Hey, you.
I don't envy you the cold, but I do wish it would snow here! We don't normally get much, maybe one or two snow days a year, but this year -- nothing! Not a single flake yet. Today, in fact, it almost felt like spring. Sunny, crisp, chilly. J went out and played golf with T and they said it was gorgeous.
Friday and Saturday were kind of crazy, but today, for me, was really quiet. Friday night the gang came over for dinner (S had made some awesome turkey soup, a garlic/cream sauce chicken w/almonds dish to die for, and I added a veggie-filled salad and a flank steak - yum!) We ate and drank and laughed until after 10, which was fun since we hadn't all been together just the six (7 plus TN) of us in a couple of weeks.
Saturday morning, J and I met E and his Mom, C, to go to the Mariner's Fanfest at Safeco Field. It was an absolute blast. The boys had more fun than we could have hoped for; they were in seventh heaven running the bases, hitting homeruns in the field, getting interviewed by our local sportscaster, winning all kinds of fan gear, getting players' autographs - it was so much more than I thought it would be. C and I fell asleep on the bus home, but not the boys - they struck up a conversation with some guys behind us who had also been at the field, and ended up scoring a batting practice hat off one of them since JJ hadn't won a hat, but E had one.
It was a totally crazy day; we had anticipated staying a couple of hours but before we knew it we had stayed from open to close, which was 11-4, and I was exhausted. My head was pounding and all I wanted to do was go to bed the minute I walked in the door, but we already had a date with Wine Club that there was no getting out of. I changed my clothes, put together a salad, took a handful of ibuprofen with three glasses of water and was on my way out the door within the hour.
Wine Club was ok - I'm really tiring of that crowd anymore. At one point they got into a religious conversation, for which I have no tolerance whatsoever. But we had some really good wines and a really good dinner, so all was not lost.
This morning I got to sleep in and do pretty much nothing until helping JJ finish the last of his science project presentation. I dinked around doing laundry and still fighting off the same headache from last night. JJ and I went to Target and grabbed bite to eat at Applebees, and now, it's dinner. I made a chicken pot pie that smells pretty impressive...I'll let you know!
Tomorrow, city day + waxing with K, and a fairly quiet week to follow. Hope you went for the pampering session and the new toe polish color!
Love you,
A
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The Big Chill
Hello there.
OMG it is Freeeezzzziing here. It's 8 degrees that "feels like -4". Yesterday we had a two-hour delay (god clearly wasn't paying close attention to my prayer) because the roads were icy from some snow squalls the day before. The wind chill was 7 below (yes, -7) so treating the roads was a little tough; they gave us 2 hours to stay warm while the road crews worked.
I happened to get caught in those squalls on my way home Thursday and it was the worst condition I've ever driven in. Earlier in the day we had snow (while I looked out my classroom window!) and squalls, but then it stopped. When I left my faculty meeting at 3;30, all the snow had stopped, and it was all slushy and melted on the parking lot and roads. I thought, okay, then, let me go do some errands and have a drink with C. Well, when we walked out at 5:30 it started squalling again, and--as I found out while I was driving--there was a flash freeze that preceded it, so under the snow the roads were a sheet of ice. What normally takes 20 minutes took an hour, and there was one point where I was stuck. I had to come to a stop from a crawl and couldn't get moving again because it was sheer ice. Scary stuff. Honestly, getting to school yesterday after the delay wasn't a picnic either.
Today I have a bunch of errands to do. Although I do want to look for new eyeglasses, I mostly have grocery shopping and stocking up to do, and because I am my mother I will go to three different stores to get the best prices. Normally I would go to the gym first and do my shopping right after--all sweaty, in my sweats. Today, just thinking of getting in and out of my car into the frigid cold while sweaty makes me shiver, so I've made the executive decision to skip the gym today, and focus on getting back to normal today. I've been in an anniversary party warp for the last few weeks and this weekend is going to be about me.
I have Julie and Julia on hand and coming home from my errands and hanging out with a movie and a glass of wine sounds great. Maybe I'll buy myself some shrimp cocktail and a new toenail color and have a pamper myself party. And maybe I'll get inspired to cook...tomorrow.
AnywayS, I wonder what you have going on this weekend...Hope all is well.
Love you,
B
OMG it is Freeeezzzziing here. It's 8 degrees that "feels like -4". Yesterday we had a two-hour delay (god clearly wasn't paying close attention to my prayer) because the roads were icy from some snow squalls the day before. The wind chill was 7 below (yes, -7) so treating the roads was a little tough; they gave us 2 hours to stay warm while the road crews worked.
I happened to get caught in those squalls on my way home Thursday and it was the worst condition I've ever driven in. Earlier in the day we had snow (while I looked out my classroom window!) and squalls, but then it stopped. When I left my faculty meeting at 3;30, all the snow had stopped, and it was all slushy and melted on the parking lot and roads. I thought, okay, then, let me go do some errands and have a drink with C. Well, when we walked out at 5:30 it started squalling again, and--as I found out while I was driving--there was a flash freeze that preceded it, so under the snow the roads were a sheet of ice. What normally takes 20 minutes took an hour, and there was one point where I was stuck. I had to come to a stop from a crawl and couldn't get moving again because it was sheer ice. Scary stuff. Honestly, getting to school yesterday after the delay wasn't a picnic either.
Today I have a bunch of errands to do. Although I do want to look for new eyeglasses, I mostly have grocery shopping and stocking up to do, and because I am my mother I will go to three different stores to get the best prices. Normally I would go to the gym first and do my shopping right after--all sweaty, in my sweats. Today, just thinking of getting in and out of my car into the frigid cold while sweaty makes me shiver, so I've made the executive decision to skip the gym today, and focus on getting back to normal today. I've been in an anniversary party warp for the last few weeks and this weekend is going to be about me.
I have Julie and Julia on hand and coming home from my errands and hanging out with a movie and a glass of wine sounds great. Maybe I'll buy myself some shrimp cocktail and a new toenail color and have a pamper myself party. And maybe I'll get inspired to cook...tomorrow.
AnywayS, I wonder what you have going on this weekend...Hope all is well.
Love you,
B
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Catching Up
Hey, you.
I'm so glad the party was a huge success, as I knew it would be. What a great way to honor your parents. I'm also happy to hear that your didn't spend the entire weekend getting J from friend to friend, without spending any of the quality time together that you both deserved. Can't wait to see pictures. And C's toast? Precious :)
Well, it's been almost 24 hours since my first dose of elixir, and the Naturopath (her initials are MC too, so I'll call her MC2 - I crack myself up) said I might be feeling better already. J and I had a discussion about the placebo effect last night, so I'm not sure if the "better" I feel this morning is real or not. Either way, I'm having a pretty good morning. MC2 also taught me a balancing exercise that is supposed to balance out the left and right sides of the brain, which is supposed to be a guaranteed stress reducer in a moment of crisis. I need to do this whenever I start to feel emotionally overwhelmed, for about a minute. Apparently, it will help with things like decision making, and figuring out what to tackle first when faced with a multi-part project. Or just not bursting into tears in a frustrating situation. Hmmm. We'll see. I did it right before I went to sleep last night, to see if it would help me stay asleep, but then I started to panic a little, thinking that if it didn't work, I would be exhausted today, so I got up and took Tylenol PM anyway. So much for patience. The herb for that is in the blue bottle too, so I'll have to wait for it to kick in.
Nothing planned today but a few small errands (Goodwill, bank) and cleaning the rest of my bathroom. JJ's friend E is coming over after school, but other than that, it's pretty quiet. C leant me some movies so maybe I'll treat myself to one this afternoon.
Tomorrow is the redo on my root canal (woo hoo!) so I have nothing else going after that. This weekend we've got Wine Club and then JJ and I are going up to Safeco for Mariner's FanFest - kind of a baseball season kickoff thing they do where kids can meet players, run the bases, that sort of thing. We're going with E and his mom; should be a great time.
So glad to hear you got grading done. Hang in there the rest of this week!
Love you,
A
I'm so glad the party was a huge success, as I knew it would be. What a great way to honor your parents. I'm also happy to hear that your didn't spend the entire weekend getting J from friend to friend, without spending any of the quality time together that you both deserved. Can't wait to see pictures. And C's toast? Precious :)
Well, it's been almost 24 hours since my first dose of elixir, and the Naturopath (her initials are MC too, so I'll call her MC2 - I crack myself up) said I might be feeling better already. J and I had a discussion about the placebo effect last night, so I'm not sure if the "better" I feel this morning is real or not. Either way, I'm having a pretty good morning. MC2 also taught me a balancing exercise that is supposed to balance out the left and right sides of the brain, which is supposed to be a guaranteed stress reducer in a moment of crisis. I need to do this whenever I start to feel emotionally overwhelmed, for about a minute. Apparently, it will help with things like decision making, and figuring out what to tackle first when faced with a multi-part project. Or just not bursting into tears in a frustrating situation. Hmmm. We'll see. I did it right before I went to sleep last night, to see if it would help me stay asleep, but then I started to panic a little, thinking that if it didn't work, I would be exhausted today, so I got up and took Tylenol PM anyway. So much for patience. The herb for that is in the blue bottle too, so I'll have to wait for it to kick in.
Nothing planned today but a few small errands (Goodwill, bank) and cleaning the rest of my bathroom. JJ's friend E is coming over after school, but other than that, it's pretty quiet. C leant me some movies so maybe I'll treat myself to one this afternoon.
Tomorrow is the redo on my root canal (woo hoo!) so I have nothing else going after that. This weekend we've got Wine Club and then JJ and I are going up to Safeco for Mariner's FanFest - kind of a baseball season kickoff thing they do where kids can meet players, run the bases, that sort of thing. We're going with E and his mom; should be a great time.
