How I woke up this morning
First, in a series:
“MOM, DID YOU WASH MY BATMAN SHIRT YET?!?”
This weekend has been full of false starts and lost time due to more than daylight savings. Thankfully, there has been been good too, including this song. I found Mamma Mia on the DVR and though the rest of the actors pretty much suck, Meryl shines so brilliantly.
On Lent
I’ve never really done Lent until this year. Some of my friends have given up television, facebook, or sugar. But it meant nothing to me.
Somewhat on a whim, decided to try it this year. I decided to give up mindless internet surfing, which always takes the form of facebook, pinterest, and news sites. These are sites I automatically go to (my fingers do the thinking for me) when I’m “done” with the rest of the internet (twitter, reader, email, etc.). They’re like cheap candy.
So I installed Nanny for Google Chrome and it totally works. To change any of the settings you have to type in the world’s longest captcha (no pasting!) - it took me four tries when I was figuring it out.
As this isn’t a facebook and pinterest-focused fast, I still interact somewhat using my phone or when people talk to me. I’m not about to give the interactions up (I still don’t think they’re “fake”). I’m just avoiding the control+T disease when there’s nothing else to look at.
Also, this whole Sundays are feast days when you’re supposed to be fasting idea is awesome. I didn’t know that until I was an adult. Now, Sundays are so much more fun! ALL THE SOCIAL MEDIAAAAAA!
Ultimately, I plan to never be an evangelist for the “evils of the internet” and how women who really value their families shouldn’t be online since it’s “wasting their children’s life away.” I think that’s bullshit. Does anyone else see the irony in those preachings? Ever notice that they come from? The internet! That lovely, fun-filled place where these women are making a living telling people how to live off of it? It’s just crazy.
The internet is awesome and I don’t see myself falling out of love with it, ever. The point is, for me, is to move on when it’s time to move on. If I’m done and just looking to kill time, I will be happier if I get up and go do something else. It has little to do with duty or obligation or guilt, but realizing that life is fuller when it’s both online and offline.
Besides, I get more reading and creative stuff done, and I REALLY like that.
and now I’m hungry again
My first Thanksgiving dinner:
- roast turkey breast with onions and rosemary
- stuffing
- squash
- balsamic mushrooms
- Grandmother K’s frozen fruit salad
- cranberry sauce
- dinner rolls
- apple pie
- chocolate truffles
(Everything was delicious and I was so proud of myself, even if it was only for three people)
adulting
(apologies to a very good blog for my title)
With a four year old and a nearly-seven-years-old marriage as part of my everyday life, you’d think I’d be used to adulting by now.
But no.
Every now and then, I do something that makes me think, When did I become so effing grown up?!
A few months ago, I disposed of the very ancient fire extinguisher that was in the house when we bought it. Nothing here has been replaced since it was built (and that includes things like toilet caulk - yuck), so I went to Home Depot and bought one. Then I put it in a easy to reach place where most of house fires happen - the kitchen. Take that, adulthood!
After Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast, I decided that I didn’t want to be stuck in a dark house with said four year old and that I needed to put together a true emergency kit. I bought a waterproof bucket, several cans of tuna, and two bags of fruit leather. I then made lists to add to it for the next several weeks to spread out the cost so I wouldn’t totally blow my food budget. So prepared, right?!
Then.
We have two cars, now, which is pretty new. I was shifting some seasonal stuff out of use and pulling out some winter gear, when I noticed that we only have one snow brush/scraper. So I went to Target and bought another instead of buying some really cute Christmas ornaments I wanted. Who is this woman?!
Can I have my adulting badge now?
A day ago, I realized that I had foolishly signed up to bring snacks to our church small group this week.
I say foolishly because I didn’t remember when I signed up that I would have a looming deadline and thus, not have time to do much else than buy some Oreos.
So I did. I bought some Oreos. Just call me Suzy Homemaker. Maybe I’ll get all fancy and put them in some pretty vintage dish, but probably not.
_ _ _
Life is busy right now. I’m working two side jobs right now, besides the usual chasing of Nate, teaching of Nate, feeding of Nate. He’s finally learning to count past 11, and I’m thrilled. He recites the fear-inducing threat of the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk endlessly:
“Fee Fie Fo Fum! I smell the blood of an Englishmen. Be he alive or be he dead, I’ll grind his bones to make my bread.”
He’s learning, growing. It just all takes time.
_ _ _
In a month and three days, we are leaving for Texas for two weeks, and I can’t wait. However, between now and then, I have to visit several doctors, meet a work deadline, and write three midterms. Oh, and manage daily life. That last one’s a killer.
It all takes time. Time, of course, that I would rather spend goofing off. But I like to accomplish, or rather, to have accomplished. It’ll all get done, of course, but in the meantime, this is life, every bit and parcel of what I fought so hard to hang onto.
Life in Tweets: September 7-24
- Is it mean to instagram a pop quiz? http://instagr.am/p/PSbirGPyCr/
- And so we begin… http://instagr.am/p/PZlRhoPyFJ/
- Today has too much cranky lesson planning in it.
- So funny - I think my grandparents took me to one of these. 68 Things to Learn at a West Texas Cowboy Symposium. http://bit.ly/QTg1FV
- (part one) For those who are as repulsed as I am, the Bayly brothers have started a college. http://bit.ly/O7UHMt Students are to attend their church.
- (part two) And yes, of course, they have a policy on contraception, feminism, and submission. http://bit.ly/O7V8Gr
- (part three) Is there really not another college in the whole country that doesn’t fit this “standard”? Why start another non-accredited institution?
- I forgot how much I love grading 3rd graders’ papers. They’re short, hilarious, and just fun to read.
- (part one) Was told today (in a non-political conversation) that I was too “cute” and too “young” to understand tough financial decisions.
