Gosh, it's been a while since I posted. Life has been very crazy the past few weeks. Stomach flu for Daredevil, #3, and me, then an ear infection for #3, and just last week, our mid-Atlantic area, which never sees much snow, got over THREE FEET of snow last week over the course of two major storms.
Our entire area shut down. State of emergency. Widespread power outages (which, thankfully, did not effect us). Travel bans. School cancelled FOR THE WHOLE WEEK.
Here's the irony. At work, we have begged and begged for remote access to be able to work from home for greater flexibility. It took a few years, but we finally got laptops and remote access last fall.
So, during these snow days, while the company I work for was technically closed in my area, we were expected to work remotely.
Yup, work all day. And take care of kids at the same time.
I'm sure you are thinking: with a state of emergency, your husband must have been home too, so that wasn't so bad, right?
Wrong. We had 3+ feet of snow outside. He spent most of the week snow blowing the driveway, the neighbors' driveways, the sidewalks, around the mailbox, and a path for the dog since he is CEO of All Things Outside at our address. Since it kept snowing and drifting, he had to do this over and over again.
Now I'm not complaining in the least bit - I don't like snow, or even cold weather for that matter, so I'm grateful he actually enjoys bundling up and snow blowing the entire neighborhood in the 25-degree weather while I stay inside and make hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.
But alas, when the governor lifted the travel ban, he decided Must.Be.In.The.Office, so he went there Thursday and Friday, leaving me flying solo working and taking care of the kids.
While I did like spending the days in my pajamas with the kids, it was difficult and stressful to work and take care of an 18 month old's many needs at the same time.
Plus, my older 2 were bored. There was so much snow it was difficult to go sledding. And you can only make tunnels and have snowball fights for so long. They had a few play dates, otherwise they played the Wii and watched Nickelodeon or movies while I worked. I did venture out in my massive 4 wheel drive full size SUV to take them out to lunch twice, figuring if I was ignoring them for most of the day, at least I could take them somewhere cool on my lunch break.
We made it up to them on Sunday by taking them to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. What a cool place!
We were supposed to get another storm this Monday, calling for 4 to 8 inches. I was going to go stark raving mad if school was cancelled another day. But, the storm fizzled out, we got about an inch, and off to school and work it was for all of us yesterday. Thank goodness!
I took some great photos of our Snowmageddeon, I'll try to post them next!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week
Wow, it's been a while since I've done one of these. If I was more organized, I'd jot these down while they happen. But, I'm definitely not more organized, so here I sit, wracking my brain . . . I have many Not Me moments . . wish I could remember half of them. Here goes:
I did NOT, as I lay on the couch in delirious exhaustion after an all-nighter by the bowl with the stomach virus, after taking a call from #3's day care regarding a blow out so bad they had to give her a BATH, decide to keep here there for a few more hours so I could sleep.
I did NOT, after Daredevil requested Sloppy Joe's for dinner, go pick up two big cans of Manwich in a snowstorm and think I could just open them, pour them into the pot, heat them up and have instant dinner. Of course I knew that you had to add your own ground beef separately which of course I already had defrosting all afternoon in the fridge. As they say, a sandwich is a sandwich, but a MANWICH is a MEAL. haha.
I did NOT think, at 10am on a Sunday morning after Diva went to a 10 year old sleepover party: "It's time to pick her up already?" Of COURSE I missed my firstborn terribly and and couldn't wait until she arrived home with freshly painted blue fingernails, informing me she had won a slumber party beauty pageant, a key factor in her victory being the dance portion of the competition.
I did NOT have to pull over while driving this weekend after looking back and seeing #3 had undone the clip holding her car seat straps together and had fished her arms out of both straps, and was sitting there with a mischevious smile, very satisfied with her efforts. Why don't all car seats have the type of clips that snap?
I did NOT take back-only shots of Daredevil on his new snowboard this weekend in our front yard because I didn't want to leave the sidewalk to go down in the yard and get my feet wet in the snow, or worse, slip and fall down the hill.
Happy Monday everyone!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Good News!
Heartfelt thanks to anyone out there who prayed for my Dad.
I am happy to report he is feeling better, and his heart catheterization yesterday showed NO BLOCKAGES. (This is nothing short of a miracle, the cardiologists seemed pretty sure there'd be something there.)
Things have turned the corner fairly quickly. He was even released from the hospital today.
But he's not home free.
