Hey, Amanda.
It's noon and I haven't gone to the gym, there is no bacon in the oven, and I'm not sipping mimosas, but I am having a good day. Just changing things up a bit.
~~~
Now it's 4:30, and I'm taking a break from decorating for Christmas to finish this post I from which I somehow got called away--probably by my own ADD...Looked at a bowl and decided I needed to put it in storage; then thought, may as well get some Christmas things and get started decorating while I'm down there; oh, wait, let me look up my notes from last Christmas first; then remembered to finish bleaching down my kitchen counters...You know how that goes, don't you? Oops, here it goes again. Just decided to take some sauce out of the freezer to get it simmering on the stove to have for dinner a little later. LOL
~~~
Back again. Going to try to finish my post without any other distractions, well, without giving in to any other distractions.
It has been a busy, but good weekend. Thanksgiving at my cousin H's was great! There were 52 of us this year, and a good time was had by all. I stayed overnight, and enjoyed that part of the holiday too--a tradition that had lapsed the last couple of years. All the girls who were staying overnight with me (S, A, and my cousin K's daughter J are all around the same age as my cousin H's youngest daughter M) set up my bed with a tiara on the pillow and their air mattresses on the floor at the foot of my bed. How cute is that?!? In the morning I was the first up so I sat and enjoyed my coffee while reading in their sun room, which I adore. Eventually everyone else got up and D made cinnamon French toast and the girls went upstairs to play and H, D, and I had Bloody Marys in the sun room. I stayed until 2.
Friday night, after the Black Friday shopping crowds were long gone, I did a little shopping and went out for my weekly steak. Then Saturday (yesterday) I went out for a late lunch with my aunt and in the evening went to my sister M's for another impromptu family get together. Today I've been putzing around getting some decorating done, since I don't have next weekend to do it.
W decided he wanted to come down Saturday (yay!), and then go to his niece's graduation Sunday--even though he knows I’m going to Boston without him on Sunday for my annual getaway with C. I'll drop him off Sunday morning at the U of H before I head to Boston. He'll get a ride back with his aunt, and we'll get together for a drink later Sunday night or Monday afternoon in Boston, at which point I’ll also give him back his bags.
But back to reality and/or the tasks at hand. I have a week of work between now and then and my decorating to finish and some laundry to do. Oh, and that sauce on the stove!
Hope all is well with you.
Love you,
Barb
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Light Show
Hi, Amanda,
I imagine your parents are still visiting and the lights on and around your house are still going up...I hope your Thanksgiving was memorable (in a good way) and that you are enjoying the long holiday weekend.
Can't wait to catch up!
Love you,
Barb
I imagine your parents are still visiting and the lights on and around your house are still going up...I hope your Thanksgiving was memorable (in a good way) and that you are enjoying the long holiday weekend.
Can't wait to catch up!
Love you,
Barb
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Mostly Full
Hey, you.
I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time with M these days...It's not whining. It's acknowledging that you're a little sad. Despite your great visit so far with your folks and JJ's surprise vacation, and having the Husband of the Year, you're a little blue. Of course you are. It's the holidays; it's what people do during the holidays--think about what's missing despite everything that's still there. Give yourself that.
Can you talk to J or your parents about it? How are your parents are with it all? Quietly supportive? As in, we know not to bring it up because we'll all become a mess, but we know what's on your mind because it's on our minds too? Or in complete denial? Or bringing it up at every turn? Maybe you can reach out--if and when you can. In the end I bet that will feel better than Prozac. But what do I know?
One half-day left before my "[h]oliday" begins, and I'm quite looking forward to it. For years and years I'd spend most of the night before Thanksgiving--what my b-i-l J calls the biggest night of the year--at Stella's. But now, I haven't done that in years. You know, ever since I got all responsible and what not. ;-) Instead, I enjoy that half day of school to follow it with a grown up lunch and the last opportunity to shop without nightmarish lines. Then I go home and relax, knowing I don't have to wake up in the morning, and don't have to be anywhere until 3. I love that. Love, love, love that.
Also love being able to post whenever...
For now, I sign off. I'll write tomorrow, maybe tomorrow night after my grown up lunch, and will definitely call between now and Thanksgiving.
Love you, B
PS Oh, and for the record, I decided that a) you probably wish you had stuck with the smaller Pandora chain and 2) since I haven't sent yet that along with J's t-shirt, I'm going to wait a little longer to include a couple of more things... xoxo
I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time with M these days...It's not whining. It's acknowledging that you're a little sad. Despite your great visit so far with your folks and JJ's surprise vacation, and having the Husband of the Year, you're a little blue. Of course you are. It's the holidays; it's what people do during the holidays--think about what's missing despite everything that's still there. Give yourself that.
Can you talk to J or your parents about it? How are your parents are with it all? Quietly supportive? As in, we know not to bring it up because we'll all become a mess, but we know what's on your mind because it's on our minds too? Or in complete denial? Or bringing it up at every turn? Maybe you can reach out--if and when you can. In the end I bet that will feel better than Prozac. But what do I know?
One half-day left before my "[h]oliday" begins, and I'm quite looking forward to it. For years and years I'd spend most of the night before Thanksgiving--what my b-i-l J calls the biggest night of the year--at Stella's. But now, I haven't done that in years. You know, ever since I got all responsible and what not. ;-) Instead, I enjoy that half day of school to follow it with a grown up lunch and the last opportunity to shop without nightmarish lines. Then I go home and relax, knowing I don't have to wake up in the morning, and don't have to be anywhere until 3. I love that. Love, love, love that.
Also love being able to post whenever...
For now, I sign off. I'll write tomorrow, maybe tomorrow night after my grown up lunch, and will definitely call between now and Thanksgiving.
Love you, B
PS Oh, and for the record, I decided that a) you probably wish you had stuck with the smaller Pandora chain and 2) since I haven't sent yet that along with J's t-shirt, I'm going to wait a little longer to include a couple of more things... xoxo
Dreary Tuesday
Hey,
Sounds like you had a memorable weekend...so glad it was what you needed! Did you buy anything cool at C&B? I've been drooling over the Christmas catalog and being secretly thankful that the nearest store is so far away. I'm pretty sure I can get those cookie cutters at Walmart, albeit not as fun to shop for.
Last night, HY (Husband of the Year) suggested we go to a movie (??? - I'm sure the aliens will bring back my real husband any minute now.) So we went to see The Blind Side, which was amazing, and I think everyone in the world should see it. Afterwards, we went across the street to BL's newest, hippest restaurant (where I got the fish tacos last week) for a beer. 10:15 on a Monday night and the place was hoppin'. You think we've been waiting for a decent restaurant around here?!!
Today I'm trying to get motivated to do something, even though I really don't have anywhere to go (except the post office) or anything to do (house is clean...can't really cook the mashed potatoes early, can you?) That movie hit me a little hard (mother/son story) and I'm having a pretty bad "Matt day". He left a message on the phone for Jack last night, just calling to say hi...it about kills me to hear his voice. I keep second guessing myself on things like Should I call and invite him for Thanksgiving? Well of course not, because what if he actually came? How awkward and untimely would that be? And yet, what kind of mother am I that I don't at least ask? Arghh....
Coupled with my whacked bro and CC, I've had about enough of family. I need a vacation (I'm being serious, even though it's like I'm on vacation every day, not working). I feel like I need to get out of my house and my life for awhile - just a long weekend would be good.
Whine, whine, whine. All is well, it's just that I'm really dreading the holiday(s) and wishing I were still on Prozac. As much as I cried in the movie last night, I'm really not looking forward to any emotional moments over the next month or so. Thank God J and I are doing well and that my parents aren't the problem (for once).
I think I'll take a shower and at least do the post office run. It will get me out of the house, which is as close to a vacation as I'm going to get right now!
Love you, A
Sounds like you had a memorable weekend...so glad it was what you needed! Did you buy anything cool at C&B? I've been drooling over the Christmas catalog and being secretly thankful that the nearest store is so far away. I'm pretty sure I can get those cookie cutters at Walmart, albeit not as fun to shop for.
Last night, HY (Husband of the Year) suggested we go to a movie (??? - I'm sure the aliens will bring back my real husband any minute now.) So we went to see The Blind Side, which was amazing, and I think everyone in the world should see it. Afterwards, we went across the street to BL's newest, hippest restaurant (where I got the fish tacos last week) for a beer. 10:15 on a Monday night and the place was hoppin'. You think we've been waiting for a decent restaurant around here?!!
