So Monday afternoon I was driving home from work, jamming to Christmas tunes, and I thought, Hey! TOT has to be about Thanksgiving! How exciting! And it is! How exciting!
1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?
Pretty much the same thing we do every year, going over to my in-laws' house and sharing Thanksgiving with my husband's family. This year I was supposed to do the Turkey Trot 10k, but I've decided to do a morning boot camp and then I'M MAKING THE TURKEY. And the sausage stuffing. And I'd gladly make everything else too, but I'm going to have to wait 25 years for that.
2. What are you most thankful for this year? My family. It's cheesy but I'm so thankful for my boys. I'm trying to have more patience for them, and it's just as rewarding for me as it is for them. I have a bit of a short fuse some times, and the little things set me off much faster than the big things. I'm trying to be thankful with every interaction, to slow my response down and calm down. Helps with husbands too. :)
3. Do you have any traditions on Thanksgiving? The parade? Football? Long naps? We always go to my in-laws' house now. There once was a day when that was different and involved more extended family and POKER and I miss that, but I like what we have.
4. Is it called stuffing or dressing? Is it in the bird or a separate dish? I'm happy with it no matter how it is, but we usually cook it separately, with sausage, and it's stuffing.
5. Do you cook? Less than I would like. One time, in college, I made the whole spread and had my mom and brother and sister over (I was between relationships and my roommates were out of town). It was awesome. One day I'll be able to plan a whole thanksgiving meal. Maybe I'll just do it in February.
6. What is your favorite dish? Stuffing. Which is why it's my dish to bring every year.
7. What is your dessert preference? More stuffing. Otherwise, I'd be happy with a holiday cookie and after-dinner coffee.
8. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? One year, when I was about 8, we had a special holiday feast where we made Roast Lion (it's a pork roast and beef roast slow cooked all day) and I just remember the FEELING of that holiday, not the specifics.
9. Do you plan to shop on Black Friday? We do indeed. My mom is spending the night at the house with the kids, and we're going to head out! We're actually even thinking of hitting the midnight-opening Outlet malls ... how crazy are we??
10. What are you most dreading about Thanksgiving this year? Nothing! Maybe the work days leading up to it?
For more, go visit Chelsea!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Fribble
I named this "fribl" when I emailed it to myself from work, where I wrote part of it. It was a shortening of "Friday blog", but I think fribble is a better descriptor of what I'm putting out in the blogoverse. Blogoverse? Blogosphere? I obviously can't think much better today than I could yesterday. Plus, I also obviously can't post on the correct day anyhow.
I keep wanting to write a thankful list with Spencer like we did last year, but every time I ask him what he is thankful for he says this:
As cute as it is, I cannot get him to consider anything else.
I put my Christmas tree up this last Sunday. Not decorated, but lighted. Monday I put the skirt down and the train around the bottom and finished the indoor decorating and put the Christmas doormat and wreath out. I’m so excited. I know that everyone wants everyone else to wait until after thanksgiving, but what’s wrong with wrapping the whole holiday up with a bright red bow? Christmas music is even on the radio.
I don’t know what to get the kids this year for Christmas. Henry got so much for his birthday that I’m at a complete loss as to what to get him, and Spencer … well, I’m almost overwhelmed with all the stuff that he “wants”. I’m thinking about getting him some more train parts to go with his wooden train set. My mom is getting him a mini-skateboard. I don’t overdo Christmas because everyone else does, and frankly they have enough stuff. And I can’t get them to get rid of anything. What do you get a 15 month old who already has everything, given that his brother already has everything and he just plays with those toys anyhow?
Skyrim came out last week, and I am a video game widow again. It's really frustrating, but it's not like I can expect him to sit in the living room with me and watch Grease 2, so I haven't figured out how to mention that's irritating that he sits in the library all morning playing a game that I won't allow the kids to watch.
Henry says “night night”!! He still has no other words, except for mamamamamamamama which I’m beginning to be convinced either refers to Daddy or his sippy cup and not me, but if you say night night, he’s start waving and say “ni-ni”. This does not mean that he’s ready to bed, but that he can parrot. He will also lay down on the closest pillow and wave when you say “night night”. He's gotten worse about actually GOING to sleep, and cries again, but at least he's cute about the heading-to part.
