Babies are like onions....

My kid is weird. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, she's starting to have a word explosion. So, you would think she would be all about saying the basics...yes, no, doggie, kitty, eat, this, that...

Nope. She's following up her debut of the word "Cracker" (which comes out sounding like a cross between someone who is hearing-impaired and someone who just had oral surgery) with another goody:

SHREK.

*Shrug*

Adorable

I love these! I can think of two little girls who have hair that just begs to be adorned by some new pretties.

If you are interested, you can enter a contest to win some.

Sod v. Seed

That's our big decision for the week.

The idea of having someone come and lay down sod (or even doing it ourselves to save money) is very appealing....I mean...insta-lawn! But, our budget for the whole backyard effort is tight, and even though sod isn't *that* expensive, the upfront cost is lots more than that of seeding.

Thoughts?

Another Great One

I just love, love, love that exhausted but contented feeling you get on a Sunday night, after a thoroughly great, action-packed weekend. We had another one of those.

Saturday morning, my mom came over and watched the girls so that I could run a bunch of errands without them. What a treat! I got so much done, in such a short amount of time. Then, we all went out for lunch. Later, our friends came over, and all the kids had a blast together. I love that they're getting big enough to really be able to amuse themselves without us. We ended up having Margaritas and ordering pizza, so the rest of Saturday night is a bit of a blur, but I'm pretty sure I had a really good time. ;)

Yesterday, we took a hike at Huber Woods. Sadie did great, and even Eden was able to walk along for some good stretches. The highlight was seeing five deer come charging past us on the trail.

We did a little bit of work in the yard and after dinner, went in search of the ice cream truck (we found it!) and ended the day sitting out on our front steps eating treats. :) and, as seems to be the pattern after these busy weekends, both kids passed out well before dark. All in all, another really nice weekend.

Very Cool

I think that since I have owned a digital camera (just since 2005), I have probably taken more photos than I did in all the years leading up to then. It is just so easy to snap away, and as a result, I end up with so many great photos.

The downside, though, is that I rarely print them out. As a result, except for the professional portraits I have of the girls, our house is pretty bare of any photos from the past two years.

So, I was pretty intrigued when I heard about the digital photo frame. I have to say...this is such a cool idea. Basically, you can load photos that you have on your memory card right to the digital frame and showcase photos and movies on your walls, in the same way you would a printed out photo. What is really cool about this is that you can load montages, movies, or just swap out images as easily as inserting a memory card into a drive. This way, you don't have to belabor the decision about which single item to display...you can display them all. They also play sound, which is really nice for movies, or for putting music to montages.

I'm already eyeing up our walls to try to figure out which one would work best.

Sometimes I Don't Like My Job

...and then I think of the poor men from the tree service company who, at this very moment, are out in our yard, working in the pouring rain. And, somehow sitting in my cozy, dry office doesn't seem so bad.

As an aside....yippee! With the tree removal started, it is official -- our backyard renovation project is officially (if soggily) underway!!!!

House of Mouse

Prior to having kids, Evan and I traveled to a lot of really amazing places...British Columbia, San Francisco, Paris, Barcelona, Belize. I always have the travel bug and was usually ready to find cheap airline tickets and head off to somewhere distant and alluring, regardless of whether I had made hotel reservations in advance.

Well, now that we have kids, something in my brain has completely changed, and I'm obsessed with going to Disney World. That's it...not Europe, not the tropics...just Disney. Of course, now that we have kids, we have less disposable income to spend on our travels, and we're less flexible as to the kinds of accommodations we are willing to stay in. So, obviously, the need to do a lot of research and planning up front is key. And, I have to admit, once I started looking into all of the different options with regard to a trip to WDW, I started to get a little overwhelmed.

I found this site, HotelReservations.com , which is pretty cool. First of all, I have to say that just from looking up hotels in Orlando, it seems as though the rates they offer are awesome! Very competitive, and they offer a number of really good, Internet-only specials. The hotels are all rated, and have pictures of the listings, which I think it is important. Since the $$ we'll pay for a hotel or resort will eat up a big part of our overall trip budget, it is nice to see that you can stay at a quality place for a competitive rate. The site offers other info, too like flight information, rental cars, and vacation packages. It really does make planning the trip feel more manageable.

