I found this list in one of my old journals, from 2007.
*What Inspires Me...
- Sunsets.
- Brightly colored markers.
- Anything sparkly.
- Water.
- My childhood memories.
- Antiques.
- Costume jewelry.
- Twinkle lights.
- Flowers.
- Scents from my memory.
- Music.
- Movies.
- Dreams.
- Traveling.
- Blank paper.
- The perfect pen.
- Fun clothes.
- An new season.
- Interesting people.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Treat
As children, we are prodded along with treats. "If you clean your room, you can have a treat". "If you're good, you can have a treat". "If you get straight A's, you can have a treat". I think that this whole being treated business follows us into adulthood. Or, maybe it just followed me.
I feel sometimes, when I've been "good", that I deserve a treat. And while I would love to just go spend my money on silly things like clothes and accessories- which I guarantee I would do if I was single and not a parent- I don't. Hardly ever. I don't remember the last time I'd gotten new clothes. Okay, that's a lie. I got a new dress in July. Still. That was over a month ago.
Um...can you tell I was just a tad spoiled when I was a kid? : ) Yeah.
Anyway, point being, I have felt like a good girl lately. I don't really know why...I have no solid proof. I don't even know what I define as "good" in this instance. I guess that I have resisted the urge to spend all our money on myself? HA. I am just so responsible! So this weekend, when the Monkey and I went on our weekly grocery shopping trip, I fell into temptation. First, I found a whole big display of scarves- the accessory type, not the bundle up for cold type. Now, I used to think that scarves were for old ladies (um, sorry), but either I have become an old lady, or I've just grown up, because I fell in LOVE with the whole display. After probably fifteen minutes of looking at every single one, I finally chose a black one with flecks of white, gray, gold, and silver. I figured it was the one that would go with much of my wardrobe! : ) THEN, I snuck around the clearance racks in the women's department and came up with two racer back tanks for $2 each. You can't beat that with a stick, frankly.
So. I got three treats this weekend, all for under $20. Maybe it's not that responsible, maybe its not even worth blogging about. But I do believe that we all need a treat once in awhile. And between my new tank tops, my new scarf, AND the new music I downloaded this weekend, I feel like a new woman!
Happy Sunday.
Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her. ~Wilhela Cushman
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday Movie Time
Yay for Friday!!! This one has felt like a loooong time coming, no? Yeesh.
And so now, a little Friday film inspiration. While cruising this afternoon to go pick up the Monkey from daycare, I popped a favorite soundtrack of mine into the player and jammed out like I do in that horribly cool way. HA. Don't be fooled, there is nothing cool with me jamming out in my car down the interstate. I'm sure I look like a completely idiot, but it keeps me from going crazy with all the nutty drivers around me, so oh well. Anywayyy...what soundtrack, from what movie you ask?
Mona Lisa Sm
ile! Ta-da!!
Alright. So probably the reason there aren't any MALE followers (um, that I'm aware of...wouldn't want to step on toes now) for this blog is probably because I just end up being way too girly. But...hey, I am a girl, darn it. And this is a good movie!!
I've always had a girl crush on Julia Roberts. I think because I've always wanted to be like her- with that killer smile and excellent acting career, who wouldn't? I feel as if she is one of those women you can actually look up to. I'm not saying she's perfect, but I feel that she is a bit more down to earth than some others that are in similar shoes.
Anyway....back to the movie. It's set in the 50s, and Julia plays a college professor who begins working @ Wellesley, a college for well off, conservative young women. The movie takes you on the tale of the lives of these women. It sounds a little boring, right? I kind of thought that when I first rented the movie, but thought I would give it a shot. I think I ended up watching it three times in a row before I had to return it to the movie rental store. I hadn't done that since Harry and the Hendersons when I was like 7. (Insert awkward pause here!)
This professor, aka Julia, teaches the Art History class (which, if I ever end up going back to college, I would like to study), but she ends up teaching the girls in her class much much more. She teaches them about life, and about demanding to live it to its full potential. She reminds me of a teacher I had in high school, who was remarkably inspiring and strong willed and passionate about all of her students achieving their own greatness.
I love everything about the 50s. I love the clothes, I love the culture, I love the way people still seemed to have class. I wish I had been a part of that time. Aside from the fact that women were still being bred to be the perfect housewife (as this film candidly captures), I think it would have been a fascinating time to be alive.
And then, of course, we come back to the soundtrack, which brought this movie into light today. It's great. Lots of songs from the time that were remade by artists of today, including Celine Dion, Kelly Rowland, Mandy Moore, Tori Amos, and Macy Grey. The songs really take you back to a different time, if only for a moment. The time of housewives, and red lipstick, and completely different ideals.
Have a fabulous weekend, readers. : )
See past the paint. Let's open our minds to a different idea. ~ Katherine Watson, played by Julia Roberts, Mona Lisa Smile
And so now, a little Friday film inspiration. While cruising this afternoon to go pick up the Monkey from daycare, I popped a favorite soundtrack of mine into the player and jammed out like I do in that horribly cool way. HA. Don't be fooled, there is nothing cool with me jamming out in my car down the interstate. I'm sure I look like a completely idiot, but it keeps me from going crazy with all the nutty drivers around me, so oh well. Anywayyy...what soundtrack, from what movie you ask?
Mona Lisa Sm
ile! Ta-da!!Alright. So probably the reason there aren't any MALE followers (um, that I'm aware of...wouldn't want to step on toes now) for this blog is probably because I just end up being way too girly. But...hey, I am a girl, darn it. And this is a good movie!!
I've always had a girl crush on Julia Roberts. I think because I've always wanted to be like her- with that killer smile and excellent acting career, who wouldn't? I feel as if she is one of those women you can actually look up to. I'm not saying she's perfect, but I feel that she is a bit more down to earth than some others that are in similar shoes.
Anyway....back to the movie. It's set in the 50s, and Julia plays a college professor who begins working @ Wellesley, a college for well off, conservative young women. The movie takes you on the tale of the lives of these women. It sounds a little boring, right? I kind of thought that when I first rented the movie, but thought I would give it a shot. I think I ended up watching it three times in a row before I had to return it to the movie rental store. I hadn't done that since Harry and the Hendersons when I was like 7. (Insert awkward pause here!)
This professor, aka Julia, teaches the Art History class (which, if I ever end up going back to college, I would like to study), but she ends up teaching the girls in her class much much more. She teaches them about life, and about demanding to live it to its full potential. She reminds me of a teacher I had in high school, who was remarkably inspiring and strong willed and passionate about all of her students achieving their own greatness.
I love everything about the 50s. I love the clothes, I love the culture, I love the way people still seemed to have class. I wish I had been a part of that time. Aside from the fact that women were still being bred to be the perfect housewife (as this film candidly captures), I think it would have been a fascinating time to be alive.
And then, of course, we come back to the soundtrack, which brought this movie into light today. It's great. Lots of songs from the time that were remade by artists of today, including Celine Dion, Kelly Rowland, Mandy Moore, Tori Amos, and Macy Grey. The songs really take you back to a different time, if only for a moment. The time of housewives, and red lipstick, and completely different ideals.