If you'll excuse me, A Girl for All Seasons is being sung on tv.
I keep wanting to write a thankful list with Spencer like we did last year, but every time I ask him what he is thankful for he says this:
I’m thankle for my momma and daddy and Henry and HOT WHEELS!
As cute as it is, I cannot get him to consider anything else.
I put my Christmas tree up this last Sunday. Not decorated, but lighted. Monday I put the skirt down and the train around the bottom and finished the indoor decorating and put the Christmas doormat and wreath out. I’m so excited. I know that everyone wants everyone else to wait until after thanksgiving, but what’s wrong with wrapping the whole holiday up with a bright red bow? Christmas music is even on the radio.
I don’t know what to get the kids this year for Christmas. Henry got so much for his birthday that I’m at a complete loss as to what to get him, and Spencer … well, I’m almost overwhelmed with all the stuff that he “wants”. I’m thinking about getting him some more train parts to go with his wooden train set. My mom is getting him a mini-skateboard. I don’t overdo Christmas because everyone else does, and frankly they have enough stuff. And I can’t get them to get rid of anything. What do you get a 15 month old who already has everything, given that his brother already has everything and he just plays with those toys anyhow?
Skyrim came out last week, and I am a video game widow again. It's really frustrating, but it's not like I can expect him to sit in the living room with me and watch Grease 2, so I haven't figured out how to mention that's irritating that he sits in the library all morning playing a game that I won't allow the kids to watch.
Henry says “night night”!! He still has no other words, except for mamamamamamamama which I’m beginning to be convinced either refers to Daddy or his sippy cup and not me, but if you say night night, he’s start waving and say “ni-ni”. This does not mean that he’s ready to bed, but that he can parrot. He will also lay down on the closest pillow and wave when you say “night night”. He's gotten worse about actually GOING to sleep, and cries again, but at least he's cute about the heading-to part.
If you'll excuse me, A Girl for All Seasons is being sung on tv.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Fall Into Reading – my bi-Wednesday post on Thursday
So! I’ve been trying to write this post since Tuesday, but sickness has made it impossible for the cloud in my head to lift enough to sit in front of a computer outside work long enough to type anything. However, I have made more time for myself to read over the last couple weeks. Here’s what has been on the agenda:
Season to Taste: I finished this one, and it didn’t disappoint. I liked the combination of memoir and informative context of what your sense of smell means. To me, right now, it means my house smells like pine and cinnamon.
Bossypants: I was not as big a fan of this one as everyone else. Dare I say, I just don’t find Tina Fey that funny? Parts of it, namely the motherhood parts (A Letter to my Daughter, the Teat Nazi), were hilarious. But I’m not a fan of SNL generally, and I have never watched 30 Rock. I just felt like she was trying too hard to be funny.
Beauty Queens: I tried listening to this book while I ran, and It. Was. Terrible. The most inane book I’ve ever tried to listen to, and if I had to listen to one more ridiculous footnote I thought I was going to scream (if I had enough breath left to do so while running). I didn’t finish it. BUT I kind of want to know what happens so I’ve requested it in print from my library so I can finish. How sad is that?
Night Road: I do love Kristin Hannah, and this one didn’t disappoint. I love how real but how beautiful her stories are. Things aren’t perfect, and tragedy happens, but there’s still hope. I also love how she brings the hope and then let’s the reader imagine where the story goes afterward. Love it.
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: I wanted to love this book. It has such an amazing premise, and every time I would try to explain the book to someone they would say “But it sounds so interesting!” … but it just wasn’t very well written. I hate to say that – it had such promise. I kept waiting for the magic, but the end just went downhill.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Tens
Thanks Chelsea, for giving me my Tuesday topics.
1. What are your pantry staples?
whole wheat pasta, bread crumbs (italian seasoned and plain panko), an array of canned veggies that I never eat. Cheerios, enchilada sauce and chopped green chiles. There's a lot of other things in there, but these are items that are always there, and I know they are always there.
2. What are your refrigerator staples?
organic milk (whole and fat-free), butter, smart balance, half and half, eggs, a block of cheddar cheese, low sugar grape jelly, and assorted condiments.
3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?