Lots of medications, follow up with his five doctors, and lifestyle changes await him.
He was told to follow the South Beach (low glycemic index) diet. No more smoking, of course. Get all kinds of tests done (some very frequently)
He was back to being his old self yesterday - lobbying to get released, using his charm on anyone who would listen.
So he dodged yet another bullet. But the bullets are getting closer and closer to him. Hopefully he'll follow the rules this time. But he likes to follow his own rules.
Many thanks to the readers who reached out to me with their kind words - it has meant more to me than you know.
Thank you!
J
I am happy to report he is feeling better, and his heart catheterization yesterday showed NO BLOCKAGES. (This is nothing short of a miracle, the cardiologists seemed pretty sure there'd be something there.)
Things have turned the corner fairly quickly. He was even released from the hospital today.
But he's not home free.
Lots of medications, follow up with his five doctors, and lifestyle changes await him.
He was told to follow the South Beach (low glycemic index) diet. No more smoking, of course. Get all kinds of tests done (some very frequently)
He was back to being his old self yesterday - lobbying to get released, using his charm on anyone who would listen.
So he dodged yet another bullet. But the bullets are getting closer and closer to him. Hopefully he'll follow the rules this time. But he likes to follow his own rules.
Many thanks to the readers who reached out to me with their kind words - it has meant more to me than you know.
Thank you!
J
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Terrified
My Dad is sick.
Really sick.
He was admitted to the hospital on Monday for the same type of thing he's had before - pneumonia. He's a lifelong smoker, and has asthma and COPD on top of that. So, he doesn't just get a cold - it always turns into pneumonia, usually a couple of times a year.
We've been through it all before - he waits until he's almost past the point of return to seek medical attention. We plead with him to see a doctor. The doctor sends him right to the hospital, where they pump him full of antibiotics and breathing treatments, and in a week or so he's better, vowing to quit smoking, lose weight, etc. since everyone at the hospital has read him the riot act about it. But within weeks or sometimes days, he's smoking again, eating cheesesteaks and working too much.
This time, it started out the same way, but now it's more than just pneumonia and lung trouble. Now he's having periodic chest pain, atrial fibrillation, blood clots, ventricular tachycardia, possible blockages, and other stuff I can't spell or pronounce.
So it's not just his lungs this time - it's his heart.
He's on 17 medications. Hooked up to countless machines. Lots of tests - CAT scan, daily EKGs, etc. He hasn't been getting worse, but he's not getting better.
He gets a heart catheterization on Monday. That will determine the next steps - whether or not he has blockages (they seem to think he likely does), and what to do about them - possibly stents, angioplasty or even a bypass.
He is in good spirits, as usual, downplaying all this stuff, putting on a brave face and focusing on everyone else other than himself. Typical. But we are terrified.
If he makes it through all this, we are sure he will need to make major lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking, scaling back on work, etc). This is not the type of thing that he has done well with in the past.
So, if you pray, kindly include my dad. We need all the prayers for him we can get.
I know he won't live forever, but I'm not ready to let him go yet.
I can't imagine a world without my Daddy.
Thank you.
Really sick.
He was admitted to the hospital on Monday for the same type of thing he's had before - pneumonia. He's a lifelong smoker, and has asthma and COPD on top of that. So, he doesn't just get a cold - it always turns into pneumonia, usually a couple of times a year.
We've been through it all before - he waits until he's almost past the point of return to seek medical attention. We plead with him to see a doctor. The doctor sends him right to the hospital, where they pump him full of antibiotics and breathing treatments, and in a week or so he's better, vowing to quit smoking, lose weight, etc. since everyone at the hospital has read him the riot act about it. But within weeks or sometimes days, he's smoking again, eating cheesesteaks and working too much.
This time, it started out the same way, but now it's more than just pneumonia and lung trouble. Now he's having periodic chest pain, atrial fibrillation, blood clots, ventricular tachycardia, possible blockages, and other stuff I can't spell or pronounce.
So it's not just his lungs this time - it's his heart.
He's on 17 medications. Hooked up to countless machines. Lots of tests - CAT scan, daily EKGs, etc. He hasn't been getting worse, but he's not getting better.
He gets a heart catheterization on Monday. That will determine the next steps - whether or not he has blockages (they seem to think he likely does), and what to do about them - possibly stents, angioplasty or even a bypass.
He is in good spirits, as usual, downplaying all this stuff, putting on a brave face and focusing on everyone else other than himself. Typical. But we are terrified.