Today I'm trying to get motivated to do something, even though I really don't have anywhere to go (except the post office) or anything to do (house is clean...can't really cook the mashed potatoes early, can you?) That movie hit me a little hard (mother/son story) and I'm having a pretty bad "Matt day". He left a message on the phone for Jack last night, just calling to say hi...it about kills me to hear his voice. I keep second guessing myself on things like Should I call and invite him for Thanksgiving? Well of course not, because what if he actually came? How awkward and untimely would that be? And yet, what kind of mother am I that I don't at least ask? Arghh....
Coupled with my whacked bro and CC, I've had about enough of family. I need a vacation (I'm being serious, even though it's like I'm on vacation every day, not working). I feel like I need to get out of my house and my life for awhile - just a long weekend would be good.
Whine, whine, whine. All is well, it's just that I'm really dreading the holiday(s) and wishing I were still on Prozac. As much as I cried in the movie last night, I'm really not looking forward to any emotional moments over the next month or so. Thank God J and I are doing well and that my parents aren't the problem (for once).
I think I'll take a shower and at least do the post office run. It will get me out of the house, which is as close to a vacation as I'm going to get right now!
Love you, A
Monday, November 23, 2009
Lots of Love
Dear Amanda,
It was a great weekend! And now I can’t wait for the next…the long holiday weekend that’s only a couple of days away. But back to my weekend away.
We had great weather and a great time. Just being right at Quincy Market was fun. I have pictures from the balcony of our hotel room that will give you a sense of how right there, in the middle of it all, we were. We had drinks at the new Hard Rock Café there (it used to be in the Back Bay, if you recall), and dinner at McCormick and Schmick’s. I got to shop at C&B, and on Saturday W and I went to our first date place that we usually go around our “anniversary” (but sometimes closer to his birthday). We have the same bartender every time we go on a Saturday, and it’s a nice tradition. It was great to spend some time in Boston, some time with W, and to have my first Brandy Alexander of the season with him. I spent the weekend in love with W and in love with Boston, and it was just what I needed.
Sounds like you had a great weekend too. (Yay for us!) And how awesome for JJ to get to go on vacation with your parents!...And for you to have a little time alone with J?... ;-)
I get my computer back in working order this afternoon and can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to that. I’ll post those pictures later and maybe write a bit more then too. For now, Good Morning and Happy Monday!
Love,
B
It was a great weekend! And now I can’t wait for the next…the long holiday weekend that’s only a couple of days away. But back to my weekend away.
We had great weather and a great time. Just being right at Quincy Market was fun. I have pictures from the balcony of our hotel room that will give you a sense of how right there, in the middle of it all, we were. We had drinks at the new Hard Rock Café there (it used to be in the Back Bay, if you recall), and dinner at McCormick and Schmick’s. I got to shop at C&B, and on Saturday W and I went to our first date place that we usually go around our “anniversary” (but sometimes closer to his birthday). We have the same bartender every time we go on a Saturday, and it’s a nice tradition. It was great to spend some time in Boston, some time with W, and to have my first Brandy Alexander of the season with him. I spent the weekend in love with W and in love with Boston, and it was just what I needed.
Sounds like you had a great weekend too. (Yay for us!) And how awesome for JJ to get to go on vacation with your parents!...And for you to have a little time alone with J?... ;-)
I get my computer back in working order this afternoon and can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to that. I’ll post those pictures later and maybe write a bit more then too. For now, Good Morning and Happy Monday!
Love,
B
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Surprise Ending
Welcome Home! I am anxious to hear all about your weekend...hoping it was all you had hoped for.
I had a great weekend...which ended on a perfect note. Friday night, we met D&M (from Watson& Crick Cafe night) at a new place up near the airport, that I found randomly online. Turned out to be awesome and we can't wait to go back. We hadn't seen them in almost a year, so it was great to catch up and get reconnected.
Saturday, football in the morning, as usual. In the afternoon we went down to the theater at the highschool with CK and JK to see a friend's son star in Singin' in the Rain. Totally worth going, even though I don't think J was all that interested in the beginning. He loved it more than anyone! We got home and finished up some yardwork, then decided to go to Applebee's for dinner. Afterwards, we met up at S&T's to sample his new salmon recipe and drink away our Saturday night.
This morning, my parents were due to come over, having returned from Hawaii late last night. My mom and I went to a craft fair in Tacoma, which turned out to be a dud, so we went to Costco instead. K&R had invited us all for dinner tonight (sans BroJ & CC); my parents graciously accepted since they had not received an invite to their own son's house, you know, the one with no social graces who can't think to invite his own parents to dinner one night out of the five that they are in town.
The five of us, Mom, Dad, J, JJ and I, had a fabulous dinner with T&S, K&R&TN; lots of great food and good wine. As it got later, I realized that JJ has school tomorrow and my parents are due to head north to visit their friends in Whidbey Island for a couple of days before Thanksgiving. My dad and I were talking about how I volunteer at school on Mondays, and he asked if I still went in if JJ were absent. "Yes," I said, "because I work in a different room on Mondays." "So," he said, "if JJ were absent, for example, for three days on Thanksgiving week, that wouldn't really affect you, would it?" It took me a minute to catch on, but all of a sudden, J and I were deciding to let JJ go off on vacation with my parents, on a total whim. Later, JJ asked me if I had known about the "surprise" all along. I laughed and told him no, I don't think even Grandad knew about the surprise until it came out his mouth. So typically my Dad, so much the Dad I knew growing up...telling JJ that he'd learn a lot about life in three days up north that he wasn't going to learn in school. It made my heart full.
So he's all packed and ready to be dropped off at their hotel before I report to school. He's not supposed to eat breakfast because they have a "great free breakfast at the hotel"...he's in seventh heaven and it will be a miracle if he can fall asleep before midnight.
And that's how my weekend ended...a terrific dinner with great friends and family, and a surprise holiday vacation for my kid with his grandparents. I couldn't possibly ask for a better way to face Monday morning!
Hope your weekend was equally awesome...looking forward to hearing all.
Love you, A
I had a great weekend...which ended on a perfect note. Friday night, we met D&M (from Watson& Crick Cafe night) at a new place up near the airport, that I found randomly online. Turned out to be awesome and we can't wait to go back. We hadn't seen them in almost a year, so it was great to catch up and get reconnected.
Saturday, football in the morning, as usual. In the afternoon we went down to the theater at the highschool with CK and JK to see a friend's son star in Singin' in the Rain. Totally worth going, even though I don't think J was all that interested in the beginning. He loved it more than anyone! We got home and finished up some yardwork, then decided to go to Applebee's for dinner. Afterwards, we met up at S&T's to sample his new salmon recipe and drink away our Saturday night.
This morning, my parents were due to come over, having returned from Hawaii late last night. My mom and I went to a craft fair in Tacoma, which turned out to be a dud, so we went to Costco instead. K&R had invited us all for dinner tonight (sans BroJ & CC); my parents graciously accepted since they had not received an invite to their own son's house, you know, the one with no social graces who can't think to invite his own parents to dinner one night out of the five that they are in town.
The five of us, Mom, Dad, J, JJ and I, had a fabulous dinner with T&S, K&R&TN; lots of great food and good wine. As it got later, I realized that JJ has school tomorrow and my parents are due to head north to visit their friends in Whidbey Island for a couple of days before Thanksgiving. My dad and I were talking about how I volunteer at school on Mondays, and he asked if I still went in if JJ were absent. "Yes," I said, "because I work in a different room on Mondays." "So," he said, "if JJ were absent, for example, for three days on Thanksgiving week, that wouldn't really affect you, would it?" It took me a minute to catch on, but all of a sudden, J and I were deciding to let JJ go off on vacation with my parents, on a total whim. Later, JJ asked me if I had known about the "surprise" all along. I laughed and told him no, I don't think even Grandad knew about the surprise until it came out his mouth. So typically my Dad, so much the Dad I knew growing up...telling JJ that he'd learn a lot about life in three days up north that he wasn't going to learn in school. It made my heart full.
So he's all packed and ready to be dropped off at their hotel before I report to school. He's not supposed to eat breakfast because they have a "great free breakfast at the hotel"...he's in seventh heaven and it will be a miracle if he can fall asleep before midnight.
And that's how my weekend ended...a terrific dinner with great friends and family, and a surprise holiday vacation for my kid with his grandparents. I couldn't possibly ask for a better way to face Monday morning!
Hope your weekend was equally awesome...looking forward to hearing all.
Love you, A
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Make it be Friday
Hey, A.
I just cried about a parent issue with an assistant principal who was unsupportive. I pulled it together to see out the rest of the day, but tomorrow is another story. I’m spent. I’m over tired and frustrated and not for a minute feeling bad about taking a sick day tomorrow. I could barely wake up this morning and I’m sure it’ll be worse tomorrow. So I’ll sleep in and do what I need to do and get to Boston before traffic, relaxed and ready to enjoy the luxury of it all.