So glad to hear you got grading done. Hang in there the rest of this week!
Love you,
A
Post-Party Depression
I made it. I had a house guest while not on vacation, had a party (weekend celebration) for my parents, and got my midterm exams and second quarter grades done. Thank god the stars won’t align that way for another 50 years.
The party really was so nice. We had more than 100 people come celebrate with us and everyone seemed to have fun—especially and including my parents, who danced all night. The room looked great, the music was good, the cake was gorgeous, the food was delicious. L and J gave great toasts, and then the grand kids went up later in the night. My favorite was C. “Grandma and Grandpa, I love you very much and I like going to your house.” Adorable. Four years old and not an ounce of stage fright. Anyway, we partied until midnight. The next day, we all got together at my parents’ for leftovers and to get all the out of town folks together again. Just like a wedding.
Having J around was a lot of fun, like she never left. She hasn’t been “home” to visit since her father’s memorial service (7 years ago) so she was certainly overdue. And while the list of people who wanted to see her was long, we didn’t break our backs trying to make it happen. D and L got together with us at our local fave Friday night (L and J were already in town) and then on Sunday I asked M to join us at my parents’. She brought her son and we all had a great time.
I enjoyed having Monday off from school. Despite hopes to go to Boston, we stayed home, just hanging out in the rain and it was perfect. Eventually we made it out of the house—at 4—and visited with family friends of J, and then went to my steak place for dinner. Yesterday she packed and got ready while I was in school for half a day. We had lunch at a seafood place nearby so she could have New England lobster before heading out, and then I dropped her off at the airport.
As you know, I had to get right to grading mania when I got home, and while it was weird to not have her around, I was so focused on correcting that I know I haven’t felt the full extent post-party depression that I am sure I will slip into tonight.
So the plan for today is gym, grocery store, and a little nesting. I need to get my space back in order and allow myself some down time.
Hope you are having a good day.
Love,
Barb
PS I loved reading about your appointment yesterday. So funny!
The party really was so nice. We had more than 100 people come celebrate with us and everyone seemed to have fun—especially and including my parents, who danced all night. The room looked great, the music was good, the cake was gorgeous, the food was delicious. L and J gave great toasts, and then the grand kids went up later in the night. My favorite was C. “Grandma and Grandpa, I love you very much and I like going to your house.” Adorable. Four years old and not an ounce of stage fright. Anyway, we partied until midnight. The next day, we all got together at my parents’ for leftovers and to get all the out of town folks together again. Just like a wedding.
Having J around was a lot of fun, like she never left. She hasn’t been “home” to visit since her father’s memorial service (7 years ago) so she was certainly overdue. And while the list of people who wanted to see her was long, we didn’t break our backs trying to make it happen. D and L got together with us at our local fave Friday night (L and J were already in town) and then on Sunday I asked M to join us at my parents’. She brought her son and we all had a great time.
I enjoyed having Monday off from school. Despite hopes to go to Boston, we stayed home, just hanging out in the rain and it was perfect. Eventually we made it out of the house—at 4—and visited with family friends of J, and then went to my steak place for dinner. Yesterday she packed and got ready while I was in school for half a day. We had lunch at a seafood place nearby so she could have New England lobster before heading out, and then I dropped her off at the airport.
As you know, I had to get right to grading mania when I got home, and while it was weird to not have her around, I was so focused on correcting that I know I haven’t felt the full extent post-party depression that I am sure I will slip into tonight.
So the plan for today is gym, grocery store, and a little nesting. I need to get my space back in order and allow myself some down time.
Hope you are having a good day.
Love,
Barb
PS I loved reading about your appointment yesterday. So funny!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Homestretch
Hi, Amanda.
It was nice to catch up with you yesterday; thanks for writing and filling me in. Sounds like you had a nice, albeit loud and busy weekend with JB and her girls. Then, oh how nice of S to take the kids to the bike park so you could get some down time. Precious.
I do believe this will be my last bit of down time for days. It's 6:24 and I've decided that if I get to school 15 minutes late, well no big deal as I don't have a first period class or study hall. In fact, I'm displaced into the department office for the first two hours, so I'm going to honor myself this morning and do what feels right (especially after the last two days). And what feels right is this second, calm cup of coffee and a little writing before I head back to those fluorescent lights that seem so often to do me in. First let me back a couple of days.
Monday was delightful. I had my Sunday on Monday--phone call with D, bacon and eggs for breakfast, mimosas and a matinee. I watched a Netflix (The Visitor--great)I've had for months (no exaggeration) and generally took it easy. So Tuesday I was good to go, ready to put in an A effort at school before coming home and putting one in here too.
I put on a (cute, coordinated) jogging suit to get in comfy-but-motivated mode and went to school. While my kids took their exams I plowed through a stack of lab reports and then I made the mistake of checking my email and reading the most insulting email EVER from my principal about dress code. Seriously. I will forward it to you so that you get the full effect. For now, suffice it to say he's not keen on how teachers relax the dress code during exam periods, a past practice he inherited when he came on board. I guess the well-dressed little man in the front office can't imagine that there are those of us who can garner respect and set an appropriate tone during exams in casual attire. What I wanted to say was, if--in January--I am relying on my outfit to set the tone, then something is seriously wrong. It's not the first day for God's sake, it's midterm exams. ARGH.
Needless to say, my blood pressure went up and I had trouble concentrating, started clock watching until I could leave and go straight to the gym to blow off some steam. Then I came home and did laundry and by 8 was so exhausted I really couldn't take it. I went to bed around 9, and woke up yesterday at the beginning of a strobe episode.
I went to school with my migraine, gave my exam, and made it until 11:30...at which point I came home, napped for about an hour and a half, and started over. I did cleaning projects, as I mentioned in an email, resting in between, taking my time since I had a little extra time. It made a difference not to be home at 3 and head out to the gym and hem and haw until 5 before getting started. I started at 2 and called it a day around 8 or so. I still have a few things to do, since I was in slow motion but have this afternoon to finish cleaning my bedroom and the upstairs bathroom. J doesn't get here until after 7. And even if I don't get things upstairs as perfect as I'd like, at least her bedroom--aka my living room--is nice and clean.
So cup #2 is done, I've caught up with you, and I guess I'm ready to get ready. And I suppose I should make a phone call to school to let them know I'll be late. Last minute groceries and cleaning after school and then let the party (weekend) begin.
Friday: I work tomorrow and leave J to her own devices, then after school and a late lunch we'll head up to the hall with my sister and get beer on ice and some details ironed out. Friday night the gang will get together at one of our local places so folks can see Jill.
Saturday: will be crazy busy and, I hope, in the end a blast. We are having 4 o'clock mass and the party follows.
Sunday: the day-after party. Mom is having everyone over for leftovers. In the evening we may try to hook up with a couple other friends.
Monday: I am taking off from school. If the weather cooperates J and I are going to Boston. J and W will get to meet. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will take it as our cue to hibernate and hang out.
Tuesday: Jill gets the morning to pack and regroup. I'll go in for half day, then leave to bring her to the airport.
Wednesday: I'll be counting down to the weekend to do NOTHING.
So, that's probably way more information than you need, but I needed this time to avoid getting started with the homestretch. So thanks.
Hope all is well with you....
Love you,
Barb
It was nice to catch up with you yesterday; thanks for writing and filling me in. Sounds like you had a nice, albeit loud and busy weekend with JB and her girls. Then, oh how nice of S to take the kids to the bike park so you could get some down time. Precious.
I do believe this will be my last bit of down time for days. It's 6:24 and I've decided that if I get to school 15 minutes late, well no big deal as I don't have a first period class or study hall. In fact, I'm displaced into the department office for the first two hours, so I'm going to honor myself this morning and do what feels right (especially after the last two days). And what feels right is this second, calm cup of coffee and a little writing before I head back to those fluorescent lights that seem so often to do me in. First let me back a couple of days.
Monday was delightful. I had my Sunday on Monday--phone call with D, bacon and eggs for breakfast, mimosas and a matinee. I watched a Netflix (The Visitor--great)I've had for months (no exaggeration) and generally took it easy. So Tuesday I was good to go, ready to put in an A effort at school before coming home and putting one in here too.
I put on a (cute, coordinated) jogging suit to get in comfy-but-motivated mode and went to school. While my kids took their exams I plowed through a stack of lab reports and then I made the mistake of checking my email and reading the most insulting email EVER from my principal about dress code. Seriously. I will forward it to you so that you get the full effect. For now, suffice it to say he's not keen on how teachers relax the dress code during exam periods, a past practice he inherited when he came on board. I guess the well-dressed little man in the front office can't imagine that there are those of us who can garner respect and set an appropriate tone during exams in casual attire. What I wanted to say was, if--in January--I am relying on my outfit to set the tone, then something is seriously wrong. It's not the first day for God's sake, it's midterm exams. ARGH.
Needless to say, my blood pressure went up and I had trouble concentrating, started clock watching until I could leave and go straight to the gym to blow off some steam. Then I came home and did laundry and by 8 was so exhausted I really couldn't take it. I went to bed around 9, and woke up yesterday at the beginning of a strobe episode.
I went to school with my migraine, gave my exam, and made it until 11:30...at which point I came home, napped for about an hour and a half, and started over. I did cleaning projects, as I mentioned in an email, resting in between, taking my time since I had a little extra time. It made a difference not to be home at 3 and head out to the gym and hem and haw until 5 before getting started. I started at 2 and called it a day around 8 or so. I still have a few things to do, since I was in slow motion but have this afternoon to finish cleaning my bedroom and the upstairs bathroom. J doesn't get here until after 7. And even if I don't get things upstairs as perfect as I'd like, at least her bedroom--aka my living room--is nice and clean.
