Sean's birthday was a couple of weeks ago, and we haven't sent out the thank you cards yet.
I have a love-hate relationship with thank you cards:
I'm an overly polite person. I think that taking a couple of minutes to write out a card to say thanks is sweet and respectful. Wedding thank-yous are a must. Showers, whether they're wedding or baby, must have thank you cards.
I hate the idea of writing thank you cards to Sean's entire kindergarten class. Finding time between work, 22 Thank you cards, 22 stamps, and what feels like 22 hours of me writing out "thanks for coming to my party, and thanks for the gift" and having (cajoling) Sean to sign them. The task is daunting. Plus, I know that the lollipop-shaped cards that Sean picked out at Target may go on someone's fridge for a day or two, and then get thrown away and forgotten about. But not sending them would be rude.
I'm not a rude person. So I will sit down and write them out this weekend. Blerg.
Showing posts with label deja vu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deja vu. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Thursday, December 31, 2015
See Ya, 2015!
It's time for the annual sum-up-the-year post. Here we go!
2015: A Year in Review
1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?
Let's see......I lost weight. And put it on again by stress-eating. The first part is something I'd never done before and the second is something I've done more than once. I also got hearing aids last January. It's been an adjustment but overall I couldn't be happier.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Let's see......I lost weight. And put it on again by stress-eating. The first part is something I'd never done before and the second is something I've done more than once. I also got hearing aids last January. It's been an adjustment but overall I couldn't be happier.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any. And right now I have no plans for resolutions this year. But never say never.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My niece Grace was born in August. The first girl in a long time on Brian's side of the family. She's a real cutie.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year.
5. What countries/places did you visit?
Our family vacation was in New Hampshire this year, we needed a bit of a low-key vacation after Disney last year. We haven't decided on vacation in 2016 yet, we'll work on that right after the holidays are over.
6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?
My older son was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder this year. It was a long time coming and we're starting to understand better why he does the things that he does and how we can help. We definitely need more, though, and are going to work harder on getting it in 2016.
7. What dates from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Nothing super-noteworthy happened, not that I remembered the date for, anyway.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Let's see.....I finished my Christmas knitting early! That doesn't sound like much but trust me, it is.
9. What was your biggest failure?
No BIG failures, but certainly little ones. That's ok, Failure is part of the process. It's inevitable.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? It hasn't been too bad a year for that. I did get the flu in February and miss a week of work, that was miserable. Other than that....anything going on has been dealt with. I can hear properly and I'm at my lowest risk for more kidney stones. Can't ask for much more than that, I'm thankful that it's been a quiet year.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Honestly, I have no idea.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Anyone who does good deeds for their fellow humans. Those are the people that news stories should be written about.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?Terrorists. Donald Trump. And people that text while driving.
14. Where did most of your money go?
I had no idea hearing aids were so damned expensive.
15. What did you really get excited about?
Yarn-related things. Surprisingly, I was pretty stoked about my 20th HS reunion, which ended up being a lot of fun. Something that both excited and saddened me: my "baby" going to kindergarten.
16. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Definitely happier. The holidays were really tough last year. Sometimes things were stressful/overwhelming this year, but overall it's been a much better year.
b) thinner or fatter? about the same. I want my 40th birthday gift to myself to be better health. And that will start right after the holidays.
c) richer or poorer? Both, rich in some ways and poor in others. It all offsets in the end.
17. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Is there such a thing as too much knitting time?? :)
a) happier or sadder? Definitely happier. The holidays were really tough last year. Sometimes things were stressful/overwhelming this year, but overall it's been a much better year.
b) thinner or fatter? about the same. I want my 40th birthday gift to myself to be better health. And that will start right after the holidays.
c) richer or poorer? Both, rich in some ways and poor in others. It all offsets in the end.
17. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Is there such a thing as too much knitting time?? :)
18. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying about things that one cannot control. Getting frustrated when trying to view the future in a crystal ball, only to find out that I don't HAVE a crystal ball.
19. How did you spend Christmas?
20. Did you fall in love in 2015?
No. But I continued to love.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
I gave "Once Upon a Time" a whirl over the summer, binge-watching the first four seasons. Also, The Big Bang Theory continues to be a favorite and I love the new half-hour comedy "Life in Pieces."
22. What was the best book you read?
According to my Goodreads account, I read 43 books. Many of them are worth mentioning and I will do so in a separate post. But of all of them.....my favorite would be "As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride" by Cary Elwes. It's one of my favorite movies and it was just amazing reading about the making of it from Westley.
23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
That pop is good for exercise but swing or George Gershwin is good for cooking. And I think I've always known this but know so even more now: Christmas music is fun at first but then gets really, really old. OH! And I am still so surprised to discover that Garth Brooks tickets were attainable!
24. What was your favorite film of this year?
22. What was the best book you read?
According to my Goodreads account, I read 43 books. Many of them are worth mentioning and I will do so in a separate post. But of all of them.....my favorite would be "As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride" by Cary Elwes. It's one of my favorite movies and it was just amazing reading about the making of it from Westley.
23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
That pop is good for exercise but swing or George Gershwin is good for cooking. And I think I've always known this but know so even more now: Christmas music is fun at first but then gets really, really old. OH! And I am still so surprised to discover that Garth Brooks tickets were attainable!
24. What was your favorite film of this year?
I enjoyed "Divergent" but after that the series left me cold so I doubt I'll see the other two films. But my favorite? "Inside Out" without a doubt.
25. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
25. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
It was a Saturday this year. I spent it with my family and then drove down to Mohegan Sun in CT to celebrate it with my friend Maureen, my "birthday buddy." Same birthday, only she's a year older.
26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
That's a tough call. Better drivers around me? Maybe.
27. What kept you sane?
Brian. Making time for myself. My kids.
28. Who did you miss?
My far away friends and family.
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015:
"An empty cup can't fill other cups." If you're not taking care of yourself, you have nothing to offer others.
30. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
That's a tough call. Better drivers around me? Maybe.
27. What kept you sane?
Brian. Making time for myself. My kids.
28. Who did you miss?
My far away friends and family.
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015:
"An empty cup can't fill other cups." If you're not taking care of yourself, you have nothing to offer others.
30. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Dear reader, please excuse the language. But Pink's "F*%ckin' Perfect" sums it up for me. Minus the f-bombs it's exactly how I feel.
