Just a little of this and that...
*I cannot believe that I ever stopped watching Boston Legal. It may have the most brilliant writers in TV today. More than once last night I had tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard. (Dawn, I keep checking to see if you're going to put up your favorite quotes from last night's episode. Curious to see if you'll pick my favorite.)
*Finally added a few of Annie's recent poems to her blog. If anyone ever has a couple minutes, she loves to get comments. (Don't we all?) Thanks!
*I realized this morning that Valentines Day is only 2 weeks away...and I'm so not ready. Better get cards made soon, especially the ones that need mailed. Still need to pick up some odds and ends for Rich and the kids. Need to wrap all the gifts. Need to make a grocery list...special cupcakes for the both the boys' school parties and our traditional chocolate-dipped strawberries for Valentines breakfast and the traditional heart-shaped M&M pancakes for the kids' supper. Helping the kids make their Valentines for their classmates. Better get busy, I suppose.
*I simply cannot shake the chill today. It's actually not that cold today, low 20s. But the wind is really whipping around out there. Been home from picking Max up at preschool for 2 hours now, but still haven't managed to warm up.
Well, guess I've wasted enough time babbling on about nothing...so back to work I go.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Super Bowl festivities
They are throwing a Super Bowl party in Max's preschool class on Friday. Is that not the cutest?!!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
good stuff...
*Figuring out how to add something new to the sidebar on my blog. I realize this is not a big deal to most, but I am soooo ignorant of all things "computer" that this is a big deal to me. (Now if I can just figure out how to put something that's actually interesting there.)
*The most incredibly gorgeous and genuine smile on his sweet face as he got off the bus this afternoon. (Though this picture is not from today...notice the green grass in the background--that hasn't been seen for a while.)
*Not having to fight with the washing machine even once today (knock on wood). It's spin cycle has been on intermittent strike lately.
*Having two great shows to watch on TV tonight...House and Boston Legal.
*Conversation hearts.
for a total of thirty-six
Just stole this from Stacy...
1. Name six things in your refrigerator:
--skim milk, sliced cheese (American, pepper jack, Swiss, Provolone, and mozzarella), 3 kinds of mustard, broccoli, grapefruit juice, flour tortillas
2. Name six things in your freezer:
--Flavor Ice, blueberries, pork chops, stir fry veggies, Jack Daniels coffee, Pretzelfils
3. Name six things under your kitchen sink:
--Swiffer WetJet refills, GooGone, Dobies, dust cloths, Resolve carpet cleaner, crock holding tacks and nails
4. Name six things around your computer:
--pile of poems by Annie that I need to add to her blog, a pen, science articles Rich printed off the Internet, more dust than I should admit to, a paper clip, Max's Tonka computer game
5. Name six things in your medicine cabinet:
--Annie's Singulair and Albuterol, Children's Motrin, thermometers of all shapes and sizes, Colgate Total, Chloraseptic, generic ibuprofen
6. Name six things on or around your nightstand:
--Tom Clancy's Executive Orders, an alarm clock, a pile of CDs, a coaster, an adorable little pink journal, a pen
1. Name six things in your refrigerator:
--skim milk, sliced cheese (American, pepper jack, Swiss, Provolone, and mozzarella), 3 kinds of mustard, broccoli, grapefruit juice, flour tortillas
2. Name six things in your freezer:
--Flavor Ice, blueberries, pork chops, stir fry veggies, Jack Daniels coffee, Pretzelfils
3. Name six things under your kitchen sink:
--Swiffer WetJet refills, GooGone, Dobies, dust cloths, Resolve carpet cleaner, crock holding tacks and nails
4. Name six things around your computer:
--pile of poems by Annie that I need to add to her blog, a pen, science articles Rich printed off the Internet, more dust than I should admit to, a paper clip, Max's Tonka computer game
5. Name six things in your medicine cabinet:
--Annie's Singulair and Albuterol, Children's Motrin, thermometers of all shapes and sizes, Colgate Total, Chloraseptic, generic ibuprofen
6. Name six things on or around your nightstand:
--Tom Clancy's Executive Orders, an alarm clock, a pile of CDs, a coaster, an adorable little pink journal, a pen
something from next to nothing
Don't ask me why, but I just hate scraps. I hate having tiny portions of food leftover. I used to hate the scraps I would have left from my sewing projects. And now that I scrapbook, I hate all the paper scraps.
But I simply can't throw these scraps away. (Well, the food often does get thrown away once I've given it sufficient time to mold in the fridge.)
So I've given myself a new mandate. Whenever I make a new layout, I have to use up the scraps immediately.
Last week, I actually completed a layout (the first in literally months). And since then, I have made 3 cards (one of which I already mailed) from the scraps. And I have another layout planned which should just about use up the remains.
Sure, I'm about sick of these two particular papers. But at least I'll have no scraps to store, right?
just wondering...
The whole family loves our precious pooch. Technically, Baker is "Gray's dog". But just ask anyone, it is certainly I who adores our canine baby the most.
However, Baker is a daddy's boy. No question about it. If Rich is home, the rest of us seem to not even exist in Baker's world. He seems to merely tolerate the fact that he must share Rich with the rest of us. Sure, we can pet him. We can play with him. We can certainly give him a milk bone. But he always keeps Rich in sight. He follows his daddy from room to room.
Now I can accept his fierce canine loyalty to his "master". For whatever reason, he chose Rich.
But what I want to know is why is it me he wakes up at 3:00am when he needs to go out!
Monday, January 29, 2007
perspective
I've spent a good bit of time silently mourning over the past few days. Mourning the passing of babyhood. Nothing new in the world of humankind. Heck, not really even new in my own personal little world. I've been through it with Annie. I've been through it with Gray. And it's been a slow, gradual passing with Max, as well. Somehow it's different this time around. Probably because he is my baby.
But last Friday, we had to register him for kindergarten! Noooooo! And then this weekend, we bought him a booster seat. Bye bye baby carseat. The carseat that carried him home from the NICU four and one third years ago. Sigh.
And then today...not once, not twice, but three times, I had to head to the basement sink to rinse poop out of "my baby's" underwear.
A reminder, I suppose, that having them grow up will not be all bad.
But last Friday, we had to register him for kindergarten! Noooooo! And then this weekend, we bought him a booster seat. Bye bye baby carseat. The carseat that carried him home from the NICU four and one third years ago. Sigh.
And then today...not once, not twice, but three times, I had to head to the basement sink to rinse poop out of "my baby's" underwear.
A reminder, I suppose, that having them grow up will not be all bad.
just taking a deep breath
In. Out. In. Out. Breath. Slower.
Just in need of a few minutes of down time here. Don't know what's gotten into me today. I've been like the proverbial headless chicken. And it's funny, I talked to Rich on the phone earlier, and he said he has been exactly the same way today. Maybe it's because we both worked like crazy all weekend. No "me" time. No "us" time. No "veg out" time. Or maybe that's not it at all. Who knows.
What I do know is that I'm accomplishing nothing in this frazzled state. I have 20 things started and 0 things checked off the list. I filled the sink to wash the dishes after lunch...and there they still sit. (So not like me!) I have washed and dried 3 loads of laundry...and 3 loads of clean laundry are dumped on our bed awaiting folding. I vacuumed the living room and started on our bedroom...but here the vacuum cleaner sits in the middle of what little floor space there is in our room. Annie and I are in the middle of our school day, as well. But then, we have to do her schooling whenever the opportunity arises, so you could probably say we're in the middle of our school day at any particular moment. So maybe I won't count that as part of my chaotic state. However, the papers and books that I have spread all over the couch because I started working on Annie's art unit for the quarter will count against me...I need to either get back to them or clean them up so everyone has somewhere to plant their butts in the living room.
The weirdest part of it all, however, is that it's not actually stressing me out. I'm really coming along with this "chill out" philosophy. Or maybe I'm just to tired to care. Either way, it's nice.
Of course, I still do have to finish this stuff...I most certainly haven't reached the point where I can just toss everything "under the bed" to await another day. I doubt I'll ever reach that point. But that's o.k. with me. Happy mediums are a good thing.
Just in need of a few minutes of down time here. Don't know what's gotten into me today. I've been like the proverbial headless chicken. And it's funny, I talked to Rich on the phone earlier, and he said he has been exactly the same way today. Maybe it's because we both worked like crazy all weekend. No "me" time. No "us" time. No "veg out" time. Or maybe that's not it at all. Who knows.
What I do know is that I'm accomplishing nothing in this frazzled state. I have 20 things started and 0 things checked off the list. I filled the sink to wash the dishes after lunch...and there they still sit. (So not like me!) I have washed and dried 3 loads of laundry...and 3 loads of clean laundry are dumped on our bed awaiting folding. I vacuumed the living room and started on our bedroom...but here the vacuum cleaner sits in the middle of what little floor space there is in our room. Annie and I are in the middle of our school day, as well. But then, we have to do her schooling whenever the opportunity arises, so you could probably say we're in the middle of our school day at any particular moment. So maybe I won't count that as part of my chaotic state. However, the papers and books that I have spread all over the couch because I started working on Annie's art unit for the quarter will count against me...I need to either get back to them or clean them up so everyone has somewhere to plant their butts in the living room.
The weirdest part of it all, however, is that it's not actually stressing me out. I'm really coming along with this "chill out" philosophy. Or maybe I'm just to tired to care. Either way, it's nice.
Of course, I still do have to finish this stuff...I most certainly haven't reached the point where I can just toss everything "under the bed" to await another day. I doubt I'll ever reach that point. But that's o.k. with me. Happy mediums are a good thing.
