I was strolling across our office earlier today(about 5 minutes ago), when I witnessed one of my co-workers bringing a magazine to another co-worker. The magazine contains detailed information on NFL players, as well as cheat sheets - so that when you draft your very own Fantasy Football team, you have all the best information at your fingertips.
They huddled together for a few minutes, discussing strategies and who is considered a "sleeper" and who is a high-injury risk.
I've never played Fantasy Football (mostly because my husband doesn't even watch sports on TV) - but I'm sure it's addicting and can be really fun. I don't judge. I just found it really funny that the two co-workers who were so avidly discussing their draft strategies were Shannon and Jayne. They're talking about what their husbands do, how competitive it can get around the house...
We all have funny little things that we do to use up our free time - and I love when I come across something a little unexpected.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
how i spent my free time
Mark and I were home this weekend. For the first time in 6 weeks. We've had a busy summer - visiting the lake, going away for our anniversary, traveling to Chicago, weddings, camp... but I'm a homebody. It felt so good to be at home this weekend. I cleaned my laundry room; washed dishes; washed, dried and folded much laundry; put away veritable mountains of said clean laundry (which means you can now see our bedroom floor again); slept in; made breakfast; went to the movies; recycled 3 years' worth of laundry detergent bottles (no, I'm not joking - it may have taken us awhile, but at least we haven't been throwing them in the trash all this time...) It was so productive, relaxing and regenerating all at the same time.
It seems a little silly that a weekend of chores and mild laziness would be so refreshing. I remember when I was a kid, and I thought that it would be absolutely terrible to spend your weekend cleaning the house or pulling weeds instead of running around outside or playing games. But I do really love taking care of our home - when I'm on top of things and the place is (reasonably) clean, I feel so much more peaceful. It makes me hopeful that in 6 months when I'm at home with our baby, I'll be able to find joy and satisfaction in keeping our home.
And still find some time to run around outside and play some games.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
cheer, cheer for bolingbrook high...
Sometimes it's more fun (code: easier) to answer someone else's questions than to come up with anything original to write on my own. Today is one of those days. Here are my edge-of-your-seat thrilling answers to 23 questions about my life during the 4 years I spent at Bolingbrook High School.
1. Who was your best friend?
It changed pretty much every semester, depending on my class schedule. Whoever I saw the most, I guess. But Stephanie, Cory, Susan, and Jackie are high up on the list. Great gals.
2. Did you play any sports?
I played tennis for three years. My friend Anne and I played #3 doubles, and I think we usually won about as much as we lost (maybe a little more). I was propelled by fun more than talent, I think.
3. What kind of car did you drive?
A 1985 baby-blue Chevrolet Celebrity. The A/C was broken, the tape player didn't work, the felt-covered ceiling sagged enough to touch your head, the doors had rust-holes in them, and you had to open the driver's door by rolling down the window and unlatching it from the outside. Oh, and the right blinker was broken too. I loved that car.
4. It's Friday night. Where were you?
Out somewhere with friends - movies, bowling, stalking the mall, playing pool in someone's basement.
5. Were you a party animal?
Nope. We kept ourselves busy without alcohol, and I actually thought my friends that partied were kinda stupid - they ALWAYS got caught and ALWAYS got into major trouble. Isn't it actually more fun to do stuff that won't get you busted? Ah, the superior wisdom of the teenager.
6. Were you considered a flirt?
I don't think so. I have hideous flirting abilities. My husband will vouch for that. I tend to be oblivious to oh-so-subtle male advances. That, and I was way too self-conscious to risk the whole punching a guy on the arm, bat your eyelashes and wiggle your butt thing. Luckily, I married a great guy - and he really appreciates my complete inability to flirt, even when I try.
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
I was in the musicals and sang with the church choir. Didn't feel like singing for a GRADE though.
8. Were you a nerd?
Yeah, I think so. Not out-and-out, pocket-protector nerdy, but definitely sort of a nice-girl, school is important, stay out of trouble kind of nerdy. And I'm WAY nerdy when I'm comfortable with the people I'm with. (Face it - everyone is a nerd on the inside. It's just a matter of whether you're cool enough to admit it.)
