We saw Keane in concert last week and it was wonderful, amazing - so moving. They're an incredible band. Strangeland, their latest CD, arrived in our mail 2 days ago and I've been listening to it this morning. They opened with this song last week, and I liked it a lot. I thought of it as a song for young lovers. Very sweet.
Today it hit me as a song from parent to child, and my breath caught in my throat and the tears fell unexpectedly. A wish for our kids.
Thursday, January 31
Tuesday, January 29
A glimpse
In the mornings, we let the kids watch TV for about 20 minutes while they eat their breakfast, and they alternate who picks the show. "Whose turn to pick?" and "My turn to pick" are part of our family's language. We've been reconsidering this practice lately, because a certain 4-year-old girl tends to meltdown at random, and one of her witching hours is this hour, the one before all four of us must leave for work and school, 5 times a week. Le sigh. Maybe I've mentioned this before? Hahaha. Agggh. It's either the lights are too bright, or someone's touching her arm, or breathing on her wrong (@ Sissy, LOL!) or it's not her Turn.
But today I saw a little glimpse of the end of this phase, and a little confirmation that maybe some of the good we try to impart on these kids is actually getting through to her. I know it has gotten through to AJ. Today, for instance, it was his Turn, and therefore KT started to fuss. We were at the brink of a tantrum when he sighed, and reluctantly but very wisely said he would switch with her, and let her pick today. (Frequently, he'll hold onto his turn, but choose one of "her shows." That kid impresses me, I don't mind telling you.) He tossed out a comment, however, that he SURE wishes she would be as nice to him as he is to her. Heh. I agree. Normally I don't like when he tries to use "parenting talk," but I let this one slide. She considered it. Things were quiet as they worked out which buttons to push, to turn everything on (she sometimes still doesn't remember to push Auxillary - POWER, TV - POWER, and Cable box - POWER. I don't blame her, it's complicated.)... and then I heard her ask him, "Where do I find 'Adventure Time' On Demand?"
Which is one of "his shows." :)
------
AJ's been sick for 5 days. It was such a weird thing - he'd be fine one day but throw up the next, and didn't eat or drink much of anything. (All my hard work! Gone with the wind.) After a trip to the doctor, he's on a 3-day diet of saltines and broth, Jello and Ginger Ale, and an anti-nausea pill and a probiotic. Poor kid. He is additionally sick of DH and me asking him every 5 minutes if he's okay. It is awful to see your kid suffering, and I know a stomach bug is extremely minor in comparison to what some parents go through. I'm so grateful today to have healthy kids.
Of course, it's been a juggle with work schedules and sick days. It's gotten easier as we've matured into the parenting gig -- DH and I usually try to split days or alternate, and neither of us worries too much about it. I'm grateful, I guess, that I have a laptop and VPN access, so I don't miss the important emails (if there is such a thing), and grateful for understanding managers.
Meanwhile, there have been third-grade projects due (another costume! Argh! What grade does THAT end?), Catholic Schools' Week volunteer "opportunities" (i.e., room mom obligations, which end up being fun but when I'm also juggling sick days, are sorta stressful), and KT's pre-K classroom is trying to start prepping us for homework next year, with some homework of its own. She's making stellar progress on her reading, and that's fun. We giggle about her "math" papers -- she writes every number backwards. I know it's very early yet and that she'll get it, and I'm trying to remember to save some of the funny ones so we can look back later.
We're wishing for some snow. If we don't get any, it'll be the second winter in a row, and that will be sad. A couple of years ago, it snowed in mid-February so I'm holding out hope.
Oh, I've also been trying really hard to catch up with Downton Abbey. I finished Season 2 last night. My mom tells me I must not miss the Christmas episode, and then I'll hit our DVR and get up to speed on Season 3 so far. I will say it feels a lot more soap-opera like in Season 2 than it did at first. I still love it, but I've noticed a shift. (I should have been born in that time period, I truly think. I wouldn't even care if I were upstairs or downstairs -- it was all still so proper. And if you were downstairs it isn't like you wished you could be upstairs, because it simply wasn't possible. Your station was your station. There seemed to be less angst over earning "enough" or "more" money, because everyone knew what he had. We're not like that in our time. I haven't taken the time to parse all these thoughts out, but it's interesting to me.)
But today I saw a little glimpse of the end of this phase, and a little confirmation that maybe some of the good we try to impart on these kids is actually getting through to her. I know it has gotten through to AJ. Today, for instance, it was his Turn, and therefore KT started to fuss. We were at the brink of a tantrum when he sighed, and reluctantly but very wisely said he would switch with her, and let her pick today. (Frequently, he'll hold onto his turn, but choose one of "her shows." That kid impresses me, I don't mind telling you.) He tossed out a comment, however, that he SURE wishes she would be as nice to him as he is to her. Heh. I agree. Normally I don't like when he tries to use "parenting talk," but I let this one slide. She considered it. Things were quiet as they worked out which buttons to push, to turn everything on (she sometimes still doesn't remember to push Auxillary - POWER, TV - POWER, and Cable box - POWER. I don't blame her, it's complicated.)... and then I heard her ask him, "Where do I find 'Adventure Time' On Demand?"
Which is one of "his shows." :)
------
AJ's been sick for 5 days. It was such a weird thing - he'd be fine one day but throw up the next, and didn't eat or drink much of anything. (All my hard work! Gone with the wind.) After a trip to the doctor, he's on a 3-day diet of saltines and broth, Jello and Ginger Ale, and an anti-nausea pill and a probiotic. Poor kid. He is additionally sick of DH and me asking him every 5 minutes if he's okay. It is awful to see your kid suffering, and I know a stomach bug is extremely minor in comparison to what some parents go through. I'm so grateful today to have healthy kids.
Of course, it's been a juggle with work schedules and sick days. It's gotten easier as we've matured into the parenting gig -- DH and I usually try to split days or alternate, and neither of us worries too much about it. I'm grateful, I guess, that I have a laptop and VPN access, so I don't miss the important emails (if there is such a thing), and grateful for understanding managers.
Meanwhile, there have been third-grade projects due (another costume! Argh! What grade does THAT end?), Catholic Schools' Week volunteer "opportunities" (i.e., room mom obligations, which end up being fun but when I'm also juggling sick days, are sorta stressful), and KT's pre-K classroom is trying to start prepping us for homework next year, with some homework of its own. She's making stellar progress on her reading, and that's fun. We giggle about her "math" papers -- she writes every number backwards. I know it's very early yet and that she'll get it, and I'm trying to remember to save some of the funny ones so we can look back later.
We're wishing for some snow. If we don't get any, it'll be the second winter in a row, and that will be sad. A couple of years ago, it snowed in mid-February so I'm holding out hope.
Oh, I've also been trying really hard to catch up with Downton Abbey. I finished Season 2 last night. My mom tells me I must not miss the Christmas episode, and then I'll hit our DVR and get up to speed on Season 3 so far. I will say it feels a lot more soap-opera like in Season 2 than it did at first. I still love it, but I've noticed a shift. (I should have been born in that time period, I truly think. I wouldn't even care if I were upstairs or downstairs -- it was all still so proper. And if you were downstairs it isn't like you wished you could be upstairs, because it simply wasn't possible. Your station was your station. There seemed to be less angst over earning "enough" or "more" money, because everyone knew what he had. We're not like that in our time. I haven't taken the time to parse all these thoughts out, but it's interesting to me.)
Friday, January 11
7 Quick Takes, Procrastination
I can write a blog post instead of all the stuff I should really be doing (see #3 below)... happy Friday to all of you fellow procrastinators (you're reading blogs, aren't you?)!
1. I'm meeting a contractor today for home-improvement estimates! I hope he won't tell me that he needs ALL my money.
2. I am feeling the slightest, eensiest bit like I might get sick again. Back of the throat, nasal congestion at night. I think I need a 2nd humidifier (1st one's in KT's room). And no, I did not get my flu shot. With our local news going on and on about the Epidemic and the Deaths and things, I am pretty nervous. Two of the four of us DID get flu shots in the fall, but I wasn't one of them. Excuse me, I have to go wash my hands and dose myself with Vitamin D.
3. OHMAHGAH I have so much Work-Work to do. A manager-type has moved back from her stint in l'Europe, and while I like having her here because she's nice, she is unfortunately a Creator of Superfluous Tasks and Meetings. She is also very Serious about work. There are a lot of new, dumb things that I'm being asked to do. Yesterday we had a 2-hour "Cr3ative Brainstorming M33ting" [with an impressively redundant title.] I can't keep my Inbox clean even though I desperately want to zero it! ZERO is GOAL! Go away stupid little projects. You are supposed to only be background noise. I am not to worry over Work anymore.
4. But speaking of... next school year I may re-org my work schedule again, and request a work from home day instead of the flex-time. Yesterday (an early day, 6:30 - 3:30) my last meeting ran long and prevented me from arriving in the carpool line on time. AJ has experienced this enough times now -- I mean, maybe 7 or 8 times in the past 3 years -- that he knows I will be there as soon as I can, but it upset me. Particularly because it was an emotional day: One of his schoolmates passed away Wednesday night (not a good friend, but the school is small and Catholic, so, you know). Since I had left the house before it was announced Thursday morning, my first opportunity to talk tenderly about Life Issues with him (and hug him extra tightly) was going to be immediately after pickup. I stomped out of that meeting, growling to myself, "Something is wrong with this world when a child in our community dies, but I can't explain it to MY child because I have to discuss an Excel file and a V-lookup in great detail instead." Urrgh. Maybe I was just tired from the first 5:00 am wakeup since December 21. Anyway... considerations.
5. I would be proud if my family could survive just ONE WEEK with no fast food. But I don't see it as very likely. Dinner last night was at McDonald's. It's not that I'm purely against fast food, but it does sort-of make me feel guilty.
6. Today it's going to be 70 degrees in my town. Where is winter? :(
7. We're going to hear Brian Reagan tomorrow night with some friends. We're also supposed to meet up with another couple of friends when we get there. It's going to be super fun! If you don't know Brian Reagan, watch this. It's my favorite.
Enjoy! More QTs here, and pray for Jen!