Am I Heidi Klum, or me in Heidi Klum's body? If I were me and you're just trying to say "what non-physical things would you change about yourself?" a) I'm impatient b) I pick fights when I'm bored, sometimes with my husband, sometimes with my toddler. c) I spend too much money.
4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)
Money and time to go back to school. If I didn't have to account for my paycheck I would open a used bookstore and not care if I was in the black or red. Or I'd go back to school to get my Master of Library Science and work in a library. Or I'd say screw it all and stay home with my babies (one of them is kinda sicky, so he's sad right now).
5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.
I need a new phone. Mine is always iffy.
6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?
Not on a regular basis, but I occasionally get a hankering for Ramen or the powdered Kraft mac & cheese. I always make mac & cheese from scratch and have for 20 years but that powdered stuff ... it can be tasty when you have a craving.
7. What’s in/on your bed every night?
Me, my husband and my teddy bear. Don't judge.
8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?
hair dye. I tried to stop, and it just looked terrible. I dye it pretty close to natural, but it really needs that color boost. I did go to box, and I'm okay with that.
9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?
I'm not big on weird sandwiches. I like to grill mushrooms and then add them to a grilled cheese sandwich. That's stretching it a bit, I guess.
10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?
I have not gotten on the Pinterest OR the twitter bandwagon, so I guess I would go for being banned from Pinterest. But my Twitter followers would be sorely disappointed by my tweets, as there are none. I'm pretty attached to facebook and blogging though, so I'll leave that one as it is.
1. What are your pantry staples?
whole wheat pasta, bread crumbs (italian seasoned and plain panko), an array of canned veggies that I never eat. Cheerios, enchilada sauce and chopped green chiles. There's a lot of other things in there, but these are items that are always there, and I know they are always there.
2. What are your refrigerator staples?
organic milk (whole and fat-free), butter, smart balance, half and half, eggs, a block of cheddar cheese, low sugar grape jelly, and assorted condiments.
3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?
Am I Heidi Klum, or me in Heidi Klum's body? If I were me and you're just trying to say "what non-physical things would you change about yourself?" a) I'm impatient b) I pick fights when I'm bored, sometimes with my husband, sometimes with my toddler. c) I spend too much money.
4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)
Money and time to go back to school. If I didn't have to account for my paycheck I would open a used bookstore and not care if I was in the black or red. Or I'd go back to school to get my Master of Library Science and work in a library. Or I'd say screw it all and stay home with my babies (one of them is kinda sicky, so he's sad right now).
5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.
I need a new phone. Mine is always iffy.
6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?
Not on a regular basis, but I occasionally get a hankering for Ramen or the powdered Kraft mac & cheese. I always make mac & cheese from scratch and have for 20 years but that powdered stuff ... it can be tasty when you have a craving.
7. What’s in/on your bed every night?
Me, my husband and my teddy bear. Don't judge.
8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?
hair dye. I tried to stop, and it just looked terrible. I dye it pretty close to natural, but it really needs that color boost. I did go to box, and I'm okay with that.
9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?
I'm not big on weird sandwiches. I like to grill mushrooms and then add them to a grilled cheese sandwich. That's stretching it a bit, I guess.
10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?
I have not gotten on the Pinterest OR the twitter bandwagon, so I guess I would go for being banned from Pinterest. But my Twitter followers would be sorely disappointed by my tweets, as there are none. I'm pretty attached to facebook and blogging though, so I'll leave that one as it is.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thoughts on a Thursday (but posted on a Friday)
I have been taking the stairs at work in earnest for a week now. This morning, it occurred to me that this might be the reason why my ass hurts. (side note: also excellent segue to walk into your boss’s office in the morning and go “Hey! I figured out why my ass hurts!”) Also, I’m wondering how many Google hits I’m going to get from this post. (“Dear Google, why does my ass hurt?” PS – I don’t want to know.)
It’s cruel and unusual punishment to make the office stairwell smell like breakfast sausage.
I left my phone at home on Thursday. It’s a) amazing how much I get done without it and b) terrifying not to have it. I’m so cut off! So what that I do have a work phone, and the internet, and work email and even F B for “work research purposes”. I can’t play WWF! What will I do??
