Book have always been a big part of my life, as long as I can remember and for that I'm thankful. I love books. They can take me anywhere, teach me just about anything (if I have the patience...) and show me the world from the comfort of my own home.
Not only am I thankful for the escapes that books let me have, often being a savior in my school years, but I'm thankful that I can read. I'm thankful that I had parents who read to me as a child and taught me to enjoy the sounds of words and the magic and the power of the written word. I'm thankful that my son loves to be read to and one of the first words he had was "again", in reference to the book you'd just finished and that he was brandishing at your face.
I love the written word and if you put anything with writing on it in front of me, I'm libel to read it. It is rare that I don't finish a book, it's got to be really boring or very poorly written for me to abandon it. I'm about 100 times more likely to pick up a book than I am to turn on the TV. Actually, TV pretty much comes last in my list of distractions. (Although, I'm ashamed to admit how high up in the list mindless puzzle games on the computer has gone...)
Anyhow, on that note, I'm off to read a few pages of my current escape and collapse into sleep.
Peace to all and may you find something good to read.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Vacation
Today, as my week of vacation draws to a close, I realize exactly how thankful I am for vacation time. I'm very thankful that I'm able to get away from my job for a few days, or a week and not have to worry about it. Sure, I do worry about it a bit now and then when I think about all the work that's piling up for me, but most of the time I can ignore that.
I'm thankful that I was able to take some time and spend it with my family, and with myself. I'm thankful that I was able to use my vacation time to recharge the batteries a bit. And, maybe I don't really want to go back to the pile of work that's waiting for me, but I am thankful to be going back to work. As much as I love my time away, I do need time away from home as well. I just wish there was a bit better of a balance then I've got.
I also truly wish that my husband got paid vacation time. We don't ask for much as far as benefits go from Mike. We've got pretty good medical coverage from my job, and I've got a 401(k) going, which would be nice if Gak had one too, but we'll manage. What would be nice would be a paid day off now and again. Or even just Veteran's Day off and paid, since Gak is a vet after all. He's been there 5 years (well, mostly, there was that 6-month stint he did at GameStop). I'm not sure when his last raise was and anywhere else, he'd be getting at least some kind of vacation or paid sick time. Nope, not here. I know Gak tries not to complain about it much, and I don't either. The best part about his job is that it really is a great schedule for us, but other than that... well... the shine's worn off a good while back.
But, I am thankful for my vacation time and my ability to use it as I see fit.
Peace to all and may you get some kind of break now and again.
I'm thankful that I was able to take some time and spend it with my family, and with myself. I'm thankful that I was able to use my vacation time to recharge the batteries a bit. And, maybe I don't really want to go back to the pile of work that's waiting for me, but I am thankful to be going back to work. As much as I love my time away, I do need time away from home as well. I just wish there was a bit better of a balance then I've got.
I also truly wish that my husband got paid vacation time. We don't ask for much as far as benefits go from Mike. We've got pretty good medical coverage from my job, and I've got a 401(k) going, which would be nice if Gak had one too, but we'll manage. What would be nice would be a paid day off now and again. Or even just Veteran's Day off and paid, since Gak is a vet after all. He's been there 5 years (well, mostly, there was that 6-month stint he did at GameStop). I'm not sure when his last raise was and anywhere else, he'd be getting at least some kind of vacation or paid sick time. Nope, not here. I know Gak tries not to complain about it much, and I don't either. The best part about his job is that it really is a great schedule for us, but other than that... well... the shine's worn off a good while back.
But, I am thankful for my vacation time and my ability to use it as I see fit.
Peace to all and may you get some kind of break now and again.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Sleep
Today I'm thankful for sleep. Or, should I say, I'd be thankful for sleep if I got more of it. I know you've seen my posts about my sleep issues in the past. Unfortunately, right now, I'm not the problem. The problem is a 2.5 year old little boy. And no, he's not really a problem, but he hasn't been making my sleep any easier.