1. I'm meeting a contractor today for home-improvement estimates! I hope he won't tell me that he needs ALL my money.
2. I am feeling the slightest, eensiest bit like I might get sick again. Back of the throat, nasal congestion at night. I think I need a 2nd humidifier (1st one's in KT's room). And no, I did not get my flu shot. With our local news going on and on about the Epidemic and the Deaths and things, I am pretty nervous. Two of the four of us DID get flu shots in the fall, but I wasn't one of them. Excuse me, I have to go wash my hands and dose myself with Vitamin D.
3. OHMAHGAH I have so much Work-Work to do. A manager-type has moved back from her stint in l'Europe, and while I like having her here because she's nice, she is unfortunately a Creator of Superfluous Tasks and Meetings. She is also very Serious about work. There are a lot of new, dumb things that I'm being asked to do. Yesterday we had a 2-hour "Cr3ative Brainstorming M33ting" [with an impressively redundant title.] I can't keep my Inbox clean even though I desperately want to zero it! ZERO is GOAL! Go away stupid little projects. You are supposed to only be background noise. I am not to worry over Work anymore.
4. But speaking of... next school year I may re-org my work schedule again, and request a work from home day instead of the flex-time. Yesterday (an early day, 6:30 - 3:30) my last meeting ran long and prevented me from arriving in the carpool line on time. AJ has experienced this enough times now -- I mean, maybe 7 or 8 times in the past 3 years -- that he knows I will be there as soon as I can, but it upset me. Particularly because it was an emotional day: One of his schoolmates passed away Wednesday night (not a good friend, but the school is small and Catholic, so, you know). Since I had left the house before it was announced Thursday morning, my first opportunity to talk tenderly about Life Issues with him (and hug him extra tightly) was going to be immediately after pickup. I stomped out of that meeting, growling to myself, "Something is wrong with this world when a child in our community dies, but I can't explain it to MY child because I have to discuss an Excel file and a V-lookup in great detail instead." Urrgh. Maybe I was just tired from the first 5:00 am wakeup since December 21. Anyway... considerations.
5. I would be proud if my family could survive just ONE WEEK with no fast food. But I don't see it as very likely. Dinner last night was at McDonald's. It's not that I'm purely against fast food, but it does sort-of make me feel guilty.
6. Today it's going to be 70 degrees in my town. Where is winter? :(
7. We're going to hear Brian Reagan tomorrow night with some friends. We're also supposed to meet up with another couple of friends when we get there. It's going to be super fun! If you don't know Brian Reagan, watch this. It's my favorite.
Enjoy! More QTs here, and pray for Jen!
Monday, January 7
Upward curve
AJ's continuing to gain weight. He's up to 43.5. In addition, he lost that first tooth over the break. (He really lost it, in fact -- swallowed it. Kinda anticlimactic for the tooth fairy pillow, but he got his $2.00 nevertheless.) My Dad says that he looks taller. Maybe that whole big worry was just a blip on the screen.
Miraculously, I have NOT gained weight. Last night's Loaded Potato Soup and French Bread (and wine) dinner may have altered that conclusion, but maybe a few days of salads and not cleaning my plates can alleviate the damage. The Potato Soup is so darn good, though, and I do love soup in winter. AJ even ate some of his. Not much, but some. I told them, about that and about my Grandmother's Gumbo recipe, that they'd better get used to it, because these are foods that are not going away. "You will continue to see these in our home," I told them. (Sometimes I love the privilege of being the parent.)
Things are looking good for a nice start to this New Year. Last night DH and I recommitted to.... wine on Friday nights! While we were at it, I told him, well, we have to have wine on Monday nights, as well, and he agreed: Why not start and end the week this way? I am On Board! Hee hee. It's going to be a good 2013.
The only unfortunate thing is, I did wake up this morning to my 5:40 a.m. alarm and say, in my head, "This is going to suck." Ha, ha. I wish I wouldn't think like that! It must be so automatic, to do it when I'm barely even awake. I laughed at myself and tried to redirect my thoughts as I stumbled into the bathroom. "No, Self, this day is going to be fine. A day at work, doing good things. You can make coffee for Dad. There's love. Family. Kids. Breathe deep. Hot shower. It's fine. It's good."
It's seriously funny, the way I talk to myself.
Lunch at home with the kids and my parents today, on their last day of Christmas break. Should be nice and comforting. Wine tonight! And either the ND/Alabama game or Downton Abbey on TV. (I'm behind on Donwton, so I'll just be starting Season 2, on the DVD my parents are letting me borrow.)
Miraculously, I have NOT gained weight. Last night's Loaded Potato Soup and French Bread (and wine) dinner may have altered that conclusion, but maybe a few days of salads and not cleaning my plates can alleviate the damage. The Potato Soup is so darn good, though, and I do love soup in winter. AJ even ate some of his. Not much, but some. I told them, about that and about my Grandmother's Gumbo recipe, that they'd better get used to it, because these are foods that are not going away. "You will continue to see these in our home," I told them. (Sometimes I love the privilege of being the parent.)
Things are looking good for a nice start to this New Year. Last night DH and I recommitted to.... wine on Friday nights! While we were at it, I told him, well, we have to have wine on Monday nights, as well, and he agreed: Why not start and end the week this way? I am On Board! Hee hee. It's going to be a good 2013.
The only unfortunate thing is, I did wake up this morning to my 5:40 a.m. alarm and say, in my head, "This is going to suck." Ha, ha. I wish I wouldn't think like that! It must be so automatic, to do it when I'm barely even awake. I laughed at myself and tried to redirect my thoughts as I stumbled into the bathroom. "No, Self, this day is going to be fine. A day at work, doing good things. You can make coffee for Dad. There's love. Family. Kids. Breathe deep. Hot shower. It's fine. It's good."
It's seriously funny, the way I talk to myself.
Lunch at home with the kids and my parents today, on their last day of Christmas break. Should be nice and comforting. Wine tonight! And either the ND/Alabama game or Downton Abbey on TV. (I'm behind on Donwton, so I'll just be starting Season 2, on the DVD my parents are letting me borrow.)
Friday, January 4
What I read in 2012
Here's what I wanted to read in 2012. I had good intentions!
....but here's what I actually read in 2012:
I Am Forbidden: A Novel, by Anouk Markovits. Loved, loved, loved this story. I always love stories about the Orthodox Jews. This was from the point of view of a woman, which is unusual, I think, for that topic. It was the first thing I bought on my Kindle Fire. I had read about it in Entertainment Weekly, of all places.
Committed: A Love Story, by Liz Gilbert. Was on my wish-to-read list and was actually read! Congratulations to me! And I liked it, too.
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, by Joshilyn Jackson. Also from my wish-to-read list. I started it, but didn't finish it. I never could get interested in the main character. I just didn't feel anything for her. Disappointing because for years (I was reading J's blog when she started writing this one), the title made me really want to love it.
No Regrets Parenting: Turning Long Days and Short Years into Cherished Moments with Your Kids, by Harley A.Rotbart M.D. I didn't finish the whole thing but I appreciate parenting wisdom.
(I think I won't continue with all the links.)
The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. This was one mindbender of a book. We chose it on my recommendation for our family "book club" conversation at the beach, and reactions were very mixed between my cousins and our parents. Some of us loved the desolation and sadness, and others of us couldn't handle it. It was quite depressing, but I really liked it.
Silver Bells, by Luanne Rice. Given to me by DH's Nanny. This was a fluffy romance-y book, but I really enjoyed it. I read it during our Thanksgiving vacation and it was a good way to get in the mood for Christmas, I thought. It was sweet.
Summer by the Sea, by Susan Wiggs. Another romance I borrowed from Nanny's shelf. I didn't want to like this book. I was determined not to like it, in fact. It was intellectually flat, as I expected it to be with that dumb title. But I finished it quickly sometime this summer, and for a long time I couldn't get the main character out of my head. Thank goodness I can't even remember her name anymore.Oh well, it was something to do.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. I started this just after Thanksgiving. Something made me want to read something difficult and fulfilling. ;) I read it in high school, of course, and had forgotten that we had to memorize the first page/paragraph. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...." It was fun that it felt so familiar to re-read that. I'm enjoying it so far but man, does that guy like his long sentences and his descriptions. Do I really need to know so much about the gravel in between the cobblestones on that small road in France?
I didn't read a single trendy thing. No Shades of Grey over here. I don't know if that's good or bad.
What are you reading now?
....but here's what I actually read in 2012:
I Am Forbidden: A Novel, by Anouk Markovits. Loved, loved, loved this story. I always love stories about the Orthodox Jews. This was from the point of view of a woman, which is unusual, I think, for that topic. It was the first thing I bought on my Kindle Fire. I had read about it in Entertainment Weekly, of all places.
Committed: A Love Story, by Liz Gilbert. Was on my wish-to-read list and was actually read! Congratulations to me! And I liked it, too.
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, by Joshilyn Jackson. Also from my wish-to-read list. I started it, but didn't finish it. I never could get interested in the main character. I just didn't feel anything for her. Disappointing because for years (I was reading J's blog when she started writing this one), the title made me really want to love it.
No Regrets Parenting: Turning Long Days and Short Years into Cherished Moments with Your Kids, by Harley A.Rotbart M.D. I didn't finish the whole thing but I appreciate parenting wisdom.
(I think I won't continue with all the links.)
The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. This was one mindbender of a book. We chose it on my recommendation for our family "book club" conversation at the beach, and reactions were very mixed between my cousins and our parents. Some of us loved the desolation and sadness, and others of us couldn't handle it. It was quite depressing, but I really liked it.
Silver Bells, by Luanne Rice. Given to me by DH's Nanny. This was a fluffy romance-y book, but I really enjoyed it. I read it during our Thanksgiving vacation and it was a good way to get in the mood for Christmas, I thought. It was sweet.
Summer by the Sea, by Susan Wiggs. Another romance I borrowed from Nanny's shelf. I didn't want to like this book. I was determined not to like it, in fact. It was intellectually flat, as I expected it to be with that dumb title. But I finished it quickly sometime this summer, and for a long time I couldn't get the main character out of my head. Thank goodness I can't even remember her name anymore.Oh well, it was something to do.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. I started this just after Thanksgiving. Something made me want to read something difficult and fulfilling. ;) I read it in high school, of course, and had forgotten that we had to memorize the first page/paragraph. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...." It was fun that it felt so familiar to re-read that. I'm enjoying it so far but man, does that guy like his long sentences and his descriptions. Do I really need to know so much about the gravel in between the cobblestones on that small road in France?