Work, apparently. I’m rockin’ the “doing work” thing.
I finished Tina Fey’s Bossypants today. I think I’ll keep my opinions on that book to myself, at least until Wednesday when I do my Fall Into Reading post next Wednesday; which is coincidentally when my book club meets to talk about it too.
One day I will start reading the rest of my library books. Wonder if there is a cheesy teen vampire book or two in that stack ... oh wait, there is! There is!
It's also cruel and unusual punishment for the stairwell to smell like macaroni and cheese.
And one Friday thought:
Barney at six am is only worth it to watch Henry dance.
It’s cruel and unusual punishment to make the office stairwell smell like breakfast sausage.
I left my phone at home on Thursday. It’s a) amazing how much I get done without it and b) terrifying not to have it. I’m so cut off! So what that I do have a work phone, and the internet, and work email and even F B for “work research purposes”. I can’t play WWF! What will I do??
Work, apparently. I’m rockin’ the “doing work” thing.
I finished Tina Fey’s Bossypants today. I think I’ll keep my opinions on that book to myself, at least until Wednesday when I do my Fall Into Reading post next Wednesday; which is coincidentally when my book club meets to talk about it too.
One day I will start reading the rest of my library books. Wonder if there is a cheesy teen vampire book or two in that stack ... oh wait, there is! There is!
It's also cruel and unusual punishment for the stairwell to smell like macaroni and cheese.
And one Friday thought:
Barney at six am is only worth it to watch Henry dance.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Again
I know that I shouldn’t post about this two times in three days, but I’m so excited about the extra time I have these (couple) days that I can’t stop thinking about it. And therefore talking about it. And therefore writing about it. How did I get by before this week? How did I get myself ready and two kids ready and fed in 30 minutes? With a lot of arguments, I can tell you that. So the past three days? NO ARGUMENTS.
And! Spencer asked for eggs this morning for breakfast and I had time to COOK! For him! And made coffee, and cut up grapes for the teething monster (Henry) and everything else and was still reasonably on time. Spencer got to watch Thomas (gag) and got dressed and even decided to wear different shoes than I picked out for him without me freaking out because I was late. I’m definitely going to try to keep this up. I don’t so much mind the lack of evening time (I’ve been passing out at 9pm) because the kids are also going to bed early and I’m caught up on my DVR.
My one problem right now is dinner. Henry gets very hungry for dinner, and I’m not used to this because Spencer has never been a dinner eater. Henry has to eat by 6pm or he is a very cranky child. Before, there wasn’t much of a problem: I’d give him a snack and start making dinner and somewhere in the vicinity of 6pm, we would eat. NOW 6pm is 5pm, so he’s pretty much starving when we get home so he doesn’t even want to give me time to make dinner. What do I do? Is this why a lot of moms serve a lot of frozen processed food to their kids for dinner? And make two meals, one for the kids and one for the parents? I’ve never “judged” those parents, per se, but I’ve never been one of them because my kid didn’t eat much dinner. So I made our food and if he ate, great, and if not whatever. Now I find myself scrambling to feed Number Two’s hungry mouth all the time. A couple weekends ago I made a bunch of freezer food so I could feed him when I didn’t feel like cooking (homemade chicken nuggets, fish sticks, pigs in a blanket, English muffin pizzas) but I don’t really want to resort to that ALL THE TIME. Any recommendations?
While the extra time in the morning is great, on the drive to work I found myself thinking it was Thursday and then sadly realizing it was only Wednesday. I think I thought this because I was trying to remember how many pieces of bread I had at work for breakfast (two) and I have one a day, so I was thinking I only have two days left. But I only brought four this week. Bah. I’ve been extremely productive at work so I think I’ve done three days of work in two. Maybe I should take Friday off! Ha!
Oh! But then I got to work and got an email from athlinks.com showing that my time in Sunday’s race was a full minute faster than the gun time. 31:03! Still not beating my PR, but way way closer, and especially for a morning race that’s some kind of awesome.
Keeping it up this week!
