Sugar cookies (pre-made dough), "frosted" with peanut butter or Nutella, and decorated with white choc chips, mini choc chips, pretzels and M&Ms. Kid friendly (if a mess), Mother
Monday, December 7
Cookies!
Sugar cookies (pre-made dough), "frosted" with peanut butter or Nutella, and decorated with white choc chips, mini choc chips, pretzels and M&Ms. Kid friendly (if a mess), Mother
Tuesday, December 1
Thanksgiving 2009 - Report
It feels too late to post a Thanksgiving report, actually, since Christmas and all its materialism and crazy-making has already begun FULL TILT. I am headed to WalMart today, in fact, desperate to shop and not be "behind." (Ridiculous!) But I have to follow-up. Can't have a prelude without a post-, you understand.
Our Thanksgiving was lovely. Really nice. We spent the day snacking on a BLT cheeseball (divine) that was placed on a plate by me but planned, created and executed fully by my MIL, who is wonderful. I just have to say that. She really is a hero. We left the sliding glass door open to the back patio most of the day -- football was on, the kids were in and out playing and enjoying the freedom of that open door, splashing in a small fountain on the porch. To me, that was idyllic. Aside... Something different about our childhoods and our kids' -- I feel like we were allowed to "do our own thing" much more than our kids are. I remember exploring the porches and yards of several grandmothers/great aunts, just us kids, during holiday gatherings. So I was thrilled that we didn't hover (too much) while the kids splashed, giggled and got their Thanksgiving outfits all wet.
Neither kid ate one bite of Thanksgiving dinner. Too full from pretzels and juice all day, I suppose. I didn't much care and let them get down from the table early. Like, almost directly after "God is good, God is great." Next year, no dice. They're going to have to learn manners one of these days.
Our dinner was Yum. I ate a lot. Two things -- no wine or drinky was ever opened/offered, not that I needed it, but it makes everything more festive IMHO. Also, no dish was especially rich or decadent with butter/sugar/garlic or whatever. I missed that aspect. But all good, classic, delicious food (and sweet tea, mmmm!) for which I was, and am, very grateful.
I had a bit of a spiritual revelation while I was there, so if you're not into spiritual revelations, here's the paragraph that you may skip -- see you down the page. I was making my way through the weekend-with-the-in-laws, not feeling bad or put-upon or annoyed, just very NORMAL but slightly WORN from being there. You know how it is. You love your family, but you don't need to be around them 24/7, am I right? The thought occured to me (in the shower, naturally) that I shouldn't be concentrating so much on how I was going to endure the weekend/family members, but instead how I should be bringing Love/Jesus to them. Actually, I thought about Jennifer from Conversion Diary, and just knew that's something she would challenge herself with. (See how blogs are doing good in this world?) But a nice little wake-up call. I tried after that, in the smallest of ways (hugs, smiles, kindness), to be more Jesus-bringing and less "me, me, this is all about me." I wish I had time to write it more eloquently. There are things that will annoy you, when you're with relatives. It is not worth being annoyed. It IS worth showing the people you're with that God exists and love is apparent. Anyway, it's something I hope I can take with me and work on more often, with more people in my life.
Just two other small updates:
-- AJ is finally able to tie his shoes, using the "rabbit ears" method. I have never liked that one, because the resulting knot isn't as strong. But I realized it makes more sense to a kid because it's the same action as the first part -- cross the two sides and loop one under. DUH. I am anxious for him to gain confidence. His teachers refuse to tie anyone's shoes after December. (<--LOVE THEM.)
-- KT is playing like a little girl. I see her feeding her Little People bites of whatever she's eating, patting her doll's back to go night-night, "talking" them, and -- the most fun -- playing with Mommy's lipstick. She puts hers on (I don't really let her, it's twisted down into the tube) and then offers, "Mommy want some?" while putting it on me. What fun!
Our Thanksgiving was lovely. Really nice. We spent the day snacking on a BLT cheeseball (divine) that was placed on a plate by me but planned, created and executed fully by my MIL, who is wonderful. I just have to say that. She really is a hero. We left the sliding glass door open to the back patio most of the day -- football was on, the kids were in and out playing and enjoying the freedom of that open door, splashing in a small fountain on the porch. To me, that was idyllic. Aside... Something different about our childhoods and our kids' -- I feel like we were allowed to "do our own thing" much more than our kids are. I remember exploring the porches and yards of several grandmothers/great aunts, just us kids, during holiday gatherings. So I was thrilled that we didn't hover (too much) while the kids splashed, giggled and got their Thanksgiving outfits all wet.
Neither kid ate one bite of Thanksgiving dinner. Too full from pretzels and juice all day, I suppose. I didn't much care and let them get down from the table early. Like, almost directly after "God is good, God is great." Next year, no dice. They're going to have to learn manners one of these days.
Our dinner was Yum. I ate a lot. Two things -- no wine or drinky was ever opened/offered, not that I needed it, but it makes everything more festive IMHO. Also, no dish was especially rich or decadent with butter/sugar/garlic or whatever. I missed that aspect. But all good, classic, delicious food (and sweet tea, mmmm!) for which I was, and am, very grateful.
I had a bit of a spiritual revelation while I was there, so if you're not into spiritual revelations, here's the paragraph that you may skip -- see you down the page. I was making my way through the weekend-with-the-in-laws, not feeling bad or put-upon or annoyed, just very NORMAL but slightly WORN from being there. You know how it is. You love your family, but you don't need to be around them 24/7, am I right? The thought occured to me (in the shower, naturally) that I shouldn't be concentrating so much on how I was going to endure the weekend/family members, but instead how I should be bringing Love/Jesus to them. Actually, I thought about Jennifer from Conversion Diary, and just knew that's something she would challenge herself with. (See how blogs are doing good in this world?) But a nice little wake-up call. I tried after that, in the smallest of ways (hugs, smiles, kindness), to be more Jesus-bringing and less "me, me, this is all about me." I wish I had time to write it more eloquently. There are things that will annoy you, when you're with relatives. It is not worth being annoyed. It IS worth showing the people you're with that God exists and love is apparent. Anyway, it's something I hope I can take with me and work on more often, with more people in my life.
Just two other small updates:
-- AJ is finally able to tie his shoes, using the "rabbit ears" method. I have never liked that one, because the resulting knot isn't as strong. But I realized it makes more sense to a kid because it's the same action as the first part -- cross the two sides and loop one under. DUH. I am anxious for him to gain confidence. His teachers refuse to tie anyone's shoes after December. (<--LOVE THEM.)
-- KT is playing like a little girl. I see her feeding her Little People bites of whatever she's eating, patting her doll's back to go night-night, "talking" them, and -- the most fun -- playing with Mommy's lipstick. She puts hers on (I don't really let her, it's twisted down into the tube) and then offers, "Mommy want some?" while putting it on me. What fun!
Tuesday, November 24
Thanksgiving 2009 - Preview
I have to admit, I'm feeling a little left out of all the Thanksgiving stress. We're going to my in-laws' in Savannah, meaning road trip, meaning I'm not even required to bring a dish, meaning I am totally sidestepping a lot of what makes the holiday, for women. Granted, it's the hard part, but still. I don't like to miss out, especially on stressy things. (They give me a reason to blog.)