I didn't read a single trendy thing. No Shades of Grey over here. I don't know if that's good or bad.
What are you reading now?
Tuesday, January 1
Not the first
I think I'm not the first blogger who isn't doing the meme this year. I'm just not feeling it. I do like to reflect, though. My 2012 was good, on the whole. I feel i lived through something this summer, a small depression, maybe, when I was reading all the self-help and trying like hell to fix my attitude. I feel like that few months was a big deal. I learned about myself, and how I don't want to be. I don't want to have to work so hard to enjoy a day. I know I CAN work through hard days if that's what it takes, but I'd rather not have to.
It wasn't a BAD year, I'm just saying that piece of it seemed long. A lot of great, good stuff happened this year, too, including some better, deeper friendships that I really hope to cultivate in the year to come. I have to give thanks for them; they are a treasure. I need to do better at being a friend in general. Being. Doing. Offering. Initiating. Not being too timid. :)
In 2013 I'm hoping to just move more lightly through the days. I want to be better at praying for help with the daily things; help with planning my schedule so that workouts are a part of most days, but not freaking out about it too much. I don't know. Planning my days so that it's possible to enjoy a lunch out with a friend once in a while, and do the errands later. I need spiritual help with these things. I want to be a better wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, and friend. I don't know what else. I wish more light, a lighter feeling, for 2013.
I don't want to focus on the details all the time. I'd rather see the big things -- love, joy, dedication -- in the forefront, and the rest -- work projects, stress about commitments, etc. -- just background noise.
You think I can do that?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It wasn't a BAD year, I'm just saying that piece of it seemed long. A lot of great, good stuff happened this year, too, including some better, deeper friendships that I really hope to cultivate in the year to come. I have to give thanks for them; they are a treasure. I need to do better at being a friend in general. Being. Doing. Offering. Initiating. Not being too timid. :)
In 2013 I'm hoping to just move more lightly through the days. I want to be better at praying for help with the daily things; help with planning my schedule so that workouts are a part of most days, but not freaking out about it too much. I don't know. Planning my days so that it's possible to enjoy a lunch out with a friend once in a while, and do the errands later. I need spiritual help with these things. I want to be a better wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, and friend. I don't know what else. I wish more light, a lighter feeling, for 2013.
I don't want to focus on the details all the time. I'd rather see the big things -- love, joy, dedication -- in the forefront, and the rest -- work projects, stress about commitments, etc. -- just background noise.
You think I can do that?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, December 28
Good
We didn't do a huge Christmas this year, by our standards. I mean, there was no "big" gift for either kid; no bike, no scooter, no expensive electronics. DH and I agreed to a no-gifts policy and mostly stuck to it (he grabbed a CD and stuck it in my stocking). But the kids LOVED their Christmas. I am so happy to say that we got them several things that were in their letters to Santa -- books, games, smallish toys -- and they were just as thrilled as any kid who got a "big" gift.
Kids don't notice things like being sick putting a damper on Mommy's general mood (or maybe my mood is the same whether I'm sick or not... don't answer that): but I was sick over Christmas. It started Friday night before we had packed. We were supposed to all go together, to buy a few more things for Gam and Pop and then have a nice dinner out, but I begged off and let them watch a Disney tween-com marathon while I fevered out under a blanket. I managed to help DH by wrapping those new gifts, and pulled clothes out for myself and the kids, for the suitcase, but otherwise I was worthless.
And the garage door broke that night, nearly preventing us from even going to south GA the next day.
So it started out auspiciously. There was a bit of, how shall we say... melancholy and distress over the health of a loved one. (It's not my story to tell here.) But there was some genuine laughter around our Christmas Eve dinner table. There was soft light from the tree, and three angelic kids -- my two, plus their new baby cousin -- sitting by the light, oblivious to anything but excitement over what was still to come.
When Santa hangs candy canes on the tree, that's how you know it's really and truly Christmas. At least that's how it is in my family.
It was Christmas, therefore, in Savannah. :)
-----
We had brunch with DH's brother and his wife, and their 4-month-old. Aside from the physical relief I felt when her mommy set her in her swing -- I remember so well that relief, of finally getting to put the baby DOWN -- I was so glad it wasn't me with a tiny baby anymore. I did change a diaper for them, and Gam joked that I hadn't forgotten how. Huh! How could I have? Feels like just yesterday in so many ways. BIL has grown so much. For the first time, he and I have something in common, and it's a revelation. I honestly feel for him in ways I never have, and I know that he understands something about me that he didn't before. We've never been able to really relate. But now we can. And we are, related. :) He said, both in person and on Facebook, that he really treasures time spent with family. I think it's the nicest thing he's ever said.
-----
The kids were excited, too, because we had "three Christmases." Santa, first thing in the morning; then BIL's house; then after our 4-hour drive home the same day, we opened the rest of the presents we'd left at our house. That was fun. It was weird driving on Christmas Day (night), on the back-end of a trip. And it's been kind-of a letdown of a week off, since I'm still somewhat sniffly and coughing a lot, and KT is too. (DH got it a day or 2 ago, so we start again.) Today we went to WalMart to let the kids spend some Christmas cash burning holes in their pockets, and I bought a 4-pack of tissues and some cough drops. That's about as exciting as it's gotten. But they've been playing with their new toys, and with their cardboard spaceship, and that's enough, you know? It's good.
Kids don't notice things like being sick putting a damper on Mommy's general mood (or maybe my mood is the same whether I'm sick or not... don't answer that): but I was sick over Christmas. It started Friday night before we had packed. We were supposed to all go together, to buy a few more things for Gam and Pop and then have a nice dinner out, but I begged off and let them watch a Disney tween-com marathon while I fevered out under a blanket. I managed to help DH by wrapping those new gifts, and pulled clothes out for myself and the kids, for the suitcase, but otherwise I was worthless.
And the garage door broke that night, nearly preventing us from even going to south GA the next day.
So it started out auspiciously. There was a bit of, how shall we say... melancholy and distress over the health of a loved one. (It's not my story to tell here.) But there was some genuine laughter around our Christmas Eve dinner table. There was soft light from the tree, and three angelic kids -- my two, plus their new baby cousin -- sitting by the light, oblivious to anything but excitement over what was still to come.
When Santa hangs candy canes on the tree, that's how you know it's really and truly Christmas. At least that's how it is in my family.
It was Christmas, therefore, in Savannah. :)
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We had brunch with DH's brother and his wife, and their 4-month-old. Aside from the physical relief I felt when her mommy set her in her swing -- I remember so well that relief, of finally getting to put the baby DOWN -- I was so glad it wasn't me with a tiny baby anymore. I did change a diaper for them, and Gam joked that I hadn't forgotten how. Huh! How could I have? Feels like just yesterday in so many ways. BIL has grown so much. For the first time, he and I have something in common, and it's a revelation. I honestly feel for him in ways I never have, and I know that he understands something about me that he didn't before. We've never been able to really relate. But now we can. And we are, related. :) He said, both in person and on Facebook, that he really treasures time spent with family. I think it's the nicest thing he's ever said.
-----
The kids were excited, too, because we had "three Christmases." Santa, first thing in the morning; then BIL's house; then after our 4-hour drive home the same day, we opened the rest of the presents we'd left at our house. That was fun. It was weird driving on Christmas Day (night), on the back-end of a trip. And it's been kind-of a letdown of a week off, since I'm still somewhat sniffly and coughing a lot, and KT is too. (DH got it a day or 2 ago, so we start again.) Today we went to WalMart to let the kids spend some Christmas cash burning holes in their pockets, and I bought a 4-pack of tissues and some cough drops. That's about as exciting as it's gotten. But they've been playing with their new toys, and with their cardboard spaceship, and that's enough, you know? It's good.
Tuesday, December 18
Cookie solution, and acknowledging
You know what I did to solve the cookie problem? At DH's suggestion I bought a tube of Pillsbury sugar cookie dough, and some red and green sprinkles. Boom. Done. Kids loved sprinkling them, and eating them, and holiday cookies are a success. (No one but me liked the Oreo truffles (to which I forgot to link last time), -- and all the people at my choir's Christmas party! and my co-worker! Dumb kids.)
Anyway, that's done, and couldn't feel MORE frivolous or stupid in light of everything that has happened in the news since then. I'm not equipped to write about it, and certainly not to write well. All I can tell you is that my kids were bickering the last several days (with us, as well as with each other), but last night they played for more than an hour with a big cardboard box, decorating it to be their Spaceship, and having all kinds of happy adventures together, and it was the most wonderful and the most heartbreaking thing ever.
It's easy to pray right now. Easy. Even with doubt and anger and fear, it's not hard to know what to say.
Anyway, that's done, and couldn't feel MORE frivolous or stupid in light of everything that has happened in the news since then. I'm not equipped to write about it, and certainly not to write well. All I can tell you is that my kids were bickering the last several days (with us, as well as with each other), but last night they played for more than an hour with a big cardboard box, decorating it to be their Spaceship, and having all kinds of happy adventures together, and it was the most wonderful and the most heartbreaking thing ever.
It's easy to pray right now. Easy. Even with doubt and anger and fear, it's not hard to know what to say.
Thursday, December 13
First project: Stairs
Met with my friend the realtor. She was encouraging. I've been watching WAY too much "Buying and Selling," with the twin brothers, one who's a contractor and the other an agent, and clearly for drama's sake, they always suggest a basic tear-down and re-do of the seller's home before putting it on the market.
My friend wasn't as dramatic. She said she'd hate for us to spend too much money on, say, a full master bath re-do, if we're just going to leave the house. I agree. I like her.
So, she made several suggestions, many of which were definitely on my list, including the dishwasher, and I'm going to get some estimates from a contractor for the big/hard things.