Friday, January 26, 2007
a countdown meme
Saw this over at Andie's. Stumbled on her blog through Dawn's, and I keep going back not only because her blog is interesting, but because she takes amazing photos. Anyway, thought this sounded really fun, so I thought I'd give it a try.
10 things to do before I die:
-visit the 48 contiguous states (all 50 would be even better!)
-take the Mensa test
-learn to knit
-have a gorgeous wildflower garden
-sleep through the night
-get back to pre-kiddo weight (or better)
-watch all the movies we have on tape and DVD
-read all my unread books
-go back to North Bay, Canada
-scrap the "meaningful" layouts
9 places I last spent money:
-the pediatrician
-my doctor's office
-post office
-library (no, not late fees, but the 50 cent surcharge for inter-library loan)
-a friend's daughter (for Girl Scout cookies)
-Joanns.com (if spending a gift card counts)
-QVC (scrapbook supplies)
-Target
-Wegmans
8 Sounds Routinely heard around house:
-kids arguing
-kids laughing
-dog barking
-washer and dryer running
-TV
-Annie humming
-the mice's wheel squeaking
-cat purring, meowing, and/or hissing
-microwave beeping
7 Restaraunts last ate at (not fast food):
(geez-this may stretch back a ways)
-Chilis
-Quaker Steak & Lube
-The China Buffet
-Friendlys
-Old Country Buffet
-Pizza Hut
-Pellegrino's Deli
6 Things crossed off to do list:
(which to-do list would that be? the daily? the weekly? the school prep? guess I should just go with today's list)
-take Annie to doctor
-make menu plan for next week
-make grocery list
-clean bathroom
-3 loads of laundry
-make and get b'day card ready to mail
5 people I don't know, but would like to hang out:
(this is sooooo hard...I'm so uncomfortable around people I don't know)
-Kristy Banks
-Hillary Clinton
-Ann Curry
-David Attenborough
-Daniel Shore
4 songs that make me happy:
-Goodbye Earl (the Dixie Chicks)
-Midnight Train to Georgia (Gladys Knight & the Pips)
-You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)
-Sugar Magnolia (The Grateful Dead)
3 things i hate to do:
-dust
-drive, especially in cities
-go to the dentist
2 things i'm really good at:
-blog when I should be working
-thoughtful gestures
1 really bad habit:
-eating too much crap
Wow. That was harder than it looked.
10 things to do before I die:
-visit the 48 contiguous states (all 50 would be even better!)
-take the Mensa test
-learn to knit
-have a gorgeous wildflower garden
-sleep through the night
-get back to pre-kiddo weight (or better)
-watch all the movies we have on tape and DVD
-read all my unread books
-go back to North Bay, Canada
-scrap the "meaningful" layouts
9 places I last spent money:
-the pediatrician
-my doctor's office
-post office
-library (no, not late fees, but the 50 cent surcharge for inter-library loan)
-a friend's daughter (for Girl Scout cookies)
-Joanns.com (if spending a gift card counts)
-QVC (scrapbook supplies)
-Target
-Wegmans
8 Sounds Routinely heard around house:
-kids arguing
-kids laughing
-dog barking
-washer and dryer running
-TV
-Annie humming
-the mice's wheel squeaking
-cat purring, meowing, and/or hissing
-microwave beeping
7 Restaraunts last ate at (not fast food):
(geez-this may stretch back a ways)
-Chilis
-Quaker Steak & Lube
-The China Buffet
-Friendlys
-Old Country Buffet
-Pizza Hut
-Pellegrino's Deli
6 Things crossed off to do list:
(which to-do list would that be? the daily? the weekly? the school prep? guess I should just go with today's list)
-take Annie to doctor
-make menu plan for next week
-make grocery list
-clean bathroom
-3 loads of laundry
-make and get b'day card ready to mail
5 people I don't know, but would like to hang out:
(this is sooooo hard...I'm so uncomfortable around people I don't know)
-Kristy Banks
-Hillary Clinton
-Ann Curry
-David Attenborough
-Daniel Shore
4 songs that make me happy:
-Goodbye Earl (the Dixie Chicks)
-Midnight Train to Georgia (Gladys Knight & the Pips)
-You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)
-Sugar Magnolia (The Grateful Dead)
3 things i hate to do:
-dust
-drive, especially in cities
-go to the dentist
2 things i'm really good at:
-blog when I should be working
-thoughtful gestures
1 really bad habit:
-eating too much crap
Wow. That was harder than it looked.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
a chill in the air
Brrrr. Yep, it's definitely winter now. It was 11 degrees this morning at 6:00am...and that is supposed to be the high for the day. There's a good chance that tomorrow at that time it will be below zero. But, I'm really not complaining...there are certainly plenty of places where it gets a lot colder.
And I'm so excited that the snow has finally decided to make it's appearance. It's been snowing 1-3" every day for the last week and a half. Much more like the winter I've come to know and love here in upstate NY. It's great, because we get enough snow every day to keep things looking really pretty, but rarely enough to cause problems driving. (Besides the fact that they are pros at keeping the roads in good shape in the winter even when we do get the occasional dumping.)
Not sure Baker is enjoying winter as much as the rest of us though. Even though the snow settles a bit, it is starting to pile up. And he's starting to have some trouble getting around...his head is still above snow level, but I'm not sure how much longer that's going to last. Poor guy.
And I'm so excited that the snow has finally decided to make it's appearance. It's been snowing 1-3" every day for the last week and a half. Much more like the winter I've come to know and love here in upstate NY. It's great, because we get enough snow every day to keep things looking really pretty, but rarely enough to cause problems driving. (Besides the fact that they are pros at keeping the roads in good shape in the winter even when we do get the occasional dumping.)
Not sure Baker is enjoying winter as much as the rest of us though. Even though the snow settles a bit, it is starting to pile up. And he's starting to have some trouble getting around...his head is still above snow level, but I'm not sure how much longer that's going to last. Poor guy.
just wasting time...
Bad, bad girl! So much to do, but my brain needed a break. So here I am, stealing stuff from Dawn again. This one actually described me pretty well.
| What Your Soul Really Looks Like |
 You are very passionate and quite temperamental. While you can be moody, you always crave comfort. You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds. You believe that people see you for how you are, not how you look. But deep down, you know that's not exactly true. Your near future is a lot like the present, and as far as you're concerned, that's a very good thing. For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust. |
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
not off to a good start...
If I cannot snap myself out of my current mood, this is not going to be a good day. It's not like me to feeling this discouraged this early in the day. I decided I would steal a few minutes here to get my griping off my chest, and then hopefully I can move on with a refreshed attitude.
*The kids got up way too early...so I got no schoolwork done. I count on the early morning for this. And I am already soooo far behind this quarter! This week began Annie's 3rd quarter, and I still have nothing tangible ready for several subjects. This is truly the most out of control I've felt with our homeschooling adventure to date.
*Gray threw a tremendously whiney fit at the breakfast table. Why? Because Max chose the same cereal as he did. Gray is beyond fed up with Max doing absolutely everything that he does. And just try convincing a 6-year-old that he should be flattered by this.
*I didn't get any laundry done yesterday...so I have 5 loads to do today.
*My inability to say "No" has led me to more responsibilities I just don't need right now. My neighbor called and asked if her son could start coming to our house after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays. She didn't say what happened with the day care place where her son had been going. Of course, I said "yes", even though it's going to make my life much more complicated. Really, really, really not happy about this. But I keep telling myself that it will be good for Gray. He's going to love having a non-sibling playmate two afternoons a week. And I'm glad I can be a good neighbor...even though I often feel taken advantage of. I suppose if it really doesn't work out, I can just tell her so...after all, it's not like I'm getting paid or anything.
O.K.--enough bitching for one day! Time to head off with a positive new attitude! (Not really sure this is working...)
*The kids got up way too early...so I got no schoolwork done. I count on the early morning for this. And I am already soooo far behind this quarter! This week began Annie's 3rd quarter, and I still have nothing tangible ready for several subjects. This is truly the most out of control I've felt with our homeschooling adventure to date.
*Gray threw a tremendously whiney fit at the breakfast table. Why? Because Max chose the same cereal as he did. Gray is beyond fed up with Max doing absolutely everything that he does. And just try convincing a 6-year-old that he should be flattered by this.
*I didn't get any laundry done yesterday...so I have 5 loads to do today.
*My inability to say "No" has led me to more responsibilities I just don't need right now. My neighbor called and asked if her son could start coming to our house after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays. She didn't say what happened with the day care place where her son had been going. Of course, I said "yes", even though it's going to make my life much more complicated. Really, really, really not happy about this. But I keep telling myself that it will be good for Gray. He's going to love having a non-sibling playmate two afternoons a week. And I'm glad I can be a good neighbor...even though I often feel taken advantage of. I suppose if it really doesn't work out, I can just tell her so...after all, it's not like I'm getting paid or anything.
O.K.--enough bitching for one day! Time to head off with a positive new attitude! (Not really sure this is working...)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
today's twosome
Tuesday Twosome:
Short-term Memory
List the last two…
-Movies you watched:
*How to Eat Fried Worms
*Hoot
-TV shows you saw:
*24
*Law & Order SVU (rerun)
Items you purchased:
*a book about the Midwestern Flood of 1993 (for homeschooling purposes)
*chipboard letters
Beverages you drank:
*coffee
*water
Internet sites you surfed (before coming here):
*Dawn's blog
*NPR
Short-term Memory
List the last two…
-Movies you watched:
*How to Eat Fried Worms
*Hoot
-TV shows you saw:
*24
*Law & Order SVU (rerun)
Items you purchased:
*a book about the Midwestern Flood of 1993 (for homeschooling purposes)
*chipboard letters
Beverages you drank:
*coffee
*water
Internet sites you surfed (before coming here):
*Dawn's blog
*NPR
another 10
Time for 10 on Tuesday.