9. Were you ever suspended or expelled?
Nope. See previous stay-out-of-trouble comments.
10. Can you still sing the fight song?
Actually, yes. Don't know why though - I was never a school-spirity kind of gal.
11. Who was your favorite teacher?
Shoot. I kind of loved Mr. Buss (he taught Chemistry) - but mostly because he just laughed at the havoc Jackie and I wreaked in his classroom. Constant giggling, creating our own experiments with hydrochloric acid and jellybeans, and drawing him pictures with scented markers. But he left up one of the pictures we made for him for years after. I didn't love Chemistry, but I enjoyed Mr. Buss.
12. What was your mascot?
We were the Raiders - a big ugly pirate guy with a knife in his teeth. Pretty darn tough.
13. Did you go to the prom?
Yes - junior and senior prom. Senior prom was significantly more fun, as I recall.
14. If you could go back, would you?
To prom? No. To high school in general? No. Even if I wanted to pass on pearls of wisdom to my younger self - I'm sure I would have been much too smart and mature to actually need the help. I did have it all figured out, after all.
15. What do you remember most about graduation?
I remember that my hair was fabulous that day - I had a fun, chin-length bob, and it was a good-hair-day. I remember that it felt kind of surreal - are we really OLD enough to be graduating??
16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day?
I think we hiked at Starved Rock. Or at the Brookfield Zoo. Or we may have been at Six Flags. I know I did all of those things at the end of senior year. And it was fun.
17. Did you have a job senior year?
Yup - I worked as a cashier/guest service desk gal at Target.
18. Where did you go most often for lunch?
We weren't allowed to leave. But my all-time favorite was chicken nugget day. Every Wednesday, baby.
19. Have you gained weight since then?
That's not really fair, seeing how I was about 115 pounds back then. But yes, I have. Gained, then lost. Now it's going back up - but now I can blame it on the baby and pretend I'll be back to my "old self" in no time. Ha.
20. What did you do after graduation?
I spent the summer working and hanging out with my friends, and then came to Michigan State University to become a Spartan. And I've never left. It's a good place to be, all in all.
21. What year did you graduate?
1998.
22. Who was your senior prom date?
Brett. He was my boyfriend for about half of senior year and the first year of college. A really good guy who I treated pretty crummy at the end - but I was 18 and I had just met my future husband. There was no sense of decency in my poor little head at that point.
23. Are you going/did you go to your 10-year reunion?
Yeah probably not. There are lots of people I'd love to see again, and reconnect with. It's just that reunions seem like such an awkward way to do that. Plus, there's NO WAY Mark would come with me, and I just don't feel like doing that solo.
That's all folks - I'll try to dig up some lovely high school pictures for you to add visuals to these riveting details of my life.
Just wait.
In the meantime - look back on high school and answer these questions yourself!
1. Who was your best friend?
It changed pretty much every semester, depending on my class schedule. Whoever I saw the most, I guess. But Stephanie, Cory, Susan, and Jackie are high up on the list. Great gals.
2. Did you play any sports?
I played tennis for three years. My friend Anne and I played #3 doubles, and I think we usually won about as much as we lost (maybe a little more). I was propelled by fun more than talent, I think.
3. What kind of car did you drive?
A 1985 baby-blue Chevrolet Celebrity. The A/C was broken, the tape player didn't work, the felt-covered ceiling sagged enough to touch your head, the doors had rust-holes in them, and you had to open the driver's door by rolling down the window and unlatching it from the outside. Oh, and the right blinker was broken too. I loved that car.
4. It's Friday night. Where were you?
Out somewhere with friends - movies, bowling, stalking the mall, playing pool in someone's basement.
5. Were you a party animal?
Nope. We kept ourselves busy without alcohol, and I actually thought my friends that partied were kinda stupid - they ALWAYS got caught and ALWAYS got into major trouble. Isn't it actually more fun to do stuff that won't get you busted? Ah, the superior wisdom of the teenager.