I was at Publix Sunday to just grab a few items to get us through the week before we leave town (how that turned into $85, I don't know), and I walked by the filled-to-capacity frozen turkey bin. There were couples milling about, chatting about how many pounds they need, young moms calculating how long will it take to thaw the bird... it seemed like a pretty major event right there in the poultry aisle, and I just skipped right through to the cereals.
Sort-of a bummer.
I've hosted Thanksgiving at my house exactly once, I think, when AJ was 5 months old. We held his baptism that same weekend. I'm pretty sure I was stressed about the dinner; I may have even had an emotional outburst but I don't remember (no need to chime in and remind me if I did, family). But I LOVED getting out my pretty wedding china, finding a new set of placemats and napkins, and getting to make my Grandmother's famous dressing. When we go to my in-laws' I always think I want to bring some of that dressing -- maybe make it a week ahead, freeze it, and transport it down in a cooler -- but I've not done that yet. I don't really think far enough ahead.
The set-up of my in-laws' house makes it difficult to do what I consider the important part of the holiday -- socialize and work together. Houses that are good for those things have a "flow" through the kitchen. MIL's kitchen, through no fault of her own, has one way in/out. The kitchen's like a dead-end. You can't just easily mill about, chatting and drinking wine, you know? You also can't hang out on one end of the counter and help with cutting or peeling -- or at least I can't, because the kids tend to velcro onto my pants and the kitchen is also rather small. Someone is bound to get stepped on. Oh, I don't know. I really want to make it a happy holiday, and to be the helpful daughter-in-law, and to have all of that social, warm, working-together feeling. In the past, I have felt like we spend the day just waiting around for MIL to finish cooking, already, so we can eat.
Somehow I don't remember her having appetizers. I think it'd be better if there were appetizers. Maybe I'll try to throw some easy dips together for the cooler.
(Now I can stress out like the rest of you.)
I was at Publix Sunday to just grab a few items to get us through the week before we leave town (how that turned into $85, I don't know), and I walked by the filled-to-capacity frozen turkey bin. There were couples milling about, chatting about how many pounds they need, young moms calculating how long will it take to thaw the bird... it seemed like a pretty major event right there in the poultry aisle, and I just skipped right through to the cereals.
Sort-of a bummer.
I've hosted Thanksgiving at my house exactly once, I think, when AJ was 5 months old. We held his baptism that same weekend. I'm pretty sure I was stressed about the dinner; I may have even had an emotional outburst but I don't remember (no need to chime in and remind me if I did, family). But I LOVED getting out my pretty wedding china, finding a new set of placemats and napkins, and getting to make my Grandmother's famous dressing. When we go to my in-laws' I always think I want to bring some of that dressing -- maybe make it a week ahead, freeze it, and transport it down in a cooler -- but I've not done that yet. I don't really think far enough ahead.
The set-up of my in-laws' house makes it difficult to do what I consider the important part of the holiday -- socialize and work together. Houses that are good for those things have a "flow" through the kitchen. MIL's kitchen, through no fault of her own, has one way in/out. The kitchen's like a dead-end. You can't just easily mill about, chatting and drinking wine, you know? You also can't hang out on one end of the counter and help with cutting or peeling -- or at least I can't, because the kids tend to velcro onto my pants and the kitchen is also rather small. Someone is bound to get stepped on. Oh, I don't know. I really want to make it a happy holiday, and to be the helpful daughter-in-law, and to have all of that social, warm, working-together feeling. In the past, I have felt like we spend the day just waiting around for MIL to finish cooking, already, so we can eat.
Somehow I don't remember her having appetizers. I think it'd be better if there were appetizers. Maybe I'll try to throw some easy dips together for the cooler.
(Now I can stress out like the rest of you.)
Thursday, November 19
Baby log
KT is talk, talk, talking. She's 21 months and 4 days today. Here are some of her greatest hits.
'eah. She doesn't say "Yeah," just "'eah." Whereas her brother was famous for "I do." (AJ, are you hungry? --I dooooo. KT, are you hungry? ---eah.)
Bah-bye, later. All one word. --bah-bye, Keh-see, 'ater.
Come payyyyy.
owwy, Ah-ex. (sorry, Alex) Always with a leaned-in hug.
Namek. (napkin)
Cay-tiss Boh. (craisin bowl) This means she wants her Craisins in a bowl, or wants Craisins in general.
Teeeef. This kid loves to brush her teeth. Well, loves to chew on the toothbrush anyway, and fill the landfills with 17 Dixie cups a day.
Po-yee-un. (Napoleon) We're amazed that she articulates his whole name, sometimes all four syllables, so well.
Mee-mouse. If you don't know, I can't be friends with you any more. Just kidding -- Mickey!
eee-behsss. (Three bears) One of our favorite books.
ah-piddahs. (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) Our other favorite book! When she's looking for it, she calls out, Ah-piddahs? Ah-piddahs?
Shoooess. Anna. (Suzanna). Just this past weekend she met her Aunt Suzanna and I love how she says her name. Like two words.
There are many more, and she's making little sentences, too. I love this age. The explosion of language is adorable.
'eah. She doesn't say "Yeah," just "'eah." Whereas her brother was famous for "I do." (AJ, are you hungry? --I dooooo. KT, are you hungry? ---eah.)
Bah-bye, later. All one word. --bah-bye, Keh-see, 'ater.
Come payyyyy.
owwy, Ah-ex. (sorry, Alex) Always with a leaned-in hug.
Namek. (napkin)
Cay-tiss Boh. (craisin bowl) This means she wants her Craisins in a bowl, or wants Craisins in general.
Teeeef. This kid loves to brush her teeth. Well, loves to chew on the toothbrush anyway, and fill the landfills with 17 Dixie cups a day.
Po-yee-un. (Napoleon) We're amazed that she articulates his whole name, sometimes all four syllables, so well.
Mee-mouse. If you don't know, I can't be friends with you any more. Just kidding -- Mickey!
eee-behsss. (Three bears) One of our favorite books.
ah-piddahs. (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) Our other favorite book! When she's looking for it, she calls out, Ah-piddahs? Ah-piddahs?
Shoooess. Anna. (Suzanna). Just this past weekend she met her Aunt Suzanna and I love how she says her name. Like two words.
There are many more, and she's making little sentences, too. I love this age. The explosion of language is adorable.
Friday, November 13
7 Quick Takes
1. We've not been sleeping well.
2. On a happier note, we're going on a road trip this weekend. :) Well, it's a mostly happy note -- any road trip with two little guys is a hassle, to put it mildly. But we're going to my in-laws', and tomorrow MIL is going to take care of the kids while DH and I attend the Homecoming football game at his alma mater. I'm excited about the events. Not having attended a football school -- my college doesn't even have a team -- I don't really know what to expect. His school is not one of the BIG southern football schools, but still. We're playing a big rival, I'm going to meet a friend of his that I've heard about for YEARS but never seen in the flesh, and it's a full day of "Date-Night," with no cash-only bill at the end. Pretty awesome.
3. I think I mentioned we got iPhones 2 weeks ago. We're loving them. I downloaded a Grocery List app the other day and I'm itching to use it. Did you get that? I'm itching to make a grocery list and do the grocery shopping. Weird, no? It came in handy this morning when I used the last Equal packet, but didn't have time to write it down on the pad on the fridge (still transitioning from paper). After I got out the door and into the car, however, I quickly added it on the phone before I forgot. Anyone have a favorite App that I absolutely must get? Specifically a free one?