I really need this weekend…more than I thought I would…
I’ll fill you in when I get back. Between now and then I hope you have a good weekend too!
Love you, Barb
I just cried about a parent issue with an assistant principal who was unsupportive. I pulled it together to see out the rest of the day, but tomorrow is another story. I’m spent. I’m over tired and frustrated and not for a minute feeling bad about taking a sick day tomorrow. I could barely wake up this morning and I’m sure it’ll be worse tomorrow. So I’ll sleep in and do what I need to do and get to Boston before traffic, relaxed and ready to enjoy the luxury of it all.
I really need this weekend…more than I thought I would…
I’ll fill you in when I get back. Between now and then I hope you have a good weekend too!
Love you, Barb
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Stuffed Acorn Squash
My appetizer was fabulous and a big hit all around. I even reheated one last night and it was just as good. Can you send me your chili recipe?
Envious!
Hey there.
Tuesday already...I have no idea where Monday went. So glad to hear from you this morning, since I never checked the computer yesterday. I'm looking forward to your trip to Boston, too! That sounds awesome. I miss Faneuil Hall and all of its surrounding goodies. I know, I have Pike Place, but it's not the same! What a guy you have, too, to agree to the fancy B&B over the ball game. :) (And yes, I know how much sports tickets cost because I wanted to get JJ Seahawks tickets for Christmas and I almost fell over when I went looking. Personally, I think it's insane. Particularly since college ball games cost just as much! Even with our crappy teams up here!!) Anyway, I look forward to hearing about the romantic getaway!
Portland was fun - we met up with C and a friend of hers and had lunch on the waterfront. Unfortunately, it felt more like we were eating on a crab boat in the Bering sea, it was raining that hard. Whatever...we were inside and I was savoring a scrumptious crab and artichoke sandwich. We went from there to the train show, which, surprisingly, was really cool. Not that I was dreading it or anything, I don't mind that sort of thing. But I actually enjoyed it much more than I had anticipated. JJ loved it and was a little sad to leave after two hours.
CC had told me about "an amazing and dirt cheap" craft store in Vancouver, so, of course, we had to check it out. Turns out it wasn't exactly dirt cheap, but it did have twice the selection of your run-of-the-mill craft stores, and all of the fall stuff was 70% off. I am trying to make a fall wreath so I bought a bunch of random berries and leaves and...???...that I'm not entirely sure what to do with. I bet I'll figure it out, Mini Martha that I have become. Hopefully before it's time to put up the Christmas wreath.
Little kudos to J for the day: as we were driving home, the song from Dirty Dancing came on. After singing along, I said, "We should go home and curl up in our pjs and watch that movie." Of course I wasn't serious - I mean, I was, but I didn't expect that would be met with a rousing "Sure!" But, after dinner, he goes and finds the movie, puts it in, and sits on the couch with me for the rest of the evening. Hello! This, after spending an hour and half in a craft store, and paying for all my stupid stuff! That's a lot of estrogen. I love him.
Yesterday I delved back into the 50th Anniversary Party Planning Nightmare. Since all I seem to do anymore is gripe about CC, I should leave this one alone, but I gotta tell you, she's not right. She's going to be the death of me. I have to call Bro J this morning and I'm completely putting it off because I can't bear the thought of having to deal with her/him/them one more minute. Bottom line: all she cares about is saving money, and I'm not interested in inviting 150 guests from out of town to sit in the Grange Hall, eating appetizers off paper napkins and drinking cheap champagne from plastic flutes. Sorry. Call me weird.
Anyway, I won't bore you. I just can't deal with her at all, and trying to deal with Bro J instead is like pulling teeth. He is the laziest, most non-communicative person I know, and the two of them don't talk to each other...God, it's no wonder I drink. I am so vindicated.
Today, more of that...yay! Tonight, book club - another book I didn't/wouldn't choose. It doesn't suck, totally, but it's nothing I feel like talking about. My little group is kind of fun, though, and we usually spend way more time chit-chatting than we do discussing the book, so I don't mind. Nothing else going on this week besides football and such. We have p-t conferences this week too, but I'm feeling pretty good about JJ since he's got all A's and one B. Sending energy to you for this evening...yuk...I don't miss it at all. Even if I am broke and can't find a job. However, having some place to go that required an outfit, vs. jeans and fleece, would be nice. I'm feeling the need to be amongst dressed and motivated people.
Off now to clean JJ's bathroom. The whole staying home thing has its upside, sure, but this ain't one of them.
Have a great day!
Love you, A
P.S. Sorry to hear you're sick again. Me too. Sucks.
P.S.S. You wrote: "It makes me sad to see my family repeated in M’s..." what did you mean by that?
Tuesday already...I have no idea where Monday went. So glad to hear from you this morning, since I never checked the computer yesterday. I'm looking forward to your trip to Boston, too! That sounds awesome. I miss Faneuil Hall and all of its surrounding goodies. I know, I have Pike Place, but it's not the same! What a guy you have, too, to agree to the fancy B&B over the ball game. :) (And yes, I know how much sports tickets cost because I wanted to get JJ Seahawks tickets for Christmas and I almost fell over when I went looking. Personally, I think it's insane. Particularly since college ball games cost just as much! Even with our crappy teams up here!!) Anyway, I look forward to hearing about the romantic getaway!
Portland was fun - we met up with C and a friend of hers and had lunch on the waterfront. Unfortunately, it felt more like we were eating on a crab boat in the Bering sea, it was raining that hard. Whatever...we were inside and I was savoring a scrumptious crab and artichoke sandwich. We went from there to the train show, which, surprisingly, was really cool. Not that I was dreading it or anything, I don't mind that sort of thing. But I actually enjoyed it much more than I had anticipated. JJ loved it and was a little sad to leave after two hours.
CC had told me about "an amazing and dirt cheap" craft store in Vancouver, so, of course, we had to check it out. Turns out it wasn't exactly dirt cheap, but it did have twice the selection of your run-of-the-mill craft stores, and all of the fall stuff was 70% off. I am trying to make a fall wreath so I bought a bunch of random berries and leaves and...???...that I'm not entirely sure what to do with. I bet I'll figure it out, Mini Martha that I have become. Hopefully before it's time to put up the Christmas wreath.
Little kudos to J for the day: as we were driving home, the song from Dirty Dancing came on. After singing along, I said, "We should go home and curl up in our pjs and watch that movie." Of course I wasn't serious - I mean, I was, but I didn't expect that would be met with a rousing "Sure!" But, after dinner, he goes and finds the movie, puts it in, and sits on the couch with me for the rest of the evening. Hello! This, after spending an hour and half in a craft store, and paying for all my stupid stuff! That's a lot of estrogen. I love him.
Yesterday I delved back into the 50th Anniversary Party Planning Nightmare. Since all I seem to do anymore is gripe about CC, I should leave this one alone, but I gotta tell you, she's not right. She's going to be the death of me. I have to call Bro J this morning and I'm completely putting it off because I can't bear the thought of having to deal with her/him/them one more minute. Bottom line: all she cares about is saving money, and I'm not interested in inviting 150 guests from out of town to sit in the Grange Hall, eating appetizers off paper napkins and drinking cheap champagne from plastic flutes. Sorry. Call me weird.
Anyway, I won't bore you. I just can't deal with her at all, and trying to deal with Bro J instead is like pulling teeth. He is the laziest, most non-communicative person I know, and the two of them don't talk to each other...God, it's no wonder I drink. I am so vindicated.
Today, more of that...yay! Tonight, book club - another book I didn't/wouldn't choose. It doesn't suck, totally, but it's nothing I feel like talking about. My little group is kind of fun, though, and we usually spend way more time chit-chatting than we do discussing the book, so I don't mind. Nothing else going on this week besides football and such. We have p-t conferences this week too, but I'm feeling pretty good about JJ since he's got all A's and one B. Sending energy to you for this evening...yuk...I don't miss it at all. Even if I am broke and can't find a job. However, having some place to go that required an outfit, vs. jeans and fleece, would be nice. I'm feeling the need to be amongst dressed and motivated people.
Off now to clean JJ's bathroom. The whole staying home thing has its upside, sure, but this ain't one of them.
Have a great day!
Love you, A
P.S. Sorry to hear you're sick again. Me too. Sucks.
P.S.S. You wrote: "It makes me sad to see my family repeated in M’s..." what did you mean by that?
Cycle of Life
Hey there.