If he makes it through all this, we are sure he will need to make major lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking, scaling back on work, etc). This is not the type of thing that he has done well with in the past.
So, if you pray, kindly include my dad. We need all the prayers for him we can get.
I know he won't live forever, but I'm not ready to let him go yet.
I can't imagine a world without my Daddy.
Thank you.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Goodbye 2009....Welcome 2010
As I've said here before, New Year's Day is one of my favorite days. A fresh start, time to think about what I can do to make myself better - love it. I always make resolutions. And while most of the time I don't ever fully achieve them, they get me focused and moving in the right direction.
Looking back, while 2009 wasn't my favorite of years, it was a really good one. Hunter and I have good jobs we enjoy. The kids are healthy and happy, and we enjoyed #3's first year immensely. Our families are healthy. I'm grateful for all those things.
My friend Cat inspired me to reflect over what I DID accomplish in 2009, rather than obsess over what I DIDN'T.
Here's my top-ten list of Things I Accomplished in 2009:
1. I ran four 5-k races with Diva, improving our pace each time (even if it was only by seconds!).
2. I became a devotee of exercise classes, even summoning the nerve to try new ones I knew nothing about (like Body Combat!).
3. I became a regular at my gym at work, which very much helped my general stress level.
4. I got better at balancing my time between my kids, a challenge due to their differences in ages. (9, 7, and 1)
5. I got promoted to Vice President at work. This was a long time coming. Four years ago, they announced that paralegals at our company could be promoted to VP. But none in our location (which was acquired in a merger) had been, even though many of us have consistently met or exceeded the qualifications.
6. I read the entire Twilight series, plus about 20 other books, mostly non-fiction, thus learning, among other things, about Nichiren Buddhism, applying military strategy to every day life, ancient civilization, the Supreme Court, and the Gucci empire.
7. We finally took (older) kids to New York City for a day trip, like we've been talking about for a couple of years. Can't wait to go back.
8. We had a yard sale in the spring, as well as gave two pickup truck loads of clothes, toys, etc. to Goodwill and the Order of the Purple Heart. I also gave some of Daredevil's old clothes to my sister in law, accepting finally that I'm not going to be having any more babies.
9. Recently cleaned out and reorganized my kids' playroom, filling up 3 hefty bags with junk and boxing up scads of stuff for Goodwill and/or our next yard sale, also making it safe(r) for our 1 year old. This was quite an undertaking - wish I'd taken before and after pictures.
10. Kept up with my blogs, learning more and more about it all the time.
So, for 2010, here is my top 10 list of things I want to work on. They aren't all-or-nothings, and some are little steps that I hope help me achieve a larger goal over time (i.e., lose 30 pounds, have more money, have a beautiful sparkling organized house, etc.)...
In 2010, I resolve to . . .
1. Pack my lunch for work more (and thus controlling my portions and costs)
2. Use my crock pot more (and thus do more planning in advance)
3. Drink less soda, eat less meat, eat more fruits/vegetables
4. Keep up with my blogs and make them look better
5. Run longer races, like 5 milers or maybe even a 10k, and make my 5k pace better
6. Ruthlessly attack the the clutter disaster that is my basement
7. Plan vacations that are as relaxing as possible
8. Have more date nights with my husband (goal is one a month, right now it's one or two a year.)
9. Do a better job of keeping my house clean (hello, FlyLady!)
10.Be kinder to myself and others.
So that's it. I'm feeling good and full of optimism and hope for 2010. To see what inspired my new-found positivity, check out Cat's blog here.
May you have health, happiness and prosperity in 2010!
Looking back, while 2009 wasn't my favorite of years, it was a really good one. Hunter and I have good jobs we enjoy. The kids are healthy and happy, and we enjoyed #3's first year immensely. Our families are healthy. I'm grateful for all those things.
My friend Cat inspired me to reflect over what I DID accomplish in 2009, rather than obsess over what I DIDN'T.
Here's my top-ten list of Things I Accomplished in 2009:
1. I ran four 5-k races with Diva, improving our pace each time (even if it was only by seconds!).
2. I became a devotee of exercise classes, even summoning the nerve to try new ones I knew nothing about (like Body Combat!).