Have a fabulous weekend, readers. : )
See past the paint. Let's open our minds to a different idea. ~ Katherine Watson, played by Julia Roberts, Mona Lisa Smile
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Archives
I have many, many notebooks filled with random writings and doodles and blurbs from over the years. Some of it is good, some of it is ridiculous, most of it is at least endearing to this heart of mine, since that is where they all came from. : )
This is one of my favorite pieces of writing I have ever done. It may or may not be the best writing ever, but it is about my favorite day I have ever had.
Read on....
This is one of my favorite pieces of writing I have ever done. It may or may not be the best writing ever, but it is about my favorite day I have ever had.
Read on....
The Favorite Day
The perfect day. It did exist. I lived in it, I dwelled in it, I made it mine. And then I bottled it up to put on display in our home.
We went to the beach for the day. I had tugged on my swimsuit in spite of my five month swelling pregnant belly; Mark had made us a picnic. An hour later, we were tromping through the sand, looking for a place to settle among the crowd. We did, and spread our old blanket out, then lathered me with sunscreen.
I laid on the blanket; Mark jumps into the water like a child. I watch him go way out from behind my sunglasses. Soon he comes back and we go wading together, not as far out as he had been before. We wonder if the baby could feel the ocean's rhythm, and discuss this as baby's first trip to the ocean.
After our water frolic, we lunch on ham sandwiches, strawberries, chips and cookies, sipping Diet Cokes in between bites. We watch a large Asian family trot onto the beach in what could only be described as their Sunday best. Three little girls in flowered dresses, dress socks, and shiny black Mary Janes, and two young boys in khakis and polo shirts. The mother, father, and who I assumed to be the grandmother were all dressed a bit more casual, in shorts and tees. They rent chairs and an umbrella, then each child took a turn at changing while the rest of the family shielded them from view with brightly colored beach towels.
After lunch, we doze on the blanket, holding hands. A small airplane flies over the beachline, pulling a sign announcing 5 T-shirts for $10 at Famous Fred's. The waves crash onto the sand, kids scream with glee. A British family sits under their umbrella, staring into the ocean. Except for the mother, who is oiling her already well baked body. Gold jewelry dangle from her ears, neck, and wrists. None of them speak.
Mark suggests a walk. We take an empty tupperware with us to collect shells. We walk just along the water. People watch us go by, probably looking at my protruding stomach. I barely notice. I have never felt more beautiful than I do this day.
We gather shell after shell until we can hardly put the lid successfully on the tupperware. We walk back hand in hand. Mark kisses my fingers and tells me he loves me. The airplane is flying over head again. There is a soft breeze coming off the ocean, just enough to cool the sand. We get back to our spot and I ease myself back onto the blanket. Mark goes to take one last dip. Only the Chinese mother and grandmother are on the beach, sitting in chairs, still fully clothed; the father is in the water with all the children.
The sun feels so warm, so comfortable, so happy. I drink the rest of my Diet Coke, even though it is near boiling. The British family is in the water, including the mother. Mark is bobbing in the water about twenty feet from them. The sand pipers are at the water's edge, scuttling along.
When Mark returns, we pack our things and leave. We rinse off at the out door showers and take turns toweling one another dry. We drive home, both of us tired but blissful. At home we take a nap. Before we fall asleep, Mark kisses my stomach and says, "I love my babies".
Now, all our shells from that day sit in a large glass bowl. They remind me of that simple, pure day. That day, my favorite day.
The perfect day. It did exist. I lived in it, I dwelled in it, I made it mine. And then I bottled it up to put on display in our home.
We went to the beach for the day. I had tugged on my swimsuit in spite of my five month swelling pregnant belly; Mark had made us a picnic. An hour later, we were tromping through the sand, looking for a place to settle among the crowd. We did, and spread our old blanket out, then lathered me with sunscreen.
I laid on the blanket; Mark jumps into the water like a child. I watch him go way out from behind my sunglasses. Soon he comes back and we go wading together, not as far out as he had been before. We wonder if the baby could feel the ocean's rhythm, and discuss this as baby's first trip to the ocean.
After our water frolic, we lunch on ham sandwiches, strawberries, chips and cookies, sipping Diet Cokes in between bites. We watch a large Asian family trot onto the beach in what could only be described as their Sunday best. Three little girls in flowered dresses, dress socks, and shiny black Mary Janes, and two young boys in khakis and polo shirts. The mother, father, and who I assumed to be the grandmother were all dressed a bit more casual, in shorts and tees. They rent chairs and an umbrella, then each child took a turn at changing while the rest of the family shielded them from view with brightly colored beach towels.
After lunch, we doze on the blanket, holding hands. A small airplane flies over the beachline, pulling a sign announcing 5 T-shirts for $10 at Famous Fred's. The waves crash onto the sand, kids scream with glee. A British family sits under their umbrella, staring into the ocean. Except for the mother, who is oiling her already well baked body. Gold jewelry dangle from her ears, neck, and wrists. None of them speak.
Mark suggests a walk. We take an empty tupperware with us to collect shells. We walk just along the water. People watch us go by, probably looking at my protruding stomach. I barely notice. I have never felt more beautiful than I do this day.
We gather shell after shell until we can hardly put the lid successfully on the tupperware. We walk back hand in hand. Mark kisses my fingers and tells me he loves me. The airplane is flying over head again. There is a soft breeze coming off the ocean, just enough to cool the sand. We get back to our spot and I ease myself back onto the blanket. Mark goes to take one last dip. Only the Chinese mother and grandmother are on the beach, sitting in chairs, still fully clothed; the father is in the water with all the children.
The sun feels so warm, so comfortable, so happy. I drink the rest of my Diet Coke, even though it is near boiling. The British family is in the water, including the mother. Mark is bobbing in the water about twenty feet from them. The sand pipers are at the water's edge, scuttling along.
When Mark returns, we pack our things and leave. We rinse off at the out door showers and take turns toweling one another dry. We drive home, both of us tired but blissful. At home we take a nap. Before we fall asleep, Mark kisses my stomach and says, "I love my babies".
Now, all our shells from that day sit in a large glass bowl. They remind me of that simple, pure day. That day, my favorite day.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday Tune
Okay, really, I'm not depressed. I promise. I'm actually a fairly happy, near-bubbly person. Well...maybe not bubbly. But definitely optimistic. Bright eyed.
But, still, I guess most of my favorite songs really are sad. I guess they just hit me deeper or something. I apologize.
The actual song I wanted to showcase today was a very happy song, very lovey. But since its from Sister Hazel's new album, Release, that's been out maybe a week, its not on my Songza site yet. So we have to go with an oldie but a goodie from them.
Sister Hazel is sooooooo great. (Insert me gushing here) They sound amazing, and their lyrics are nothing short of magical. They are horribly under-rated in my opinion. Which, in this blog, is all that matters. HA, kidding. Kind of. ; )
Champagne High sounds fun, right? Bubbly and light and effervescent. After all, we usually drink champagne to celebrate, to toast, to congratulate. However, our clever little band showcased today has keenly used one of my favorite things in life, irony, to make an incredibly beautiful, yet sad, song. A song about lost opportunities, and having to let go of someone who is no longer ours. Letting go and actually moving on from them, with your own life. One of life's most real moments is when you realize you are in the wrong place, with the wrong person, and while you know you have to let go, you find your shoes filled with cement and your heart stuck in place. At that point, I believe the only thing left to do is to turn around and leave.
