I was out for the count this weekend. You know, Friday, how I felt all tired and helpless at the office? Well, Friday night I got home and performed the heroic feat of ordering a pizza for our dinner, then promptly put on my comfy pants after AJ went to bed, and curled up under the blanket as if it were 32 degrees in the house. (It wasn't.) My chest was heavy with that deep, rumbling cough, and although a bit of Tylenol helped me sleep, I woke up next morning feeling Crud-dy.
THANKS BE to my husband, who took AJ out for a doughnuts excursion so I could go back to bed 'til about 9:30. (AJ had asked me to take him outside at 7:30am, and as I sat on the floor velcro-ing shoes, I just nearly broke down with the thought of accommodating his innocent request. Hubby thought maybe it was time to relieve me. Heh. Yes.)
It's pretty hard to explain to a three-year-old that Mama doesn't feel well, by the way. They don't quite get it that MOVEMENT is uncomfortable.
Today I feel like I'm on the mend, but the coughing still lingers and sometimes makes my abdomen hurt, which is unpleasant. I'm sure Baby's fine and won't go to the doc unless this hangs on a few more days; I'm not miserable, and no other symptoms... just blah.
If you're looking for something nice and inspiring to read, look no further: Et-tu's Group Writing Project had loads of entries of things we think our parents did right. (And looky, I won the random prize drawing! Lucky me!) The exercise made me start my own list of Things I Really Want to be Part of Our Parenting Experience. Maybe I will work on it and post it later.
If you're looking for something absolutely TRAGIC to read, go here. This poor woman and her husband are dealing with something CRAZY involving their 12-week-old baby boy. Start at the end of September's archives to catch up. Wow. Pray for them.
Monday, October 15
Friday, October 12
....Zzzzzzzz...... *head hits desk*
I woke up every 2 hours last night with a cough and a serious headache.
(Oh, and the ever-present need to potty, don't forget that.)
PITY ME!
I am SO falling asleep at my desk right now.
*whimper*
(Oh, and the ever-present need to potty, don't forget that.)
PITY ME!
I am SO falling asleep at my desk right now.
*whimper*
Thursday, October 11
Three things my parents did right
It sure is good that other people have blog ideas; namely, Jen at Et, tu.. There's a group writing project and if I hurry, I might make today's deadline.
1. They did (and still do) "family" right. Our nuclear family is one of four: Mom, Dad, me, and my sister. But we never lacked for cousins, aunts, uncles, or grandparents around. We lived in the same town as my father's side of the family when I was a child, and of course no holiday was complete without at least one gathering. But more than that: we'd see each other at Sunday Mass, or at the country club afterwards. Or get together for dinner. Maybe part of it was living in a small town. My mother's parents lived 7 hours away by car, but that didn't stop us from having plenty of occasions to visit them. We made wonderful memories there, too. I even know many of my second and third cousins, and am fully aware of what "once-removed" means. My mom is the official genealogist of our extended family. She has binders and software and family trees that are inches thick, dating back to Adam, I think (at least that's the goal!). I think that her love of that hobby, her emphasis on knowing your roots, makes a big difference here. Not to discount my dad, though -- he and his brothers have one of the strongest family bonds, despite their very different personalities, that I've ever known. Family is, and will always be, of utmost importance to me.
2. They taught us with every moment. My sister and I were both readers from a very young age, and still are, thanks to my parents' reading to us. We even read aloud when we were old enough to read by ourselves -- James and the Giant Peach is one book that we enjoyed aloud as a family, every night after dinner for a week or so. We attended our parochial schools -- good schools -- but we were also taught at home. I remember once my Mom ordered a set of art history lessons when we were about 8 and 10. She hung up different prints around the house -- by the greats like Monet, Modigliani, Degas, Cassatt, and Van Gogh -- and we learned them and their styles. It was just something fun to do. There wasn't any pressure (and let me say we certainly had our share of playtime and TV-time, too; we weren't "schooling" the live-long day). Dad taught us about how things work, about finances when we got old enough, about "career" by taking us with him to the office or the farm, and about following your dreams. He was a rancher, then a business owner, then a commercial pilot, and we've always been inspired by his willingness to learn something new.
3. Discipline was never hard. Currently this accomplishment of my parents' baffles me, since I am in the throes of learning to discipline a young person and it's HARD. I don't have a clue how my parents solved the magic equation, but basically, all they had to do was look at us wrong, and we KNEW when we were in danger of getting in trouble. In fact, I don't remember very many punishments in my life. A few, "Go to your rooms," yes, and I know of one time in particular when I stayed out too late as a teenager and Dad waited up to let me know how he felt about it... but even then, harsh words weren't part of our family's practice. He looked disapprovingly at me, said something about following the rules, and that was that. (And I was properly MORTIFIED.) They must have just served their early discipline with the exact amount of love needed to make it stick. I respected them (and still do) without reservation. Edited to add: OK, I'm sure it wasn't always easy, but they made it LOOK easy, that's what I'm trying to say. They trusted that we would act right, and for the most part, we did, because we didn't want to disappoint them.
Gosh, I could name so many other things my parents did well! We traveled, we had meals together, they have such strong faith, their work ethic... I am a very lucky girl, indeed.
1. They did (and still do) "family" right. Our nuclear family is one of four: Mom, Dad, me, and my sister. But we never lacked for cousins, aunts, uncles, or grandparents around. We lived in the same town as my father's side of the family when I was a child, and of course no holiday was complete without at least one gathering. But more than that: we'd see each other at Sunday Mass, or at the country club afterwards. Or get together for dinner. Maybe part of it was living in a small town. My mother's parents lived 7 hours away by car, but that didn't stop us from having plenty of occasions to visit them. We made wonderful memories there, too. I even know many of my second and third cousins, and am fully aware of what "once-removed" means. My mom is the official genealogist of our extended family. She has binders and software and family trees that are inches thick, dating back to Adam, I think (at least that's the goal!). I think that her love of that hobby, her emphasis on knowing your roots, makes a big difference here. Not to discount my dad, though -- he and his brothers have one of the strongest family bonds, despite their very different personalities, that I've ever known. Family is, and will always be, of utmost importance to me.
2. They taught us with every moment. My sister and I were both readers from a very young age, and still are, thanks to my parents' reading to us. We even read aloud when we were old enough to read by ourselves -- James and the Giant Peach is one book that we enjoyed aloud as a family, every night after dinner for a week or so. We attended our parochial schools -- good schools -- but we were also taught at home. I remember once my Mom ordered a set of art history lessons when we were about 8 and 10. She hung up different prints around the house -- by the greats like Monet, Modigliani, Degas, Cassatt, and Van Gogh -- and we learned them and their styles. It was just something fun to do. There wasn't any pressure (and let me say we certainly had our share of playtime and TV-time, too; we weren't "schooling" the live-long day). Dad taught us about how things work, about finances when we got old enough, about "career" by taking us with him to the office or the farm, and about following your dreams. He was a rancher, then a business owner, then a commercial pilot, and we've always been inspired by his willingness to learn something new.