Made a wrong turn, once or twice
Dug my way out, blood and fire
Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life
Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down
Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated
Look, I'm still around
Dug my way out, blood and fire
Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life
Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down
Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated
Look, I'm still around
Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you are less than, less than fuckin' perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing
You're fuckin' perfect to me
Like you are less than, less than fuckin' perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing
You're fuckin' perfect to me
You're so mean when you talk about yourself, you were wrong
Change the voices in your head make them like you instead
So complicated, look happy, you'll make it
Filled with so much hatred, such a tired game
It's enough, I've done all I can think of
Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same
Change the voices in your head make them like you instead
So complicated, look happy, you'll make it
Filled with so much hatred, such a tired game
It's enough, I've done all I can think of
Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same
Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you are less than, less than fuckin' perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing
You're fuckin' perfect to me
Like you are less than, less than fuckin' perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing
You're fuckin' perfect to me
The whole world's scared so I swallow the fear
The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer
So cool in line, and we try try try
But we try too hard and it's a waste of my time
Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere
They don{t like my jeans; they don't get my hair
Exchange ourselves, and we do it all the time
Why do we do that? Why do I do that
The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer
So cool in line, and we try try try
But we try too hard and it's a waste of my time
Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere
They don{t like my jeans; they don't get my hair
Exchange ourselves, and we do it all the time
Why do we do that? Why do I do that
Why do I do that?
Yeah, oh, oh baby, pretty baby
Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fuckin' perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fuckin' perfect to me, yeah
You're perfect, you're perfect
Oh pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothin' you're fuckin' perfect to me
Yeah, oh, oh baby, pretty baby
Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fuckin' perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fuckin' perfect to me, yeah
You're perfect, you're perfect
Oh pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothin' you're fuckin' perfect to me
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
A Very Scattered Wednesday Post
-My calendar, both personally and professionally, is looking ridiculous for March. I'm wondering how to clone Brian and I and see how we can get things done. Doctors appointments (my first with the kidney specialist), birthday parties, school stuff, etc. Aughhh!
-But on the good news front, Maureen is coming to visit this weekend! We're going to eat delicious food at home, and do some serious knitting. It sounds so, so good.
-Piles of snow everywhere. It's all anyone can talk about, that and the condition of the roads. It's getting depressing. Spring is coming, right?
-We had a pipe freeze in the house again. With the re-zoning of the house, it only took out the bedrooms while the rest of the house was toasty. Brian and I went out to a nice sushi dinner last Friday and afterwards we had a romantic time trolling the local 24-hour Walmart and scoring the last two space heaters in the place. Brian's finally isolated the issue in the garage, and we're making amends so this doesn't happen anymore. And hurrah...no broken pipes when it thawed! I love plastic pipes.
-Speaking of house things....we're re-doing the master bathroom! No more pale, newspaper-background paint and white beadboard. It's going to be lovely when it's finished. Right now it's not-so-lovely and on it's way to being trashed. When it's done in hopefully a few weeks though, it's going to be pretty and so worth it.
-Knitting for some babies being born on Brian's side of the family this year! Now that the Wallaby sweater for Will is done, I'm working on a scarf for my old assistant, Leona. It's in bright pinks and purples because she loves brights best. THEN bring on the baby knitting!!!
I guess that's all the news that's fit to print.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
The One-Upper
I'm such an overachiever. Apparently, when my family gets sick, I feel the need to trump whatever they've had. I started to feel crappy after the Superbowl, and then woke up with a fever and burning in my chest. And here comes another Snow Day. (Mondays are shot up here in New England. We've had something like 75 inches of snow in a two-week time period, it's crazy.) It was my turn to stay home with the kids and I was sick besides. Then another snow day for the little kid the following day. I finally rouse myself out of my bedroom around lunchtime and decide: it's time to go to the doctor. So off we go to the urgent care place in town where I get a big, unpleasant surprise.....THE FLU. Awesomesauce.
So that's a week's worth of missed work, snowed in and feeling like death. Good times for everyone. I don't wish it on anyone, it's pretty damn awful. I'm getting myself back on track, and hoping that it stops snowing long enough to get some normalcy back in our lives.
In other news, the only place I was able to drag myself out to last week (once I wasn't contagious) was to register Sean for kindergarten. That's right, the "baby" is heading to Big Boy School in September! I feel like I just did this with Will and I guess in a way, I have. But the difference this time is that I'm looking forward to it. I'm thrilled with the idea of both boys being in the same town and going on the same bus, albeit to different schools. And man, this kid is READY. He's bored with preschool and can't wait for the next thing.
So that's how life goes in our house. Hopefully soon we'll all be healthy again! I'm really looking forward to it.
So that's a week's worth of missed work, snowed in and feeling like death. Good times for everyone. I don't wish it on anyone, it's pretty damn awful. I'm getting myself back on track, and hoping that it stops snowing long enough to get some normalcy back in our lives.
In other news, the only place I was able to drag myself out to last week (once I wasn't contagious) was to register Sean for kindergarten. That's right, the "baby" is heading to Big Boy School in September! I feel like I just did this with Will and I guess in a way, I have. But the difference this time is that I'm looking forward to it. I'm thrilled with the idea of both boys being in the same town and going on the same bus, albeit to different schools. And man, this kid is READY. He's bored with preschool and can't wait for the next thing.
So that's how life goes in our house. Hopefully soon we'll all be healthy again! I'm really looking forward to it.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Let's Get Moving
In my annual New Year's post, I said that I wanted to spend 2014 getting healthier. Let's face it....I'm not as healthy as one could be. So in that end, I've done a couple of things.
I joined a yoga workshop. I tried it out last year as part of my Day Zero list, and decided to make it a habit. So every Sunday you can find me at a yoga studio 25 miles away from my house, stretching into forms like the Cat Stretch, Reverse Table-Top, Warrior and Child's Pose. You can do a pay-as-you-go plan, dropping into classes and paying a fee. But I know myself, and if I pay up front I'm more likely to go. And yes, there are yoga studios closer to home; I chose this one because it's all plus-size women so I don't feel so self-conscious. Additionally, the instructor modifies things for people like me with herniated discs, or other people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. I really am enjoying it!
Something surprising has come out of yoga for me....it leads me to want to do better in my quest for health! I am making it a priority to add more fruits and veggies, and for the first time in my life I actually want to exercise more. Most mornings I find myself doing strength exercises or a yoga pose or two while waiting for the shower to warm up. It's only five minutes or so, but every bit counts, right? And once all this damn snow melts I want to walk more. I'm actually looking into my daily routine to find pockets of time for this already, there are two tracks here in town and I'm pretty sure that I could get around one a few times before work a couple mornings a week. And this may be the winter blues taking again, but I want to be outside! I've never been an outdoorsy type, so this surprises me. The house that we bought came with a basketball hoop in the driveway, and I'm going to buy a ball and throw it around with the kids. Again, not a lot of exercise but it is something! And this summer, I want to go to some of the state parks, and maybe even try an easy hike. If mindset is part of the battle, then I'm getting there.