3. I became a regular at my gym at work, which very much helped my general stress level.
4. I got better at balancing my time between my kids, a challenge due to their differences in ages. (9, 7, and 1)
5. I got promoted to Vice President at work. This was a long time coming. Four years ago, they announced that paralegals at our company could be promoted to VP. But none in our location (which was acquired in a merger) had been, even though many of us have consistently met or exceeded the qualifications.
6. I read the entire Twilight series, plus about 20 other books, mostly non-fiction, thus learning, among other things, about Nichiren Buddhism, applying military strategy to every day life, ancient civilization, the Supreme Court, and the Gucci empire.
7. We finally took (older) kids to New York City for a day trip, like we've been talking about for a couple of years. Can't wait to go back.
8. We had a yard sale in the spring, as well as gave two pickup truck loads of clothes, toys, etc. to Goodwill and the Order of the Purple Heart. I also gave some of Daredevil's old clothes to my sister in law, accepting finally that I'm not going to be having any more babies.
9. Recently cleaned out and reorganized my kids' playroom, filling up 3 hefty bags with junk and boxing up scads of stuff for Goodwill and/or our next yard sale, also making it safe(r) for our 1 year old. This was quite an undertaking - wish I'd taken before and after pictures.
10. Kept up with my blogs, learning more and more about it all the time.
So, for 2010, here is my top 10 list of things I want to work on. They aren't all-or-nothings, and some are little steps that I hope help me achieve a larger goal over time (i.e., lose 30 pounds, have more money, have a beautiful sparkling organized house, etc.)...
In 2010, I resolve to . . .
1. Pack my lunch for work more (and thus controlling my portions and costs)
2. Use my crock pot more (and thus do more planning in advance)
3. Drink less soda, eat less meat, eat more fruits/vegetables
4. Keep up with my blogs and make them look better
5. Run longer races, like 5 milers or maybe even a 10k, and make my 5k pace better
6. Ruthlessly attack the the clutter disaster that is my basement
7. Plan vacations that are as relaxing as possible
8. Have more date nights with my husband (goal is one a month, right now it's one or two a year.)
9. Do a better job of keeping my house clean (hello, FlyLady!)
10.Be kinder to myself and others.
So that's it. I'm feeling good and full of optimism and hope for 2010. To see what inspired my new-found positivity, check out Cat's blog here.
May you have health, happiness and prosperity in 2010!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Pros and Cons of Working At Home
We recently got laptops at work and have been given the option of working from home when necessary.
Since my area got TWO FEET OF SNOW last weekend, and school was canceled Monday AND Tuesday, I exercised the WFH option yesterday. I am also working this morning to make up for a 1/2 a sick day I took last week when #3 got sick.
So I've been working from home with Diva and Daredevil underfoot. #3 went to day care - I'm under no delusions that I can draft and negotiate contracts while taking care of a 1 year old.
Pros of Working From Home
Since my area got TWO FEET OF SNOW last weekend, and school was canceled Monday AND Tuesday, I exercised the WFH option yesterday. I am also working this morning to make up for a 1/2 a sick day I took last week when #3 got sick.
So I've been working from home with Diva and Daredevil underfoot. #3 went to day care - I'm under no delusions that I can draft and negotiate contracts while taking care of a 1 year old.
Pros of Working From Home
- 2 hours of my life back (that's my usual total commute time)
- Can work in my pajamas
- Can have the TV on in the background and find out important info like Balloon Boy's father was sentenced to 90 days in jail
- Can focus on work rather than office gossip
- Can throw a load of laundry in every so often
- Save $ on gas and food expenses
- Can light a fire in the fireplace to enjoy while working
- I had to stop working in order to break up a fistfight over . . a couch cushion.
- Diva and Daredevil can't seem to stay out of the room I'm working in (under normal circumstances, I could go for hours in our house without seeing them, but as soon as I tell them I have to work and they have to entertain themselves for a few hours, forget it.)
- "Mom....I'm bored....Mom.....I'm hungry.......Mom.....what are you working on?.....Mom....when are you going to be done?.....Mom, what's 24 minus 6?.....etc."
- Instead of going to our awesome cafeteria to get a yummy breakfast & lunch, I actually have to make it myself. And clean up.
- Can't get to the work gym for the awesome classes they have there . . Zumba, Step and Pump, Kickboxing, and Body Blast.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
To all 24 fans . . watch this . .it's hilarious!
And Merry Christmas!
Can't wait for the new season of 24 to start . . .love me some Jack Bauer!