3. Discipline was never hard. Currently this accomplishment of my parents' baffles me, since I am in the throes of learning to discipline a young person and it's HARD. I don't have a clue how my parents solved the magic equation, but basically, all they had to do was look at us wrong, and we KNEW when we were in danger of getting in trouble. In fact, I don't remember very many punishments in my life. A few, "Go to your rooms," yes, and I know of one time in particular when I stayed out too late as a teenager and Dad waited up to let me know how he felt about it... but even then, harsh words weren't part of our family's practice. He looked disapprovingly at me, said something about following the rules, and that was that. (And I was properly MORTIFIED.) They must have just served their early discipline with the exact amount of love needed to make it stick. I respected them (and still do) without reservation. Edited to add: OK, I'm sure it wasn't always easy, but they made it LOOK easy, that's what I'm trying to say. They trusted that we would act right, and for the most part, we did, because we didn't want to disappoint them.
Gosh, I could name so many other things my parents did well! We traveled, we had meals together, they have such strong faith, their work ethic... I am a very lucky girl, indeed.
Wednesday, October 10
Little joys, little tests
The great thing about avoiding online shopping is that when you finally do order something, you're GIDDY with anticipation of its arrival. I got a tracking number in my email this morning and it has put me in a really good mood. :)
I needed a lift, after listening to my iPod on the way to work. It shuffled over to the Indigo Girls, and I was reminded that I think the song "Power of Two" is one of the loveliest love songs ever written. It made my cry thinking about my sweet husband, (pardon my sappiness) especially the refrain that says, "So we're okay... we're fine..." I think marriages, even really good ones, need that little reminder every day. We're okay. :)
And once again: Horomones! All the crying, geez!
Speaking of... We've had 2 evenings now of screaming, kicking tantrums right at 7:00pm, leading to AJ's least favorite phrase: "Straight To Bed. No Stories." Last night the issue was a very simple request that the little monkey wash his hands after a dessert popsicle. (And the subsequent hitting of his mama that occurred when he got mad at me for insisting on the hand-washing.) WTF, dude?? It's water and soap, big whoop-dee-doo. Don't hit me.
The night before, hmm. I can't quite remember the issue. Oh, and what do you do when you say, "AJ, you can scream but you have to do it in your own room." And shut his door.... but he opens it right back up and comes out??
Installing a lock seems the logical choice, but "locking your child in his room" surely goes against modern parenting wisdom, yes?
I have found that letting him BE MAD and rage for about 5 minutes, and then offering to sit in the rocking chair with him calms his ass down to snuffling, hiccuping levels. But the door thing... I'm sort-of at a loss.
I needed a lift, after listening to my iPod on the way to work. It shuffled over to the Indigo Girls, and I was reminded that I think the song "Power of Two" is one of the loveliest love songs ever written. It made my cry thinking about my sweet husband, (pardon my sappiness) especially the refrain that says, "So we're okay... we're fine..." I think marriages, even really good ones, need that little reminder every day. We're okay. :)
And once again: Horomones! All the crying, geez!
Speaking of... We've had 2 evenings now of screaming, kicking tantrums right at 7:00pm, leading to AJ's least favorite phrase: "Straight To Bed. No Stories." Last night the issue was a very simple request that the little monkey wash his hands after a dessert popsicle. (And the subsequent hitting of his mama that occurred when he got mad at me for insisting on the hand-washing.) WTF, dude?? It's water and soap, big whoop-dee-doo. Don't hit me.
The night before, hmm. I can't quite remember the issue. Oh, and what do you do when you say, "AJ, you can scream but you have to do it in your own room." And shut his door.... but he opens it right back up and comes out??
Installing a lock seems the logical choice, but "locking your child in his room" surely goes against modern parenting wisdom, yes?
I have found that letting him BE MAD and rage for about 5 minutes, and then offering to sit in the rocking chair with him calms his ass down to snuffling, hiccuping levels. But the door thing... I'm sort-of at a loss.
Monday, October 8
A kid-free, football-free Day in the life
Alternate title: Shopping
Over the weekend, I was given a glorious gift from my husband: On Sunday, he took AJ and drove across town to his fraternity brother's house to watch a football game. With driving time and extra for socializing, that was nearly 6 hours all to MYSELF. And I got teary-eyed (horomones) when I was thanking him, because, my goodness, all the things I hoped accomplish in 6 hours! Without spending five minutes at every stop buckling or unbuckling the car seat! I was pretty humbled by the idea of it and so, so grateful. I even promised him I'd "work," when I totally could have gotten away with bon-bons and a book. He's nice like that.
I got a lot done. Started at Babies R Us and wandered the aisles, looking for 1) a black turtleneck for our Mickey costume (CHECK), a plain white maternity tee (CHECK), pretty diaper bags, and ideas for crib sheets and bumpers and valances. Although I recommended GETTING the comforter to a first-time mom recently (because they're only young once, and yeah, they don't use it but YOU might, while you're nursing in the rocking chair in the middle of the night), I'm wanting to resist the $199+ 4-piece baby bedding sets. I just don't feel like I want to spend that much, and I certainly don't want someone else spending that on me. I'd like to find something in lavender and sage green, maybe toile and/or gingham sheets. A dust ruffle, a bumper, I don't ask much.*
After that I hit JoAnn Fabrics and found big, white Mickey-pants buttons, and some elastic for securing his ears. Score! Under $6.00.
Then to Ulta where I made up the difference in makeup brushes. Holy Lord, my face better look GOOD. $28.00 to put on some powder. Wow.
After all this girly time I was starting to feel tired, but still right on the schedule I'd made for myself. I headed to Publix on the way home, and spent less than usual on the week's groceries. Plus muffin-baking ingredients. Yum!
Put my feet up for 20 minutes and watched that stupid Ed Burns movie which I have never loved but somehow feel compelled to try again, every time it's on. Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz, so it has to be good, right? Wrong.
My name is Lee, I pressed on (HAR): 2 loads laundry! A bit of Big-Boy-Room prep taking down artwork and ... sob... throwing away several old purses that have collected in the bowels of that closet. Loose photos neatly placed in a photo storage box. Crappy old frames tossed. It was a day for productivity, my friends.
....And then it hit me. MY FEET ACHED. MY BACK ACHED. I was jittery. (Forgot to eat lunch.) Hello, duh, you are growing a human person, might wanna slow down with the heroic acts of STANDING UP so much. So I took a bath and slept like a rock.
Pretty amazing how you can wake up the next morning and all that hurt is all gone. (Thankfully!)
*Postlogue: Late last night I started shopping for baby bedding online and oh, my! You'd best just settle in with coffee, your reading glasses, and a MAP. Who knew the Baby Linens community was so massive? And I'm so timid about (opposed to, as a general rule) eBay. Aye-yi-yi.
Also shoppping for a sling/wrap. Fun! I think these are gorgeous. I want the red one, on sale, but it's not available in my size. Or, what I think is my size. There are so many variables that it's hard to do their handy equation.
Over the weekend, I was given a glorious gift from my husband: On Sunday, he took AJ and drove across town to his fraternity brother's house to watch a football game. With driving time and extra for socializing, that was nearly 6 hours all to MYSELF. And I got teary-eyed (horomones) when I was thanking him, because, my goodness, all the things I hoped accomplish in 6 hours! Without spending five minutes at every stop buckling or unbuckling the car seat! I was pretty humbled by the idea of it and so, so grateful. I even promised him I'd "work," when I totally could have gotten away with bon-bons and a book. He's nice like that.