- (part two) Which, ofc, left me staring blankly, trying to come up with a semi-polite way to say, “Stop talking, because you don’t know me AT ALL.”
- “Honey, look what I found at Target.” #ArrestedDevelopment http://instagr.am/p/P5LsU5PyHA/
- Aw, so sad. The newborn baby panda in DC died this morning. http://bit.ly/OTwwfa
Daniel’s birthday weekend
it’s all McDonald’s
Last night, we were at a friend’s birthday party and they introduced us to Jim Gaffigan (I know, we’re behind). This bit made me laugh because I just know too many people who are a bit paranoid, judgy, and plain ol’ crazy when it comes their food choices.
I’m tired of people acting like they’re better than McDonald’s. It’s like you may have never set foot in McDonald’s, but you have your own McDonald’s. Maybe instead of buying a Big Mac, you read Us Weekly. Hey, that’s still McDonald’s. It’s just served up a little different. Maybe your McDonald’s is telling yourself that Starbucks Frappuccino is not a milkshake. Or maybe you watch “Glee.” It’s all McDonald’s—McDonald’s of the soul: Momentary pleasure followed by incredible guilt eventually leading to cancer. ‘I’m lovin’ it.’
This summer, we did a lot. This included:
- Volunteering for VBS
- Cancelling Nate’s birthday party because he was sick and had a “just us and cookies” evening instead
- Celebrating my birthday with good food and shopping
- Celebrating our anniversary with a fun weekend in Kentucky
- Taking a two-week road trip to Ohio, Kentucky, and New York to see family
- Having friends over for dinner twice (tried for three, but cancelled due to sickness)
- Taking Nate to see Brave (his second real movie ever)
- (maybe) Finding a new church
- Remodeling our tiny front yard, making it something we’re very proud to show off.
- Watching Nate figure out swimming on his own
- Watching Nate learn to write the whole alphabet
- Learning to go without Dr. Pepper
Life in Tweets: August 28-September 4
- So, it’s totally possible to make dinner so spicy it’s physically painful.
- Once again, I’ve forgotten to put the trash out in time. I suck at suburbia.
- I love book prices on half.com , but it always means a thousand confirmation, thank you, and shipping emails in my inbox.
- @archerdc and I enjoying the new phase of “I can play alone in the kiddie pool.” #latergram http://instagr.am/p/O9uFiSPyCL/
- I don’t get carded any more at TJ’s. I wonder if it’s because Nate is screaming “I WANT TO BE A DADDY!!!” for the whole world to hear.
- Oh, hello, football tweets.
- So…herb butter is the best thing that’s ever happened to my cooking.
- Four too-big holes in the sheetrock later, I learn to never, ever, ever listen to a Home Depot employee again.
- Andy Warhol in my kitchen. http://instagr.am/p/PKkk-MvyPK/
- Summer officially ended the second I entered the first school zone today.
a (small, but happy) anniversary
This past week was Daniel’s third anniversary with his company. It’s not that big big of a deal, of course, but it was fun to think back to what we were doing that day.
In September 2009, we were living in New York with Daniel’s parents after he had lost his job and we had to give up our lease in Virginia. Nate had just turned one after two cleft surgeries. Daniel (finally!) had a promising job interview near Quantico and so we both drove down for few days, leaving Nate with Grandma.
It was fun to be back someplace familiar, to see friends and visit our church. A friend put us up in Loudoun and the next morning, we drove straight south for the interview. I dropped Daniel off and went shopping someplace I had missed desperately: Target.
I was browsing a very promising rack of fall clothes when he called. “I think the job is mine!” Sure enough, the office called back with a fabulous offer. It was a thrilling day.
There wasn’t a lot of thrilling days in 2009. The first half of that year was full of job losses and doctor’s offices and the last bit has BRAIN TUMOR written across it. But that day was a great day and I love remembering it.
Life in Tweets: August 22-27
- Oh, dear, we have marker on our hands. FREAK OUT TIME. #toddlerfacts
- The biggest Amazon box ever is about to become a pirate ship. http://instagr.am/p/OuAcRfvyGX/
- Add another one to the Movies I Love list: Secondhand Lions.
- I am 28 years old and tonight, I learned how to diagram a sentence for the first time. #neverstoplearning
Life in Tweets: August 12-21
- End of summer goal: use up all the library’s reading program coupons. http://instagr.am/p/ORo1bCPyGG/
- Just googled Honey Boo Boo. #holymoly
- We are so high up. #pwcfair http://instagr.am/p/OUn5NsPyNC/
- I was just fined $16.24 by my HOA because I put up summer lights on the fence that is really Communal Property And Shall Not Be Touched.
- My kitchen is haunted and I’m totally serious.
- Just bought tickets to Texas for December - first time I’ve been back for Christmas since college.
- The interweb is stressing me out today - going back to my audio book and crafting.
20 Questions
Questions for Nate, on his fourth birthday:
1. What is your favorite color? pink
2. What is your favorite toy? Cars (Mater and Lightening McQueen)
3. What is your favorite fruit? apples
4. What is your favorite tv show? Little Bill
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? peanut butter and honey sandwich
6. What is your favorite thing to wear? my soccer shirt
7. What is your favorite sport? baseball
8. What is your favorite snack? cheerios and peanuts
9. What is your favorite animal? elephants
10. What is your favorite song? Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star
11. What is your favorite book? ABC book
12. Who is your best friend? Woody and Buzz
13. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? doughnuts
14. What is your favorite drink? milk
15. What is your favorite holiday? my birthday
16. What do you take to bed every night? Woody and Buzz
17. What do you want to be when you grow up? a pirate
19. What does Daddy do? he types.
20. What does Mommy do? write and work on her computer.
