saying goodbye

Damn. I can't believe I had to say goodbye to Jericho...again. And this time, I don't see any way to raise it from its premature grave.

I think the way they ended it upset me nearly as much as the fact that they did end it. It's not that the story was bad. But they rushed to finish up, shoving what should have taken place over several episodes into a single one. It didn't feel at all like the Jericho I'd fallen in love with. I think the actors, the fans, the show itself, all deserved better.

It seems rather silly to be so heartbroken over a television show, I suppose. But I am.

another week of good stuff

Lying in bed Friday night, I decided that I was taking the week off from blogging. This is winter break here in our little neck of the woods, and it exquisitely wonderful that Rich's college always has winter break matching up with the local school districts. Equally as wonderful is the fact that my birthday always falls during winter break, and it has become somewhat of a tradition for my parents to watch the monkeys for a few days during the week as part of my birthday present. Anyway, I have these somewhat ridiculous ideas about all I can get accomplished during this week (finish up at least 3 books, make at least 10 scrapbook layouts, finish up a lot of lesson plans, etc.)...but figure that I've got a much better shot at reaching these goals if I just make myself stay off the computer. Doesn't look like I'm doing so well, huh? It's not quite as bad as it seems though...it's just that I remembered that I'd already had this draft started for this week's good stuff, so I decided that I ought to just go ahead and post it.

*the return of Jericho (yes, I am slightly obsessed)

*Gray's beautiful Valentine art (though my photographic skills don't do it justice)



*conversation hearts (yes, I know I've said that before, but I just love those little nuggets of flavored sugar)

*and while I'm on the subject of Valentines, there's Dawn's post on love that I thought was quite beautiful (unfortunately I couldn't post to the exact post, but it's entitled "the greatest contradiction" if you decide to pop on over to read it)

*and while I'm on the subject of posts by fellow bloggers, there's this one by Jean about working the polls on election day

*fairy tales

*Uno winning the Westminster Dog Show...go beagles!

*and while I'm on the subject of beagles, there's this photo of my favorite one along with my favorite guy



*the start of winter break

Can't wait to catch up with everyone next Sunday!

GOOD STUFF

Jericho is back tonight! Oh, I am one happy camper...

Santa was here...

and he was very, very generous!

Now, I fully admit that I am married to a truly wonderful guy who loves me and tries to make me happy at every opportunity. But this Christmas, I suspect there was something more at play when it came to my pile of gifts. Guilt.

Yes, for 2 weeks in mid-January, Rich will be off in the sunny Bahamas helping teach a field class in marine biology. While I will be home taking care of house and children and animals galore. And most likely shoveling snow on a nearly daily basis. And while I am not looking forward to those two weeks, I'm fairly certain that they helped secure me one enormous pile of loot this Christmas.

Just a few of my favorite things from my sweetie...


Two new poppets (the orange and purple ones) joined our little family.




This little book journal isn't actually from Rich (thanks Jean!), but I had to show it because I simply love it! Jean actually gave one of these to Annie on her last birthday, and I've always coveted it. (I know, I know, not very becoming, but true none-the-less.) Anyway, this little journal is just so cool, with sections for books to be read, favorite passages, etc.




Season One of Jericho. I love this show...oh, how I hope they don't cancel it again!



And last, but most definitely not least...


Can you believe that pile of books?!!

*I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak
*The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
*Horns & Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson
*A Nameless Witch by A. Lee Martinez
*Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell by Susanna Clarke
*Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
*Wicked by Gregory Maguire
*What-the-Dickens by Gregory Maguire
*The Fairy Reel: Tales from the Twilight Realm edited by Ellen Datlow & Terry Windling
*Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders by Neil Gaiman
*The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman
*Dead Watch by John Sandford
*Double Cross by James Patterson (this one was from my Secret Santa)
*The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
*The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
*The Golden Apples of the Sun by Ray Bradbury
*The Homecoming by Ray Bradbury
*In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
*Envy by Kathryn Harrison
*Wolves of the Calla: The Dark Tower V by Stephen King
*Song of Susannah: The Dark Tower VI by Stephen King
*The Dark Tower: The Dark Tower VII by Stephen King
*The Regulators by Richard Bachman (Stephen King)
*From a Buick 8 by Stephen King

Oh yes, I am one very spoiled gal!