One thing she suggested, though, that I think I can tackle myself, is our staircase banisters. They're the classic dark-wood (with the extra-shiny laminate (I guess?) finish), and white spindles. Much like the photo there, only without the lovely lighting and wall! "People want the Pottery Barn look on a beer budget," she told me. Especially the younger, first-time buyer, which the size of my house will attract. "So paint it black," she said. "It's one of the current trends. Look it up online." Supposedly it mimics wrought-iron. I don't know -- my spindles are kind-of thick; too thick to look like iron.
I'm no designer, but I'm thinking even better than black might be a dark charcoal grey on the handrail and bottom columns, and on the non-carpeted ends of the carpeted stairsteps (our wood steps currently match the banisters). Maybe after I do that I might want to take the plunge to black spindles (but I'm skeptical).
At any rate, it seems like a project I can do fairly simply. So I'm kinda excited.
(I also have an eensy desire to pull a Chevy Chase and chainsaw off the ball at the top of the column, to replace with something square and flat. But I'm not sure I'm brave enough.)
My friend wasn't as dramatic. She said she'd hate for us to spend too much money on, say, a full master bath re-do, if we're just going to leave the house. I agree. I like her.
So, she made several suggestions, many of which were definitely on my list, including the dishwasher, and I'm going to get some estimates from a contractor for the big/hard things.
I'm no designer, but I'm thinking even better than black might be a dark charcoal grey on the handrail and bottom columns, and on the non-carpeted ends of the carpeted stairsteps (our wood steps currently match the banisters). Maybe after I do that I might want to take the plunge to black spindles (but I'm skeptical).
At any rate, it seems like a project I can do fairly simply. So I'm kinda excited.
(I also have an eensy desire to pull a Chevy Chase and chainsaw off the ball at the top of the column, to replace with something square and flat. But I'm not sure I'm brave enough.)
Monday, December 10
Our Christmas cookies
I'm kinda bummed because I'm realizing that we -- my little nuclear family -- are sorely lacking in the "favorite Christmas cookies" department.
Over the weekend, we did make my favorite cookie -- Swistle's Mint-Chocolate. These definitely rule, and I am thrilled to report that both of my kiddos, like their mama, love the mint-chocolate combo in all of its forms. (Still a no-go for their Daddy, unfortch.... FOR HIM.) What could be more Christmas-y than pepperminty, chocolatey goodness? They're perfect. This year was the best batch I've ever made, due to DUH, making them smaller, and also DUH, letting them cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the cookie sheets. No crumbling! It was a thing of beauty! I foresee at least 2 additional batches being baked between now and December 25.
It has become my modus operandi to make few plain chocolate cookies before putting in the mint-chocolate chips, for DH. (They can't be any good, but I'm a giver.)
My childhood cookie traditions have gone by the wayside a little bit. Sniff! Number one for me was Sand Tarts, a version of Italian Wedding Cookies, and I have tried to make them each year but gotten nothing but flack from the current audience: They don't like nuts, they don't like powdered sugar, they don't like them Sam-I-Am. Babies. These cookies are an awful lot of trouble, so I have about decided they're not worth making if I, who shouldn't be forced to eat a whole batch, is going to have to enjoy all of them (or, okay, give them away).
Running a close second was Cathedral Cookies, (minus the coconut in that link) but those require colored mini-marshmallows, which I'll be darned if I can ever find anymore. So, sadly, that cookie might also be a thing of the past. I mean, they would still taste the same with white marshmallows, but they won't look like "cathedral windows." I guess we could call them "snowflake cookies" instead. They'd be dirty snowflakes, however, because of the chocolate, and my Grandmother definitely wouldn't like that.
We also had bourbon balls around when I was a kid. But DH doesn't do bourbon, and even I, who do do bourbon, don't particularly love alcoholic cookies. Meh.
Now back to the present-day issues:
SO! What to do?! I need your help! I am on the hunt for delicious Christmas cookie recipes that my whole family will love and embrace. I am going to try, tonight, these Oreo Truffles. Perhaps they will suit DH's fancy a little bit and perhaps the kids won't notice the [whole brick of] cream cheese. You KNOW I'll eat 'em.
If I remember correctly, we had Some Fun several years ago re: cookies. This, then, is that "homemade" post we talked about way back then. What's your fave? What're your traditions? Go! :)
Over the weekend, we did make my favorite cookie -- Swistle's Mint-Chocolate. These definitely rule, and I am thrilled to report that both of my kiddos, like their mama, love the mint-chocolate combo in all of its forms. (Still a no-go for their Daddy, unfortch.... FOR HIM.) What could be more Christmas-y than pepperminty, chocolatey goodness? They're perfect. This year was the best batch I've ever made, due to DUH, making them smaller, and also DUH, letting them cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the cookie sheets. No crumbling! It was a thing of beauty! I foresee at least 2 additional batches being baked between now and December 25.
It has become my modus operandi to make few plain chocolate cookies before putting in the mint-chocolate chips, for DH. (They can't be any good, but I'm a giver.)
My childhood cookie traditions have gone by the wayside a little bit. Sniff! Number one for me was Sand Tarts, a version of Italian Wedding Cookies, and I have tried to make them each year but gotten nothing but flack from the current audience: They don't like nuts, they don't like powdered sugar, they don't like them Sam-I-Am. Babies. These cookies are an awful lot of trouble, so I have about decided they're not worth making if I, who shouldn't be forced to eat a whole batch, is going to have to enjoy all of them (or, okay, give them away).
Running a close second was Cathedral Cookies, (minus the coconut in that link) but those require colored mini-marshmallows, which I'll be darned if I can ever find anymore. So, sadly, that cookie might also be a thing of the past. I mean, they would still taste the same with white marshmallows, but they won't look like "cathedral windows." I guess we could call them "snowflake cookies" instead. They'd be dirty snowflakes, however, because of the chocolate, and my Grandmother definitely wouldn't like that.
We also had bourbon balls around when I was a kid. But DH doesn't do bourbon, and even I, who do do bourbon, don't particularly love alcoholic cookies. Meh.
Now back to the present-day issues:
- I like thumbprint cookies with raspberry or strawberry jam, and not just for the way they look on a Christmas plate! Yummy! (My kids/DH don't love fruity desserts, though.)
- We made these reindeer cookies one year and they were super cute (we even "frosted" them with Nutella) but they didn't really get eaten.
- I'm not so much into the "rolling dough" and the "cookie cutting" and the "icing." Bah humbug.
SO! What to do?! I need your help! I am on the hunt for delicious Christmas cookie recipes that my whole family will love and embrace. I am going to try, tonight, these Oreo Truffles. Perhaps they will suit DH's fancy a little bit and perhaps the kids won't notice the [whole brick of] cream cheese. You KNOW I'll eat 'em.
If I remember correctly, we had Some Fun several years ago re: cookies. This, then, is that "homemade" post we talked about way back then. What's your fave? What're your traditions? Go! :)
Friday, December 7
Birthday party record keeping
I love office supplies, and this week I got two new notebooks to use at my desk at work. Spiral-bound. I use them for notes at meetings and phone calls and stuff.
Sometimes, however, I'll let my mind wander when I'm bored or frustrated, and I'll flip to a page in the back to write things down that I want to remember or keep. One of the things I wrote down this year was all the birthday parties that the kids have had, so I would remember them. I don't want to rewrite it in my new notebook (it's all clean and lovely in the back! Yay for new stuff!!), so I thought I would just put that information here.
AJ:
Age 1: party at home with friends ("rocketship" cake/theme)
2: party at home, with friends (Walt/Marti/Sienna; Ann/Paul; Matthew from church (what was his mom's name?); Jenny/Chris/Kelsey; Andy Faw; grandparents) (plain/confetti cake decoration)
3: party at home, just us (Dora [yes, really] cake)
4: party at BounceU with friends from KRK (Ninja Turtles theme)
5: party at the park w/friends (Spiderman cake/theme)
6: party at Chuck E Cheese (can't remember the cake... maybe Iron Man?)
7: party at Dac Kids (local place), cookie cake and no theme
8: brunch party after Camp Gmommy/Pjoe, in P'cola w/cousins (Krispy Kreme doughnut stack "cake") - before traveling back home
9: party at SkyZone Kennesaw (indoor trampoline park) with friends (cookie cake, no theme)
10: AJ spent his 10th birthday at camp WinShape! Without ME! And he had a sleepover when he got home, with his best friend Brandon. :)
11: Just Brandon spending the night, and dinner at the Japanese Hibachi restaurant (Volcano). Sadly we didn't get a funny chef.
12: Well, this year was a bummer. I left town on July 8th, for a work trip to Germany. The night before, we had dinner out and cake at home. He didn't get to have his friend sleep over until August 19.
13. For this birthday, we retrieved Alex and Kate from their summer week in Pensacola, but not before a Cousins' Party with Alex's fave meal, chili, made by me in my Mom's kitchen, and a cake from Publix.
14. I think Brandon spent the night and we had dinner out, somewhere. Maybe Mexican food?
Sometimes, however, I'll let my mind wander when I'm bored or frustrated, and I'll flip to a page in the back to write things down that I want to remember or keep. One of the things I wrote down this year was all the birthday parties that the kids have had, so I would remember them. I don't want to rewrite it in my new notebook (it's all clean and lovely in the back! Yay for new stuff!!), so I thought I would just put that information here.
AJ:
Age 1: party at home with friends ("rocketship" cake/theme)
2: party at home, with friends (Walt/Marti/Sienna; Ann/Paul; Matthew from church (what was his mom's name?); Jenny/Chris/Kelsey; Andy Faw; grandparents) (plain/confetti cake decoration)
3: party at home, just us (Dora [yes, really] cake)
4: party at BounceU with friends from KRK (Ninja Turtles theme)
5: party at the park w/friends (Spiderman cake/theme)
6: party at Chuck E Cheese (can't remember the cake... maybe Iron Man?)
7: party at Dac Kids (local place), cookie cake and no theme
8: brunch party after Camp Gmommy/Pjoe, in P'cola w/cousins (Krispy Kreme doughnut stack "cake") - before traveling back home
9: party at SkyZone Kennesaw (indoor trampoline park) with friends (cookie cake, no theme)
10: AJ spent his 10th birthday at camp WinShape! Without ME! And he had a sleepover when he got home, with his best friend Brandon. :)
11: Just Brandon spending the night, and dinner at the Japanese Hibachi restaurant (Volcano). Sadly we didn't get a funny chef.