I got a lot done. Started at Babies R Us and wandered the aisles, looking for 1) a black turtleneck for our Mickey costume (CHECK), a plain white maternity tee (CHECK), pretty diaper bags, and ideas for crib sheets and bumpers and valances. Although I recommended GETTING the comforter to a first-time mom recently (because they're only young once, and yeah, they don't use it but YOU might, while you're nursing in the rocking chair in the middle of the night), I'm wanting to resist the $199+ 4-piece baby bedding sets. I just don't feel like I want to spend that much, and I certainly don't want someone else spending that on me. I'd like to find something in lavender and sage green, maybe toile and/or gingham sheets. A dust ruffle, a bumper, I don't ask much.*
After that I hit JoAnn Fabrics and found big, white Mickey-pants buttons, and some elastic for securing his ears. Score! Under $6.00.
Then to Ulta where I made up the difference in makeup brushes. Holy Lord, my face better look GOOD. $28.00 to put on some powder. Wow.
After all this girly time I was starting to feel tired, but still right on the schedule I'd made for myself. I headed to Publix on the way home, and spent less than usual on the week's groceries. Plus muffin-baking ingredients. Yum!
Put my feet up for 20 minutes and watched that stupid Ed Burns movie which I have never loved but somehow feel compelled to try again, every time it's on. Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz, so it has to be good, right? Wrong.
My name is Lee, I pressed on (HAR): 2 loads laundry! A bit of Big-Boy-Room prep taking down artwork and ... sob... throwing away several old purses that have collected in the bowels of that closet. Loose photos neatly placed in a photo storage box. Crappy old frames tossed. It was a day for productivity, my friends.
....And then it hit me. MY FEET ACHED. MY BACK ACHED. I was jittery. (Forgot to eat lunch.) Hello, duh, you are growing a human person, might wanna slow down with the heroic acts of STANDING UP so much. So I took a bath and slept like a rock.
Pretty amazing how you can wake up the next morning and all that hurt is all gone. (Thankfully!)
*Postlogue: Late last night I started shopping for baby bedding online and oh, my! You'd best just settle in with coffee, your reading glasses, and a MAP. Who knew the Baby Linens community was so massive? And I'm so timid about (opposed to, as a general rule) eBay. Aye-yi-yi.
Also shoppping for a sling/wrap. Fun! I think these are gorgeous. I want the red one, on sale, but it's not available in my size. Or, what I think is my size. There are so many variables that it's hard to do their handy equation.
Thursday, October 4
Drawback, and other rambling (some Halloween!)
One tiny drawback to the whole, "one of each" thing -- my poor sister will have to say,
"My nephew and niece,"
which is so much more trouble than, "My nephews" or "My nieces." Oh well. Price she pays for getting to buy Strawberry Shortcake presents, I guess. You're welcome, Sis. :)
Hey, just peeking at that link makes me excited to go into my Dad's attic and see if MY old Strawberry Shortcake dolls are still there. These new ones look a little more... sleek than I remember. Yes? Where is Blueberry Muffin's cute little square-ish hat? Where is the fat baby Apple Dumplin'? She must have been downsized for lack of competitive muscle with the Bratz or something.
Also? My husband is severely rolling his eyes right now, thinking these dolls are going to be invading HIS HOUSE. Heh.
It felt so good to get really emotional yesterday about this baby. FINALLY! And by "really emotional" I mean, driving home with my little purchase, I kinda sobbed a little bit. With joy, you understand. :) And probably relief, because running around with a 3-year-old and trying to maintain the household hasn't allowed for that all-consuming "Oh my, I'm going to be a Mommy" vibe, or the accompanying connection that one feels to the little tadpole. I've wanted to connect, just... couldn't, really.
Maybe it could also be the recent kicking storm that has begun in my belly. :) Anyway, connection = good.
AJ took the news well. But when asked if he'd help hold his baby sister, he said, "No, I tired of holding that baby." Ha! The darndest things.
[Transition sentence here.] Mickey Mouse costume, anyone? Can't they do any better than this? I don't find it all that cute, but it's easier than me going in to Joann Fabrics with less than a single CLUE about what to do (or how to sew). AJ seems wholly uninterested in the easy costumes Target has to offer. Hmph, Halloween was easier when his opinion wasn't involved.
...I wonder how many of my blog posts mention the word Target in, say, a month?
I also heard that this year's pumpkin crop is lacking. My neighbor said that the 1st harvest (in stores now) was good. The 2nd harvest was flooded and the third suffered from drought, so if you want a "good" pumpkin, go NOW. Alarmist. But... still. They keep if you don't open 'em up 'til later, so I'm buying one tomorrow morning.
"My nephew and niece,"
which is so much more trouble than, "My nephews" or "My nieces." Oh well. Price she pays for getting to buy Strawberry Shortcake presents, I guess. You're welcome, Sis. :)
Hey, just peeking at that link makes me excited to go into my Dad's attic and see if MY old Strawberry Shortcake dolls are still there. These new ones look a little more... sleek than I remember. Yes? Where is Blueberry Muffin's cute little square-ish hat? Where is the fat baby Apple Dumplin'? She must have been downsized for lack of competitive muscle with the Bratz or something.
Also? My husband is severely rolling his eyes right now, thinking these dolls are going to be invading HIS HOUSE. Heh.
It felt so good to get really emotional yesterday about this baby. FINALLY! And by "really emotional" I mean, driving home with my little purchase, I kinda sobbed a little bit. With joy, you understand. :) And probably relief, because running around with a 3-year-old and trying to maintain the household hasn't allowed for that all-consuming "Oh my, I'm going to be a Mommy" vibe, or the accompanying connection that one feels to the little tadpole. I've wanted to connect, just... couldn't, really.
Maybe it could also be the recent kicking storm that has begun in my belly. :) Anyway, connection = good.
AJ took the news well. But when asked if he'd help hold his baby sister, he said, "No, I tired of holding that baby." Ha! The darndest things.
[Transition sentence here.] Mickey Mouse costume, anyone? Can't they do any better than this? I don't find it all that cute, but it's easier than me going in to Joann Fabrics with less than a single CLUE about what to do (or how to sew). AJ seems wholly uninterested in the easy costumes Target has to offer. Hmph, Halloween was easier when his opinion wasn't involved.
...I wonder how many of my blog posts mention the word Target in, say, a month?
I also heard that this year's pumpkin crop is lacking. My neighbor said that the 1st harvest (in stores now) was good. The 2nd harvest was flooded and the third suffered from drought, so if you want a "good" pumpkin, go NOW. Alarmist. But... still. They keep if you don't open 'em up 'til later, so I'm buying one tomorrow morning.
Getting to know her
Dear Baby Girl,
I hope you will like the little pink blankie I just bought you. I wanted you to have something special to cuddle. It has butterflies and a flower on it, and it's the same pink my "boppy" was. Oh, I called my blanket "Boppy" before there was a name brand to usurp my word, and there's your first indication that your Mom is brilliant: I coined a NAME BRAND. When I was a BABY. Anyway, I rushed right over to Target this morning after receiving more sweet photos of you and your undeniably girl-self. I couldn't wait to add something soft and flowery to the household, and to think of you while cruising the Carter's aisle. Just imagine how many years of shopping we can do together; I had to get started right away.
You are going to have plenty of hand-me-down clothes even though you have an older brother, because there is a thing called SECOND COUSINS, right here in Georgia. And God Bless the three of them, and their mother's truly excellent taste and tidy storage bins. But I wanted to be the first person to give you something of your very own to wear. That's why I also bought the lavender polka-dot onesie, size "NB," and I hope you'll get to wear it at least one time. :)
It seems like you really should be coming any time now, although I know you still have a lot of growing to do before you're ready to see us. So stay in there and stay cozy, we'll wait. Everyone is going to love you, and I really think you're going to change us all in good ways. For myself, I know I'll have to really lead by example as my Mom did, and teach you grace and inner beauty and goodness, if I can muster them up myself. I'm trying to teach those things to your big brother, of course, but it's different with girls, you know? I hope we'll be good friends long into my old age. It makes me teary just to think about that -- having someone to girl-talk with.