About 95% of the time he sleeps through the night with no problems and goes to bed fairly easily as well. Unfortunately, recently he's taken to waking up at 2:00 in the morning or there abouts and crawling into our bed, after barging into our room, waking us by the door slamming against the wall. Of course, he always comes to my side of the bed. I fluctuate between letting him crawl in for a few and then taking him back to his bed and taking him back right then and lying down with him for a few until he goes back to sleep.
Usually he'll do this once or twice a week. Except the last 3 days or so it's been every night. And last night it was at both 2:30 or so and again at 5. Unfortunately, he didn't go back to sleep at 5. And since Gak has morning boy duties, it's only fair that I get up with him overnight and early. Usually early isn't an issue as I'm up already getting ready for work. But, I've actually managed to sleep in a bit this week, and have enjoyed that thought.
So, getting up at 5 was not a happy thought for me. And I was tired. And cranky. And Boo is two years old and all that goes with it. So, yeah. It was a rough morning. He was very good at pushing buttons and just being a whiny boy and a little off. So, of course this means I have to come up with ways to distract him. Thankfully it's Saturday and Zoe was bowling. And we had our normal lunch with Kat and Zoe, and Scott was there too today. (Billy and the rest weren't there as Billy and Rachel are in Florida with their dad, his girlfriend, their son and the girlfriend's parents.... a sore subject really...) Then he came home and crashed, which allowed me to semi crash in front of WAL-E with my yarn.
So, of course tonight he was bouncing off the walls, so we go over to Kat's so he can run around with Zoe all he wants and we won't piss off the downstairs neighbor. Don't get me wrong, she's a good neighbor and she never actually complains, but she complains. And at 97 she really doesn't need a toddler running and jumping around on her head all evening. Of course, as soon as we get there, he's calm and quiet. Go figure.
But, it was an enjoyable evening. We big people watched Gran Torino, as Gak and I hadn't seen it. Some parts reminded me so much of Kat's dad, it's beyond funny. It was an excellent movie, I wish I'd had a chance to see it sooner.
Anyhow, the boy is now asleep in his bed, and hopefully I will be too before too long. Here's hoping he stays asleep in his bed all night and lets me get up at 6 and have some quiet time to myself before the rest of the apartment stirs.
Peace to all and may your sleep be peaceful and plentiful as well.
About 95% of the time he sleeps through the night with no problems and goes to bed fairly easily as well. Unfortunately, recently he's taken to waking up at 2:00 in the morning or there abouts and crawling into our bed, after barging into our room, waking us by the door slamming against the wall. Of course, he always comes to my side of the bed. I fluctuate between letting him crawl in for a few and then taking him back to his bed and taking him back right then and lying down with him for a few until he goes back to sleep.
Usually he'll do this once or twice a week. Except the last 3 days or so it's been every night. And last night it was at both 2:30 or so and again at 5. Unfortunately, he didn't go back to sleep at 5. And since Gak has morning boy duties, it's only fair that I get up with him overnight and early. Usually early isn't an issue as I'm up already getting ready for work. But, I've actually managed to sleep in a bit this week, and have enjoyed that thought.
So, getting up at 5 was not a happy thought for me. And I was tired. And cranky. And Boo is two years old and all that goes with it. So, yeah. It was a rough morning. He was very good at pushing buttons and just being a whiny boy and a little off. So, of course this means I have to come up with ways to distract him. Thankfully it's Saturday and Zoe was bowling. And we had our normal lunch with Kat and Zoe, and Scott was there too today. (Billy and the rest weren't there as Billy and Rachel are in Florida with their dad, his girlfriend, their son and the girlfriend's parents.... a sore subject really...) Then he came home and crashed, which allowed me to semi crash in front of WAL-E with my yarn.
So, of course tonight he was bouncing off the walls, so we go over to Kat's so he can run around with Zoe all he wants and we won't piss off the downstairs neighbor. Don't get me wrong, she's a good neighbor and she never actually complains, but she complains. And at 97 she really doesn't need a toddler running and jumping around on her head all evening. Of course, as soon as we get there, he's calm and quiet. Go figure.