I've also started seeing a chiropractor for the sciatica, which reared its ugly head in the past month or so. Again. I forget how much that pain hurts when I don't have it. I never thought I'd want to see a chiropractor, I've kind of always thought of them as a bunch of hooey. But I'm at the end of my rope...heat wasn't helping, ice only helped a little, and I can't take Aleve forever. It was this before I decided that I would give in and get the cortisone injections in my spine, I wanted to be able to say I tried everything before it came to that. So far, I've been to two visits and I'll admit, the first one was a bit scary. But I felt SO MUCH BETTER after the first visit! The night before I was in tears from the pain, and the next day I could feel it at the end of the day but it was much less intense. So I think it's worth it to keep going and see how I feel before more medical intervention. See that? I'm eating my own words, and they don't taste that bad.
I think one of the reasons that things are going well right now is because I am not making this about weight loss. Sure, I could still stand to lose weight. But I'm not putting all of my focus on just THAT. These two things are a small contribution to the journey to health that lies ahead but for the first time, I feel like I am getting somewhere.
I joined a yoga workshop. I tried it out last year as part of my Day Zero list, and decided to make it a habit. So every Sunday you can find me at a yoga studio 25 miles away from my house, stretching into forms like the Cat Stretch, Reverse Table-Top, Warrior and Child's Pose. You can do a pay-as-you-go plan, dropping into classes and paying a fee. But I know myself, and if I pay up front I'm more likely to go. And yes, there are yoga studios closer to home; I chose this one because it's all plus-size women so I don't feel so self-conscious. Additionally, the instructor modifies things for people like me with herniated discs, or other people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. I really am enjoying it!
Something surprising has come out of yoga for me....it leads me to want to do better in my quest for health! I am making it a priority to add more fruits and veggies, and for the first time in my life I actually want to exercise more. Most mornings I find myself doing strength exercises or a yoga pose or two while waiting for the shower to warm up. It's only five minutes or so, but every bit counts, right? And once all this damn snow melts I want to walk more. I'm actually looking into my daily routine to find pockets of time for this already, there are two tracks here in town and I'm pretty sure that I could get around one a few times before work a couple mornings a week. And this may be the winter blues taking again, but I want to be outside! I've never been an outdoorsy type, so this surprises me. The house that we bought came with a basketball hoop in the driveway, and I'm going to buy a ball and throw it around with the kids. Again, not a lot of exercise but it is something! And this summer, I want to go to some of the state parks, and maybe even try an easy hike. If mindset is part of the battle, then I'm getting there.
I've also started seeing a chiropractor for the sciatica, which reared its ugly head in the past month or so. Again. I forget how much that pain hurts when I don't have it. I never thought I'd want to see a chiropractor, I've kind of always thought of them as a bunch of hooey. But I'm at the end of my rope...heat wasn't helping, ice only helped a little, and I can't take Aleve forever. It was this before I decided that I would give in and get the cortisone injections in my spine, I wanted to be able to say I tried everything before it came to that. So far, I've been to two visits and I'll admit, the first one was a bit scary. But I felt SO MUCH BETTER after the first visit! The night before I was in tears from the pain, and the next day I could feel it at the end of the day but it was much less intense. So I think it's worth it to keep going and see how I feel before more medical intervention. See that? I'm eating my own words, and they don't taste that bad.
I think one of the reasons that things are going well right now is because I am not making this about weight loss. Sure, I could still stand to lose weight. But I'm not putting all of my focus on just THAT. These two things are a small contribution to the journey to health that lies ahead but for the first time, I feel like I am getting somewhere.
Friday, February 21, 2014
These Winter Blues
I'm not typically a whiner about winter. I live in New England, I expect snow and cold. But this winter can turn even the cheeriest person into a gripe. Polar vortex dropping temps into the negatives, huge snowstorms, surprise snow totals, freezing rain, freezing pipes, permafrost, cracked sidewalks, icy roads, cracked skin, etc etc etc. Kids out of school due to storms.....MOTHER NATURE WE GET IT YOU ARE ALL POWERFUL. Now, please think some warm thoughts like spring breezes and crocuses. No one likes Easter egg hunting in a winter jacket.
So how does one beat these winter blues? Well, I like to knit. I know, when DON'T I like to knit. And in defiance to Mother Nature, I cast on a cotton summer dress for my niece. It's using up several skeins of purple worsted cotton in my stash and should be ready to wear when the weather warms up. I don't care if the pattern says that it could be worn over a long-sleeve t-shirt, I'm choosing to ignore that! I'd like to say that going to knitting meetup on Wednesday nights is helping, but two of them have been cancelled recently due to weather. (Mother Nature, you're killin' me.)
Getting out of the house helps, too. Brian and I had tickets to see Alton Brown's "The Inevitable Edible" tour last weekend. Despite getting some more of the white stuff, we got there. If you've ever read my food blog you know that A.B. is my husband's idol. When I heard that he was coming to town I just KNEW that we had to get tickets. What I didn't know was how funny and sincere he is, and how hard I would laugh during his show. If you ever get a chance to see him live, you should.
Let's see, what else helps? Oh I know.... planning our first garden for this house! I didn't get to have a garden last year due to the move and I was seriously bummed. This year Brian and I have all sorts of plans, starting with deck boxes of fresh herbs. We're also going to build a raised bed and grow carrots, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini. That's the plan anyway.
So there you have it....my plan to keep Mother Nature from getting the best for me. And besides, she's got to crave sunshine and warm weather sometime.
So how does one beat these winter blues? Well, I like to knit. I know, when DON'T I like to knit. And in defiance to Mother Nature, I cast on a cotton summer dress for my niece. It's using up several skeins of purple worsted cotton in my stash and should be ready to wear when the weather warms up. I don't care if the pattern says that it could be worn over a long-sleeve t-shirt, I'm choosing to ignore that! I'd like to say that going to knitting meetup on Wednesday nights is helping, but two of them have been cancelled recently due to weather. (Mother Nature, you're killin' me.)
Getting out of the house helps, too. Brian and I had tickets to see Alton Brown's "The Inevitable Edible" tour last weekend. Despite getting some more of the white stuff, we got there. If you've ever read my food blog you know that A.B. is my husband's idol. When I heard that he was coming to town I just KNEW that we had to get tickets. What I didn't know was how funny and sincere he is, and how hard I would laugh during his show. If you ever get a chance to see him live, you should.
Let's see, what else helps? Oh I know.... planning our first garden for this house! I didn't get to have a garden last year due to the move and I was seriously bummed. This year Brian and I have all sorts of plans, starting with deck boxes of fresh herbs. We're also going to build a raised bed and grow carrots, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini. That's the plan anyway.