So cup #2 is done, I've caught up with you, and I guess I'm ready to get ready. And I suppose I should make a phone call to school to let them know I'll be late. Last minute groceries and cleaning after school and then let the party (weekend) begin.
Friday: I work tomorrow and leave J to her own devices, then after school and a late lunch we'll head up to the hall with my sister and get beer on ice and some details ironed out. Friday night the gang will get together at one of our local places so folks can see Jill.
Saturday: will be crazy busy and, I hope, in the end a blast. We are having 4 o'clock mass and the party follows.
Sunday: the day-after party. Mom is having everyone over for leftovers. In the evening we may try to hook up with a couple other friends.
Monday: I am taking off from school. If the weather cooperates J and I are going to Boston. J and W will get to meet. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will take it as our cue to hibernate and hang out.
Tuesday: Jill gets the morning to pack and regroup. I'll go in for half day, then leave to bring her to the airport.
Wednesday: I'll be counting down to the weekend to do NOTHING.
So, that's probably way more information than you need, but I needed this time to avoid getting started with the homestretch. So thanks.
Hope all is well with you....
Love you,
Barb
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Getting Back in the Groove
Hey, Barb.
Sorry to hear you're down again, but maybe being home today is better what with the crazy weekend coming up. Are you off Thursday and Friday too? I'm pretty sure what you're going to need is Monday off!
The weekend was good, if insanely, constantly, full of noise and activity. JB's girls are good kids, but they're girls, and they're squealy, and they're more than a little demanding of Mom's time and attention. They and JJ played unbelievably well together without a single problem the whole time, which helped. Still, it's three extra people in the house (and those people being the kind that need to be with me every moment). I just had a hard time with someone in my kitchen while I was cooking, especially since JB is big on letting the kids "help" - which, as you know, simply doesn't jive with my OCD. I have become so accustomed to my six hours a day of alone time - whether I'm running errands or sitting in the house, it's usually just me. I was a little "peopled out" by Monday.
JJ and I took them to the airport and ran a few errands Monday morning, then, because our weather was unusually sunny and warm, S offered to take all the kids to the bike park for the rest of the day. Love her! As soon as they were gone, I curled up on the couch and slept the rest of the afternoon away. Mostly, I wasn't asleep, I was just relishing the quiet.
Yesterday I had my second appointment with MC; it went well. I have an appointment with her colleague, the naturopath, this Friday, so we'll see how that goes. She is supposed to come up with some concoction (I'm open minded, I really am!) that will serve as a replacement for the antidepressant I clearly need to be taking. She also deals with food and addictions, so I'll be going there too, I guess. MC and I talked at length about my drinking and I think she convinced me to check out an all-women AA meeting. Of course, I'm still hesitant to go, because that would mean I actually think I might have a problem. Of which, to date, I am still in denial.
Today my carpets are being cleaned so I'm putzing around the house, doing laundry and such while he's here. Dr. appt for JJ after school, then a quiet night in while J's at bagpipe band practice. Tomorrow, JJ's school performance of Grease at 9:45, volunteer for Spirit Week after that until noon, then the second performance of the play in the evening.
Friday, we're off to Oregon for a weekend visit with C and the new boyfriend. We'll start with a hockey game in Portland then head down to her place Friday night. Saturday we're all going to the coast for the day, then Sunday hanging out and heading back home. I'm looking forward to meeting the new guy...I think she's probably more nervous than he is or we are. :)
Anyway, that's all that's going on around here. I know this party is taking up all your time and energy, but if you want to talk (vent) I'm around! Soon it will all be over, and you can look back on the evening and know that it was the most wonderful and giving thing you will ever do for your parents. You're a good daughter, B.
Love you lots,
A
Sorry to hear you're down again, but maybe being home today is better what with the crazy weekend coming up. Are you off Thursday and Friday too? I'm pretty sure what you're going to need is Monday off!
The weekend was good, if insanely, constantly, full of noise and activity. JB's girls are good kids, but they're girls, and they're squealy, and they're more than a little demanding of Mom's time and attention. They and JJ played unbelievably well together without a single problem the whole time, which helped. Still, it's three extra people in the house (and those people being the kind that need to be with me every moment). I just had a hard time with someone in my kitchen while I was cooking, especially since JB is big on letting the kids "help" - which, as you know, simply doesn't jive with my OCD. I have become so accustomed to my six hours a day of alone time - whether I'm running errands or sitting in the house, it's usually just me. I was a little "peopled out" by Monday.
JJ and I took them to the airport and ran a few errands Monday morning, then, because our weather was unusually sunny and warm, S offered to take all the kids to the bike park for the rest of the day. Love her! As soon as they were gone, I curled up on the couch and slept the rest of the afternoon away. Mostly, I wasn't asleep, I was just relishing the quiet.
Yesterday I had my second appointment with MC; it went well. I have an appointment with her colleague, the naturopath, this Friday, so we'll see how that goes. She is supposed to come up with some concoction (I'm open minded, I really am!) that will serve as a replacement for the antidepressant I clearly need to be taking. She also deals with food and addictions, so I'll be going there too, I guess. MC and I talked at length about my drinking and I think she convinced me to check out an all-women AA meeting. Of course, I'm still hesitant to go, because that would mean I actually think I might have a problem. Of which, to date, I am still in denial.
Today my carpets are being cleaned so I'm putzing around the house, doing laundry and such while he's here. Dr. appt for JJ after school, then a quiet night in while J's at bagpipe band practice. Tomorrow, JJ's school performance of Grease at 9:45, volunteer for Spirit Week after that until noon, then the second performance of the play in the evening.
Friday, we're off to Oregon for a weekend visit with C and the new boyfriend. We'll start with a hockey game in Portland then head down to her place Friday night. Saturday we're all going to the coast for the day, then Sunday hanging out and heading back home. I'm looking forward to meeting the new guy...I think she's probably more nervous than he is or we are. :)
Anyway, that's all that's going on around here. I know this party is taking up all your time and energy, but if you want to talk (vent) I'm around! Soon it will all be over, and you can look back on the evening and know that it was the most wonderful and giving thing you will ever do for your parents. You're a good daughter, B.
Love you lots,
A
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Issues
Hey there,
It has been a long, busy, difficult day--starting with school. Unfortunately I don't have it in me to write about it now. I know it's only (almost) 9, but it feels ridiculously past my bed time, as after my difficult first day of exams I still went straight to the gym (instead of the bottle) and then came home and did laundry, all the while trying to field calls and texts and make plans for everyone who wantS to see J during her 4 day stay, two and a half of which will be taken up with the party and party related events. (And that's another issue that's giving me a big pain in the arse).
Anyway, I didn't want to go to bed without checking in first. I hope all is well. I'll write more tomorrow.
Love, Barb
It has been a long, busy, difficult day--starting with school. Unfortunately I don't have it in me to write about it now. I know it's only (almost) 9, but it feels ridiculously past my bed time, as after my difficult first day of exams I still went straight to the gym (instead of the bottle) and then came home and did laundry, all the while trying to field calls and texts and make plans for everyone who wantS to see J during her 4 day stay, two and a half of which will be taken up with the party and party related events. (And that's another issue that's giving me a big pain in the arse).
Anyway, I didn't want to go to bed without checking in first. I hope all is well. I'll write more tomorrow.
Love, Barb
Monday, January 18, 2010
Quick Breath
Good morning. Happy MLK Day.
I couldn't be happier to have the day off today. I had drinks with C and her husband on Friday after my hair appointment, lunch with my sister M and my cousin D before making centerpieces, and dinner with M on Saturday night, but despite my social time, I feel like I spent most of the weekend getting things done for my parents' anniversary party and as a result didn't get my treasured down time, that time (usually Sunday) that I like to be home, alone. Today will be my Sunday I guess. I’m on coffee #2 here at 8:30, the TV is on, I have plans to talk to D at 10, after which I will get my bacon in the oven and have my Sunday breakfast and a couple of mimosas. After that I’ll be fortified enough to tackle either laundry or housecleaning. Unfortunately I can’t spend the day doing nothing; J arrives Thursday night for the party weekend and my house is just a wreck.
I hope you are having a good time this weekend with JB and her girls…I imagine they leave today and you’ll be craving a little down time, too.
Love you,
Barb
I couldn't be happier to have the day off today. I had drinks with C and her husband on Friday after my hair appointment, lunch with my sister M and my cousin D before making centerpieces, and dinner with M on Saturday night, but despite my social time, I feel like I spent most of the weekend getting things done for my parents' anniversary party and as a result didn't get my treasured down time, that time (usually Sunday) that I like to be home, alone. Today will be my Sunday I guess. I’m on coffee #2 here at 8:30, the TV is on, I have plans to talk to D at 10, after which I will get my bacon in the oven and have my Sunday breakfast and a couple of mimosas. After that I’ll be fortified enough to tackle either laundry or housecleaning. Unfortunately I can’t spend the day doing nothing; J arrives Thursday night for the party weekend and my house is just a wreck.
I hope you are having a good time this weekend with JB and her girls…I imagine they leave today and you’ll be craving a little down time, too.
Love you,
Barb
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Guest Ready
Hey, Barb.
I'd love to hear about your evening of comedy! Sounds like fun anyway. I've been kind of running around today, volunteering at school, returning some stuff at BB&B, then cleaning up around the house before JB and the girls arrive tonight. Their flight comes in at 7:40 so after finishing up with the floors, I think I'll take a shower and maybe even catch a short nap.
I'll probably be out of commission while they're here; they're totally high maintenance house guests. Big BLU dinner Friday night, brunch with KB on Saturday, then no set plans but I'm sure we'll be busy. I'll try to check in and not be gone the whole four days.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Love you, A
I'd love to hear about your evening of comedy! Sounds like fun anyway. I've been kind of running around today, volunteering at school, returning some stuff at BB&B, then cleaning up around the house before JB and the girls arrive tonight. Their flight comes in at 7:40 so after finishing up with the floors, I think I'll take a shower and maybe even catch a short nap.