Can't wait for the new season of 24 to start . . .love me some Jack Bauer!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Life is Overhwelming, but Good
So our Thanksgiving week trip to South Carolina was quite chaotic, but it was great to see Hunter's family. The week was not without challenges on the health front, though.
#3 was sick the first part of the week with a pretty bad cold, and Daredevil got sick (fever and vomiting) just before we were to make the 12 hour drive home on Saturday, so we stayed an extra night (not good for my sister and law and her family, who were sharing living quarters with us).
Thankfully he recovered fairly quickly (after an ER visit) and we were able to make the trip home Sunday, and I continue to hold my breath that neither of my other kids (or their eight cousins we visited with last week) get it. We got in so late Sunday night that I kept everyone home from school Monday and called in sick to work. I just couldn't send the kids to school when they we got in at 2 a.m. the night before.
I should go on vacation more often. I returned to work on to find out (a) that I was promoted to Vice President (yay!), and (b) I won exclusive use of a locker at the gym at work for December via random drawing for loyal members. Yay!
Unfortunately, the VP promotion did not come with a raise (wtf?), which I really could have used, but OK. I'm just grateful to have a job , and it's very nice to be recognized. I interact with lots of executives in my job, so it's nice to be a little closer to their level.
Life is good, except, as usual, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Today is December 9th, and I have NOTHING done for the holidays. Well, not nothing - the tree is in a bucket of water in the garage and I've bought a few gifts online, but that's IT.
Christmas cards? Not even designed yet. Address labels? List not updated yet, and the printer is out of ink. Decorations? Still in the basement (Actually I think the box of Halloween stuff is still in the dining room). How many times the kids ask about when we will decorate the tree and house? Daily. However, I did fold the laundry last night and carried it upstairs! And I've been keeping up with my exercise classes!
So you'd think this weekend we'd get caught up, right? Not a chance. Friday night: a party for Hunter's work, the second of three parties we must attend, and Saturday: Diva has a dance performance, then Hunter and I are attending a family wedding overnight; and Sunday, birthday party at the local skating rink.
So I'm taking a day off tomorrow. Not to shop, although I need to do that. But to CLEAN and DECORATE my house. I'm afraid I'll spend all day cleaning and get nothing else done, and that might very well be the case. I was hoping to squeeze in an eyebrow wax, pedi, and possible spray tan so I don't look like a winter ghost with ape feet and caterpillar brows at this wedding, but at this point I think it's wishful thinking.
I realize why New Years' Day is one of my favorite holidays - it signifies that this holiday craziness is over and life will get back to normal!!
#3 was sick the first part of the week with a pretty bad cold, and Daredevil got sick (fever and vomiting) just before we were to make the 12 hour drive home on Saturday, so we stayed an extra night (not good for my sister and law and her family, who were sharing living quarters with us).
Thankfully he recovered fairly quickly (after an ER visit) and we were able to make the trip home Sunday, and I continue to hold my breath that neither of my other kids (or their eight cousins we visited with last week) get it. We got in so late Sunday night that I kept everyone home from school Monday and called in sick to work. I just couldn't send the kids to school when they we got in at 2 a.m. the night before.
I should go on vacation more often. I returned to work on to find out (a) that I was promoted to Vice President (yay!), and (b) I won exclusive use of a locker at the gym at work for December via random drawing for loyal members. Yay!
Unfortunately, the VP promotion did not come with a raise (wtf?), which I really could have used, but OK. I'm just grateful to have a job , and it's very nice to be recognized. I interact with lots of executives in my job, so it's nice to be a little closer to their level.
Life is good, except, as usual, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Today is December 9th, and I have NOTHING done for the holidays. Well, not nothing - the tree is in a bucket of water in the garage and I've bought a few gifts online, but that's IT.
Christmas cards? Not even designed yet. Address labels? List not updated yet, and the printer is out of ink. Decorations? Still in the basement (Actually I think the box of Halloween stuff is still in the dining room). How many times the kids ask about when we will decorate the tree and house? Daily. However, I did fold the laundry last night and carried it upstairs! And I've been keeping up with my exercise classes!
So you'd think this weekend we'd get caught up, right? Not a chance. Friday night: a party for Hunter's work, the second of three parties we must attend, and Saturday: Diva has a dance performance, then Hunter and I are attending a family wedding overnight; and Sunday, birthday party at the local skating rink.