10 Things You Have a Weakness For:
(as usual, these are in no particular order)
1. Rotel dip and tortilla chips (I can only have this on rare occasions, because I seem entirely incapable of not making a glutton of myself when eating this)
2. true crime stories-books, TV shows, movies
3. newborn babies (whenever I see one, I have an overwhelming desire to have another one--but, alas, that shall never happen)
4. Christmas wrapping paper (I cannot seem to resist buying every cute paper I see...so I have to force myself to not even look. I have 90-some rolls right now.)
5. the tears, smiles, and hugs of my monkeys
6. chipboard, rub-ons, and letter stickers
7. dark chocolate...mmmm (milk chocolate-yuck! white chocolate-double yuck!)
8. crime dramas (Criminal Minds, Homicide reruns, Profiler reruns, etc.)
9. buying presents (I rarely buy anything for myself, except the occasional scrapbook supply splurge, but I can't seem to stop myself from going overboard with the gifts.)
10. Morning Edition and All Things Considered (can't live without my NPR)
Well, that was a little harder than I thought it would be.
10 Things You Have a Weakness For:
(as usual, these are in no particular order)
1. Rotel dip and tortilla chips (I can only have this on rare occasions, because I seem entirely incapable of not making a glutton of myself when eating this)
2. true crime stories-books, TV shows, movies
3. newborn babies (whenever I see one, I have an overwhelming desire to have another one--but, alas, that shall never happen)
4. Christmas wrapping paper (I cannot seem to resist buying every cute paper I see...so I have to force myself to not even look. I have 90-some rolls right now.)
5. the tears, smiles, and hugs of my monkeys
6. chipboard, rub-ons, and letter stickers
7. dark chocolate...mmmm (milk chocolate-yuck! white chocolate-double yuck!)
8. crime dramas (Criminal Minds, Homicide reruns, Profiler reruns, etc.)
9. buying presents (I rarely buy anything for myself, except the occasional scrapbook supply splurge, but I can't seem to stop myself from going overboard with the gifts.)
10. Morning Edition and All Things Considered (can't live without my NPR)
Well, that was a little harder than I thought it would be.
Monday, January 22, 2007
just some good stuff
*Getting through an entire morning's worth of errands without incident.
*Max's irrepressible grin as Annie read him a Curious George story.
*Finding out that a simple e-mail from me made Rich's day.
*The enormous pile of books Annie checked out at the library, and knowing she'll read every one of them.
*A little more snow each day.
*Max's irrepressible grin as Annie read him a Curious George story.
*Finding out that a simple e-mail from me made Rich's day.
*The enormous pile of books Annie checked out at the library, and knowing she'll read every one of them.
*A little more snow each day.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
the week in review
*Winter FINALLY arrived this week. After the ice storm Sunday night/Monday morning, we finally got some snow. About 4" Monday night...on top of the ice, of course. Then we've had 1-2" daily since. It's about time! I was beginning to feel like we'd been secretly transplanted to another part of the world. Still waiting for a nice big dumping though.
*A few accomplishments:
--Menu plan success. May be the first time in history when I actually managed to follow my plan to a tee. We usually have something screw up at least a night or two. Felt so good to be so organized. Unfortunately, Rich messed things up for the coming week. Before I had a chance to make a menu and grocery list, he went to the store and picked up a bunch of stuff. So now I'm back to throwing things together again. Guess I'll have to get on the planning earlier to avoid such mishaps again. Because it really was nice to not be scrambling around each night wondering what to make.
--Finally had that baseline mammogram. Thanks so much to all who wrote and reassured me of how easy it was! You were all so right. Geez--there's really nothing to it, is there?
--Managed to get Annie's 2nd quarter progress report written yesterday. Took 11+ hours, but it's now done. What a pain!
*I realized I watched a ton of movies this past week. Can't remember when I've ever managed to watch so many movies in a week's time (except during bed rest, that is). Mostly, I watched them between 4:00am and 6:00 when everyone else is still in bed. (I like to get up then, so I can work on lesson plans and the like without constant interruptions.) Did watch 2 with the kids, too. And frankly, they were the best ones. Most of the others came from my brother...each Christmas he gives Rich and I a huge box of movies-some he's taped, some he buys used. We have literally hundreds of movies we haven't watched yet. Anyway, here's the run-down:
--Nanny McPhee (not spectacular, but I enjoyed it)
--Irreconcilable Differences (okay)
--The Babysitter's Seduction (definitely not mentally stimulating, but I enjoy these made-for-TV type movies)
--Some Girl (weird, can't decide if I liked it or not)
--Appointment for a Killing (another made-for-TV type crime movie)
--Hoot (I know it got lousy reviews, but we all enjoyed it)
And that about sums up my week.
*A few accomplishments:
--Menu plan success. May be the first time in history when I actually managed to follow my plan to a tee. We usually have something screw up at least a night or two. Felt so good to be so organized. Unfortunately, Rich messed things up for the coming week. Before I had a chance to make a menu and grocery list, he went to the store and picked up a bunch of stuff. So now I'm back to throwing things together again. Guess I'll have to get on the planning earlier to avoid such mishaps again. Because it really was nice to not be scrambling around each night wondering what to make.
--Finally had that baseline mammogram. Thanks so much to all who wrote and reassured me of how easy it was! You were all so right. Geez--there's really nothing to it, is there?
--Managed to get Annie's 2nd quarter progress report written yesterday. Took 11+ hours, but it's now done. What a pain!
*I realized I watched a ton of movies this past week. Can't remember when I've ever managed to watch so many movies in a week's time (except during bed rest, that is). Mostly, I watched them between 4:00am and 6:00 when everyone else is still in bed. (I like to get up then, so I can work on lesson plans and the like without constant interruptions.) Did watch 2 with the kids, too. And frankly, they were the best ones. Most of the others came from my brother...each Christmas he gives Rich and I a huge box of movies-some he's taped, some he buys used. We have literally hundreds of movies we haven't watched yet. Anyway, here's the run-down:
--Nanny McPhee (not spectacular, but I enjoyed it)
--Irreconcilable Differences (okay)
--The Babysitter's Seduction (definitely not mentally stimulating, but I enjoy these made-for-TV type movies)
--Some Girl (weird, can't decide if I liked it or not)
--Appointment for a Killing (another made-for-TV type crime movie)
--Hoot (I know it got lousy reviews, but we all enjoyed it)
And that about sums up my week.
Friday, January 19, 2007
feasting
Feast One Hundred & Twenty Seven:
Appetizer
Which television shows do you just refuse to miss?
*Criminal Minds, Jericho, and now 24
Soup
Who did you last speak to on the telephone?
*Rich
Salad
How many pillows do you keep on your bed?
*Just 2 for sleeping (1 for each of us) and 2 in shams.
Main Course
Name one addition to your computer (software, hardware, etc.) that you'd love to have.
*Photo-editing software, not entirely sure what.
Dessert
What is your favorite foreign food?
*Without question, Mexican!
Appetizer
Which television shows do you just refuse to miss?
*Criminal Minds, Jericho, and now 24
Soup
Who did you last speak to on the telephone?
*Rich
Salad
How many pillows do you keep on your bed?
*Just 2 for sleeping (1 for each of us) and 2 in shams.
Main Course
Name one addition to your computer (software, hardware, etc.) that you'd love to have.
*Photo-editing software, not entirely sure what.
Dessert
What is your favorite foreign food?
*Without question, Mexican!
straining the brain
Saw this over at Dawn's place. (She always has such fun stuff!) Thought I'd give it a try. Not sure I'll be able to get them all.
Rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
Your Name: Debi
1. Famous Athlete: Dan Marino
2. 4 letter word: dork
3. Street name: Duval Street
4. Color: dandelion
5. Gifts/presents: dark chocolate truffles
6. Vehicles: Dodge Dart
7. Tropical Locations: Dominica
8. College Majors: Dance
9. Dairy Products: Danimals
10. Things in a Souvenir Shop: dollars
11. Boy Name: Draeven
12. Girl Name: Deanna
13. Movie Titles: Dirty Dancing
14. Alcohol: Dewar's Scotch Whiskey
15. Occupations: dog groomer
16. Flowers: daisy
17. Celebrities: Denzel Washington
18. Magazines: Dog Fancy
19. U.S. Cities: Daytona Beach
20. Pro Sports Teams: Dallas Stars
21. Something Found in a kitchen: dinner
22. Reason for Being Late: dead car battery
23. Something You Throw Away: deflated balloons
24. Things You Shout: Don't You Dare!!!
25. Cartoon Character: Daphne Blake
Rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
Your Name: Debi
1. Famous Athlete: Dan Marino
2. 4 letter word: dork
3. Street name: Duval Street
4. Color: dandelion
5. Gifts/presents: dark chocolate truffles
6. Vehicles: Dodge Dart
7. Tropical Locations: Dominica
8. College Majors: Dance
9. Dairy Products: Danimals
10. Things in a Souvenir Shop: dollars
11. Boy Name: Draeven
12. Girl Name: Deanna
13. Movie Titles: Dirty Dancing
14. Alcohol: Dewar's Scotch Whiskey
15. Occupations: dog groomer
16. Flowers: daisy
17. Celebrities: Denzel Washington
18. Magazines: Dog Fancy
19. U.S. Cities: Daytona Beach
20. Pro Sports Teams: Dallas Stars
21. Something Found in a kitchen: dinner
22. Reason for Being Late: dead car battery
23. Something You Throw Away: deflated balloons
24. Things You Shout: Don't You Dare!!!
25. Cartoon Character: Daphne Blake
Thursday, January 18, 2007
one, two, three...