And, maybe, drink a little champagne. : )
I highly recommend Sister Hazel's new CD...and when you do check it out, listen to Track 9, One Life. THAT was my original song for today's blog...its quite the beautiful love song.
Happy Tuesday, ya'll. And I will get started NOW for next Tuesday, and I promise to come up with a HAPPY song!!!!
But, still, I guess most of my favorite songs really are sad. I guess they just hit me deeper or something. I apologize.
The actual song I wanted to showcase today was a very happy song, very lovey. But since its from Sister Hazel's new album, Release, that's been out maybe a week, its not on my Songza site yet. So we have to go with an oldie but a goodie from them.
Sister Hazel is sooooooo great. (Insert me gushing here) They sound amazing, and their lyrics are nothing short of magical. They are horribly under-rated in my opinion. Which, in this blog, is all that matters. HA, kidding. Kind of. ; )
Champagne High sounds fun, right? Bubbly and light and effervescent. After all, we usually drink champagne to celebrate, to toast, to congratulate. However, our clever little band showcased today has keenly used one of my favorite things in life, irony, to make an incredibly beautiful, yet sad, song. A song about lost opportunities, and having to let go of someone who is no longer ours. Letting go and actually moving on from them, with your own life. One of life's most real moments is when you realize you are in the wrong place, with the wrong person, and while you know you have to let go, you find your shoes filled with cement and your heart stuck in place. At that point, I believe the only thing left to do is to turn around and leave.
And, maybe, drink a little champagne. : )
I highly recommend Sister Hazel's new CD...and when you do check it out, listen to Track 9, One Life. THAT was my original song for today's blog...its quite the beautiful love song.
Happy Tuesday, ya'll. And I will get started NOW for next Tuesday, and I promise to come up with a HAPPY song!!!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Motherhood 101
Fine, follow Daddy's footsteps...Just don't forget your mother!!Tonight, while I was trying to get the little Monkey to settle down for sleep, he began a little game he's been playing quite a bit at bed time lately, because he KNOWS it's too irresistible for me to deny. It's not even really a game, so when I explain it, don't say "That's it? That's the lamest game ever!", because....I am aware. : )
Basically, Monkey will kiss me on the face or on the lips until one of us- AKA, me- starts giggling. Then he starts giggling and even though I sound completely and totally insane when I say this, in that moment of our giggles intermingling in our ears, it feels like there's magic in the air. Like fairy dust and serendipity and all things fanciful are just floating around us, enclosing us in our own secret little bubble, bonding us so perfectly, if only for that moment.
I do worry that eventually the time will come and Monkey will no longer fit in my lap, or kiss me at will, or even giggle with me. He and his father are the spitting image of one another- both physically and in personality. They both love sports and all things "boy", and while I actually enjoy sports too, I worry that I will still just be "MOM" and not cool enough to possibly understand the magic of a touchdown, a home run, a great drive down the fairway, or a three point shot.
Which is why, now, just in case, I will enjoy every kiss from him. I will cherish each giggle, and I will tear up every time we giggle together and I have that fanciful feeling in the pit of my stomach. I will force my memory to recite those moments to me every day, forever.
Just in case.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Friday Film Day: Southern Flair
I have always loved stories that are based in the South. There's something about the region...something magical, eerie, potent. Somewhere between the home-cooked hospitality and the voo-doo believers there's something that intrigues me so. Toss in a dash of murder mystery and you have yourself a great little tale. : )
I don't remember how I stumbled upon this movie, but I watched it one night when I still was single and living alone back in Montana. I was instantly hooked and it became one of my all time favorites. I'm not even sure why. I don't like death and killing, and I'm definitely not into voo-doo. But the story's so well unravelled that I can't help but be sucked in. Then, of course, there's John Cusak, whom I've always been a fan of, as well as Kevin Spacey, who is excellent in this film.
Oh, and then there's the fact that it's set in Savannah, GA. Maybe that's my biggest draw, in some self-absorbed way. While the city isn't really my name sake, AND I have yet to visit, I still feel as though it has some claim on me. Someday- soon- I will travel through this mysterious town's streets, and wonder about all its secrets.
Any city's secrets you'd like to explore??
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Holy Punkin, Batman!!
So, to start with the back story, one day when I was at Lowe's with the hubby and the Monkey, we walked past a stand with little cups that came with punkin seeds (okay, I'm not stupid, I know its "pumpkin"...I've just started saying punkin a long time ago, and now...its all I say). They were I think 50 cents? Something. They were cheap. So I got one, thinking, hey, you never know. I could end up growing the biggest punkin in the world!
Suuuure....
That was...I think....June. We took our cup home, the Monkey and I planted the seeds just how the directions said to, and set it on the window sill in the kitchen. Everyday I would look, but there'd be nothing peaking out of the dirt. Nothing, nothing, nothing.
I think it was last week that the hubby picked the cup up and kind of shook his head. I almost threw it away then, thinking that that was a 50 cents I'd never see again (oh, gosh, not really; I was just bummed that my punkin dreams had been dashed). But, being the pack rat that I am...I didn't. I couldn't let go. I wasn't ready.
And then........................last night...................I was standing at the sink, washing out the Monkey's sippy cups, when I glanced at the punkin cup and saw a small flash of green. I froze. Could it be? Had the punkin sprouted??
OH MY GOSH!!! It had!!! We have a little baby punkin sprout!! And even though I wasn't feeling well I couldn't help doing a happy punkin dance.
And now I am completely terrified. I don't know what to do. Well, I have to let it grow until it has leaves, and then transplant it. Transplant.....I'm not a freakin' surgeon!! So I'm scared. But, I guess we'll dance that dance when the music plays. For now, I'm just proud that we have a little baby plant.
I think the moral of this story is pretty clear today: Don't give up on the things you believe in!!!
Suuuure....
That was...I think....June. We took our cup home, the Monkey and I planted the seeds just how the directions said to, and set it on the window sill in the kitchen. Everyday I would look, but there'd be nothing peaking out of the dirt. Nothing, nothing, nothing.
I think it was last week that the hubby picked the cup up and kind of shook his head. I almost threw it away then, thinking that that was a 50 cents I'd never see again (oh, gosh, not really; I was just bummed that my punkin dreams had been dashed). But, being the pack rat that I am...I didn't. I couldn't let go. I wasn't ready.
And then........................last night...................I was standing at the sink, washing out the Monkey's sippy cups, when I glanced at the punkin cup and saw a small flash of green. I froze. Could it be? Had the punkin sprouted??
OH MY GOSH!!! It had!!! We have a little baby punkin sprout!! And even though I wasn't feeling well I couldn't help doing a happy punkin dance.
And now I am completely terrified. I don't know what to do. Well, I have to let it grow until it has leaves, and then transplant it. Transplant.....I'm not a freakin' surgeon!! So I'm scared. But, I guess we'll dance that dance when the music plays. For now, I'm just proud that we have a little baby plant.
I think the moral of this story is pretty clear today: Don't give up on the things you believe in!!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Bittersweetness- Tunage Tuesday
Not all things in life are happy rays of sunshine. Not all days are going to be good ones. Not all loves are going to end happily ever after. And sometimes, even though you are happy in your life now, you still need to be sad about things from your past. No, it doesn't make sense. Maybe it doesn't make things better. The best course of action would be to forget the past- forget anything and anyone that has brought you sadness and pain. But...tell me how you do that. Because I have never been able to drive things- people- out of this ocean-deep heart of mine.