12: Well, this year was a bummer. I left town on July 8th, for a work trip to Germany. The night before, we had dinner out and cake at home. He didn't get to have his friend sleep over until August 19.
13. For this birthday, we retrieved Alex and Kate from their summer week in Pensacola, but not before a Cousins' Party with Alex's fave meal, chili, made by me in my Mom's kitchen, and a cake from Publix.
14. I think Brandon spent the night and we had dinner out, somewhere. Maybe Mexican food?
15. Oof, I can't remember
16. Pandemic birthday! We had a parking lot/tailgate party at Culver's. It was supposed to be a surprise to Alex, but one of his friends told him. Oh well. Brandon, Anthony, Jack, and Will joined us.
17. He spent the night at Jack's, with Brandon and Anthony. We didn't see him until 3:00 the next day! We had homemade chocolate cake (made and decorated by Kate) at home.
18. Dinner at Okinawa (after much dithering and inability to decide on where), just us 4 + Ashling, on his birthday. Jack, Brandon, Anthony spent the night the next night but 2 had to leave early for work the next day! And that concludes AJ's childhood, OMG!
KT:
Age 1: family party - both sets of g'parents! - at Disney's Animal Kingdom! (Mickey Mouse cake)
2: party at home, just us w/Mom and Dad (pizza, and a SpongeBob cake)
3: party at Miss Lala's (local place) with KRK friends, Disney princesses cake
4: party at Gymboree with KRK friends (Rapunzel cake)
5: party at Catch Air with friends (Barbie cake)
6: party w/cousins in P'cola (cookie cake w/ill-advised black (and pink) icing, burgers/hot dogs, and a Tinkerbell pinata)
7: slumber party for Kate and 4 SJCS friends. Decorated water-bottles, watched Teen Beach Movie, ate pizza and popcorn and cake, slept in the guest room!
8: 'party' with just family, including my Mom and Dad, and hibachi dinner. Got a good waiter that time, and the drums serenade. The weekend prior, Calli slept over and we girls went to the painting studio to paint cupcakes.
9. Ady Grace spent the night, but before that we took her with us to Town Center mall. We spent money on BFF necklaces at Claire's, Build-a-Bears, I think, and smelly stuff at Bath and Body Works. Also snacked/lunched at the Food Court. Suuuuuper-fun girly day!
10. (I think, I'm documenting this a year and a half later:) Reese spent the night and we went shopping. Pretty much the same as last year!
11. Birthday girl asked Calli to join us for shopping and a sleepover. We went to Avalon in Alpharetta, a swanky uptown shopping area. Visited Vineyard Vines and the Apple Store. Dinner back in Kennesaw at Olive Garden. It was fun. Cake from Nothing Bundt cakes, I believe.
KT:
Age 1: family party - both sets of g'parents! - at Disney's Animal Kingdom! (Mickey Mouse cake)
2: party at home, just us w/Mom and Dad (pizza, and a SpongeBob cake)
3: party at Miss Lala's (local place) with KRK friends, Disney princesses cake
4: party at Gymboree with KRK friends (Rapunzel cake)
5: party at Catch Air with friends (Barbie cake)
6: party w/cousins in P'cola (cookie cake w/ill-advised black (and pink) icing, burgers/hot dogs, and a Tinkerbell pinata)
7: slumber party for Kate and 4 SJCS friends. Decorated water-bottles, watched Teen Beach Movie, ate pizza and popcorn and cake, slept in the guest room!
8: 'party' with just family, including my Mom and Dad, and hibachi dinner. Got a good waiter that time, and the drums serenade. The weekend prior, Calli slept over and we girls went to the painting studio to paint cupcakes.
9. Ady Grace spent the night, but before that we took her with us to Town Center mall. We spent money on BFF necklaces at Claire's, Build-a-Bears, I think, and smelly stuff at Bath and Body Works. Also snacked/lunched at the Food Court. Suuuuuper-fun girly day!
10. (I think, I'm documenting this a year and a half later:) Reese spent the night and we went shopping. Pretty much the same as last year!
11. Birthday girl asked Calli to join us for shopping and a sleepover. We went to Avalon in Alpharetta, a swanky uptown shopping area. Visited Vineyard Vines and the Apple Store. Dinner back in Kennesaw at Olive Garden. It was fun. Cake from Nothing Bundt cakes, I believe.
12. We had a slumber party at our house, with Maggie, Anna, and Kate. They did a mall scavenger hunt which I put together. They wanted me to walk around with them at the mall, but not WITH them. ;)
13. An evening party at our house with lots of girls, including Olivia C from camp. Kate planned the whole thing. Decor was balloons on the floor (used for a stomping game later), white and pink and rose gold if I remember correctly. They played outside on the trampoline, in the front yard (taking pictures for Instagram); they did sparklers. We had dinner (CFA nuggets, pigs in blankets, chips, fruit, veggies) and cake from Nothing Bundt Cake. Alex, Shawn and I stayed upstairs mostly all night at K's request.
14. We took Kate and about 6 friends from school out to dinner at Taqueria Tsunami. They had a blast. Cupcakes from Smallcakes.
Actually, it's about time to start planning KT's 5th party! Updated to add years 9 and 5, and now it's time to plan Kate's year 6!! Updated again for 2014! Updated for Kate's 7th! Alex's 11th! it keeps going...
Monday, December 3
A scale victory!
Guess what? My bathroom scale says AJ has gained either .5 or 1 pound since seeing the doctor on October 31st! Woo! Of course, I know from experience that That Scale sometimes lies, and you can tell by its 2 different readings at the same exact moment, point-five and one, that it enjoys messing with people who are brave enough to step on it... but I'll take it. Mac and cheese + Oreo milkshakes for the win!
(I have to just laugh.)
Today should be a pretty happy Monday, because my boss(es) are all away at a conference, and besides that, I'm leaving at 1:00. It's for a dentist appointment for me and the kiddos, true, but still, it's a half-day. Nevertheless, I'm feeling grumpy/moody about things. December stress creeping in, I guess. Trying to tame it with Christmas tunes (Pandora's playing Johnny Mathis at the moment) and... I don't know what else -- force-taming it. Go away, bad mood.
(I have to just laugh.)
Today should be a pretty happy Monday, because my boss(es) are all away at a conference, and besides that, I'm leaving at 1:00. It's for a dentist appointment for me and the kiddos, true, but still, it's a half-day. Nevertheless, I'm feeling grumpy/moody about things. December stress creeping in, I guess. Trying to tame it with Christmas tunes (Pandora's playing Johnny Mathis at the moment) and... I don't know what else -- force-taming it. Go away, bad mood.
Friday, November 30
7 Home repairs I'm sure the agent will suggest! An exciting QT post!
I'm sorry - I just need to list this stuff out to get it out of my head, so I can do my actual work today. I'm having a hard time concentrating with all the house nonsense swirling around in there. (Not to mention Christmas present-buying, travel-plans-making, where-to-put-the-Elf-deciding, aiiieeeee!)
1. Fix three bad places (I don't even know what to call these) on three different ceilings. There's the place that became wet after a big storm, which was our indication we needed a new roof; the place where, once, when we had some plumbing done upstairs, the ceiling downstairs was never the same; and the place in our bedroom where it looks like someone took a box cutter to the ceiling (I don't even know). Who do you call for work like that? Dry wall people? Are there such?
2. Replace the front porch and stairs and back deck. I don't know if she'll say we MUST do this, but the decks are wood and looking pretty sad right now.
3. Paint the garage walls. (I mean, we could stand to do a LOT of painting, but for sure the garage.)
4. Replace the dishwasher? Maybe. I didn't even think of this one until today, but we have a stainless fridge and a stainless stove/oven, and then a cream colored dishwasher. Seems like, even if we don't re-do the kitchen completely, maybe we should have matching appliances. ? (Clueless)
5. I fear she'll say we need to tear down the master bath and start over. And then I fear that one brand-new master bath will look out of place alongside the rest of the house. How does this work?
6. Okay, I can't think of anything else except the kitchen, kitchen, kitchen which I've mentioned a billion times already. I'll shut up.
7. I drove through a new neighborhood in our part of town on Wednesday morning before work, and there's a house that looks like the right size and price range with a lovely front yard and porch, and it's for sale. I wish I had time to drive around every neighborhood I can think of, and start looking. That's the fun stuff, although I promised DH I wouldn't get my hopes up because we may decide we're not doing this after all. I'm sure he's thrilled about all the blog posts. On the other hand, he put me in charge of starting the investigation, so he can't really say anything. Heh.
Happy weekend, y'all! I'm going to decorate for Christmas and make the house feel pretty! Selling point! Woo!
Visit conversiondiary.com for all the Quick Takes posts!
1. Fix three bad places (I don't even know what to call these) on three different ceilings. There's the place that became wet after a big storm, which was our indication we needed a new roof; the place where, once, when we had some plumbing done upstairs, the ceiling downstairs was never the same; and the place in our bedroom where it looks like someone took a box cutter to the ceiling (I don't even know). Who do you call for work like that? Dry wall people? Are there such?
2. Replace the front porch and stairs and back deck. I don't know if she'll say we MUST do this, but the decks are wood and looking pretty sad right now.
3. Paint the garage walls. (I mean, we could stand to do a LOT of painting, but for sure the garage.)
4. Replace the dishwasher? Maybe. I didn't even think of this one until today, but we have a stainless fridge and a stainless stove/oven, and then a cream colored dishwasher. Seems like, even if we don't re-do the kitchen completely, maybe we should have matching appliances. ? (Clueless)
5. I fear she'll say we need to tear down the master bath and start over. And then I fear that one brand-new master bath will look out of place alongside the rest of the house. How does this work?
7. I drove through a new neighborhood in our part of town on Wednesday morning before work, and there's a house that looks like the right size and price range with a lovely front yard and porch, and it's for sale. I wish I had time to drive around every neighborhood I can think of, and start looking. That's the fun stuff, although I promised DH I wouldn't get my hopes up because we may decide we're not doing this after all. I'm sure he's thrilled about all the blog posts. On the other hand, he put me in charge of starting the investigation, so he can't really say anything. Heh.
