he's so CURRENT! So NOW! So YOUNG! I'm pretty sure he doesn't fit my definition of hawt, but you go ahead, enjoy.
Anyway, I have been stewing about this question since then, feeling that I NEED to have an updated list! This is patently ridiculous, but who can explain the wanderings of the mind or the cultural impact of a TV show like Friends? Seems like I remember in college, my list included Hugh Grant and Tom Cruise, so.... you can see why I need to re-configure.
I know who's on my husband's List, of course: Angelina Jolie, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Alba, and Liz Phair -- all very worthy participants and he has my heartfelt blessing. It's only fair that my own top five are a Known Entity as well. So without further adieu: Hottiehottiehotties.
(Oh wait, more adieu, actually: When I told my dear, innocent friend Katherine about this mental conundrum, she said, "Oh, hee (gasp), I wouldn't really want to DO THAT with them, you know... just maybe have dinner." HA! SHE TOOK IT LITERALLY! Isn't that cute? So anyway, just for grins, let me say that I really don't want a pass to "DO THAT" with these people. A nice (steamy) kiss would be enough for me, really. And maybe dinner, just to make it honest.)
Number One: KEVIN BACON
Okay, so he isn't really current or now. He should have been on my list in college, actually, but I don't know... he's kinda a sidelines player in the Hot industry... I was embarrassed to admit I like-liked him. However, I'm all grown up now and couldn't care less -- he is IT. You had me at "Footloose." (this whole exercise is really embarrassing me now, 5 paragrahps in! forgive me)
Number Two: HARRY CONNICK JR
He's made some poor hair choices in the past, but he can sing to me anytime. It was good for me that they were showing his Lincoln MKZ commercial on TV a few months ago. Who ordered the crawfish?
Mostly when he's broody, not so much with the goofy smile. Aaaaand now I'll have to endure endless teasing when watching the next season of "Lost" with DH. (I actually think he resembles DH a little bit. Def my type: brown hair, tall, slender face...)
Number Four: MIKE ROWE
Alright, stop laughing. It's his WIT and CHARM, people. Well, AND he's not too bad looking, even covered in sh*t! He was a classical musician, so he gets bonus points for that, and I just love when he gives that little sideways glance at the camera when he's talking to one of his Dirty Jobs subjects. That look says, "Can you believe this yahoo just said that out loud?" And yet, he manages to be kind to the yahoo and make him/her feel important? LOVE.
Number Five: ...
My husband should be gratified to know that after MONTHS of wondering about this, searching celebrity photos online, writing down names on a blog-ideas post-it, like this:Aidan Quinn? Johnny Depp? ....I SIMPLY CANNOT think of a 5th for my Top Five. So there's less chance I'll be unfaithful than for many husbands in America, I guess. Lucky DH! Hee hee. I never could tell my girlfriends in elementary school who I "liked" without getting giggly and embarrassed. That's what this feels like.
Anyway, I have been stewing about this question since then, feeling that I NEED to have an updated list! This is patently ridiculous, but who can explain the wanderings of the mind or the cultural impact of a TV show like Friends? Seems like I remember in college, my list included Hugh Grant and Tom Cruise, so.... you can see why I need to re-configure.
I know who's on my husband's List, of course: Angelina Jolie, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Alba, and Liz Phair -- all very worthy participants and he has my heartfelt blessing. It's only fair that my own top five are a Known Entity as well. So without further adieu: Hottiehottiehotties.
(Oh wait, more adieu, actually: When I told my dear, innocent friend Katherine about this mental conundrum, she said, "Oh, hee (gasp), I wouldn't really want to DO THAT with them, you know... just maybe have dinner." HA! SHE TOOK IT LITERALLY! Isn't that cute? So anyway, just for grins, let me say that I really don't want a pass to "DO THAT" with these people. A nice (steamy) kiss would be enough for me, really. And maybe dinner, just to make it honest.)
Number One: KEVIN BACON
Okay, so he isn't really current or now. He should have been on my list in college, actually, but I don't know... he's kinda a sidelines player in the Hot industry... I was embarrassed to admit I like-liked him. However, I'm all grown up now and couldn't care less -- he is IT. You had me at "Footloose." (this whole exercise is really embarrassing me now, 5 paragrahps in! forgive me)Number Two: HARRY CONNICK JR
He's made some poor hair choices in the past, but he can sing to me anytime. It was good for me that they were showing his Lincoln MKZ commercial on TV a few months ago. Who ordered the crawfish?Number Three: MATTHEW FOX
Mostly when he's broody, not so much with the goofy smile. Aaaaand now I'll have to endure endless teasing when watching the next season of "Lost" with DH. (I actually think he resembles DH a little bit. Def my type: brown hair, tall, slender face...)Number Four: MIKE ROWE
Alright, stop laughing. It's his WIT and CHARM, people. Well, AND he's not too bad looking, even covered in sh*t! He was a classical musician, so he gets bonus points for that, and I just love when he gives that little sideways glance at the camera when he's talking to one of his Dirty Jobs subjects. That look says, "Can you believe this yahoo just said that out loud?" And yet, he manages to be kind to the yahoo and make him/her feel important? LOVE.Number Five: ...
My husband should be gratified to know that after MONTHS of wondering about this, searching celebrity photos online, writing down names on a blog-ideas post-it, like this:
Wednesday, August 13
Error
Yesterday afternoon I made an error at work, and it really got me going in circles in my brain, about the various levels of mediocrity in all aspects of my life. I was fretting over everything, giving myself, if not "FAIL" in all categories, then at least C MINUS:
When I got home I let it all out and shed 3 or 4 tears into DH's collar. He is so good to have around -- he's not your typical man that shuns emotions like sadness. He understands. I'm lucky, there. I felt better after getting it out, talking it through, and I feel better this morning.
- Work is completed to the best of my ability but not with a full-on, study and achieve, become a leader, professional success, real go-getter mentality. C-
- Stupid additional freelance business I keep talking about isn't happening. Even the gig I interviewed for hasn't come through. they probably didn't like me. I had no business cards, no good set rates, no answers to their (stupid) questions - FAIL
- Kids - I feel like I'm in a fog with them half the time; I do okay but there's lots of TV, not enough educational fun, my 4-year-old's been to the library with me exactly once, when he was 2 - C-
- I often go to bed without washing my face and I'm 34 now and it's starting to show with uneven complexion and crap - FAIL
- I make great dinners... out of a box or a bag. My best friends are Lipton/Knorr and Kraft - C-
- Can't keep the house clean to save my life.
- Don't have the right clothes, right professional briefcase, right shoes
- Church, ohhhhh church. The tending of my childrens' souls... FAIL...
When I got home I let it all out and shed 3 or 4 tears into DH's collar. He is so good to have around -- he's not your typical man that shuns emotions like sadness. He understands. I'm lucky, there. I felt better after getting it out, talking it through, and I feel better this morning.
Monday, August 11
Updatery
Weekend
Well, the weekend weather was beautiful here -- in the mid '80s or less, with a breeze! How did we get so lucky, in August? That's kind-of unheard of in Georgia. But there it was, so we took advantage of it. Saturday, we ate lunch outside, not at a posh sidewalk cafe... not even on a picnic blanket on the grass... we went to SONIC, baby. :) Nothing better than Coney Dogs (why do they call them Coney dogs?) and Cherry Limeade on red metal tables.
Sunday we upped the bar and went to the park for our fresh air. AJ climbed enthusiastically on the playground equipment (even went down the BIG CURVY slide), and then we all got schooled by the greedy, mean ducks. We only had 3 bread ends to give them so they charged at us intimidatingly to show how hungry they were. Yikes. ...What else? Oh, we played outside in our very own yard, too! Hide-n-seek, basketball, football with daddy, and KT baby is big enough for our swing! I will have to get some photos because I LOVE a baby in a swing, don't you?
Memories
Today I'm working in my dining room instead of the usual kitchen. I'm enjoying the scent of, again, nothing chic like a candle by Illuminations or a bowl of exotic potpourri, but a Febreeze plug-in "Noticeable." ha! It is the same scent that I bought just after KT was born, though. Her pack-n-play was positioned right in front of the outlet where it was plugged, so the scent is strongly associated with her newborn infanthood. Which I can't believe is A MEMORY already. She'll be 6 months old Friday. She has tried squash, sweet potatoes, pears, carrots, peas, and green beans. I'm saving bananas for the last, amazing dish. I can't wait to see her reaction to them. (AJ about went out of his mind whenever I'd serve him bananas.) She is almost able to sit up on her own.
Diet update
I'm down 7 pounds, somehow! Woo hoo! My joints have been aching lately, though, so it's yoga and stretching today, as much as I can manage. And I made some taco dip (forgot the guacamole layer, duh) but I guess I'll only eat a tablespoon or two. That is so hard.
Entertainment
Did everyone watch the Olympics all weekend? I got teary, no surprise, during the opening ceremonies. AJ did not get it. He wanted to "go see" the fireworks in person, and remained otherwise uninterested. Of course, gymnastics last night: That one Chinese girl looked about five years old!! Crazy. Poor American team took a beating on the uneven bars, didn't they? I was uncomfortable when the camera guy hovered over their little team cheer-up session after the competition was over for the night. I admired them for not smacking him and telling him to STEP BACK. It was a private team moment, sheesh! BUT NO, all of AMERICA needs to hear your pep-talk, little girls. So we can sit in our armchairs back at home and go, "DAMN!" when you miss a tiny step. (Husband and I chastised ourselves for that.)
Well, the weekend weather was beautiful here -- in the mid '80s or less, with a breeze! How did we get so lucky, in August? That's kind-of unheard of in Georgia. But there it was, so we took advantage of it. Saturday, we ate lunch outside, not at a posh sidewalk cafe... not even on a picnic blanket on the grass... we went to SONIC, baby. :) Nothing better than Coney Dogs (why do they call them Coney dogs?) and Cherry Limeade on red metal tables.
Sunday we upped the bar and went to the park for our fresh air. AJ climbed enthusiastically on the playground equipment (even went down the BIG CURVY slide), and then we all got schooled by the greedy, mean ducks. We only had 3 bread ends to give them so they charged at us intimidatingly to show how hungry they were. Yikes. ...What else? Oh, we played outside in our very own yard, too! Hide-n-seek, basketball, football with daddy, and KT baby is big enough for our swing! I will have to get some photos because I LOVE a baby in a swing, don't you?
Memories
Today I'm working in my dining room instead of the usual kitchen. I'm enjoying the scent of, again, nothing chic like a candle by Illuminations or a bowl of exotic potpourri, but a Febreeze plug-in "Noticeable." ha! It is the same scent that I bought just after KT was born, though. Her pack-n-play was positioned right in front of the outlet where it was plugged, so the scent is strongly associated with her newborn infanthood. Which I can't believe is A MEMORY already. She'll be 6 months old Friday. She has tried squash, sweet potatoes, pears, carrots, peas, and green beans. I'm saving bananas for the last, amazing dish. I can't wait to see her reaction to them. (AJ about went out of his mind whenever I'd serve him bananas.) She is almost able to sit up on her own.
Diet update
I'm down 7 pounds, somehow! Woo hoo! My joints have been aching lately, though, so it's yoga and stretching today, as much as I can manage. And I made some taco dip (forgot the guacamole layer, duh) but I guess I'll only eat a tablespoon or two. That is so hard.