And! Spencer asked for eggs this morning for breakfast and I had time to COOK! For him! And made coffee, and cut up grapes for the teething monster (Henry) and everything else and was still reasonably on time. Spencer got to watch Thomas (gag) and got dressed and even decided to wear different shoes than I picked out for him without me freaking out because I was late. I’m definitely going to try to keep this up. I don’t so much mind the lack of evening time (I’ve been passing out at 9pm) because the kids are also going to bed early and I’m caught up on my DVR.
My one problem right now is dinner. Henry gets very hungry for dinner, and I’m not used to this because Spencer has never been a dinner eater. Henry has to eat by 6pm or he is a very cranky child. Before, there wasn’t much of a problem: I’d give him a snack and start making dinner and somewhere in the vicinity of 6pm, we would eat. NOW 6pm is 5pm, so he’s pretty much starving when we get home so he doesn’t even want to give me time to make dinner. What do I do? Is this why a lot of moms serve a lot of frozen processed food to their kids for dinner? And make two meals, one for the kids and one for the parents? I’ve never “judged” those parents, per se, but I’ve never been one of them because my kid didn’t eat much dinner. So I made our food and if he ate, great, and if not whatever. Now I find myself scrambling to feed Number Two’s hungry mouth all the time. A couple weekends ago I made a bunch of freezer food so I could feed him when I didn’t feel like cooking (homemade chicken nuggets, fish sticks, pigs in a blanket, English muffin pizzas) but I don’t really want to resort to that ALL THE TIME. Any recommendations?
While the extra time in the morning is great, on the drive to work I found myself thinking it was Thursday and then sadly realizing it was only Wednesday. I think I thought this because I was trying to remember how many pieces of bread I had at work for breakfast (two) and I have one a day, so I was thinking I only have two days left. But I only brought four this week. Bah. I’ve been extremely productive at work so I think I’ve done three days of work in two. Maybe I should take Friday off! Ha!
Oh! But then I got to work and got an email from athlinks.com showing that my time in Sunday’s race was a full minute faster than the gun time. 31:03! Still not beating my PR, but way way closer, and especially for a morning race that’s some kind of awesome.
Keeping it up this week!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
TOT: A whole lotta random
Today's questions are just like I like 'em - random. Visit Chelsea for more!
1. What’s your favorite television show for each day of the week?
I watch too much TV. I can't promise I watch it on the appropriate day, but here are my favorites:
Monday: House, HIMYM (which isn't nearly as fun as it was, but still good)
Tuesday: The New Girl (LOVE)
Wednesday: CSI and Criminal Minds. Oh! And Suburgatory!
Thursday: Person of Interest. Is Bones on Thursdays?
Friday: ummm. We watch Fringe, CSI: NY and Chuck, but I'm not in love with any of them this season.
Nothing on the weekends except football and catching up for the week. We watch other shows (Prime Suspect, Big Bang Theory, and others that I can't think of right now) but I they aren't must-sees. Oh! And now that I'm caught up on Grey's, I could theoretically watch that in real time. I watch too much tv.
2. How many times do you wear your jeans before you watch them? As many times as possible, until the butt is saggy or someone (me) spills something on them.
3. What is your favorite pasta shape? shells or penne
4. Do you read newspapers? vaguely. I get most of my news through Facebook.
5. Do you sleep in socks? nope.
6. Favorite genre of movies? cheesy chick movies, and sports movies.
7. How do you feel about wrestling? umm ... I have no feelings about it whatsoever.
8. Should men pluck their eyebrows? I'm not into total manscaping or anything, but as they say in A League of Their Own "Eyebrows. There should be two of them."
9. Do you have dimples? no (sad face)
10. Do you like to camp? love it! Trying to get my hubby to believe the kids are old enough to start doing it again. We used to camp for 5-9 days all over the southern US and it was awesome. We had fantastic trips.
1. What’s your favorite television show for each day of the week?
I watch too much TV. I can't promise I watch it on the appropriate day, but here are my favorites:
Monday: House, HIMYM (which isn't nearly as fun as it was, but still good)
Tuesday: The New Girl (LOVE)
Wednesday: CSI and Criminal Minds. Oh! And Suburgatory!
Thursday: Person of Interest. Is Bones on Thursdays?
Friday: ummm. We watch Fringe, CSI: NY and Chuck, but I'm not in love with any of them this season.