Happy weekend, y'all! I'm going to decorate for Christmas and make the house feel pretty! Selling point! Woo!
Visit conversiondiary.com for all the Quick Takes posts!
Monday, November 26
My Thanksgiving leftovers
There is nothing worse than the Monday after a long vacation. Nothing. Today is officially the worst!
Even though we were reminded all weekend to be thankful, and I was. Am!
*Smiley-face* *deep breath* *merry-sunshine*
But it's back to the grind, and back to days on which calories DO count, and I am working to keep mine at 1200 or less. Blech. Shredded wheat, anyone? It's good we traveled and don't have any leftovers that need eating, like pie.
Related, the neighborhood near my office will soon have a new Jason's Deli, a new Chipotle (!), and a new Panera Bread. Awesome and terrible! :)
Maybe all the exclamation points I'm using here are leftover from our trip to Disneyworld. That place, man. It is so much fun. We rode more rides than ever before, covered more ground in a day. Part of it is that the kids are older -- no need to stop for naps (we tried to the first day, but only the adults slept!), no diapers and sippy cups to lug around, no stroller.
We had an amazing tour guide this time -- my aunt, who is Mickey Mouse's biggest fan, and lives nearby so she goes to the parks every Saturday. Yes, you read that right. We didn't even have to look at a map, and besides that, she was KT's new BFF, so we had a built-in babysitter.
This was definitely our "Princess" trip -- in case you don't follow me on FB, and for record-keeping's sake, I'll tell you -- we had a character dining experience with the princesses. KT was in heaven. I'm so glad we did it while she's this age, and still loves the princesses as if they're real, and believes they're her friends.
It was also a very big trip for AJ because he rode the kinds of rides he's been scared of before. Star Tours at Hollywood Studios, Mission: Space at Epcot, and Peter Pan (yes, he used to be scared of it because it's so dark) at The Magic Kingdom. I am so proud of him. He learned exactly how much FUN those rides are. Next time, Haunted Mansion! Someday, Space Mountain!
DH and I got to finally try The Tower of Terror, which I loved and he tolerated. :) We stayed out late that night to watch one of the laser/fireworks shows, also a first for us.
And we spent four wonderful days with my parents, who are so patient and generous, and let us dictate what we will and won't do, and absolutely cherish getting to see their grandkids enjoy it all. They're so good to us. You're so good to us, Mom and Dad. And not just for taking us to Disney. We love you and we're exceptionally thankful for you.
Even though we were reminded all weekend to be thankful, and I was. Am!
*Smiley-face* *deep breath* *merry-sunshine*
But it's back to the grind, and back to days on which calories DO count, and I am working to keep mine at 1200 or less. Blech. Shredded wheat, anyone? It's good we traveled and don't have any leftovers that need eating, like pie.
Related, the neighborhood near my office will soon have a new Jason's Deli, a new Chipotle (!), and a new Panera Bread. Awesome and terrible! :)
Maybe all the exclamation points I'm using here are leftover from our trip to Disneyworld. That place, man. It is so much fun. We rode more rides than ever before, covered more ground in a day. Part of it is that the kids are older -- no need to stop for naps (we tried to the first day, but only the adults slept!), no diapers and sippy cups to lug around, no stroller.
We had an amazing tour guide this time -- my aunt, who is Mickey Mouse's biggest fan, and lives nearby so she goes to the parks every Saturday. Yes, you read that right. We didn't even have to look at a map, and besides that, she was KT's new BFF, so we had a built-in babysitter.
This was definitely our "Princess" trip -- in case you don't follow me on FB, and for record-keeping's sake, I'll tell you -- we had a character dining experience with the princesses. KT was in heaven. I'm so glad we did it while she's this age, and still loves the princesses as if they're real, and believes they're her friends.
It was also a very big trip for AJ because he rode the kinds of rides he's been scared of before. Star Tours at Hollywood Studios, Mission: Space at Epcot, and Peter Pan (yes, he used to be scared of it because it's so dark) at The Magic Kingdom. I am so proud of him. He learned exactly how much FUN those rides are. Next time, Haunted Mansion! Someday, Space Mountain!
DH and I got to finally try The Tower of Terror, which I loved and he tolerated. :) We stayed out late that night to watch one of the laser/fireworks shows, also a first for us.
And we spent four wonderful days with my parents, who are so patient and generous, and let us dictate what we will and won't do, and absolutely cherish getting to see their grandkids enjoy it all. They're so good to us. You're so good to us, Mom and Dad. And not just for taking us to Disney. We love you and we're exceptionally thankful for you.
Friday, November 16
Weekly review of things: 7QT
Lots of things happened this week. :) Let me tell you them.
1. First of all, AJ got, and we have confirmed, his first loose tooth. Hooray! This is all very exciting and we've spent a lot of time talking about it; that it DOES feel weird and sort-of scary when a part of you is FALLING OUT; that saying "baby teeth" doesn't mean anyone thinks you're a baby, KT; that some kids lose teeth at around 5 years old, but others, not until 8 (or, last night, as AJ was telling his sister this very thing, he even stretched it to "8 or 9 because you're related to me so you may not lose them right away, either." He clearly has a secret wish she won't lose her first until after 8 and 4 months. Hee hee.
2. Yesterday the endocrinology office called to report that his labs all came back "normal, nothing for growth factor," and the doc still wants us to follow up in 4 months. Praise God! I always like phone calls from doctors that include the word "normal."
3. We have been working hard on eating habits. Unfortunately, we've also had a LOT of activities this week (it's possible November is WORSE than October for superfluous extra-curriculars), so we had McDonald's one night and then a cheap pizza buffet (fundraising night) the next. I mean, those are good, fatty foods for sure, and I think AJ ate plenty, but I wasn't monitoring or actively adding butter. LOL. Last night's Kraft mac and cheese was made using the "Classic prep" method-Plus: Half a stick of full-fat butter (what?!), whole milk, and because I put too much whole milk in before I realized it, I threw in a generous handful of cheddar cheese on top. Haha! Just casually tossed in a handful of extra cheese! So carefree! HOLY COW (literally), was that good mac. Yeah, I ate it.
4. KT visited a public elementary school yesterday, a field trip with her Pre-K class. I love this. I remember when I was four, I also got to visit a "big school." It was a childhood highlight. KT and her buddies saw the Kindergarteners perform some Thanksgiving songs (awww), and got to eat lunch in the cafeteria, with TRAYS and everything. Her favorite part was that they had "chocolate milk, vanilla milk, strawberry milk, and plain milk." I forgot to ask her which kind she chose.
5. I had my annual review. Let's all agree that annual reviews are stupid and annoying, but when they go nicely, they're sorta okay I guess. I have some new work things to try to improve, and some kudos for when I'm feeling low. I do not, however, have a raise. No one got any raises this year. Booooo. You suck, Economy.
6. (Yet to happen:) Thanksgiving lunch with KT at her school today. I can't wait to sit myfatass adult-sized frame down in one of those little red chairs. I love doing that. At least we know some of the parents, now that we've been attending each others' birthday parties for a couple of years. Wonder if I'll get a construction paper pilgrim hat, or Indian headdress? The good news is we did not MISS this event. Yesterday the school mistakenly posted on Facebook that her class had already HAD their luncheon, and there were tears in my cubicle, because WHAT IF I'd gotten the date wrong? I was picturing a forlorn KT, and believe me, you don't want to picture that. It hurts right in the heart.
7. (Yet to happen:) Date Night. On a whim, I asked our babysitter to come over tonight because DH and I are severely overdue. I think I've been a pretty decent roommate to him the last couple of months, but probably not a very good girlfriend. Sigh. We've just been so busy. And we're old. So, a night on the town! Doctor's orders! I don't want to see a movie -- I mean, I do, there are several I'd like to see, but I do NOT want to have to fight the mob that will be there to see Breaking Dawn 2 tonight -- so maybe we'll have dinner and then go shopping? No, scratch that -- we should definitely shop before we eat. Anyway, it will be good to only be the two of us for several hours, and to be away from the TV, couch and my blanket. (Our den is drafty, so when I get cold at 9:30pm I bundle up, and if I'm bundled up I'm basically asleep in five seconds. I'm a LOT of fun, let me tell you.)
Hope you're all as excited as I am that a very short week and its accompanying long vacation is coming up! More QTs at www.conversiondiary.com!
1. First of all, AJ got, and we have confirmed, his first loose tooth. Hooray! This is all very exciting and we've spent a lot of time talking about it; that it DOES feel weird and sort-of scary when a part of you is FALLING OUT; that saying "baby teeth" doesn't mean anyone thinks you're a baby, KT; that some kids lose teeth at around 5 years old, but others, not until 8 (or, last night, as AJ was telling his sister this very thing, he even stretched it to "8 or 9 because you're related to me so you may not lose them right away, either." He clearly has a secret wish she won't lose her first until after 8 and 4 months. Hee hee.
2. Yesterday the endocrinology office called to report that his labs all came back "normal, nothing for growth factor," and the doc still wants us to follow up in 4 months. Praise God! I always like phone calls from doctors that include the word "normal."
3. We have been working hard on eating habits. Unfortunately, we've also had a LOT of activities this week (it's possible November is WORSE than October for superfluous extra-curriculars), so we had McDonald's one night and then a cheap pizza buffet (fundraising night) the next. I mean, those are good, fatty foods for sure, and I think AJ ate plenty, but I wasn't monitoring or actively adding butter. LOL. Last night's Kraft mac and cheese was made using the "Classic prep" method-Plus: Half a stick of full-fat butter (what?!), whole milk, and because I put too much whole milk in before I realized it, I threw in a generous handful of cheddar cheese on top. Haha! Just casually tossed in a handful of extra cheese! So carefree! HOLY COW (literally), was that good mac. Yeah, I ate it.4. KT visited a public elementary school yesterday, a field trip with her Pre-K class. I love this. I remember when I was four, I also got to visit a "big school." It was a childhood highlight. KT and her buddies saw the Kindergarteners perform some Thanksgiving songs (awww), and got to eat lunch in the cafeteria, with TRAYS and everything. Her favorite part was that they had "chocolate milk, vanilla milk, strawberry milk, and plain milk." I forgot to ask her which kind she chose.