So there you have it....my plan to keep Mother Nature from getting the best for me. And besides, she's got to crave sunshine and warm weather sometime.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Lessons in Parenting
Ten Things I've Learned as a Parent
1. Really, it's better to lower one's standards of cleanliness. Though I'm a bit messy/scatterbrained myself, I've learned to accept unfolded baskets of laundry around the house, a trash can that never seems to empty, that dirty dishes seem to multiply like rabbits and that a house isn't a home without a series of matchbox cars on the floor. Or even better....legos for me to step on in my sock feet.
2. Things that made me gag as a kid-less adult are a breeze now. I can clean up puke and other bodily fluids pretty much gag-free.
3. Parenting makes you say things that you never thought were possible to come out of your mouth. I once told a baby Will that, after trying to slip a softy shoe on, that "Pee-pees don't wear shoes." That's actually one of my personal favorites! Last night I actually said to Sean, "What are you doing?! We don't bite our plates....that's made of glass and will hurt you!"
4. There will be disappointment along the way. There will also be lots of times where you question your judgment, your sanity and your self-worth. It will take only one phone call home from the school principal about your "little darling" that will make you want to crawl under a rock. It's tough to remember sometimes that we are our own worst critic.
5. To appreciate every age, and to document when possible. I take plenty of pictures, and I love reading this blog to re-live things like their little socks, the way they pronounce things, or when my oldest insisted that he didn't want a baby in the family because he wanted to sleep. (Kids really are wiser than we think.)
6. To never say never. "My child would never do that." My mother tells a story about my grandmother insisting that her daughter would never sling mud at a neighbor's clean sheets while they were drying on the clothesline. Hint: She totally did it. It hasn't happened to me yet, and I stress "yet."
7. How's the phrase go...."When angry count to ten. When very angry, a thousand." Sometimes you have to stop and count, before going nuclear. It's a lot prettier for all involved if you take a deep breath. I don't always follow this one, but I am trying.
8. Birthday parties outside of the house....they are expensive but if you can swing it, they're worth it. Not cleaning up the mess that fifteen children made after a two-hour party is heaven.
9. It's the best job that I've ever wanted to quit. Getting paid in snuggles and "I Love Yous" rocks. They may not pay the mortgage, but they're worth their weight in gold!
10. Also worth it's weight in gold...the fact that these children are someday going to call you up and tell you the woes that their child is causing them and ask you, how did you deal with this? They will understand what their parents have gone through because they are now going through it themselves. I already know this is bittersweet, I've made the call a few times to my own parents. I am doing the same kind of work that my mom did when I was in elementary school. An actual conversation with my mother: "Mom? Remember how B and I used to call you up at work, because we were fighting? I'm REALLY sorry!" :)
1. Really, it's better to lower one's standards of cleanliness. Though I'm a bit messy/scatterbrained myself, I've learned to accept unfolded baskets of laundry around the house, a trash can that never seems to empty, that dirty dishes seem to multiply like rabbits and that a house isn't a home without a series of matchbox cars on the floor. Or even better....legos for me to step on in my sock feet.
2. Things that made me gag as a kid-less adult are a breeze now. I can clean up puke and other bodily fluids pretty much gag-free.
3. Parenting makes you say things that you never thought were possible to come out of your mouth. I once told a baby Will that, after trying to slip a softy shoe on, that "Pee-pees don't wear shoes." That's actually one of my personal favorites! Last night I actually said to Sean, "What are you doing?! We don't bite our plates....that's made of glass and will hurt you!"
4. There will be disappointment along the way. There will also be lots of times where you question your judgment, your sanity and your self-worth. It will take only one phone call home from the school principal about your "little darling" that will make you want to crawl under a rock. It's tough to remember sometimes that we are our own worst critic.
5. To appreciate every age, and to document when possible. I take plenty of pictures, and I love reading this blog to re-live things like their little socks, the way they pronounce things, or when my oldest insisted that he didn't want a baby in the family because he wanted to sleep. (Kids really are wiser than we think.)
6. To never say never. "My child would never do that." My mother tells a story about my grandmother insisting that her daughter would never sling mud at a neighbor's clean sheets while they were drying on the clothesline. Hint: She totally did it. It hasn't happened to me yet, and I stress "yet."
7. How's the phrase go...."When angry count to ten. When very angry, a thousand." Sometimes you have to stop and count, before going nuclear. It's a lot prettier for all involved if you take a deep breath. I don't always follow this one, but I am trying.
8. Birthday parties outside of the house....they are expensive but if you can swing it, they're worth it. Not cleaning up the mess that fifteen children made after a two-hour party is heaven.
9. It's the best job that I've ever wanted to quit. Getting paid in snuggles and "I Love Yous" rocks. They may not pay the mortgage, but they're worth their weight in gold!
10. Also worth it's weight in gold...the fact that these children are someday going to call you up and tell you the woes that their child is causing them and ask you, how did you deal with this? They will understand what their parents have gone through because they are now going through it themselves. I already know this is bittersweet, I've made the call a few times to my own parents. I am doing the same kind of work that my mom did when I was in elementary school. An actual conversation with my mother: "Mom? Remember how B and I used to call you up at work, because we were fighting? I'm REALLY sorry!" :)
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Morning Person vs. Night Owl
Today's NaBloPoMo prompt asks if I am a morning person or a night owl.
Ha! If you've read this blog more than five minutes then you know that I am the biggest night owl that there ever was.
I didn't intend for it to be that way. I'd love to be able to be the kind of person that pops out of bed early and gets a ton of stuff done before noon. Not. Happening. I thought that having kids would turn me into more of a morning person. Not. True. If anything, I've become more of a night dweller. Do you know why? The hour or so after everyone is in bed is the quietest hour of the day. I can watch re-runs of The Big Bang Theory and knit to my heart's content. And it gets later and later....and I keep going despite being tired because my "me time" ends when I go to bed. Sunday nights are especially bad for this. Even when I have good intentions of going to bed early, I think of fifteen more things to do in the walk from the living room to the bedroom. I think that just comes from being a Mom, though.
One good thing is that I appear to be raising two boys that are destined to be night owls. Especially the younger one....he gives me a run for my money every morning in the pokey department!
Ha! If you've read this blog more than five minutes then you know that I am the biggest night owl that there ever was.
I didn't intend for it to be that way. I'd love to be able to be the kind of person that pops out of bed early and gets a ton of stuff done before noon. Not. Happening. I thought that having kids would turn me into more of a morning person. Not. True. If anything, I've become more of a night dweller. Do you know why? The hour or so after everyone is in bed is the quietest hour of the day. I can watch re-runs of The Big Bang Theory and knit to my heart's content. And it gets later and later....and I keep going despite being tired because my "me time" ends when I go to bed. Sunday nights are especially bad for this. Even when I have good intentions of going to bed early, I think of fifteen more things to do in the walk from the living room to the bedroom. I think that just comes from being a Mom, though.