Nothing on the weekends except football and catching up for the week. We watch other shows (Prime Suspect, Big Bang Theory, and others that I can't think of right now) but I they aren't must-sees. Oh! And now that I'm caught up on Grey's, I could theoretically watch that in real time. I watch too much tv.
2. How many times do you wear your jeans before you watch them? As many times as possible, until the butt is saggy or someone (me) spills something on them.
3. What is your favorite pasta shape? shells or penne
4. Do you read newspapers? vaguely. I get most of my news through Facebook.
5. Do you sleep in socks? nope.
6. Favorite genre of movies? cheesy chick movies, and sports movies.
7. How do you feel about wrestling? umm ... I have no feelings about it whatsoever.
8. Should men pluck their eyebrows? I'm not into total manscaping or anything, but as they say in A League of Their Own "Eyebrows. There should be two of them."
9. Do you have dimples? no (sad face)
10. Do you like to camp? love it! Trying to get my hubby to believe the kids are old enough to start doing it again. We used to camp for 5-9 days all over the southern US and it was awesome. We had fantastic trips.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Christmas Lobster
I know as a mother of two small children, I should be one of those that complains about the time change and how my children don’t respect the hour of extra sleep that it affords. I know.
But I can’t, because my body doesn’t respect that extra hour either. Instead, I’m rejoicing because I! Can! Have! Time! In the mornings. And I know it won’t last, so for now I’m taking advantage of it.
Every morning is usually a fight: I wake up a little late, the kids want to wake up even later, and when they finally get out of bed we have 20 minutes to argue about getting clothes on and then get breakfast. And if they don’t have time to eat breakfast and have to eat it at daycare, the world might come to an end.
So this morning I woke up before my alarm (yes, I fell asleep at 8:30, but I’m okay with that). I made coffee, and sat for a few minutes with my coffee and my computer before the first woke up. I had time to get him breakfast, the second one got up and got dressed with very minimal fuss, had time for a waffle (and half of his brother’s) and played with his toy horsies. I made a cup of coffee to go with me, got my breakfast and lunch together and got out of the house and to work only 5 minutes late (I know I was still late, but it was almost early for my purposes – I’m nearly always 30 minutes late). I would have even been on time, but I wasn’t sure if today was picture day so I had to get a second set of “just in case” clothes together so they can be in cute clothes if it was so. Plus, I couldn’t find any diapers.
And still! Nearly on time to work, had plenty of time this morning to do what needed to be done without feeling rushed at all. And the hubby was the same way – he took a shower and had time to sit down for breakfast and coffee before he left. Amazing.
I perused the terrestrial and satellite stations this morning and was sad to see that Christmas music is not available, but I’m staying positive. We’re going B-52’s Rock Lobster instead.
But I can’t, because my body doesn’t respect that extra hour either. Instead, I’m rejoicing because I! Can! Have! Time! In the mornings. And I know it won’t last, so for now I’m taking advantage of it.
Every morning is usually a fight: I wake up a little late, the kids want to wake up even later, and when they finally get out of bed we have 20 minutes to argue about getting clothes on and then get breakfast. And if they don’t have time to eat breakfast and have to eat it at daycare, the world might come to an end.
So this morning I woke up before my alarm (yes, I fell asleep at 8:30, but I’m okay with that). I made coffee, and sat for a few minutes with my coffee and my computer before the first woke up. I had time to get him breakfast, the second one got up and got dressed with very minimal fuss, had time for a waffle (and half of his brother’s) and played with his toy horsies. I made a cup of coffee to go with me, got my breakfast and lunch together and got out of the house and to work only 5 minutes late (I know I was still late, but it was almost early for my purposes – I’m nearly always 30 minutes late). I would have even been on time, but I wasn’t sure if today was picture day so I had to get a second set of “just in case” clothes together so they can be in cute clothes if it was so. Plus, I couldn’t find any diapers.
And still! Nearly on time to work, had plenty of time this morning to do what needed to be done without feeling rushed at all. And the hubby was the same way – he took a shower and had time to sit down for breakfast and coffee before he left. Amazing.
I perused the terrestrial and satellite stations this morning and was sad to see that Christmas music is not available, but I’m staying positive. We’re going B-52’s Rock Lobster instead.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Third Quarter books
I meant to post this in October, but nothing seems to have gone exactly as planned. Here are the books read third quarter.