Entertainment
Did everyone watch the Olympics all weekend? I got teary, no surprise, during the opening ceremonies. AJ did not get it. He wanted to "go see" the fireworks in person, and remained otherwise uninterested. Of course, gymnastics last night: That one Chinese girl looked about five years old!! Crazy. Poor American team took a beating on the uneven bars, didn't they? I was uncomfortable when the camera guy hovered over their little team cheer-up session after the competition was over for the night. I admired them for not smacking him and telling him to STEP BACK. It was a private team moment, sheesh! BUT NO, all of AMERICA needs to hear your pep-talk, little girls. So we can sit in our armchairs back at home and go, "DAMN!" when you miss a tiny step. (Husband and I chastised ourselves for that.)
Tuesday, August 5
Just for Sis: A couple of lists
Reasons why I'm bummed that Jilly Beans is moving to Denmark on Thursday:
Held og lykke, Jilly! I am so proud and happy for you! Have an adventure. Post lots of pictures and I'll see you on Skype!
- No more spur-of-the-moment counting backwards three hours to figure out what time it is at her house. Now I will have to count forward 6.
- We liked Seattle! Now we will have no claim to it whatsoever. We can't drop it casually into conversation to make ourselves sound all West Coast hip and in the know. Poor us.
- On a serious note, she and HB may not get to come home for holidays and vacations as much.
- On a silly note, I won't get to keep any more random pairs of her socks that get left in my laundry basket.
- I don't speak Danish (I just eat them. Ba-dum-chhhhh).
- Living abroad is exciting! And I'm thrilled she'll get to experience that.
- We might like Denmark! Birthplace of The Little Mermaid and home to the world's happiest people -- what's not to like?
- Perhaps they have cool kids' clothing boutiques over there so that Jilly's niece and nephew can aspire to be European hip and in the know. Hee.
- Care packages direct from me to her. Nestle chocolate chips? Jif Peanut Butter? CHECK.
- Five Weeks Mandatory Vacation. So maybe we WILL see her and HB once in a while, after all.
Held og lykke, Jilly! I am so proud and happy for you! Have an adventure. Post lots of pictures and I'll see you on Skype!
Monday, August 4
Happy new year
I did have fun shopping for Amber's Pay It Forward prize. I hope she will like it. I never did see that movie, but when I was shipping the package I was thinking all sorts of good karma over it, sending my best friendship and kindness and peace vibes through the wonder of the postal service (well, FedEx actually). I liked the idea of that.
That was Friday. Our weekend was quiet and good. Until today, I've felt like we're still in recovery from June and July. But now we're all cleaned up (the house, I mean), all the birthday presents have found homes, and we're about to cross the threshold into full-on August, which means Pre-K! Same school, but it still promises to be a new experience for AJ. I hope he'll like it. We have an open house at the school next week, to meet and greet. Supplies lists are posted at the stores. I'm excited to now start counting years from August to August. It's like revisiting my own childhood, in a way. I hope the weather hurries up and complies. It is too hot. Il fait trop chaud.
That was Friday. Our weekend was quiet and good. Until today, I've felt like we're still in recovery from June and July. But now we're all cleaned up (the house, I mean), all the birthday presents have found homes, and we're about to cross the threshold into full-on August, which means Pre-K! Same school, but it still promises to be a new experience for AJ. I hope he'll like it. We have an open house at the school next week, to meet and greet. Supplies lists are posted at the stores. I'm excited to now start counting years from August to August. It's like revisiting my own childhood, in a way. I hope the weather hurries up and complies. It is too hot. Il fait trop chaud.
Friday, August 1
Heritage
Trotty-trot, trot,
To Boston-town,
You go up, and
I go down.
If you get there
Before I do,
Tell them I
Am Coming, Tooooooooooo!
*My granny used this rhyme to entertain me and my cousins all the time.
To Boston-town,
You go up, and
I go down.
If you get there
Before I do,
Tell them I
Am Coming, Tooooooooooo!
*My granny used this rhyme to entertain me and my cousins all the time.
Thursday, July 31
I may have lost my head
You know how I'm always complaining about having all kinds of stuff to do and not enough time to do it? Well, I maybe haven't complained here real recently about my to-do list, because I am STILL trying not to make those kinds of lists, but if I WERE to make one, it would look like this, today:
- load of laundry
- iron 2 new blouses I got because I left them in the bag too long and the dryer won't get the wrinkles out, for some reason, GAH
- get professional photos sent to DH's Nanny and Aunt, STAT
- get Pay It Forward prize in the mail, STAT (I think tomorrow, Amber, in case you're reading!)
- buy yet ANOTHER birthday present for another friend of AJ's
- order prints from Snapfish from June and July
- finish labeling photo albums (you can see what slips... photography tasks!)
- help DEAR HUSBAND clean a little bit by dusting, doing bathrooms, and kitchen counters
- sing at Saturday vigil Mass this weekend
- start planning next Disney trip
- oh yeah, My Job...
Something like that! So it doesn't seem that I should be taking on something new, does it? NO, IT DOESN'T if you're a rational and somewhat lazy person like I actually am.
However. Today I have a meeting with the Parish School of Religion (PSR) coordinator because I think I'm volunteering to be a P3 and P4 assistant on Sunday mornings. If they'll take me.
Heh.
I feel like this is a good thing to do for several reasons. First of all, apparently it's time to enroll AJ in PSR! Who knew?! And if I hope to get him there every weekend (SIGH), it would probably be good for me to ALSO be committed to it. Second: My kid likes me, I have to say. And I like being with him, too. Yeah, it'd be good for him to be in a classroom with other adults that aren't me, but he does that already, 5 days a week. I hate to take away our time together on the weekends and replace it with yet more school for him. Third: I would like to know what's going on in the Sunday School class, and just how they teach kids catechism nowadays. Maybe I'll learn a thing or two. Maybe even be spiritually inspired by the little cherubs. (Don't laugh.) And finally, I DO want to get to know some other parents at church/school. It seems like a good idea and provides a non-threatening environment with planned activities, rather than me having to sign us up for a Small Church Community, which is modern Catholic code for "dinner and Bible Study (ack!) with complete strangers."
- load of laundry
- iron 2 new blouses I got because I left them in the bag too long and the dryer won't get the wrinkles out, for some reason, GAH
- get professional photos sent to DH's Nanny and Aunt, STAT
- get Pay It Forward prize in the mail, STAT (I think tomorrow, Amber, in case you're reading!)
- buy yet ANOTHER birthday present for another friend of AJ's
- order prints from Snapfish from June and July
- finish labeling photo albums (you can see what slips... photography tasks!)
- help DEAR HUSBAND clean a little bit by dusting, doing bathrooms, and kitchen counters
- sing at Saturday vigil Mass this weekend
- start planning next Disney trip
- oh yeah, My Job...
Something like that! So it doesn't seem that I should be taking on something new, does it? NO, IT DOESN'T if you're a rational and somewhat lazy person like I actually am.
However. Today I have a meeting with the Parish School of Religion (PSR) coordinator because I think I'm volunteering to be a P3 and P4 assistant on Sunday mornings. If they'll take me.
Heh.
I feel like this is a good thing to do for several reasons. First of all, apparently it's time to enroll AJ in PSR! Who knew?! And if I hope to get him there every weekend (SIGH), it would probably be good for me to ALSO be committed to it. Second: My kid likes me, I have to say. And I like being with him, too. Yeah, it'd be good for him to be in a classroom with other adults that aren't me, but he does that already, 5 days a week. I hate to take away our time together on the weekends and replace it with yet more school for him. Third: I would like to know what's going on in the Sunday School class, and just how they teach kids catechism nowadays. Maybe I'll learn a thing or two. Maybe even be spiritually inspired by the little cherubs. (Don't laugh.) And finally, I DO want to get to know some other parents at church/school. It seems like a good idea and provides a non-threatening environment with planned activities, rather than me having to sign us up for a Small Church Community, which is modern Catholic code for "dinner and Bible Study (ack!) with complete strangers."
Tuesday, July 29
I've said this before
Quick, a blog post! At work I have one of the brand-new shiny iMacs with a 20- or 24-inch screen, and directly behind me sits my manager, facing my back. At any given time I feel like he's totally watching my SUPER REFLECTIVE screen since it is larger than my head by about triple. Anyway, he stepped out for a meeting so I can goof off for a minute. How dumb, right? I am a salaried employee with very little to do today AND I work in the Web 2.0 field for crying out loud. I don't need an excuse to visit Blogger. And yet, I feel like I do. Me and guilt, I swear.
So I think I've come to a point where I put KT baby in daycare five days a week instead of three. I was weepy about it yesterday but I know it's got to happen. I have come to dread Mondays and Thursdays, knowing that they're going to be filled, every second, with either Mom duties or job duties, and never being able to attend fully to either one. It's easier when they're tiny, but even now, with her at 6 months, I feel like she needs me to entertain her more than I really can. (And then I think, Wait. Did our mothers and grandmothers, in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, entertain us all the time? No. They used their playpens, too, in order that they get their other work done... so I needn't feel bad for plopping her on a blanket for 20 minutes with some toys... and yet I do feel bad. Like I said... guilt and me, we're likethis.) ANYWAY it's dumb to have to convince myself again that it's OKAY to put kids in daycare, since I thought I waged that battle with my heart three and a half years ago, and since I love our school... but there ya go. I love her, and I simply don't want to leave her. It's certainly easier this time around, but I thought it'd be MORE easier. Heh. I do know that I feel better on days when she goes and I can concentrate fully on one thing. So I guess we'll start that next week.
[Right when she's starting to feel some separation anxiety in the mornings, too. BUMMER.]
However, if you think I'm giving up my work-from-home days in this economy with gas prices as they are, you're crazy. That means working at my home with neither of my not-yet-school-age kids there with me, and naturally THAT fills me with more guilt, but on the other hand, it HELPS me be a better wife and mother to have that time to get laundry done while waiting for files to download, or time to do a workout video during lunch sometimes.
< / same story, different day >
Guess what? KT ate pureed squash last night with her rice cereal. FUN, baby food! She's getting pretty good at swallowing the stuff and I'm excited about introducing Flavor to her. I'm going to do it right this time, vegetables first, then fruits, so maybe she won't disdain the veggies like her stubborn brother did/does.
But oh, how CUTE that stubborn brother is. Yesterday after school/work we were sitting on the couch, me, KT, and him, and he leaned into us girls and looked at KT and said, "Oh, Mommy, I love her." I think he surprised himself by letting that out, but it was about the sweetest thing I'd ever heard and my heart pretty much burst with goodness.
So I think I've come to a point where I put KT baby in daycare five days a week instead of three. I was weepy about it yesterday but I know it's got to happen. I have come to dread Mondays and Thursdays, knowing that they're going to be filled, every second, with either Mom duties or job duties, and never being able to attend fully to either one. It's easier when they're tiny, but even now, with her at 6 months, I feel like she needs me to entertain her more than I really can. (And then I think, Wait. Did our mothers and grandmothers, in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, entertain us all the time? No. They used their playpens, too, in order that they get their other work done... so I needn't feel bad for plopping her on a blanket for 20 minutes with some toys... and yet I do feel bad. Like I said... guilt and me, we're likethis.) ANYWAY it's dumb to have to convince myself again that it's OKAY to put kids in daycare, since I thought I waged that battle with my heart three and a half years ago, and since I love our school... but there ya go. I love her, and I simply don't want to leave her. It's certainly easier this time around, but I thought it'd be MORE easier. Heh. I do know that I feel better on days when she goes and I can concentrate fully on one thing. So I guess we'll start that next week.