One good thing is that I appear to be raising two boys that are destined to be night owls. Especially the younger one....he gives me a run for my money every morning in the pokey department!
Friday, December 30, 2011
2011: A Year In Review
It's that time again...to see what went down in 2011. I always enjoy reading my answers from the year before.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
I went on my very first cruise. And it was everything that Brian and I had hoped that it would be: the most relaxing and fun vacation that we have ever taken! It's become an inside joke, when things get hectic one of us will sigh and say "I miss Josh." "Josh" was the cruise director, and responsible for our fun for four days. It was a trip without kids, and it was awesome. Someday we'd like to do a cruise WITH the kids too, when they're a little older.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I really don't "do" New Years Resolutions. However, in 2012 I will be starting the "Day Zero Project..." which is like a list of things that you want to accomplish in 1,001 days.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Good Lord, who didn't? It was the year of babies, with friends and family having children. Plus, my beautiful niece Abby was born in November. So excited for my brother and his wife, and thrilled to have a girl in the family to knit for!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My uncle passed away unexpectedly in May. He was my Dad's older brother.
5. What countries/places did you visit?
Our cruise took us to Saint John New Brunswick, Canada. I had never been there before and it was a nice little city. I was especially happy to be there at the time that we were, there was a horrific heatwave going on at home and it was a balmy seventy-five degrees in Saint John!
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Sanity! Just kidding..... 2011 was a tough year in some ways, but we are all healthy, have plenty of food and a roof over our heads. We're both employed and have many other things that lots of people out there don't have. So I feel blessed.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don't remember any of the exact dates, but this year's weather has been particularly noteworthy. First, the winter brought heavy wet snow once or twice a week. Then in June, there was a tornado. A pretty big tornado that devastated cities and towns to the west of us, and got into Central MA. Then it was followed by a hurricane at the end of the summer, a HURRICANE! We got a bit of rain damage on that one in our bathroom, rain was blowing into the house vent and it ruined our ceiling. Again, the cities and towns to the west of us, who hadn't recovered yet from the tornado, got dumped on once again. And just to keep things interesting, a freak snowstorm the last weekend of October! Halloween was certainly interesting this year. Many people were without power around us for up to a week, we hosted friends and families for food, showers, recharging devices, etc. We were very, very lucky through all of this, never losing power more than a couple of hours. Based on the year that it has been weather-wise, I don't dare ask what Mother Nature has up her sleeve. Or question her mood. :)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I managed to work three jobs at once. I worked at my current building while running applications at the new building, plus did some coverage at yet another building. It was a ridiculously busy November and December, but when I am sitting in my new office next March, it will be all worth it.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not taking care of myself better. I tend to do for everyone, and forget to take care of me. I really need to work on that. Plus, I tend to take on too much personally and professionally, and not realize until I'm in the thick of it.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
It's been a good year. (knocking on wood right now!) No trips to the hospital, nothing crazy to get the doctor's opinion on! Some antibiotics in our household, but nothing serious. We are very, very lucky! Especially with our daredevil younger son!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The best thing that we bought was time and memories with the boys. We took them to a couple of children's museums, parks, and shows. We went to PA to visit Grandmom and Grandpop. Best money spent: going places with the kids.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
All of those Secret Santas that paid off people's Walmart and Kmart layaways this year for kids' Christmases. I loved, loved, loved those stories!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Crazy Black Friday shoppers. I mean really....is a video game system for your kid worth your life?? Do you really need to bring pepper spray? This is why I stay home on Black Friday. No deal is worth it to me to get trampled, shuffled or pushed around.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, bills bills. Same place they always go. BUT we did pay off my husband's car and get our driveway re-done in anticipation of putting the house on the market in the next year or so. A little bit at a time, we'll get there.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hmmm. Well, not to sound repetitive, but Brian and I really got excited about a vacation without kids. Four days of just us, enjoying the hell out of everything that a cruise has to offer.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Sadly, nothing comes to mind.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? I've been some of both this year. Some times have been harder than others. But I've always been a "glass half-full" kind of girl and I've got lots of blessings to count. (I liked this answer so much from last year that I decided to keep it.)
b) thinner or fatter? about the same. but I feel really good about myself and NOT putting on more weight during some pretty stressful times.
c) richer or poorer? Richer in some ways....poorer in others. I'm rich where it matters...in love and family.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Living in the moment. Relishing life's simple pleasures. Saying yes more.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Multi-tasking. Worrying.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my family, having a simple dinner, eating lots of cookies and watching the kids play.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I fall in love a little bit more each and every day.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
I enjoyed True Blood this past summer, and the usual primetime dramas that Brian and I watch. And I got a bit more into the Food Network. Brian, Will and I really enjoy "Chopped."
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I make it a point not to hate anyone. There's people that annoy me or I dislike, but hate's a pretty strong word. (yes it's last year's answer, but it still applies!)
24. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read nearly as much this year, and honestly, I don't know if I can pick a "favorite."
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Nothing, really.
26. What did you want and get?
I got to start accepting applications for my new elderly apartment complex! 2012 will see me in my new office and out of family housing for good!!!
27. What did you want and not get?
More time to knit. But there's never enough of that. :)
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmmmm. I went to see Bridesmaids and Breaking Dawn in theaters this year. And Brian and I spent my birthday playing hooky, going out to lunch by ourselves and getting a Redbox movie. So there you have it....my favorite movie was "Friends with Benefits," for the sheer reason that we got to watch it at home, uninterrupted. :)
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
See above for birthday plans, and add "finished Christmas shopping." Plus, the day before, Brian cooked a Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan feast, and made chocolate cream cupcakes and my whole family came over! I dreaded turning 35 this year. Once it happened though, I was OK with it. What's with the anticipation???
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not worrying so much about money or childcare. Comes with the territory, I guess.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Thrown together and harried. My personal sense of style is a bit stunted. I'm trying to break out of my "comfortable" colors of purple and dark pink, and trying different colors.
32. What kept you sane?
my yarn stash, and knitting my way through it. Teaching myself new tricks involving needles and yarn. I knit 12 MILES worth of yarn this year. That is just crazy.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None of 'em.....so over it.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't know if I'd say I was "stirred" over them....but the ones that I will remember the most are the "Occupy" protests all over the country, and the quiet end of the war in Iraq.
35. Who did you miss?
The people I missed most are the ones far away. My friends Jen and Heather, Jen is in Illinois and Heather is in Florida. Heather is pregnant with her first child and I so wish I could see her. I'm planning a solo trip to see her in early 2012 when Baby Girl is born!