So I'm taking a day off tomorrow. Not to shop, although I need to do that. But to CLEAN and DECORATE my house. I'm afraid I'll spend all day cleaning and get nothing else done, and that might very well be the case. I was hoping to squeeze in an eyebrow wax, pedi, and possible spray tan so I don't look like a winter ghost with ape feet and caterpillar brows at this wedding, but at this point I think it's wishful thinking.
I realize why New Years' Day is one of my favorite holidays - it signifies that this holiday craziness is over and life will get back to normal!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
My Twilight Obsession Continues
I finished New Moon in record time (4 days). I read it every chance I got, even if it was only for 5-10 minutes at a time. CAN'T WAIT to see the movie, and to start reading Eclipse.
Stumbled across this link - the house used in Twilight as the Cullen's house is FOR SALE. If you've got $3.3 million sitting in the bank and like Vancouver, this house is for you! Check out the fabulous photo gallery.
Despite the facts that (a) I don't have $3.3 million, and (b) I'm a total wimp about cold weather ever since living in Florida, so I would never survive in Vancouver, I LOVE this house and would live there in a heartbeat.
What I like about it:
Stumbled across this link - the house used in Twilight as the Cullen's house is FOR SALE. If you've got $3.3 million sitting in the bank and like Vancouver, this house is for you! Check out the fabulous photo gallery.
Despite the facts that (a) I don't have $3.3 million, and (b) I'm a total wimp about cold weather ever since living in Florida, so I would never survive in Vancouver, I LOVE this house and would live there in a heartbeat.
What I like about it:
- The open floor plan and tons of windows
- That it's contemporary. I've never lived in a contemporary house and would love to
- The library! I could put ALL my books in one place, instead of stuffed all over the house on any and every shelf/cabinet I can find.
- The fabulous kitchen
- The to-die-for pool area
- Everything else!
OK, time to snap out my self-induced fantasy real estate coma. Counting the days til I can go see New Moon!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tardy to the "Twilight" Party
I must admit, I had always ignored the whole "Twilight" thing. I thought I just wasn't into vampire stuff. Sure, I liked "Interview with a Vampire" and "Lost Boys", but I just didn't understand the whole Twilight craze.
Hadn't seen the movie. Hadn't read the books. Didn't get what everyone saw in Robert Pattinson.
Until a few weeks ago.
Diva and Daredevil had been begging, so we got "Twilight" from Netflix and watched it.
Wow. I was hooked. I watched it twice and enjoyed it even more the second time.
What a fantastic movie. So well done. And Robert Pattinson - I totally get it now. I'm so on Team Edward.
Being the book fiend I am, I just had to read Twilight, the first book in the series by Stephenie Meyer. I couldn't put it down. I read late into the night and finished it in a couple of days.
Now, the next book in the series, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, opens as a movie this Friday. I am furiously reading New Moon in every spare second (even while blow drying my hair) and CAN'T WAIT to see the movie.
We are heading away next week to visit Hunter's family down south, and once there we plan to see New Moon en masse with his family. That is, if there's a volunteer to watch #3.
The tally in my house:
Team Edward: me, Hunter, Daredevil
Team Jacob: Diva
Next up on the reading list: Eclipse, then Breaking Dawn
Go Team Edward!
Hadn't seen the movie. Hadn't read the books. Didn't get what everyone saw in Robert Pattinson.
Until a few weeks ago.
Diva and Daredevil had been begging, so we got "Twilight" from Netflix and watched it.
Wow. I was hooked. I watched it twice and enjoyed it even more the second time.
What a fantastic movie. So well done. And Robert Pattinson - I totally get it now. I'm so on Team Edward.
Being the book fiend I am, I just had to read Twilight, the first book in the series by Stephenie Meyer. I couldn't put it down. I read late into the night and finished it in a couple of days.
Now, the next book in the series, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, opens as a movie this Friday. I am furiously reading New Moon in every spare second (even while blow drying my hair) and CAN'T WAIT to see the movie.
We are heading away next week to visit Hunter's family down south, and once there we plan to see New Moon en masse with his family. That is, if there's a volunteer to watch #3.
The tally in my house:
Team Edward: me, Hunter, Daredevil
Team Jacob: Diva
Next up on the reading list: Eclipse, then Breaking Dawn
Go Team Edward!
Monday, November 2, 2009
A few shots of our Halloween, which was rainy, but very warm for this time of year (70's). These shots were taken before we went out and got drenched.