But, it was an enjoyable evening. We big people watched Gran Torino, as Gak and I hadn't seen it. Some parts reminded me so much of Kat's dad, it's beyond funny. It was an excellent movie, I wish I'd had a chance to see it sooner.
Anyhow, the boy is now asleep in his bed, and hopefully I will be too before too long. Here's hoping he stays asleep in his bed all night and lets me get up at 6 and have some quiet time to myself before the rest of the apartment stirs.
Peace to all and may your sleep be peaceful and plentiful as well.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Truck
I'm so very thankful for my truck. It gets me from here to there reliably and with little complaint, even with my not so good track record of keeping her maintained. I'm extra thankful right now because she's finally paid off and I have the title from the state in my hot little hands. So, not only can I get where I need to go including work, but I've now freed up some extra cash to pay down some of the other bills we've incurred over the years.
I really hope to keep this girl for many more years. Yes, she's got over 120K on her, but still runs well.
I really hope to keep this girl for many more years. Yes, she's got over 120K on her, but still runs well.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Holidays
Today is Thanksgiving. And there is so very much to be thankful for. Today, I'm thankful for holidays. Yep, all of them, even the ones that I normally groan about or roll my eyes. Mostly I do that because I think the way we're encouraged to "celebrate" (read spend lots of money).
The reason I'm thankful for holidays is that they're great reasons, excuses even, to get together with friends and family. Most of us don't take enough time in our busy, hectic lives to spend time with those that mean the most to us, or tell them that we love them enough. So, maybe a date on the calendar put there by someone else isn't such a bad thing.
I was very happy to spend my day cooking and preparing and just enjoying the fact that I was going to be able to spend the evening with my parents, husband and child.
Of course, it wasn't all sunshine. Actually, a good bit of the day the boy was being a whiner. But, it's OK. He's a good boy.
Today was the annual Quakertown/Penridge football game, here in town this year. Kat, Zoe, Boo and I joined Rachel for the game. It was quite fun. Boo and I only stayed until near the end of the first half. This is because it was snowing. Yep, that's right, snowing. And I don't just mean a few flurries, but we had about .25" on the railing of the balcony by the time it stopped and then switched to rain and other ick.
I'd post more, and even post up a picture or two, but I'm in a bit of a food coma. I ate too much. I know I should care, but it was sooo yummy and I haven't overeaten like this in a very long time. We had turkey, apple cornbread stuffing, homemade orange cranberry sauce, homemade bread, applesauce, honey ginger sweet potatoes and corn. I think that's about all. Then there were the three deserts, the apple pie, the pumpkin cheesecake and the lemon pie. I only tasted the deserts but ugh, did I over eat.
Peace to all and may your holiday be filled with loved ones and your bellies full of good food.
The reason I'm thankful for holidays is that they're great reasons, excuses even, to get together with friends and family. Most of us don't take enough time in our busy, hectic lives to spend time with those that mean the most to us, or tell them that we love them enough. So, maybe a date on the calendar put there by someone else isn't such a bad thing.
I was very happy to spend my day cooking and preparing and just enjoying the fact that I was going to be able to spend the evening with my parents, husband and child.
Of course, it wasn't all sunshine. Actually, a good bit of the day the boy was being a whiner. But, it's OK. He's a good boy.
Today was the annual Quakertown/Penridge football game, here in town this year. Kat, Zoe, Boo and I joined Rachel for the game. It was quite fun. Boo and I only stayed until near the end of the first half. This is because it was snowing. Yep, that's right, snowing. And I don't just mean a few flurries, but we had about .25" on the railing of the balcony by the time it stopped and then switched to rain and other ick.
I'd post more, and even post up a picture or two, but I'm in a bit of a food coma. I ate too much. I know I should care, but it was sooo yummy and I haven't overeaten like this in a very long time. We had turkey, apple cornbread stuffing, homemade orange cranberry sauce, homemade bread, applesauce, honey ginger sweet potatoes and corn. I think that's about all. Then there were the three deserts, the apple pie, the pumpkin cheesecake and the lemon pie. I only tasted the deserts but ugh, did I over eat.