July
Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro
Smokin' Seventeen - Janet Evanovich
Cocktails for Three - Madeleine Wickham
The Hunt - Jan Neuharth
(re-read HP and Deathly Hallows - JK Rowling)
(re-read One Day - David Nicholls)*
Black Echo - Michael Connelly
The Blue Light Project - Timothy Taylor
August
Faithful Place - Tana French
Mort - Terry Pratchett
Iron Crowned - Richelle Mead
The Lost Hours - Karen White*
The Boyfriend of the Month Club - Maria Geraci
Last Train from Liguria - Christine Dwyer Hickey
Heart of the Matter - Emily Giffin
Beguiled - Deeanne Gist & J Mark Bertrand
Please Ignore Vera Dietz - A.S.King
Angel Falls - Kristin Hannah
Ruby Red - Kristin Gier
Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman
September
Run - Ann Pratchett
The Scorch Trials - James Dashner
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs *
Heaven is For Real - Todd Burpo
Bloodlines - Richelle Mead
Succubus Revealed - Richelle Mead
Bright Young Things - Anna Godberson
Glass Houses - Rachel Caine
Dead Girls Dance - Rachel Caine
Midnight Alley - Rachel Caine
Friday, November 4, 2011
Friday List o' Random
-- It's Thursday evening right now, and I'm sitting on the back deck while Spencer plays with his new Hot Wheels. He turned his candy in to a local dentist for a Halloween candy buy back, and got $2 so he picked two new cars. This is what they are saying:
(first car, in a deep voice) I'm from Target.
(second car, in a deeper voice) I'm from Target TOO!
(first) I'm fast, I'm a race car!
(second) I'm faster!
Then they both get lobbed into the grass.
(first) I'm going to run you over!
(second, with a high girly scream) Ahh!
(Frank, the combiner from Cars comes by) heh heh heh, I'm going to get you all.
-- I've completely caught up on Grey's Anatomy, including this season. My husband says it's time to start on Mad Men now. I think it's time to start reading.
-- Spencer can still fit into an 18 month pant, but all his pants are capris. I had to go buy 3T pants, and I know they aren't going to fit on his itty bitty waist and butt.
-- Same with Henry and his 12 months pants.
-- I'm *this close* to deciding to decorate for Christmas. Yes, before Thanksgiving. I'm not ignoring Thanksgiving - I love it. But I think wrapping it all up together will make me enjoy things more. And besides, I have a nine foot tree in my attic, just begging to come out.
-- I've got nothing else today.
(first car, in a deep voice) I'm from Target.
(second car, in a deeper voice) I'm from Target TOO!
(first) I'm fast, I'm a race car!
(second) I'm faster!
Then they both get lobbed into the grass.
(first) I'm going to run you over!
(second, with a high girly scream) Ahh!
(Frank, the combiner from Cars comes by) heh heh heh, I'm going to get you all.
-- I've completely caught up on Grey's Anatomy, including this season. My husband says it's time to start on Mad Men now. I think it's time to start reading.
-- Spencer can still fit into an 18 month pant, but all his pants are capris. I had to go buy 3T pants, and I know they aren't going to fit on his itty bitty waist and butt.
-- Same with Henry and his 12 months pants.
-- I'm *this close* to deciding to decorate for Christmas. Yes, before Thanksgiving. I'm not ignoring Thanksgiving - I love it. But I think wrapping it all up together will make me enjoy things more. And besides, I have a nine foot tree in my attic, just begging to come out.
-- I've got nothing else today.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Reading, a two-week update
I was disappointed in myself regarding my reading for the past couple weeks, until I finally reminded myself that sometimes life gets in the way. Life takes priority - my KIDS and HUSBAND take priority. My running sometimes takes priority. Sometimes, my DVR takes priority.
So here's what I was thinking about on my last run. I love to read. And this year, while I read a lot, was also my time to prove to myself that it was okay to love cheesy chick lit and YA. Which I did. A lot. In between though, I've read some really GOOD books. And so while I complete my goals for Fall Into Reading, I'm also working on what my reading goals for next year will be.