[Right when she's starting to feel some separation anxiety in the mornings, too. BUMMER.]
However, if you think I'm giving up my work-from-home days in this economy with gas prices as they are, you're crazy. That means working at my home with neither of my not-yet-school-age kids there with me, and naturally THAT fills me with more guilt, but on the other hand, it HELPS me be a better wife and mother to have that time to get laundry done while waiting for files to download, or time to do a workout video during lunch sometimes.
< / same story, different day >
Guess what? KT ate pureed squash last night with her rice cereal. FUN, baby food! She's getting pretty good at swallowing the stuff and I'm excited about introducing Flavor to her. I'm going to do it right this time, vegetables first, then fruits, so maybe she won't disdain the veggies like her stubborn brother did/does.
But oh, how CUTE that stubborn brother is. Yesterday after school/work we were sitting on the couch, me, KT, and him, and he leaned into us girls and looked at KT and said, "Oh, Mommy, I love her." I think he surprised himself by letting that out, but it was about the sweetest thing I'd ever heard and my heart pretty much burst with goodness.
Monday, July 28
My age in random memories
This idea occurred to me several months ago - to write one or two random scenes from every year I've been alive. Might get long; I am OLD! I'll start with age five, because memories are unreliable before then.
When I was 5… I went to Kindergarten with Sister Wendelina as my teacher, and I had a crush (seriously? Age 5!) on Derek Z.
When I was 6… my hair was the longest it would ever be, just below my shoulders, and so I put it up in a half-ponytail for our Mexican dance “performance.” We wore long red, white, and green skirts that were pretty and flow-y and I loved mine.
When I was 7… I received a green pen from a teacher (Sister Anne Mary) that, for some reason, I treasured. It was just a pen.
When I was 8… I went to my first baby shower. My teacher was pregnant (this is all about my teachers so far!) and my Mom was the co-teacher in the class, so they invited me, too. I felt so grown up. I also got my ears pierced at 8.
When I was 9… I went skiing with my friend and her family in Pueblo, Colorado. It was the first and last time I’ve been skiing.
When I was 10… I went to my first boy-girl dances – one was a summer “luau” by the pool, at the country club. I don’t think I got to dance with the one boy I had my eye on.
When I was 11… My friends and I went TP-ing other friends’ houses, and nearly got caught one night. We hid under a window that turned out to be open. Our friend peeked his (yes, a boy! we were wild and brave!) head out and said, “Hi, guys.”
When I was 12… My friends had an unexpected going-away party for me at Teresa’s house since we unexpectedly moved from Texas to Florida. I was surprised and touched by the gesture. (Shortly thereafter, I was the new girl.)
When I was 13… I was the only one to wear her hair short. I thought there were no interesting boys in my class. I took pre-Algebra, and passed notes back and forth with my friend, Tracy L. in a tiny journal. We were catty in most of the notes.
When I was 14… I had a locker next to a boy named Alfie (crush!) and met my best friend who would become my cousin-in-law!
When I was 15… I was kissed by a boy.
When I was 16… Someone threw me a surprise birthday party and it meant the world to me.
When I was 17… I was in a pageant ("scholarship competition") and I went to a lot of baseball games.
When I was 18… I wrote letters to my Mom, and treasured the ones she wrote back to me on pretty printer-paper. (Days before email and cell phones!)
When I was 19… I auditioned for the University Concert Choir, which changed my life in many ways.
When I was 20… I spent 7 weeks in France, rooming with an odd girl from my hometown, flirting with another boy in our group, and writing letters to my serious boyfriend back home.
When I was 21… Ooh, I had a terribly dumb internship at a newspaper. Ugh. Newspaper work did NOT suit me.
When I was 22… I began working full-time at the SAME PLACE I WORK NOW.
When I was 23… I wanted to "see other people" while the boyfriend and I were long-distance-relationshipping, but instead he just flat broke up with me. I was SO relieved. It only took a couple days to get over him, although we had dated 4 years.
When I was 24… These 2 years are kind-of fuzzy. I think I went out quite a bit. I also became really involved at a church I loved.
When I was 25… I considered moving home to Pensacola.
When I was 26… I attended a company picnic, where I met the future Mr. el-e-e. :) I was in love by the third date, I think.
When I was 27… We married. Still the happiest day of my life.
When I was 28… I revisited my youth and participated in a musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was not as much fun as when I was a teen.
When I was 29… I ate right and exercised, and lost 10 pounds. I also discovered "Web 2.0" and message boards and Internet communities.
When I was 30… I became a mother.
When I was 31… I took a one-year-old cross-country on an airplane.
When I was 32… I lived much the same life as I do now, going to work, getting less done at home, and treasuring the lazy weekends that occur once in a while!
When I was 33… I began a pretty uncomfortable pregnancy, and played a lot of Sorry and CandyLand.
When I was 34… I remembered what it's like to want pretty, frilly pink things in my closets.
I'm older than I've ever been! ...and now I'm even older!
When I was 5… I went to Kindergarten with Sister Wendelina as my teacher, and I had a crush (seriously? Age 5!) on Derek Z.
When I was 6… my hair was the longest it would ever be, just below my shoulders, and so I put it up in a half-ponytail for our Mexican dance “performance.” We wore long red, white, and green skirts that were pretty and flow-y and I loved mine.
When I was 7… I received a green pen from a teacher (Sister Anne Mary) that, for some reason, I treasured. It was just a pen.
When I was 8… I went to my first baby shower. My teacher was pregnant (this is all about my teachers so far!) and my Mom was the co-teacher in the class, so they invited me, too. I felt so grown up. I also got my ears pierced at 8.
When I was 9… I went skiing with my friend and her family in Pueblo, Colorado. It was the first and last time I’ve been skiing.
When I was 10… I went to my first boy-girl dances – one was a summer “luau” by the pool, at the country club. I don’t think I got to dance with the one boy I had my eye on.
When I was 11… My friends and I went TP-ing other friends’ houses, and nearly got caught one night. We hid under a window that turned out to be open. Our friend peeked his (yes, a boy! we were wild and brave!) head out and said, “Hi, guys.”
When I was 12… My friends had an unexpected going-away party for me at Teresa’s house since we unexpectedly moved from Texas to Florida. I was surprised and touched by the gesture. (Shortly thereafter, I was the new girl.)
When I was 13… I was the only one to wear her hair short. I thought there were no interesting boys in my class. I took pre-Algebra, and passed notes back and forth with my friend, Tracy L. in a tiny journal. We were catty in most of the notes.
When I was 14… I had a locker next to a boy named Alfie (crush!) and met my best friend who would become my cousin-in-law!
When I was 15… I was kissed by a boy.
When I was 16… Someone threw me a surprise birthday party and it meant the world to me.
When I was 17… I was in a pageant ("scholarship competition") and I went to a lot of baseball games.
When I was 18… I wrote letters to my Mom, and treasured the ones she wrote back to me on pretty printer-paper. (Days before email and cell phones!)
When I was 19… I auditioned for the University Concert Choir, which changed my life in many ways.
When I was 20… I spent 7 weeks in France, rooming with an odd girl from my hometown, flirting with another boy in our group, and writing letters to my serious boyfriend back home.
When I was 21… Ooh, I had a terribly dumb internship at a newspaper. Ugh. Newspaper work did NOT suit me.
When I was 22… I began working full-time at the SAME PLACE I WORK NOW.
When I was 23… I wanted to "see other people" while the boyfriend and I were long-distance-relationshipping, but instead he just flat broke up with me. I was SO relieved. It only took a couple days to get over him, although we had dated 4 years.
When I was 24… These 2 years are kind-of fuzzy. I think I went out quite a bit. I also became really involved at a church I loved.
When I was 25… I considered moving home to Pensacola.
When I was 26… I attended a company picnic, where I met the future Mr. el-e-e. :) I was in love by the third date, I think.
When I was 27… We married. Still the happiest day of my life.
When I was 28… I revisited my youth and participated in a musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was not as much fun as when I was a teen.
When I was 29… I ate right and exercised, and lost 10 pounds. I also discovered "Web 2.0" and message boards and Internet communities.
When I was 30… I became a mother.
When I was 31… I took a one-year-old cross-country on an airplane.
When I was 32… I lived much the same life as I do now, going to work, getting less done at home, and treasuring the lazy weekends that occur once in a while!
When I was 33… I began a pretty uncomfortable pregnancy, and played a lot of Sorry and CandyLand.
When I was 34… I remembered what it's like to want pretty, frilly pink things in my closets.
I'm older than I've ever been! ...and now I'm even older!
Saturday, July 26
Fear, itself
My biggest fear for my kids right now is seeing THEM afraid. It's happened once to each of them lately and it just kills me.
-- Last week, something was going on in the back of our subdivision. We weren't sure what, but we had heard 4 fire engines go by and were marginally curious. While AJ was "doing his work" on the computer (i.e., playing Ben 10 games), his Dad stepped out to our back porch to see if he could get a glimpse of the excitement. I was holding KT baby and stayed in, until approximately 1 second later when I couldn't stand missing the action! I went out to the porch, too. I was only out there about 3 minutes. When I came in, AJ had left his post at the computer. He was upstairs and I could hear him, hysterically crying, calling for us. He couldn't find anyone and thought we'd left him all alone.
It stopped my heart, and still does, thinking about it now.
-- Just a little while ago, I put KT baby down in her crib. She was fast asleep. I went downstairs, watched a little something on TV, and then about 10 minutes later Husband muted it... did we hear her? We listened and I started making my way for the stairs... yes, she was crying. Pretty hard, in fact. I wonder how long she had been? When I got to her room, she had rolled over onto her back and her blanket was covering her face. (Yes, she sleeps on her stomach.) I have no idea how the blanket got so high around her because I only put it over her feet, but her eyes were wide open as she cried, and she was obviously frightened by the situation. (Of course she's new to rolling front-to-back, so I'm sure that was kind-of a shock to her, too.) Poor baby. I nearly cried with her.
I've thought recently, after reading two cancer stories (the sad news of the Last Lecture professor, and one that I saw in that sneaky Reader's Digest -- it always has cancer stories, doesn't it?), that I don't actually fear myself getting cancer. Well, I mean, I do: I'm not very good at being sick or experiencing physical pain, so that would be hard... but mostly? I fear the kids' fears. The "Is Mommy very sick?" questions. I can't put into words how hard that would be for me.
Sorry for being a downer.
-- Last week, something was going on in the back of our subdivision. We weren't sure what, but we had heard 4 fire engines go by and were marginally curious. While AJ was "doing his work" on the computer (i.e., playing Ben 10 games), his Dad stepped out to our back porch to see if he could get a glimpse of the excitement. I was holding KT baby and stayed in, until approximately 1 second later when I couldn't stand missing the action! I went out to the porch, too. I was only out there about 3 minutes. When I came in, AJ had left his post at the computer. He was upstairs and I could hear him, hysterically crying, calling for us. He couldn't find anyone and thought we'd left him all alone.
It stopped my heart, and still does, thinking about it now.
-- Just a little while ago, I put KT baby down in her crib. She was fast asleep. I went downstairs, watched a little something on TV, and then about 10 minutes later Husband muted it... did we hear her? We listened and I started making my way for the stairs... yes, she was crying. Pretty hard, in fact. I wonder how long she had been? When I got to her room, she had rolled over onto her back and her blanket was covering her face. (Yes, she sleeps on her stomach.) I have no idea how the blanket got so high around her because I only put it over her feet, but her eyes were wide open as she cried, and she was obviously frightened by the situation. (Of course she's new to rolling front-to-back, so I'm sure that was kind-of a shock to her, too.) Poor baby. I nearly cried with her.