Peace to all and may your holiday be filled with loved ones and your bellies full of good food.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Time
Today I'm thankful for time. I know, I know, it's quite abstract, but there you go. I'm thankful for the time I get to spend with my amazing family, but I'm also thankful for the time I get to myself. I'm thankful that I have vacation time at my job, and a good amount of it for having been there 10 years now, that allows me to spend more waking hours with my family. I've really enjoyed having the last 3 days off from work. Sure, they've been busier than my work days, but almost all of it was busy of my own choosing, and spending a good portion of it with my boys and with friends.
Today was a very busy day, and a good several hours were for me. Or at least they were supposed to be, but of course since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, it was really about others, as in getting everything ready. We purposefully left Boo in daycare today. I used to feel horribly guilty about even thinking of sending him to daycare when I was on vacation, but I've come to realize that every parent needs a break. And, as much as I love my son, there are just some things you can't get done with a high energy toddler under foot. For me, that means errands like clothes shopping or going to 100 different places or trying to clean a bit or cook a bit.
Today Gak and I dropped our boy off at daycare and then went out to lunch together. It was so nice to have a little quiet time just the two of us and not have to worry about a boy. Yes, we get time after he goes to bed every night, but it's not quite the same, since he's there, just not awake. After lunch we ran to Target for me to return something and (please don't faint...) got the last of the holiday gifts for the nieces and nephews. (Yeah, I know, I know... I actually do this on purpose so I don't have to deal with malls etc between today and the week after New Year's...) We also stopped in at the ToysRUs Express that's over there and decided on Boo's "big" gift this year. Then I dropped Gak at work. I went to Jo-Ann's to pick up some stuff and then went to Wal-Mart (which I still don't like and try and avoid) because I couldn't find what I wanted at Target for a few things and I was able to find there. Then it was home to put in the new car seat (which Boo loves) and make cookies for goody bags. I was also going to make a lemon pie, but I had evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed. Oops. By the time I got the cookies made, it was time to get Boo.
There were a few more errands and then back home to make that pie. Boo wanted to help, which was great! He did a very good job of beating the eggs. He stirred nicely and got them fairly well mixed up, and I just had to finish them off a little. He didn't like trying to stir the milk in, so I took over. After the pie was done it was time to pick up Poppa. Gee, where did the day go?
So, yes, I'm very thankful for the time I get to spend with my family as well as the time I get to myself to get "me" things done.
Peace to all and may you find a time balance.
Today was a very busy day, and a good several hours were for me. Or at least they were supposed to be, but of course since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, it was really about others, as in getting everything ready. We purposefully left Boo in daycare today. I used to feel horribly guilty about even thinking of sending him to daycare when I was on vacation, but I've come to realize that every parent needs a break. And, as much as I love my son, there are just some things you can't get done with a high energy toddler under foot. For me, that means errands like clothes shopping or going to 100 different places or trying to clean a bit or cook a bit.
Today Gak and I dropped our boy off at daycare and then went out to lunch together. It was so nice to have a little quiet time just the two of us and not have to worry about a boy. Yes, we get time after he goes to bed every night, but it's not quite the same, since he's there, just not awake. After lunch we ran to Target for me to return something and (please don't faint...) got the last of the holiday gifts for the nieces and nephews. (Yeah, I know, I know... I actually do this on purpose so I don't have to deal with malls etc between today and the week after New Year's...) We also stopped in at the ToysRUs Express that's over there and decided on Boo's "big" gift this year. Then I dropped Gak at work. I went to Jo-Ann's to pick up some stuff and then went to Wal-Mart (which I still don't like and try and avoid) because I couldn't find what I wanted at Target for a few things and I was able to find there. Then it was home to put in the new car seat (which Boo loves) and make cookies for goody bags. I was also going to make a lemon pie, but I had evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed. Oops. By the time I got the cookies made, it was time to get Boo.