I don't know if I'm a closet pessimist- I don't think I am- but I have a thing- a fetish, if you will- for sad songs. Maybe it's like Elton sings- "Sad songs say so much". Don't they? I connect with sad songs more often than I do happy ones. My husband and I didn't really have one special love song for our wedding (although I made four or five CDs to play for our reception), and yet I have handfuls of songs for every bad relationship from my past. Songs that I have mentally dedicated to past "loves". Weird? Definitely. I think its because I don't need to define my happy relationship. I know that my husband and I love one another- I don't need someone to sing that to me. But when you've been wronged, broken, left behind...you need to know that you aren't alone. You need to know that you aren't the only fool that fell for the tricks and romantic silliness. That you still have something to cling to.
It's funny. This song came out much later, after my almost relationship ended. And yet the moment I heard it, I knew it was the song to sum it all up. For so long I had felt this way. Not anymore, obviously, but just because I've moved on and am happy now, doesn't mean that the sadness and pain didn't ever happen. It actually helped shape me as the woman I am today. I can't regret that.
Today, my readers, don't be afraid of sadness. I think sometimes we are, and in the end it overwhelms us, takes us over. If we let it happen, let it wash over us, we flush it out. Otherwise, I think one would drown in it. All sadness is is an eye opener to what happiness will embrace us next.
I don't know if I'm a closet pessimist- I don't think I am- but I have a thing- a fetish, if you will- for sad songs. Maybe it's like Elton sings- "Sad songs say so much". Don't they? I connect with sad songs more often than I do happy ones. My husband and I didn't really have one special love song for our wedding (although I made four or five CDs to play for our reception), and yet I have handfuls of songs for every bad relationship from my past. Songs that I have mentally dedicated to past "loves". Weird? Definitely. I think its because I don't need to define my happy relationship. I know that my husband and I love one another- I don't need someone to sing that to me. But when you've been wronged, broken, left behind...you need to know that you aren't alone. You need to know that you aren't the only fool that fell for the tricks and romantic silliness. That you still have something to cling to.
It's funny. This song came out much later, after my almost relationship ended. And yet the moment I heard it, I knew it was the song to sum it all up. For so long I had felt this way. Not anymore, obviously, but just because I've moved on and am happy now, doesn't mean that the sadness and pain didn't ever happen. It actually helped shape me as the woman I am today. I can't regret that.
Today, my readers, don't be afraid of sadness. I think sometimes we are, and in the end it overwhelms us, takes us over. If we let it happen, let it wash over us, we flush it out. Otherwise, I think one would drown in it. All sadness is is an eye opener to what happiness will embrace us next.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Irony
I don't know about ya'll, but it seems as if my life really runs on irony.
Ever since I wrote that silly entry about my MIA fortune cookie fortunes, I have been wondering where the heck they are. I thought maybe, as I said, that I had a non-pack rattish moment and tossed them out. But, really, that doesn't sound like me. As my mother says, I still have gum wrappers from the 7th grade (hey, when a boy gives you gum in 7th grade, you cherish that moment forever). So I've been pondering their whereabouts for quite awhile now. Because I apparently have nothing else going on in my life.
Uh-huh.
SO! This past weekend, the little Monkey and I were shuffling through an old plastic tote I've had since my brief walk-on-by moment at college. It's are full of what some people may brush off as crap. To me, however, the stuff in that tote very nearly define me as a person. I have all my writings from Creative Writing class in high school; I have collages I made for my dorm room; I have cards, letters, notes from random people; my harmonica that my grandpa gave me (that I "played" for the Monkey and he was delighted); AND...at the very bottom, scattered as if on the breeze, were my fortunes!!!! Oodles of them!! Oh, happy day. Mystery solved. And, HA- I'm still a pack rat. For a moment there I thought I was losing my self image. Scary.
Then, tonight, as I sat down at the computer to do my online routine (email, Facebook, Blogger), I glanced at my Bible (which we all know I've also blogged about). For whatever reason, I flipped open the front cover. There was a fortune taped inside!! It read:
"The opposite of fear is love."
Holy moly. Only I would tape a freakin' fortune cookie fortune in my Bible. I don't remember doing it, but...I must have. Right??
Friday, August 14, 2009
And another thing....
Is there a limit to how many blog posts you make in a day? I might be setting a new record. This is what happens when you don't blog DAILY. Yeesh.
Anyway, MY father decided to completely flip me out the other day by having something that "didn't look right" in his heart. Uh-huh. Anytime my mother just calls, out of the blue, I immediately ask her "What's wrong?" and she always gives me that same nervous laugh and tells me "Now, its nothing to worry about..." yeah, sure, Queen of Worrywarts. Please. Loooong story (and loooooooooong hospital visit for tests) short, they thought there was some blockage in his heart, but there isn't. *WHEW* Don't scare me like that, Dad!!!
So, after that little day of paranoia (where I went and cried in my car at lunch, because that is what us cool, calm, collected people do), I began reflecting on my father and our relationship in general. I'm always raving about my mother, but I've not once blogged about my father. Not cool. While my mother and I of course have a pretty tight bond, I don't NOT like my father. I love him very, very much. Even more now that I'm an adult. I appreciate the things he went through in his life. He has done some incredible things. My father came from a very poor family and didn't end up with a lot of formal education, and yet he's still done more than most college educated people I know today. He's owned his own A&W restaurant, worked the film booth at a movie theater, was part of the Jaycees, built an ENTIRE bridge, worked on the railroad, flown a plane, owned his own A/C-and heating business- one that he past on to my broth
er- travelled,owned almost one of every kind of vehicle imaginable at some point, and now, retired, has taught himself wood-working. The man is ridiculous, and if I end up living half the life he has, I will consider myself successful.
We give each other a lot of crap. Now when I call to talk on Sundays, Mama will hand him the phone and tell him to say hi, so he'll say "Hi, Bye" and pretend to hand the phone back to my mother. Then I call him an asshole and we all have a big laugh.
Point is, no matter how tight Mama and I are, and no matter how much she gets me, I still need my daddy. I always will. Mom doesn't give me hell like he does. She doesn't lecture me about politics like Dad does (auuuuugh). At the end of the day, I need and love them both. : )
Anyway, MY father decided to completely flip me out the other day by having something that "didn't look right" in his heart. Uh-huh. Anytime my mother just calls, out of the blue, I immediately ask her "What's wrong?" and she always gives me that same nervous laugh and tells me "Now, its nothing to worry about..." yeah, sure, Queen of Worrywarts. Please. Loooong story (and loooooooooong hospital visit for tests) short, they thought there was some blockage in his heart, but there isn't. *WHEW* Don't scare me like that, Dad!!!