4. I tried Raspberry Zinger tea again this morning in reference to #1, and I just am NOT a tea person. Blech.
5. Okay, this is the epitome of DUMB: All this time, I've been operating under the assumption that my key-card for my office was NOT programmed with access to the workout room on the lower level of our building. I had heard you had to request it specifically, and never did. But today I was down on that level and thought, "Hmm...." Well, guess what? The door frakking OPENED, and I DO have access! There's all the typical equipment plus an ab ball and a TV. I am so damn excited (and forehead-smacky) about this I can't even tell you. The fire stairs thing hadn't been really calling my name lately so this will be a nice option. If I use it. No promises.
6. I am loving all of your NaBloPoMo posts. Thank you for entertaining me. I'm hopeful AT&T's 3G Network will accommodate me as we drive through Georgia tonight, so I can catch up with everyone. In-between seat-jumping and DVD-changing, of course.
7. By staying focused this morning, I've crossed 4 of the 5 main things off my list (work). Plus 2 blog posts. Here's to success. Happy weekend to everyone!
...more quick takes at Jen's...
Wednesday, November 11
(Untitled)
So, DH's doctor confirmed he has elevated blood pressure and I've ...turned to alcohol.
Do you think it has something to do with the kids?
YOU'D BE RIGHT.
...20-month-old girl (read: TERRIBLE TWOS) and a 5-year-old boy... what idiots thought this child-spacing arrangement would work out??
It's just the constant WHINING. Both of them. And yes, KT's been fighting a cold again, so I understand she feels yucky, and I understand she doesn't see us all day while we're at work, so when we're at home she wants to be with us -- I want to be with her too -- but for the love of JACK. Mama's hip is unavailable for sitting, sweetie. You are TOO BIG. (How did you get so big?) Can we please just hold hands? I know I shouldn't wish it away but...
And AJ. Sigh. I don't want to record it all here, because I want it to fade to a distant memory that I can't recall in 20 years when he asks me. I want to say, "Oh, honey, you were a handful... but all kids are. You outgrew it." It's about respecting adults and that's all I'll say.
This morning, as I was trying to swipe my face with Bare Minerals and wipe snot off KT's cheek for the forty-seventh time, and catch the weather report (guess what? Rain), and be understanding and patient but at the same time get AJ to please not squoosh his foot into his shoe while it is still tied, they are brand-new SHOES AND THEY'LL STRETCH OUT AND BE RUINED!!!.... Well, I don't think I got that mad, but thinking about it now I'm getting flustered again... I tried to look at it from 20 years out, knowing that it WILL fade to nothing in my mind, if I don't blog it. It will.
I hate --yes, Blogger, "strong and slash strong"-- the morning hustle, have I said that? I wish we could re-tool that process mightily.
Do you think it has something to do with the kids?
YOU'D BE RIGHT.
...20-month-old girl (read: TERRIBLE TWOS) and a 5-year-old boy... what idiots thought this child-spacing arrangement would work out??
It's just the constant WHINING. Both of them. And yes, KT's been fighting a cold again, so I understand she feels yucky, and I understand she doesn't see us all day while we're at work, so when we're at home she wants to be with us -- I want to be with her too -- but for the love of JACK. Mama's hip is unavailable for sitting, sweetie. You are TOO BIG. (How did you get so big?) Can we please just hold hands? I know I shouldn't wish it away but...
And AJ. Sigh. I don't want to record it all here, because I want it to fade to a distant memory that I can't recall in 20 years when he asks me. I want to say, "Oh, honey, you were a handful... but all kids are. You outgrew it." It's about respecting adults and that's all I'll say.
This morning, as I was trying to swipe my face with Bare Minerals and wipe snot off KT's cheek for the forty-seventh time, and catch the weather report (guess what? Rain), and be understanding and patient but at the same time get AJ to please not squoosh his foot into his shoe while it is still tied, they are brand-new SHOES AND THEY'LL STRETCH OUT AND BE RUINED!!!.... Well, I don't think I got that mad, but thinking about it now I'm getting flustered again... I tried to look at it from 20 years out, knowing that it WILL fade to nothing in my mind, if I don't blog it. It will.
I hate --yes, Blogger, "strong and slash strong"-- the morning hustle, have I said that? I wish we could re-tool that process mightily.
Thursday, November 5
I should apologize now.
(click to enlarge)
p.s. One other problem, I can't go back to edit, "Keyboard, ho!" to something less dorky.
p.s. One other problem, I can't go back to edit, "Keyboard, ho!" to something less dorky.
Thursday, October 29
More about happy
For those who don't know, my job is in e-business and PR. I do a lot of writing -- some web pages and articles, mostly short press releases, magazine articles, intro paragraphs, headlines, and e-newsletters about our company and our products, and related things. Health/wellness is a frequent topic, and something I'm personally interested in (though not good about sticking to my own self!). I do some hiring of freelance writers, some photography selection, and list/database maintenance of our subscribers.
In theory, I should love my work. Sure there's that database thing, but there are always administrative things about a desk job. Mostly the job is writing, and clearly, I like to write (blog much?). I always did well in school with papers, and studied languages so I should have a good command of the English one. (Save for that last sentence.) However, the writing doesn't always come easily to me. It's not like, "Oooh, today I get to write that article for XX magazine. Yay!" No. I procrastinate and fret over it. (When I finally dig in, I'm fine.) One important note,I LOATHE doing interviews, which is pretty much required for writing well-informed news articles. I never had any intention of being a reporter, and my work does require a bit of that technique.
Tess's comment yesterday got me thinking. Of course I love some things about my particular job. My company is Good. I work close to home. They're flexible and family-friendly. It allows me my lifestyle. Plus, I get to work with photography/design. But somehow I still don't love the work I do. But I hear of people who own a business - like, say, a lovely little bakery. Or who work with animals. Or... I don't know, actors?... who really get a rush from the actual WORK they do.
I would like to have that, someday.
So it seems I should be on the lookout for a different job. Really take the plunge and FIND what it is that would make my heart sing. I even know how to explore this: I've read self-help books before. Volunteer. Take a class. Network in my off-time.
Oh the other hand: Why can't I just be happy with the status quo? Why should I have to RISK things -- security, pay level, etc. -- when I already have such an amazing life? Shouldn't I just be GRATEFUL for what I have and not focus on the small details that maybe aren't so great? I mean, life isn't guaranteed to be 100% wonderful. And work requires work, otherwise they wouldn't call it that.
I think I'm going around in circles. But parsing it out is helpful, so bear with me.
I did contemplate some things that could be personal "Resolutions," if I were going to try a Happiness Project.
It's time I really work on this, and I'm going to start with these little ideas. Everybody knows if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. ;)
In theory, I should love my work. Sure there's that database thing, but there are always administrative things about a desk job. Mostly the job is writing, and clearly, I like to write (blog much?). I always did well in school with papers, and studied languages so I should have a good command of the English one. (Save for that last sentence.) However, the writing doesn't always come easily to me. It's not like, "Oooh, today I get to write that article for XX magazine. Yay!" No. I procrastinate and fret over it. (When I finally dig in, I'm fine.) One important note,I LOATHE doing interviews, which is pretty much required for writing well-informed news articles. I never had any intention of being a reporter, and my work does require a bit of that technique.