I'll probably be out of commission while they're here; they're totally high maintenance house guests. Big BLU dinner Friday night, brunch with KB on Saturday, then no set plans but I'm sure we'll be busy. I'll try to check in and not be gone the whole four days.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Love you, A
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Good Medicine
Hey, Amanda.
It's almost bedtime, and tonight is a night I will go to bed laughing...I went out with my friend K, and talked to my cousin D when I got home and all together it was comedy, really. I won't repeat it here, but suffice it to say I had a fun evening tonight, and my heart feels a little lighter...and I really needed that.
I hope you had a good day today too...
Will write more tomorrow.
xo,
Barb
It's almost bedtime, and tonight is a night I will go to bed laughing...I went out with my friend K, and talked to my cousin D when I got home and all together it was comedy, really. I won't repeat it here, but suffice it to say I had a fun evening tonight, and my heart feels a little lighter...and I really needed that.
I hope you had a good day today too...
Will write more tomorrow.
xo,
Barb
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Painless
Hey, Amanda,
Aaaahhh. I did email in for a sub after I posted, then took my meds before bed, and this morning I slept until 8:30, so my head feels better. I think it helps that I'm not in bright (unflattering) lights. Nor am I stressed out. It feels a little like a Saturday--without plans for the gym or a Christmas tree to take down. I guess that means it's even better than a Saturday.
So after spending most of the morning doing nothing I decided maybe I could work on little projects (so that next Saturday can be more relaxing without a huge to-do list on my mind) and decided to tackle my freezer. I have a few things--freezer burnt beyond recognition--thawing in the sink, getting ready for the disposal, and a few things thawing in the fridge for preparation and consumption in the near future. My toes are no longer at risk of being broken when I open the freezer door, and I know that I have enough bagels to last until summer time so I consider today a success, a worthwhile day off.
And already it's one o'clock. My school bag is in the car so I think I'll let it stay there at this point. Instead of correcting I'll do another project or two and call it a day. I could clean my toilets. Or maybe I'll just start that book that is sitting on my coffee table.
Hope your appointment goes well...
Love,
Barb
Aaaahhh. I did email in for a sub after I posted, then took my meds before bed, and this morning I slept until 8:30, so my head feels better. I think it helps that I'm not in bright (unflattering) lights. Nor am I stressed out. It feels a little like a Saturday--without plans for the gym or a Christmas tree to take down. I guess that means it's even better than a Saturday.
So after spending most of the morning doing nothing I decided maybe I could work on little projects (so that next Saturday can be more relaxing without a huge to-do list on my mind) and decided to tackle my freezer. I have a few things--freezer burnt beyond recognition--thawing in the sink, getting ready for the disposal, and a few things thawing in the fridge for preparation and consumption in the near future. My toes are no longer at risk of being broken when I open the freezer door, and I know that I have enough bagels to last until summer time so I consider today a success, a worthwhile day off.
And already it's one o'clock. My school bag is in the car so I think I'll let it stay there at this point. Instead of correcting I'll do another project or two and call it a day. I could clean my toilets. Or maybe I'll just start that book that is sitting on my coffee table.
Hope your appointment goes well...
Love,
Barb
Monday, January 11, 2010
Quiet Night In + Early Bedtime = Wahoo!
Hey, Barb.
Sorry to hear you are feeling so miserable. I don't know much about migraines - is there not a prescription you can take that treats/prevents them? I can't even imagine; I get a slight headache and you'd think I was dying.
My day finished out okay, even though B's appointment took an hour and I was just sitting in the car listening to XM comedy channel. I didn't know how long it would take so I couldn't go anywhere and didn't even bring a book. Tonight J is at a meeting so JJ and I are on our own. We heated up some leftover spaghetti, worked on his science project, and are about to settle in now for a game of Blokus (our new favorite game - have you played it? The nieces and nephews would love it - perfect all-ages game). JJ had a sleepover this weekend that left him dragging, so I think early to bed isn't unreasonable. Not to mention, I'm still not exactly operating at full speed myself.
MC tomorrow morning at 10, so I think I'll skip the gym. With A here in the morning, I'd have to go at 5 or something crazy like that, and, well, that's just crazy. I'm not the early rising exerciser, that is certain. However, I am also not the type to go later in the day, so we'll see if I get my 45 minutes in at all. No pressure - my goal is four days a week, 45 minutes a session. No dieting, no stress. Just that. Goal #1. Month #1. So far, so good.
Hope you're feeling better and that you feel good about whatever decision you made about working tomorrow. I don't know why we feel so guilty when we take a day off to care for our health. It's stupid.
So there.
Love you,
A
Sorry to hear you are feeling so miserable. I don't know much about migraines - is there not a prescription you can take that treats/prevents them? I can't even imagine; I get a slight headache and you'd think I was dying.
My day finished out okay, even though B's appointment took an hour and I was just sitting in the car listening to XM comedy channel. I didn't know how long it would take so I couldn't go anywhere and didn't even bring a book. Tonight J is at a meeting so JJ and I are on our own. We heated up some leftover spaghetti, worked on his science project, and are about to settle in now for a game of Blokus (our new favorite game - have you played it? The nieces and nephews would love it - perfect all-ages game). JJ had a sleepover this weekend that left him dragging, so I think early to bed isn't unreasonable. Not to mention, I'm still not exactly operating at full speed myself.
MC tomorrow morning at 10, so I think I'll skip the gym. With A here in the morning, I'd have to go at 5 or something crazy like that, and, well, that's just crazy. I'm not the early rising exerciser, that is certain. However, I am also not the type to go later in the day, so we'll see if I get my 45 minutes in at all. No pressure - my goal is four days a week, 45 minutes a session. No dieting, no stress. Just that. Goal #1. Month #1. So far, so good.
Hope you're feeling better and that you feel good about whatever decision you made about working tomorrow. I don't know why we feel so guilty when we take a day off to care for our health. It's stupid.
So there.
Love you,
A
Hell Head
Hi, Amanda.
Ugh.
I'm in the middle (maybe the end? fingers crossed) of another string of headaches and migraines. I guess the first was Wednesday night and held on all day Thursday, so much that I left school Thursday with lesson plans on my desk for Friday--just in case. Well, I made it in and felt better, but by Friday night it was back and Saturday night I took migraine meds before bed, ibuprofen and lots of water having not been any help. Yesterday I felt better, but this morning, when I woke up at 5:15, I was strobing. Being at a loss for what I would call or email in for lesson plans, I got myself out of bed and made it through the day. And again, instead of spending time correcting, I spent every free minute planning lessons for a sub--just in case. Again.
At this point, I have been hiding in dim light for 5 hours and I'm still off. I should probably just do myself a favor and email in for a sub before I go to bed, that way I can sleep until I feel better. And if I wake up feeling great then I can take the time to do some of the correcting I've been unable to do while I've been suffering headaches, and do it uninterrupted.
I guess I'll sign off and give myself a few more minutes to think about it, even though it'll make my head hurt more. How I hate the guilt and the second guessing....
Glad you had a good weekend and hope your week is off to a good start.
Love,
Barb
Ugh.
I'm in the middle (maybe the end? fingers crossed) of another string of headaches and migraines. I guess the first was Wednesday night and held on all day Thursday, so much that I left school Thursday with lesson plans on my desk for Friday--just in case. Well, I made it in and felt better, but by Friday night it was back and Saturday night I took migraine meds before bed, ibuprofen and lots of water having not been any help. Yesterday I felt better, but this morning, when I woke up at 5:15, I was strobing. Being at a loss for what I would call or email in for lesson plans, I got myself out of bed and made it through the day. And again, instead of spending time correcting, I spent every free minute planning lessons for a sub--just in case. Again.
At this point, I have been hiding in dim light for 5 hours and I'm still off. I should probably just do myself a favor and email in for a sub before I go to bed, that way I can sleep until I feel better. And if I wake up feeling great then I can take the time to do some of the correcting I've been unable to do while I've been suffering headaches, and do it uninterrupted.
I guess I'll sign off and give myself a few more minutes to think about it, even though it'll make my head hurt more. How I hate the guilt and the second guessing....
Glad you had a good weekend and hope your week is off to a good start.
Love,
Barb
Sleepyhead
Hey, Barb.
Season over, indeed. The very last traces of Christmas are packed and put away now, after a productive day of cleaning up the garage yesterday. And once that was complete, I didn't have it in me to stop by a different Pier One this morning, even though I was right there, just to see if one last silver star was waiting for me there. It's done. I'm done. I'll shop again in the fall.
Today started out well with a trip to the gym and a shower before heading out to volunteer at school. In the end, I wasn't needed and maybe that was a good thing, because I was abnormally tired at 8:30 am. I curled up on the couch and immediately fell asleep until my timer went off in time to wake me for my dentist appointment. I struggled to get there, having to drive in the pouring rain, which I hate, hate, hate. After finding out that I need to have this root canal redone (oh joy!) I was a block away from Pier One but couldn't even muster up the energy to shop. I grabbed a coffee and came right home again. I could easily go right back down for another nap, but I'm choosing to enjoy the coffee instead and write a little. I have to pick up B from school today and get him to the orthodontist since his mom has a meeting she couldn't get out of today. That kind of limits my nap time anyway, so maybe I'll just go to bed early instead.