5. I had my annual review. Let's all agree that annual reviews are stupid and annoying, but when they go nicely, they're sorta okay I guess. I have some new work things to try to improve, and some kudos for when I'm feeling low. I do not, however, have a raise. No one got any raises this year. Booooo. You suck, Economy.
6. (Yet to happen:) Thanksgiving lunch with KT at her school today. I can't wait to sit my
7. (Yet to happen:) Date Night. On a whim, I asked our babysitter to come over tonight because DH and I are severely overdue. I think I've been a pretty decent roommate to him the last couple of months, but probably not a very good girlfriend. Sigh. We've just been so busy. And we're old. So, a night on the town! Doctor's orders! I don't want to see a movie -- I mean, I do, there are several I'd like to see, but I do NOT want to have to fight the mob that will be there to see Breaking Dawn 2 tonight -- so maybe we'll have dinner and then go shopping? No, scratch that -- we should definitely shop before we eat. Anyway, it will be good to only be the two of us for several hours, and to be away from the TV, couch and my blanket. (Our den is drafty, so when I get cold at 9:30pm I bundle up, and if I'm bundled up I'm basically asleep in five seconds. I'm a LOT of fun, let me tell you.)
Hope you're all as excited as I am that a very short week and its accompanying long vacation is coming up! More QTs at www.conversiondiary.com!
Wednesday, November 14
Small thing = big thing
Pray with me, Internet! 8-year-old AJ may have his first loose tooth.
He wouldn't let me near it to confirm (MAN did I want to get my hands in there and wiggle everything!) but woke up complaining that he thought he had something in between his bottom two front teeth. When I offered him floss, he said, "Yes, after breakfast." But after breakfast he declined.... and he, poor bunny, was whimper-y and nervous because he thought it might be loose. Arm-flappy, even. What do we do? What do we do?
We hope, son! :)
He wouldn't let me near it to confirm (MAN did I want to get my hands in there and wiggle everything!) but woke up complaining that he thought he had something in between his bottom two front teeth. When I offered him floss, he said, "Yes, after breakfast." But after breakfast he declined.... and he, poor bunny, was whimper-y and nervous because he thought it might be loose. Arm-flappy, even. What do we do? What do we do?
We hope, son! :)
Thursday, November 8
Friendship milestone
Our Book Club was started by two women, in their twenties at the time, and me. They worked together, and I was the book-loving sorority sister of one of them, who was kindly invited to the first "meeting." We read "The Book of Ruth," by Jane Hamilton.
We have continued to meet since 1997 -- that's fifteen years this year. In that time several other members have come and gone, but the three, and then four, of us have stayed constant. We have mostly continued reading together, until these last several months. And oh, the books! So many John Irving novels, Fannie Flagg and Wally Lamb, some fiction that nobody liked except me, some enlightening non-fiction, some historical easy-reads, of course the Twilight and Hunger Games series, and lots and lots of others along the way. We've done spa-days, dinners out, a wine tasting, New Year's parties, a road trip, and impromptu baby showers for each of us.
We met last night because one of us is moving to Ohio. It's unexpected. So we poured the red wine and talked until nearly midnight on a school night. (Over the years, as you can imagine, our meetings have grown less and less book-focused.) And we laughed and laughed, at our twenty-something selves, at the absudity of life sometimes, at people we've known, at our shared and separate stories, some that we've told over and over again.
I know I've said this before, but I am so grateful that these women are my friends. I'm glad we got together again. There's a renewed need to be more regular about gathering, I think. But we're going to miss you, Stacy.
We have continued to meet since 1997 -- that's fifteen years this year. In that time several other members have come and gone, but the three, and then four, of us have stayed constant. We have mostly continued reading together, until these last several months. And oh, the books! So many John Irving novels, Fannie Flagg and Wally Lamb, some fiction that nobody liked except me, some enlightening non-fiction, some historical easy-reads, of course the Twilight and Hunger Games series, and lots and lots of others along the way. We've done spa-days, dinners out, a wine tasting, New Year's parties, a road trip, and impromptu baby showers for each of us.
We met last night because one of us is moving to Ohio. It's unexpected. So we poured the red wine and talked until nearly midnight on a school night. (Over the years, as you can imagine, our meetings have grown less and less book-focused.) And we laughed and laughed, at our twenty-something selves, at the absudity of life sometimes, at people we've known, at our shared and separate stories, some that we've told over and over again.
I know I've said this before, but I am so grateful that these women are my friends. I'm glad we got together again. There's a renewed need to be more regular about gathering, I think. But we're going to miss you, Stacy.
Thursday, November 1
First
The doctor's appointment was fine. A nice doctor. She uses a more detailed growth chart, obviously, and shows AJ in the 1st percentile. Says he likely has been there a while, and isn't sure why our pediatrician didn't see a red flag sooner. But on the other hand, she said we came to her at just the right time; sometimes people come to endocrinology when the kid is still too young and she just has to defer judgment/testing for a year.
As I said on Twitter, the first thing she wants us to do is work hard at helping AJ gain some weight before we see her next, in 4 months. Up to a pound per month if possible. I'm trying to just focus on that. Whole milk is going to make its grand re-entrance into our home (much to my husband's delight, I'm sure). Lots of proteins. Also, Mashed potatoes. Ice cream milkshakes. She actually said, give him ice cream. She said it's hard to "prescribe" that to moms these days, but that in this case, the kid could use a little fattening up and it's OKAY. I've decided (she didn't say this) that we'll need to serve more of AJ's favorite foods, so he'll want seconds -- that means meatballs! Hamburgers! Taco Night! Chicken Sandwiches! Hamburgers! Taco Night! Yes, we will be repeating things. She spoke to him directly about trying to eat more. Do his part. Said that gaining some weight would give him the energy he needs to grow taller. And I'm going to have to train myself to give him larger portions. It's going to be difficult in some ways because the calorie-dense things that a lot of sources suggest -- cheese, butter, mayonnaise, nuts, avocados, sour cream, bagels with cream cheese, salads with lots of dressing -- are things he definitely doesn't like. But we'll just have to try. Maybe hide some foods, maybe try gentle introductions.
You understand that I have to feel some measure of guilt, right? That's the mother's job. Although I was doing the best I had with the information I was given -- which was, from every side, "Their stomachs are only the size of their fists," and "America has an epidemic of obese children." The guilt lies in not having any gut instinct that AJ was NOT THAT WAY, and that maybe I should have been bucking the system all along, sticking with whole milk. (There's also a very brief recall of our first 2 weeks of his life, when nursing went so badly and one mean nurse made me feel terrible about that and said out loud, I think, "failure to thrive." No, bad memory: Go away! Not welcome here. I have to shake it off every time.) Oh well. I'm not feeling OVERLY guilty, just only slightly. HE was the picky one all those toddler years, I remind myself. Heh. But things are going to be slightly different now.
One other thing the doctor wants us to do is maybe get a second opinion in the dentistry department. She's unsure why our dentist has remained completely nonchalant about the fact that a child is 8 years old and hasn't had a single loose tooth yet. I agree. I am happy to make that appointment.
She did indicate that her instinct, and her observation, tells her he's just a late bloomer. He hasn't had other "symptoms" of growth hormone deficiency. And she said she doesn't usually tell patients that; she typically says, "I can't say until we have test results." So I'm grateful for that little nugget of hope that everything's fine.
We'll take these first steps and see what happens.
As I said on Twitter, the first thing she wants us to do is work hard at helping AJ gain some weight before we see her next, in 4 months. Up to a pound per month if possible. I'm trying to just focus on that. Whole milk is going to make its grand re-entrance into our home (much to my husband's delight, I'm sure). Lots of proteins. Also, Mashed potatoes. Ice cream milkshakes. She actually said, give him ice cream. She said it's hard to "prescribe" that to moms these days, but that in this case, the kid could use a little fattening up and it's OKAY. I've decided (she didn't say this) that we'll need to serve more of AJ's favorite foods, so he'll want seconds -- that means meatballs! Hamburgers! Taco Night! Chicken Sandwiches! Hamburgers! Taco Night! Yes, we will be repeating things. She spoke to him directly about trying to eat more. Do his part. Said that gaining some weight would give him the energy he needs to grow taller. And I'm going to have to train myself to give him larger portions. It's going to be difficult in some ways because the calorie-dense things that a lot of sources suggest -- cheese, butter, mayonnaise, nuts, avocados, sour cream, bagels with cream cheese, salads with lots of dressing -- are things he definitely doesn't like. But we'll just have to try. Maybe hide some foods, maybe try gentle introductions.
You understand that I have to feel some measure of guilt, right? That's the mother's job. Although I was doing the best I had with the information I was given -- which was, from every side, "Their stomachs are only the size of their fists," and "America has an epidemic of obese children." The guilt lies in not having any gut instinct that AJ was NOT THAT WAY, and that maybe I should have been bucking the system all along, sticking with whole milk. (There's also a very brief recall of our first 2 weeks of his life, when nursing went so badly and one mean nurse made me feel terrible about that and said out loud, I think, "failure to thrive." No, bad memory: Go away! Not welcome here. I have to shake it off every time.) Oh well. I'm not feeling OVERLY guilty, just only slightly. HE was the picky one all those toddler years, I remind myself. Heh. But things are going to be slightly different now.
One other thing the doctor wants us to do is maybe get a second opinion in the dentistry department. She's unsure why our dentist has remained completely nonchalant about the fact that a child is 8 years old and hasn't had a single loose tooth yet. I agree. I am happy to make that appointment.
She did indicate that her instinct, and her observation, tells her he's just a late bloomer. He hasn't had other "symptoms" of growth hormone deficiency. And she said she doesn't usually tell patients that; she typically says, "I can't say until we have test results." So I'm grateful for that little nugget of hope that everything's fine.
We'll take these first steps and see what happens.
Monday, October 29
As it should be
We survived the first of several Weekends of Festivity. A family date-night at the bowling alley, a scouting day camp, 2 birthday parties, and a sleepover at our house. And we managed to go to Mass and do (most of) the grocery shopping. I am impressed with us, aren't you?