Today's Thursday Threesome:
Seasonal News:
::No California Oranges this Year!::
Onesome: No California-- drivers allowed! Do you drive and talk on the cell phone? Come on, fess up...
*No. And I wouldn't even if I had a cell phone.
Twosome: Oranges-- and Apples and Pears, oh my! Do you have a favorite fruit?
*Probably watermelon. But blackberries run a close second.
Threesome: this Year-- I'm going to _______ (go ahead; fill in the blank. No, it's not a resolution!)
*Enjoy life as much as possible.
Seasonal News:
::No California Oranges this Year!::
Onesome: No California-- drivers allowed! Do you drive and talk on the cell phone? Come on, fess up...
*No. And I wouldn't even if I had a cell phone.
Twosome: Oranges-- and Apples and Pears, oh my! Do you have a favorite fruit?
*Probably watermelon. But blackberries run a close second.
Threesome: this Year-- I'm going to _______ (go ahead; fill in the blank. No, it's not a resolution
*Enjoy life as much as possible.
dirty dishes
I cannot stand to have dirty dishes in the sink. Just can't stand it. (No, I don't have a dish washer.) This means I generally wash dishes three or four times a day. (Sometimes more, if I've been baking or something; sometimes less, if we go out to eat.)
Anyway, the thing I don't understand, is why I do not carry this obsession over into the drying stage. It simply does not bother me in the slightest to leave the clean dishes stand in the dish rack to dry on their own. I generally don't put them away until it's time to cook again.
Why is my "anal retentiveness" so selective?
Anyway, the thing I don't understand, is why I do not carry this obsession over into the drying stage. It simply does not bother me in the slightest to leave the clean dishes stand in the dish rack to dry on their own. I generally don't put them away until it's time to cook again.
Why is my "anal retentiveness" so selective?
just wondering...
...why on earth our coffee maker has to make such an infernal racket while it brews the coffee?!!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
introducing...
I can't believe that I have yet to formally introduce the newest member of our family. (Guess I was on a bit of a hiatus when he joined our ranks.)
Gray has long been a boy in need of a dog.
We finally decided it was almost cruel to deny our sweet boy a loving companion any longer. So for Gray's 6th birthday, back in October, we gave him a collar and leash, 2 dog bowls, and a box of Milk Bones. We thought he would immediately know what was going on. But we were wrong. He was happy about the gifts, but didn't say a word about getting a dog. So I finally asked him if he knew why we gave him those presents. He said, "Yea, you want me to turn into a dog!" Which, by the way, he was more than willing to do.
So, we spelled it out for him. Then Rich and I took Gray to Lollypop Farm to find his new best friend.
When Gray and I saw Baker, it was definitely love at first sight! He was a new arrival at the shelter, and you could just see how scared and confused the poor little fellow was.
We could not have custom-ordered a better fit for our family! (I still cannot believe that anyone could have given him up for adoption!) He's wonderful with kids, he leaves Aldo (our kitty) alone for the most part, he's house-trained, he doesn't chew things he's not supposed to, he's playful, and he's downright adorable!
Sometimes, you just get lucky...and this sure was one of those times!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
again with the meme-ing
I am really enjoying wasting time here this morning while I have Annie slaving away on her English test. Just stumbled across another new little meme (new for me, that is).
Tuesday Twosome:
At This Very Moment, List two things…
-On your desk
1. a pile of worksheets I need to type up
2. a pile of papers to haul to the recycle pile
-On your bed
1. a stuffed puffin
2. two loads of laundry that need to be folded and put away
-You are craving
1. sleep (it was an especially rough night around here)
2. dinner at a good Mexican restaurant
-That are annoying you
1. cramps
2. Annie's whining
-That best describes your “style”
1. comfy pjs
2. cozy blankets
Tuesday Twosome:
At This Very Moment, List two things…
-On your desk
1. a pile of worksheets I need to type up
2. a pile of papers to haul to the recycle pile
-On your bed
1. a stuffed puffin
2. two loads of laundry that need to be folded and put away
-You are craving
1. sleep (it was an especially rough night around here)
2. dinner at a good Mexican restaurant
-That are annoying you
1. cramps
2. Annie's whining
-That best describes your “style”
1. comfy pjs
2. cozy blankets
well said
This is one of my all-time favorite quotes..."I love to watch them sleep...their angelic faces rejuvenate my soul for when they awaken." ~unknown
thinking small
When I read today's Ten on Tuesday, I almost decided not to play this week. The topic this week: 10 Things You Do Well.
At first I couldn't think of a single thing to put on my list. I can't sing. I'm a technological moron. A mediocre scrapper. But then I realized that I needed to think smaller. So, here's my effort to come up with...
*10 Things I Do Well*
1. I make great spaghetti sauce, meatloaf, and fairy drop cookies.
2. I wrap beautiful gifts (when I have time to be creative).
3. I'm good at avoiding conflict.
4. I do well on IQ tests and the like.
5. I am a list-maker extraordinaire. (Gee-what a useful skill, huh?)
6. I am good at making people smile with thoughtful little gestures.
7. I do a good job finding everyday learning opportunities for my kids.
8. I'm a fairly good at crocheting and cross-stitching.
9. I'm an excellent wife--even Rich says so.
10. I am told (and I hope with all my heart that it's true!) that I'm a good mommy.
At first I couldn't think of a single thing to put on my list. I can't sing. I'm a technological moron. A mediocre scrapper. But then I realized that I needed to think smaller. So, here's my effort to come up with...
*10 Things I Do Well*
1. I make great spaghetti sauce, meatloaf, and fairy drop cookies.
2. I wrap beautiful gifts (when I have time to be creative).
3. I'm good at avoiding conflict.
4. I do well on IQ tests and the like.
5. I am a list-maker extraordinaire. (Gee-what a useful skill, huh?)
6. I am good at making people smile with thoughtful little gestures.
7. I do a good job finding everyday learning opportunities for my kids.
8. I'm a fairly good at crocheting and cross-stitching.
9. I'm an excellent wife--even Rich says so.
10. I am told (and I hope with all my heart that it's true!) that I'm a good mommy.
Monday, January 15, 2007
re-addicted
I wrote yesterday about my big plan to start watching season one of 24 last night, while all the lucky people would be watching the current season premeire. It was my "anal tendencies" keeping me from just watching the current season premeire...telling myself that we would be so far behind and wouldn't understand what was happening and blah, blah, blah. (Don't know why I have this strong obsession with doing all things in order, but I am working hard to "loosen up".)
But Stacy wrote and urged us to just watch the current season. She assured us that we wouldn't be lost. We decided to take her advice. And we're NOT sorry we did! I think it's safe to say that we are already re-addicted. I have to say that it was a little weird that Jack was the ONLY character we knew from that first season (at least the only one that either of us remembered). And we'll still go back and try to catch all the previous seasons when we get the chance, but for now...well, one more "must see" show has been added to our weekly line-up!
Thanks, Stacy!
But Stacy wrote and urged us to just watch the current season. She assured us that we wouldn't be lost. We decided to take her advice. And we're NOT sorry we did! I think it's safe to say that we are already re-addicted. I have to say that it was a little weird that Jack was the ONLY character we knew from that first season (at least the only one that either of us remembered). And we'll still go back and try to catch all the previous seasons when we get the chance, but for now...well, one more "must see" show has been added to our weekly line-up!
Thanks, Stacy!
let's try this again...
This morning I had just finished writing that I hoped the ice didn't take out the power lines, when...yep, you guessed it, the ice took out the power lines. We didn't really get socked that badly. Nothing like all the poor folks out in the midwest. We only got 1/4+". It was enough to take down trees and power lines in some areas. But we weren't really even all that inconvienced, since we didn't have to go anywhere or anything. (Actually, Rich might disagree with that since he had to keep bailing water since the sump pump wasn't running.) It was a short-lived blackout (as Max kept calling it) and we had our power back on a few hours later. I braved my way outside late this afternoon and tried to get a few pictures. I'm afraid I didn't do justice to the icy beauty, however.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
perpetually lagging behind
Seems to be me. Never quite up-to-date.
Tonight is the big season premiere of 24. But I can't watch it. I've been in a self-imposed moratorium for years...
The first season it came on, we watched from the first episode. We were completely, totally, entirely, undeniably hooked! Lived for it every week. Then about half-way through the season I got pregnant with Max. I realize that doesn't really sound like a problem. But I'm really lousy at being pregnant. And my first problem is always hyperemesis gravidarum. (Sort of like morning sickness on steriods. The only effective weight loss program for me.) Anyway, by six weeks, I was to the point where I simply couldn't move and couldn't stand to see anything else move. Hence, no TV for the next few months. Hence, total loss of the rest of that first season of 24.
As the following seasons rolled around, I wouldn't let myself watch, figuring I wouldn't get all that was going on. Kept telling myself I needed to catch up with reruns first. Which of course, never happened. And here I am, how many seasons behind? Five?
For Christmas, I asked Rich for the first season on DVD. And being the sweet fellow he is, he came through. Hopefully, I can get the second season for my birthday. And slowly, slowly, maybe I can finally get caught up.
We plan to start tonight...figured that would be appropriate. We can watch with everyone else tonight--we'll just be living in the past.
Tonight is the big season premiere of 24. But I can't watch it. I've been in a self-imposed moratorium for years...