Anyhoo...had a pretty good weekend. Dinner with KB wasn't too bad and we were home early enough to relax and watch tv before bed. Saturday J took me out shopping most of the day, and Sunday I helped him clean up the garage. I got on a roll, cleaning out boxes I didn't know were in there, full of things I didn't know I was saving. We managed to get it all done in time for a very quiet and relaxing dinner at S&T, where we fed the kids in the kitchen and made steaks and sauteed veggies for ourselves and sat in the dining room. Everyone was tired out, but the dinner was excellent and the company was mellow and welcome. We were home by 8 and in bed by 10:00 - a perfect ending to the weekend.
Now I have a few piles of ??? in the living room, things I pulled out of those boxes that I still have to go through. Other than that, a quiet week ahead. Oh, I do have my first appointment with MC tomorrow, to get back to therapy. I'm looking forward to that and will let you know how it goes. Thursday, JB and the girls arrive from California for the long weekend, so that will be a whirlwind I'm sure.
No snow in sight here, either, if it makes you feel any better. Just rain up the wazoo and because of that, it's gloomy and dark all day long. No wonder I want to sleep! :)
Love you,
A
Season over, indeed. The very last traces of Christmas are packed and put away now, after a productive day of cleaning up the garage yesterday. And once that was complete, I didn't have it in me to stop by a different Pier One this morning, even though I was right there, just to see if one last silver star was waiting for me there. It's done. I'm done. I'll shop again in the fall.
Today started out well with a trip to the gym and a shower before heading out to volunteer at school. In the end, I wasn't needed and maybe that was a good thing, because I was abnormally tired at 8:30 am. I curled up on the couch and immediately fell asleep until my timer went off in time to wake me for my dentist appointment. I struggled to get there, having to drive in the pouring rain, which I hate, hate, hate. After finding out that I need to have this root canal redone (oh joy!) I was a block away from Pier One but couldn't even muster up the energy to shop. I grabbed a coffee and came right home again. I could easily go right back down for another nap, but I'm choosing to enjoy the coffee instead and write a little. I have to pick up B from school today and get him to the orthodontist since his mom has a meeting she couldn't get out of today. That kind of limits my nap time anyway, so maybe I'll just go to bed early instead.
Anyhoo...had a pretty good weekend. Dinner with KB wasn't too bad and we were home early enough to relax and watch tv before bed. Saturday J took me out shopping most of the day, and Sunday I helped him clean up the garage. I got on a roll, cleaning out boxes I didn't know were in there, full of things I didn't know I was saving. We managed to get it all done in time for a very quiet and relaxing dinner at S&T, where we fed the kids in the kitchen and made steaks and sauteed veggies for ourselves and sat in the dining room. Everyone was tired out, but the dinner was excellent and the company was mellow and welcome. We were home by 8 and in bed by 10:00 - a perfect ending to the weekend.
Now I have a few piles of ??? in the living room, things I pulled out of those boxes that I still have to go through. Other than that, a quiet week ahead. Oh, I do have my first appointment with MC tomorrow, to get back to therapy. I'm looking forward to that and will let you know how it goes. Thursday, JB and the girls arrive from California for the long weekend, so that will be a whirlwind I'm sure.
No snow in sight here, either, if it makes you feel any better. Just rain up the wazoo and because of that, it's gloomy and dark all day long. No wonder I want to sleep! :)
Love you,
A
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Season Over
Hey there, Amanda.
I know we are still several weeks away from the Superbowl, but in my world football season is over. My fifth season as a football widow. Ugh, what a terrible game--for the Patriots anyway. The upshot is I get my sweetheart now without having to plan around games, the downside is Pats are out of the running, and W is miserable. Will be for a few days. In fact, with about 5 minutes left in the game he called and said at the end, "I'll call you when I feel like talking." Ouch.
Other than the terrible let down this afternoon, I have had a good weekend. As planned, I went out Friday night, and then--after going to the reception hall with my sister to check out the layout and finalize some details for the anniversary party--took down my tree and most of my decorations. In the end I couldn't bear to take down all evidence of the season and my star is still up above the antique table where my glitter trees are still displayed.
I thought that would be the extent of my Saturday but quite by surprise I found myself agreeing to go out with my cousin D and her daughter. Actually, at first, before I took down my tree, I said no. Then, after I finished and couldn't even begin to think about what I wanted to eat (read: cook) I thought, Yeah, let's go out. So I called and asked if it was too late to change my mind. We both had gift certificates from my aunt for Christmas, so it really was a treat to go out and not worry about staying on budget. We splurged and we had a great time.
Unfortunately, I didn't sleep very well...much like after the BBQ at K's when I was there. I had indigestion all night (I really can't eat late without suffering) and got out of bed at 9 this morning--not rested. I decided not to go to the gym and spent the morning futzing around, cleaning up the little messes that the take-down created, and setting up my dining table with a new tablecloth and centerpiece. (Which is clearly non-Christmas...despite the glittery display that remains a few feet away. My dining room is having an identity crisis.) I made lentil soup for lunches this week and watched the game, made myself sesame noodles for dinner, and now it's my time to sit and write, while I wait for W to call (I hope) and sip a vodka and ginger ale.
Tomorrow, it's back to school with no snow days in sight. I do have a long weekend next weekend, and J comes the following week for my parent's party so I do have good things to look forward to, things better than inclement weather.
On that note, I'll say good night. I'm glad you got a night to yourself and that you got back to the page. And, oh, if something as simple as saying Welcome Back validates your efforts, then I'm glad I took the nanosecond to do so...
Here's to a good week for us both.
Love you,
Barb
Back in the Game
Hey, Barb.
Thanks so much for validating my efforts to get back to the page last night :) I had the entire evening to myself, as J was playing poker down at Josh's and JJ was spending the night at a friend's house. As is typical when I get this opportunity, I have a touch of anxiety about what to do with my "me time". Should I go out? See a movie? Treat myself to a steak? Go shopping? Stay home and read my new book? Blog...?
As it was, the minute J was out the door, I put on my favorite VS sweats, my new $4.99 tank top and fuzzy sweater, thus cemeting my decision to stay home. I cooked some shrimp and edamame, poured myself a coke and sat down to watch three, uninterrupted episodes of Glee. (Did I tell you it's my [new] favorite show ever? I bought the first season on DVD since I only got hooked during the last four episodes when it was on. I have never bought a tv show on DVD, so I think it really is my favorite show. I mean it this time.)
Around 9, I poured myself a glass of wine and finally faced the computer. I read for an hour or so, then forced myself to log in and say something. Anything. I had to get started, get back into it, even if it meant just typing a word and hitting "publish". I know, it shouldn't be such a chore, but it really was a bit like picking up the phone to call a friend you haven't called in way too long. Will she answer? Will she be pissed? Will I have to spend time apologizing and excusing myself or can I just start with "Hey, how's it going?" and not have it be weird? In the end, I decided that yes, she would answer. She wouldn't be pissed and she would have missed me, too. And no matter what I decided to say to get the conversation going, it would be the right thing, because it would mean we were talking again.
I went to bed right after that, with my two Tylenol PM, but to no avail. I couldn't sleep to save my life, even though my body was exhausted. I lay in bed until J sauntered in at 2am, and only then, when he curled up around me, could I finally fall asleep. What gives? We slept until 11, JJ being gone and all.
No plans today save for laundry and maybe a quick grocery run. Not sure what I'm doing for dinner tonight, but I haven't been putting in a lot of effort lately and I feel like I should step it up. I am such an amateur cook, but I can't give it up. I'm convinced that practice makes perfect. Or at least edible.
I hope you've enjoyed your no-plans weekend too. I did make it to Pier One yesterday but they only had the gold stars and I wanted a silver one. I hemmed and hawed over a couple of other pieces, being that they were practically free, but walked out with nothing. Instead, J took me to VS and bought me a new bra, and that makes me very happy. Plus, I don't have to wait a year to enjoy it.
Love,
A
Thanks so much for validating my efforts to get back to the page last night :) I had the entire evening to myself, as J was playing poker down at Josh's and JJ was spending the night at a friend's house. As is typical when I get this opportunity, I have a touch of anxiety about what to do with my "me time". Should I go out? See a movie? Treat myself to a steak? Go shopping? Stay home and read my new book? Blog...?
As it was, the minute J was out the door, I put on my favorite VS sweats, my new $4.99 tank top and fuzzy sweater, thus cemeting my decision to stay home. I cooked some shrimp and edamame, poured myself a coke and sat down to watch three, uninterrupted episodes of Glee. (Did I tell you it's my [new] favorite show ever? I bought the first season on DVD since I only got hooked during the last four episodes when it was on. I have never bought a tv show on DVD, so I think it really is my favorite show. I mean it this time.)
Around 9, I poured myself a glass of wine and finally faced the computer. I read for an hour or so, then forced myself to log in and say something. Anything. I had to get started, get back into it, even if it meant just typing a word and hitting "publish". I know, it shouldn't be such a chore, but it really was a bit like picking up the phone to call a friend you haven't called in way too long. Will she answer? Will she be pissed? Will I have to spend time apologizing and excusing myself or can I just start with "Hey, how's it going?" and not have it be weird? In the end, I decided that yes, she would answer. She wouldn't be pissed and she would have missed me, too. And no matter what I decided to say to get the conversation going, it would be the right thing, because it would mean we were talking again.
I went to bed right after that, with my two Tylenol PM, but to no avail. I couldn't sleep to save my life, even though my body was exhausted. I lay in bed until J sauntered in at 2am, and only then, when he curled up around me, could I finally fall asleep. What gives? We slept until 11, JJ being gone and all.
No plans today save for laundry and maybe a quick grocery run. Not sure what I'm doing for dinner tonight, but I haven't been putting in a lot of effort lately and I feel like I should step it up. I am such an amateur cook, but I can't give it up. I'm convinced that practice makes perfect. Or at least edible.