So, after that little day of paranoia (where I went and cried in my car at lunch, because that is what us cool, calm, collected people do), I began reflecting on my father and our relationship in general. I'm always raving about my mother, but I've not once blogged about my father. Not cool. While my mother and I of course have a pretty tight bond, I don't NOT like my father. I love him very, very much. Even more now that I'm an adult. I appreciate the things he went through in his life. He has done some incredible things. My father came from a very poor family and didn't end up with a lot of formal education, and yet he's still done more than most college educated people I know today. He's owned his own A&W restaurant, worked the film booth at a movie theater, was part of the Jaycees, built an ENTIRE bridge, worked on the railroad, flown a plane, owned his own A/C-and heating business- one that he past on to my broth
er- travelled,owned almost one of every kind of vehicle imaginable at some point, and now, retired, has taught himself wood-working. The man is ridiculous, and if I end up living half the life he has, I will consider myself successful.When I was little, I would sometimes go out and help him in his shop. He was always working on something, some little project. I would hold the tape measure, hand him tools, and he would let me snap the chalk line needed for when he went to cut a piece of wood. When he had his Corvette, in the summertime, we would take little drives, down to the lake, or even into town. When nothing else was on TV, we'd watch one of those old boxing matches. He'd pick a guy and I'd get the other guy and we'd give each other crap while the match went on. And every Christmas time, growing up, he and I would have one night that we would do all our Christmas shopping- for Mama and whomever else made our list. ; ) We'd go out for Chinese and then to the mall. I looked forward to that night all year long.
We give each other a lot of crap. Now when I call to talk on Sundays, Mama will hand him the phone and tell him to say hi, so he'll say "Hi, Bye" and pretend to hand the phone back to my mother. Then I call him an asshole and we all have a big laugh.
Point is, no matter how tight Mama and I are, and no matter how much she gets me, I still need my daddy. I always will. Mom doesn't give me hell like he does. She doesn't lecture me about politics like Dad does (auuuuugh). At the end of the day, I need and love them both. : )
Too....many......
....Good......blogs..........................ahhhhhhh!
I am currently following 67 blogs. 68. 69. Dammit!
I am addicted. I look at the Blogs of Note tab every couple of days, and end up adding most of them. Today the only reason I didn't add one was because it was in Swedish. Good Lord.
I am out of control!!!!!! Stop being interesting, people!!
And I don't possibly have the time to read 69 blogs every day. I barely have time to write in my OWN blog, thank you very much.
*sigh* Such problems, right???
I know. I'm a tad pitiful.
I am currently following 67 blogs. 68. 69. Dammit!
I am addicted. I look at the Blogs of Note tab every couple of days, and end up adding most of them. Today the only reason I didn't add one was because it was in Swedish. Good Lord.
I am out of control!!!!!! Stop being interesting, people!!
And I don't possibly have the time to read 69 blogs every day. I barely have time to write in my OWN blog, thank you very much.
*sigh* Such problems, right???
I know. I'm a tad pitiful.
Friday Mooo-vay
Okay, lame. Mooo-vay. I apologize.
Anyway....the hubs, the BFF, and I were all supposed to go to the movies TONIGHT, to see The Goods (starring number one on my "list", Jeremy Piven- yes, he's kind of an idiot, but goodness does he look divine in a suit!!!!), buuuut due to financial issues, as well as the Monkey being sick, we are not. *sigh*
Soooo, what's plan B? Well, actually, its probably going to end up being PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL!!!! Please excuse me- I love football. And my hubby loves it, too, so our excitement kind of bounces off each other and it just gets ridiculous. But, again, as usual, I digress.
Aside from football, I have a few girl-like tendencies as well. Don't worry. ; ) This being one of them: Chick-flicks. At least good ones. I don't buy into all of them, but there's nothing nicer than curling up on the couch and watching something that gives you that warm, melted butter feeling inside. When a movie can do that and make you laugh- that's heaven for me. I like happy movies. I don't like death and killing and blood and gore and angry ghosts and murderers and aliens. Ugh. Give me Meg Ryan charming people with her quirky cuteness any day.
So, again, this movie is great for many reasons. One, its funny. Billy Crystal? Please. I have a weird semi-crush on him, only because he's so hilarious. I just love his line delivery. And, I admit, I always wanted to be like Meg Ryan (not the Meg Ryan now, who's trying to be this weird, sexy badass all the time- I don't get that Meg Ryan). I wanted her cute hair, her happy little nature, the way she gets faux-offended by all the leading men in her life because they can't understand why she orders food so strangely or why she has to be so adorably neurotic.
Then, of course, we have the story itself. Can men and women be just friends? Its a good question, I'd say, and its one I cannot fully answer. While I have had many great guy friends, I can't say that our friendships never had to dodge other emotions. I think almost all of them have. So, I do think its possible, but I also think that men and women are really from such different planets, that there has to be a good chemistry to work with. Maybe. Or the guy has to be gay. That definitely can work! : ) I also love the little interludes of couples being interviewed throughout the movie. So sweet seeing older couples together, and hearing how they'd been together forever. Its something we all wish for, isn't it?
And then there's our director, Mr. Rob Reiner, aka "Meathead". He's directed some excellent films over the years, including this one. And, for those young like me and didn't have parents that forced you to watch TV Land with them (haha), the "Meathead" nickname came from his "All in the Family" days. Good little show- YouTube it.
So there you have it, readers. My movie of the week. If I'm not watching football, I would want to be watching When Harry Met Sally. Enjoy your weekend!!! : )
Anyway....the hubs, the BFF, and I were all supposed to go to the movies TONIGHT, to see The Goods (starring number one on my "list", Jeremy Piven- yes, he's kind of an idiot, but goodness does he look divine in a suit!!!!), buuuut due to financial issues, as well as the Monkey being sick, we are not. *sigh*
Soooo, what's plan B? Well, actually, its probably going to end up being PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL!!!! Please excuse me- I love football. And my hubby loves it, too, so our excitement kind of bounces off each other and it just gets ridiculous. But, again, as usual, I digress.
Aside from football, I have a few girl-like tendencies as well. Don't worry. ; ) This being one of them: Chick-flicks. At least good ones. I don't buy into all of them, but there's nothing nicer than curling up on the couch and watching something that gives you that warm, melted butter feeling inside. When a movie can do that and make you laugh- that's heaven for me. I like happy movies. I don't like death and killing and blood and gore and angry ghosts and murderers and aliens. Ugh. Give me Meg Ryan charming people with her quirky cuteness any day.
So, again, this movie is great for many reasons. One, its funny. Billy Crystal? Please. I have a weird semi-crush on him, only because he's so hilarious. I just love his line delivery. And, I admit, I always wanted to be like Meg Ryan (not the Meg Ryan now, who's trying to be this weird, sexy badass all the time- I don't get that Meg Ryan). I wanted her cute hair, her happy little nature, the way she gets faux-offended by all the leading men in her life because they can't understand why she orders food so strangely or why she has to be so adorably neurotic.
Then, of course, we have the story itself. Can men and women be just friends? Its a good question, I'd say, and its one I cannot fully answer. While I have had many great guy friends, I can't say that our friendships never had to dodge other emotions. I think almost all of them have. So, I do think its possible, but I also think that men and women are really from such different planets, that there has to be a good chemistry to work with. Maybe. Or the guy has to be gay. That definitely can work! : ) I also love the little interludes of couples being interviewed throughout the movie. So sweet seeing older couples together, and hearing how they'd been together forever. Its something we all wish for, isn't it?
And then there's our director, Mr. Rob Reiner, aka "Meathead". He's directed some excellent films over the years, including this one. And, for those young like me and didn't have parents that forced you to watch TV Land with them (haha), the "Meathead" nickname came from his "All in the Family" days. Good little show- YouTube it.