I've thought recently, after reading two cancer stories (the sad news of the Last Lecture professor, and one that I saw in that sneaky Reader's Digest -- it always has cancer stories, doesn't it?), that I don't actually fear myself getting cancer. Well, I mean, I do: I'm not very good at being sick or experiencing physical pain, so that would be hard... but mostly? I fear the kids' fears. The "Is Mommy very sick?" questions. I can't put into words how hard that would be for me.
Sorry for being a downer.
Thursday, July 24
Daily rotation
Today KT's entertainment devices will include the A-Number-1 Bouncy Seat, the Exciting Exersaucer of Fun, the Blue High Chair, hopefully a nap in the Sleepy Swing, and... the Afghan on the Floor, while I attempt to log 8 hours or so. Haaaaaaar.
When not working, I have been Facebooking like crazy, y'all. And some interesting friends are finding me. Have had a GREAT conversation with one of my girlfriends from the dorm, freshman year. I haven't talked to her since THEN, probably. Because sophomore year, we all found our "thing," and made interest-based friends; we moved on from needing the security of location-based friends. I missed them but was too caught up in all the sophomore year stuff (including some dumb boy). Anyway, it's been super fun.
Know what else is super fun?? Winning a contest! Today's the last day to enter, so get your Haiku pen and go to it! I can't wait to shop for some lucky commenter.
When not working, I have been Facebooking like crazy, y'all. And some interesting friends are finding me. Have had a GREAT conversation with one of my girlfriends from the dorm, freshman year. I haven't talked to her since THEN, probably. Because sophomore year, we all found our "thing," and made interest-based friends; we moved on from needing the security of location-based friends. I missed them but was too caught up in all the sophomore year stuff (including some dumb boy). Anyway, it's been super fun.
Know what else is super fun?? Winning a contest! Today's the last day to enter, so get your Haiku pen and go to it! I can't wait to shop for some lucky commenter.
Tuesday, July 22
Adding lots of new words to this page while I eat lunch*
*coherence is not guaranteed
You guys, the coffee poetry is SO FUN! Thanks for indulging me and not scoffing at my silly whim. Here is my contribution:
Despair. Home brewed stuff.
No Latte for me today:
We're pinching pennies.
My Starbucks and fish tacos had to be skipped today, since we're trying to end the month on a banking high note with no unnecessary expenditures. Sigh. I say Starbucks IS necessary, but some might disagree. (I mean, I joke that it's necessary. I know that it's not. It hit home last night at dinner when we pulled the old tried-n-true "there are starving kids" argument for AJ, to get him to eat his mashed potatoes, and I had to tell him that EVERY DAY, we have enough to eat. MORE than enough, even. And some people don't so we have to be thankful and enjoy our food and not waste it.) Blah-buh-dee money cakes. Next topic!
KT baby is teething. I can feel the first little sharp puppy-tooth on the bottom gum. It's so cool! I had the same feeling about discovering her new tooth as I have about the very first hint of a pregnancy. All, "Ooh, congratulations, a new LIFE! A tiny little BUD inside you! And, WOW, I can't believe it. *big eyed wonder*" And then, as she proceeded through the day refusing to be put down, I was not AS charmed. It was a long one. It definitely made me want to consider 5 days of daycare for her, instead of just three, which made me sad re: paragraph 2 and the money cakes. AND losing those 2 days working at home with her, of course.
Last night I got all motivated and filled several plastic bins with either "12 month" or "6 to 9 months" clothes, instead of leaving them all strewn down at the bottom of the basement stairs. It felt good. I swear, that is one of the things no one tells you to work into your new Mommy schedule: switching out clothes. ARGH! They go through them sooooo fast during this first year. I am JUST getting her 3-month stuff rotated in, and it's almost time (she's 5 months) to rotate it back out! Also, she is in the 50-75th percentile for height and weight, whereas AJ is in the 5-10th, so I have to change my mindset a little bit, and rotate things in AHEAD rather than BEHIND her actual age. So! Keep up, Mama!
Hey, to go with our coffee theme, I present to you: "If Donuts Could Talk:"
- Move over, creampuff.
- Bite me.
- Coffee goes right through me!
- Don't mind him, he's Danish.
- There's nothing cruller than being all boxed in like this.
- Shut your hole.
- What's the glazed look on her?
BWWAAAAHAHAHAHA. (Credit goes to the genius at Carlton Cards who created my birthday greeting card "From the Office" this year. You know, one of those with a little "thought balloon" for each donut in the photo, to represent that there are many office-mates.) I've kept it around since June because it still makes me laugh.
I just ate the juiciest nectarine. It was slightly chilled, but not too much, and the perfect level of sweetness. YUM.
You guys, the coffee poetry is SO FUN! Thanks for indulging me and not scoffing at my silly whim. Here is my contribution:
Despair. Home brewed stuff.
No Latte for me today:
We're pinching pennies.
My Starbucks and fish tacos had to be skipped today, since we're trying to end the month on a banking high note with no unnecessary expenditures. Sigh. I say Starbucks IS necessary, but some might disagree. (I mean, I joke that it's necessary. I know that it's not. It hit home last night at dinner when we pulled the old tried-n-true "there are starving kids" argument for AJ, to get him to eat his mashed potatoes, and I had to tell him that EVERY DAY, we have enough to eat. MORE than enough, even. And some people don't so we have to be thankful and enjoy our food and not waste it.) Blah-buh-dee money cakes. Next topic!
KT baby is teething. I can feel the first little sharp puppy-tooth on the bottom gum. It's so cool! I had the same feeling about discovering her new tooth as I have about the very first hint of a pregnancy. All, "Ooh, congratulations, a new LIFE! A tiny little BUD inside you! And, WOW, I can't believe it. *big eyed wonder*" And then, as she proceeded through the day refusing to be put down, I was not AS charmed. It was a long one. It definitely made me want to consider 5 days of daycare for her, instead of just three, which made me sad re: paragraph 2 and the money cakes. AND losing those 2 days working at home with her, of course.
Last night I got all motivated and filled several plastic bins with either "12 month" or "6 to 9 months" clothes, instead of leaving them all strewn down at the bottom of the basement stairs. It felt good. I swear, that is one of the things no one tells you to work into your new Mommy schedule: switching out clothes. ARGH! They go through them sooooo fast during this first year. I am JUST getting her 3-month stuff rotated in, and it's almost time (she's 5 months) to rotate it back out! Also, she is in the 50-75th percentile for height and weight, whereas AJ is in the 5-10th, so I have to change my mindset a little bit, and rotate things in AHEAD rather than BEHIND her actual age. So! Keep up, Mama!
Hey, to go with our coffee theme, I present to you: "If Donuts Could Talk:"
- Move over, creampuff.
- Bite me.
- Coffee goes right through me!
- Don't mind him, he's Danish.
- There's nothing cruller than being all boxed in like this.
- Shut your hole.
- What's the glazed look on her?
BWWAAAAHAHAHAHA. (Credit goes to the genius at Carlton Cards who created my birthday greeting card "From the Office" this year. You know, one of those with a little "thought balloon" for each donut in the photo, to represent that there are many office-mates.) I've kept it around since June because it still makes me laugh.
I just ate the juiciest nectarine. It was slightly chilled, but not too much, and the perfect level of sweetness. YUM.
Sunday, July 20
To cure your case of the Mondays: my PiF contest
You know, for a long time when KT baby was born, we were getting fun things in the mail to welcome her. And then it was our anniversary, then mother's day, my birthday, father's day, and AJ's birthday... but then all THAT ended, and we've had a week or two where all we've gotten is FLIERS and BILLS. Boooo-riiing!
That's why I was so excited Friday to receive my Pay It Forward prize from Nicole! Totally made my day.
Gorgeous red things! My favorite color! There's a great red pen, nail polish, beautiful cards with my initial on them, MORE beautiful cards that say, "Merci beaucoup," and a very beautiful Target gift card that she specified was JUST FOR ME. :) Thank you, Nicole!
And now it is my turn to totally make YOUR day! Enter my contest here, by leaving a comment on THIS POST, before 5pm on Thursday 7/24. I will choose one lucky winner by random number generator. I haven't decided what kind of pay I will be forwarding, but it will be FUN to think of something!
Be prepared: If you win, you have to have your OWN Pay It Forward contest! That's the rules.
The comment topic is this: HAIKU about coffee! Go! (Oh, come on, you can TOO think of something!)
That's why I was so excited Friday to receive my Pay It Forward prize from Nicole! Totally made my day.
Gorgeous red things! My favorite color! There's a great red pen, nail polish, beautiful cards with my initial on them, MORE beautiful cards that say, "Merci beaucoup," and a very beautiful Target gift card that she specified was JUST FOR ME. :) Thank you, Nicole!
And now it is my turn to totally make YOUR day! Enter my contest here, by leaving a comment on THIS POST, before 5pm on Thursday 7/24. I will choose one lucky winner by random number generator. I haven't decided what kind of pay I will be forwarding, but it will be FUN to think of something!
Be prepared: If you win, you have to have your OWN Pay It Forward contest! That's the rules.
The comment topic is this: HAIKU about coffee! Go! (Oh, come on, you can TOO think of something!)
Thursday, July 17
We have rollover!
Forgot to document that we are officially mobile, i.e., KT baby rolled over, back to front, on Sunday, July 13, 2008, two days before her 5-month birthday. :)
Wednesday, July 16
Diet update: A shocking (boring) revelation
Hey, guess what? I eat badly when I'm stressed. Monday I was trucking along, having my bran muffin for breakfast, my little salad with grilled chicken and Lite Italian for lunch.... and then the fever began and I had to start rescheduling everything.
Well, instead of having 1 demure little cup of pasta and 1/2 cup of sauce for dinner, I had a plateful and 2 slices of garlic toast (it was lite, okay!), and found myself finishing off a small bag of semi-sweet morsels while I finished up my work on the laptop around 10 pm.
And yesterday I couldn't control myself AGAIN -- made a big, fat burrito with cheese for lunch (COM.FORT.FOOD), had a "100 calorie" pack of Chips Ahoy! crisps in the afternoon even though I didn't have the 100 cals to spare, and 4 pieces of chocolate from AJ's candy stash, for dessert. We had grilled chicken and veggies for dinner, but I ate more than 4 oz of meat, for sure. I like how I'm able to justify eating too much, because it's "good things" like grilled chicken and "100-cal" cookies. HA.
The whole time I was aware of what I was doing -- emotional eating -- but didn't want to stop. I've never noticed it so acutely before; I guess that's a step forward, just noticing.
Anyway, the diet stalled for a day or two. Thank goodness AJ seemed fine this morning.
Well, instead of having 1 demure little cup of pasta and 1/2 cup of sauce for dinner, I had a plateful and 2 slices of garlic toast (it was lite, okay!), and found myself finishing off a small bag of semi-sweet morsels while I finished up my work on the laptop around 10 pm.
And yesterday I couldn't control myself AGAIN -- made a big, fat burrito with cheese for lunch (COM.FORT.FOOD), had a "100 calorie" pack of Chips Ahoy! crisps in the afternoon even though I didn't have the 100 cals to spare, and 4 pieces of chocolate from AJ's candy stash, for dessert. We had grilled chicken and veggies for dinner, but I ate more than 4 oz of meat, for sure. I like how I'm able to justify eating too much, because it's "good things" like grilled chicken and "100-cal" cookies. HA.