Tess's comment yesterday got me thinking. Of course I love some things about my particular job. My company is Good. I work close to home. They're flexible and family-friendly. It allows me my lifestyle. Plus, I get to work with photography/design. But somehow I still don't love the work I do. But I hear of people who own a business - like, say, a lovely little bakery. Or who work with animals. Or... I don't know, actors?... who really get a rush from the actual WORK they do.
I would like to have that, someday.
So it seems I should be on the lookout for a different job. Really take the plunge and FIND what it is that would make my heart sing. I even know how to explore this: I've read self-help books before. Volunteer. Take a class. Network in my off-time.
Oh the other hand: Why can't I just be happy with the status quo? Why should I have to RISK things -- security, pay level, etc. -- when I already have such an amazing life? Shouldn't I just be GRATEFUL for what I have and not focus on the small details that maybe aren't so great? I mean, life isn't guaranteed to be 100% wonderful. And work requires work, otherwise they wouldn't call it that.
I think I'm going around in circles. But parsing it out is helpful, so bear with me.
I did contemplate some things that could be personal "Resolutions," if I were going to try a Happiness Project.
- Breathe deeply throughout the day. (being mindful, stopping the "I don't like this, I'm bored" monologue in my head for a few minutes to just Be... etc.)
- Listen to more music. Seriously, I need to fire up the iPod MUCH more often for a mood lifter.
- Dress well. (Dress better.) This might seem silly, but since my company is so great, we don't have to dress up in heels and hose all the time. But when I wear pants that don't fit well, or a plain t-shirt that I bought at Target 2 years ago... it does nothing for my mood. (Duh.) One reason I work is so I can afford things, and nice clothes need to be one of those things. I've dressed better the last couple of days (IMHO), and I HAVE felt better. Not to mention more professional. (Own it!)
- Connect with people each day. Including my husband. Sometimes we're just on auto-pilot, you know? We talk, but don't really engage. At work, too -- instead of a non-committal, "Hey, how are you?" I need to put some effort into it. ASK people about their families. Don't hole up in my cubicle, counting down 'til 4:30 pm.
It's time I really work on this, and I'm going to start with these little ideas. Everybody knows if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. ;)
Monday, October 26
Happy
I've been thinking a lot about happiness.
For one thing, on Sunday morning DH called me out for being generally "serious." Not a bad thing, just the way I am, he said. I pouted for the rest of the day about it. See, in my mind I turned it around so that serious = "no fun," which is not what he was implying, but just the way my mind sometimes works. (We talked about it and it's fine -- Honey, I only bring it up because it fits in with the story.)
Aside from that, I've been looking at a blog called The Happiness Project, for work actually. Gretchen Rubin, the blog's author, has done a year-long study of a ton of theories about happiness. She's read books, analyzed research, etc. It's interesting. Kind-of a self-help book, which I'm sometimes drawn to, but in a more detatched way. Like, "I'm studying these self-help (hippie-dippie meditation) principles... not applying them to my life necessarily."
Now. Exactly what I do NOT NEED is another Project to tend. (Speaking of which, someone throttle me the next time I bring up the 30-Day Shred, okay? Let's just put an end to those declarations once and for all.) And in reading Start your own Happiness Project, I get all flustered and overwhelmed because there's a Toolbox and you're supposed to make resolutions, captial R. In my experience, those are sometimes a recipe for failure, and for KNOWING your own failure, because you wrote them down and then if you don't get to check them off... Doom. FAIL.
So I may or may not sign up on her site. However... I like the idea of being more mindful and aware of my level of happiness. Not meditating, per se, but pausing to breathe every so often.
I have more to say (I think) about this -- part of which is that I find myself too often unhappy, and I can't figure out why. Hormones play a part, but it's mostly about my work. Earlier this week I was lolling the words "life coach" and "career coach" around in my head, because even though I like my job okay, I don't jump out of bed excited about it. I don't even walk into the building excited. It's just a job. And They Say...Theyyyyyyyy!.... that people really exist who LOVE what they do.
I want to believe that, but I'm not sure I do. I think anything you do as work -- repetitively, every day, and specifically in order to earn money -- will sometimes feel like work, not like fun. But I could be wrong. So I want to explore it a little more. Anyone with insight? Anyone reading this who truly adores their job? Please tell me about it.
I also wanted to share this post (read the comments too) with my fellow parenting buddies. It's got some great tips and tricks.
For one thing, on Sunday morning DH called me out for being generally "serious." Not a bad thing, just the way I am, he said. I pouted for the rest of the day about it. See, in my mind I turned it around so that serious = "no fun," which is not what he was implying, but just the way my mind sometimes works. (We talked about it and it's fine -- Honey, I only bring it up because it fits in with the story.)
Aside from that, I've been looking at a blog called The Happiness Project, for work actually. Gretchen Rubin, the blog's author, has done a year-long study of a ton of theories about happiness. She's read books, analyzed research, etc. It's interesting. Kind-of a self-help book, which I'm sometimes drawn to, but in a more detatched way. Like, "I'm studying these self-help (hippie-dippie meditation) principles... not applying them to my life necessarily."
Now. Exactly what I do NOT NEED is another Project to tend. (Speaking of which, someone throttle me the next time I bring up the 30-Day Shred, okay? Let's just put an end to those declarations once and for all.) And in reading Start your own Happiness Project, I get all flustered and overwhelmed because there's a Toolbox and you're supposed to make resolutions, captial R. In my experience, those are sometimes a recipe for failure, and for KNOWING your own failure, because you wrote them down and then if you don't get to check them off... Doom. FAIL.
So I may or may not sign up on her site. However... I like the idea of being more mindful and aware of my level of happiness. Not meditating, per se, but pausing to breathe every so often.
I have more to say (I think) about this -- part of which is that I find myself too often unhappy, and I can't figure out why. Hormones play a part, but it's mostly about my work. Earlier this week I was lolling the words "life coach" and "career coach" around in my head, because even though I like my job okay, I don't jump out of bed excited about it. I don't even walk into the building excited. It's just a job. And They Say...Theyyyyyyyy!.... that people really exist who LOVE what they do.
I want to believe that, but I'm not sure I do. I think anything you do as work -- repetitively, every day, and specifically in order to earn money -- will sometimes feel like work, not like fun. But I could be wrong. So I want to explore it a little more. Anyone with insight? Anyone reading this who truly adores their job? Please tell me about it.
I also wanted to share this post (read the comments too) with my fellow parenting buddies. It's got some great tips and tricks.
Wednesday, October 21
Good morning
Jillian Michaels and I are friends again thanks to Comcast's On Demand, and yesterday I did Day One, Level One of the Shred. ....Owwwww..... My shoulders, thighs and abs are making themselves known today. I saw Kristen Chase's amazing results -- note, that is 7 months' worth of doing the DVD, not 30 days -- and maybe I got motivated. With my jaw hanging open! Does she not look amazing??? I SO want to do 30 consecutive days, but GEEZ,it's hard to fit it in -- even just 20 minutes. I know, I know, get up earlier, and after the kids go to bed... what I did yesterday, actually, was to go home at lunch and do it, which might be the best option for me, thank you Job-Six-Miles-From-House. But still, time. TIIIIIIIIME. There's never enough of it.