Your Daddy isn't going to know what hit him when you arrive, I think. I can't wait to see how he cradles and protects you, his precious little girl. I know that the confidence he's gained with three years of parenting under his belt will make him your strong rock, your Giving Tree. You're just going to love him, and I pray that he'll always be your number one. Here's a hint if you ever want something from him: One smile, one kiss, and I bet you'll send him straight over the moon.
AJ has been speculating that you're a girl; I'm excited to tell him tonight that he was right, and he's going to have a sister. He may jump up and dance at the good news; he's very happy about things like this lately. He is planning to teach you all kinds of things, like which Mother Goose poems are the best (The House that Jack Built, naturally) and how to make a Legos Zoo. And how to run really fast. You're so lucky that you'll have a big brother -- something every little girl without one dreams of, I think. He's great -- vibrant, smart, and even sensitive. I bet you'll be able to tell him anything. Be friends, okay? Even if he tells you to go away sometimes. Big kids just say that; they don't mean it.
I have a lot to do now to get ready for you. There are paint schemes to choose and new crib sheets to buy (I had a hard time resisting one of each pink item at Target), and I'm eager to get started now that we are starting to know you a little more.I love you, can't wait to meet you.
Mommy
(...You guys? POLKA DOTS.)
Tuesday, October 2
Highs and Lows
Our weekend, it seemed, was mostly a shitstorm of toddler attitude, followed by yesterday and these precious moments:
> We told AJ about the school's outdoor movie night this Friday, where we'll bring a picnic dinner and watch Happy Feet on a big inflatable screen on the playground field. He literally jumped for joy, saying things like "I'm so es-cited! It will be sooo fun!" He also came up to me, put his hands on my cheeks, and looked me in the eye to say, "Oh, thank-you guys! It so NICE of you to come to my school for a movie night."
> All the Friday movie talk put him in the Best. Mood. Ever. for dinner, and he talked and ate and was generally a pleasant person at the table, something we haven't seen since, oh, I dunno, he was 6 months old strapped in a highchair? Maybe I exaggerate. Anyway, he got to talking about his next birthday, and his NEXT, and THEN HIS NEXT BIRTHDAY!!... and got all the way to when he'd be TEN! And REALLY REALLY TALL! AND HE WILL TOUCH THE SKY BECAUSE HE WILL BE SO TALL! AND TEN! It was blowing his little mind, how gigantic he will be! Touching! The! Sky!
> "Who brought this Cherry Pie to our house??" he asked, when given the option for dessert. Mama did! I got it at the store. "You DID??? Wow, I LUHHHV PIE!" He tasted it and the perfect sourness of those big fat cherries made his eyes twitch just a little, before he laughed, kind-of startled at how good it tasted. Yum, PIE! And then ten seconds and half a bite later, decided he "doedn't really like this." And hopped down from the table.
I swear, Mother Goose was right about the little girl with the curl, and should have included a verse about a boy, too!
But I definitely want to remember and revel in the extraordinarily good times.
> We told AJ about the school's outdoor movie night this Friday, where we'll bring a picnic dinner and watch Happy Feet on a big inflatable screen on the playground field. He literally jumped for joy, saying things like "I'm so es-cited! It will be sooo fun!" He also came up to me, put his hands on my cheeks, and looked me in the eye to say, "Oh, thank-you guys! It so NICE of you to come to my school for a movie night."
> All the Friday movie talk put him in the Best. Mood. Ever. for dinner, and he talked and ate and was generally a pleasant person at the table, something we haven't seen since, oh, I dunno, he was 6 months old strapped in a highchair? Maybe I exaggerate. Anyway, he got to talking about his next birthday, and his NEXT, and THEN HIS NEXT BIRTHDAY!!... and got all the way to when he'd be TEN! And REALLY REALLY TALL! AND HE WILL TOUCH THE SKY BECAUSE HE WILL BE SO TALL! AND TEN! It was blowing his little mind, how gigantic he will be! Touching! The! Sky!
> "Who brought this Cherry Pie to our house??" he asked, when given the option for dessert. Mama did! I got it at the store. "You DID??? Wow, I LUHHHV PIE!" He tasted it and the perfect sourness of those big fat cherries made his eyes twitch just a little, before he laughed, kind-of startled at how good it tasted. Yum, PIE! And then ten seconds and half a bite later, decided he "doedn't really like this." And hopped down from the table.
I swear, Mother Goose was right about the little girl with the curl, and should have included a verse about a boy, too!
But I definitely want to remember and revel in the extraordinarily good times.
Monday, October 1
Stimulant!
I noticed this morning while contemplating my 2nd glorious cup of decaf with warm milk... that it wasn't decaf. BUMMER -- I mistakenly bought Seattle's Best Regular yesterday, so excited I was that it was on sale for $5.99. Not that a cup or 2 of real caffeine is going to hurt anything but I have been trying to avoid it. What's interesting is the immediate effect of being "off" caffeine -- the reason I knew it wasn't decaf was my heart beating so loudly as I sat here. You'd think I just sprinted upstairs and carried the laundry basket down.
BUT I HAVEN'T. Heh. (Perhaps I should.)
More later.
BUT I HAVEN'T. Heh. (Perhaps I should.)
More later.
Thursday, September 27
The Middle Name meme
Ms. 4andcounting tagged me for this challenging little meme.
The rules:
1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players - You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don't have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3.At the end of your post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.
A -- I have Attitude. Usually it's a fairly good attitude, que sera sera and all, but *sometimes* it's the capital-A Attitude that your mother used to really dislike (and my mother).
N -- I really like Novels. I have tried to read non-fiction but it usually leaves me feeling very blah. I need a good story arc. Maybe a plot twist. Depth of character. Symbolism. And for me, that usually comes in long fiction (not short stories so much, either).
N -- Nutter butters. What can I say? I like Nutter Butters! My childhood friend, Nikki, used to bring them in her lunch a lot and I was so glad when she shared. I Never buy them myself, though (Nutritional value woes). [I was going to use "Naive" here, but that's so boring.]
E -- I attended Emory University. (You wouldn't believe how many E-words I scanned through and considered before settling on this Easy fact! Eavesdrop, Earrings, Exegesis, Editorial...Etc!)
Now, I think the tagging is going to be harder than the meme itself! So here I go: Amy, whom I haven't visited in Ages, Nancy Bond from Nova Scotia, Nancy S. Brandt (hi, Nancy, remember me? I'm sure glad your name is Nancy!), and Ellinetha.
The rules:
1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players - You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don't have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3.At the end of your post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.
A -- I have Attitude. Usually it's a fairly good attitude, que sera sera and all, but *sometimes* it's the capital-A Attitude that your mother used to really dislike (and my mother).
N -- I really like Novels. I have tried to read non-fiction but it usually leaves me feeling very blah. I need a good story arc. Maybe a plot twist. Depth of character. Symbolism. And for me, that usually comes in long fiction (not short stories so much, either).
N -- Nutter butters. What can I say? I like Nutter Butters! My childhood friend, Nikki, used to bring them in her lunch a lot and I was so glad when she shared. I Never buy them myself, though (Nutritional value woes). [I was going to use "Naive" here, but that's so boring.]