6. Were you considered a flirt?
I don't think so. I have hideous flirting abilities. My husband will vouch for that. I tend to be oblivious to oh-so-subtle male advances. That, and I was way too self-conscious to risk the whole punching a guy on the arm, bat your eyelashes and wiggle your butt thing. Luckily, I married a great guy - and he really appreciates my complete inability to flirt, even when I try.
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
I was in the musicals and sang with the church choir. Didn't feel like singing for a GRADE though.
8. Were you a nerd?
Yeah, I think so. Not out-and-out, pocket-protector nerdy, but definitely sort of a nice-girl, school is important, stay out of trouble kind of nerdy. And I'm WAY nerdy when I'm comfortable with the people I'm with. (Face it - everyone is a nerd on the inside. It's just a matter of whether you're cool enough to admit it.)
9. Were you ever suspended or expelled?
Nope. See previous stay-out-of-trouble comments.
10. Can you still sing the fight song?
Actually, yes. Don't know why though - I was never a school-spirity kind of gal.
11. Who was your favorite teacher?
Shoot. I kind of loved Mr. Buss (he taught Chemistry) - but mostly because he just laughed at the havoc Jackie and I wreaked in his classroom. Constant giggling, creating our own experiments with hydrochloric acid and jellybeans, and drawing him pictures with scented markers. But he left up one of the pictures we made for him for years after. I didn't love Chemistry, but I enjoyed Mr. Buss.
12. What was your mascot?
We were the Raiders - a big ugly pirate guy with a knife in his teeth. Pretty darn tough.
13. Did you go to the prom?
Yes - junior and senior prom. Senior prom was significantly more fun, as I recall.
14. If you could go back, would you?
To prom? No. To high school in general? No. Even if I wanted to pass on pearls of wisdom to my younger self - I'm sure I would have been much too smart and mature to actually need the help. I did have it all figured out, after all.
15. What do you remember most about graduation?
I remember that my hair was fabulous that day - I had a fun, chin-length bob, and it was a good-hair-day. I remember that it felt kind of surreal - are we really OLD enough to be graduating??
16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day?
I think we hiked at Starved Rock. Or at the Brookfield Zoo. Or we may have been at Six Flags. I know I did all of those things at the end of senior year. And it was fun.
17. Did you have a job senior year?
Yup - I worked as a cashier/guest service desk gal at Target.
18. Where did you go most often for lunch?
We weren't allowed to leave. But my all-time favorite was chicken nugget day. Every Wednesday, baby.
19. Have you gained weight since then?
That's not really fair, seeing how I was about 115 pounds back then. But yes, I have. Gained, then lost. Now it's going back up - but now I can blame it on the baby and pretend I'll be back to my "old self" in no time. Ha.
20. What did you do after graduation?
I spent the summer working and hanging out with my friends, and then came to Michigan State University to become a Spartan. And I've never left. It's a good place to be, all in all.
21. What year did you graduate?
1998.
22. Who was your senior prom date?
Brett. He was my boyfriend for about half of senior year and the first year of college. A really good guy who I treated pretty crummy at the end - but I was 18 and I had just met my future husband. There was no sense of decency in my poor little head at that point.
23. Are you going/did you go to your 10-year reunion?
Yeah probably not. There are lots of people I'd love to see again, and reconnect with. It's just that reunions seem like such an awkward way to do that. Plus, there's NO WAY Mark would come with me, and I just don't feel like doing that solo.
That's all folks - I'll try to dig up some lovely high school pictures for you to add visuals to these riveting details of my life.
Just wait.
In the meantime - look back on high school and answer these questions yourself!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
in good company
I'm a social person. Not always in the way most people would think of "social" - surrounded by lots of people, always in the thick of things, constantly "on the go." But I am social in the sense that I absolutely feed off relating to others - hearing and telling stories, comparing notes on life events, realizing that emotions and experiences are shared (but not the same - so there's a lot of wisdom to be gained in listening)... I soak that right up.