Anyway I'm attempting, once again, to try. Stupid ten pounds.
Today I can't get home at lunch to work out, because instead I'm going to our photo studio for a product shoot. I love that I get to say things like that. Having art and photography as part of your job is pretty cool. In fact, since I began working, that part about it has always made me smile. I'm sure I've mentioned one of my early days in my first job, toting around a big binder of 35mm slides, from which I needed to choose some images for a brochure. I couldn't believe that a job really existed where I got to choose photos, using my loupe at a big light table, and get paid for it. Funny thing, though, I've never wanted to BE a photographer. The word "aperture" scares me unnecessarily.
Anyway I'm attempting, once again, to try. Stupid ten pounds.
Today I can't get home at lunch to work out, because instead I'm going to our photo studio for a product shoot. I love that I get to say things like that. Having art and photography as part of your job is pretty cool. In fact, since I began working, that part about it has always made me smile. I'm sure I've mentioned one of my early days in my first job, toting around a big binder of 35mm slides, from which I needed to choose some images for a brochure. I couldn't believe that a job really existed where I got to choose photos, using my loupe at a big light table, and get paid for it. Funny thing, though, I've never wanted to BE a photographer. The word "aperture" scares me unnecessarily.
Monday, October 19
Recap full of gratitude
Maybe the best way to start off a Monday would be in reflection. This weekend, as I announced on Facebook, was crazy-full of activities, and as it turned out, a record-breaking COLD one. So while my face is now raw from the wind, my heart, I guess, is softened and happy...? or something?
Thursday evening I took AJ to the school's monthly skating party. THAT was a flashback in time! My school did the same thing when I was in 7th grade. So funny. He had a blast, and I chatted with some other moms, who were nice. (BFF wasn't there, so I had to make do. Heh.) At our school they pair up each Kindergartener with a "Fourth Grade Buddy." It's a rather big deal -- they sit with each other during weekly Masses -- and so I was impressed when Kyle, AJ's buddy, came and introduced his mom to me. And she couldn't have been sweeter. This school makes me get teary every other day, I swear. It's such a community. During the dance contest, when all the kids were out on the skating rink in their sock feet, doing the Macarena, and little AJ was running/sliding/whirling/shaking and generally having the time of his life, I said to myself, "Is there anything better than a moment like this? Watching 100 kids laugh and dance?" There's really not.
Work sponsored a bike race on Saturday, and the best part about it was stopping at Panera Bread afterwards and having corn chowder in a sourdough bowl. (Man, those sourdough bowls -- a treat very rarely allowed! MMM CARBY CARB GOODNESSMRFHMMMM.) We were cold since we started at 7:00 am; the race wasn't as organized as it could have been, it eventually started to rain, and... just.. that soup was awesome. I did enjoy volunteering at an aid station, it's too bad about the weather.
Later, daycare had its annual Fall Festival. It's always funny for the little ones to see their teachers all dressed up in costume. KT was so confused. She thought, too, that the best part of the day was warm liquid fortification in the form of hot chocolate. She tried the moon-walk jumpy thing, giggled once, fell down, and promptly wanted out. I don't blame her.
We went from there to our friends' home for their annual Pumpkin Carving party and bonfire, where AJ and his daddy were awarded the Grand Prize for best jack-o-lantern. The hostess told me later it was because she asked AJ how he came up with the design and he answered, "I used my brain." HAAAA! Little smart-ass! Though I don't think he intended to sound like one, he was just being honest.
He's given me lots of opportunities over the last few days to be impatient, and I, unfortunately, have delivered. FIVE IS HARD. This morning I uttered a classic Mom phrase: "That child is going to kill me... or else I'm going to kill HIM."
So patience is what I prayed for during Mass yesterday. And I was glad to report that we made it to Mass. Bundled up, and everything. The choir is sounding better, I think, with their new director, and I'm still not ready to rejoin them despite lots of waffling about it.
(Oh, speaking of waffles, I hope I won the Breakfast Basket from the Fall Festival's silent auction -- it had a waffle maker in it.)
Anyway, patience. And gratitude.
Thursday evening I took AJ to the school's monthly skating party. THAT was a flashback in time! My school did the same thing when I was in 7th grade. So funny. He had a blast, and I chatted with some other moms, who were nice. (BFF wasn't there, so I had to make do. Heh.) At our school they pair up each Kindergartener with a "Fourth Grade Buddy." It's a rather big deal -- they sit with each other during weekly Masses -- and so I was impressed when Kyle, AJ's buddy, came and introduced his mom to me. And she couldn't have been sweeter. This school makes me get teary every other day, I swear. It's such a community. During the dance contest, when all the kids were out on the skating rink in their sock feet, doing the Macarena, and little AJ was running/sliding/whirling/shaking and generally having the time of his life, I said to myself, "Is there anything better than a moment like this? Watching 100 kids laugh and dance?" There's really not.
Work sponsored a bike race on Saturday, and the best part about it was stopping at Panera Bread afterwards and having corn chowder in a sourdough bowl. (Man, those sourdough bowls -- a treat very rarely allowed! MMM CARBY CARB GOODNESSMRFHMMMM.) We were cold since we started at 7:00 am; the race wasn't as organized as it could have been, it eventually started to rain, and... just.. that soup was awesome. I did enjoy volunteering at an aid station, it's too bad about the weather.
Later, daycare had its annual Fall Festival. It's always funny for the little ones to see their teachers all dressed up in costume. KT was so confused. She thought, too, that the best part of the day was warm liquid fortification in the form of hot chocolate. She tried the moon-walk jumpy thing, giggled once, fell down, and promptly wanted out. I don't blame her.
We went from there to our friends' home for their annual Pumpkin Carving party and bonfire, where AJ and his daddy were awarded the Grand Prize for best jack-o-lantern. The hostess told me later it was because she asked AJ how he came up with the design and he answered, "I used my brain." HAAAA! Little smart-ass! Though I don't think he intended to sound like one, he was just being honest.
He's given me lots of opportunities over the last few days to be impatient, and I, unfortunately, have delivered. FIVE IS HARD. This morning I uttered a classic Mom phrase: "That child is going to kill me... or else I'm going to kill HIM."
So patience is what I prayed for during Mass yesterday. And I was glad to report that we made it to Mass. Bundled up, and everything. The choir is sounding better, I think, with their new director, and I'm still not ready to rejoin them despite lots of waffling about it.
(Oh, speaking of waffles, I hope I won the Breakfast Basket from the Fall Festival's silent auction -- it had a waffle maker in it.)
Anyway, patience. And gratitude.
Tuesday, October 13
Girl crush
On the heels of that post about my dearest friend from high school (and still today!), and how much I miss her, I can report that I have a potential new friend made through AJ's school. This has been on my to-do list, because long-distance friends are wonderful, but local friends are sort-of imperative.
I say "friend," but I guess we're still really in the flirting, getting-to-know-you stage. I sat next to her briefly at the very first classroom orientation in August and was struck by her adorable haircut and put-together outfit. Hee. I was like Tina Fey's character on 30 Rock, feeling like I looked studious, but probably disheveled. She was dressed like I wished to be -- a sort-of Katie Couric to my Tina. Hee. She told me that night where she works, and I thought, "Dingdingding! Another working mom - we can relate to each other, SCORE." Maybe she will be less able, like me, to meet people by volunteering from 8-3 at the school.