There were a few more errands and then back home to make that pie. Boo wanted to help, which was great! He did a very good job of beating the eggs. He stirred nicely and got them fairly well mixed up, and I just had to finish them off a little. He didn't like trying to stir the milk in, so I took over. After the pie was done it was time to pick up Poppa. Gee, where did the day go?
So, yes, I'm very thankful for the time I get to spend with my family as well as the time I get to myself to get "me" things done.
Peace to all and may you find a time balance.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Life
Today being my birthday, and my 35th birthday at that, I'm thankful for my life. I'm thankful for the good and great parts, and even thankful for the not-so-great moments.
I'm thankful that I have my health and that I have people to share it with.
I'm thankful for all the experiences, good and bad, that I've had over the years. They've shaped me into the person that I am. And, you know what, I think I'm a pretty decent person over all. Sure, I have my flaws, and some of them are big ones at times. But everyone has moments and things that they (or others) wish they could improve about themselves. If not, they wouldn't be human. As Dad has told me for most of my life, there's no such thing as perfect. (And besides, perfect would be boring.)
Today has been a good day, actually, this week has been a good week. I really do like having my birthday in Thanksgiving week. I really love the Thanksgiving holiday, and it makes it so much easier to spend the time enjoying my birthday, not just having it lost amongst a full and normal work week.
Today I went down to work after dropping Gak off. Boo and I were going to have lunch with a handful of my friends from work. It was great. There were three who joined us, and two who wanted to, but couldn't because of other things. We had a nice long lunch (even if Boo was being a bit of a stinker about eating...) and just relaxed. The morning started off really nice (despite being woken up at 5:00 or so by a boy having a night terror, that thankfully only lasted a few minutes) and both my boys let me sleep in until about 8! Boo even slept in until about 9:30! (That's part of why he was cranky later, he woke up late which threw off his whole day and he didn't get much of a nap...) After hanging with my friends and checking 2 or 3 out of 30+ emails at work, we headed down to the big Target near work. You see, for my birthday, I got my son a new car seat. Yep. By no means is he too heavy for his current seat, but he's just tall enough that it needs to be replaced. His shoulders are just at the top shoulder strap setting (unless he sits up nice and tall, then his shoulders are above the strap opening). This means it's time to replace the seat. I tried to yesterday, but they were out of the one I wanted at my Target. They carry two that are 5-point harness, tall back boosters that can then be used as belt positioners. The one that they had in stock, rated the harness to 40 lb and he was already taller than the shortest strap position. This one cost another $25, but the shoulder harness goes one more position higher and is rated to 50 lb harnessed. He's still taller than the shortest belt position, but he's still got 2 more to go in this seat. I'm sure he'll get too tall before he gets too heavy, even though he's 30 lb as it stands now. (I hope he stays long and lean for a very, very long time.)
I also went to my water aerobics class. I think this will be my last session at the Y. The pool is cold (83* my foot!), I'm tired of fighting with the swim team and having to work out in the small shallow area of the pool that's OK for me, but really is too shallow, and I figure I'm paying just about as much there for one class a week as I would pay full membership to a local gym that has a pool that I could use any day or night of the week I wanted to (other than Mondays). I enjoy the instructor, but I haven't really gotten to know the others in the class, as they keep fluctuating and I couldn't hear them to talk to them anyhow over the swim team in the lap lanes beside us. So, I think I need to investigate other options. I like my Y, but it's just not a great fit. That and I really need to find somewhere other than there to take Boo swimming, he keeps asking to go, and it's just too expensive to take him to lessons there right now. *sigh* Maybe if we get him to like the pool and to like to swim and get his head in the water, bath time won't be such an issue... or am I dreaming again?
So, yes, I'm thankful for my life, even if this year has been pretty rough in a lot of spots. I'm thankful for the relative ease of it in general and for all the good that is in it. Today has been a good day, and here's to many, many more.
Peace to all and may you all find something in your life to be thankful for.
I'm thankful that I have my health and that I have people to share it with.