Once again (third time since I’ve been back to school) I have a sore throat/allergy flare up going on, which sucks in general, but especially since I have parent teacher conferences tonight. I do have the weekend to look forward to, however…
W and I are staying in a swanky hotel (we stayed there for his birthday a couple of years ago) in Faneuil Hall Friday night. In lieu of my going to a game, which he was trying to orchestrate, I told him I’d rather spend the money on a hotel room and maybe dinner (that’s how much tickets to the games go for!). I appreciated his effort but let him know that I am perfectly content watching from my living room and would rather do a Boston splurge with that money. Well, after watching Hotwire like a hawk but not being successful, I ended up making a reservation for out in Needham—just in case. That was priced higher than I’d like for a fall back, really, but it was a back up plan. We’d figure it out. Then yesterday I went right on the hotel website and found a bed and breakfast package at our swanky spot (same one I did for his birthday) for the same price as the Needham hotel. Yay! I’m so excited. As much as I love the Back Bay, I do like to be down at Faneuil Hall on occasion too. We’ll go to Haymarket in the morning and lunch at our anniversary place (even though it’s not our anniversary) and have our Thanksgiving together early. I can’t wait.
Last night at my parents’ was good…although I am concerned about my nephew J and think he may have manorexia. He’s been running, with his distant father (seeking his approval I’m afraid) and he’s lost a bunch of weight and looks too thin. Meanwhile, his mother is all proud, carrying on about him bringing ryvyta and a slice of ginger for lunch. It makes me sad to see my family repeated in M’s…alcoholic parent (her), emotionally unavailable parent (V), eating disorder kid (J), and youngest kid with a weight problem internalizing it all (A). And on that note, I’ll get back to looking forward to the weekend…
Hope all is well. Looking forward to updates.
Love, Barb
Once again (third time since I’ve been back to school) I have a sore throat/allergy flare up going on, which sucks in general, but especially since I have parent teacher conferences tonight. I do have the weekend to look forward to, however…
W and I are staying in a swanky hotel (we stayed there for his birthday a couple of years ago) in Faneuil Hall Friday night. In lieu of my going to a game, which he was trying to orchestrate, I told him I’d rather spend the money on a hotel room and maybe dinner (that’s how much tickets to the games go for!). I appreciated his effort but let him know that I am perfectly content watching from my living room and would rather do a Boston splurge with that money. Well, after watching Hotwire like a hawk but not being successful, I ended up making a reservation for out in Needham—just in case. That was priced higher than I’d like for a fall back, really, but it was a back up plan. We’d figure it out. Then yesterday I went right on the hotel website and found a bed and breakfast package at our swanky spot (same one I did for his birthday) for the same price as the Needham hotel. Yay! I’m so excited. As much as I love the Back Bay, I do like to be down at Faneuil Hall on occasion too. We’ll go to Haymarket in the morning and lunch at our anniversary place (even though it’s not our anniversary) and have our Thanksgiving together early. I can’t wait.
Last night at my parents’ was good…although I am concerned about my nephew J and think he may have manorexia. He’s been running, with his distant father (seeking his approval I’m afraid) and he’s lost a bunch of weight and looks too thin. Meanwhile, his mother is all proud, carrying on about him bringing ryvyta and a slice of ginger for lunch. It makes me sad to see my family repeated in M’s…alcoholic parent (her), emotionally unavailable parent (V), eating disorder kid (J), and youngest kid with a weight problem internalizing it all (A). And on that note, I’ll get back to looking forward to the weekend…
Hope all is well. Looking forward to updates.
Love, Barb
Monday, November 16, 2009
Fate
Hey there, A.
What a treat this morning to read your post. I'm glad you had a good time that night. Though your brother and sister-in-law didn't deserve it, you were a gracious host and through it came to appreciate what is so dear to you. That's definitely an everything-happens-for-a-reason moment.
I'm tired today (last night's game went late) but L is coming up with the kids this afternoon so I can't veg out tonight to make up for last night and rest up for tomorrow's parent teacher conferences that go until 9 pm. Maybe I'll skip the gym and watch Ellen and Oprah before heading to my parents'.
I would love to write more (about my plans for Boston!) but I have an appointment to drop off my computer and need to run. I promise to write more tomorrow. Until then...Can't wait to hear about Portland and how your app turned out...
Love you,
B
What a treat this morning to read your post. I'm glad you had a good time that night. Though your brother and sister-in-law didn't deserve it, you were a gracious host and through it came to appreciate what is so dear to you. That's definitely an everything-happens-for-a-reason moment.
I'm tired today (last night's game went late) but L is coming up with the kids this afternoon so I can't veg out tonight to make up for last night and rest up for tomorrow's parent teacher conferences that go until 9 pm. Maybe I'll skip the gym and watch Ellen and Oprah before heading to my parents'.
I would love to write more (about my plans for Boston!) but I have an appointment to drop off my computer and need to run. I promise to write more tomorrow. Until then...Can't wait to hear about Portland and how your app turned out...
Love you,
B
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Pride over Anger...Novel Concept
Hey, you.
Sounds like a fun night with J&M. I think I met M when I was visiting once, didn't I? We went out to dinner with her if I remember correctly. Sorry to hear both have been going through tough times. It's probably as much a joy for them to have that once-a-year friend like you - a chance to hear a fresh approach.
Friday was fun with my parents. We came home and J took the afternoon off. We went to this new restaurant in town; it's pretty much the first decent, non-chain restaurant we've ever had, and I thought it was great. Their claim to fame is that they serve their beer at 32 degrees, so we all ordered Mac & Jacks and enjoyed. I had fish tacos, which were very good, and I don't usually order those because they're hard to get right. Anyway, we kind of dinked around the rest of the day until it was around dinner time...I planned to have my brother and family up for a bbq so we decided on paper plates and easy stuff.
My brother and sister-in-law are freaks of nature with absolutely NO social graces whatsoever. I know, this isn't news. I think the topper to my having to ask her to bring a salad (she didn't offer anything), followed by her bringing three extra kids she was babysitting, followed by those kids' parents showing up and my brother inviting them into my house and offering them a drink, followed by not lifting a freakin' finger to help make, serve or clean up dinner, was when, as they were leaving, CC said to me, "I think they're coming back to our house for a bit. Do you have a bottle of wine I can take?" She walks over to my wine rack, surveys it and says, "Just something you don't like."
I corked the 1/4 full bottle we'd already opened and handed it to her. I told her I don't buy wine I don't like. She is so lucky I didn't unload five years worth of frustration and resentment on her stupid a**.
Can you even believe that? Oh, of course you can. And who stayed and cleaned up my entire kitchen? Who didn't even have dinner with us??? T.
(I should say, here, that regardless of all that, it was a very fun evening and I enjoyed the new couples' company quite a bit. And they had great kids, so that was a big plus.)
Not too long after that, I had my "I have a good house" moment. I was about to spew hatred and bitterness on J about CC and my equally lazy and socially retarded brother, when it occured to me that, as ugly and mean as I feel inside, I know I don't project that to my (even uninvited) guests. I'm pretty sure my Grandma, who died when I was 25 and was my favorite person on earth, was looking down on me and smiling last night. She was the queen of making people feel comfortable and making sure that no one, not even someone off the street, felt as if he hadn't been personally invited to her party. I am grateful for the gift she left me and am happy to say that I chose pride over anger in that moment. Baby steps...
Today, just getting my plants in the ground and then wine club tonight. I'm flippin' exhausted and hope to get a short nap in here beforehand. Not to mention I had my fair share of wine last night, so I'm working on the bloated Stevie Nicks look today. I'm making cremini-stuffed acorn squash halves for my app...I've never tried them, but really, how can that suck?? I'll let you know how they turn out.
Hope you're enjoying your quiet and solitary weekend. It sounds heavenly! We'll be in Portland all day tomorrow and not home 'til late, so I won't be around for a phone call, but it would be great to catch up soon.
Love, A
Sounds like a fun night with J&M. I think I met M when I was visiting once, didn't I? We went out to dinner with her if I remember correctly. Sorry to hear both have been going through tough times. It's probably as much a joy for them to have that once-a-year friend like you - a chance to hear a fresh approach.
Friday was fun with my parents. We came home and J took the afternoon off. We went to this new restaurant in town; it's pretty much the first decent, non-chain restaurant we've ever had, and I thought it was great. Their claim to fame is that they serve their beer at 32 degrees, so we all ordered Mac & Jacks and enjoyed. I had fish tacos, which were very good, and I don't usually order those because they're hard to get right. Anyway, we kind of dinked around the rest of the day until it was around dinner time...I planned to have my brother and family up for a bbq so we decided on paper plates and easy stuff.
My brother and sister-in-law are freaks of nature with absolutely NO social graces whatsoever. I know, this isn't news. I think the topper to my having to ask her to bring a salad (she didn't offer anything), followed by her bringing three extra kids she was babysitting, followed by those kids' parents showing up and my brother inviting them into my house and offering them a drink, followed by not lifting a freakin' finger to help make, serve or clean up dinner, was when, as they were leaving, CC said to me, "I think they're coming back to our house for a bit. Do you have a bottle of wine I can take?" She walks over to my wine rack, surveys it and says, "Just something you don't like."