#3 loved her first trick or treat - she rode in the wagon and looked at books, even in the pitch dark. She didn't mind the rain at all, and didn't want to take her costume off, even though it was drenched!
Key to the following photos:
Diva = "Heavenly Devil"
Daredevil = "Metal Biker"
#3 = Chicken Little
Daredevil = "Metal Biker"
#3 = Chicken Little
This costume SO fit Diva - part angel, part devil.
The mask looked totally different in the catalog . . .
The sky is falling!
Below is the front of our house. Our skeleton is a fellow Phillies fan and wanted to show off his team pride. We love our Phils even though they are down 3-1 in the World Series. We believe. We have our fingers crossed for a win tonight. Go Cliff Lee!
Hope you had a happy Halloween. Can't believe it's November already!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Book Sale Madness
I admit, I have a problem with books. I love them and have WAY too many.
My favorite thing to do is browse used book sales and come home with an armload. This ensures I'm always reading books that are a few years (or more) old, but who cares.
Some of them I read, some I put on the shelf for later, and some of them I sell on Half.com when I'm done with them.
I haven't done the book sale thing in a while because I was concentrating on GETTING RID of books, which were overtaking every shelf in my house. I sold a bunch online and gave a bunch away. Hunter said my book collecting was getting out of hand, and I had to reluctantly agree.
So now that there's room on my shelves again, time to go book shopping! The library a block from my office had a Buck-A-Book sale last week. I waited til the last day, when it was "Bag of Books for $5". I got many books I am SO excited to read (in all my spare time).
Here are all the titles I put in my $5 bag:
You Don't Have To Be Thin To Win - The Official Chub Club's Workout Program (Molnar) (because I can always use a little diet/exercise inspiration)
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence (Deepak Chopra) Hmmm, sounds interesting.
Bill Neal's Southern Cooking (Neal) I love regional or ethnic cookbooks.
Good Food FAST (Hiller) - good recipes here ...esp one for pumpkin bleu cheese soup that I thought I might try after carving pumpkins, but alas, I was too lazy.
The Palm Beach Story (Roxanne Pulitzer) This looks like a good smutty beach read. I used to live near there, so I like stories set in places I've been.
Maximum Success - Changing the 12 Behavior Patterns That Keep You From Getting Ahead (Waldrop/Butler) I love self help books.
Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids to Know About Sex (But were afraid they'd ask) (Richardson/Schuster) - because "the talk" with Diva, age 9, is coming soon, and I need all the help I can get.
Generation Risk - How to Protect Your Teenager From Smoking And Other Dangerous Behavior. (Newton) The teen years are coming soon (sometimes it seems like they are already here)
The Juicing Book (Bauer) I've been curious about the whole juicing thing. Wanted to learn more about it.
Snowboarding Know-How (Weiss) This one's for Daredevil. He's been begging to learn to snowboard.
Cook Right 4 Your Type (D'Adamo) This is the companion book to Eat Right 4 Your Type, which professes that you should eat a certain way according to your blood type. Intriguing to me, I wanted to learn more about it. At a minimum, hopefully there will be some good healthy recipes there.
Psychology in Sports - Methods and Applications (Suinn) I'm an armchair psychologist - have always loved the psych stuff and sometimes think I missed my calling (since I am obsessed with psychology and self help books). Thought this may help me (and my kids) become better athletes.
Books on tape - Tourist Season and Lucky You (both by Carl Hiaasen) Love anything by Carl Hiaasen. He is a great mystery storyteller, with most of his crazy stories set in Florida. We drive 12 hours each way to visit my in-laws a couple of times each year, so books on cd are fun in the car while the kids are watching a movie.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
WFMW: Need some creative pumpkin ideas?
Want some new ideas for carving pumpkins this year? Check out this gallery of Wild and Wacky Pumpkins here Monday, October 12, 2009
Happy Columbus Day
Yes, it's 10:21 p.m. on Monday night, and I'm just getting to the dinner dishes. It's been that kind of day. Busy, but very enjoyable. I had a day off work (love those bank holidays) and the older 2 had school, so it was just me and #3 today.
We had so much fun, and the following thoughts kept creeping into the back of my mind: 1) she is growing up so fast, 2) by working full time I'm missing it, or at least some of it, and 3) I can barely remember when the older 2 were this little, so am I destined to forget #3's general cuteness at 14 months too?