I'm thankful for all the experiences, good and bad, that I've had over the years. They've shaped me into the person that I am. And, you know what, I think I'm a pretty decent person over all. Sure, I have my flaws, and some of them are big ones at times. But everyone has moments and things that they (or others) wish they could improve about themselves. If not, they wouldn't be human. As Dad has told me for most of my life, there's no such thing as perfect. (And besides, perfect would be boring.)
Today has been a good day, actually, this week has been a good week. I really do like having my birthday in Thanksgiving week. I really love the Thanksgiving holiday, and it makes it so much easier to spend the time enjoying my birthday, not just having it lost amongst a full and normal work week.
Today I went down to work after dropping Gak off. Boo and I were going to have lunch with a handful of my friends from work. It was great. There were three who joined us, and two who wanted to, but couldn't because of other things. We had a nice long lunch (even if Boo was being a bit of a stinker about eating...) and just relaxed. The morning started off really nice (despite being woken up at 5:00 or so by a boy having a night terror, that thankfully only lasted a few minutes) and both my boys let me sleep in until about 8! Boo even slept in until about 9:30! (That's part of why he was cranky later, he woke up late which threw off his whole day and he didn't get much of a nap...) After hanging with my friends and checking 2 or 3 out of 30+ emails at work, we headed down to the big Target near work. You see, for my birthday, I got my son a new car seat. Yep. By no means is he too heavy for his current seat, but he's just tall enough that it needs to be replaced. His shoulders are just at the top shoulder strap setting (unless he sits up nice and tall, then his shoulders are above the strap opening). This means it's time to replace the seat. I tried to yesterday, but they were out of the one I wanted at my Target. They carry two that are 5-point harness, tall back boosters that can then be used as belt positioners. The one that they had in stock, rated the harness to 40 lb and he was already taller than the shortest strap position. This one cost another $25, but the shoulder harness goes one more position higher and is rated to 50 lb harnessed. He's still taller than the shortest belt position, but he's still got 2 more to go in this seat. I'm sure he'll get too tall before he gets too heavy, even though he's 30 lb as it stands now. (I hope he stays long and lean for a very, very long time.)
I also went to my water aerobics class. I think this will be my last session at the Y. The pool is cold (83* my foot!), I'm tired of fighting with the swim team and having to work out in the small shallow area of the pool that's OK for me, but really is too shallow, and I figure I'm paying just about as much there for one class a week as I would pay full membership to a local gym that has a pool that I could use any day or night of the week I wanted to (other than Mondays). I enjoy the instructor, but I haven't really gotten to know the others in the class, as they keep fluctuating and I couldn't hear them to talk to them anyhow over the swim team in the lap lanes beside us. So, I think I need to investigate other options. I like my Y, but it's just not a great fit. That and I really need to find somewhere other than there to take Boo swimming, he keeps asking to go, and it's just too expensive to take him to lessons there right now. *sigh* Maybe if we get him to like the pool and to like to swim and get his head in the water, bath time won't be such an issue... or am I dreaming again?
So, yes, I'm thankful for my life, even if this year has been pretty rough in a lot of spots. I'm thankful for the relative ease of it in general and for all the good that is in it. Today has been a good day, and here's to many, many more.
Peace to all and may you all find something in your life to be thankful for.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Neighbors
I'm thankful for my neighbors in this new building. They are all in interesting group. It's great to actually have neighbors again, as opposed to someone who lives on the 3rd floor. At least three of our neighbors really think that Boo is all that and a cup of tea. He reeceived Halloween goody bags from Grace, Michelle and Frank. It was very nice of them.
Everyone is very friendly. Well, Mary right below us isn't the most friendly person in the world, but I'm more then willing to cut her some slack, she is 97 years old after all. Just to get to 90, let alone almost 100 is amazing. Our neighbor right across the hall I don't know very well either. I've run into her a few times, and she seems pretty nice. Her older son (18-ish) is really nice the few times I've interacted with him, and her younger son (8-ish) seems pretty cool too. They're about the only ones we don't talk to on a regular basis.