There's a gal in my office right now who is about 3.5 weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy. We both had doctor appointments this Monday. We both were fighting morning sickness together for a few weeks. Neither of can wear pants like a normal person. It's fun to share, and commiserate - and even more fun since this is her fourth baby. She empathizes, is going through the same things, and has the value of perspective and experience. I love chatting with her about clothes, labor/delivery (it's still far enough away that I'm not too stressed about it yet), and all manner of pregnancy-related issues.
I'm sure the conversation (much like this post) is absolutely uninteresting to the general population of the world.
But mostly, I'm reminded that God created me to share my life. It is good for us to sit with one another, share about ourselves and listen intently as others share about themselves. It is good to laugh, good to know you're not the only one going through life. God did a really cool thing when He made us that way.
There's a gal in my office right now who is about 3.5 weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy. We both had doctor appointments this Monday. We both were fighting morning sickness together for a few weeks. Neither of can wear pants like a normal person. It's fun to share, and commiserate - and even more fun since this is her fourth baby. She empathizes, is going through the same things, and has the value of perspective and experience. I love chatting with her about clothes, labor/delivery (it's still far enough away that I'm not too stressed about it yet), and all manner of pregnancy-related issues.
I'm sure the conversation (much like this post) is absolutely uninteresting to the general population of the world.
But mostly, I'm reminded that God created me to share my life. It is good for us to sit with one another, share about ourselves and listen intently as others share about themselves. It is good to laugh, good to know you're not the only one going through life. God did a really cool thing when He made us that way.
Monday, July 30, 2007
too much for prose...
So I must resort to a list.1. Camp at Timber Wolf Lake with our middle school friends was incredible! They are fun, funny, thoughtful, mature, childish, entertaining and encouraging. God was so faithful throughout our week - we had great conversations, beautiful weather, and lots of opportunities to stretch and grow in faith!!! (pictures to come!)
2. Katie and Brian got married this weekend, and we made it back from camp in time to catch some of their reception (including their first dance - which was part lovely slow dance, and part hilarious "evolution of dance" choreography). They seemed SO happy and relaxed - I like that.
3. We ate pizza with Brian & Katie on Sunday night (the celebrities of the weekend had time to picnic on our living room floor!!), and our friend Kelsey joined us not only for pizza Sunday night, but pancakes that morning too (she crashed at our place after the wedding on Saturday). It was fun to see so many friends.
4. I went to the doctor this morning and got to hear Baby's heartbeat again - the fetal doppler is an incredibly tiny machine! For a few seconds, I could hear my heartbeat and the baby's together - it was so cool. The rest of the appointment took about 7 minutes - all is good! Tomorrow I start my 13th week... time already seems to be slipping right by!
5. Mark and I are still making progress through the 7th Harry Potter book. Since I read it out loud, it can take 30-45 minutes per chapter. Slow but steady.
6. I can no longer comfortably wear my normal pants. I think it may be time for an upgrade. People told me I wouldn't show until 4 months or so, especially since this is baby numero uno. I guess I'm a little ahead of the curve. It's okay by me - at this point, I'm excited to sport a "baby bump." Ask me again in 3 or 4 months. :)
7. My energy is back up, and I feel much more "normal." I'm gonna try to take advantage while it lasts.
8. God is good. I read James 2 this morning, and really appreciated the connection between faith and deeds. It's easy to see the parallel after a week at camp.
Monday, July 23, 2007
absences: past and future
Mark and I had the pleasure of watching our good friend Brooks commit his life to his now-wife Abbey, this weekend. We traveled to Columbus, OH for rehearsal dinner, bachelor party, wedding, reception, and brunch with the newlyweds. It was a big weekend - full of funny people, laughter, and emotions. It's awfully cool to watch two people promise to love each other - to know that they will not always succeed at keeping each and every promise... but that if they are both sincere, humble, and graceful - God will honor their commitment.
We drove from Columbus to Plymouth (Mark's brother's new home) and visited with his family there. I got to meet our new nephew, Brody (only 8 days old!) and be shocked at how big our other 2 nephews have gotten. They really do grow SO fast!