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I've made some new friends in my knitting group, and gotten to know others better.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
It's important to look up once in a while and assess the situation. It's equally important to recognize when you've taken on too much, and either let go of some things or learn to delegate. Also, take good care of yourself, you deserve it.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"You can't live your life, in the baby seat. You've got to stand on your own, don't admit defeat."
Barenaked Ladies, "Baby Seat."
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
I went on my very first cruise. And it was everything that Brian and I had hoped that it would be: the most relaxing and fun vacation that we have ever taken! It's become an inside joke, when things get hectic one of us will sigh and say "I miss Josh." "Josh" was the cruise director, and responsible for our fun for four days. It was a trip without kids, and it was awesome. Someday we'd like to do a cruise WITH the kids too, when they're a little older.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I really don't "do" New Years Resolutions. However, in 2012 I will be starting the "Day Zero Project..." which is like a list of things that you want to accomplish in 1,001 days.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Good Lord, who didn't? It was the year of babies, with friends and family having children. Plus, my beautiful niece Abby was born in November. So excited for my brother and his wife, and thrilled to have a girl in the family to knit for!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My uncle passed away unexpectedly in May. He was my Dad's older brother.
5. What countries/places did you visit?
Our cruise took us to Saint John New Brunswick, Canada. I had never been there before and it was a nice little city. I was especially happy to be there at the time that we were, there was a horrific heatwave going on at home and it was a balmy seventy-five degrees in Saint John!
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Sanity! Just kidding..... 2011 was a tough year in some ways, but we are all healthy, have plenty of food and a roof over our heads. We're both employed and have many other things that lots of people out there don't have. So I feel blessed.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don't remember any of the exact dates, but this year's weather has been particularly noteworthy. First, the winter brought heavy wet snow once or twice a week. Then in June, there was a tornado. A pretty big tornado that devastated cities and towns to the west of us, and got into Central MA. Then it was followed by a hurricane at the end of the summer, a HURRICANE! We got a bit of rain damage on that one in our bathroom, rain was blowing into the house vent and it ruined our ceiling. Again, the cities and towns to the west of us, who hadn't recovered yet from the tornado, got dumped on once again. And just to keep things interesting, a freak snowstorm the last weekend of October! Halloween was certainly interesting this year. Many people were without power around us for up to a week, we hosted friends and families for food, showers, recharging devices, etc. We were very, very lucky through all of this, never losing power more than a couple of hours. Based on the year that it has been weather-wise, I don't dare ask what Mother Nature has up her sleeve. Or question her mood. :)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I managed to work three jobs at once. I worked at my current building while running applications at the new building, plus did some coverage at yet another building. It was a ridiculously busy November and December, but when I am sitting in my new office next March, it will be all worth it.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not taking care of myself better. I tend to do for everyone, and forget to take care of me. I really need to work on that. Plus, I tend to take on too much personally and professionally, and not realize until I'm in the thick of it.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
It's been a good year. (knocking on wood right now!) No trips to the hospital, nothing crazy to get the doctor's opinion on! Some antibiotics in our household, but nothing serious. We are very, very lucky! Especially with our daredevil younger son!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The best thing that we bought was time and memories with the boys. We took them to a couple of children's museums, parks, and shows. We went to PA to visit Grandmom and Grandpop. Best money spent: going places with the kids.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
All of those Secret Santas that paid off people's Walmart and Kmart layaways this year for kids' Christmases. I loved, loved, loved those stories!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Crazy Black Friday shoppers. I mean really....is a video game system for your kid worth your life?? Do you really need to bring pepper spray? This is why I stay home on Black Friday. No deal is worth it to me to get trampled, shuffled or pushed around.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, bills bills. Same place they always go. BUT we did pay off my husband's car and get our driveway re-done in anticipation of putting the house on the market in the next year or so. A little bit at a time, we'll get there.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hmmm. Well, not to sound repetitive, but Brian and I really got excited about a vacation without kids. Four days of just us, enjoying the hell out of everything that a cruise has to offer.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Sadly, nothing comes to mind.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? I've been some of both this year. Some times have been harder than others. But I've always been a "glass half-full" kind of girl and I've got lots of blessings to count. (I liked this answer so much from last year that I decided to keep it.)
b) thinner or fatter? about the same. but I feel really good about myself and NOT putting on more weight during some pretty stressful times.
c) richer or poorer? Richer in some ways....poorer in others. I'm rich where it matters...in love and family.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Living in the moment. Relishing life's simple pleasures. Saying yes more.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Multi-tasking. Worrying.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my family, having a simple dinner, eating lots of cookies and watching the kids play.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I fall in love a little bit more each and every day.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
I enjoyed True Blood this past summer, and the usual primetime dramas that Brian and I watch. And I got a bit more into the Food Network. Brian, Will and I really enjoy "Chopped."
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I make it a point not to hate anyone. There's people that annoy me or I dislike, but hate's a pretty strong word. (yes it's last year's answer, but it still applies!)
24. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read nearly as much this year, and honestly, I don't know if I can pick a "favorite."
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Nothing, really.
26. What did you want and get?
I got to start accepting applications for my new elderly apartment complex! 2012 will see me in my new office and out of family housing for good!!!
27. What did you want and not get?
More time to knit. But there's never enough of that. :)
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmmmm. I went to see Bridesmaids and Breaking Dawn in theaters this year. And Brian and I spent my birthday playing hooky, going out to lunch by ourselves and getting a Redbox movie. So there you have it....my favorite movie was "Friends with Benefits," for the sheer reason that we got to watch it at home, uninterrupted. :)
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
See above for birthday plans, and add "finished Christmas shopping." Plus, the day before, Brian cooked a Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan feast, and made chocolate cream cupcakes and my whole family came over! I dreaded turning 35 this year. Once it happened though, I was OK with it. What's with the anticipation???
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not worrying so much about money or childcare. Comes with the territory, I guess.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Thrown together and harried. My personal sense of style is a bit stunted. I'm trying to break out of my "comfortable" colors of purple and dark pink, and trying different colors.
32. What kept you sane?
my yarn stash, and knitting my way through it. Teaching myself new tricks involving needles and yarn. I knit 12 MILES worth of yarn this year. That is just crazy.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None of 'em.....so over it.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't know if I'd say I was "stirred" over them....but the ones that I will remember the most are the "Occupy" protests all over the country, and the quiet end of the war in Iraq.
35. Who did you miss?
The people I missed most are the ones far away. My friends Jen and Heather, Jen is in Illinois and Heather is in Florida. Heather is pregnant with her first child and I so wish I could see her. I'm planning a solo trip to see her in early 2012 when Baby Girl is born!
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I've made some new friends in my knitting group, and gotten to know others better.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
It's important to look up once in a while and assess the situation. It's equally important to recognize when you've taken on too much, and either let go of some things or learn to delegate. Also, take good care of yourself, you deserve it.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"You can't live your life, in the baby seat. You've got to stand on your own, don't admit defeat."