E -- I attended Emory University. (You wouldn't believe how many E-words I scanned through and considered before settling on this Easy fact! Eavesdrop, Earrings, Exegesis, Editorial...Etc!)
Now, I think the tagging is going to be harder than the meme itself! So here I go: Amy, whom I haven't visited in Ages, Nancy Bond from Nova Scotia, Nancy S. Brandt (hi, Nancy, remember me? I'm sure glad your name is Nancy!), and Ellinetha.
Tuesday, September 25
Trying on some new phrases
I just published an article at WorkIt,Mom!, a site I read daily and very much enjoy. I have intended to publish regularly there -- any member can -- but have been devoid of any useful ideas. Until yesterday. And when the Muse appears, you have to put off your actual work to get it done use your time extra-wisely and pay heed to her.
Enjoy: Here's the goods. Ignore the big fat typo in paragraph 2. Argh. Very embarrassing that I can't get back in there and edit it out. Oh well.
------------------------
AJ has also been trying out new words lately, seeing what kind of reaction they'll produce. Such as:
Scene 1
Me: AJ, time to pick up those blocks and put them away.
AJ: I don't weally CARE about doing dat. I don't weally care 'bout it.
Scene 2
Me & Hubby: (talking amongst ourselves in the cereal aisle)
AJ: GUYS. Hey. Mama. (stomping off) I'm TIRED of dis!
Where did he learn these grown-up expressions? *looks around innocently* No, seriously, I am sure I don't say, "I don't care about that." Certain.
Enjoy: Here's the goods. Ignore the big fat typo in paragraph 2. Argh. Very embarrassing that I can't get back in there and edit it out. Oh well.
------------------------
AJ has also been trying out new words lately, seeing what kind of reaction they'll produce. Such as:
Scene 1
Me: AJ, time to pick up those blocks and put them away.
AJ: I don't weally CARE about doing dat. I don't weally care 'bout it.
Scene 2
Me & Hubby: (talking amongst ourselves in the cereal aisle)
AJ: GUYS. Hey. Mama. (stomping off) I'm TIRED of dis!
Where did he learn these grown-up expressions? *looks around innocently* No, seriously, I am sure I don't say, "I don't care about that." Certain.
Questions for you, gentle reader
Thursday is my mom's birthday. Yesterday was my college roommate's birthday. Tomorrow is my best-theater-friend's birthday (from back in my theater days).
Throughout my life, many of the women I've been closest to (save these two) have been Libras, and although I don't put much stock into astrology, I find that interesting.
So I wanted to ask my blog pals -- are any of you Libras? Because I think that would also be interesting.
I happen to be a Gemini, if that means anything to you. :)
-------------
I am wearing Bare Minerals makeup today. What can I say, LAURA INGALLS wears it, and if she isn't fresh-faced and PURE, I don't know what is. I actually really like the stuff. (Pregnancy hormones have been unfriendly to my face so I'm hoping this light-as-a-feather foundation will help.) I am super-lucky because my Libra mom had bought a lot of it several months ago, but decided it wasn't right for her... so this weekend she GAVE it all to me. Score! My sister, thanks to her husband, had a revelation a year or two ago, that she deserved to wear expensive makeup, darnit, not drugstore brands that cost less than $4, just for the sake of costing less. And I agree. I am WORTH the (Mom's) cash it takes to buy quality products. ;)
Question, though, for anyone who uses it -- what's the diff between 'face color' and 'blush?' Is one supposed to be bronzer? I may have to go into Ulta for a demo, although I'll feel funny about that when I say, "Thank you very much for your help, and no I don't need to buy a single thing today." Seriously, Mom hooked me up with PLENTY.
Ooh, maybe I can find a tutorial on YouTube. Gotta love the Internet!
-------------
I asked MB this yesterday in her 5-question interview, and I thought it'd be fun for all of us to share ideas: What is one meal you will prepare this week? I want to know everything, down to the side items, drinks and condiments. You don't have to write the whole recipe, but if it sounds good I might ask you for it! I'll start:
Last night our dinner was a quickie: homemade pizza (pepperoni and mozarella, plus a little sprinkle of cheddar for the sharpness), garden salad (cucumber, bagged mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and Newman's Garlic-Parm dressing). AJ had an ice-cream sandwich because he ate his ENTIRE slice, which is a rarity. Hubby and I drank tea and water, respectively, and AJ drank chocolate milk. Oh, and I made the pizza dough in the bread machine. Not very gourmet, but very satisfying and E-Z!
Now you.
Speaking of the breadmaker, I got to thinking about baking my own bread for sandwiches. To save us a whole $.49 every week, don'tcha know. If any of you smart, savvy cooks out there have a good sandwich bread recipe, white or wheat, feel free to share. I'm sure the breadmaker cookbook has one, but I thought it'd be more fun to hear yours.
Throughout my life, many of the women I've been closest to (save these two) have been Libras, and although I don't put much stock into astrology, I find that interesting.
So I wanted to ask my blog pals -- are any of you Libras? Because I think that would also be interesting.
I happen to be a Gemini, if that means anything to you. :)
-------------
I am wearing Bare Minerals makeup today. What can I say, LAURA INGALLS wears it, and if she isn't fresh-faced and PURE, I don't know what is. I actually really like the stuff. (Pregnancy hormones have been unfriendly to my face so I'm hoping this light-as-a-feather foundation will help.) I am super-lucky because my Libra mom had bought a lot of it several months ago, but decided it wasn't right for her... so this weekend she GAVE it all to me. Score! My sister, thanks to her husband, had a revelation a year or two ago, that she deserved to wear expensive makeup, darnit, not drugstore brands that cost less than $4, just for the sake of costing less. And I agree. I am WORTH the (Mom's) cash it takes to buy quality products. ;)
Question, though, for anyone who uses it -- what's the diff between 'face color' and 'blush?' Is one supposed to be bronzer? I may have to go into Ulta for a demo, although I'll feel funny about that when I say, "Thank you very much for your help, and no I don't need to buy a single thing today." Seriously, Mom hooked me up with PLENTY.
Ooh, maybe I can find a tutorial on YouTube. Gotta love the Internet!
-------------
I asked MB this yesterday in her 5-question interview, and I thought it'd be fun for all of us to share ideas: What is one meal you will prepare this week? I want to know everything, down to the side items, drinks and condiments. You don't have to write the whole recipe, but if it sounds good I might ask you for it! I'll start:
Last night our dinner was a quickie: homemade pizza (pepperoni and mozarella, plus a little sprinkle of cheddar for the sharpness), garden salad (cucumber, bagged mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and Newman's Garlic-Parm dressing). AJ had an ice-cream sandwich because he ate his ENTIRE slice, which is a rarity. Hubby and I drank tea and water, respectively, and AJ drank chocolate milk. Oh, and I made the pizza dough in the bread machine. Not very gourmet, but very satisfying and E-Z!
Now you.
Speaking of the breadmaker, I got to thinking about baking my own bread for sandwiches. To save us a whole $.49 every week, don'tcha know. If any of you smart, savvy cooks out there have a good sandwich bread recipe, white or wheat, feel free to share. I'm sure the breadmaker cookbook has one, but I thought it'd be more fun to hear yours.
Monday, September 24
Just what I needed
Blueberry pancakes and coffee.