Mark and I were able to *finally* read a few chapters of the new Harry Potter book last night - but tomorrow we leave for camp with our middle school friends, and won't be able to finish the book until we get back. I'm okay with waiting - I'm just terrified that someone will give something away in the meantime. No spoilers, people!
We'll spend Tuesday through Saturday at camp (great fun!) and head straight to a wedding when we get back Saturday night (we'll be pretty late, but at least we can show up and give a little support and love!)
I think I might sleep all day Sunday.
Or read Harry Potter to Mark.
We drove from Columbus to Plymouth (Mark's brother's new home) and visited with his family there. I got to meet our new nephew, Brody (only 8 days old!) and be shocked at how big our other 2 nephews have gotten. They really do grow SO fast!
Mark and I were able to *finally* read a few chapters of the new Harry Potter book last night - but tomorrow we leave for camp with our middle school friends, and won't be able to finish the book until we get back. I'm okay with waiting - I'm just terrified that someone will give something away in the meantime. No spoilers, people!
We'll spend Tuesday through Saturday at camp (great fun!) and head straight to a wedding when we get back Saturday night (we'll be pretty late, but at least we can show up and give a little support and love!)
I think I might sleep all day Sunday.
Or read Harry Potter to Mark.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
end of an era?
Tonight is the last night our friend Brooks will be living at our house. He moved in with us last July and spent the year student-teaching at a nearby high school (chemistry - yikes!). He's getting married this Saturday, heading off on his honeymoon, then moving to Atlanta, Georgia to become a big-time high school teacher and (football?baseball?both?) coach. It's going to be a pretty big, life-changing couple of weeks for our good friend.Tonight, in honor of our last night together as a trio - we'll watch hours and hours of TV. Sometime during the fall, we got started watching Scrubs on DVD - and wound up buying the first 4 seasons (all that was out at the time). We always watch them together. It's the rule.
Last week, Brooks brought home the newly-released 5th season, and we absolutely MUST finish the season tonight.
So we'll probably share a meal, and spend the evening in good company, laughing at a pretty darn funny show. I think it will be a good "last night" for us.
But we're going to miss him.
Friday, July 13, 2007
journey into the unknown
I'd like to introduce you to the person that's currently growing inside me. I don't know much about this person yet - no idea if it's a boy or a girl (or even if it's just one person). I'm not sure what he/she will look like, or what kinds of hobbies will be pursued, or what funny things he/she will say someday to crack the daddy and I up. I do know that this is a true blessing from God; the giver of all good and perfect gifts. I know that it humbles me to my very core to think that I'm being entrusted, along with Mark, to provide care, love, and godly instruction for this precious child of the King. I know that this baby will be ridiculously loved.
And I know I'm thrilled. Baby B is due to join us in the middle of February. I'm sure the next seven months will fly by and drag along, all at the same time!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
burley bakery
I think I've developed a new hobby.
Tonight, Jayne (a co-worker and friend) is coming over to help bake some goodies for a party we're having at work tomorrow (another co-worker's wife just had a baby, and we want to welcome her to our clan!)
We're making an apple-blueberry pie, and chocolate cake from scratch. I'm excited - even though it means heating up the oven (and the house) - I'm really enjoying spending time in the kitchen. And making things from scratch.
Maybe I'm nesting.
Tonight, Jayne (a co-worker and friend) is coming over to help bake some goodies for a party we're having at work tomorrow (another co-worker's wife just had a baby, and we want to welcome her to our clan!)
We're making an apple-blueberry pie, and chocolate cake from scratch. I'm excited - even though it means heating up the oven (and the house) - I'm really enjoying spending time in the kitchen. And making things from scratch.
Maybe I'm nesting.