So at the Kindergarten Moms' coffee 2 weeks ago, we waved and sat near each other... but not too near, both of us wanting to remain open to other friendships, and not seem stalker-y. (At least, that was what I was doing.) I nearly emailed her that day after the coffee, but hesitated.
This past weekend, finally, the school had its annual fall picnic, and (hooray!) she was one of the first faces I saw when we arrived. We introduced our husbands and followed each other around the whole day, really. (Puppy love!) I'm being silly, but really, it does seem like she's as interested in being my friend as I am in being hers. (oh, how the heart flutters!) Her daughter sits at the same table as AJ. Fate! We both work in marketing. We have a mutual friend/acquaintance, it turns out. She even cries at Disneyworld like me. (You know how it is, the MAGIC and the DREEEEEAMS and all.)
This friendship is obviously meant to be. I have to tell myself to act natural. Smile. (Not too much!) Hi, my name is...
I say "friend," but I guess we're still really in the flirting, getting-to-know-you stage. I sat next to her briefly at the very first classroom orientation in August and was struck by her adorable haircut and put-together outfit. Hee. I was like Tina Fey's character on 30 Rock, feeling like I looked studious, but probably disheveled. She was dressed like I wished to be -- a sort-of Katie Couric to my Tina. Hee. She told me that night where she works, and I thought, "Dingdingding! Another working mom - we can relate to each other, SCORE." Maybe she will be less able, like me, to meet people by volunteering from 8-3 at the school.
So at the Kindergarten Moms' coffee 2 weeks ago, we waved and sat near each other... but not too near, both of us wanting to remain open to other friendships, and not seem stalker-y. (At least, that was what I was doing.) I nearly emailed her that day after the coffee, but hesitated.
This past weekend, finally, the school had its annual fall picnic, and (hooray!) she was one of the first faces I saw when we arrived. We introduced our husbands and followed each other around the whole day, really. (Puppy love!) I'm being silly, but really, it does seem like she's as interested in being my friend as I am in being hers. (oh, how the heart flutters!) Her daughter sits at the same table as AJ. Fate! We both work in marketing. We have a mutual friend/acquaintance, it turns out. She even cries at Disneyworld like me. (You know how it is, the MAGIC and the DREEEEEAMS and all.)
This friendship is obviously meant to be. I have to tell myself to act natural. Smile. (Not too much!) Hi, my name is...
Friday, October 9
I miss you
I remember Fridays were when we wore our short skirts to school, and put ribbons in our hair. It was great unless we had to wear the bulky sweater with the big letter safety-pinned onto the front. Or the itchy wool green skirt.
Fridays were when we got out of afternoon classes a bit early in order to stretch and get ready for the pep rallies. (We didn’t need to be in classes, anyway, we were much too smart for them.)
Fridays we sometimes just stayed at school until the games started – although I can’t remember exactly what we did for dinner... Taco Bell?
Fridays we decorated lockers and stadium corners with balloons and posters (I know this because there is yearbook evidence).
Fridays as the sun went down, we glittered and smiled and jumped high into the air. These were the days before our knees couldn’t take that kind of punishment.
Fridays we looked into the stands, or onto the field, at whatever boys we were drooling over at the time. In between cheers we watched them and hoped they turned to watch us once in a while.
Fridays we shouted at everyone to “Come on, everybody, clap your hands!”
Fridays we -- you and I -- probably walked arm in arm, grinning, gossiping. We carried our sports bags and our pom-poms with pride. Or at least that is how I want to remember it.
Some Fridays we spent the night at your house. I don’t remember spending the night at mine, but surely we did, right? Those were the best times. What is more fun than staying up late, playing with makeup, and watching movies in the dark?
Fridays. Game days. Long-ago, happy days.
Fridays were when we got out of afternoon classes a bit early in order to stretch and get ready for the pep rallies. (We didn’t need to be in classes, anyway, we were much too smart for them.)
Fridays we sometimes just stayed at school until the games started – although I can’t remember exactly what we did for dinner... Taco Bell?
Fridays we decorated lockers and stadium corners with balloons and posters (I know this because there is yearbook evidence).
Fridays as the sun went down, we glittered and smiled and jumped high into the air. These were the days before our knees couldn’t take that kind of punishment.
Fridays we looked into the stands, or onto the field, at whatever boys we were drooling over at the time. In between cheers we watched them and hoped they turned to watch us once in a while.
Fridays we shouted at everyone to “Come on, everybody, clap your hands!”
Fridays we -- you and I -- probably walked arm in arm, grinning, gossiping. We carried our sports bags and our pom-poms with pride. Or at least that is how I want to remember it.
Some Fridays we spent the night at your house. I don’t remember spending the night at mine, but surely we did, right? Those were the best times. What is more fun than staying up late, playing with makeup, and watching movies in the dark?
Fridays. Game days. Long-ago, happy days.
Wednesday, October 7
From the hallowed halls of FB Notes
Can you fill this out without lying? You've been tagged, so now you need to answer all the questions HONESTLY. To do this, copy this entire message, then go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, delete my answers, and type yours. Easy!
Next, tag people (in the right hand corner of the app). Click publish (at the bottom). Have fun! :)
1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
Coffee. W/FF half n half, Splenda, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
2. Where was your profile picture taken?
In my downstairs bathroom, by me.
3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
Yes! And Rock Band, too. (Am I answering this HONESTLY??? It's very important.)
4. Name someone who made you laugh today.
It's early, no one has yet. Oh wait, I was skimming Twitter and @Sundry's photo link made me laugh.
5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
11:00. But I napped from 8:30 to 9:00... ;)
6.If you could move somewhere else, would you?
Depends on where. In a heartbeat I'd go to Pensacola if good jobs were available. And lately I've been wanting to move to a new house.
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
Yes. New Years Eve/Day (midnight) of this new millenium (2000). :)
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you on facebook?
Other than DH (obviously), it would have to be my neighbor J.S.
9. Do you believe exes can be friends?
It depends. I am (Facebook) friends with 2 exes, and not at all with one. Luckily they all live far away.
10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
I feel good about it. (What?) No, I like it. Reminds me of Texas. I wish more restaurants served Diet Dr. Pepper.
11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Hmm. I don't know.
12. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
The kids, posing with their great-uncle this past weekend.
13. Was yesterday better than today? What happened yesterday?
Today is young. Yesterday was nothing special. I met with some new employees, went out to lunch with a friend, worked, and then our T-ball game was cancelled due to wet field conditions. I was somewhat blah-feeling, for no apparent reason. I had a headache. We ate tortellini for dinner, it was Bath Night, and I did a load of laundry. Let's hope today WILL be better than that!
14. Can you live a day without TV?
Yes but I normally don't.
15. Are you upset about anything?
Not at the moment.
16. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
Definitely. (Hello, teenage person who wrote the questions.)
17. Are you a bad influence?
Oh yes, I lead people right down the path to hell. (Oh, sorry, that's a lie.)
18. Night out or night in?
With DH I like both - can't decide. With the girls? In. I am not one for going out clubbing. *shudder*
19. What items could you not go without during the day?
Car. Coffee. Pen.
20. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Knock on wood, I rarely have to visit anyone in the hospital. I guess it would be my Mom, when she came here in 2005 and got appendicitis.
21. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
I, uh... don't really text. (Am lame!) I'm sure I have a message...
22. How do you feel about your life right now?
I'm very grateful and trying to keep that in the forefront. Honestly I feel tired. And happy in my little family. And torn about working, always.
23. Do you hate anyone?
I dislike quite a few people but I don't use the word hate.
24. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
Messages.
25. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yes
26. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Yes
27. What song is stuck in your head?
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
28. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
I'm supposed to say, "Edward," right? In truth, I don't want anyone knocking on my window, ever. That's creepy.
29. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
No. Hear me, AJ, KT? NOOoooo.
30. Name something you have to do tomorrow.
Tomorrow (Thurs) I have to send out a marketing update to my entire company.
31. Do you think too much or too little?
Too much
33. Do you smile a lot?
Not enough.
Next, tag people (in the right hand corner of the app). Click publish (at the bottom). Have fun! :)
1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
Coffee. W/FF half n half, Splenda, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
2. Where was your profile picture taken?
In my downstairs bathroom, by me.
3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
Yes! And Rock Band, too. (Am I answering this HONESTLY??? It's very important.)
4. Name someone who made you laugh today.
It's early, no one has yet. Oh wait, I was skimming Twitter and @Sundry's photo link made me laugh.
5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
11:00. But I napped from 8:30 to 9:00... ;)
6.If you could move somewhere else, would you?
Depends on where. In a heartbeat I'd go to Pensacola if good jobs were available. And lately I've been wanting to move to a new house.
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
Yes. New Years Eve/Day (midnight) of this new millenium (2000). :)
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you on facebook?
Other than DH (obviously), it would have to be my neighbor J.S.
9. Do you believe exes can be friends?
It depends. I am (Facebook) friends with 2 exes, and not at all with one. Luckily they all live far away.
10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
I feel good about it. (What?) No, I like it. Reminds me of Texas. I wish more restaurants served Diet Dr. Pepper.
11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Hmm. I don't know.
12. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
The kids, posing with their great-uncle this past weekend.
13. Was yesterday better than today? What happened yesterday?
Today is young. Yesterday was nothing special. I met with some new employees, went out to lunch with a friend, worked, and then our T-ball game was cancelled due to wet field conditions. I was somewhat blah-feeling, for no apparent reason. I had a headache. We ate tortellini for dinner, it was Bath Night, and I did a load of laundry. Let's hope today WILL be better than that!
14. Can you live a day without TV?
Yes but I normally don't.
15. Are you upset about anything?
Not at the moment.
16. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
Definitely. (Hello, teenage person who wrote the questions.)
17. Are you a bad influence?
Oh yes, I lead people right down the path to hell. (Oh, sorry, that's a lie.)
18. Night out or night in?
With DH I like both - can't decide. With the girls? In. I am not one for going out clubbing. *shudder*
19. What items could you not go without during the day?
Car. Coffee. Pen.
20. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Knock on wood, I rarely have to visit anyone in the hospital. I guess it would be my Mom, when she came here in 2005 and got appendicitis.
21. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
I, uh... don't really text. (Am lame!) I'm sure I have a message...
22. How do you feel about your life right now?
I'm very grateful and trying to keep that in the forefront. Honestly I feel tired. And happy in my little family. And torn about working, always.
23. Do you hate anyone?
I dislike quite a few people but I don't use the word hate.
24. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
Messages.
25. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yes
26. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Yes
27. What song is stuck in your head?
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
28. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
I'm supposed to say, "Edward," right? In truth, I don't want anyone knocking on my window, ever. That's creepy.
29. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
No. Hear me, AJ, KT? NOOoooo.
30. Name something you have to do tomorrow.
Tomorrow (Thurs) I have to send out a marketing update to my entire company.
31. Do you think too much or too little?
Too much
33. Do you smile a lot?
Not enough.
Monday, October 5
The one hour that isn't full
It's hard to write a blog post without whining about how busy I am, so that's why I've been keeping quiet. It's like, NO DUH, right? We're all busy to one extent or the other, that's what makes it A LIFE. I'm trying to remember that and be more grateful.
I just find that I'm having a hard time accepting that "busy" isn't going to change. This IS the status quo. Too many to-do's is just the right number, I guess. How come no one ever told me? I have a college degree and 12... no, 13 years of professional experience, and have been fully unprepared for this one bit of information. Unprepared for having 2 digital and 2 paper calendars that I can't seem to sync into one Master Calendar. Unprepared for squeezing in grocery-shopping (last week we made do with little more than some canned green beans and Totino's... oh, and a KFC night thrown in for variety).
But I said I wasn't going to talk about it. Ahem. Backup backup backup.
...um... what's up?
Last night I watched Desperate Housewives for the first time. I was previously unconvinced of its worth, and last night didn't exactly change my mind, except... well, there were these small moments of excellent acting. Teri Hatcher and Felictity Huffman both, at separate times, gave the exact, subtle look to go along with whatever line they'd just delivered, and I was sort-of blown away by those 2 looks. And I don't know anything about acting beyond "chorus enters stage left, in silent conversation" (watermelon, peanut butter, watermelon, peanut butter? Oh? Ah! Watermelon. Peanut butter).
So that's what I've got, other than busy. Television.
I just find that I'm having a hard time accepting that "busy" isn't going to change. This IS the status quo. Too many to-do's is just the right number, I guess. How come no one ever told me? I have a college degree and 12... no, 13 years of professional experience, and have been fully unprepared for this one bit of information. Unprepared for having 2 digital and 2 paper calendars that I can't seem to sync into one Master Calendar. Unprepared for squeezing in grocery-shopping (last week we made do with little more than some canned green beans and Totino's... oh, and a KFC night thrown in for variety).
But I said I wasn't going to talk about it. Ahem. Backup backup backup.
...um... what's up?
Last night I watched Desperate Housewives for the first time. I was previously unconvinced of its worth, and last night didn't exactly change my mind, except... well, there were these small moments of excellent acting. Teri Hatcher and Felictity Huffman both, at separate times, gave the exact, subtle look to go along with whatever line they'd just delivered, and I was sort-of blown away by those 2 looks. And I don't know anything about acting beyond "chorus enters stage left, in silent conversation" (watermelon, peanut butter, watermelon, peanut butter? Oh? Ah! Watermelon. Peanut butter).
So that's what I've got, other than busy. Television.
Tuesday, September 29
Bullet points (the last one's the best)
- This morning AJ asked to wear his sweater to school because it was cold (55 degrees!) -- Fall, welcome back. I've missed you! I have nothing to wear.
- My uncle is in town on business and we had dinner with him at my cousin L. and her family's house Sunday night. He made me laugh so hard when we all started quoting his mother, my Granny. Sitting down at the table, L. said, "Well, haven't we got fun!" And after taking his first bite, Uncle A. busted out with, "L., this is really 'Iffa-fliff-igan!'" (translation: fantastic, terrific) -- I hadn't heard that one, well, since Granny was around to say it herself. There is nothing better than family memories and togetherness. Truly, nothing. Tra-la!
- We are selling magazine subscriptions like hotcakes over here. And of course I mean we, as in DH and myself, as the school-age child himself has done nothing but win prizes from our efforts. I can't wait until he's old enough to be apathetic about school fundraisers all on his own. (Psst, Wanna buy a magazine at 40 to 80% off?? CALL ME.)