That was this morning. What I also needed was a weekend away from our routine, and I got just that. We returned home yesterday afternoon after being at my parents' house for... let's see... approximately 35 hours. It was well worth it. Maybe the down-time of zoning out in the car was good for my brain. Maybe the change of scenery was good for my eyes. Maybe the good food was beneficial to my tummy! Maybe the retail therapy at the mall of my youth was comfort to my... um, soul. ;) Undoubtedly the extra love and kisses all around were good for my -- and AJ's -- mood. We got to see some cousins and aunts and uncles, too, and that was a good time. It's never long enough.
Last night before falling asleep, and I'm not making this up, AJ said, "Mommy? I wish I could see Grandmommy and Papa Joe EVERY DAY." Me too, bud. Me too.
That was this morning. What I also needed was a weekend away from our routine, and I got just that. We returned home yesterday afternoon after being at my parents' house for... let's see... approximately 35 hours. It was well worth it. Maybe the down-time of zoning out in the car was good for my brain. Maybe the change of scenery was good for my eyes. Maybe the good food was beneficial to my tummy! Maybe the retail therapy at the mall of my youth was comfort to my... um, soul. ;) Undoubtedly the extra love and kisses all around were good for my -- and AJ's -- mood. We got to see some cousins and aunts and uncles, too, and that was a good time. It's never long enough.
Last night before falling asleep, and I'm not making this up, AJ said, "Mommy? I wish I could see Grandmommy and Papa Joe EVERY DAY." Me too, bud. Me too.
Friday, September 21
Failed
If you were a good student in school like I was, the random fluke physics tests on which you did poorly felt like a huge gash in the smooth surface of your shiny new car.
They felt like a giant failure. And you might be disappointed all day because of that one grade. Unnecessary, really, because nobody's perfect.
Well, today I failed something. Maybe it's my particular kid, or maybe it's symptomatic of age three and a global thing, but there are times when.... well. I just feel so bereft about this morning that I don't even know what to say about it. The daily rush to get out the door, you know? Never a good place to begin with, but AJ picked something up -- a dinner tray from his booster seat -- and dropped it carelessly right in front of the door through which we were all trying to get out.
And then refused to pick it back up and put it away.
Such a minor thing, but his refusal was not minor to me. He's doing this a lot lately. I think I was calm about asking him the first, maybe even the 2nd time. But not the fourth or fifth. I swear, he looks up at me so CALMLY, and quietly says, "No." It's not like HIS emotions escalate when things like this happen, he simply doesn't feel like it. Then he sort-of whines no. And today I just lost it.
WHY CAN'T YOU LISTEN TO MOMMY AND DADDY? YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ME, DO YOU? ONE... TWO....(I *WILL* SPANK YOUR BOTTOM...) AJ, you've GOT TO DO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD. OKAY, THREE.
And I've been resorting to threats and stupid discipline much too often lately. I believe that sometimes defiant kids NEED a swat on the butt, I really do. But I don't like doing it. Still, I have had this argument so many times now I just cut to that easiest, seemingly fastest solution, even though it's not a good one. I forget all those love & logic words about, "You can choose to pick up the tray, or you can choose not to, and (here is the consequence)..." Which doesn't even work since I have to delay it 'til after school in today's case, when he's completely forgotten the whole scene anyway. And why I won't take time for a Time Out, and just BE LATE to school and my job for once, I don't know. Punctuality is so meaningless. What am I thinking? The worst failure, after the swat on the butt and after he said NO to me again, and backed away knowing his butt was in more danger (breaking my heart for the recklessness of spanking at all)... the worst failure was this: "AJ, I AM SO MAD AT YOU!"
He covered his face with his hands and only then started to cry.
It makes me cry now, just typing it, even after moving on to talk about the stop signs and the sunshine -- happily -- before drop-off, knowing he was fine again, and even after a whole hour's commute to get over it myself.
Oh, I also yelled at my husband about it, did I mention that?
I feel like I've fractured our entire family this morning, instead of shepherding us through, and *I* feel the effects of it so acutely, I'm just a mess. I know I need to forgive myself and just try to do better next time. Nobody's perfect. But, oh. This red-hot gash is one I just don't know how to buff out.
They felt like a giant failure. And you might be disappointed all day because of that one grade. Unnecessary, really, because nobody's perfect.
Well, today I failed something. Maybe it's my particular kid, or maybe it's symptomatic of age three and a global thing, but there are times when.... well. I just feel so bereft about this morning that I don't even know what to say about it. The daily rush to get out the door, you know? Never a good place to begin with, but AJ picked something up -- a dinner tray from his booster seat -- and dropped it carelessly right in front of the door through which we were all trying to get out.
And then refused to pick it back up and put it away.
Such a minor thing, but his refusal was not minor to me. He's doing this a lot lately. I think I was calm about asking him the first, maybe even the 2nd time. But not the fourth or fifth. I swear, he looks up at me so CALMLY, and quietly says, "No." It's not like HIS emotions escalate when things like this happen, he simply doesn't feel like it. Then he sort-of whines no. And today I just lost it.
WHY CAN'T YOU LISTEN TO MOMMY AND DADDY? YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ME, DO YOU? ONE... TWO....(I *WILL* SPANK YOUR BOTTOM...) AJ, you've GOT TO DO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD. OKAY, THREE.
And I've been resorting to threats and stupid discipline much too often lately. I believe that sometimes defiant kids NEED a swat on the butt, I really do. But I don't like doing it. Still, I have had this argument so many times now I just cut to that easiest, seemingly fastest solution, even though it's not a good one. I forget all those love & logic words about, "You can choose to pick up the tray, or you can choose not to, and (here is the consequence)..." Which doesn't even work since I have to delay it 'til after school in today's case, when he's completely forgotten the whole scene anyway. And why I won't take time for a Time Out, and just BE LATE to school and my job for once, I don't know. Punctuality is so meaningless. What am I thinking? The worst failure, after the swat on the butt and after he said NO to me again, and backed away knowing his butt was in more danger (breaking my heart for the recklessness of spanking at all)... the worst failure was this: "AJ, I AM SO MAD AT YOU!"
He covered his face with his hands and only then started to cry.
It makes me cry now, just typing it, even after moving on to talk about the stop signs and the sunshine -- happily -- before drop-off, knowing he was fine again, and even after a whole hour's commute to get over it myself.
Oh, I also yelled at my husband about it, did I mention that?
I feel like I've fractured our entire family this morning, instead of shepherding us through, and *I* feel the effects of it so acutely, I'm just a mess. I know I need to forgive myself and just try to do better next time. Nobody's perfect. But, oh. This red-hot gash is one I just don't know how to buff out.
Wednesday, September 19
Let's hope I do better than Miss Teen South Carolina
It's Interview Time! I willfully signed up for a hard-hitting interview by one of my newest blog-pals, typelittlea. She seems quite cool. I'm grateful to her for offering because y'all? I'm frrrresh! out of ideas, zapped of all creativity.
So here are the rules: Leave me a comment (you, yes you) saying “Interview me.” I will respond by emailing you or leaving a comment with five questions. I get to pick the questions. If you don’t have a valid email address on your blog, please provide one. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Here are typelittlea's questions to me.
1. What did you want to be when you grew up? How close/far is it from what you're doing now? Heh. I WIN! When I was little, I usually said I wanted to be a "Mommy." I am a sparkling career success, then! However, I also wanted to be a teacher most days -- in fact, I subjected my sister to a kafrillion games of "School," where *I* was the teacher because it was *my* chalkboard to begin with and also, I was older and obviously smarter. In my working-life, I am nowhere near a teacher. I sometimes email college professors, though.