Barenaked Ladies, "Baby Seat."
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
In Which History Repeats Itself
Listening to the radio in the car this morning: Barenaked Ladies "Celebrity." Will, who usually adores BNL, starts screeching that he "hates this music and it hurts my ears, Mommy!" And then he says it, and my world is turned upside-down. "I want to listen to some Justin Bieber. RIGHT NOW!"
Whoa. First of all, Holy Demands, Batman! I find I say this almost every day: "Sometimes it's not about what you want but what other people want." Mommy wants to listen to this, so we are going to listen to this. Second of all.....Justin Bieber????? Bieber Fever in my car? I think not. I ask where he's heard Justin Bieber and he says that *I* am the one that introduced him to the music stylings of "Baby...Baby." Oh hell no. I'm sure he heard about it at school or something. Because I listen primarily to classic rock and alternative, with a little bit of pop. Very little. That is NOT music, kid. I report the case of Bieber Fever to my husband a little later and he says "Wow. Is it too late to trade him in?" :)
Flashback to the early nineties. I grew up classic rock. My Dad is Classic Rock all the way. WBCN (and the occasional WAAF) Led Zeppelin, Stones, Aerosmith, Doors. This is what I grew up on. Not to mention J. Geils, and one of my first concerts with my Dad is ZZ Top. I remember his chagrin when groups like Milli Vanilli and Color Me Badd were on the airwaves on WZOU. (now JAMN 94.5...which he would hate as well.) Bringing home posters of the New Kids. "UGH. That's not music, Ginny." And now that I am an adult, I can tell you that he was right. (except for the New Kids on the Block. That was just catchy. And when they played nothing but "New Kids" on my senior cruise in college, you've never seen a bunch of college girls go crazy quite like that.)
You're welcome, Dad. I'm thrilled to let you know, that payback is a bitch. I just wasn't expecting the payback so soon!
Whoa. First of all, Holy Demands, Batman! I find I say this almost every day: "Sometimes it's not about what you want but what other people want." Mommy wants to listen to this, so we are going to listen to this. Second of all.....Justin Bieber????? Bieber Fever in my car? I think not. I ask where he's heard Justin Bieber and he says that *I* am the one that introduced him to the music stylings of "Baby...Baby." Oh hell no. I'm sure he heard about it at school or something. Because I listen primarily to classic rock and alternative, with a little bit of pop. Very little. That is NOT music, kid. I report the case of Bieber Fever to my husband a little later and he says "Wow. Is it too late to trade him in?" :)
Flashback to the early nineties. I grew up classic rock. My Dad is Classic Rock all the way. WBCN (and the occasional WAAF) Led Zeppelin, Stones, Aerosmith, Doors. This is what I grew up on. Not to mention J. Geils, and one of my first concerts with my Dad is ZZ Top. I remember his chagrin when groups like Milli Vanilli and Color Me Badd were on the airwaves on WZOU. (now JAMN 94.5...which he would hate as well.) Bringing home posters of the New Kids. "UGH. That's not music, Ginny." And now that I am an adult, I can tell you that he was right. (except for the New Kids on the Block. That was just catchy. And when they played nothing but "New Kids" on my senior cruise in college, you've never seen a bunch of college girls go crazy quite like that.)
You're welcome, Dad. I'm thrilled to let you know, that payback is a bitch. I just wasn't expecting the payback so soon!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Donning Mittens for Halloween
I've been listening to the squirrels in the trees in my backyard for most of the summer, and September too. I've spent a bit of time in my backyard over the past 9-ish years, and I've never heard or noticed them quite like this before. Every time we open the back door, there's usually two or three (sometimes five!) running along our back fence or skipping along in the grass. They've been going beserk out there, running up and down and shaking the trees. They're feverishly storing acorns for the season, and I think I understand their need for speed now. Dude, it's gonna be an early winter! Make that a really early one.....first snowfall was the other night and we still have autumn leaves on the trees.
Early snow is nothing new in New England, though usually that happens more often in the Northen parts. But they're predicting our first Nor'Easter, bringing down 6-10 inches of snow overnight and into tomorrow. Now THAT is a little bit ridiculous. I don't think the kids' Halloween costumes will fit a winter coat underneath! Yesterday morning I was breaking ice off my front stairs before work, my car doors were frozen shut and we were doing a mad scramble for hats and mittens. Sean's hat that I made for him last year of course doesn't fit, but he's thrilled with wearing it. Funny how that works, huh? Last year he would cry and rip it off in the car, throwing it to the floor. Will's old hats suit him just fine, and I do have yarn in the house to make them new hats and mittens. (Of course I do....my stash is legendary!) I was just hoping that I could hold off and put them in their Christmas stockings. Perhaps not....
Early snow is nothing new in New England, though usually that happens more often in the Northen parts. But they're predicting our first Nor'Easter, bringing down 6-10 inches of snow overnight and into tomorrow. Now THAT is a little bit ridiculous. I don't think the kids' Halloween costumes will fit a winter coat underneath! Yesterday morning I was breaking ice off my front stairs before work, my car doors were frozen shut and we were doing a mad scramble for hats and mittens. Sean's hat that I made for him last year of course doesn't fit, but he's thrilled with wearing it. Funny how that works, huh? Last year he would cry and rip it off in the car, throwing it to the floor. Will's old hats suit him just fine, and I do have yarn in the house to make them new hats and mittens. (Of course I do....my stash is legendary!) I was just hoping that I could hold off and put them in their Christmas stockings. Perhaps not....
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Welcome, Autumn
We took the kids apple picking yesterday. What a difference from last year! This time last year, it was over 80 degrees and I was wearing Sean in a baby bjorn. This year, nice, cool beginning-of-fall atmosphere. And now we have a big bag of apples to make delicious things with. Can't wait!
Attempting a picture in front of the pumpkin patch. We didn't take any pumpkins home this time, we'll go again in a couple of weeks hopefully.
Yum!!! My own little apple.
Will's a professional apple picker now.
Gala? I think I like this better than the McIntosh!
Pumpkins need hugs, too.
Posing in the pumpkin patch. But NO, I won't look at the camera.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
"There's No Place Like Home"
Last night was scary.
Massachusetts was hit by a few tornados, some funnel clouds were seen in the city that I work in. (and live next to) The western part of the state was especially affected, and Central MA as well. There was hail. There were terrifying thunderstorms, with lightning that was frightfully beautiful. I'd never seen anything like it and I hope we don't again anytime soon. We had the TV on the news at all times, with a basket to grab by the basement door should we, the boys and Joey the Dog have to head downstairs to seek shelter. Thankfully it didn't come to that, as we kept a watchful eye on the television, and all of the tornado touch-down activity was either west or south of us. The activity did worry the boys, and the thunder woke up Sean a couple of times. Will spent the night on our floor, which made me feel better, having him close by.