I corked the 1/4 full bottle we'd already opened and handed it to her. I told her I don't buy wine I don't like. She is so lucky I didn't unload five years worth of frustration and resentment on her stupid a**.
Can you even believe that? Oh, of course you can. And who stayed and cleaned up my entire kitchen? Who didn't even have dinner with us??? T.
(I should say, here, that regardless of all that, it was a very fun evening and I enjoyed the new couples' company quite a bit. And they had great kids, so that was a big plus.)
Not too long after that, I had my "I have a good house" moment. I was about to spew hatred and bitterness on J about CC and my equally lazy and socially retarded brother, when it occured to me that, as ugly and mean as I feel inside, I know I don't project that to my (even uninvited) guests. I'm pretty sure my Grandma, who died when I was 25 and was my favorite person on earth, was looking down on me and smiling last night. She was the queen of making people feel comfortable and making sure that no one, not even someone off the street, felt as if he hadn't been personally invited to her party. I am grateful for the gift she left me and am happy to say that I chose pride over anger in that moment. Baby steps...
Today, just getting my plants in the ground and then wine club tonight. I'm flippin' exhausted and hope to get a short nap in here beforehand. Not to mention I had my fair share of wine last night, so I'm working on the bloated Stevie Nicks look today. I'm making cremini-stuffed acorn squash halves for my app...I've never tried them, but really, how can that suck?? I'll let you know how they turn out.
Hope you're enjoying your quiet and solitary weekend. It sounds heavenly! We'll be in Portland all day tomorrow and not home 'til late, so I won't be around for a phone call, but it would be great to catch up soon.
Love, A
Friday, November 13, 2009
Heavy Chili
TGIF! Even though I just had Wednesday off…
Last night was fun, and not even a late night, but I went to bed exhausted and didn’t sleep very well. I’m looking forward to going home after work and doing nothing. W and I are taking one more weekend off (financial reasons) but have plans to get together next weekend in Boston. All of that works for me, especially since it fits into my plans to do nothing. My place is nice and tidy and perfect for cuddling up and reading a book.
But before I get ahead of myself, let me get back to last night first.
It’s strange that I’ve know them as long as I have now. They were really just out of high school when we met, and so much has gone on with them since then. Marriage, (one) divorce, children. I haven’t seen them since April, when W and I took a ride over to M’s. J was there with her children, so we essentially stopped by their play date to say hi. W had not seen M since the day he and I met, and he had never met J.
Flash forward 6 months, and I find out M was hospitalized for a week back in May for mental health issues. And J has been out of work for a few months with major credit card debt that she and her husband can barely keep up with. Whoa. One minute we’re borrowing butt money from each other, and the next we’re all grown ups with grownup problems. Crazy! I feel just awful about not knowing about M…and I had a feeling that J and her husband were living beyond their means/on credit cards. Now I feel terrible that I was right, since she’s out of a job.
But I also feel fortunate to count them among my friends, and to have the one or two girls’ nights a year where we can share this kind of info, where we still feel comfortable sharing it.
Hope you’re having another good day, with or without good hair.
Love you,B
Last night was fun, and not even a late night, but I went to bed exhausted and didn’t sleep very well. I’m looking forward to going home after work and doing nothing. W and I are taking one more weekend off (financial reasons) but have plans to get together next weekend in Boston. All of that works for me, especially since it fits into my plans to do nothing. My place is nice and tidy and perfect for cuddling up and reading a book.
But before I get ahead of myself, let me get back to last night first.
It’s strange that I’ve know them as long as I have now. They were really just out of high school when we met, and so much has gone on with them since then. Marriage, (one) divorce, children. I haven’t seen them since April, when W and I took a ride over to M’s. J was there with her children, so we essentially stopped by their play date to say hi. W had not seen M since the day he and I met, and he had never met J.
Flash forward 6 months, and I find out M was hospitalized for a week back in May for mental health issues. And J has been out of work for a few months with major credit card debt that she and her husband can barely keep up with. Whoa. One minute we’re borrowing butt money from each other, and the next we’re all grown ups with grownup problems. Crazy! I feel just awful about not knowing about M…and I had a feeling that J and her husband were living beyond their means/on credit cards. Now I feel terrible that I was right, since she’s out of a job.
But I also feel fortunate to count them among my friends, and to have the one or two girls’ nights a year where we can share this kind of info, where we still feel comfortable sharing it.
Hope you’re having another good day, with or without good hair.
Love you,B
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Fun without Snow
Hi, A.
Love the box! No need to apologize. Sounds like a busy day, and that you did the right thing at the end, taking the time to decompress with candlelight and spirits...We can always catch up on the phone another time. Before I knew it, it was 10, so even though you would have caught me still awake (which is rare), I was on my way to bed--after a good day.
In fact, I had a great day yesterday! It was like a snow day without snow….
I started with a couple of cups of coffee and then went to the gym. I did my regular treadmill, and then did a training session on upper body machines. For these past couple of months I’ve just been focused on getting there…on showing up and burning some calories, but I figured it was time to try some other machines. (Can you believe it’s been two months?) I stopped at Pier 1 to browse then got home around noon. I made myself a bacon cheeseburger (does that assuage your fears about my becoming Susan Powter?) and relaxed for a little bit before putting on a pot of chili and getting caught up on the cleaning I don’t always do on weekends because I resent the sh*t out of it. I’m pretty much all set for my girls’ night with M and J tonight—piles of magazine and catalogs appropriately recycled, and junk mail shredded—except for running the vacuum when I get home. Oh, and setting the table of course. And putting the chili on the stove to warm. Well, you get what I mean. But that's one of the things I love about entertaining with chili: it's a make ahead meal that makes it soooo much easier.
I haven't seen M and J in some time. In case you aren't placing them, they are friends I met through BFF J, when she was still living in Connecticut and they all worked together. We have maintained friendships in our own right and though we don't get together as often as we used to, we still try. And we always, always, laugh.
I'll check in again tomorrow and tell you all about it. Maybe by then I'll have decided whether or not I'm going to the Frada party I'm invited to.
Hope today is good. Good luck getting ready for the rents.
Love, B
Love the box! No need to apologize. Sounds like a busy day, and that you did the right thing at the end, taking the time to decompress with candlelight and spirits...We can always catch up on the phone another time. Before I knew it, it was 10, so even though you would have caught me still awake (which is rare), I was on my way to bed--after a good day.
In fact, I had a great day yesterday! It was like a snow day without snow….
I started with a couple of cups of coffee and then went to the gym. I did my regular treadmill, and then did a training session on upper body machines. For these past couple of months I’ve just been focused on getting there…on showing up and burning some calories, but I figured it was time to try some other machines. (Can you believe it’s been two months?) I stopped at Pier 1 to browse then got home around noon. I made myself a bacon cheeseburger (does that assuage your fears about my becoming Susan Powter?) and relaxed for a little bit before putting on a pot of chili and getting caught up on the cleaning I don’t always do on weekends because I resent the sh*t out of it. I’m pretty much all set for my girls’ night with M and J tonight—piles of magazine and catalogs appropriately recycled, and junk mail shredded—except for running the vacuum when I get home. Oh, and setting the table of course. And putting the chili on the stove to warm. Well, you get what I mean. But that's one of the things I love about entertaining with chili: it's a make ahead meal that makes it soooo much easier.
I haven't seen M and J in some time. In case you aren't placing them, they are friends I met through BFF J, when she was still living in Connecticut and they all worked together. We have maintained friendships in our own right and though we don't get together as often as we used to, we still try. And we always, always, laugh.
I'll check in again tomorrow and tell you all about it. Maybe by then I'll have decided whether or not I'm going to the Frada party I'm invited to.
Hope today is good. Good luck getting ready for the rents.
Love, B
Hi, B.
Sorry about yesterday. S and I went to Marshall's, her favorite store on earth, and a place I very rarely visit. I didn't get the water goblets (I loved your text!) but did get a pretty fall table runner ($9) an impromptu gift for K (Antipasti cookbook - $2.99) six candles for the mantle ($8) and a totally cool Christmas box thing that I intend to fill with ??? and put in the bathroom ($6.99). Much more practical than the goblets, considering my cabinet full of Waterford, and I felt like I had a basketload of goodies for the same $27!
We ended up at the nursery and I got a bunch of winter plants on my gift certificate.