And who knows? Since the site has information on hotels for destinations all over the world, maybe I'll get the urge to expand our travels beyond the House of Mouse to somewhere more exotic. Just maybe.

Things That Go Bump in the Night

I am weary, today. I know, I know...looking back through my posts, it seems as though I say that every Friday. But, really, today I am truly tired.

I was tired last night, and hit the hay a bit on the early side (for me, even). I'm sure I was fast asleep by 10pm. At 1am, I as awakened by a loud "bump!" Before I had time to try to figure out what made that noise, I heard Sadie crying out for me. She had fallen out of bed! I got her settled back in and she fell asleep instantly. Me? Not so much. It probably took me close to an hour to fall back asleep.

Then, at 3am, Sadie called out to me again. She had falled out of bed again, only this time she was twisted up in her covers, so the impact wasn't as hard. Once again, resettled her, got into bed and took a while to fall back asleep.

Sometime later (I stopped looking at the clock at this point), I was awakened by a very loud thunderstorm passing by. Thankfully, it didn't wake the girls, but I was up until the worst of it passed.

A bit later (still dark, but surely it must be close to morning at this point?), the sump pump (which is directly below our bedroom) kicked on, thanks to all the rain, and the noise jolted me awake.

I think I managed to half-doze for a bit longer, but all too soon, it was time to get up and get on with the day.

So, tonight I am either putting Sadie's bedrail back on or removing some of the gazillion stuffed animals that she has taking up space in her bed, so that we don't have a repeat performance. And, hopefully, I'll get some sleep.

My Little Philanthrop

Sadie has expressed an interest in 'earning' an allowance. In her words..."I want to do my responsibilities and then you give me money for it." So, we have agreed that each night after dinner, she is to help clear the table. If she does this every night, on Fridays, she will earn $1.40 (she came up with this amount).

In anticipation of her getting her hot little hands on the money, I've been talking with her about the concepts of saving, saving up for things, spending, and giving. At her school, they focus a lot on tzedukah (charity), so she is familiar with this one. So, this morning, I asked her what she was planning to do with her money that she will get tomorrow. Her answer? "I'm going to give it to you!"

Kind of negates the whole idea, doesn't it?

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

I may be breaking up with one of the great loves of my life. Yes, you read that correctly. "BR" and I may be 'ending things.'

The love affair with Banana Republic started in 1998, when I got my first decently-paying "professional" job in the city. In need of work clothes, I stopped in the one in Fanieul Hall one crisp, Boston September day, and it was love at first sight. I walked out that afternoon with a few work outfits in my shopping bag and felt....well, giddy.

I soon stopped seeing others (Gap, Ann Taylor...) and the years that followed saw our affair blossom from a young crush to a more serious, committed relationship. Sure, we had our ups and downs (a couple of bouts of unemployment put a hamper on my spending and two pregnancies kept me away. As an aside, I do believe they now carry some maternity...). But, I always came back as soon as I could.

Even now, living the farthest I have from a retail store in years and years (a whole 25 minutes!), I still faithfully make the trek up there from time to time. And, we have maintained a good long-distance relationship, as ordering from BR.com is dangerously easy.

However, that all may be changing. I recently bought a very cute tunic from there. Within an hour of wearing it, I tugged it down and it just ripped. "Ugh," I thought "this is brand new! Oh well, no problem...I will just bring it back...after all it is Banana Republic. I"m sure they will be as appalled as I am."

So, I just spent my lunch hour driving up there and returning the shirt. And, you know what? They almost refused to take it back! Because the rip wasn"t at a seam, they denied that it was a material or manufacturing flaw. Grrrrr....They did finally agree to take it back "just this once", but the damage may be done. I am so annoyed. I have never really balked at the prices there, because I have justified the expense with the mantra "you get what you pay for." Well, if I am going to shell out $$$$ on clothing, I expect it to be quality. And, if it is not, I expect the store to have a sound customer service policy that makes things right.

So, I have to mull it over, but I may be calling it quits with BR. Of course, these things never end well, and cold turkey is a tough task for the tenderhearted (all of that to say that I did pick up the cutest new handbag while I was there battling the return policy). Wish me luck.

Disclosure II

This policy is valid from 25 May 2007


This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact dcotler@gnaritas.com.


This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.