Monday, July 09, 2007
bed and breakfast
Mark and I celebrated our 5th anniversary on Friday with a weekend trip up to Ludington. We stayed at a log cabin B&B that was beautifully decorated and made me want to gut my house and put logs on the walls. We ate a lot of good food, walked along the water and through the state park, saw a movie, picked cherries, went to bed early, and generally enjoyed ourselves very much. It was so nice to get away for a weekend and just be in each other's company. We've been very blessed these five years.Yesterday I made two cherry pies with the cherries we hand-picked over the weekend, and Mark and Brooks were happy to help me taste-test them last night (with a little vanilla ice cream, of course). Brooks is getting married in less than two weeks, and moving to the Atlanta area shortly after. We'll miss him a lot - more than we realize right now, I think. He surprised us with the 5th season of Scrubs on DVD last night (we've watched the first 4 seasons together this year), and we spent a couple happy hours watching some very funny episodes; again - just enjoying the company.
It was a good weekend.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
small towns and big projects
The town Mark and I live in is home to approximately 7000 people. It has a lovely downtown area, complete with ice cream parlor, hair salons, a book shop, little restaurants, the local bank... and in the center of the square - a courthouse, complete with bell/clock tower. We l-o-v-e it.
Last night, we sat on the curb at the corner of Jefferson and Ash Streets, and watched the 4th of July parade.
We were pelted with candy, sprayed with hoses from the fire engines (somehow doesn't seem quite legal to me....), and we tried (but failed) to count the tractors that went by. It was a fantastic, fun, small-town parade - full of pride and a sense of community.
The parade was followed with ice cream, laughs, and watching the fireworks with some of our soon-to-be-in-high-school friends. Very fun (although fireworks that start after 10:00pm make Katie sleepy the next morning).
As for big projects - we've started (and I use the term "we" pretty loosely here) to finish our basement. We'll be adding a bedroom and a half-bath, and leaving the other side of the basement open for storage and flex-space. Hard to believe our little house will be a daunting, 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath masterpiece soon (ha!) Anyway - some of the walls are framed in already, and lumber, nails and sawdust abound. I'm really excited to see the finished result.
Last night, we sat on the curb at the corner of Jefferson and Ash Streets, and watched the 4th of July parade.
We were pelted with candy, sprayed with hoses from the fire engines (somehow doesn't seem quite legal to me....), and we tried (but failed) to count the tractors that went by. It was a fantastic, fun, small-town parade - full of pride and a sense of community.
The parade was followed with ice cream, laughs, and watching the fireworks with some of our soon-to-be-in-high-school friends. Very fun (although fireworks that start after 10:00pm make Katie sleepy the next morning).
As for big projects - we've started (and I use the term "we" pretty loosely here) to finish our basement. We'll be adding a bedroom and a half-bath, and leaving the other side of the basement open for storage and flex-space. Hard to believe our little house will be a daunting, 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath masterpiece soon (ha!) Anyway - some of the walls are framed in already, and lumber, nails and sawdust abound. I'm really excited to see the finished result.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
yum?
Smokey Bones is one of our favorite places to go for dinner on date night. Why, you ask? Well, there are three fantastic reasons.1. Pulled pork that makes my mouth water thinking about it.
2. We get gift cards from our Discover CashBack bonus that let us eat there for free.
3. Pulled pork that makes my mouth water thinking about it.
The last time Mark and I were there (which was FAR too long ago, by the way), there was a family a few tables over. Mom, dad, young son (maybe 4 years old). I saw the little boy surreptitiously spit into his palm, then offer his hand to his dad as he said, "Friends?"
Now, as a good dad, he is of course suspicious of this offer to shake his young son's hand. Plus, I don't think son was quite as sneaky about the spitting as he intended to be. Dad graciously declined. But it made me laugh (in my head - I try not to laugh out loud at strangers in public places, especially when they don't know I'm watching them). The innocence (and not-so-innocence) of youth - learning some new joke or trick that is incredibly funny, and longing to try it out on your "unsuspecting" parents.
At what point (if ever) do we realize that our parents aren't actually clueless and unsuspecting? At what point will I become that parent to my kid?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
sister time
When I tell people that my sister is coming into town for the weekend, they always ask me things like, "Ooh, that'll be fun. Will you go shopping?" or "Do you have big 'going out' plans?"