~~
Sidenote on customer service here. This particular nursery is one of those totally overpriced, snooty places with a tea shop and a photo studio; it's very popular for weddings, etc. And it truly is beautiful; we had C's graduation pictures done there. Anyway, I had this G.C. I think I might have told you, that was five years old. Our wine club had given it to us when J's dad died and I just happened to come across it in a drawer recently. I was afraid to try to use it, even though it had no expiration date. I was just sure that there would be some problem, what with how weird most places are about giftcards anymore. But I got in there and the woman at the counter never once questioned it. She looked at it and smiled, said "Wow, this is an old one! Cindy! Look at this! Do you remember when we had these?" They chuckled, rang up my plants, and I was on my way. I was delighted! As J& I always say, "Now that's customer service."
Since it's supposed to rain the rest of the week, I wanted to get them in the ground, but was running very short on daylight by the time we got home. I didn't finish, but will try this morning before it gets ugly.
CK came over during the planting (which is probably why I didn't finish) to update us on the M car wreck saga - I can't even be bothered to go into details. K called her to "verify" that we hadn't gone out to get M at the wreck...told her he was "so disappointed in our behavior"...oh God, whatever! I'm not the custodial parent who was in Chicago.
Anyway, we rushed to get dinner before football practice, at which point I was kind of feeling the meltdown of the earlier conversation. I begged out of practice, poured myself a glass of my new favorite wine - yes, Basket Case Syrah - it rocks, and screwtop at that. I lit the gazillion candles around my house (since we're approaching the holidays, they're all coming out), turned on the "Relax" playlist on my iPod dock really loud, and sat back on the couch for my free hour and a half. And I remembered what my friend, B, said when I was sick and complaining that no one pampered me: "Don't forget to pamper yourself. Even when you're not sick."
Soooooo...there's my litany of excuses as to why I never called you back. I do apologize, but the day kind of got away from me. When the boys left, and I had my free time, it was already 7 and I was pretty sure you would be in bed. I thought about writing, but what I really wanted to do was to empty my brain, not sift through it. It was the perfect answer to my increasing stress, faced with the possibility of picking up the phone and continuing to rant and rave to CK, as if I hadn't done enough of it already in the driveway. I wish that effin' a**h*** would get out of my life, my neighborhood and my friendships. (Hope I didn't just get us an R rating on our blog. You should have heard me out in the driveway. I had steam coming out my ears, I'm sure.)
My folks are coming tomorrow so I'm tidying up around here a little today. Nail appointment at ten, then grocery shopping, allergy shots, the usual. Without going into a rant about CC and her neurotic fear of my parents, I will say that we are having everyone over here for dinner tomorrow night. Thank God J is not a stinge, and that he can tolerate just about anyone. What would I do if I were married to someone who didn't put up with my dysfunctional family?!
Gotta get A to the bus stop and head out. Hope to hear from you later!
Love, A
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I Delight in Dishes
Ramekins? In rusty red??? Water goblets? You are preaching to the choir, babe! Seriously. I have more ramekins, and little-ramekin like dishes, than I can ever use, in all different shapes and sizes. Every time I get my kitchen spending and space issues under control, I see that perfect bowl or platter at Marshalls or Homegoods. To be honest, I go looking. I was just there yesterday after, debating on which hurricane would look best on my dining room table with my lemons in them. I walked away without any, but only because I saw the perfect turquoise bottle/vase for the collection in my bay window behind my couch. Turquoise! The only color in my color palette that I don't have represented in the display. (Did you get the latest C&B catalog? sooo my color palette.) (You really have to come visit!) Anyway, I couldn't afford both, so I opted for neither. And, because I make no sense whatsoever, opted for sushi instead!
Sounds like a great day with K...but a rather traumatic experience with the bird. I do believe that it's good luck when a bird flies in the house. I know there's some superstition that goes with that, and I'll have to ask my mother: devout Catholic (to a fault) and Queen of Superstitions and Dream Analysis. And I wonder where I get my not making any sense?....
Great to hear from you, and to have time to write back right away!
Have a good day.
B
PS I should be home all afternoon tomorrow if you want to talk.
Sounds like a great day with K...but a rather traumatic experience with the bird. I do believe that it's good luck when a bird flies in the house. I know there's some superstition that goes with that, and I'll have to ask my mother: devout Catholic (to a fault) and Queen of Superstitions and Dream Analysis. And I wonder where I get my not making any sense?....
Great to hear from you, and to have time to write back right away!
Have a good day.
B
PS I should be home all afternoon tomorrow if you want to talk.
No Need to Nurse My Neuroses
Hey, you.
Don't feel bad; it's just me, being my usual overly-self-conscious self.
Sidenote: I am working on not reading Guilt Trip into everything everyone says to me. I have this friend, SB, who truly is the most guilt tripping person I have ever met, and I really struggle with her. J has been trying to help me deal with her more effectively (since he is completely unaffected by guilt in any form) and I am beginning to see that much of the guilt "she puts on me", I put on myself. Or, rather, I accept. I am learning not to accept it, for one. But more importantly, I'm learning not to invent it when it's not even there! My new motto: No one can drive you crazy unless you give them the keys.
~~
I hated to read that you were feeling broke after being so good about taking care of your car. That totally sucks and I can totally relate. It feels good to be responsible but the payoff kind of sucks in the end. Believe me, this paying for college is a painfully right thing to do! But you will be glad in the end, you know that. Nothing worse than the car hitting the shits when you need it. Like in the middle of a snowstorm. Oh, wait, that was me.
On Veteran's Day, go frolic in the the leaves, for Pete's sake. I'm pretty sure the intention isn't to relive all the horror, but to celebrate the freedoms we have. One of those is the privilege of being joyful, so I say we go for it. I think it ought to be more like the Fourth of July, anyway. It's essentially the same holiday, right? Celebrating all the people who gave their lives for our freedom? Why are we sitting in the gym listening to tragic recounts? Not to say the stories aren't worth hearing, just not in that format.
Just throwing you a little validation.
Poor A and I just had a little Circle of Life moment when a bird flew into my living room window and committed suicide. Well, almost. When we went out to get it, it was twitching, but my cat sniffed it out way faster than I anticipated and was settled into a scrumptious breakfast before I could save A from the carnage. Fortunately, she's resilient; I just kept saying, "It's the circle of life..." as if that was somehow going to make it less ugly. Sad, that all I can do in a time of crisis like that is recite lines from a freakin' Disney movie.
I had a great day yesterday with K, shopping through Nordies, then World Market (your favorite West Coast store!) for wine bargains. I bought a cool bottle of Merlot called "Basket Case", clearly made specifically for me. Also grabbed some super on-sale ramekins in an awesome rusty red color. I have no use for ramekins, really, except as little sauce dishes about once a year. But I think they're just the coolest piece of serveware ever. I could have them all over my kitchen for no reason at all. I found some pretty water goblets, too, but ended up putting them back when the broke side of my brain (poor, not broken) convinced the frivolous side that there are very few things on earth I need less than water goblets. I think ski poles might even outrank them. I am trying soooo hard to only purchase things I truly need right now, but sometimes you just have to give in to 4/$3 ceramic dishes that make bbq sauce look prettier.
We went out to lunch at Adriatic Grill - had a really good lentil soup and crusty bread - yum! I love fall! Then we wandered through a local nursery for which I have a gift certificate. Unfortunately, the actual nursery was closed, but the gift shop was open and we drooled over some beautiful Christmas ornaments that no one in her right mind could afford. Even with a gift certificate.
Nothing planned today, although I could get a jump on cleaning up the house for the rents. Funny how the minute you get it spotless for a party, it winds up twice as dirty the day after. Not to mention, with all the rain, there's just no getting around perpetually muddy floors and crunchy leaves everywhere. It's actually kind of sunny out right now, so I may be motivated to get outside and finish the yard. LOL.
Maybe we can get a phone call in this week...I'll probably be around all day Wednesday unless K and I go see that "The Blind Side" movie we're dying to see.
Happy Tuesday,
Love you! - A
Gloomy
Hey, A.
Now I feel bad for making you feel like apologizing....I didn't intend to make you feel bad. I'm sorry that I did.
Okay, I know that Veteran's Day is not supposed to be a joyful celebration, but dear God, we just had the most somber and depressing assembly to honor local vets. Our first selectman, who is also a vet, every year gets up without notes and waxes patriotic--usually a bit long-winded and disorganized since he seems not to prepare his remarks. Well today he told the story of a nurse who was asked by a dying soldier to sing him a lullaby as he died. I get that these things should not leave me wanting to frolic through the autumn leaves, but if I heard one more depressing story I was going to need to take the rest of the day off. Ugh. War stories.
M and J are coming over for chili Thursday night, so tomorrow I will spend the day cleaning and cooking after my upper body training session at the gym. Now that I'm going regularly and have stuck with cardiovascular workouts for two months, I want to learn all the different machines. I still have three sessions available; I thought I'd take advantage of one tomorrow.