I hope you've enjoyed your no-plans weekend too. I did make it to Pier One yesterday but they only had the gold stars and I wanted a silver one. I hemmed and hawed over a couple of other pieces, being that they were practically free, but walked out with nothing. Instead, J took me to VS and bought me a new bra, and that makes me very happy. Plus, I don't have to wait a year to enjoy it.
Love,
A
Friday, January 8, 2010
Almost the Weekend
Hey, A.
I’m doing okay, thanks…and you needn’t thank me for anything.
It’s snowing but it wasn’t enough for either a delay or early release…and therefore today is just dragging by. It can’t be 2 soon enough, even though I have no big plans for the weekend other than to take down my tree and get my decorations back in storage. I just want it to be the weekend, for this first week back to be over (and out of its misery). I will probably go to the gym this afternoon, then home to relax a bit before going out for dinner for my weekly steak. Tomorrow will be the big take down, and Sunday I think, after my morning workout, I’ll just nest--have a nice big breakfast and mimosas, watch the Pats playoff game with more mimosas, and then make some yummy lentil soup.
So proud of you for saying no! It takes a lot of practice to get comfortable honoring yourself…eventually it won’t feel like so much of an effort to do what’s right for you. Think about that. We spend so much time pleasing other people, it’s an often an uncomfortable effort to do what’s right for us. That, my friend, is seriously f—ed up. But we’re making progress, right?
Hope you enjoy both your dinner tonight and checking “dinner with KB and crazy husband” off your list of things to do this year… Have a great weekend!
Love,
Barb
PS Did you get to Pier 1?
I’m doing okay, thanks…and you needn’t thank me for anything.
It’s snowing but it wasn’t enough for either a delay or early release…and therefore today is just dragging by. It can’t be 2 soon enough, even though I have no big plans for the weekend other than to take down my tree and get my decorations back in storage. I just want it to be the weekend, for this first week back to be over (and out of its misery). I will probably go to the gym this afternoon, then home to relax a bit before going out for dinner for my weekly steak. Tomorrow will be the big take down, and Sunday I think, after my morning workout, I’ll just nest--have a nice big breakfast and mimosas, watch the Pats playoff game with more mimosas, and then make some yummy lentil soup.
So proud of you for saying no! It takes a lot of practice to get comfortable honoring yourself…eventually it won’t feel like so much of an effort to do what’s right for you. Think about that. We spend so much time pleasing other people, it’s an often an uncomfortable effort to do what’s right for us. That, my friend, is seriously f—ed up. But we’re making progress, right?
Hope you enjoy both your dinner tonight and checking “dinner with KB and crazy husband” off your list of things to do this year… Have a great weekend!
Love,
Barb
PS Did you get to Pier 1?
Slightly More Stable
Hey there.
Happy Friday...I hope you're feeling a little more "yourself" since Wednesday. I meant to write yesterday to thank you for the impromptu therapy session on the phone during your writing time, but ... but ... but what? I don't know. I went and got my nails done and dinked around the house, obsessively cleaning (as is my latest disorder) and then it was dinner time.
There was some big football game on last night and right around 6:30, T called to see if we were watching it. I told him we were, and the next thing I knew, he had invited himself and his family over for dinner. Minutes later - I am so proud of myself - I called him back and told him I couldn't do dinner for everyone but if he wanted to come and watch the game later, he could. We had a quiet dinner, then, and he and K came over afterwards to hang with J and yell at my TV. I felt really good about not saying "yes" to something when I didn't want to do it. Yeah me!
Anyway, thanks for listening the other day. That just came out of nowhere, that whole day of feeling like I was going to disintegrate at any moment. Yesterday was better - relatively. And last night, I slept well without any Tylenol. I didn't call MC to make a therapy appt. yesterday, but I'll do it today. I'm going to coffee with K after the gym this morning, then have a few things to do during the day before picking JJ up from school for allergy shots (I bagged it yesterday). He wanted something at the mall, so I'll take him over there afterwards and return a couple of things that have been driving around in my car. Tonight we're having dinner with KB and her whacko husband - J is such a good sport - and I'm not looking forward to it in any way. At least we'll get it over with and not have to go out with them again for at least another year. :)
I hope your week went well and I would love to catch up more on the phone - this time maybe with more than one minute's time for you to share your life.
Love you,
A
Happy Friday...I hope you're feeling a little more "yourself" since Wednesday. I meant to write yesterday to thank you for the impromptu therapy session on the phone during your writing time, but ... but ... but what? I don't know. I went and got my nails done and dinked around the house, obsessively cleaning (as is my latest disorder) and then it was dinner time.
There was some big football game on last night and right around 6:30, T called to see if we were watching it. I told him we were, and the next thing I knew, he had invited himself and his family over for dinner. Minutes later - I am so proud of myself - I called him back and told him I couldn't do dinner for everyone but if he wanted to come and watch the game later, he could. We had a quiet dinner, then, and he and K came over afterwards to hang with J and yell at my TV. I felt really good about not saying "yes" to something when I didn't want to do it. Yeah me!
Anyway, thanks for listening the other day. That just came out of nowhere, that whole day of feeling like I was going to disintegrate at any moment. Yesterday was better - relatively. And last night, I slept well without any Tylenol. I didn't call MC to make a therapy appt. yesterday, but I'll do it today. I'm going to coffee with K after the gym this morning, then have a few things to do during the day before picking JJ up from school for allergy shots (I bagged it yesterday). He wanted something at the mall, so I'll take him over there afterwards and return a couple of things that have been driving around in my car. Tonight we're having dinner with KB and her whacko husband - J is such a good sport - and I'm not looking forward to it in any way. At least we'll get it over with and not have to go out with them again for at least another year. :)
I hope your week went well and I would love to catch up more on the phone - this time maybe with more than one minute's time for you to share your life.
Love you,
A
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Out Of It
Whoa. I guess we haven't talked in a while...I had no idea that M stopped by at Christmas and I'm sorry that it has left you feeling bad. I tried to call just now but when you didn't answer either your house phone or your cell, it occurred to me that maybe you don't want to talk about it. If and when you want to tell me more about it, you know where to find me.
I decided to let myself shut down today. I hurried home after school so I could beat the rush at the gym, but as I changed and passed gas for the hundredth time (TMI?) after my lentil soup and salad lunch, I thought, hmm, maybe the gym is not a great idea today. So I put on pajama bottoms and turned on the TV, made an iced coffee cocktail, and grabbed a bag of Bugles. I didn't eat the whole bag, and it took me two hours to drink the cocktail, but I am feeling relaxed. I'm not going to cook, because one thing may lead to another, and cleaning will follow. I'm keeping the lights dim and after the news will go upstairs to grab my book and read for a while tonight.
So that's my story. It was great to unexpectedly just get yours on the phone, and so good to hear your voice.
Love you,
Barb
I decided to let myself shut down today. I hurried home after school so I could beat the rush at the gym, but as I changed and passed gas for the hundredth time (TMI?) after my lentil soup and salad lunch, I thought, hmm, maybe the gym is not a great idea today. So I put on pajama bottoms and turned on the TV, made an iced coffee cocktail, and grabbed a bag of Bugles. I didn't eat the whole bag, and it took me two hours to drink the cocktail, but I am feeling relaxed. I'm not going to cook, because one thing may lead to another, and cleaning will follow. I'm keeping the lights dim and after the news will go upstairs to grab my book and read for a while tonight.
So that's my story. It was great to unexpectedly just get yours on the phone, and so good to hear your voice.
Love you,
Barb
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sometimes Even New Pillows Can't Make It All Better
Hey, you.
Hope you're feeling a little less ADD today. I totally know the mood - it's my status quo.
My dinner plans went awry early this morning when JJ called from school for his weekly - sometimes twice weekly - I didn't do my homework call. (His teacher makes them call home when they don't turn in their homework. Clever idea, only it doesn't appear to be working on my kid.) This resulted in his being grounded for a few days, so I had to change the plan for tonight since it would have included C&T coming over and much friendly playtime. Instead, we went over to K&R's, where T&S showed up, after dinner, sans kids. We knocked out the experiment in less than an hour, then he came home and did all the analysis, graphs, etc. He did a great job on the whole thing, except that the crowd was pretty rough and wouldn't follow the rules (like being quiet during the music, that sort of thing). By "crowd" I mean T, specifically, which would be my segue into I'm really irritated with him lately, if, that is, I wanted to rant about his unbearably negative view of the world and everything in it. Which, right now, I don't. That's all I really wanted to vent.
I did finish the living room today, as well as fit in a trip to Marshalls and Target. After debating the virtues of new sheets, pillows, a coffee pot and a cookware set, I opted for the cookware and a Costco version of the new pillows. Cheaper than the ones at Marshalls, but still about three times fluffier than the ones that were on my bed this morning. I also got some cute magnetic fridge frames (because I am a suburban housewife) in the dollar aisle ( I [heart] the dollar aisle) at Target. And, with my gift card, I treated myself to 12 new picture frames with which I plan to completely revamp my photo wall in the hallway.
But not tomorrow...since I will be spending the day with my neurotic friend KB, returning mall stuff from Christmas and lounging over lunch before she starts her new job on Monday. It's always a good day with her - nothing beats a crazy friend to make a person feel normal. As for now, I've just taken a couple of Tylenol PMs to make sure I sleep through the night, which hasn't been happening at all lately, and I'm freakin' exhausted. A friend was asking me the other day when this started, when I couldn't sleep well, or sleep through the night, and why. I shook my head and said I had no idea why, it started like a year ago and I just can't seem to get it back to normal. Later, driving home, it occured to me - as if it were some great deduction - that it's been about a year since the whole thing was going on with M....duh. Isn't our subconscious something else? Just when you think you've got it all handled, it makes sure you're not handling it somewhere else totally sideways.