Probably not.
What will happen:
We'll go to the grocery store and get some snacks and whatever we need to make a pizza with extra cheese and mushrooms.
We'll rent movies - sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes one of each.
We'll giggle uncontrollably about highly unladylike and childish things.
I'll paint her toenails, then paint my own. She's a very talented gal, but completely unable to paint the toenail without painting the whole toe.
We'll take walks, read books, go to Starbucks, pick up some Arby's.
And basically have a lovely, we-really-didn't-do-much-but-look-how-much-we-got-done weekend.
I love those weekends.
Probably not.
What will happen:
We'll go to the grocery store and get some snacks and whatever we need to make a pizza with extra cheese and mushrooms.
We'll rent movies - sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes one of each.
We'll giggle uncontrollably about highly unladylike and childish things.
I'll paint her toenails, then paint my own. She's a very talented gal, but completely unable to paint the toenail without painting the whole toe.
We'll take walks, read books, go to Starbucks, pick up some Arby's.
And basically have a lovely, we-really-didn't-do-much-but-look-how-much-we-got-done weekend.
I love those weekends.
Friday, June 22, 2007
what a week!
Well, life got busy, and things got away from me. But it's Friday afternoon, and my sister is coming to town for the weekend, and right now - that's all I'm thinking about. :)
I'll let you know how much unbelievable fun the two of us have when I come back to bloggity-land on Monday!
I'll let you know how much unbelievable fun the two of us have when I come back to bloggity-land on Monday!
Monday, June 18, 2007
whirlwinds and such
I just came off one of those weekends that is crazy-busy and at the same time accomplishing absolutely nothing. Well, not nothing. Here are the major things I did this weekend:
* Held onto my willpower and bought nothing at the Mary Kay party I went to on Friday (and my oh my were there some tempting deals). I did walk away with a new lipgloss, shower gel, hand cream, and a bag of chocolate. All for free. :)
* Crocheted many rows on the blanket for our new nephew-to-be (he's due to arrive on July 11). I'm almost done!
* Listened to SchoolHouse Rock and Leapster songs until my head began to explode. Just a little bit.
* Sat in bed with a 6-year-old, discussing all the stuffed animals that reside in his twin bed. He named one of the kittens Katie. It was cute.
* Played wiffle ball in the neighbor's backyard (we were staying at their house, watching their 3 boys this weekend).
* Had a couple nice (if a little short and interrupted) conversations with my hubby.
* Took "naps" on Saturday and Sunday - the kind where you're laying down, eyes closed, and pretty much out of it, but still listening to and aware of what's going on around you.
All in all - it was a pretty nice weekend. Not exactly refreshing - but there were distinct moments of unexpected sweetness that I really enjoyed.
Oh - and free chocolate.
* Held onto my willpower and bought nothing at the Mary Kay party I went to on Friday (and my oh my were there some tempting deals). I did walk away with a new lipgloss, shower gel, hand cream, and a bag of chocolate. All for free. :)
* Crocheted many rows on the blanket for our new nephew-to-be (he's due to arrive on July 11). I'm almost done!
* Listened to SchoolHouse Rock and Leapster songs until my head began to explode. Just a little bit.
* Sat in bed with a 6-year-old, discussing all the stuffed animals that reside in his twin bed. He named one of the kittens Katie. It was cute.
* Played wiffle ball in the neighbor's backyard (we were staying at their house, watching their 3 boys this weekend).
* Had a couple nice (if a little short and interrupted) conversations with my hubby.
* Took "naps" on Saturday and Sunday - the kind where you're laying down, eyes closed, and pretty much out of it, but still listening to and aware of what's going on around you.
All in all - it was a pretty nice weekend. Not exactly refreshing - but there were distinct moments of unexpected sweetness that I really enjoyed.