Aside from that, all is well, I guess, other than feeling the aftereffects of the $400 tires. I had the money at the time, but now I feel broke. I guess it took a week or so to catch up with me that the money wasn't there for other things. I don't have much coming up that costs any money so it's okay for now. Just sucks when I just got paid and already I need my next paycheck.
Hope your week is off to a good start.
Talk to you soon. Love,
Barb
Now I feel bad for making you feel like apologizing....I didn't intend to make you feel bad. I'm sorry that I did.
Okay, I know that Veteran's Day is not supposed to be a joyful celebration, but dear God, we just had the most somber and depressing assembly to honor local vets. Our first selectman, who is also a vet, every year gets up without notes and waxes patriotic--usually a bit long-winded and disorganized since he seems not to prepare his remarks. Well today he told the story of a nurse who was asked by a dying soldier to sing him a lullaby as he died. I get that these things should not leave me wanting to frolic through the autumn leaves, but if I heard one more depressing story I was going to need to take the rest of the day off. Ugh. War stories.
M and J are coming over for chili Thursday night, so tomorrow I will spend the day cleaning and cooking after my upper body training session at the gym. Now that I'm going regularly and have stuck with cardiovascular workouts for two months, I want to learn all the different machines. I still have three sessions available; I thought I'd take advantage of one tomorrow.
Aside from that, all is well, I guess, other than feeling the aftereffects of the $400 tires. I had the money at the time, but now I feel broke. I guess it took a week or so to catch up with me that the money wasn't there for other things. I don't have much coming up that costs any money so it's okay for now. Just sucks when I just got paid and already I need my next paycheck.
Hope your week is off to a good start.
Talk to you soon. Love,
Barb
Monday, November 9, 2009
Writing, NOT Working
Good morning...
I hate "email" - as in, computer-written communication. Maybe I'm a little sensitive this morning, but I feel the need to apologize after reading your post. I don't mean to go days without responding, I'm sure you know that. I often lack the simultaneous occurence of inspiration and time to write. Like yesterday, we had planned to work in the yard all afternoon, but I was inspired to read and write instead. So I chose to honor that, and stay inside. J wasn't mad, really, but I know I left him with all the work to do for the majority of the day. Sometimes, I'll get inspired when JJ's about to walk in the door, or I have all the time in the world first thing in the morning, but sit here and stare at the keyboard without a single intelligent thought in my head.
You're right, writing shouldn't be a chore. Kim tells me the same thing. I still end up putting it low on my list though, and even apologizing for spending time doing it, especially if its taking time away from my family. I know that's all effed up - I'm working on finding the right balance.
So I'm sorry I've slowed down and that you write without feedback many days. I'll try to get better!!
I volunteered at school this morning and went to WW - only lost 1.8 lbs, which sucks, but considering the amount of wine I consumed right at the end of the week, I guess it makes sense. K and I are off now to do some shopping for (me) Christmas and (her) Christmas parties (they go to a ton). Thought we'd hit TJ's and World Market too, since we'll be up there. I haven't seen her much lately so it will be nice to get caught up. Ever since she quit drinking and became freaky about her exercise routine, we don't seem to spend as much time together. I'm not knocking her - I'm jealous, really.
The rest of this week I hope to work a little - maybe get a sub job a couple of day, then Friday my folks arrive for the first phase of their holiday visit. They will actually only be here for a day, then they leave for Hawaii on Saturday. They will return the following Saturday and stay for the Thanksgiving week. I'm looking forward to seeing them. I got my control-freak wish, too. I really wanted to do Thanksgiving here, just because I hate the tension convention that goes on down at CC's house...and lo and behold, she called to ask it we could do just that. I know it's because of the money, but she said it was because my house is nicer, cleaner, and better decorated. What. Ever.
So I'm out of here now...feeling a little better about the thing last night with M. I did have my breakdown, around 9pm, completely out of the blue when I started to write about it. I didn't think I was emotional about it, but guess I was wrong. Poor J, dealing with my sad blubbering self. :-)
I hope Monday is going well for you...two days on, one off, two days on...weekend...yahoo!
Love you
A
I hate "email" - as in, computer-written communication. Maybe I'm a little sensitive this morning, but I feel the need to apologize after reading your post. I don't mean to go days without responding, I'm sure you know that. I often lack the simultaneous occurence of inspiration and time to write. Like yesterday, we had planned to work in the yard all afternoon, but I was inspired to read and write instead. So I chose to honor that, and stay inside. J wasn't mad, really, but I know I left him with all the work to do for the majority of the day. Sometimes, I'll get inspired when JJ's about to walk in the door, or I have all the time in the world first thing in the morning, but sit here and stare at the keyboard without a single intelligent thought in my head.
You're right, writing shouldn't be a chore. Kim tells me the same thing. I still end up putting it low on my list though, and even apologizing for spending time doing it, especially if its taking time away from my family. I know that's all effed up - I'm working on finding the right balance.
So I'm sorry I've slowed down and that you write without feedback many days. I'll try to get better!!
I volunteered at school this morning and went to WW - only lost 1.8 lbs, which sucks, but considering the amount of wine I consumed right at the end of the week, I guess it makes sense. K and I are off now to do some shopping for (me) Christmas and (her) Christmas parties (they go to a ton). Thought we'd hit TJ's and World Market too, since we'll be up there. I haven't seen her much lately so it will be nice to get caught up. Ever since she quit drinking and became freaky about her exercise routine, we don't seem to spend as much time together. I'm not knocking her - I'm jealous, really.
The rest of this week I hope to work a little - maybe get a sub job a couple of day, then Friday my folks arrive for the first phase of their holiday visit. They will actually only be here for a day, then they leave for Hawaii on Saturday. They will return the following Saturday and stay for the Thanksgiving week. I'm looking forward to seeing them. I got my control-freak wish, too. I really wanted to do Thanksgiving here, just because I hate the tension convention that goes on down at CC's house...and lo and behold, she called to ask it we could do just that. I know it's because of the money, but she said it was because my house is nicer, cleaner, and better decorated. What. Ever.
So I'm out of here now...feeling a little better about the thing last night with M. I did have my breakdown, around 9pm, completely out of the blue when I started to write about it. I didn't think I was emotional about it, but guess I was wrong. Poor J, dealing with my sad blubbering self. :-)
I hope Monday is going well for you...two days on, one off, two days on...weekend...yahoo!
Love you
A
A Little Variety
Hey, Amanda.
To be honest, I've slowed down here only because you have... I feel like I write a string of unanswered posts, after which I decide to take a break until you write again. Lately I think I have finally gotten into the groove of living and writing. Writing isn't a chore these days; it's a part of my day, part of how I'm living my life.
My weekend was good, but I am looking forward to having Wednesday off to do the things I put off over the weekend. I'm having M and J over Thursday (and share some of your pre-guest angst/behavior) but over the weekend opted not to clean. I also opted not to go the gym one day. I felt like I was getting into a rut and wanted to change things up a bit. So I opted for variety over the weekend. Fortunately, I have Wednesday to make up for it.
I'm so sorry to hear about M and that whole debacle, and cannot believe what happened to your neighbor at the party! Wow. I guess I should be careful what I wish for, hu?...that's a little variety and excitement I can do without.
Hope things settle down, and that you start to feel better.
Love you,
Barb
To be honest, I've slowed down here only because you have... I feel like I write a string of unanswered posts, after which I decide to take a break until you write again. Lately I think I have finally gotten into the groove of living and writing. Writing isn't a chore these days; it's a part of my day, part of how I'm living my life.
My weekend was good, but I am looking forward to having Wednesday off to do the things I put off over the weekend. I'm having M and J over Thursday (and share some of your pre-guest angst/behavior) but over the weekend opted not to clean. I also opted not to go the gym one day. I felt like I was getting into a rut and wanted to change things up a bit. So I opted for variety over the weekend. Fortunately, I have Wednesday to make up for it.
I'm so sorry to hear about M and that whole debacle, and cannot believe what happened to your neighbor at the party! Wow. I guess I should be careful what I wish for, hu?...that's a little variety and excitement I can do without.
Hope things settle down, and that you start to feel better.
Love you,
Barb
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Weekend of Drama
Hey...
Slowing down here, aren't we? I'm thinking that's ok...we're living instead of writing, right?
I had a good week last week, ending in my annual over-priced home jewelry party that I know you so wish you could have attended. We had a fairly good crowd but sales were down a bit, so no obnoxious amount of free jewelry for me this year. With luck, I'll get the one necklace I've been coveting for a few months.