- Sunday morning, my Darling Husband took charge and got out the ironing board, finishing a load of Wrinkled Items that have been hanging in our laundry room for weeks. I thank him profusely for this (but it is not the good part of the story). I asked him to leave the iron out because I needed to shorten some new pants of AJ's together with hem tape -- the only way to hem! I was busy doing that for about half an hour while he watched the football game and the kids scooted around underfoot, when I noticed someone tugging at my back. Hoping for some attention from Mama. No really, needing some attention. Come ON, Mama... All of a sudden... OW!! Did she just...? She... did!! KT bit me on the behind. BIT ME!! On the butt! And it hurt! I had a hard time telling her sternly that We Don't Bite, because I was giggling so hard!
Thursday, September 24
Guess where I'm headed at lunch?
hairbrush for KT
hairbrush for me (one that doesn't hurt!)
new barettes/bows
bike shorts or bloomers for KT
socks for KT
cream/pink long-sleeved onesies for KT
nightgown?
look at brown/black sandals (on sale?)
new black dress shoes (critical! for a wedding this wknd!)
Lean Pockets
dark chocolate
Toys for kids (Xmas!)
-- Secret Saturdays Kryptid/action figs
-- Bath Magic Ariel doll?
New Halloween buckets
hairbrush for me (one that doesn't hurt!)
new barettes/bows
bike shorts or bloomers for KT
socks for KT
cream/pink long-sleeved onesies for KT
nightgown?
look at brown/black sandals (on sale?)
new black dress shoes (critical! for a wedding this wknd!)
Lean Pockets
dark chocolate
Toys for kids (Xmas!)
-- Secret Saturdays Kryptid/action figs
-- Bath Magic Ariel doll?
New Halloween buckets
Tuesday, September 22
What she said!
RT @bessieviola Also, to hell w/feminism and having it all! Get me an apron!
She just Tweeted what I've been wanting to say for YEARS. :)
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Hey, Atlanta is flooded! And therefore, we are also (or were) flooded, to a certain extent. I can't believe that some of the old rich homes near Peachtree Creek are the ones flooded out. The suburbs, where I live, were deluged as well. Roads are out and all the schools are closed. It's crazy. Flooding in other areas of the country (Ohio), without a hurricane association, has never registred with me. I've not understood how it works or what it really means. I don't know why. When it's far away you don't always take note. But when it rains for 4 days straight (or more? I lost count) you start to get it. When your backyard is underwater, it begins to register. Huh. This is a flood.
We're very lucky -- only our basement had, I don't know, an inch of water? -- and we've seen a couple of little water stains on the ceiling. I'm praying for the people who are in shelters today.
She just Tweeted what I've been wanting to say for YEARS. :)
------------------------------------------
Hey, Atlanta is flooded! And therefore, we are also (or were) flooded, to a certain extent. I can't believe that some of the old rich homes near Peachtree Creek are the ones flooded out. The suburbs, where I live, were deluged as well. Roads are out and all the schools are closed. It's crazy. Flooding in other areas of the country (Ohio), without a hurricane association, has never registred with me. I've not understood how it works or what it really means. I don't know why. When it's far away you don't always take note. But when it rains for 4 days straight (or more? I lost count) you start to get it. When your backyard is underwater, it begins to register. Huh. This is a flood.
We're very lucky -- only our basement had, I don't know, an inch of water? -- and we've seen a couple of little water stains on the ceiling. I'm praying for the people who are in shelters today.
Friday, September 18
The myth of "productive"
I've decided that I'm never going to have a completely productive, satisfying day at this job. Just not gonna happen. (A coworker who's been here 5 years has confirmed this.) The days aren't terrible, but they're not AT ALL linear. There's not even a set way I can plan my time, say, to answer phone calls/emails in the morning, do my writing in the lunch hour, and update websites in the afternoons. So yesterday as I walked to the parking lot, I simply focused on the ONE thing I did get accomplished, and that was finishing one small story I was writing. Not the whole 2-page spread, just the one "mini" news item. And after doing that, mostly what I did was read new emails, add things to the list, get frustrated, shuffle papers around (to file or not to file?), and slowly lose the will to live.
(Maybe an exaggeration.)
Today I'm creating a new filing system right after my 9:30 phone call.
Thank goodness it's Friday, right??
(Maybe an exaggeration.)
Today I'm creating a new filing system right after my 9:30 phone call.
Thank goodness it's Friday, right??
Monday, September 14
Weekend (and very early Monday morning) report
All it took was a simple dinner at a simple restaurant in a strip mall. The anticipation all week helped, too; I was looking forward to it A LOT. Glass of wine, and linguini with pesto cream. Conversation. Met the manager. Paid our money. Walked down to Michael's, of all places, and bought new picture frames. Toys R Us was right there, too, so we went in to look at stuff FOR THE KIDS. We're pathetic, right? But shopping for them is typically 1 of 2 things: Rushed (lunch-hour) or Scattered (them clamoring for stuff). This was leisurely. A wonder. Got a Halloween costume EARLY, for once. (Hope he still wants to be Wolverine!) Then we made a conscious effort to switch OFF parental mode. Next stop, Bath and Body Works - just for fun. Tiny luxury. :) And topped off the night with a warm mocha at a small table at Starbucks. Laughed so hard I cried at one point, and was so happy to know that we still have that kind of good fun together, just talking. IT WAS PERFECT, I say.
Sunday's yoga event was also lovely. Truly lovely. I never take a full HOUR for yoga -- if I'm doing my worn out DVD I choose the 20-minute version. If I don't even bother with the DVD, I get distracted after about 10 minutes. So this was a treat. Also nice to share it with other women. Surprise! I've never thought I liked fitness classes. But in this case it was great to have other people there, at all levels of fitness, and to clap afterwards like we'd all accomplished something. Silly, it sounds now, but it was good. Being outdoors, in the cool grass with a breeze blowing, was good for the soul. I tried hard to soak that up as much as possible.
Early this morning the thought occured to me, "Wouldn't it be nice to teach yoga? The opposite of a stressful job!" I shook it off, telling myself how SILLY that is, me being a writer/marketing person/business-y person all my life. Not a hippie herbal-tea-drinking yogi. But maybe I do need to take a class again. I have already looked online for some yoga studios close to home.
Sunday's yoga event was also lovely. Truly lovely. I never take a full HOUR for yoga -- if I'm doing my worn out DVD I choose the 20-minute version. If I don't even bother with the DVD, I get distracted after about 10 minutes. So this was a treat. Also nice to share it with other women. Surprise! I've never thought I liked fitness classes. But in this case it was great to have other people there, at all levels of fitness, and to clap afterwards like we'd all accomplished something. Silly, it sounds now, but it was good. Being outdoors, in the cool grass with a breeze blowing, was good for the soul. I tried hard to soak that up as much as possible.
Early this morning the thought occured to me, "Wouldn't it be nice to teach yoga? The opposite of a stressful job!" I shook it off, telling myself how SILLY that is, me being a writer/marketing person/business-y person all my life. Not a hippie herbal-tea-drinking yogi. But maybe I do need to take a class again. I have already looked online for some yoga studios close to home.
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