So there you have it, readers. My movie of the week. If I'm not watching football, I would want to be watching When Harry Met Sally. Enjoy your weekend!!! : )
Life gets in the way of my blogging...
...But, eventually, I will blog again. : )
Like now!!
So, remember when I was going to have Tuesday be tune day, and Friday be movie day? And then....I haven't done it since? Yeah, I suck.
So while the Monkey is napping (poor thing, got sick last night), I will try my darndest to do catch-up. Let's begin.........................
Blue October is probably one of the BEST bands out there today. Their songs are deep, powerful. Their music is potent and beautiful. While some of their songs kind of make you want to drown in the bathtub, some of them are achingly joyful. All are beautiful, especially their ballads. They are incredibly inspirational (especially to write to- even as I listen to them right now, I can't type fast enough to keep up with what my brain is coming up with), and horribly under-rated. My BFF found probably their first popular song, "Calling You", on a soundtrack (I think for the American Wedding movie???? Not sure), and we've both been addicted to them ever since.
This song in particular makes me think of lost loves. Strange? Probably. I am happy where I am in life, and I know that where I am, and who I am with, is where I am supposed to be. That said, I know there were men in my life that I also loved before my husband. Even if it doesn't work out, love is still love. Blue October has gotten me through a lot of emotional moments in my younger life. You know, the time that you are feeling way too much and just don't know what to do with it all. I am one the kind of person that, when I feel something, I am obsessed with finding a song that explains that emotion perfectly. I think maybe its so I don't feel like I'm insane for feeling that certain way, and so I know I'm not alone in that feeling. More times than not, Blue October has sung about those unexplainable emotions.
Songs of Blue October's that I also recommend: "Hate Me", "Into the Ocean", "Everlasting Friend", "Calling You" (probably the best love song ever), "Sexual Powertrip" (yes, its a little twisted) and "18th Floor Balcony" (and, on their Foiled album, the hidden track after this!).
Like now!!
So, remember when I was going to have Tuesday be tune day, and Friday be movie day? And then....I haven't done it since? Yeah, I suck.
So while the Monkey is napping (poor thing, got sick last night), I will try my darndest to do catch-up. Let's begin.........................
Blue October is probably one of the BEST bands out there today. Their songs are deep, powerful. Their music is potent and beautiful. While some of their songs kind of make you want to drown in the bathtub, some of them are achingly joyful. All are beautiful, especially their ballads. They are incredibly inspirational (especially to write to- even as I listen to them right now, I can't type fast enough to keep up with what my brain is coming up with), and horribly under-rated. My BFF found probably their first popular song, "Calling You", on a soundtrack (I think for the American Wedding movie???? Not sure), and we've both been addicted to them ever since.
This song in particular makes me think of lost loves. Strange? Probably. I am happy where I am in life, and I know that where I am, and who I am with, is where I am supposed to be. That said, I know there were men in my life that I also loved before my husband. Even if it doesn't work out, love is still love. Blue October has gotten me through a lot of emotional moments in my younger life. You know, the time that you are feeling way too much and just don't know what to do with it all. I am one the kind of person that, when I feel something, I am obsessed with finding a song that explains that emotion perfectly. I think maybe its so I don't feel like I'm insane for feeling that certain way, and so I know I'm not alone in that feeling. More times than not, Blue October has sung about those unexplainable emotions.
Songs of Blue October's that I also recommend: "Hate Me", "Into the Ocean", "Everlasting Friend", "Calling You" (probably the best love song ever), "Sexual Powertrip" (yes, its a little twisted) and "18th Floor Balcony" (and, on their Foiled album, the hidden track after this!).
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
What's cookin'?
“I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.” ~ Julia ChildWhen I was, hmm, I think about twelve or thirteen (Mom?), I decided that I myself, would make delicious ginger snap cookies for a family camping trip. I was going to make the most magical ginger snaps you'd ever tasted. They would dance on everyone's tongues and go perfectly with milk. And everyone would think I was amazing.
Do you sense a blip in the story coming?
So I mix all the ingredients together, and shape cookies on the sheet, and put them in the oven to bake. The timer went off, I opened the oven, and there...was...ginger sludge.
I was mortified. All the perfectly shaped cookies had melded together and become one big goo puddle. Quite traumatic for my little twelve (or thirteen?) year old self. I cried and my mother probably secretly laughed. From then on, I refused to cook. I was too afraid.
And then...............marriage came along. I guess I figured wives only cooked in the 50s....ridiculous and cliche, right? Well, my husband actually cooks and it pretty good at it. However, since I am the one home waaaaaay before he is most nights, the duty has fallen upon me.
I started with easy stuff. Hamburger Helper. Frozen lasagna. Salads with grilled chicken on top. Then I began to bore with all that, and finally decided to take the plunge. I looked up online recipes. I asked my mother cooking questions. I had her teach me how to make meatballs.
And lookie! A full working stove, bubbling and cooking all my little masterpieces. Alright, so it was just spaghetti. BUT I made my own meatballs, plus I always add stuff to the Ragu- this particular time, white wine, oregano, and garlic. Plus angel hair pasta and garlic bread. AND and, I actually enjoy cooking now. No, its not impossible to make spaghetti. But I feel so accomplished cooking for my husband (and little boy). I feel like I'm fulfilling a wifely duty. And that makes me proud.
Maybe, someday, I'll warm up to the idea of trying gingersnaps again.
Maybe.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Comfort
Tonight, after the Monkey had fallen asleep in his dashing new pjs, and before Mark had gotten home from work, I turned on VH1 for crap TV, and pulled on Mark's blue sweatshirt to fight off a chill I had.
Isn't is great to borrow things from your guy to wear and keep you warm? I love how it makes you feel so safe for some reason, even when they are far away. When Mark had to go back and forth from here to Cali last fall, I slept in one of his old T-shirts. It strangely kept me sane.
Anything random that keeps you sane? That makes you comfortable, and that makes you feel safe?
Weekend happiness
Things from the weekend that make me Happy:
- Making sun tea (I might as well use the sweltering Florida heat for something good!!)
- Napping
- Ordering pizza for dinner out of pure laziness
- Watching movies (we watched Tropic Thunder on HBO)
- Cuddling with the Monkey
- Sunday night HBO show line up (most of all, Entourage)
- Brunch with the BFF and the Monkey (and this week, the hubby)
- Watching my junk TV
- Catching up on my blogging
- Grocery shopping (and for new clothes for Monkey, and post its, and Sharpie pens!!!)
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Peachy
Oh my goodness, my poor readers....You must have thought I was dead. Or ran away. Or finally bought my dream yacht and had sailed away.
I wish.
Noooooo, I am here, it was just a madness-filled week. I guess. Something seemed to come up every afternoon, keeping me from my computer and therefore, my blog. : ( That's what motherhood does sometimes, I guess!!
Anyway, HAPPY WEEKEND!! Yay! I love the weekend, as the general population does. My hubby also had today (Saturday) off, so I did get to spend a little family time with the boys, which is always nice.
So what did we do, you are all breathlessly asking?????