I never thought I'd see something like that in Massachusetts, what little I did "see" on TV. I can't imagine living in 'Tornado Alley" and have the potential for that to be a regular occurrence.
Springfield and Brimfield MA, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Massachusetts was hit by a few tornados, some funnel clouds were seen in the city that I work in. (and live next to) The western part of the state was especially affected, and Central MA as well. There was hail. There were terrifying thunderstorms, with lightning that was frightfully beautiful. I'd never seen anything like it and I hope we don't again anytime soon. We had the TV on the news at all times, with a basket to grab by the basement door should we, the boys and Joey the Dog have to head downstairs to seek shelter. Thankfully it didn't come to that, as we kept a watchful eye on the television, and all of the tornado touch-down activity was either west or south of us. The activity did worry the boys, and the thunder woke up Sean a couple of times. Will spent the night on our floor, which made me feel better, having him close by.
I never thought I'd see something like that in Massachusetts, what little I did "see" on TV. I can't imagine living in 'Tornado Alley" and have the potential for that to be a regular occurrence.
Springfield and Brimfield MA, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Jewel-Box
I was searching for a pair of earrings this morning. I'm not very organized when it comes to jewelry, as I change earrings/rings/necklaces, they usually end up on a little plate on top of my jewelry box. Yeah...I have a jewelry box, a lovely Christmas present from my husband for one of the first Christmases of our marriage. But most of what I wear most days is ON TOP of it instead of INSIDE OF IT. :)
I didn't find the earrings that I was looking for on top, so I opened it up. As I rifled through, I came across some things that made me think of my jewelry as a timeline of Crafty Mama. Join me, won't you??
Silver Unicorn Pendant
This is the first piece of jewelry that I remember getting as a gift. My dad gave it to me when I was four or five years old, it came with a chain but the chain is long-gone. I loved wearing this! I thought I was pretty special with my unicorn necklace.
Teal and Rhinestone Drop Earrings.
I wore these to the prom. I can't believe I still have these! I had a teal off-the-shoulder dress and my hair up in a twist and shoes dyed to match. Very 1994. I still fondly remember perusing Claire's for the "perfect" accessories and hoping nobody in my class had the same dress 'cause dude, that would be embarrassing!
The most random thing in there? Joey's first collar when we brought him home from the shelter. It's funny, sometimes I show it to him he gets all excited and starts sniffing it. I know it seems like a silly thing, but it's dear to me.
Wedding Tiara
Yes, it's busted and I'll likely never wear it again. But I'll never get rid of it, either. Flowered rhinestones, silver-colored metal. I really, really wanted a tiara instead of a full veil. After seeing the prices at bridal shops, I got this is a crafts store in Somersworth, NH. I went for my hair trial for the wedding and can remember feeling very regal as the hairdresser put my hair in soft curls, pulled half of my hair up and topped it with this tiara. Afterwards, this Regal Diva (ha ha ha! I can't even say that with a straight face) had errands to run. What kind, mind you? Well, I had to shop for a toilet plunger for the house. Imagine the stares that you get in a tiara, carrying a toilet plunger. The ultimate oxymoron. But hey, every Queen needs a sceptor. :)
I didn't find the earrings that I was looking for on top, so I opened it up. As I rifled through, I came across some things that made me think of my jewelry as a timeline of Crafty Mama. Join me, won't you??
Silver Unicorn Pendant
This is the first piece of jewelry that I remember getting as a gift. My dad gave it to me when I was four or five years old, it came with a chain but the chain is long-gone. I loved wearing this! I thought I was pretty special with my unicorn necklace.
Teal and Rhinestone Drop Earrings.
I wore these to the prom. I can't believe I still have these! I had a teal off-the-shoulder dress and my hair up in a twist and shoes dyed to match. Very 1994. I still fondly remember perusing Claire's for the "perfect" accessories and hoping nobody in my class had the same dress 'cause dude, that would be embarrassing!
The most random thing in there? Joey's first collar when we brought him home from the shelter. It's funny, sometimes I show it to him he gets all excited and starts sniffing it. I know it seems like a silly thing, but it's dear to me.
Wedding Tiara
Yes, it's busted and I'll likely never wear it again. But I'll never get rid of it, either. Flowered rhinestones, silver-colored metal. I really, really wanted a tiara instead of a full veil. After seeing the prices at bridal shops, I got this is a crafts store in Somersworth, NH. I went for my hair trial for the wedding and can remember feeling very regal as the hairdresser put my hair in soft curls, pulled half of my hair up and topped it with this tiara. Afterwards, this Regal Diva (ha ha ha! I can't even say that with a straight face) had errands to run. What kind, mind you? Well, I had to shop for a toilet plunger for the house. Imagine the stares that you get in a tiara, carrying a toilet plunger. The ultimate oxymoron. But hey, every Queen needs a sceptor. :)
Friday, April 24, 2009
"The Wednesday Letters" and Deja Vu
I brought home a nice little bag of books from the library the other day, among them is a book called "The Wednesday Letters" by Jason F. Wright. I'm almost finished with it, and it's a really capturing story. Jack and Laurel have been married for many years and own a bed-and-breakfast., Jack is dying of brain cancer, but it is Laurel who surprisingly dies first. Jack succumbs to his cancer the same night, and the two are found the next day, in each other's arms. As their children are planning the funeral arrangements, they discover that their father, for the past fifty-plus years, has written their mother a letter every Wednesday. Upon poring over the letters, some surprises spring up and nothing is as it seems. I hope to finish this tonight, it's really, really good!
Here's the deja vu part: I was perusing the local paper this morning. I've started reading the paper because I like to know what's going on in the City, especially in the neighborhood where I work. And, since I am my mother's daughter, I read the obituaries. (Mom taught me the importance of this!) This morning's were particularly sad, as there was a husband and wife listed with the same funeral information. I did a double-take at first, but after carefully reading them it is definitely husband and wife. I couldn't help but think that Worcester County may have their own Jack and Laurel story, and feel bad for their children, who are mourning both their parents at the same time. My heart goes out to them.
Here's the deja vu part: I was perusing the local paper this morning. I've started reading the paper because I like to know what's going on in the City, especially in the neighborhood where I work. And, since I am my mother's daughter, I read the obituaries. (Mom taught me the importance of this!) This morning's were particularly sad, as there was a husband and wife listed with the same funeral information. I did a double-take at first, but after carefully reading them it is definitely husband and wife. I couldn't help but think that Worcester County may have their own Jack and Laurel story, and feel bad for their children, who are mourning both their parents at the same time. My heart goes out to them.
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