Frank is an odd creature, but he's really friendly and nice. Boo likes him because he's got trains in his apartment and loves to show them off to the kids. Boo's not so sure about some of the older ladies, but mostly he's just shy and not used to them.
Today Boo helped me make Rice Krispy treats that I'm going to give to the neighbors. I'm also planning on making a batch of oatmeal cookies. Mostly it's to than the three people who gave Boo Halloween treats, but it's also just an excuse to bake. Boo and I had fun. He helped me count the tablespoons of butter that I needed and the cups of cereal. Of course, after we were done adding the cereal, he wanted to pour more and made a bit of a mess, but it wasn't anywhere near as messy as it could have been. I think this mostly has to do with the fact I didn't really let him help pour the cereal (he didn't want to until we were done...) and I didn't let him mix because the marshmallow/butter mixture was hot. I hope they enjoy them. I'm not sure it really matters though, I would do it again anyhow.
Anyhow, Sesame Street is over and my boy needs playing with.
Peace to all and may you have good people to share the neighborhood with.
Everyone is very friendly. Well, Mary right below us isn't the most friendly person in the world, but I'm more then willing to cut her some slack, she is 97 years old after all. Just to get to 90, let alone almost 100 is amazing. Our neighbor right across the hall I don't know very well either. I've run into her a few times, and she seems pretty nice. Her older son (18-ish) is really nice the few times I've interacted with him, and her younger son (8-ish) seems pretty cool too. They're about the only ones we don't talk to on a regular basis.
Frank is an odd creature, but he's really friendly and nice. Boo likes him because he's got trains in his apartment and loves to show them off to the kids. Boo's not so sure about some of the older ladies, but mostly he's just shy and not used to them.
Today Boo helped me make Rice Krispy treats that I'm going to give to the neighbors. I'm also planning on making a batch of oatmeal cookies. Mostly it's to than the three people who gave Boo Halloween treats, but it's also just an excuse to bake. Boo and I had fun. He helped me count the tablespoons of butter that I needed and the cups of cereal. Of course, after we were done adding the cereal, he wanted to pour more and made a bit of a mess, but it wasn't anywhere near as messy as it could have been. I think this mostly has to do with the fact I didn't really let him help pour the cereal (he didn't want to until we were done...) and I didn't let him mix because the marshmallow/butter mixture was hot. I hope they enjoy them. I'm not sure it really matters though, I would do it again anyhow.
Anyhow, Sesame Street is over and my boy needs playing with.
Peace to all and may you have good people to share the neighborhood with.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Naps
Today I was thankful for naps. I'm always thankful for boy naps, if only because it means I can get something done without a cute, adorable toddler who's trying to be "helpful" or get something done for myself. That and they prevent cranky, unhappy, super stubborn boy. (Then we only have stubborn boy, which I can totally understand... he is my son after all....)
No, today I was thankful for the ability to take a nap myself. My boy-o went down for a nap around 1, and I was about 15 minutes behind him after talking to Mom to confirm what we're doing and when tomorrow. I was thankful for naps because we didn't get in until about 2am after the concert last night. I'm also especially thankful for boy naps because as usual he didn't really go to sleep over at Aunt Kat's, but still decided that 7am was the time to get up.
I'm totally not upset about getting in so late last night though. It was an awesome concert with wonderful friends. We all gathered at Kat's house because the younger kids were all staying there with Uncle Andy and Erica (Andy's niece). There were 9 of us who were going to the show, Gak and I of course, along with Kat and Scott, Steph and Rachel and Steve and Shelby and her daughter Joci. The girls really enjoyed the show, and it was great to be able to take them. After Andy got off work and got to the house we went to the Spinners Town Hotel for dinner. It took a bit longer than we liked, but we still managed to make it down to the show in plenty of time. Actually, it was kinda nice because we didn't have to sit in a huge line getting into the show and missed most of the traffic and didn't have to fight the crowds getting to our seats. Sure, we had nose-bleed seats,but there really weren't any bad seats. TSO played a slightly changed up version of their Christmas set and then for the second half did some of the songs off the Night Castle album (which I love) edas well as some stuff that'll be coming out on their next album. As always, it was a great show. The show wrapped up around 11, we hung around for a bit to let the crowds thin. We then headed back and stopped at the dinner for "dessert" and coffee. Then we picked up the kids and came home.