We went to the Farmer's Market!! I know, please, calm down. Actually, the Farmer's Market is one of those things I really love to do. I love being outside in the sunshine (and the bloody heat- my Lord it was hot today), I love packing up on fresh, decently priced produce, and I love getting the little Monkey out and about for a bit. Today was the first time we used his- ahem- kid leash in public. Okay, its not called a leash. Its called a kid buddy or some damn thing. But, really, I am more frank than that. Its a monkey backpack with a leash attached. I am aware. And I have had this inner battle for a looooong time now about whether or not its okay to get one. This is my mindset now: my kid is one and a half year's old. He's pretty cute (I'm not ashamed to admit it!!!), and he shows no fear. He's also pretty friendly. He's like his father- he knows no stranger. So in order for me to keep him close, and for both of us to keep our sanity (because he likes to walk, prefers it to riding in the stroller), it is my solution. *sigh* So there.
But I digress. So today I got tomatoes for my BFF because she loves them pretty much more than anything, strawberries because the Monkey loves them (as do the rest of us), and some peaches, because they sounded good. I love peaches, but rarely ever seem to pick good ones. Or, I should say, I always get them in the grocery store, where they are never ripe, or good in general. These peaches I got today were ripe, soft, sweet, perfect. My knife slid into them like butter. I popped a bite into my mouth and nearly swooned- it was so tasty!! I just love summer fruit!! And I now love our Winter Garden Farmer's Market even more. Yum yum yum.
Any favorite fruits you enjoy? Any great finds you've gotten at the Farmer's Market before??
I wish.
Noooooo, I am here, it was just a madness-filled week. I guess. Something seemed to come up every afternoon, keeping me from my computer and therefore, my blog. : ( That's what motherhood does sometimes, I guess!!
Anyway, HAPPY WEEKEND!! Yay! I love the weekend, as the general population does. My hubby also had today (Saturday) off, so I did get to spend a little family time with the boys, which is always nice.
So what did we do, you are all breathlessly asking?????
We went to the Farmer's Market!! I know, please, calm down. Actually, the Farmer's Market is one of those things I really love to do. I love being outside in the sunshine (and the bloody heat- my Lord it was hot today), I love packing up on fresh, decently priced produce, and I love getting the little Monkey out and about for a bit. Today was the first time we used his- ahem- kid leash in public. Okay, its not called a leash. Its called a kid buddy or some damn thing. But, really, I am more frank than that. Its a monkey backpack with a leash attached. I am aware. And I have had this inner battle for a looooong time now about whether or not its okay to get one. This is my mindset now: my kid is one and a half year's old. He's pretty cute (I'm not ashamed to admit it!!!), and he shows no fear. He's also pretty friendly. He's like his father- he knows no stranger. So in order for me to keep him close, and for both of us to keep our sanity (because he likes to walk, prefers it to riding in the stroller), it is my solution. *sigh* So there.
But I digress. So today I got tomatoes for my BFF because she loves them pretty much more than anything, strawberries because the Monkey loves them (as do the rest of us), and some peaches, because they sounded good. I love peaches, but rarely ever seem to pick good ones. Or, I should say, I always get them in the grocery store, where they are never ripe, or good in general. These peaches I got today were ripe, soft, sweet, perfect. My knife slid into them like butter. I popped a bite into my mouth and nearly swooned- it was so tasty!! I just love summer fruit!! And I now love our Winter Garden Farmer's Market even more. Yum yum yum.
Any favorite fruits you enjoy? Any great finds you've gotten at the Farmer's Market before??
Monday, August 3, 2009
Mama
My mother always used to say: "The older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana."
~ Rose, The Golden Girls
It's my mama's birthday today!!!
She is twenty-seven. (Love ya, Ma).
And so, today, my snapshot is of someONE I love. My mother was my first friend, my best friend, my guidance counselor, that voice in my head that nags at me when I'm thinking of doing something wrong (ha), and a huge reason I am who I am- and I mean that in a good way!!
When I was little, I would follow my mother around the house as she cleaned, did laundry, went to the fridge, took out the trash, tried to go to the bathroom...seriously. Why the woman didn't just pin me up on the clothesline and leave me there, I'll never know. I wanted to be just like my mother. I wanted to look like her and talk like her and be smart like her and funny like her and laugh like her...does this sound obsessive? Yeah.
Now, as I'm a supposed adult my own self, people are constantly saying that we look so much alike. And I don't think that we do. I do think that we now act alike and talk alike and laugh alike. I catch myself saying things sometimes that I have heard my mother say. I am nicey-nice like she is, and my voice strains the same way when I'm horribly irritated but am not supposed to show it. I have a big laugh like she does. I like the sunshine and jewelry and shopping and fashion and the beach and naps like her. We laugh about the same things. She's always been my best friend, and that friendship has grown and changed as I have gotten older. While we are still mother and daughter, we are also so much more. She comes to me for advice (okay, about how to text message, or what the hell Facebook is), and I now call her and ask baby questions. Its funny when you realize that your parents are...people, just like you. : )
So...Happy Birthday, Mama. I hope you have a fabulous day. And I can't wait to be old and gray with you, just like the Golden Girls. Clutch your purse!!
What's a meme, I say?
Well, I'm feeling....thefty (not a word, just so you know...) today, and stole this fun little meme (apparently that is what this is called...everyone else knows this, why don't I???) from Show My Face (a witty, great blog). Enjoy knowing silly things about me!
1. I don’t really think I can manage _______________ today.
well, its the end of the day...at least the difficult part. I didn't know I'd make it through, but it was actually a pretty productive day.
2. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
smores poptart. I love them, and I don't care who knows it.
3. Share some recent good news.
The Monkey can count to three (whether he actually knows what it means is still in question...). The hubby is doing kid camps, meaning more moo-lah. I survived today. : ) It's my mama's birthday today.
4. What was the last movie you saw? What did you think of it?
New movie? Harry Potter. I enjoyed it, but now I'm re-reading the book and realize why people are so irritated. They did leave a lot out, as well as put crap in that never happened in the first place, which I never get.
Last movie in general: 13 Going on 30. Love, love, love this movie.
5. If you had to, could you do commentary for a sporting event?
Football, absolutely. The rest I would have to kind of improvise.
6. What makes you feel better when you're sick?
Hot tea and lots of deep, unconscious sleep.
7. What do you listen to in the car?
At the moment, Fall Out Boy. Love 'em.
8. What were the last five foods you ate?
chicken breast, mashed potatoes w/veggies mixed, ice cream, a mistaken bite of key-lime pie, hamburger
9. Who was your first prom date?
His name was Joe. He is my oldest friend (as in, we've known each other for 21 of our 25 years), and the best prom date possible.
10. What was your first grade teacher's name?
Mrs. Briggs. She was very nice.
11. How many weddings have you been in?
Including my own...................two. ; ) I was a bridesmaid in my good friend Amy's wedding.
12. Who is on your "List"?
Jeremy Piven, Kevin James, Adam Sandler (is that weird?), Ryan Reynolds. And Val Kilmer from back in the day- the "Real Genius" days. *sigh*
13. I love you more than _____________.
cupcakes, candy canes, and post-it notes.
14. Oranges or grapefruit?
Grapefruit. Yummy.
15. What is the earliest memory you have of your first day of school?
That I was completely petrified, and totally lost my mind when my mother left (who, I now know, went to the car and bawled her head off just as much as I did). And then a little girl named Sara came up to me and became my best friend in a moment. She wore a dark green dress over a light green shirt. I don't remember anything or anyone else but her from that day.