2. What kind of eater are you? Are you picky? Or are you all, pan-fried songbird in a chocolate-asprin sauce, yum just like mom used to make! NOT PICKY!! Hear that, AJ? NOT PICKY. Picky eaters kinda get on my nerves, actually. (It is therefore very difficult having a toddler.) I, myself, am willing to try a variety of *normal* things, ethnic things, etc., but you won't catch me dead eating Fear Factor delicacies or some of Anthony Bourdain's crazy feasts. I will say this, I like food to taste good. And tofu isn't my favorite. Pretty basic criteria.
3. If you had a substantial amount of money to give away, where would you give and why? Give it away?? Wah-huh? No, I kid, really. I suppose first I would (finally) contribute to my parish's capital plan -- they're building new buildings, updating the school, etc. -- to be sure my son gets into Kindergarten! Eek. Got to work on that. Right after we fix the car and replace the upstairs air conditioner and have some trees removed from the backyard. And THEN, after that, I'd probably give some to the Delta Gamma Foundation (my college sorority which helps lots of causes, most notably sight conservation & aid to the blind), the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (near & dear to my heart), St. Jude's (because kids just shouldn't have to be that sick, they break my heart), and the Special Olympics (added to my list quite recently - in fact, I'm wanting to volunteer with them someday).
It's really, really hard to choose just one charity, by the way.
4. Do you have any sore spots that you don't laugh at/make fun of? I have never been obese myself, but I really hate when movies, comedians, or TV shows make fun of fat people. Really. Hate.
5. Do you drive like an asshole? If yes, please NEVER come to NJ. My blood pressure is high enough. KTHKSBYE Whooboy. I was thinking about this just the other day because as I was driving through midtown Atlanta on the interstate, in difficult traffic, I realized I can be fairly aggressive on the road. I definitely follow too closely. I don't consider myself an asshole namely because I try to avoid talking on the cell while cutting you off, and I don't zip around you at 85mph like a teenage boy in a pimped-up Civic (hate those guys). I really try to be careful. But if you are from Po-Dunk County USA, you probably think I drive like an asshole. I've definitely been citified.
Great questions, man! So sign up and I'll interview you! And the US Americans, who... the Iraq and everywhere like such as...
(I actually played this little interview game once before.)
So here are the rules: Leave me a comment (you, yes you) saying “Interview me.” I will respond by emailing you or leaving a comment with five questions. I get to pick the questions. If you don’t have a valid email address on your blog, please provide one. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Here are typelittlea's questions to me.
1. What did you want to be when you grew up? How close/far is it from what you're doing now? Heh. I WIN! When I was little, I usually said I wanted to be a "Mommy." I am a sparkling career success, then! However, I also wanted to be a teacher most days -- in fact, I subjected my sister to a kafrillion games of "School," where *I* was the teacher because it was *my* chalkboard to begin with and also, I was older and obviously smarter. In my working-life, I am nowhere near a teacher. I sometimes email college professors, though.
2. What kind of eater are you? Are you picky? Or are you all, pan-fried songbird in a chocolate-asprin sauce, yum just like mom used to make! NOT PICKY!! Hear that, AJ? NOT PICKY. Picky eaters kinda get on my nerves, actually. (It is therefore very difficult having a toddler.) I, myself, am willing to try a variety of *normal* things, ethnic things, etc., but you won't catch me dead eating Fear Factor delicacies or some of Anthony Bourdain's crazy feasts. I will say this, I like food to taste good. And tofu isn't my favorite. Pretty basic criteria.
3. If you had a substantial amount of money to give away, where would you give and why? Give it away?? Wah-huh? No, I kid, really. I suppose first I would (finally) contribute to my parish's capital plan -- they're building new buildings, updating the school, etc. -- to be sure my son gets into Kindergarten! Eek. Got to work on that. Right after we fix the car and replace the upstairs air conditioner and have some trees removed from the backyard. And THEN, after that, I'd probably give some to the Delta Gamma Foundation (my college sorority which helps lots of causes, most notably sight conservation & aid to the blind), the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (near & dear to my heart), St. Jude's (because kids just shouldn't have to be that sick, they break my heart), and the Special Olympics (added to my list quite recently - in fact, I'm wanting to volunteer with them someday).
It's really, really hard to choose just one charity, by the way.
4. Do you have any sore spots that you don't laugh at/make fun of? I have never been obese myself, but I really hate when movies, comedians, or TV shows make fun of fat people. Really. Hate.
5. Do you drive like an asshole? If yes, please NEVER come to NJ. My blood pressure is high enough. KTHKSBYE Whooboy. I was thinking about this just the other day because as I was driving through midtown Atlanta on the interstate, in difficult traffic, I realized I can be fairly aggressive on the road. I definitely follow too closely. I don't consider myself an asshole namely because I try to avoid talking on the cell while cutting you off, and I don't zip around you at 85mph like a teenage boy in a pimped-up Civic (hate those guys). I really try to be careful. But if you are from Po-Dunk County USA, you probably think I drive like an asshole. I've definitely been citified.
Great questions, man! So sign up and I'll interview you! And the US Americans, who... the Iraq and everywhere like such as...
(I actually played this little interview game once before.)
Brain dump of nothing much
I just don't have anything much to say today... so like a good little blogger, I am going to ....POST ANYWAY. Lucky for you. Let's see:
-- Yesterday I had one of those days at work where I couldn't have cared less about what I do for a living. I actually hoped that we won't get a few jobs that are out on proposal, just because I don't want to be the one to have to DEAL with them. This is, quite fundamentally, a poor business attitude. (I told a coworker last week that I need a nametag that says "Bad Attitude." Just to warn everyone.) Y'see, I'd spent the evening before with a nurse, an occupational therapist, and a mom who takes in 2 peoples' kids a couple days a week, and was thinking, now those are jobs that actually mean something AND bring a paycheck. Novel concept. Am continuing to mull this over with regards to my life, but likely won't change anything because I never do. If I weren't pregnant, this recurring mood would be blamed on PMS. Bleh.
-- We are going to Florida this weekend to visit my parents. It's going to be SUCH a short trip -- a tiring after-work ride down on Friday night (5 hours, but we gain an hour going from Eastern to Central, woo hoo), a full Saturday of shopping, swimming, and watching AJ bounce around his grandparents' house, a fun! new! venue! for exploring!, and then a quick Sunday morning and right back into the car... but still, in my mind, so worth it. I wonder if it's the maternal/pregnancy thing making me want to see my mommy and daddy. :) DH is a trooper for indulging me in this, not that he doesn't like going down there, but it's a bit of a hassle.
-- Speaking of the hero that is my Dear Husband: Last night as I was putting 2 frozen chicken breasts in the microwave to thaw, he said, "Oh, is that what's for dinner? Because I was thinking we could... maybe... go out. To break up the Monotony of the week." Isn't he great? :)
-- Yesterday I had one of those days at work where I couldn't have cared less about what I do for a living. I actually hoped that we won't get a few jobs that are out on proposal, just because I don't want to be the one to have to DEAL with them. This is, quite fundamentally, a poor business attitude. (I told a coworker last week that I need a nametag that says "Bad Attitude." Just to warn everyone.) Y'see, I'd spent the evening before with a nurse, an occupational therapist, and a mom who takes in 2 peoples' kids a couple days a week, and was thinking, now those are jobs that actually mean something AND bring a paycheck. Novel concept. Am continuing to mull this over with regards to my life, but likely won't change anything because I never do. If I weren't pregnant, this recurring mood would be blamed on PMS. Bleh.