Hunter is away on a business trip (returning very soon) so that explains why I am doing dishes at 10:30 at night. We had to quick eat dinner & do homework so we could get to Diva's dance class at 7:30. Usually Hunter and I divide and conquer this one, since it's a little late for #3 to be at our athletic club, but what can you do? While Diva danced and Daredevil played pickup basketball, I watched #3 in the kiddie maze while simultaneously watching the Phillies/Rockies. Multi-tasking at it's finest. Go Phils!
Haven't forgotten Daredevil's birthday pics. Just haven't had a spare 10 minutes to hook up the camera to the computer. Hopefully I'll get to it this week!
We had so much fun, and the following thoughts kept creeping into the back of my mind: 1) she is growing up so fast, 2) by working full time I'm missing it, or at least some of it, and 3) I can barely remember when the older 2 were this little, so am I destined to forget #3's general cuteness at 14 months too?
Hunter is away on a business trip (returning very soon) so that explains why I am doing dishes at 10:30 at night. We had to quick eat dinner & do homework so we could get to Diva's dance class at 7:30. Usually Hunter and I divide and conquer this one, since it's a little late for #3 to be at our athletic club, but what can you do? While Diva danced and Daredevil played pickup basketball, I watched #3 in the kiddie maze while simultaneously watching the Phillies/Rockies. Multi-tasking at it's finest. Go Phils!
Haven't forgotten Daredevil's birthday pics. Just haven't had a spare 10 minutes to hook up the camera to the computer. Hopefully I'll get to it this week!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAREDEVIL
Today my baby boy turns 7 years old.
Seven years ago today, we were living in Florida,
and on a sunny October 4th, 2002,
our Daredevil came into the world.
So today, I decided to take a walk down memory lane and revisit each of his past birthdays.
Here's teeny tiny Daredevil with Hunter and his very proud big sister shortly after his birth:
When he turned one, we were in transition from Florida back to the Northeast, and we were living with my parents since we couldn't find a house we could agree on.
We had a small party at my parents' house.
We had a small party at my parents' house.
For his 2nd birthday, we had FINALLY moved into a new house,
and used his birthday as a kind of housewarming party.
We rented a big moon bounce and invited tons of people,
a much bigger party than any 2 year old needs.
Since it was so much fun, I don't have many pictures.
Spider-Man was the theme for his third birthday in 2005.
From there we went to pirate theme for his 4th.
This year we wised up and had it at the local kids' paradise, Boomers Family Fun Center
Then it was Army dude for his 5th in 2007. Boy, the Army tank cake was a lot of work!
His party was at a place called Moonbounce Adventures.
Yes, it is just that - a huge warehouse full of moonbounces.
Perfect for a gaggle of 5 year old boys!
So this year, the theme is BOOT CAMP. We have an obstacle course and a "rescue your fellow soldier" relay planned. We have camouflage hats and face paint, and dog tags for all the boys,
and of course, the tank cake.
.
So here is one of him right around that time - he's a talker, so he always looked like this!
Spider-Man was the theme for his third birthday in 2005.This was supposed to be a pony-riding party at a nearby park,
but a Nor'easter storm nixed that plan.Instead we painted pumpkins at home!
From there we went to pirate theme for his 4th.This year we wised up and had it at the local kids' paradise, Boomers Family Fun Center
(Yes, he was Captain Jack Sparrow for Halloween that year)
Then it was Army dude for his 5th in 2007. Boy, the Army tank cake was a lot of work!His party was at a place called Moonbounce Adventures.
Yes, it is just that - a huge warehouse full of moonbounces.
Perfect for a gaggle of 5 year old boys!
(He has asked for a replica of this cake for this year)
In 2008, for his 6th, we had Guido the Magician come do a show at our house.
His tricks were amazing, even the adults couldn't figure them out.
He used the kids as his assistants, they loved it!
His tricks were amazing, even the adults couldn't figure them out.
He used the kids as his assistants, they loved it!
So this year, the theme is BOOT CAMP. We have an obstacle course and a "rescue your fellow soldier" relay planned. We have camouflage hats and face paint, and dog tags for all the boys,and of course, the tank cake.
Hunter is getting to live out his fantasy of being a member of the military by playing drill instructor. Of course, being a hunter, he has head-to-toe camouflage already in his closet. Even better, it is supposed to rain buckets.
Daredevil is SO excited! The more mud, the better!Pictures to come soon.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAREDEVIL......YOU ROCK AND WE LOVE YOU!.
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