The first season it came on, we watched from the first episode. We were completely, totally, entirely, undeniably hooked! Lived for it every week. Then about half-way through the season I got pregnant with Max. I realize that doesn't really sound like a problem. But I'm really lousy at being pregnant. And my first problem is always hyperemesis gravidarum. (Sort of like morning sickness on steriods. The only effective weight loss program for me.) Anyway, by six weeks, I was to the point where I simply couldn't move and couldn't stand to see anything else move. Hence, no TV for the next few months. Hence, total loss of the rest of that first season of 24.
As the following seasons rolled around, I wouldn't let myself watch, figuring I wouldn't get all that was going on. Kept telling myself I needed to catch up with reruns first. Which of course, never happened. And here I am, how many seasons behind? Five?
For Christmas, I asked Rich for the first season on DVD. And being the sweet fellow he is, he came through. Hopefully, I can get the second season for my birthday. And slowly, slowly, maybe I can finally get caught up.
We plan to start tonight...figured that would be appropriate. We can watch with everyone else tonight--we'll just be living in the past.
oh well.
Well, the NFL season is essentially over here at our little abode. (For my team, it was over long ago, of course.) But Rich is a Philly boy. So the Eagles allowed the season to extend briefly for us.
Wanting my sweetie to be happy, I was, of course, hoping for an Eagles win. But I wasn't entirely devastated by their loss last night. One-because the Saints deserved to win. The Eagles came through with a few big plays, but overall the Saints just played better. And though it doesn't always happen, that's the team who should win. And two-how nice is it that the people of New Orleans have something like this!
And I think for that second reason, I shall be rooting for the Saints to go all the way.
And I'm really hoping for the Colts demise--more sooner than later!
Wanting my sweetie to be happy, I was, of course, hoping for an Eagles win. But I wasn't entirely devastated by their loss last night. One-because the Saints deserved to win. The Eagles came through with a few big plays, but overall the Saints just played better. And though it doesn't always happen, that's the team who should win. And two-how nice is it that the people of New Orleans have something like this!
And I think for that second reason, I shall be rooting for the Saints to go all the way.
And I'm really hoping for the Colts demise--more sooner than later!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
a new little meme, a day late
Just stumbled over a new little meme. I'm a day late, but what the heck.
Yesterday's Foodie Friday...
*What are your favorite comfort foods when you are sick?
---When I got sick as a kid, my mom always made me buttered toast with hot chocolate to dip it in. Toast and cocoa, we called it. Still the first thing I think of when I get a cold. Those childhood comforts can really stick with you, can't they?
Yesterday's Foodie Friday...
*What are your favorite comfort foods when you are sick?
---When I got sick as a kid, my mom always made me buttered toast with hot chocolate to dip it in. Toast and cocoa, we called it. Still the first thing I think of when I get a cold. Those childhood comforts can really stick with you, can't they?
what we'll be eating this week
Inspired by Stacy and her friends with their Menu Plan Monday, I've decided that I really need to get back to menu planning. There was a time when I always planned our menus ahead. Over the last several months, however, it's a job I let slide. It seemed easier to "play it by ear" and not spend that hour or so planning. Of course, I know in actuality that spending that hour up front not only saves me time in the long run, but also money. So, it's time to back on the right track.
I don't plan what we will eat each night, because that will just depend on how a particular day plays out and how much time I have to devote to cooking supper. But I will be planning the week ahead with 7 suppers, 2-3 lunches, 1 "hot" breakfast, and at least 1 baked item/dessert.
So, here's what we'll be eating this week...
*For supper:
Bagels w/ cream cheese and Fried eggs
Bean enchiladas, Wankerflots, Chili Cheese Puff
Salsa Pasta and Italian Bread
Ladle-It-On, Cauliflower, Zucchini Oatmeal Muffins
Chicken & Rice, Broccoli, Poppy Seed Muffins
Chicken Sandwiches, Fries, Corn
Almost Stuffed Peppers, Corn Bread, Applesauce
*For lunch:
Quickie Pizza
Cheesesteak Sandwiches
*For breakfast:
Blueberry Spice Coffeecake and Cantalope
*Dessert:
Oatmeal Coconut Choco-Chip Cookies (a new recipe)
A lot of easy nights this week. It's going a busy one, because it's the last week of the second quarter. We've got to finish up a lot this week, and then I have to write up the quarterly report to send in. This is no easy task, but is required by NYS homeschooling regulations. Anyway, that's my excuse for the simple meal plans.
I don't plan what we will eat each night, because that will just depend on how a particular day plays out and how much time I have to devote to cooking supper. But I will be planning the week ahead with 7 suppers, 2-3 lunches, 1 "hot" breakfast, and at least 1 baked item/dessert.
So, here's what we'll be eating this week...
*For supper:
Bagels w/ cream cheese and Fried eggs
Bean enchiladas, Wankerflots, Chili Cheese Puff
Salsa Pasta and Italian Bread
Ladle-It-On, Cauliflower, Zucchini Oatmeal Muffins
Chicken & Rice, Broccoli, Poppy Seed Muffins
Chicken Sandwiches, Fries, Corn
Almost Stuffed Peppers, Corn Bread, Applesauce
*For lunch:
Quickie Pizza
Cheesesteak Sandwiches
*For breakfast:
Blueberry Spice Coffeecake and Cantalope
*Dessert:
Oatmeal Coconut Choco-Chip Cookies (a new recipe)
A lot of easy nights this week. It's going a busy one, because it's the last week of the second quarter. We've got to finish up a lot this week, and then I have to write up the quarterly report to send in. This is no easy task, but is required by NYS homeschooling regulations. Anyway, that's my excuse for the simple meal plans.
Friday, January 12, 2007
more meme-ing
Friday 5
How high is your guilt threshold?
*Incredibly low. I can't do the slightest little thing "wrong" without agonizing over it. Guess that's why I'm such an incredibly bad liar.
How strong is your resistance to sweets?
*Non-existent
How long is your fuse?
*Generally pretty long (except for approximately 2 days per month).
What is the quickest way to get you hot (you know what we mean!)?
*I'll never tell.
How sensitive are you to ambient noise?
*I'm pretty good at tuning out noise. Wish I could tune out smells in the same way.
How high is your guilt threshold?
*Incredibly low. I can't do the slightest little thing "wrong" without agonizing over it. Guess that's why I'm such an incredibly bad liar.
How strong is your resistance to sweets?
*Non-existent
How long is your fuse?
*Generally pretty long (except for approximately 2 days per month).
What is the quickest way to get you hot (you know what we mean!)?
*I'll never tell.
How sensitive are you to ambient noise?
*I'm pretty good at tuning out noise. Wish I could tune out smells in the same way.
without the calories
Feast One Hundred & Twenty Six
Appetizer
What comes to mind when you see the color orange?
*Plain and simply, Max. In his world, there is no other color.
Soup
Did you ever get in trouble while you were in school? If so, what was it for?
*Nope. Though I was definitely not an angel, I was smart enough, or maybe just lucky enough, to never get caught at anything.
Salad
Which topping(s) make up your perfect pizza?
*Ham and pineapple...yummy!
Main Course
Do you believe in UFOs/aliens/etc.? Why or why not?
*Hmmm. Don't know. Let's just say, I would not be surprised if somewhere else in this vast universe, of which we are just an infinitesimal speck, there is life.
Dessert
What color is your bedspread/comforter/quilt?
*Yummy rich fall colors...burnt orange, chocolate brown, gold, etc. Very geometric-all squares and rectangles. Just got it for Christmas, and am still totally in love with it.
Appetizer
What comes to mind when you see the color orange?
*Plain and simply, Max. In his world, there is no other color.
Soup
Did you ever get in trouble while you were in school? If so, what was it for?
*Nope. Though I was definitely not an angel, I was smart enough, or maybe just lucky enough, to never get caught at anything.
Salad
Which topping(s) make up your perfect pizza?
*Ham and pineapple...yummy!
Main Course
Do you believe in UFOs/aliens/etc.? Why or why not?
*Hmmm. Don't know. Let's just say, I would not be surprised if somewhere else in this vast universe, of which we are just an infinitesimal speck, there is life.
Dessert
What color is your bedspread/comforter/quilt?
*Yummy rich fall colors...burnt orange, chocolate brown, gold, etc. Very geometric-all squares and rectangles. Just got it for Christmas, and am still totally in love with it.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
in celebration...
I admit it, we like to have silly harmless fun.
I have this perpetual date book in which I have collected silly holidays and observations for years. Anytime I'd read about one in a magazine or something, I'd jot it down. Well, it dawned on me today, that there must be a website somewhere with this kind of list. And sure enough this site contained quite a collection!
Most of these, of course, won't actually make it into our family's repetoire of celebrations. Take, for example, these...
May 3-Lumpy Rug Day
March 3-What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day
June 16-Professional Women in Drywall Day
July 27-Take Your Houseplant For a Walk Day
Feb. 14-Feb. 21-National Condom Week (this one encompasses both Valentines Day and my birthday, so I'm guessing we'll be too busy for an all out celebration here)
I did stumble across a couple I'm sure Rich will appreciate. (March 1 is Beer Day and June 29 is Chicken Wings Day.)
Well, anyway, Happy National Cut Your Energy Costs Day!
I have this perpetual date book in which I have collected silly holidays and observations for years. Anytime I'd read about one in a magazine or something, I'd jot it down. Well, it dawned on me today, that there must be a website somewhere with this kind of list. And sure enough this site contained quite a collection!
Most of these, of course, won't actually make it into our family's repetoire of celebrations. Take, for example, these...
May 3-Lumpy Rug Day
March 3-What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day
June 16-Professional Women in Drywall Day
July 27-Take Your Houseplant For a Walk Day
Feb. 14-Feb. 21-National Condom Week (this one encompasses both Valentines Day and my birthday, so I'm guessing we'll be too busy for an all out celebration here)
I did stumble across a couple I'm sure Rich will appreciate. (March 1 is Beer Day and June 29 is Chicken Wings Day.)