So maybe you can tell from my tone that I'm kind of in a funk....sorry about that. It is much of the reason I haven't written lately...I'm sure this, too, is related to M and his surprise Christmas visit, the non-gift giving, the emptiness, the start of the new year and his still not being home. Plus, we had another police officer murdered last week (that's 6 dead now, in two months) and his funeral was today, which left me all weepy and sad and aching with the question: What is wrong with people???
Ahh..and on that happy little note, I'm starting to nod off here. Since JJ is grounded, I think I'll make him go to Pier One with me after school...heard they have a great star on sale there. Such a mean Mom!
Love you...even if I sound like a hater,
A
Hope you're feeling a little less ADD today. I totally know the mood - it's my status quo.
My dinner plans went awry early this morning when JJ called from school for his weekly - sometimes twice weekly - I didn't do my homework call. (His teacher makes them call home when they don't turn in their homework. Clever idea, only it doesn't appear to be working on my kid.) This resulted in his being grounded for a few days, so I had to change the plan for tonight since it would have included C&T coming over and much friendly playtime. Instead, we went over to K&R's, where T&S showed up, after dinner, sans kids. We knocked out the experiment in less than an hour, then he came home and did all the analysis, graphs, etc. He did a great job on the whole thing, except that the crowd was pretty rough and wouldn't follow the rules (like being quiet during the music, that sort of thing). By "crowd" I mean T, specifically, which would be my segue into I'm really irritated with him lately, if, that is, I wanted to rant about his unbearably negative view of the world and everything in it. Which, right now, I don't. That's all I really wanted to vent.
I did finish the living room today, as well as fit in a trip to Marshalls and Target. After debating the virtues of new sheets, pillows, a coffee pot and a cookware set, I opted for the cookware and a Costco version of the new pillows. Cheaper than the ones at Marshalls, but still about three times fluffier than the ones that were on my bed this morning. I also got some cute magnetic fridge frames (because I am a suburban housewife) in the dollar aisle ( I [heart] the dollar aisle) at Target. And, with my gift card, I treated myself to 12 new picture frames with which I plan to completely revamp my photo wall in the hallway.
But not tomorrow...since I will be spending the day with my neurotic friend KB, returning mall stuff from Christmas and lounging over lunch before she starts her new job on Monday. It's always a good day with her - nothing beats a crazy friend to make a person feel normal. As for now, I've just taken a couple of Tylenol PMs to make sure I sleep through the night, which hasn't been happening at all lately, and I'm freakin' exhausted. A friend was asking me the other day when this started, when I couldn't sleep well, or sleep through the night, and why. I shook my head and said I had no idea why, it started like a year ago and I just can't seem to get it back to normal. Later, driving home, it occured to me - as if it were some great deduction - that it's been about a year since the whole thing was going on with M....duh. Isn't our subconscious something else? Just when you think you've got it all handled, it makes sure you're not handling it somewhere else totally sideways.
So maybe you can tell from my tone that I'm kind of in a funk....sorry about that. It is much of the reason I haven't written lately...I'm sure this, too, is related to M and his surprise Christmas visit, the non-gift giving, the emptiness, the start of the new year and his still not being home. Plus, we had another police officer murdered last week (that's 6 dead now, in two months) and his funeral was today, which left me all weepy and sad and aching with the question: What is wrong with people???
Ahh..and on that happy little note, I'm starting to nod off here. Since JJ is grounded, I think I'll make him go to Pier One with me after school...heard they have a great star on sale there. Such a mean Mom!
Love you...even if I sound like a hater,
A
Primal Scream Therapy
Hey, Amanda.
I'm a mess. Nothing serious, but I think I need to let out one good scream...Maybe writing here will feel as good--or will suffice for now, since my neighbors on either side and below might freak a little at a blood curdling scream.
School was busy. I have hit that time of year where I'm behind on correcting--since I slacked off after progress reports at the beginning of December (cruised on through until Christmas, you know) --and won't catch up until midterm exams in a couple of weeks (when I'll have even more correcting to do) because now the priority is getting my midterm exams in order. So I feel like I'm making one mess after cleaning another on my desk and using every free minute at school to stay afloat. Barely.
But I left at a decent time so I could get to the gym before the rush (and will write about more). (Go, you! by the way) It was quite crowded but I got a treadmill and did my thing. And I felt good about it. I stopped on my way home to get a new wall calendar (on which I place little check marks on the days I work out) and was home by the 5 o'clock news.
Since getting home I've had a bad case of ADD/one thing leads to another. I figured out my new MP3 player (did I tell you W gave me one for Christmas?) and decided to take a break from downloading/ripping/whatever the hell I'm doing to get songs from my CDs onto my new toy so that I could eat before it gets too late.
Well, I made made a California BLT and then decided I should make some guacamole with the other 1 1/2 avocados because I knew if I didn't they'd end up going to waste like so many avocados do in my house. And then once I made that I thought I should go ahead and make a salad for lunch tomorrow. Which is when I saw that I had bought 3 cucumbers because they were on sale and I should probably make a cucumber salad for snacking, or to have with a sandwich later in the week. And I may as well cut up some celery stalks.
And oh, let me take a couple of pictures. SH*T!!!!! I dropped my camera and now the lens won't retract all the way and the lens cover doesn't come out.
Is your head spinning yet?...My God! Deep breaths, Barb. Take a sip of that wine you poured hours ago. Be thankful your camera still takes pictures and that you have a good case. Look into a repair another time. Sit and write to Amanda, then maybe a little more. Take your second glass of wine over to the couch, dim the lights, and call it a day.
So that's my plan. Love your plan to host the gang for chili so that JJ can experiment on them. Awesome. Independent variable: Tempo. Dependent variable: Heart Rate. Love. it. Tell JJ I'm proud.
Great to hear from you. Pray for a snow day for me for Friday so I can take my tree down. The three kings get to the manger tomorrow so I'm good to clean up.
Love you,
Barb
I'm a mess. Nothing serious, but I think I need to let out one good scream...Maybe writing here will feel as good--or will suffice for now, since my neighbors on either side and below might freak a little at a blood curdling scream.
School was busy. I have hit that time of year where I'm behind on correcting--since I slacked off after progress reports at the beginning of December (cruised on through until Christmas, you know) --and won't catch up until midterm exams in a couple of weeks (when I'll have even more correcting to do) because now the priority is getting my midterm exams in order. So I feel like I'm making one mess after cleaning another on my desk and using every free minute at school to stay afloat. Barely.
But I left at a decent time so I could get to the gym before the rush (and will write about more). (Go, you! by the way) It was quite crowded but I got a treadmill and did my thing. And I felt good about it. I stopped on my way home to get a new wall calendar (on which I place little check marks on the days I work out) and was home by the 5 o'clock news.
Since getting home I've had a bad case of ADD/one thing leads to another. I figured out my new MP3 player (did I tell you W gave me one for Christmas?) and decided to take a break from downloading/ripping/whatever the hell I'm doing to get songs from my CDs onto my new toy so that I could eat before it gets too late.
Well, I made made a California BLT and then decided I should make some guacamole with the other 1 1/2 avocados because I knew if I didn't they'd end up going to waste like so many avocados do in my house. And then once I made that I thought I should go ahead and make a salad for lunch tomorrow. Which is when I saw that I had bought 3 cucumbers because they were on sale and I should probably make a cucumber salad for snacking, or to have with a sandwich later in the week. And I may as well cut up some celery stalks.
And oh, let me take a couple of pictures. SH*T!!!!! I dropped my camera and now the lens won't retract all the way and the lens cover doesn't come out.
Is your head spinning yet?...My God! Deep breaths, Barb. Take a sip of that wine you poured hours ago. Be thankful your camera still takes pictures and that you have a good case. Look into a repair another time. Sit and write to Amanda, then maybe a little more. Take your second glass of wine over to the couch, dim the lights, and call it a day.
So that's my plan. Love your plan to host the gang for chili so that JJ can experiment on them. Awesome. Independent variable: Tempo. Dependent variable: Heart Rate. Love. it. Tell JJ I'm proud.
Great to hear from you. Pray for a snow day for me for Friday so I can take my tree down. The three kings get to the manger tomorrow so I'm good to clean up.
Love you,
Barb
Cleaning Frenzy
Hey, Barb.
I'm ok. I did get busy/distracted; I got all OCD about cleaning my house yesterday and it's still only half-way back to normal from the Christmas decor. I just couldn't focus on anything else - except the two and a half hours I spent on line researching a new credit card to replace the million percent interest one I currently have. I am putting the entire anniversary party on the card so I decided to try to find something better. Dear lord, what a frustrating process. I think I got a good card, but I'm pretty sure there's a paragraph I missed in the reams of paperwork, that will result in my losing my house or my first grandchild if I slip up on payments. Who can process that much information??
Anyway, I got one room done - completely done, clean, dusted, vacuumed and slightly rearranged, just for fun. The horrible sage green furniture doesn't look any better angled than it does flush against the wall, but I tried. I put a few new (different) pieces out, and called it good. By the time that was all finished, it was dinner time and J was starving. I had put a roast in the crockpot, and, per usual, it came out dry and tough. No one ate much of it, so my signature risotto filled in. I need the secret to a good roast - I have never made one. Pork, I can do. Beef, not so much. Don't ask me why.
After dinner, J did the dishes and I helped JJ with his science project, which involved the playing of loud music, accompanied by JJ on the drums. (He's doing the affect of tempo on blood pressure.) It was pretty fun; hopefully the experiment will go as planned tonight: he has to measure the BP of six people at rest, during slow tempo music and during fast tempo music. Guess who the six people are...so I'll be making a big pot of white chicken chili and taking care of BLU this evening while JJ manipulates his guinea pigs. Of course this is all due tomorrow and should have been done over the break, but I really didn't feel like getting into it, so I never brought it up. Not that it's my fault - but I certainly didn't bother to remind him.