I really enjoyed my nap today and both the boy and I are much happier for them.
Peace to all and may you be able to nap as needed.
No, today I was thankful for the ability to take a nap myself. My boy-o went down for a nap around 1, and I was about 15 minutes behind him after talking to Mom to confirm what we're doing and when tomorrow. I was thankful for naps because we didn't get in until about 2am after the concert last night. I'm also especially thankful for boy naps because as usual he didn't really go to sleep over at Aunt Kat's, but still decided that 7am was the time to get up.
I'm totally not upset about getting in so late last night though. It was an awesome concert with wonderful friends. We all gathered at Kat's house because the younger kids were all staying there with Uncle Andy and Erica (Andy's niece). There were 9 of us who were going to the show, Gak and I of course, along with Kat and Scott, Steph and Rachel and Steve and Shelby and her daughter Joci. The girls really enjoyed the show, and it was great to be able to take them. After Andy got off work and got to the house we went to the Spinners Town Hotel for dinner. It took a bit longer than we liked, but we still managed to make it down to the show in plenty of time. Actually, it was kinda nice because we didn't have to sit in a huge line getting into the show and missed most of the traffic and didn't have to fight the crowds getting to our seats. Sure, we had nose-bleed seats,but there really weren't any bad seats. TSO played a slightly changed up version of their Christmas set and then for the second half did some of the songs off the Night Castle album (which I love) edas well as some stuff that'll be coming out on their next album. As always, it was a great show. The show wrapped up around 11, we hung around for a bit to let the crowds thin. We then headed back and stopped at the dinner for "dessert" and coffee. Then we picked up the kids and came home.
I really enjoyed my nap today and both the boy and I are much happier for them.
Peace to all and may you be able to nap as needed.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friends
Today I am thankful for friends. My friends have seen me through some pretty tough times, and I hope I'm doing half as good a job seeing some of my friends through their current tough times. It has not all been roses and sunshine this year for some of my closest and dearest friends.
I'm so very thankful that I have them to lean on, and that they can lean on me. Without Kat, I would have lost it ages ago and never been able to find the pieces. Of course, I count my wonderful husband Gak in this list too. Not only is he my husband, but he's my friend and that's how it should be.
I haven't always been the best at keeping in touch with friends that have moved away or I have moved away from. I even have friends who haven't moved that I've just drifted away from and miss horribly, but am not sure how to go about getting back in touch with them.
I wasn't a good friend earlier this year when Abi's mom passed. I'm only an hour or so from where the funeral was, but I didn't go. I wanted to go. I should have gone, but I didn't. I didn't go because we were in the middle of moving and it wasn't convenient. Yeah, that's a really lame excuse. I've talked with her about it and she's forgiven me, but I still feel like crap about it.
But, above and beyond the day-to-day support of my friends, I'm thankful for them today. Tonight, 8 of us are going into Philly to see Trans Siberian Orchestra. Yes, I know this breaks my rule about no Christmas before Thanksgiving, or at least my birthday, but... when they're in town, they're in town. And I really wouldn't miss this if I had any option not to. Uncle Andy is staying home with the assorted kids, and will be joined by his niece Erica after she's done work. I'm sure everyone will have a great time, and hopefully Andy won't end up tied up with little Indian braves circling him and whoopin' and hollerin'.
I'm thankful that I have such wonderful people to do things with. I wish more of us could all get together at the same time more often, but I'll take what I can get. I wish that Michelle was home from Canada (she may be coming down over the New Year) and I wish that more of my local friends could make it too. But, I'm really thankful for the friends that are going. We deserve this night out.
Peace to all and may your friends be true, and may you be true to your friends.
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