But here's what I've been reading:
-- I didn't get back to Untouchable. I still need to finish this, and I want to. I have books from the library that are due and can't be re-upped, so it's been on hold.
-- The Sword-Edged Blonde - Alex Bledsoe. I was getting bored listening to Pandora while I ran, so I downloaded my library's app to listen to audiobooks on my phone. This was my first listen, and while it's not at all my usual read I really enjoyed it. And I REALLY enjoyed running while listening to a book.
-- Feast of Fools - Rachel Caine. Another in the Morganville vampire line.
-- Forever - Maggie Stiefvater. I enjoyed this. I didn't hear good things about it, and while No, it was not as good as the other two, I still enjoyed it.
-- Season to Taste: How I Lost my Sense of Smell and Found My Way - Molly Birnbaum. I'm 60 pages in, and it's due back at the library today. It's excellent, so guess what I'm going to be doing in my "spare" time today.
So I'm up to 94 books, and of those I still need to finish 2. Six full books and two halves left to go!
So here's what I was thinking about on my last run. I love to read. And this year, while I read a lot, was also my time to prove to myself that it was okay to love cheesy chick lit and YA. Which I did. A lot. In between though, I've read some really GOOD books. And so while I complete my goals for Fall Into Reading, I'm also working on what my reading goals for next year will be.
But here's what I've been reading:
-- I didn't get back to Untouchable. I still need to finish this, and I want to. I have books from the library that are due and can't be re-upped, so it's been on hold.
-- The Sword-Edged Blonde - Alex Bledsoe. I was getting bored listening to Pandora while I ran, so I downloaded my library's app to listen to audiobooks on my phone. This was my first listen, and while it's not at all my usual read I really enjoyed it. And I REALLY enjoyed running while listening to a book.
-- Feast of Fools - Rachel Caine. Another in the Morganville vampire line.
-- Forever - Maggie Stiefvater. I enjoyed this. I didn't hear good things about it, and while No, it was not as good as the other two, I still enjoyed it.
-- Season to Taste: How I Lost my Sense of Smell and Found My Way - Molly Birnbaum. I'm 60 pages in, and it's due back at the library today. It's excellent, so guess what I'm going to be doing in my "spare" time today.
So I'm up to 94 books, and of those I still need to finish 2. Six full books and two halves left to go!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Here comes Santa Claus ...
It’s officially after Halloween, and you know what that means, especially for those of us with children:
It’s almost Christmas.
Sure, now holiday decorations have been up in stores nearly since Easter passed, but if you are like me you refused to acknowledge it until at least you have a few dozen pumpkin spice coffees in you (I’m drinking one as I type this). I picked up a hoodie for my oldest and some books for both children at a book fair a couple months ago, but generally I’ve shied away from thinking too hard about holidays (except to plan for my new dishwasher that I’m GETTING on Black Friday. But that is my own holiday. Ha!)
One thing I need to start thinking of is holiday cards. Have you seen the cards at Tiny Prints? I spent the better part of several evenings perusing the options, and I’m in love with their cards.
Like this one? ‘Tis wonderful.
And this one? ‘Tis marvelous.
And this one? This might actually be the one.
This of course means I have find my battery charger for the camera and to take some decent photos. I think I need some more pumpkin coffee for that.
(Bloggers! Visit Tiny Prints for a great promotion!)
It’s almost Christmas.
Sure, now holiday decorations have been up in stores nearly since Easter passed, but if you are like me you refused to acknowledge it until at least you have a few dozen pumpkin spice coffees in you (I’m drinking one as I type this). I picked up a hoodie for my oldest and some books for both children at a book fair a couple months ago, but generally I’ve shied away from thinking too hard about holidays (except to plan for my new dishwasher that I’m GETTING on Black Friday. But that is my own holiday. Ha!)
One thing I need to start thinking of is holiday cards. Have you seen the cards at Tiny Prints? I spent the better part of several evenings perusing the options, and I’m in love with their cards.
Like this one? ‘Tis wonderful.
And this one? ‘Tis marvelous.
And this one? This might actually be the one.
This of course means I have find my battery charger for the camera and to take some decent photos. I think I need some more pumpkin coffee for that.
(Bloggers! Visit Tiny Prints for a great promotion!)
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