The whole time I was aware of what I was doing -- emotional eating -- but didn't want to stop. I've never noticed it so acutely before; I guess that's a step forward, just noticing.
Anyway, the diet stalled for a day or two. Thank goodness AJ seemed fine this morning.
Tuesday, July 15
No time for crying!
Well, folks, my pity party had to end abruptly because AJ is sporting the same fever virus that KT had last week. He's zonked out on the couch now and I've come home for an afternoon of working from home, again. Which, can I just say it is ANNOYING that teleworking options even exist in this case, because ten years ago it would have been an actual "sick day" for whichever parent stayed home, not an "OMG trying furiously to squeeze in work when I'm not administering Tylenol day." I make no excuses if I can't get to everything on my To-Do list today, but DANG it'd be nice to be able to devote 100% of my energy to either the kids or the job, GAAAHHWWWD.
It's also annoying that we might have to figure out our work schedule again tomorrow, due to that pesky 24-hour daycare rule. I guess it will be me, again, working from home. And rearranging an appointment (wherein I was hoping to impress a potential associate, there goes THAT), and not having access to all the company's servers, etc. etc. blah blah frustrating blah.
I guess I am grateful that I won't necessarily get canned for being absent too much. I guess.
I did buy one new bra and some underwear today. (Howdy, perv Googlers! Sorry, No P*R*0*N here.) I'm sure it will make me feel better as you all suggested, and I'm also sure you're SO GLAD that YOU KNOW. Heh. I am good entertainment.
It's also annoying that we might have to figure out our work schedule again tomorrow, due to that pesky 24-hour daycare rule. I guess it will be me, again, working from home. And rearranging an appointment (wherein I was hoping to impress a potential associate, there goes THAT), and not having access to all the company's servers, etc. etc. blah blah frustrating blah.
I guess I am grateful that I won't necessarily get canned for being absent too much. I guess.
I did buy one new bra and some underwear today. (Howdy, perv Googlers! Sorry, No P*R*0*N here.) I'm sure it will make me feel better as you all suggested, and I'm also sure you're SO GLAD that YOU KNOW. Heh. I am good entertainment.
Sunday, July 13
I am so over it.
I am so over our bank account feeling pinched.
I am so over both of us working so hard, every day, but never feeling like we are getting or will get ahead.
I am so over both of us doing jobs we don't love, for pay we don't love, and feeling like there's no real way out of that.
I am so over hating the clothes I have, but feeling like I just don't have any extra to spend on something new.
I am so over having a long list of new things I actually NEED, but won't buy: bras, workout clothes, pretty work clothes, underwear, good athletic shoes.
I am so over Marshall's, Target, and Ross.
I am so over my savings accounts losing money with this crappy market, even for mutual funds, and even for IRAs and long-term investments which you're not supposed to worry about because "eventually they'll bounce back."
I am so over my Publix not ever having the brand and size of formula that I buy.
I am so over myself thinking, "Self, if you were nursing you wouldn't have that problem, and besides, nursing is FREE."
I am so over my just-married sister-in-law, age 20-something, saying that when she has a baby she wants to stay home with it or she'll "just murder someone." The hell? Also: get over yourself and enjoy those mortgage payments; hope it works out for ya. Also: saying that to me feels a little like a slap in the face, like my lifestyle isn't good enough for you.
I am so over wanting to stay at home. Or doing that math loop where I work part-time so we'd save on gas and "business clothing" (HAR) but still be paying SOME daycare and Catholic school, and therefore, it equals a zero benefit.
I am so over wishing to win the lottery, when I DON'T EVEN PLAY THE DAMN LOTTERY.
I am so over both of us working so hard, every day, but never feeling like we are getting or will get ahead.
I am so over both of us doing jobs we don't love, for pay we don't love, and feeling like there's no real way out of that.
I am so over hating the clothes I have, but feeling like I just don't have any extra to spend on something new.
I am so over having a long list of new things I actually NEED, but won't buy: bras, workout clothes, pretty work clothes, underwear, good athletic shoes.
I am so over Marshall's, Target, and Ross.
I am so over my savings accounts losing money with this crappy market, even for mutual funds, and even for IRAs and long-term investments which you're not supposed to worry about because "eventually they'll bounce back."
I am so over my Publix not ever having the brand and size of formula that I buy.
I am so over myself thinking, "Self, if you were nursing you wouldn't have that problem, and besides, nursing is FREE."
I am so over my just-married sister-in-law, age 20-something, saying that when she has a baby she wants to stay home with it or she'll "just murder someone." The hell? Also: get over yourself and enjoy those mortgage payments; hope it works out for ya. Also: saying that to me feels a little like a slap in the face, like my lifestyle isn't good enough for you.
I am so over wanting to stay at home. Or doing that math loop where I work part-time so we'd save on gas and "business clothing" (HAR) but still be paying SOME daycare and Catholic school, and therefore, it equals a zero benefit.
I am so over wishing to win the lottery, when I DON'T EVEN PLAY THE DAMN LOTTERY.
Thursday, July 10
Leave me hanging
I often fail to update the ol' blog properly. Looking back over the archives, I see the following topics that need closure:
- Dinnertime. We're doing pretty well. Someone suggested gently that I might have been trying to tackle too many problems at once, with my new rules. But it's worked for the most part. AJ knows that he only gets three warnings for good behavior, and if he uses them all up he generally gets down from the table without a fuss. He sometimes asks to watch TV at those times and fusses about being told no, but usually moves on. I don't know if he's eating more or less food -- I'm not supposed to be counting bites, remember? Just letting him determine if he's had enough. But I'm giving him dessert as part of his meal, whenever he's done.
- Health kick. I am happy to report that after vacation, I began a diet in earnest. After 1 week of consuming 500 fewer calories than I burned, each day (exercising 3 days) I've lost 1 pound. It doesn't seem like much, but it is the right way to lose weight (slowly), and I'm trying to make these changes real habits, without depriving myself too much. I really vary what I'm eating, and how the calories go in -- for example, on Tuesday I might have a planned lunch where I know I'm going to eat more, and therefore my calories may be more around 16- or 1700, then the next day I will pull it back and maybe only have 1400 calories. I wish my tummy would just magically flatten, but I know that's not realistic. Slow and steady wins the race. My parents are trying NutriSystems, so we're having fun keeping each other updated.
- Working part-time. My last Friday off (maternity leave) is this week. Then it is back to full-time, all the time for me, despite my continuous talk-talk-talky-talk about part-time. ...the crappy economy, hello. I feel like we need to stockpile more money right now, instead of earning less. AND I learned this morning on NPR just how firmly I/we sit in the middle-middle-class, earnings-wise. I'll still keep KT Baby with me on my work-from-home days and hope that our work slow-down continues enough that I don't have to feel guilty for only putting in about 5 real hours of work on those days. (*praying my manager has lost or forgotten this blog address, which I accidentally revealed to him recently*)
- KT baby. At her four month check-up, she was 14 pounds. She has not yet rolled over, but often tries. She is now taking around 6 ounces at each feeding, and we have tried rice cereal a few times. I'm excited about baby food. :) Hee hee. I still do not have a Bumbo seat and wonder EVERY time I go to Target if I should just fork out the 40 bucks, already, because she does like to sit upright. It's almost time to get out the exersaucer. She has discovered board books and really likes to chew on them. I'm going to really try to incorporate a bedtime routine with her, starting next week.
Wednesday, July 9
LMNOP
Nicole, my new best friend, tagged me for this meme long ago while I was on vaca. Since it's an alphabet meme, I have to first share this snippet from the life of AJ: he really did think "LMNOP" was one letter. We were talking about "M" the other day, and he said, "Mommy, but there isn't any 'M' in the alphabet." He was serious, too, even though that kid is super smart. Funny.
A. Attached or Single? Quite Attached.
B. Best Friend? Well, I'd get in trouble for not saying my Darling Husband, and it's true. But for girl-best-friends-who-aren't-blood-relatives, you all should know by now it's maryb.
C. Cake or pie? Pie. I prefer the "icebox" variety to warm apple or warm peach. Give me key lime, chocolate silk, cherry-chocolate, peanut-butter pie... the list goes on.
D. Day of choice? Fri-day! Fri-day!
E. Essential item? Afghan. (Or burp cloth. But I could use the afghan for that in a pinch.)
F. Favorite color? Red
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummi Bearen. The worms get too sticky and are too big for my mouth.
H. Home town? Pensacola, FL
I. Favorite indulgence? Coffee ice cream with cherry preserves on top. Sounds weird but is divine.
J. January or July? Dude, making me choose between the month of my husband's birth, and that of my son? Not cool. Those 2 days aside, I'd say January, because of the fresh beginning and all.
K. Kids? 2 preciouses.
L. Life isn’t complete without? Faith and chocolate.
M. Marriage date? April 28, 2001.
N. Number of brothers and sisters? One wonderful sister.
O. Oranges or Apples? Apples.
P. Phobias? Can't say I have a real phobia. But for fun: I'll say these: Rhytiphobia (fear of getting wrinkles), Zemmiphobia (rats), Automatonophobia (wax statues). What? Go look them up!
Q. Quotes? "Are you talking?" --Richard, from Tommy Boy
R. Reasons to smile? too numerous to count
S. Season of choice? Fall
T. Tag 5 people: Make me.
U. Unknown fact about me? My two favorite activities at Camp Fire Girls' summer camp were archery and riflery. And I was pretty good at riflery.
V. Vegetable? This is going to sound crazy but I actually think it is lettuce. Or, "mixed greens." I mean, a salad is just sometimes the very best meal.
W. Worst habit? Picking at my poor, dry heels.
X. Xray or Ultrasound? Ultrasounds are a whole lot more fun, within the contexts I've enjoyed.
Y. Your favorite food? ...this is not really a "Y" item, people. "Y" should be "yo-yo?" as in, do you? I do not. My favorite foods are too numerous to mention (and I'm on a diet, Yo. Hey -- YO!)
Z. Zodiac sign? Gemini.
A. Attached or Single? Quite Attached.
B. Best Friend? Well, I'd get in trouble for not saying my Darling Husband, and it's true. But for girl-best-friends-who-aren't-blood-relatives, you all should know by now it's maryb.
C. Cake or pie? Pie. I prefer the "icebox" variety to warm apple or warm peach. Give me key lime, chocolate silk, cherry-chocolate, peanut-butter pie... the list goes on.
D. Day of choice? Fri-day! Fri-day!
E. Essential item? Afghan. (Or burp cloth. But I could use the afghan for that in a pinch.)
F. Favorite color? Red
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummi Bearen. The worms get too sticky and are too big for my mouth.
H. Home town? Pensacola, FL
I. Favorite indulgence? Coffee ice cream with cherry preserves on top. Sounds weird but is divine.
J. January or July? Dude, making me choose between the month of my husband's birth, and that of my son? Not cool. Those 2 days aside, I'd say January, because of the fresh beginning and all.
K. Kids? 2 preciouses.
L. Life isn’t complete without? Faith and chocolate.
M. Marriage date? April 28, 2001.
N. Number of brothers and sisters? One wonderful sister.
O. Oranges or Apples? Apples.
P. Phobias? Can't say I have a real phobia. But for fun: I'll say these: Rhytiphobia (fear of getting wrinkles), Zemmiphobia (rats), Automatonophobia (wax statues). What? Go look them up!