The party ended on a strange note, though. Two of my neighbors, C&P, were here together and had told me that P was having a stressful time at work lately. I guess she had to be talked into coming over and relaxing. I made a her a drink and noticed that she seemed to be having a good time. A couple of hours later, I was sitting talking to her, during her second cocktail, and I was thinking she was awfully drunk for having had only two drinks. Before we knew it, she was completely unconscious on my bathroom floor. We couldn't lift her or move her, but figured she was just wasted, so we were trying to get her onto the couch to sleep it off. Thing is, she's not a drinker at all, and it seemed odd that she would have gotten this drunk from two drinks...
An hour or so later, when she started to exhibit seizure behavior, after J and all of his partying buddies came over from T's to help us, they loaded her up in a medic unit and hauled her to the hospital, still completely out cold. Turns out, it wasn't the alcohol - her BAC was barely over the legal limit. They did a bunch of tests and concluded that stress, mixed with her meds (heavy duty stuff) and those two drinks was enough to knock her out and put her into convulsions. At any rate, she was home the next morning and all is well. Pretty scary, though.
Had a great, quiet day Saturday, doing a little shopping, followed by a low-key dinner with S&T. Today, more of the same, a little gardening and sitting around doing nothing. Then, around 3:30, I got a call from CK, across the street, who was calling to tell me that M and her kid had gotten into a car accident and M couldn't reach his dad. No one was hurt too badly, but the car was totaled and there's a ton of damage done to public property. Come to find out, after M calls me - not to tell me about it, but to tell me I need to talk to the medic because he needs a medical release from a parent - his dad is in Chicago and has been for days. Not even coming home until Monday. Wow, responsible parenting, eh?
CK tells me that he has asked her if M can stay with her until he gets home, which he doesn't know when that will be since he can't get a flight out tonight, it would cost him extra money and he just doesn't want to spend it.
OMG, B.
I told her M could come over here, but he wouldn't.
I could go on about the emotional roller coaster I've been on for the past few hours, but at this point, a half bottle of Merlot has leveled the ups and downs and I'm not so inclined to analyze the whole thing.
Suffice to say, I'm glad M and CK's kid are ok, obviously. I also hope his completely irresponsible and idiotic father doesn't have M insured on that car and has to pay out the arse for all the damages. Vindictive? Me?
More on that later, I'm sure. Right now, I'm going to go read with JJ and get settled in for Sunday night TV. Hope you had a good weekend and that this week goes well. Yay for Wednesday!
Love,
A
Slowing down here, aren't we? I'm thinking that's ok...we're living instead of writing, right?
I had a good week last week, ending in my annual over-priced home jewelry party that I know you so wish you could have attended. We had a fairly good crowd but sales were down a bit, so no obnoxious amount of free jewelry for me this year. With luck, I'll get the one necklace I've been coveting for a few months.
The party ended on a strange note, though. Two of my neighbors, C&P, were here together and had told me that P was having a stressful time at work lately. I guess she had to be talked into coming over and relaxing. I made a her a drink and noticed that she seemed to be having a good time. A couple of hours later, I was sitting talking to her, during her second cocktail, and I was thinking she was awfully drunk for having had only two drinks. Before we knew it, she was completely unconscious on my bathroom floor. We couldn't lift her or move her, but figured she was just wasted, so we were trying to get her onto the couch to sleep it off. Thing is, she's not a drinker at all, and it seemed odd that she would have gotten this drunk from two drinks...
An hour or so later, when she started to exhibit seizure behavior, after J and all of his partying buddies came over from T's to help us, they loaded her up in a medic unit and hauled her to the hospital, still completely out cold. Turns out, it wasn't the alcohol - her BAC was barely over the legal limit. They did a bunch of tests and concluded that stress, mixed with her meds (heavy duty stuff) and those two drinks was enough to knock her out and put her into convulsions. At any rate, she was home the next morning and all is well. Pretty scary, though.
Had a great, quiet day Saturday, doing a little shopping, followed by a low-key dinner with S&T. Today, more of the same, a little gardening and sitting around doing nothing. Then, around 3:30, I got a call from CK, across the street, who was calling to tell me that M and her kid had gotten into a car accident and M couldn't reach his dad. No one was hurt too badly, but the car was totaled and there's a ton of damage done to public property. Come to find out, after M calls me - not to tell me about it, but to tell me I need to talk to the medic because he needs a medical release from a parent - his dad is in Chicago and has been for days. Not even coming home until Monday. Wow, responsible parenting, eh?
CK tells me that he has asked her if M can stay with her until he gets home, which he doesn't know when that will be since he can't get a flight out tonight, it would cost him extra money and he just doesn't want to spend it.
OMG, B.
I told her M could come over here, but he wouldn't.
I could go on about the emotional roller coaster I've been on for the past few hours, but at this point, a half bottle of Merlot has leveled the ups and downs and I'm not so inclined to analyze the whole thing.
Suffice to say, I'm glad M and CK's kid are ok, obviously. I also hope his completely irresponsible and idiotic father doesn't have M insured on that car and has to pay out the arse for all the damages. Vindictive? Me?
More on that later, I'm sure. Right now, I'm going to go read with JJ and get settled in for Sunday night TV. Hope you had a good weekend and that this week goes well. Yay for Wednesday!
Love,
A
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Grading Hell
Just a quick note to say that it was great catching up with you on the phone yesterday...
I'm in grading hell with no time to write any more than that, but I wanted to say hello.
Love you!
Barb
I'm in grading hell with no time to write any more than that, but I wanted to say hello.
Love you!
Barb
Monday, November 2, 2009
Headaches, plural
Hey, A.
I certainly know the feeling of going, going, going. A couple of times last week I started at 5:30 in the morning and didn’t get home until after 6. One day last week I didn’t get home until after 8. A long day indeed.
This week is not off to a great start…during the second block today I went into a major ocular migraine. I took a pill, and I’m done strobing, but the head pain today is almost unbearable. I asked for coverage so that I could leave early, but I think at this point I’ll stick it out. Tomorrow is a professional development day, so if I’m not 100 percent I’ll stay home. No lesson plans required.
I did have a (mostly) good weekend, though. I went to the gym both days, got some correcting done, did some cooking, and ended up going to L’s for dinner last night. J wasn’t feeling well and had sequestered himself upstairs, so I was happy to be there to give L a little break and hang out with the kids, whom I taught to make restaurant style baked potatoes. It was a nice few hours.
But then W pissed me off last night when I got home and is still in the dog house (he was angry with his cousin, but taking it out on me/talking to me like I was a stupid piece of crap), but I know it will pass. I told him last night I was done talking if he was going to treat me like that. You’re in a bad mood and I’m not in the mood for it, so I’ll talk to you tomorrow morning, I said. This morning I demanded an apology, which actually required an explanation as to why I felt I did. Can you believe it?! I got one, but recommended he might try to sound more sincere and leave me a message to that affect. Unbelievable. Men!!!
Other than that, nothing else to report. Guess I’ll go home after school and take care of my head, although I’m not sure any doctor would recommend a vodka and cranberry. Oh well. Dr. Barb thinks it'll do the trick.
Hope you had a good weekend!
Love, Barb
I certainly know the feeling of going, going, going. A couple of times last week I started at 5:30 in the morning and didn’t get home until after 6. One day last week I didn’t get home until after 8. A long day indeed.
This week is not off to a great start…during the second block today I went into a major ocular migraine. I took a pill, and I’m done strobing, but the head pain today is almost unbearable. I asked for coverage so that I could leave early, but I think at this point I’ll stick it out. Tomorrow is a professional development day, so if I’m not 100 percent I’ll stay home. No lesson plans required.
I did have a (mostly) good weekend, though. I went to the gym both days, got some correcting done, did some cooking, and ended up going to L’s for dinner last night. J wasn’t feeling well and had sequestered himself upstairs, so I was happy to be there to give L a little break and hang out with the kids, whom I taught to make restaurant style baked potatoes. It was a nice few hours.
But then W pissed me off last night when I got home and is still in the dog house (he was angry with his cousin, but taking it out on me/talking to me like I was a stupid piece of crap), but I know it will pass. I told him last night I was done talking if he was going to treat me like that. You’re in a bad mood and I’m not in the mood for it, so I’ll talk to you tomorrow morning, I said. This morning I demanded an apology, which actually required an explanation as to why I felt I did. Can you believe it?! I got one, but recommended he might try to sound more sincere and leave me a message to that affect. Unbelievable. Men!!!
Other than that, nothing else to report. Guess I’ll go home after school and take care of my head, although I’m not sure any doctor would recommend a vodka and cranberry. Oh well. Dr. Barb thinks it'll do the trick.
Hope you had a good weekend!
Love, Barb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