Well, anyway, Happy National Cut Your Energy Costs Day!
my own worst enemy
So much for my intentions of relaxing my morning away.
I did go and put on water for hot chocolate. But I figured while it was heating I should go throw in a load of laundry. No big deal. When I got back upstairs, the water was ready. I sat down on the couch with my cocoa and a scrapbook idea book I'd received for Christmas. That lasted all of 8 minutes. My obnoxious brain wouldn't leave me alone..."you should really clean the bathroom, you should really clean the bathroom". I decided I would go clean the bathroom, and then get back to relaxing. But one thing led to another...I had the vacuum out after cleaning the bathroom, so I decided I should just give the living room a quick going over (despite the fact that I'd vacuumed it yesterday). Then I figured it was probably time to move the laundry to the dryer. By then, my hot chocolate was cool, so I took it out to heat it in the microwave. Where I noticed that Max hadn't finished his milk at breakfast, so I went to stick it in the fridge. Then realized that I'd been meaning to clean out the fridge for the past week and a half. Needless to say, it was time to go pick up Max from preschool before I knew it.
But you know what...those 8 minutes were really nice!
I did go and put on water for hot chocolate. But I figured while it was heating I should go throw in a load of laundry. No big deal. When I got back upstairs, the water was ready. I sat down on the couch with my cocoa and a scrapbook idea book I'd received for Christmas. That lasted all of 8 minutes. My obnoxious brain wouldn't leave me alone..."you should really clean the bathroom, you should really clean the bathroom". I decided I would go clean the bathroom, and then get back to relaxing. But one thing led to another...I had the vacuum out after cleaning the bathroom, so I decided I should just give the living room a quick going over (despite the fact that I'd vacuumed it yesterday). Then I figured it was probably time to move the laundry to the dryer. By then, my hot chocolate was cool, so I took it out to heat it in the microwave. Where I noticed that Max hadn't finished his milk at breakfast, so I went to stick it in the fridge. Then realized that I'd been meaning to clean out the fridge for the past week and a half. Needless to say, it was time to go pick up Max from preschool before I knew it.
But you know what...those 8 minutes were really nice!
blessed solitude
Ahhhh. I am home alone. For two whole hours! I honestly don't know what to do with myself. This is such an incredibly rare occurrence.
I suppose I should get some work done, either housework or homeschooling stuff. Geez-just think how much I could accomplish with 2 uninterrupted hours!
But I really don't want to. I want to savor this exquisite solitude. Peace and quiet. No one "needing" anything. No disputes to settle. No whining. No questions to answer.
Yep, I think I will just curl up on the couch with a book. Maybe I'll even get extravagent and make some hot cocoa. Ahhhh.
I suppose I should get some work done, either housework or homeschooling stuff. Geez-just think how much I could accomplish with 2 uninterrupted hours!
But I really don't want to. I want to savor this exquisite solitude. Peace and quiet. No one "needing" anything. No disputes to settle. No whining. No questions to answer.
Yep, I think I will just curl up on the couch with a book. Maybe I'll even get extravagent and make some hot cocoa. Ahhhh.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
what I love to watch, when I get a chance
Today's 10 on Tuesday is 10 Guilty TV Pleasures. So, here are the shows I love to watch when I get a chance. (These are not necessarily in order of preference.)
1. Criminal Minds
2. Jericho
3. House
4. Law & Order: SVU
5. Project Runway (the only reality TV show we've ever fallen for)
6. CSI
7. ER
8. NUMB3RS
9. Boston Legal (though it's been a while)
10. Dolphins games and Flyers games (okay, that's sort of like 2, but since I so seldom get to see either I figured I could lump them together)
1. Criminal Minds
2. Jericho
3. House
4. Law & Order: SVU
5. Project Runway (the only reality TV show we've ever fallen for)
6. CSI
7. ER
8. NUMB3RS
9. Boston Legal (though it's been a while)
10. Dolphins games and Flyers games (okay, that's sort of like 2, but since I so seldom get to see either I figured I could lump them together)
growing up
Why must they grow up?!!
Annie lost a tooth yesterday. Nothing new there--she's lost several at this point. But what she said to me stabbed me in the heart..."Mom, the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny...they're fake just like Santa, aren't they?"
Until just a month ago, she was still clinging to that sweet childish innocence of belief in all things magical.
Annie lost a tooth yesterday. Nothing new there--she's lost several at this point. But what she said to me stabbed me in the heart..."Mom, the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny...they're fake just like Santa, aren't they?"
Until just a month ago, she was still clinging to that sweet childish innocence of belief in all things magical.
they make me giggle
A few minutes ago, two scrawny little boys, clad in just their skivvies (one sporting Lightning McQueen on his butt, one sporting Scooby Doo), came running into my bedroom and announced, "We're wrestlers. That's why we're only wearing underwear."
Monday, January 08, 2007
odds -n- ends
Just some little tidbits...
*Max has trouble figuring out which shoe goes on which foot...just can't quite get it straight. A few minutes ago, as he was getting ready to go to Lowes with Rich, I heard him say, "I wish I only had one foot. Then I'd only have one shoe." Guess there is a certain logic to that, huh?
*WOOHOO. The Eagles won. Just barely, but we'll take it! So Saturday night, they meet the Saints. Sorry Stacy, but I guess we'll be rooting against each other.
*Where the heck is winter?!!!!!!!
*Max has trouble figuring out which shoe goes on which foot...just can't quite get it straight. A few minutes ago, as he was getting ready to go to Lowes with Rich, I heard him say, "I wish I only had one foot. Then I'd only have one shoe." Guess there is a certain logic to that, huh?
*WOOHOO. The Eagles won. Just barely, but we'll take it! So Saturday night, they meet the Saints. Sorry Stacy, but I guess we'll be rooting against each other.
*Where the heck is winter?!!!!!!!
just more potty talk
I think I'm beginning to sound obsessed here. But I have a few more observations on the whole subject that I wanted to get down (in case I someday want to scrapbook about this...which of course Max would be so thrilled about-ha!).
1. Max is so stinkin' cute! A week+ ago, one could not so much as mention using the potty to him. He shut down completely. Now, every time he needs to go he says, "Guess where I'm going." And when you answer him with "The bathroom?", he says, "Yes!" Then he moves on to the next family member he can find and says, "Guess where I'm going." He continues this until he has covered Mommy, Daddy, Annie, and Gray. What a nut!
2. I now have to pay attention when I do the laundry. Little boy underwear does not automatically go in Gray's drawer anymore. Gray gets the Spiderman, Scooby Doo, and Power Rangers. Max gets Cars, Nemo, and NASCAR.
3. I almost hate bringing this up for fear of jinxing it...but Max may have solved another problem as well. He has suffered from constipation since he was an infant (so much for the wisdom that breast-fed babies don't get constipated). Anyway, we're talking chronic constipation. He's been known to hold out for weeks--literally. He's been on medication for the past couple years. But since he's started using the potty, he's actually pooping! On his own! I hate to get my hopes up, but this would be such a welcome turn of events.
Okay. Enough already. I will now try to refrain from potty talk.
1. Max is so stinkin' cute! A week+ ago, one could not so much as mention using the potty to him. He shut down completely. Now, every time he needs to go he says, "Guess where I'm going." And when you answer him with "The bathroom?", he says, "Yes!" Then he moves on to the next family member he can find and says, "Guess where I'm going." He continues this until he has covered Mommy, Daddy, Annie, and Gray. What a nut!
2. I now have to pay attention when I do the laundry. Little boy underwear does not automatically go in Gray's drawer anymore. Gray gets the Spiderman, Scooby Doo, and Power Rangers. Max gets Cars, Nemo, and NASCAR.
3. I almost hate bringing this up for fear of jinxing it...but Max may have solved another problem as well. He has suffered from constipation since he was an infant (so much for the wisdom that breast-fed babies don't get constipated). Anyway, we're talking chronic constipation. He's been known to hold out for weeks--literally. He's been on medication for the past couple years. But since he's started using the potty, he's actually pooping! On his own! I hate to get my hopes up, but this would be such a welcome turn of events.
Okay. Enough already. I will now try to refrain from potty talk.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
the magic of grandparents
What is it about grandparents? That relationship between grandchild and grandparent seems to be nothing short of magical.
At least for the lucky kiddos out there. I was blessed with the best grandparents I could ever imagine. My grandma was pure love...for my grandpa, for her children, grandchildren, and great-children. And my grandpa was one of the absolute coolest people to ever live. He was a talker extraordinaire, but his stories were so interesting, and often hilarious as well. My brother and I loved going and spending time with them as kids.
I'm so grateful that my kids are blessed with wonderful grandparents as well!
Maxidoodle had the time of his life with his Grammy and Papa last week. He received 24/7 attention...and loved every second of it! They played games, they watched Cars (3 times), he helped Grammy take down Christmas decorations, he spent a lot of time working with Papa in the garage, they went to McDonalds, they went to TSC, they went to the grocery store, they built a tent, they built a Lego tractor, they drew cats. And amidst all this loving fun, Max learned to use the potty.
I don't even know how to express how big this is to all of us. We were truly beginning to think it was never going to happen. We had tried every trick in the book. Every bit of advice we could find. Nothing. For a long time, it was totally low-key. But lately we had tried to exert a bit more pressure. And of course, the whole thing turned into a battle. We were at our wits' end.
So we shipped him off to his grandparents. And let them work their magic.
Thanks Mom and Dad! And thanks to all the other grandparents out there for bringing magic to their grandchildren young and old!