-- We are going to Florida this weekend to visit my parents. It's going to be SUCH a short trip -- a tiring after-work ride down on Friday night (5 hours, but we gain an hour going from Eastern to Central, woo hoo), a full Saturday of shopping, swimming, and watching AJ bounce around his grandparents' house, a fun! new! venue! for exploring!, and then a quick Sunday morning and right back into the car... but still, in my mind, so worth it. I wonder if it's the maternal/pregnancy thing making me want to see my mommy and daddy. :) DH is a trooper for indulging me in this, not that he doesn't like going down there, but it's a bit of a hassle.
-- Speaking of the hero that is my Dear Husband: Last night as I was putting 2 frozen chicken breasts in the microwave to thaw, he said, "Oh, is that what's for dinner? Because I was thinking we could... maybe... go out. To break up the Monotony of the week." Isn't he great? :)
Monday, September 17
Knowing what's ahead
Friday afternoon I got all melancholy, anticipating our predictable nightly routine: eat dinner, bathe AJ, stories, bed, CRASH on the couch while Hubby plays Xbox. I made my feelings visible while I was cooking, enough that Hubby asked me a couple of times what was wrong. And instead of being a baby like usual and sighing, "Nothing," I went ahead and told him. It was probably horomone-related since I do seem to be having a surge of those going on (see: my blemish-ridden forehead), but I laid it out for him and told him I was just bored with the mediocrity. PitymebutnotyourfaultbutI'mboredwithlifeandsadaboutit.
And then what did I do right after putting AJ to bed? FELL ASLEEP ON THE COUCH, anyway. At 9:00 like a big doofus. My sweet DH came over to me during a brief wakeful moment, and we laughed and rolled our eyes at me. And then he leaned in close and whispered,
"Enjoy it now... in six months you'll be WISHING for this."
And, oh, we sighed and laughed again at the monumental truth of that statement.
And then what did I do right after putting AJ to bed? FELL ASLEEP ON THE COUCH, anyway. At 9:00 like a big doofus. My sweet DH came over to me during a brief wakeful moment, and we laughed and rolled our eyes at me. And then he leaned in close and whispered,
"Enjoy it now... in six months you'll be WISHING for this."
And, oh, we sighed and laughed again at the monumental truth of that statement.
Thursday, September 13
Updates: a Thursday 13 list
It's been forever since I've done a Thursday Thirteen. Thought I'd take this opportunity to jot down a few updates for you.
I still have not received results of my second AFP test, if you can believe that. I'm choosing to remain positive about this and say "No News is Good News."update to this update! 12:45 pm: NORMAL. Normalnormalnormal. Sigh of relief, and thank you Mom, for all your prayers and petitions. :)- AJ has not had a Time Out in daycare for a week or more. However! Yesterday his teacher told me they'd had a little "issue" on the playground. I'm so embarrassed... evidently MY kid was the kid pulling down his pants and showing off his privates. ::kill me dead, seriously:: I realized later that I had dressed him in pants that are actually too big (STUPID me! I should have taken those out of his drawer months ago because usually when I put them on him, I take them right backoff in favor of clothes that FIT). The pants were falling down as he ran around outside. I don't even blame him for wanting them off, because how annoying! But still. I didn't punish him because it was really my fault, but we had a little Talk about keeping our privates to ourselves. !!
- I ordered a maternity dress in black, for my brother-in-law's wedding. It will hopefully look much more acceptable than the Demi Moore bridesmatron belly exposé.
- DH has informed me he does not like the name Justin! So that one's out. I'm okay with it.
- I made another batch of mint-chocolate-chip cookies and this time, I'm keeping them all for myself. (Last time, I shared them with the coworkers.)
- Some friends of ours got divorced in April. Last Friday, we had the guy friend over for dinner and he is doing great. In fact, he went on his first little date Saturday and reported that it went well. We are quite happy for him, as he seems to really have found himself in this whole process. Still, it's odd.
- Remember when I started displaying the Small Change banner? Yeah. Um. I have not done so well in giving to my fellow man. I think it 8 months, I've done.... 4 of the monthly challenges. I sent greeting cards to some sick kids; had a yard sale; gave money to my church; and sent a donation to St. Jude's, I think. This month, the challenge is to pay it forward -- just do something nice for a stranger. Pretty cool! I am going to try it somehow. Especially if it means I get to go to the Starbucks drive-thru. (wink)
- I've never mentioned this before so it's not really an update, but marybeth and I were discussing a girly getaway weekend for the 2 of us. I TOTALLY want to do this now. We need to do it STAT, before I'm too fat to see my feet (and our pretty pedicures that we're totally getting).
- The Georgia heat has finally dissipated, I think, and signs of fall are beginning to show. In the mornings, it's nice and cool out. One of the things AJ does, that he came up with all by himself, is to greet the trees before he goes to daycare. We go out to load up the car, and he steps onto the driveway (this morning he said, "It's lovely out-hide!") and shouts, "Goo-Moaning, Tweeeees!"
- On the topic of our new parental friends from daycare... the school has scheduled a Movie Night in October. On a Friday night, they're renting a big inflatable screen and a popcorn machine, and inviting families to bring dinner and chairs and blankets, and meet on the playground for a screening of "Happy Feet." I think it's going to be awesome, and is a fantastic idea! I can't wait to see what family we will sit next to on the lawn. :)
- On the topic of updates... my sis has not updated her blog in a while. What's with that? ;)
- I'm not getting much movement from the baby. Teensy little gas bubbles but nothing I can discern as real "kicks" yet. AJ is still leaning into my tummy and saying Hi every night, which is cute. He said yesterday he wants a sister, which is opposite of his usual request.
- I'm getting my hair cut on Saturday which will be the most needed update of all! Hooray!
Wednesday, September 12
My decorating idea
Had a Brain Flash last night about possible decor for AJ's big-boy room! Am excited but need opinions.
Also, we're going to Disney world in November, so I canstock up on fun stuff maybe afford one or two items!
Whaddya think?
- Red or black comforter
- Black tab-top valances, replace the default buttons with (or add) large yellow 4-hole buttons
- Cut out and frame a couple of DH's old Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck comic book pages, recently acquired from my in-laws' attic, with wide black mats in red frames
- Paint a Mickey ears silhouette about 4 feet diameter in black chalkboard paint, down low on one wall
- Maybe add one or two of these wall stickers
- If only I could find these sheets in a queen size!
- Commission my Aunt Kim to build and paint a Mickey and Friends growth chart/stick/thingie to hang on the wall...
Also, we're going to Disney world in November, so I can
Whaddya think?
Tuesday, September 11
Lard?? You must be joking.
Okay, she could have probably chosen a different outfit. And her performance was certainly, clearly lackluster. I don't want to excuse Britney's behavior or her other flaws over the last 2 years. But if *I* looked like that after having my 2 babies? HELL, YES, I'd strut around in a black sequined bikini. And we would be MIGHTY IMPRESSED WITH MY ABS, too.
I can't believe the words people are using to describe her: Fat. Bulging. Lard. Paunch.
If that is a 'paunch,' don't EVER send the journalists to my bathroom mirror.
Give the girl a break, I swear.
I can't believe the words people are using to describe her: Fat. Bulging. Lard. Paunch.
If that is a 'paunch,' don't EVER send the journalists to my bathroom mirror.
Give the girl a break, I swear.
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