Q. Quotes? "Are you talking?" --Richard, from Tommy Boy
R. Reasons to smile? too numerous to count
S. Season of choice? Fall
T. Tag 5 people: Make me.
U. Unknown fact about me? My two favorite activities at Camp Fire Girls' summer camp were archery and riflery. And I was pretty good at riflery.
V. Vegetable? This is going to sound crazy but I actually think it is lettuce. Or, "mixed greens." I mean, a salad is just sometimes the very best meal.
W. Worst habit? Picking at my poor, dry heels.
X. Xray or Ultrasound? Ultrasounds are a whole lot more fun, within the contexts I've enjoyed.
Y. Your favorite food? ...this is not really a "Y" item, people. "Y" should be "yo-yo?" as in, do you? I do not. My favorite foods are too numerous to mention (and I'm on a diet, Yo. Hey -- YO!)
Z. Zodiac sign? Gemini.
Monday, July 7
On the eve of turning four
This weekend we packed up a cooler and took it to our favorite local playground and park. AJ was eager to feed the ducks, after he'd seen Daddy fold up the almost-finished bag of Sunbeam Sandwich White. My sister is with us; we wanted an "outing." We got to the park and thus began the BEST DAY OF AJ'S LIFE! Oh, he was up, he was down, he slid and he climbed. He was BRAVE! (He's never been brave at the park. Never.) We fed ducks for a while, and then playgrounded for a while. He tried new things, and then he tried them again ALL BY HIMSELF. He was obviously showing off a bit for his aunt. He got a sweaty little-boy head and showed us big smiles and happy feet. His Dad and I were so excited to see him having that much fun.
Then, it started to look cloudy. Dark, even. We had seen the weather report, that indicated a thirty percent chance, but decided to have our picnic anyway. ...Mayyyybe should have reconsidered that choice, but I was convinced it wouldn't be that bad.
...It was. Thunder, SERIOUS lightning, very close by, even a couple of pellets of hail, and nothing between us and it but a wooden pavilion. And my little boy, all of him, climbed up onto me and curled around me and buried that sweaty little brave head, and held on tight.
It was so perfectly four -- a teetering balance beam between being big and being little.
Then, it started to look cloudy. Dark, even. We had seen the weather report, that indicated a thirty percent chance, but decided to have our picnic anyway. ...Mayyyybe should have reconsidered that choice, but I was convinced it wouldn't be that bad.
...It was. Thunder, SERIOUS lightning, very close by, even a couple of pellets of hail, and nothing between us and it but a wooden pavilion. And my little boy, all of him, climbed up onto me and curled around me and buried that sweaty little brave head, and held on tight.
It was so perfectly four -- a teetering balance beam between being big and being little.
Happy Birthday, little man. I will walk this way with you.
Le Random*
*Totally stole this term from Skiplovey, and it made me wonder: Why am I not using more franglais in my life/blog? (Heh, life/blog! As if the two were ONE.) I was a French major, after all; and my kid's favorite word is l'oreille. He even pronounces it correctement!
-- How many working bras should a girl have? At least one for each day of the week, right (I mean, n'est-ce pas)? Right now I'm down to 5, I think. And two of them are black, naturally, which can't be worn under everything. Why are good bras so expensive? Grr.
-- The Fridge Situation only cost us $336.19. And by "only," I mean, "Crap. Three hundred bucks."
-- How many of you think we're seriously headed for another Great Depression? Raise your hands..... yeah. Me, too. I think about how I look in drab brown and gray, because that is the color of a Depressed Economy, in my mind.
-- Dudes, I love all the contests! I returned from vacation to all this posting about them and to be honest, it kind-of overwhelmed my sun-dried little brain. But I did want to tell some blog-friends hello, and when I did, it entered me in their contests, which I was HAPPY to do! Now, I won one! Nicole's, to be exact. Thanks, Nicole! And thanks, Random Number Generator! The good news for all of MY readers is that there will be another contest to enter shortly, right here on this blog. I believe the rules state I'm supposed to receive my prize, photograph it, and then begin MY Pay-it-Forward Extravaganza. Fun!
-- How many working bras should a girl have? At least one for each day of the week, right (I mean, n'est-ce pas)? Right now I'm down to 5, I think. And two of them are black, naturally, which can't be worn under everything. Why are good bras so expensive? Grr.
-- The Fridge Situation only cost us $336.19. And by "only," I mean, "Crap. Three hundred bucks."
-- How many of you think we're seriously headed for another Great Depression? Raise your hands..... yeah. Me, too. I think about how I look in drab brown and gray, because that is the color of a Depressed Economy, in my mind.
-- Dudes, I love all the contests! I returned from vacation to all this posting about them and to be honest, it kind-of overwhelmed my sun-dried little brain. But I did want to tell some blog-friends hello, and when I did, it entered me in their contests, which I was HAPPY to do! Now, I won one! Nicole's, to be exact. Thanks, Nicole! And thanks, Random Number Generator! The good news for all of MY readers is that there will be another contest to enter shortly, right here on this blog. I believe the rules state I'm supposed to receive my prize, photograph it, and then begin MY Pay-it-Forward Extravaganza. Fun!
Wednesday, July 2
Not my life, but.... my life
Poor TLC. Trying so hard to reclaim the audience of us women who used to watch A Baby Story every day.
You know what? Jon & Kate Plus 8 just doesn't do it for me. They seem very nice. But I think they're a little boring. Their commentary, I mean. They just sit on that brown couch and narrate every little incident with the same non-plussed pitch in their voices, and they hardly ever smile. I'm like, "Yeah, no kidding: three-year-olds."
Not that I don't enjoy hearing about other people's kids, or think that since I've been there, done that, it isn't interesting... it's just... I don't think their particular daily story, aside from the fact that they have 8 kids under age 7, is all that compelling. Gimme more wit. A crazy but smart way of handling that many kids. Or at least fun personalities SLASH amazing attitudes about having multiple Multiples. Quirkiness, maybe. (Ahem, Duggars!) Give me something.
OBVIOUSLY I don't have 8 kids and never will. But on the other hand, as far as the TV show goes, it's not that much different from my life. They have trouble getting them dressed. They take the kids to the dentist, and the kids scream. The parents are tired by 3:00 pm at an amusement park. Check, check, annnnd check. Of course, I don't envy them or think I could do it. I actually think their parenting style is kinda similar to mine. I guess that means I would not watch MY life on TV, either. Heh.
Now if they were fishing on the Bering Sea, all 10 of 'em? I'd probably watch that.
You know what? Jon & Kate Plus 8 just doesn't do it for me. They seem very nice. But I think they're a little boring. Their commentary, I mean. They just sit on that brown couch and narrate every little incident with the same non-plussed pitch in their voices, and they hardly ever smile. I'm like, "Yeah, no kidding: three-year-olds."
Not that I don't enjoy hearing about other people's kids, or think that since I've been there, done that, it isn't interesting... it's just... I don't think their particular daily story, aside from the fact that they have 8 kids under age 7, is all that compelling. Gimme more wit. A crazy but smart way of handling that many kids. Or at least fun personalities SLASH amazing attitudes about having multiple Multiples. Quirkiness, maybe. (Ahem, Duggars!) Give me something.
OBVIOUSLY I don't have 8 kids and never will. But on the other hand, as far as the TV show goes, it's not that much different from my life. They have trouble getting them dressed. They take the kids to the dentist, and the kids scream. The parents are tired by 3:00 pm at an amusement park. Check, check, annnnd check. Of course, I don't envy them or think I could do it. I actually think their parenting style is kinda similar to mine. I guess that means I would not watch MY life on TV, either. Heh.
Now if they were fishing on the Bering Sea, all 10 of 'em? I'd probably watch that.
OHHAI!
I'm back! I'm at work! My sister's coming to visit Saturday! And my fridge is trying to die!
That's the EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. (hat tip: Tessie.)
There's a lot I could tell you about our vacation, but on the other hand, you can probably picture it. A nice condo, white sand beaches, good friends and family around, and Texas brisket. (What? You don't eat brisket when you go to the beach?) For some darling photos, See Here. Hat tip: MB. Thanks to my Mom and Dad babysitting KT, we got plenty of time poolside. She enjoyed only fifteen minutes at the pool because her naptime always coincided with our being ready to head out. I know next year will be fun for her at 16 months, though.
I actually read a WHOLE BOOK! It was Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole, and it was just gripping. Really, it stayed in my mind for days after I finished it. I love books like that. Maybe I'll do a more in-depth review one day.
Noting one AJ-ism that repeatedly made me smile: In the pool, when he wanted help getting out, he'd say, "Mommy, give me a caboost." :)
My Google Reader says "1000+" y'all. Holy Moses. I am going to be playing ketchup for the next three weeks. Not to mention work is pretty busy, not to mention the aforementioned appliance situation. AND a 4-year-old's birthday to plan AND I need to have my neighbors over for dinner to thank them for collecting our mail while we were gone, etc. etc.
This post sounds a lot like the 2nd half of 2007, where I was stressed out all the time and never seemed to clear off the to-do list. What is UP, June through December?
That's the EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. (hat tip: Tessie.)
There's a lot I could tell you about our vacation, but on the other hand, you can probably picture it. A nice condo, white sand beaches, good friends and family around, and Texas brisket. (What? You don't eat brisket when you go to the beach?) For some darling photos, See Here. Hat tip: MB. Thanks to my Mom and Dad babysitting KT, we got plenty of time poolside. She enjoyed only fifteen minutes at the pool because her naptime always coincided with our being ready to head out. I know next year will be fun for her at 16 months, though.
I actually read a WHOLE BOOK! It was Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole, and it was just gripping. Really, it stayed in my mind for days after I finished it. I love books like that. Maybe I'll do a more in-depth review one day.
Noting one AJ-ism that repeatedly made me smile: In the pool, when he wanted help getting out, he'd say, "Mommy, give me a caboost." :)
My Google Reader says "1000+" y'all. Holy Moses. I am going to be playing ketchup for the next three weeks. Not to mention work is pretty busy, not to mention the aforementioned appliance situation. AND a 4-year-old's birthday to plan AND I need to have my neighbors over for dinner to thank them for collecting our mail while we were gone, etc. etc.
This post sounds a lot like the 2nd half of 2007, where I was stressed out all the time and never seemed to clear off the to-do list. What is UP, June through December?
Wednesday, June 25
Wish you were here
We are having a fabulous time at the beach. Man, do I love vacation. Coffee in the morning, salt water in the afternoon, beer at 5:00 pm!
For the first time, AJ is truly swimming (with floaties), and enjoying his time in the pool. The last three years he has been too scared, poor thing. Not this time. He's brave and wet. :) We even got him into the Gulf to "bounce" with the waves. "Whooooooaaaaa!" he'd say, gliding over every one. He and his Daddy built a well-fortified sand castle, while Mommy looked out over the water and felt a comfortable, warm breeze. KT baby is getting to know her grandparents and sleeping well every night under salty air and ceiling fan.
It is wonderful, in a word. Talk to you again in three or four days. :)
For the first time, AJ is truly swimming (with floaties), and enjoying his time in the pool. The last three years he has been too scared, poor thing. Not this time. He's brave and wet. :) We even got him into the Gulf to "bounce" with the waves. "Whooooooaaaaa!" he'd say, gliding over every one. He and his Daddy built a well-fortified sand castle, while Mommy looked out over the water and felt a comfortable, warm breeze. KT baby is getting to know her grandparents and sleeping well every night under salty air and ceiling fan.