At least for the lucky kiddos out there. I was blessed with the best grandparents I could ever imagine. My grandma was pure love...for my grandpa, for her children, grandchildren, and great-children. And my grandpa was one of the absolute coolest people to ever live. He was a talker extraordinaire, but his stories were so interesting, and often hilarious as well. My brother and I loved going and spending time with them as kids.
I'm so grateful that my kids are blessed with wonderful grandparents as well!
Maxidoodle had the time of his life with his Grammy and Papa last week. He received 24/7 attention...and loved every second of it! They played games, they watched Cars (3 times), he helped Grammy take down Christmas decorations, he spent a lot of time working with Papa in the garage, they went to McDonalds, they went to TSC, they went to the grocery store, they built a tent, they built a Lego tractor, they drew cats. And amidst all this loving fun, Max learned to use the potty.
I don't even know how to express how big this is to all of us. We were truly beginning to think it was never going to happen. We had tried every trick in the book. Every bit of advice we could find. Nothing. For a long time, it was totally low-key. But lately we had tried to exert a bit more pressure. And of course, the whole thing turned into a battle. We were at our wits' end.
So we shipped him off to his grandparents. And let them work their magic.
Thanks Mom and Dad! And thanks to all the other grandparents out there for bringing magic to their grandchildren young and old!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
tagging fun
This little tag from Stacy's blog sounded too fun to pass up. Anyone yet to be tagged with this one? Consider yourself now tagged.
Here are the rules/requirements:
1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence.
3. Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog.
4. Name of the author and book.
5. Tag three people of your own.
So here's what I came up with...
"His arm was still strong enough, and the stick still long enough to keep the fangs away. But what if there came another wolf? A document to the left of the satellite photographs was the first harbinger of threat, like a distant howl on the horizon, the sort to make blood chill."
from Executive Orders by Tom Clancy
Hmmm...that really makes little sense on its own, does it? Oh well. Am currently enjoying this book, however. Those moments when I get to read something "grown-up" are sooooo nice. Sometimes I feel like all I get to read are books for "schooling", whether previewing what I may want Annie to read or reading to learn about the things I'll be teaching her. For example, this past week I've read a book about volcanoes, a book about Jamestown, and a childrens literature book called Esperanza Rising. Don't get me wrong, I generally enjoy these books (in fact, Esperanza Rising was wonderful), but sometimes I really just wish there was more time for "me".
Here are the rules/requirements:
1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence.
3. Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog.
4. Name of the author and book.
5. Tag three people of your own.
So here's what I came up with...
"His arm was still strong enough, and the stick still long enough to keep the fangs away. But what if there came another wolf? A document to the left of the satellite photographs was the first harbinger of threat, like a distant howl on the horizon, the sort to make blood chill."
from Executive Orders by Tom Clancy
Hmmm...that really makes little sense on its own, does it? Oh well. Am currently enjoying this book, however. Those moments when I get to read something "grown-up" are sooooo nice. Sometimes I feel like all I get to read are books for "schooling", whether previewing what I may want Annie to read or reading to learn about the things I'll be teaching her. For example, this past week I've read a book about volcanoes, a book about Jamestown, and a childrens literature book called Esperanza Rising. Don't get me wrong, I generally enjoy these books (in fact, Esperanza Rising was wonderful), but sometimes I really just wish there was more time for "me".
Friday, January 05, 2007
going to get our baby!
Been an awfully busy day here...trying to finish up this week's "schooling", making special cupcakes for my dad's birthday, and getting us packed. As soon as Gray gets off the bus, we're heading to my parents to pick up our Maxidoodle!
My gosh, have we missed the little bugger! In a lot of ways, life has been easier and less stressful around here without him, but it's also felt empty and not nearly as fun!
We're not even sure he wants us to come and get him. He's apparently been having soooooo much fun with the 24/7 attention and spoiling he's been getting from Grammy and Papa.
But the trip has been a success. Nothing short of miraculous, if you ask me. We took him there in a last ditch effort to get him to use the potty. He's 4 1/4 years old...I'd say that's past time to give up diapers. I've had people say he's not the only one to wait this long. But no one seems to actually know anyone personally.
Oops...Gray is home. So we've got to run. Will continue when we get home tomorrow.
A wonderful weekend to all!
My gosh, have we missed the little bugger! In a lot of ways, life has been easier and less stressful around here without him, but it's also felt empty and not nearly as fun!
We're not even sure he wants us to come and get him. He's apparently been having soooooo much fun with the 24/7 attention and spoiling he's been getting from Grammy and Papa.
But the trip has been a success. Nothing short of miraculous, if you ask me. We took him there in a last ditch effort to get him to use the potty. He's 4 1/4 years old...I'd say that's past time to give up diapers. I've had people say he's not the only one to wait this long. But no one seems to actually know anyone personally.
Oops...Gray is home. So we've got to run. Will continue when we get home tomorrow.
A wonderful weekend to all!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
another "finally did"
Can't believe I forgot to mention another thing I finally got around to this morning...I made an appointment for my long overdue first mammogram.
Now, I can't say I'm afraid or even apprehensive about it. (The reason I haven't done it before now has more to do with inconvenience than anything. I know, I know, that's a truly lousy excuse.) Anyway, like I said, it's not that I'm worried. But I am curious about what it's like to have one. I'm assuming it doesn't hurt or anything, right? Is it uncomfortable? Does it take long? Any info that anyone is willing to pass along would be greatly appreciated.
Now, I can't say I'm afraid or even apprehensive about it. (The reason I haven't done it before now has more to do with inconvenience than anything. I know, I know, that's a truly lousy excuse.) Anyway, like I said, it's not that I'm worried. But I am curious about what it's like to have one. I'm assuming it doesn't hurt or anything, right? Is it uncomfortable? Does it take long? Any info that anyone is willing to pass along would be greatly appreciated.
running behind
There was a time in life when I was "Little Miss Organized". I had everything done on time. No, I had everything done well ahead of time. I never forget things I was supposed to do. The house was always in perfect "company condition".
But those times are gone. Things slipped more and more with the addition of each kiddo. But as they all got a little older, I felt like I might be gaining a little ground back. Then wham...this whole homeschool adventure began. Things have never been worse.
But in keeping with my whole new "Chill Out" philosophy, I am trying to remind myself that I'm doing the best I can. And finally this morning, I accomplished a few things which should have been done earlier...
1. I finally finished writing our Christmas thank you notes. (I hope no one is offended that it took me so long!)
2. I finally had Rich cut my hair. And my gosh, does it feel good! He cut about 8" off, and let me tell you, I feel like a new woman!
3. I finally watched the last episodes of CSI and ER that Rich had taped for me before Christmas. (Figured I'd better get to that one, since new episodes will be on tonight.)
4. I finally started a project "just for me". Actually I started this yesterday morning, but I worked a little more on it today. It's funny, I read Dawn's blog entry this morning...and we seem to be on the same wavelength. We've both decided it's time to take a little time for ourselves and renew our love of crafting. So I started work on this beautiful needlepoint kit my mom gave me for Christmas.
Hey, better late than never, right?
But those times are gone. Things slipped more and more with the addition of each kiddo. But as they all got a little older, I felt like I might be gaining a little ground back. Then wham...this whole homeschool adventure began. Things have never been worse.
But in keeping with my whole new "Chill Out" philosophy, I am trying to remind myself that I'm doing the best I can. And finally this morning, I accomplished a few things which should have been done earlier...
1. I finally finished writing our Christmas thank you notes. (I hope no one is offended that it took me so long!)
2. I finally had Rich cut my hair. And my gosh, does it feel good! He cut about 8" off, and let me tell you, I feel like a new woman!
3. I finally watched the last episodes of CSI and ER that Rich had taped for me before Christmas. (Figured I'd better get to that one, since new episodes will be on tonight.)
4. I finally started a project "just for me". Actually I started this yesterday morning, but I worked a little more on it today. It's funny, I read Dawn's blog entry this morning...and we seem to be on the same wavelength. We've both decided it's time to take a little time for ourselves and renew our love of crafting. So I started work on this beautiful needlepoint kit my mom gave me for Christmas.
Hey, better late than never, right?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
useless ramblings
I've been inspired by all my favorite blogs today.
First of all, both Stacy and Dawn have inspired me to write a few words about the past NFL season. Yeah, I know, it's not over for everyone, but it's been over for my pathetic, yet still beloved Dolphins for a long time. And I will still be happily cheering on Rich's Eagles with him for as long as they last...but that's not quite the same. On a brighter note, my college alma mater, Penn State, had a respectable season and an exciting finish with the Outback Bowl. And on an even brighter note, my high school alma mater, General McLane, won the state championship! Way to go, Lancers!
Next, Dawn inspired me to finally start packing up the Christmas finery. Had been sorely lacking the motivation. Decided to tackle just one big plastic tub a day, as Dawn said she was doing. But I got on a roll and ended up getting two and a half tubs packed up. I figure that's about 20 percent of the way there. Thanks for getting me off my lazy butt, Dawn!
And last, but certainly not least, Marianne inspired me to raid my candy stash with that exquisite photo of her Godiva chocolates.
Thanks everyone!
First of all, both Stacy and Dawn have inspired me to write a few words about the past NFL season. Yeah, I know, it's not over for everyone, but it's been over for my pathetic, yet still beloved Dolphins for a long time. And I will still be happily cheering on Rich's Eagles with him for as long as they last...but that's not quite the same. On a brighter note, my college alma mater, Penn State, had a respectable season and an exciting finish with the Outback Bowl. And on an even brighter note, my high school alma mater, General McLane, won the state championship! Way to go, Lancers!