Today I hope to get the living room finished, which includes taking all that s**t off the tree - argh! I may hit Marshalls too since my coffee pot is broken and I just discovered that my cookware set, the one that cost a fortune 14 years ago and promised to never break down, is now shedding little flecks of teflon into whatever I cook. And, OCD or not, I'm sure I couldn't locate the original "lifetime guarantee" paperwork for that if my life depended on it.
Maybe I'll end by treating myself to a mani and a latte this afternoon, before everyone comes over. My nails are horrific - going on four weeks of decorating and housework and wrapping and peeling off tape - yeah, they're looking pretty good.
Sorry to have left you hanging this morning. Hope you had a good first day back and that you're getting into your groove today.
Love you!
A
P.S. Is the star new? Pier One? Do tell...
I'm ok. I did get busy/distracted; I got all OCD about cleaning my house yesterday and it's still only half-way back to normal from the Christmas decor. I just couldn't focus on anything else - except the two and a half hours I spent on line researching a new credit card to replace the million percent interest one I currently have. I am putting the entire anniversary party on the card so I decided to try to find something better. Dear lord, what a frustrating process. I think I got a good card, but I'm pretty sure there's a paragraph I missed in the reams of paperwork, that will result in my losing my house or my first grandchild if I slip up on payments. Who can process that much information??
Anyway, I got one room done - completely done, clean, dusted, vacuumed and slightly rearranged, just for fun. The horrible sage green furniture doesn't look any better angled than it does flush against the wall, but I tried. I put a few new (different) pieces out, and called it good. By the time that was all finished, it was dinner time and J was starving. I had put a roast in the crockpot, and, per usual, it came out dry and tough. No one ate much of it, so my signature risotto filled in. I need the secret to a good roast - I have never made one. Pork, I can do. Beef, not so much. Don't ask me why.
After dinner, J did the dishes and I helped JJ with his science project, which involved the playing of loud music, accompanied by JJ on the drums. (He's doing the affect of tempo on blood pressure.) It was pretty fun; hopefully the experiment will go as planned tonight: he has to measure the BP of six people at rest, during slow tempo music and during fast tempo music. Guess who the six people are...so I'll be making a big pot of white chicken chili and taking care of BLU this evening while JJ manipulates his guinea pigs. Of course this is all due tomorrow and should have been done over the break, but I really didn't feel like getting into it, so I never brought it up. Not that it's my fault - but I certainly didn't bother to remind him.
Today I hope to get the living room finished, which includes taking all that s**t off the tree - argh! I may hit Marshalls too since my coffee pot is broken and I just discovered that my cookware set, the one that cost a fortune 14 years ago and promised to never break down, is now shedding little flecks of teflon into whatever I cook. And, OCD or not, I'm sure I couldn't locate the original "lifetime guarantee" paperwork for that if my life depended on it.
Maybe I'll end by treating myself to a mani and a latte this afternoon, before everyone comes over. My nails are horrific - going on four weeks of decorating and housework and wrapping and peeling off tape - yeah, they're looking pretty good.
Sorry to have left you hanging this morning. Hope you had a good first day back and that you're getting into your groove today.
Love you!
A
P.S. Is the star new? Pier One? Do tell...
Monday, January 4, 2010
Quick Hello
Good, good morning, Barb!
Welcome back on this first day of the new year. I'm so glad you got to have a leisurely start to this Monday - what a nice beginning. I have just been reading for a couple of minutes here before heading to the gym (for day two!) so I'm not totally caught up on everything, but plan to do that when I get home. I'm supposed to do my Monday morning volunteering at school after my workout, but will still be home by 9:00, which is still earlier than I have woken up most mornings this vacation.
Will write more when I'm all done....
Love,
A
P.S. - Awesome star!
Welcome back on this first day of the new year. I'm so glad you got to have a leisurely start to this Monday - what a nice beginning. I have just been reading for a couple of minutes here before heading to the gym (for day two!) so I'm not totally caught up on everything, but plan to do that when I get home. I'm supposed to do my Monday morning volunteering at school after my workout, but will still be home by 9:00, which is still earlier than I have woken up most mornings this vacation.
Will write more when I'm all done....
Love,
A
P.S. - Awesome star!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
One More Night
Hey, it's me again...
I had a great weekend with W and now I'm trying to enjoy my Sunday night instead of wasting it dreading going back to school tomorrow. Which doesn't, of course, mean I'm not dreading going back to school tomorrow. The weather has been bad and it would be great if the snow would pick up rather than dwindle over night, but I doubt it.
Despite having a cold for most of the week, I enjoyed my vacation. Christmas was nice, as you know, and while I was nursing my cold I babied myself: stayed in my pajamas late, read quite a bit, browsed some Christmas clearance sales, and took myself out to lunch. You know: fun, pampering kind of stuff. I finished my vacation and started the New Year with W and have no complaints there, either. I find every weekend together has been a microcosm of marriage lately: part pain in the butt, part bliss--or as I say sometimes it feels like daycare, sometimes like dating. But in the end it's all good. Or at least more good than bad. We laughed a lot and had fun, and felt very much in love.
I think I'll end on that happy note...hope that you are happy too....
Love you,
Barb
I had a great weekend with W and now I'm trying to enjoy my Sunday night instead of wasting it dreading going back to school tomorrow. Which doesn't, of course, mean I'm not dreading going back to school tomorrow. The weather has been bad and it would be great if the snow would pick up rather than dwindle over night, but I doubt it.
Despite having a cold for most of the week, I enjoyed my vacation. Christmas was nice, as you know, and while I was nursing my cold I babied myself: stayed in my pajamas late, read quite a bit, browsed some Christmas clearance sales, and took myself out to lunch. You know: fun, pampering kind of stuff. I finished my vacation and started the New Year with W and have no complaints there, either. I find every weekend together has been a microcosm of marriage lately: part pain in the butt, part bliss--or as I say sometimes it feels like daycare, sometimes like dating. But in the end it's all good. Or at least more good than bad. We laughed a lot and had fun, and felt very much in love.
I think I'll end on that happy note...hope that you are happy too....
Love you,
Barb
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
Good morning, Amanda. And Happy New Year.
I thought I'd write for a few minutes while I fuel up with my morning coffee before heading to the gym. (How do you like the coffee I sent, by the way? Is Green Mountain available out there? the Vermont blend is my new fave.) I know, crazy, isn't it? It's 8 am on New Year's morning, I'm up and getting ready for the gym.
After getting caught in some unexpected bad weather yesterday, which extended my errands by HOURS, I was happy to hunker down and do nothing. Seriously. I left my house a few minutes before 9--without even having coffee first, although I stopped for some--and didn't get home until 2 in the afternoon. Then it took me an hour to get my groceries put away (of course there was the whole business of cutting up the 8 pound roast into three smaller roasts and a couple of pork loin chops). I wanted nothing less than to get started on the laundry at that point, but I I had put it off all week, and I couldn't avoid it any longer. So I poured myself a vodka and cranberry juice (my new standby drink) and got it done. At around 8 I made myself some shrimp cocktail and a snack plate, and at 11 or so did my HNY texting and went to bed--just before midnight. And here I am...
W comes down today; he should be here around 11:30. The plan is to treat ourselves today to dinner (steaks) and then drinks at our fave place (where I know our bartender friend will be working tonight). (Last time I was there with my friend M I ran into him.) Tomorrow we'll probably do some shopping and clearance browsing, maybe meet L and D (friends) for a drink in the afternoon, then we'll have a quiet evening and dinner in. (Hence the pork loin roast.) He heads back Sunday after a nice big breakfast, and at which point the dread will probably set in. Today I don't want to think about it though...Today I'm happy to be up and at it early, motivated to go to the gym, looking forward to spending some time with my sweetheart in just a few short hours. Sounds like a great way to start the new year to me.
Hope you had a good party and that you enjoy this first day of the new year, too.
Love you,
Barb
I thought I'd write for a few minutes while I fuel up with my morning coffee before heading to the gym. (How do you like the coffee I sent, by the way? Is Green Mountain available out there? the Vermont blend is my new fave.) I know, crazy, isn't it? It's 8 am on New Year's morning, I'm up and getting ready for the gym.
After getting caught in some unexpected bad weather yesterday, which extended my errands by HOURS, I was happy to hunker down and do nothing. Seriously. I left my house a few minutes before 9--without even having coffee first, although I stopped for some--and didn't get home until 2 in the afternoon. Then it took me an hour to get my groceries put away (of course there was the whole business of cutting up the 8 pound roast into three smaller roasts and a couple of pork loin chops). I wanted nothing less than to get started on the laundry at that point, but I I had put it off all week, and I couldn't avoid it any longer. So I poured myself a vodka and cranberry juice (my new standby drink) and got it done. At around 8 I made myself some shrimp cocktail and a snack plate, and at 11 or so did my HNY texting and went to bed--just before midnight. And here I am...
W comes down today; he should be here around 11:30. The plan is to treat ourselves today to dinner (steaks) and then drinks at our fave place (where I know our bartender friend will be working tonight). (Last time I was there with my friend M I ran into him.) Tomorrow we'll probably do some shopping and clearance browsing, maybe meet L and D (friends) for a drink in the afternoon, then we'll have a quiet evening and dinner in. (Hence the pork loin roast.) He heads back Sunday after a nice big breakfast, and at which point the dread will probably set in. Today I don't want to think about it though...Today I'm happy to be up and at it early, motivated to go to the gym, looking forward to spending some time with my sweetheart in just a few short hours. Sounds like a great way to start the new year to me.
Hope you had a good party and that you enjoy this first day of the new year, too.
Love you,
Barb
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