Yesterday after the 2nd birthday party, held at a park in the suddenly freezing temperatures, KT and I were most thrilled to snuggle up under our blanket with a big bowl of popcorn, and watch a Tinkerbell movie. It was grey outside and the boys were away, and, oh, man, did I revel in the comfort of a free, cozy afternoon. We watched the whole movie, start to finish! I had forgotten just how rare that scenario has become in my life. Partly because of not having time, but partly because it's so rare that kids stay still that long!.But she did. She was tired, thank heaven and fresh air.
After that, I turned on the heat (yay!), and made Taco Night for dinner. (I can't just say, "tacos;" it doesn't feel right.) I've discovered (way past time) chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. You can just BUY these?! In a can! So I had a chipotle-chicken version and a regular Old El Paso seasoning kit version. And we always have Scoops chips on-hand to make "mini-tacos" after we finish our full-sized tacos.
I forgot to say that Friday I had the day off! Bless-ed PTO! It was parent-teacher-conferences day so we met with AJ's teacher, who was perfectly lovely and said nice things about our kid, even though we were late. Whoops. I don't remember what else we did but I let KT have the day off, too. I think I cleaned the kitchen after we got home from lunch. Oh! And I bought some plants for my front porch, which I now think looks very cute and welcoming! I would still like to get a small wooden bench to put up there, but a plant stand was a good start. We don't have a big, traditional Southern wraparound porch (shame), but we have plenty of surface area that needed a little decor. And I decided to give it some effort for once. ;)
This week is, of course, the dreaded Hallowe'en. Bleh. Kids up too late, out in the cold, and then have to go to school the very next morning? Who came up with this?! But after that (and our doctor's appointment on the same day), Grandmommy, Papa Joe, and Aunt Sissy arrive! The boys (even Papa Joe) are all headed off to Fort Benning for a Cub Scout campout, and the girls are going shopping! And possibly, to tea.KT suggested we need a bed big enough for all four of us (girls). Hee hee! I think we'll figure out some kind of sleeping arrangements.
Perhaps I'll try to get a little work done now -- squeezing it in from 9 to 5 as much as possible, mixed in with the good stuff, the real life, that's in the forefront in my mind. As it should be.
Yesterday after the 2nd birthday party, held at a park in the suddenly freezing temperatures, KT and I were most thrilled to snuggle up under our blanket with a big bowl of popcorn, and watch a Tinkerbell movie. It was grey outside and the boys were away, and, oh, man, did I revel in the comfort of a free, cozy afternoon. We watched the whole movie, start to finish! I had forgotten just how rare that scenario has become in my life. Partly because of not having time, but partly because it's so rare that kids stay still that long!.But she did. She was tired, thank heaven and fresh air.
After that, I turned on the heat (yay!), and made Taco Night for dinner. (I can't just say, "tacos;" it doesn't feel right.) I've discovered (way past time) chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. You can just BUY these?! In a can! So I had a chipotle-chicken version and a regular Old El Paso seasoning kit version. And we always have Scoops chips on-hand to make "mini-tacos" after we finish our full-sized tacos.
I forgot to say that Friday I had the day off! Bless-ed PTO! It was parent-teacher-conferences day so we met with AJ's teacher, who was perfectly lovely and said nice things about our kid, even though we were late. Whoops. I don't remember what else we did but I let KT have the day off, too. I think I cleaned the kitchen after we got home from lunch. Oh! And I bought some plants for my front porch, which I now think looks very cute and welcoming! I would still like to get a small wooden bench to put up there, but a plant stand was a good start. We don't have a big, traditional Southern wraparound porch (shame), but we have plenty of surface area that needed a little decor. And I decided to give it some effort for once. ;)
This week is, of course, the dreaded Hallowe'en. Bleh. Kids up too late, out in the cold, and then have to go to school the very next morning? Who came up with this?! But after that (and our doctor's appointment on the same day), Grandmommy, Papa Joe, and Aunt Sissy arrive! The boys (even Papa Joe) are all headed off to Fort Benning for a Cub Scout campout, and the girls are going shopping! And possibly, to tea.KT suggested we need a bed big enough for all four of us (girls). Hee hee! I think we'll figure out some kind of sleeping arrangements.
Perhaps I'll try to get a little work done now -- squeezing it in from 9 to 5 as much as possible, mixed in with the good stuff, the real life, that's in the forefront in my mind. As it should be.
Friday, October 19
7 Quick Takes: Twitter, talents and treats
1. I'm not going to talk about the political issues because I'm polite, but I will tell you that Twitter makes the debates infinitely more fun (as if you didn't know that), and I definitely think during the debate on Monday we need to play a drinking game! (It's a shame it's on a Monday but hey, I support wine on Mondays already! Woo!) Twitter also makes it hard to pay attention to what they're saying with any seriousness. But that hardly matters -- it isn't like either candidate says anything meaningful, or even decipherable. I do agree with whoever suggested that their mics be automatically TURNED OFF after their allotted speaking time. When they and the moderator, all three, start stepping on each others' sentences, trying to get the very last word in, it makes me cringe and want to hide under my blanket.
My college had a well-known debate team (or conference? or event? I'm not sure) and I think about KIDS learning the "art" of debate. Hmm. That also makes me cringe a little. I'm hoping my kids won't be interested, heh.
2. But speaking of kids in public speaking situations, 8-year-old AJ has signed up for the Battle of the Books at his school. WAIT 'TIL YOU HEAR: They create their own teams of 4 (I hope he picks smart people and not just his buddies, if he gets to pick) and they divide a list of 24 age-appropriate books among themselves. Every other team has the same list (by grade level). Each kid gets 6 books which they have to read, study up on the author's bio, and other details, and then... Quiz Bowl! If one of your books is asked about, you're responsible to supply your team with the right answer. How I wish this had been available when I was a kid! Although... I did not have the memory for detail like AJ does. He will tell me in which chapter of which book of the 39 Clues mysteries that Dan and Amy found a silver dollar under a bench. And he read that book a year ago, and has read many, many books since. I can't fathom it. So I'm SLIGHTLY excited about sitting in the audience for his Jeopardy!-like debut.
3. And speaking of talents... despite all my worrying over him, that kid is doing so well in his martial arts class. Yesterday, they worked on some conditioning things first. One was "ball-jitsu." They used a stability ball and the instructor wanted the kids to swing one leg over the top of the ball and then bounce-sit on, and quickly back off, the top of the ball. Well, I thought there was no way AJ's little legs would manage that. But he DID. He adapts -- he kind of jumped over it at an angle, but impressed everyone. The instructors were like, "Whoa, AJ! Perfect!"
4. Blood pressure medication (DH) and heartburn (me). These are two things going on in my household right now. Great. We're old people. I ordered half-caff today at Starbucks and I expect to be getting my customized "LAME" badge any day now.
5. Because of the heartburn I was reading up on what we should and shouldn't eat. Always a comforting thing to do. I saw something about sugar being the complete enemy of health, and thought, I do really need to get my sugar intake under control. I don't drink my sugar (I drink alternatively-sweetened things or use Splenda), but I get a lot of it with little handfuls of M&Ms, and other treats. And then I remembered it's October. Hahahahahaha. Hmm.
6. The next couple of weeks are packed full of life and activity, so I'm
putting this here so I'll remember it: I've got to figure out how and
where to do early voting! I think Nov. 6 will be virtually impossible.
7. I found this Read the Catechism by email in a year yesterday, and I signed up. I don't know how long I'll stick to it, but it's worth a try, right? I also found this: calm.com. 2 minutes or ten, peace for hectic days. I love it more than toast. :)
My college had a well-known debate team (or conference? or event? I'm not sure) and I think about KIDS learning the "art" of debate. Hmm. That also makes me cringe a little. I'm hoping my kids won't be interested, heh.
2. But speaking of kids in public speaking situations, 8-year-old AJ has signed up for the Battle of the Books at his school. WAIT 'TIL YOU HEAR: They create their own teams of 4 (I hope he picks smart people and not just his buddies, if he gets to pick) and they divide a list of 24 age-appropriate books among themselves. Every other team has the same list (by grade level). Each kid gets 6 books which they have to read, study up on the author's bio, and other details, and then... Quiz Bowl! If one of your books is asked about, you're responsible to supply your team with the right answer. How I wish this had been available when I was a kid! Although... I did not have the memory for detail like AJ does. He will tell me in which chapter of which book of the 39 Clues mysteries that Dan and Amy found a silver dollar under a bench. And he read that book a year ago, and has read many, many books since. I can't fathom it. So I'm SLIGHTLY excited about sitting in the audience for his Jeopardy!-like debut.
3. And speaking of talents... despite all my worrying over him, that kid is doing so well in his martial arts class. Yesterday, they worked on some conditioning things first. One was "ball-jitsu." They used a stability ball and the instructor wanted the kids to swing one leg over the top of the ball and then bounce-sit on, and quickly back off, the top of the ball. Well, I thought there was no way AJ's little legs would manage that. But he DID. He adapts -- he kind of jumped over it at an angle, but impressed everyone. The instructors were like, "Whoa, AJ! Perfect!"
4. Blood pressure medication (DH) and heartburn (me). These are two things going on in my household right now. Great. We're old people. I ordered half-caff today at Starbucks and I expect to be getting my customized "LAME" badge any day now.
5. Because of the heartburn I was reading up on what we should and shouldn't eat. Always a comforting thing to do. I saw something about sugar being the complete enemy of health, and thought, I do really need to get my sugar intake under control. I don't drink my sugar (I drink alternatively-sweetened things or use Splenda), but I get a lot of it with little handfuls of M&Ms, and other treats. And then I remembered it's October. Hahahahahaha. Hmm.
6. The next couple of weeks are packed full of life and activity, so I'm
putting this here so I'll remember it: I've got to figure out how and
where to do early voting! I think Nov. 6 will be virtually impossible.7. I found this Read the Catechism by email in a year yesterday, and I signed up. I don't know how long I'll stick to it, but it's worth a try, right? I also found this: calm.com. 2 minutes or ten, peace for hectic days. I love it more than toast. :)
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