16. Would you ever choose money over love?
No- but I'd prefer to have both. Shallow?
17. Four people who e-mail me regularly:
my BFF, my mama, Facebook, Barnes and Noble.
18. What were your favorite books as a child?
Babysitters Club, The Giving Tree, The Boxcar Children, Super Fudge
19. Never in my life:
Have I: been to Europe (yet!!), gone skinny dipping, broken a bone, been arrested.
20. Ever been given an engagement ring?
Twice. Two different guys. The first guy took his back, before a wedding happened. The second one went through with it- now he's stuck! ; )
1. I don’t really think I can manage _______________ today.
well, its the end of the day...at least the difficult part. I didn't know I'd make it through, but it was actually a pretty productive day.
2. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
smores poptart. I love them, and I don't care who knows it.
3. Share some recent good news.
The Monkey can count to three (whether he actually knows what it means is still in question...). The hubby is doing kid camps, meaning more moo-lah. I survived today. : ) It's my mama's birthday today.
4. What was the last movie you saw? What did you think of it?
New movie? Harry Potter. I enjoyed it, but now I'm re-reading the book and realize why people are so irritated. They did leave a lot out, as well as put crap in that never happened in the first place, which I never get.
Last movie in general: 13 Going on 30. Love, love, love this movie.
5. If you had to, could you do commentary for a sporting event?
Football, absolutely. The rest I would have to kind of improvise.
6. What makes you feel better when you're sick?
Hot tea and lots of deep, unconscious sleep.
7. What do you listen to in the car?
At the moment, Fall Out Boy. Love 'em.
8. What were the last five foods you ate?
chicken breast, mashed potatoes w/veggies mixed, ice cream, a mistaken bite of key-lime pie, hamburger
9. Who was your first prom date?
His name was Joe. He is my oldest friend (as in, we've known each other for 21 of our 25 years), and the best prom date possible.
10. What was your first grade teacher's name?
Mrs. Briggs. She was very nice.
11. How many weddings have you been in?
Including my own...................two. ; ) I was a bridesmaid in my good friend Amy's wedding.
12. Who is on your "List"?
Jeremy Piven, Kevin James, Adam Sandler (is that weird?), Ryan Reynolds. And Val Kilmer from back in the day- the "Real Genius" days. *sigh*
13. I love you more than _____________.
cupcakes, candy canes, and post-it notes.
14. Oranges or grapefruit?
Grapefruit. Yummy.
15. What is the earliest memory you have of your first day of school?
That I was completely petrified, and totally lost my mind when my mother left (who, I now know, went to the car and bawled her head off just as much as I did). And then a little girl named Sara came up to me and became my best friend in a moment. She wore a dark green dress over a light green shirt. I don't remember anything or anyone else but her from that day.
16. Would you ever choose money over love?
No- but I'd prefer to have both. Shallow?
17. Four people who e-mail me regularly:
my BFF, my mama, Facebook, Barnes and Noble.
18. What were your favorite books as a child?
Babysitters Club, The Giving Tree, The Boxcar Children, Super Fudge
19. Never in my life:
Have I: been to Europe (yet!!), gone skinny dipping, broken a bone, been arrested.
20. Ever been given an engagement ring?
Twice. Two different guys. The first guy took his back, before a wedding happened. The second one went through with it- now he's stuck! ; )
Sunday, August 2, 2009
No preaching
Don't worry- I'm not going to preach to you on this Sunday morning. However, this is a snapshot of something special to me, and that is what I write about in this here blog, so here we go.When I decided to move clear across the country from Montana to Florida, I am fairly certain that my mother wanted to have a heart attack. She managed to keep her cool- for the most part- but she refused to let me leave without a brand new, beautiful Bible. So...here it is.
Okay, so I am not one of those people who carry their Bible around everywhere, or even one who reads it every day. I haven't even gone to church in.....awhile. I still believe in God, and I still tell my baby boy about Him. We sing "Jesus Loves Me" and tell the Christmas Story and the Easter Story and all of that. He has been baptized. I know that it doesn't seem like much, but until I can get over my church issues, its what we've got.
That said, there have been days when I've felt sad and lonely and hopeless. When I first moved here, me with my BFF, it was hard. Money was tight, we only pretty much knew each other...it was exciting and new, but terrifying as well. It was definitely something we both needed to experience, this life away from all that was familiar, but it was certainly not easy. There were nights I would lie awake, worrying about everything from money to boys, jobs and broken hearts, friends and loneliness. And in those moments, I would bust out my handy-dandy, fancy pantsy Bible, and read. It has this excellent reference tool in the back, where it tells you what to read for certain issues life may throw your way. "When the future seems hopeless"; "When others have sinned against you"; "When some scumbag has broken your heart into a trillion pieces and you need God to smite him".....OKAY, I kind of made that last one up (gosh, wouldn't THAT be handy, though????). Still, it was comforting. The words, the hope, the idea that you can pray and think and there is SOMEONE up there who not only listens to what you have to say, but likes you for it. Or in spite of it.
I think we all have our certain, random things that comfort us. Not all of us have God; while I personally don't understand that point of view, I respect it, because I expect others to respect my point of view. Which I think is all we could really hope for in this world. If you think of a world with a lot more respect....well, a lot of our worldly issues would pretty much be resolved. Or at least, easier to resolve.
Then again, maybe its just my bright-eyed point of view. ; )
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Saturday Love
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont
Saturdays are my favorite days. Aside from having the day off from work, its a day that I get to spen
d entirely with this guy:That's right, my heart- well, a big ol' chunk of it- belongs to a two foot tall, pot bellied little boy. While I always wanted kids, I never realistically thought about it. I never sat down and said "okay, I want kids now". This Monkey was a surprise- to say the least.
I grew up quick when I realized he was coming (well, after two home pregnancy tests, panic attacks, sleepless nights, and tear-dropped tissues). I had to. And looking back, I'm thankful for it. Before him, I didn't think about anyone much other than myself. I had friends, and I loved my husband- then boyfriend. But kids are different. They depend on you entirely, completely. Even more so for the mother. I was the one that had to keep him safe and warm and fed from the get-go of existence. While its a magical thing, its a lot of pressure. Especially for a girl that considered a 7-11 Slurpee and leftover Subway cookies a balanced dinner (calm down, Mother). I had to change my ways, and immediately.
Now, Monkey is a year and a half old (18 months for those seriously counting), and I am very different from that girl who had the oops pregnancy. I have wipes in my purse and the backseat of my car has been taken over by toys. The living room of our house is rearranged just so, because Monkey likes to go where he isn't supposed to. My clothes are bigger than they once were, because my ass and tummy are bigger too. We have gates and diaper genies and a shelf in our cupboard full of baby-approved food. Now, instead of listening to rock or country or pop music at home, I listen to Disney songs or the Laurie Berkner Band (great CD by the way, for those with little ones). I have Blue's Clues memorized. I do anything to make my little boy laugh. And by anything, I mean dance, make funny faces, let him "cook" with all of the pots and pans, eat all my food, take my cup, sit in my chair, blow raspberries on his tummy, tickle, swing, carry, jump, cuddle...........
And you know what? My days are now full because of him. I'm exhausted, but I'm happy.
Monkey looks good in pretty much anything!
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