Oh - and free chocolate.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
dwarfed
When I was in high school, 6 of my girlfriends and I decided that we needed to assign ourselves nicknames from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I'm pretty sure the logic was infallible at 3:42am, surrounded by caffeine, chocolate, cake, and assorted chips/pretzels/cheetos - I just can't remember why right now.At any rate - I was dubbed Happy (and was truly happy just to not be labeled Grumpy). I recall that Jackie was Doc (she was the valedictorian), Susan was Dopey(she had unfortunate -but darling- protruding ears), Stephanie was Bashful (not actually shy, but her face could turn an amazing shade of pink when embarrassed)... and I don't recall the rest.
Despite the fact that I have officially been "Happy" since the mid-90s... today (and for the past 2-3 days), I have been Sleepy. Constant yawning, fantasies of laying down with 4 or 5 (dozen) pillows... and I even went to bed at 9:15pm last night!!!
I should inform myself that I am actually not Sleepy, but Happy. I wonder if I would be awake and alert enough to listen...
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
mini-vacation
Every year, Mark and I try to take a mini-vacation for our anniversary. This year (the big number 5!), we are heading up to Ludington, MI to stay at a bed and breakfast and enjoy Michigan at its finest. I'm looking forward to sleeping in, big breakfasts, walking around a quaint downtown area, enjoying Lake Michigan, and generally relaxing with the man I've been lucky enough to call my best friend for many years now.
We'll be embarking on our expedition on July 5th - so I still have to wait a little while... but days like today (sunny, 80s) make me think of vacations.
Monday, June 11, 2007
summer lovin'
Or, more accurately... lovin' summer. Here's why:
Watermelon
Sunny days
Windows flung wide open
The sun is up before I am
Long walks through downtown Mason
Dinner on the grill
Relaxed schedules
Cute skirts
Bare Feet
Painted toenails
Thunderstorms (once in awhile)
Ice cream
Fresh cut grass
Visiting the lake
What do you like about summer?
Watermelon
Sunny days
Windows flung wide open
The sun is up before I am
Long walks through downtown Mason
Dinner on the grill
Relaxed schedules
Cute skirts
Bare Feet
Painted toenails
Thunderstorms (once in awhile)
Ice cream
Fresh cut grass
Visiting the lake
What do you like about summer?
Friday, June 08, 2007
weakness
I allowed myself to be talked into buying a new skirt last night. I saw it, loved it, and was all set to resist it and endure the heartache of NOT walking away with the adorable, colorful, flowery wrap skirt... until the two other gals who were with me started in.
No more spending for me. Done.
Until the next cute wrap skirt walks into my life and sweeps me away...
D: You should get it, it's so cute.And since I wanted it anyway, I caved. I probably shouldn't have. But I'm a wimp, and it's lovely and I'll wear it a lot (and since it's a wrap, it will pretty much always fit me, which is a great quality to have in clothes).
A: Yeah, I have one like it. I love it.
D: I have one too, because A talked me into it.
Both: Do it.
No more spending for me. Done.
Until the next cute wrap skirt walks into my life and sweeps me away...
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
domesticity
Lately, motivations from a variety of sources have pushed me toward the land of the Modern Homemaker. 1. It's summertime, which means we aren't at meetings twice a week where dinner is provided for us.
2. Turns that it's not an absolute end-of-the-world-imposition to run the dishwasher daily.
3. We had two ripe (almost completely brown) bananas in our fruit dish... banana bread MUST follow.
4. Mark thought it would be fun to make a pie.
5. I have the cutest green apron from Crate & Barrel - I l.o.v.e. to wear it.
6. Someone told me somewhere down the line that it's cheaper to cook at home than it is to eat out every. single. night.
Anyway - In the past week, I've made broccoli & beef stir-fry, meatball subs, banana bread, an apple-blueberry pie (ALL from scratch), and a cheesy-chicken crock-pot dish. And it's been fun. I don't think I'm quite ready to be a 1950's poster-gal for homemaking... but we all have to have a goal.
ps. The apple-blueberry pie was SO. GOOD. I can say that, because ALL I did was follow the instructions. But if you ask nicely, I might make you one.
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