It is wonderful, in a word. Talk to you again in three or four days. :)
Wednesday, June 18
Some little junk and nonsense (and one sweet story)
- Yesterday, I hated my hair. Hated. It was sitting like a mushroom cap on the top of my stupid head, and there was a lot of stupid gray peeking out through my "natural color" (not), making my part look thin and old woman-like. Also, helmet head. TODAY, however, my hair looks great. Healthy, tamed, styled just the way I like it so it appears casual and yet has some shape. What's with that??
- I had never eaten Lucky Charms until this week. Today I decided that a healthy and enjoyable breakfast might include a serving of Lucky Charms, dry, and my coffee. Because I really HATE having cereal with milk, AND coffee (with milk) in the same meal. It's too much milk. Oh, and Lucky Charms ARE magically delicious!
- I still always THINK about making healthy choices (like limited milk), and about heart disease and high cholesterol and my family history of dread diseases, even while I am eating cake twice a day, and buying things like Pringles. I'm blaming hormones but it's incredibly annoying and makes me feel like a stupid-head, and makes me worry that I'm just going to get fatter and fatter if I can't learn to NOT EAT CRAP.
- This is totally what I meant last week when I took a short blogging break. Man, do I love Mrs. Flinger.
- When are we going to get tomatoes back? I tried growing them last year and it was a sad, sad affair.
- Ways My Husband is a Great Dad, #1: Last Thursday night, I took AJ out on the back porch to watch fireflies. It's one of the sweetest things about summer, to me, because they're so quiet and magical, and because we didn't have them in any of the places where I grew up. The next night, Husband took AJ out to the yard with a jar and they collected fireflies. I never would have done that. Even though I know children DO catch fireflies in jars, AJ was already pajama'd and bathed. And I never collected them as a kid, myself. But Hubby did, at his grandparents'. And he knew it was Something A Boy Needs To Do. AJ kept those 5 lightning bugs in the jar by his bed that night (husband was kind enough to tape it shut for my peace of mind), and was SO excited every time they blinked. He gave them names, and was smart enough to put some leaves in there in case they "got hungry for breakfast." Husband told AJ that we'd have to let them go the next morning. In fact, he used Finding Nemo as an analogy to explain how much they'd miss their moms and dads if we kept them forever! So AJ was happy to oblige the next morning, and we opened the jar and wished them well as they took off, one by one. (Thankfully they were all still able to fly away; I was nervous they might be "taking REALLY long naps.") The whole thing was a sweet summer interlude.
- I had never eaten Lucky Charms until this week. Today I decided that a healthy and enjoyable breakfast might include a serving of Lucky Charms, dry, and my coffee. Because I really HATE having cereal with milk, AND coffee (with milk) in the same meal. It's too much milk. Oh, and Lucky Charms ARE magically delicious!
- I still always THINK about making healthy choices (like limited milk), and about heart disease and high cholesterol and my family history of dread diseases, even while I am eating cake twice a day, and buying things like Pringles. I'm blaming hormones but it's incredibly annoying and makes me feel like a stupid-head, and makes me worry that I'm just going to get fatter and fatter if I can't learn to NOT EAT CRAP.
- This is totally what I meant last week when I took a short blogging break. Man, do I love Mrs. Flinger.
- When are we going to get tomatoes back? I tried growing them last year and it was a sad, sad affair.
- Ways My Husband is a Great Dad, #1: Last Thursday night, I took AJ out on the back porch to watch fireflies. It's one of the sweetest things about summer, to me, because they're so quiet and magical, and because we didn't have them in any of the places where I grew up. The next night, Husband took AJ out to the yard with a jar and they collected fireflies. I never would have done that. Even though I know children DO catch fireflies in jars, AJ was already pajama'd and bathed. And I never collected them as a kid, myself. But Hubby did, at his grandparents'. And he knew it was Something A Boy Needs To Do. AJ kept those 5 lightning bugs in the jar by his bed that night (husband was kind enough to tape it shut for my peace of mind), and was SO excited every time they blinked. He gave them names, and was smart enough to put some leaves in there in case they "got hungry for breakfast." Husband told AJ that we'd have to let them go the next morning. In fact, he used Finding Nemo as an analogy to explain how much they'd miss their moms and dads if we kept them forever! So AJ was happy to oblige the next morning, and we opened the jar and wished them well as they took off, one by one. (Thankfully they were all still able to fly away; I was nervous they might be "taking REALLY long naps.") The whole thing was a sweet summer interlude.
Tuesday, June 17
= Cute!
I've been wanting to do a post with photos of ALL the cute outfits that KT has been wearing, thank you sdw, mom, mom-in-law, Lara, and Carter's, but haven't had enough time to do ALL of them. Here are a few, though, of the aforementioned summertime things I'm taking to Destin:
Seahorses! Notice it's a "Taggies" item? Brilliant.
The perennial favorite watermelon outfit. SQUEE, ruffles on the widdle boddoms!
I get all giggly over a tiny baby in DENIM. And, it's a one-piece. But also a Dress.
Oops, how'd that one get in here? ;)
Beach hat. Polky-dots. Bloomers!! Now we are all sticky with the goo of cute, n'est-ce pas?? Get in line people. She'll let ya hold her if you're reeeeal nice...
Monday, June 16
Development & destruction
KT baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Her daycare teacher says, every Tuesday, "She grew over the weekend!" And I believe her! I'm anxious for our 4 month appointment on Friday, to see exactly how much. I'm watching for milestones, especially rolling over, since Owen's already performed in that area, and he is just a couple of weeks older than KT. But Every Baby Develops Differently. :) I think she wants to roll over. When she's on her back, she arches it to reach for something, and knows to draw her knees up so she can inch a little closer to what she wants. Working that abdominal wall, baby.
MY abdominal wall, on the other hand, is more of a fort built with cushions or something. Pfft.
We have SO many adorable outfits for our beach trip next week -- I mean, specifically FOR the beach, as in, they have starfish or seahorses on them, and sundress-like straps instead of sleeves -- that I had to do 2 loads of laundry to prepare, and she's going to have to change clothes thrice a day in order to wear them all. I can't wait to do that much changing. :) Playing dress-up doll WAS always a favorite pastime of mine.
AND speaking of playing, GOOD GRIEF but AJ is playing a lot lately. Imaginative play. And wanting ME to play with him. Have I blogged about this before? I just don't feel very adept at thinking up good guy/bad guy scenarios for us to act out. To be honest, I just don't feel like "acting" at all, really, but it is what it is, and I'm super glad that he HAS an imagination. We're a little concerned that it's always "attacking" and "fighting" and "roaring like a really bad monster" lately, but that is normal for little boys right? Even Thomas and Percy, the loveable choo-choo trains, to fight and destroy each other... that's normal right? Of course we feel guilt for letting him watch maybe a bit too much Spiderman and Batman, with their rather dark themes and adult issues (they BOTH need therapy, really)... but boys this age -- almost 4 -- are GOING to want to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and OMG, Ben 10 Alien Force, right? Our fathers played cops and robbers and cowboys and Indians. Our brothers played Star Wars.
You can see this is something I want your feedback on, RIGHT?
MY abdominal wall, on the other hand, is more of a fort built with cushions or something. Pfft.
We have SO many adorable outfits for our beach trip next week -- I mean, specifically FOR the beach, as in, they have starfish or seahorses on them, and sundress-like straps instead of sleeves -- that I had to do 2 loads of laundry to prepare, and she's going to have to change clothes thrice a day in order to wear them all. I can't wait to do that much changing. :) Playing dress-up doll WAS always a favorite pastime of mine.
AND speaking of playing, GOOD GRIEF but AJ is playing a lot lately. Imaginative play. And wanting ME to play with him. Have I blogged about this before? I just don't feel very adept at thinking up good guy/bad guy scenarios for us to act out. To be honest, I just don't feel like "acting" at all, really, but it is what it is, and I'm super glad that he HAS an imagination. We're a little concerned that it's always "attacking" and "fighting" and "roaring like a really bad monster" lately, but that is normal for little boys right? Even Thomas and Percy, the loveable choo-choo trains, to fight and destroy each other... that's normal right? Of course we feel guilt for letting him watch maybe a bit too much Spiderman and Batman, with their rather dark themes and adult issues (they BOTH need therapy, really)... but boys this age -- almost 4 -- are GOING to want to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and OMG, Ben 10 Alien Force, right? Our fathers played cops and robbers and cowboys and Indians. Our brothers played Star Wars.
You can see this is something I want your feedback on, RIGHT?
Monday, June 9
Save me a seat
You feel like you're going to lose something -- seniority? place in line? -- if you don't post very regularly. Or your parents and relatives are going to wonder if you're okay. So somebody save me a seat; I just don't seem to have much to say lately. Nothing wrong, just out there living, trying to beat the HEAT. Gah. Still reading all of you clever people, of course.
We'll return to our regular programming... sometime. :)
We'll return to our regular programming... sometime. :)
Wednesday, June 4
Happy birthday to me!
A series of possible blog topics have come into my head this week, and then promptly gone right back out, so for now we're stuck with just the random thoughts I can gather on this, my thirty-fourth birthday. Thirty four! One last year of being marketed to, and then I might as well just curl up on the couch and read dusty old library books or something, because things like the funny Budweiser commercials, new electronic gadgets, and great TV shows...? NO LONGER FOR ME. Sob!
I did get a really cool present from my husband-o: A digital piano!
What came with it? A STARTLING revelation that I am NO GOOD at piano any more! I have concentrated on singing much too long -- and only one note at a time. All this "two hands, ten fingers together" nonsense is far, far too much to keep up with. I have just realized this is why I seem GOOD at singing, sight-reading, and rhythm when I'm in a chorus. IT'S EASIER, EINSTEIN!!
Rather than clunk around every time I sit down at my new favorite gadget, I have chosen three songs to begin practicing on the piano, until I get them down. I took piano lessons for 10 years, for crying out loud -- it is so embarrassing to only have the capacity to perform "Big Chief Indian" and "Spinning Song." The songs are "Fur Elise," because, as I told DH, every twelve-year-old in town can already play it; and two nice Wesleyan hymns, because hymns are relatively easy -- just your basic 4-part chords and a few progressive notes in-between. (Right? Don't we call those "progressive notes?" Oh, gees, I can't remember ANYTHING.)
The idea, of course, is for AJ and KT to have a piano around to get interested in, so that I can thereby introduce the concept of Piano Lessons without any fuss. Brilliant, no? At first I was thinking, "I can even teach AJ a kind-of 'pre-lessons' before he starts with a real teacher." But... perhaps not. Even if he WERE to listen to me, which he won't, since I'm his PARENT and that automatically knocks down his level of respect for me versus a stranger, I probably shouldn't teach him much more than Middle C. I can't even do scales properly, people. Whew. It's been a tough birthday for more reasons than getting OLD.
Speaking of respecting his parents... Sigh. We're having Dinner Table Issues, again. It seems we just get this situation licked, then whammo, he comes up with something new. I won't go into the gory details, but if you're interested in sharing your Dinnertime Rules for Happiness, Toddler/Preschooler Edition, go ahead. Last night Husband and I had to DISCUSS what our new plan of attack is going to be, because what we've been doing is simply not working. That new plan is detailed below:
1. No more snack after school. (We get home around 5:15; dinner's no later than 6:30.) He can have a yummy drink, but no food. My giving him snacks is totally sabotaging dinner. I admit: I've been a dumbass about this repeatedly.