Next, Dawn inspired me to finally start packing up the Christmas finery. Had been sorely lacking the motivation. Decided to tackle just one big plastic tub a day, as Dawn said she was doing. But I got on a roll and ended up getting two and a half tubs packed up. I figure that's about 20 percent of the way there. Thanks for getting me off my lazy butt, Dawn!
And last, but certainly not least, Marianne inspired me to raid my candy stash with that exquisite photo of her Godiva chocolates.
Thanks everyone!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
on this day in history...
Wish I could remember who the heck I lifted this from, but I can't. Was awfully fun to do though...
*Go to Wikipedia and look up your birthday (excluding the year). List three neat facts, two births and one death.
On February 21...
1878-The first telephone book was published in New Haven, CT
1925-The New Yorker is first published.
1974-Former United States Attorney General John N. Mitchell and former White House aides H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman are sentenced to prison.
Born on February 21...
1927-Erma Bombeck
1958-Mary Chapin Carpenter
Died on February 21...
1974-Tim Horton
*Go to Wikipedia and look up your birthday (excluding the year). List three neat facts, two births and one death.
On February 21...
1878-The first telephone book was published in New Haven, CT
1925-The New Yorker is first published.
1974-Former United States Attorney General John N. Mitchell and former White House aides H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman are sentenced to prison.
Born on February 21...
1927-Erma Bombeck
1958-Mary Chapin Carpenter
Died on February 21...
1974-Tim Horton
little bits of happiness
Must be that new year optimism thing kicking in again. Just feeling positive tonight. And grateful for all the little bits of happiness. In just the last few minutes I've smiled and said a word of thanks to the powers that be for several small, but oh-so-wonderful things.
There's this way beyond comfy pair of pjs my parents gave me for Christmas...I swear I could live in them. And this totally cute pair of slipper socks that match the pajamas perfectly. (Now, I don't normally care one iota about matching my socks to my pajamas...but they look so dang cute together I couldn't help but notice.)
There's the news from my parents that Max is really using the "potty". This is big. I mean, really big. Huge, in fact. And miraculous, too.
There's Gray's belly laugh.
There's Baker's irresistably adorable face. (Geez-I don't think I've ever even blogged about the addition to our family back in late October. Sweetest beagle boy ever.)
There's the long, snuggly hug Rich gave me as we cleaned up after supper.
There's the fact that I've given myself permission to take the rest of the evening off from laundry and cleaning and lesson planning...and I don't even feel guilty about it.
Yep...life is good.
There's this way beyond comfy pair of pjs my parents gave me for Christmas...I swear I could live in them. And this totally cute pair of slipper socks that match the pajamas perfectly. (Now, I don't normally care one iota about matching my socks to my pajamas...but they look so dang cute together I couldn't help but notice.)
There's the news from my parents that Max is really using the "potty". This is big. I mean, really big. Huge, in fact. And miraculous, too.
There's Gray's belly laugh.
There's Baker's irresistably adorable face. (Geez-I don't think I've ever even blogged about the addition to our family back in late October. Sweetest beagle boy ever.)
There's the long, snuggly hug Rich gave me as we cleaned up after supper.
There's the fact that I've given myself permission to take the rest of the evening off from laundry and cleaning and lesson planning...and I don't even feel guilty about it.
Yep...life is good.
Some useless facts about me
Just a little fun lifted from Marianne. Love her blog!
A is for age: sometimes 42-years-old, sometimes 42-years-young
B is for beer: not a big beer drinker, though I don't mind a St. Pauli Girl now and then (gin and tonic is my drink of choice)
C is for career: nothing that would pay the rent, or even buy me a candy bar...currently a SAHM homeschooling my oldest
D is for my dog's name: the cutest little beagle on the face of the Earth is named Baker (he came from the shelter with name already attached)
E is for essential items used everyday: hmmm...TP comes to mind; deodorant; soap (okay, that's enough of that exciting list)
F is for favorite color: red, red, and more red
G is for game: love them...especially anything that requires use of the brain
H is for hometown: dinky little burg called McKean, PA
I is for instruments I play: none...I'm one of the multitude who wishes they hadn't quit piano lessons as a kid
J is for favorite juice: Ruby Red
K is for who's butt I'd like to kick: hate to get political, so I'll just keep this one to myself
L is for last place I ate: just had a sandwich at the kitchen table
M is for marriage: and I'm blessed with an incredible one
N is for my name: official-Debra; common-Debi; to Rich-Thelma; to my monkeys-Mommy; to my mom-Myrtle
O is for overnight hospital stays: geez--I've lost count
P is for people I was with today: Rich, Annie, and Gray (Max is at my parents' house)
Q is for quote: love them, collect them, can't get enough of them
R is for biggest regret: this is a tough one, but what comes to mind is letting myself gain so much weight when I quit smoking
S is for sport: hockey and football
T is for travelled to: haven't really been anywhere exotic, but then I'm not an exotic kind of gal...loved our trip to Moosenee, Canada though
U is for current underwear: yes, they're clean, so I'd be okay if I were in an accident
V is for vegetable I adore: cauliflower, raw or cooked
W is for wish: I wish people could learn to live and let live
X is for x-rays I have had: teeth, guts, foot
Y is for youthful ambition not fulfilled: well, I always wished I could sing back-up in a Motown band
Z is for zodiac: Pisces
A is for age: sometimes 42-years-old, sometimes 42-years-young
B is for beer: not a big beer drinker, though I don't mind a St. Pauli Girl now and then (gin and tonic is my drink of choice)
C is for career: nothing that would pay the rent, or even buy me a candy bar...currently a SAHM homeschooling my oldest
D is for my dog's name: the cutest little beagle on the face of the Earth is named Baker (he came from the shelter with name already attached)
E is for essential items used everyday: hmmm...TP comes to mind; deodorant; soap (okay, that's enough of that exciting list)
F is for favorite color: red, red, and more red
G is for game: love them...especially anything that requires use of the brain
H is for hometown: dinky little burg called McKean, PA
I is for instruments I play: none...I'm one of the multitude who wishes they hadn't quit piano lessons as a kid
J is for favorite juice: Ruby Red
K is for who's butt I'd like to kick: hate to get political, so I'll just keep this one to myself
L is for last place I ate: just had a sandwich at the kitchen table
M is for marriage: and I'm blessed with an incredible one
N is for my name: official-Debra; common-Debi; to Rich-Thelma; to my monkeys-Mommy; to my mom-Myrtle
O is for overnight hospital stays: geez--I've lost count
P is for people I was with today: Rich, Annie, and Gray (Max is at my parents' house)
Q is for quote: love them, collect them, can't get enough of them
R is for biggest regret: this is a tough one, but what comes to mind is letting myself gain so much weight when I quit smoking
S is for sport: hockey and football
T is for travelled to: haven't really been anywhere exotic, but then I'm not an exotic kind of gal...loved our trip to Moosenee, Canada though
U is for current underwear: yes, they're clean, so I'd be okay if I were in an accident
V is for vegetable I adore: cauliflower, raw or cooked
W is for wish: I wish people could learn to live and let live
X is for x-rays I have had: teeth, guts, foot
Y is for youthful ambition not fulfilled: well, I always wished I could sing back-up in a Motown band
Z is for zodiac: Pisces
Resolutions
I was really excited to get back to Ten on Tuesday. But today's is "10 Resolutions for the Next Year". And I am NOT making 10 resolutions! It's not that I have anything against New Year's resolutions. In fact, I have actually made one.
But "one" is the key word there. Not 10.
My resolution is pretty broad though. I suppose I could break it down into 10 separate "tasks". But that would seem to defeat the whole purpose of my resolution.
So, what is my big resolution this year?
"Chill out."
Sounds pretty simple. Like it shouldn't even qualify for resolution status. But for me, it's a major undertaking. And it's essential I follow through for so many reasons.
But "one" is the key word there. Not 10.
My resolution is pretty broad though. I suppose I could break it down into 10 separate "tasks". But that would seem to defeat the whole purpose of my resolution.
So, what is my big resolution this year?
"Chill out."
Sounds pretty simple. Like it shouldn't even qualify for resolution status. But for me, it's a major undertaking. And it's essential I follow through for so many reasons.
Monday, January 01, 2007
What is it about a new year beginning?
There's something about the start of a new year.
It always fills me with such optimism. Like I can conquer the world. Or at least the endless clutter and piles of laundry. I'm confident that I can tackle projects big and small, and actually complete them. I even envision myself making minor dents in bad habits.
Why does this always happen with the start of a new year? My brain truly does know better. It knows that January 1st is simply another day. There's nothing magic about it.
Or is there? For whatever reason, it does seem to sprinkle my psyche with magical images of what life might have in store. At this time of year, even that pessimistic little voice which seems to think it has a monopoly on reason, can't get a total hold on me. Sooner or later, it will. At least it always has in the past. But until then, I'm going to enjoy my illusions...
And who knows-maybe this will be the year my illusions become reality.
It always fills me with such optimism. Like I can conquer the world. Or at least the endless clutter and piles of laundry. I'm confident that I can tackle projects big and small, and actually complete them. I even envision myself making minor dents in bad habits.
Why does this always happen with the start of a new year? My brain truly does know better. It knows that January 1st is simply another day. There's nothing magic about it.
Or is there? For whatever reason, it does seem to sprinkle my psyche with magical images of what life might have in store. At this time of year, even that pessimistic little voice which seems to think it has a monopoly on reason, can't get a total hold on me. Sooner or later, it will. At least it always has in the past. But until then, I'm going to enjoy my illusions...
And who knows-maybe this will be the year my illusions become reality.
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