2. He'll get Three Chances to behave at the table. After that, dinner will be over. He may go play (but not watch TV).
3. A small dessert will be placed on the table at the beginning of the meal and he can eat it at the end of his meal. He should eat as much dinner as he wants but we will not specify how much. If he thinks he's eaten enough, he may eat dessert and then get down. (We will not say, "You can't have dessert if you don't eat your dinner." We will not say, "Eat three more bites and then you may get down.")
THE END.
I think those are simple enough rules for a nearly 4-year-old, do you?
I did get a really cool present from my husband-o: A digital piano!
What came with it? A STARTLING revelation that I am NO GOOD at piano any more! I have concentrated on singing much too long -- and only one note at a time. All this "two hands, ten fingers together" nonsense is far, far too much to keep up with. I have just realized this is why I seem GOOD at singing, sight-reading, and rhythm when I'm in a chorus. IT'S EASIER, EINSTEIN!!Rather than clunk around every time I sit down at my new favorite gadget, I have chosen three songs to begin practicing on the piano, until I get them down. I took piano lessons for 10 years, for crying out loud -- it is so embarrassing to only have the capacity to perform "Big Chief Indian" and "Spinning Song." The songs are "Fur Elise," because, as I told DH, every twelve-year-old in town can already play it; and two nice Wesleyan hymns, because hymns are relatively easy -- just your basic 4-part chords and a few progressive notes in-between. (Right? Don't we call those "progressive notes?" Oh, gees, I can't remember ANYTHING.)
The idea, of course, is for AJ and KT to have a piano around to get interested in, so that I can thereby introduce the concept of Piano Lessons without any fuss. Brilliant, no? At first I was thinking, "I can even teach AJ a kind-of 'pre-lessons' before he starts with a real teacher." But... perhaps not. Even if he WERE to listen to me, which he won't, since I'm his PARENT and that automatically knocks down his level of respect for me versus a stranger, I probably shouldn't teach him much more than Middle C. I can't even do scales properly, people. Whew. It's been a tough birthday for more reasons than getting OLD.
Speaking of respecting his parents... Sigh. We're having Dinner Table Issues, again. It seems we just get this situation licked, then whammo, he comes up with something new. I won't go into the gory details, but if you're interested in sharing your Dinnertime Rules for Happiness, Toddler/Preschooler Edition, go ahead. Last night Husband and I had to DISCUSS what our new plan of attack is going to be, because what we've been doing is simply not working. That new plan is detailed below:
1. No more snack after school. (We get home around 5:15; dinner's no later than 6:30.) He can have a yummy drink, but no food. My giving him snacks is totally sabotaging dinner. I admit: I've been a dumbass about this repeatedly.
2. He'll get Three Chances to behave at the table. After that, dinner will be over. He may go play (but not watch TV).
3. A small dessert will be placed on the table at the beginning of the meal and he can eat it at the end of his meal. He should eat as much dinner as he wants but we will not specify how much. If he thinks he's eaten enough, he may eat dessert and then get down. (We will not say, "You can't have dessert if you don't eat your dinner." We will not say, "Eat three more bites and then you may get down.")
THE END.
I think those are simple enough rules for a nearly 4-year-old, do you?
Thursday, May 29
Memory days, and gifts
We went to visit DH's grandmother for Memorial Day weekend, and I was sitting on the back porch in gorgeous 75-degree sunshine on Sunday afternoon, holding KT baby for a few minutes of peace and quiet. Enjoying her cooing – she’s really picked up the back and forth of conversation, and loves to answer me when I go, “Ooo,” or “Mmm,” – and staring into her pretty little blue eyes, I just kept telling myself, “Remember this. Remember it.” Because I know that I sat staring at AJ and cooing with him in the same way, 3 and a half years ago, I know it… but it’s hard to recall the exact moment. The way the sky looked. What outfit he was wearing.
I can remember ONE time, and I’d better write it down now before it slips away again: it was the day before I went back to work. I have pictures of it, even, so I DO know what he was wearing – a little green onesie. We sat on OUR back porch that time, and it was fall, and I guess we talked and laughed and blew raspberries in the same way, but that part’s fuzzy.
Anyway, KT and I sat there “bbbb”ing at each other in rhythm, one after the other, and she had on the adorable orange gingham outfit from Aunt Jane that says “Love” on the knee. My legs were propped up on the chair in front of me, and she lay on my legs. I’d alternate between pulling her up to sitting, and letting her rest on her back. We stayed out there for about 20 minutes. I kissed her soft cheeks every other minute. She is so smiley.
Remember this.
---------
I had a nice morning today. Well, nice, and a little funny/frustrating. I’d intended to work from home. Got everyone dressed and out the door, got the first load of laundry in and my coffee poured. Opened Firefox…. Nothing. No Internet. I should have known, since Comcast cable was out this morning, too. Bother. I decided I’d better call to see what the deal was, and Comcast’s automated lady told me there was an outage in my neighborhood but technicians were working on it.
So I decided I’d go for a walk. Actually I wanted to do an aerobic workout On Demand but, whoops! No On Demand without cable! So, a walk it shall be. I had planned to do this anyway today. Got my shoes on and out the door… without my key. THAT made me say “Frak!” Luckily my neighbor has a key and I did have my cell phone with me, so I called him. Took my 20-minute walk. UP and DOWN the big hills in my neighborhood – my heart got pumping! Felt great. AND it was my favorite kind of morning – really cool, damp even, and cloudy. I call those kind “Walden mornings,” because the week when I first read Walden, the weather was like that and I loved to read it out on my balcony. And it seems to me the weather at Walden Pond must have been like that a lot, too.
Anyway, that’s all. I finished my walk, got my spare key from the neighbor, went in and got dressed. Oh, during the walk I found the 4 Comcast trucks in the neighborhood. “You guys have an ETA or should I go into the office today?” “Ummm…. I’d go in to the office.” “Okay, thanks.” Heh. Traffic wasn’t too bad since I didn’t leave until 9:00.
It was just… nice. A little gift.
I can remember ONE time, and I’d better write it down now before it slips away again: it was the day before I went back to work. I have pictures of it, even, so I DO know what he was wearing – a little green onesie. We sat on OUR back porch that time, and it was fall, and I guess we talked and laughed and blew raspberries in the same way, but that part’s fuzzy.
Anyway, KT and I sat there “bbbb”ing at each other in rhythm, one after the other, and she had on the adorable orange gingham outfit from Aunt Jane that says “Love” on the knee. My legs were propped up on the chair in front of me, and she lay on my legs. I’d alternate between pulling her up to sitting, and letting her rest on her back. We stayed out there for about 20 minutes. I kissed her soft cheeks every other minute. She is so smiley.
Remember this.
---------
I had a nice morning today. Well, nice, and a little funny/frustrating. I’d intended to work from home. Got everyone dressed and out the door, got the first load of laundry in and my coffee poured. Opened Firefox…. Nothing. No Internet. I should have known, since Comcast cable was out this morning, too. Bother. I decided I’d better call to see what the deal was, and Comcast’s automated lady told me there was an outage in my neighborhood but technicians were working on it.
So I decided I’d go for a walk. Actually I wanted to do an aerobic workout On Demand but, whoops! No On Demand without cable! So, a walk it shall be. I had planned to do this anyway today. Got my shoes on and out the door… without my key. THAT made me say “Frak!” Luckily my neighbor has a key and I did have my cell phone with me, so I called him. Took my 20-minute walk. UP and DOWN the big hills in my neighborhood – my heart got pumping! Felt great. AND it was my favorite kind of morning – really cool, damp even, and cloudy. I call those kind “Walden mornings,” because the week when I first read Walden, the weather was like that and I loved to read it out on my balcony. And it seems to me the weather at Walden Pond must have been like that a lot, too.
Anyway, that’s all. I finished my walk, got my spare key from the neighbor, went in and got dressed. Oh, during the walk I found the 4 Comcast trucks in the neighborhood. “You guys have an ETA or should I go into the office today?” “Ummm…. I’d go in to the office.” “Okay, thanks.” Heh. Traffic wasn’t too bad since I didn’t leave until 9:00.
It was just… nice. A little gift.
Wednesday, May 28
Smell me
One thing that a long commute is good for, is radio listening. If you are not getting enough friendly DJ banter in your life, go out and find yourself a job located 35 miles from your home. You can thank me later for that tip.
Radio can also be good for blog fodder, like today on my radio station of choice, they were doing an interview with the woman who wrote this brand new book about perfume. What fun! This is a topic I've enjoyed once before, in fact; I wonder if it's an Obsession? Hardee har har har!
I don't buy a lot of perfume but I have had scents that were my hard and fast favorites at a particular moment in time, and everyone knows about the olfactory-memory connection. This morning they were talking about the scents of the '80s, which were much stronger than most other decades. I can think of several -- Lauren, by Ralph Lauren, Beautiful by Estee Lauder, Chanel No. 5 of course, Fendi, Elizabeth Taylor's Passion, and one of my personal favorites, Liz Claiborne in the triangle bottle. The boys wore Polo or Drakkar Noir.
Remembering Liz Claiborne made me remember high school, naturally, where my best friend and I and our circle of cheerleaders wore this bold combo: Aussie hairspray (grape!) + Liz perfume, plus a little Liz purse slung over our shoulders. (It had no scent but carried an AURA!)
Someone called in to mention Gingham, by Bath & Body Works. Yes! I wore that! And everyone had to try Exclamation when it came out. The one I really adored, but only bought once and have never found again, was called "Etages," and I think Limited Express made it. You know, the bastion of parfumerie excellence that they are.
Today I forgot to wear perfume. Yesterday I was wearing Island by Michael Kors, from a tiny sample I am saving. I'm having fun playing on this website. Too bad my brand-new computer doesn't come with scratch-n-sniff, though.
Radio can also be good for blog fodder, like today on my radio station of choice, they were doing an interview with the woman who wrote this brand new book about perfume. What fun! This is a topic I've enjoyed once before, in fact; I wonder if it's an Obsession? Hardee har har har!
I don't buy a lot of perfume but I have had scents that were my hard and fast favorites at a particular moment in time, and everyone knows about the olfactory-memory connection. This morning they were talking about the scents of the '80s, which were much stronger than most other decades. I can think of several -- Lauren, by Ralph Lauren, Beautiful by Estee Lauder, Chanel No. 5 of course, Fendi, Elizabeth Taylor's Passion, and one of my personal favorites, Liz Claiborne in the triangle bottle. The boys wore Polo or Drakkar Noir.
Remembering Liz Claiborne made me remember high school, naturally, where my best friend and I and our circle of cheerleaders wore this bold combo: Aussie hairspray (grape!) + Liz perfume, plus a little Liz purse slung over our shoulders. (It had no scent but carried an AURA!)
Someone called in to mention Gingham, by Bath & Body Works. Yes! I wore that! And everyone had to try Exclamation when it came out. The one I really adored, but only bought once and have never found again, was called "Etages," and I think Limited Express made it. You know, the bastion of parfumerie excellence that they are.
Today I forgot to wear perfume. Yesterday I was wearing Island by Michael Kors, from a tiny sample I am saving. I'm having fun playing on this website. Too bad my brand-new computer doesn't come with scratch-n-sniff, though.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)