To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

So, I did a Bad Thing

I mentioned in an earlier post how Sadie has been crying at drop-off in the mornings. This just started a couple of weeks ago. I have spoken with her teacher about it, and she has assured me that she stops moments after I leave, and that she has a great day. We both feel that Sadie has just gotten into a routine with it.

So, I had told Sadie that when she cried, it made me feel really bad, and that even though she stops crying as soon as I'm gone, I don't know that, and it makes me feel sad all day long. I told her that if she couldn't stop crying at drop-off, I wasn't going to do it (drop her off) anymore. I told her that her grandmother (who teaches at her school) would pick her up and take her to school. Sadie immediately said "ok, ok...I won't cry anymore", so I really thought it was going to work.

Well, yesterday morning on the way to school, I reminded her that this was the morning for her to show me that she could be a big girl and not cry. She agreed. Well, the second we stepped through the threshold to her classroom, she burst into tears. On top of her usual "I want you to stay with me" mantra, she added "I don't want Grammy to drive me to school". She was soooo upset. Obviously, I made it worse. So, I assured her that I would continue to drive her to school (I know, probably bad to not keep to my original word, but I just felt bad).

This morning, when she was brushing her teeth, she asked if Grammy was going to pick her up. I told her no, that I would drive her. She said "I didn't want to cry yesterday, I tried really hard, I just couldn't help it." I told her that it was wrong of me to make that threat, and that if she felt like she needed to cry, then so be it. I would still drive her to school every day.

So...we get to school and the drop-off was tears-free, for the first time in two weeks. I cannot, for the life of me, figure that kid out sometimes.

Bid4Prizes

I don't know about you, but I have often had a frustrating experience bidding on items with eBay. I have either gotten caught up in a ferver and ended up bidding (and paying) way more than I should, or wanted to, for an item, or...more commonly, I set my maxiumum bid amount and just get outbid time and time again.

Well...check this out. This site -- Bid4Prizes--operates under the premise that the LOWEST unique bid wins the item. How cool is that? The idea is that if you can figure out how to bid low, but not the same amount as another bidder, you win the item as a prize, rather than buying it. And, regardless of whether or not your bid wins, it seems as though you earn points for participating. These points can then be redeemed for free gifts (reminds me of the tickets the skeeball machine spits out at the arcade).

I took a quick look through the current auctions and it seems that there are a ton of prizes in all different categories, from phones to cars to TVs, and even cash prizes. I can imagine this is a site where it would be pretty easy to spend a lot of time. All if all, it looks like a fun, user-friendly chance to win really cool stuff.

Perfect Weekend

Disorganization

One of my New Year's resolutions was to try to be more organized. Sadly, I don't think I've made much headway on this one. Believe it or not, I used to be a pretty organized person, but ever since having a baby four and a half years ago, that all seems to have flown out the window.

Don't get me wrong, I was never one of those people who shopped for Christmas gifts six months early, or picked up random bat mitzvah or first communion gifts just to have on hand (I'm not making this up...I used to work with someone who did this), but I used to be able to manage to get thank you notes out in a timely fashion and not to forget to pay at least one bill every few months. I basically threw the plan and execution for Eden's first birthday party together a week before the event because I couldn't get my act together any sooner. I'm pretty sure I was planning Sadie's by the time she was six weeks old. I used to make lists and get a feeling of satisfaction out of being able to cross things off my lists. Now...I *think* about making lists, but usually get sidetracked on something else and then forget about it.

Oh well, nobody's perfect, I guess. My other two resolutions were to get in better shape and to make more time for myself. I'm doing well on both of those, so I guess two out of three ain't bad.

Peter Pan Wisdom

I am not going to let my children grow up. Seriously. They can age to about, oh...say nine and then I'm holding them there. From what I hear, age 10 is the new 15 and teenagers (or, even pre-teens) are no fun.

As if there wasn't already enough to worry about with general mouthiness, drinking, smoking, cutting class, sexual encounters, I heard a special on NPR the other day about how prescription drug addiction is on the rise, particularly among teenagers. It almost seems to me that these days, if you manage to steer your child through adolescence without any catastrophic occurrence related to the above activities, that you deserve some sort of award. Or, reward.

Then again, my mother swears that being a grandmother is the reward you get for raising children.

No matter, because I'm just not going to let my girls grow up. What's that song from Peter Pan.."never grow up, never grow up..."

Thank You, Alyssa, Jim, and Kayleigh

For the sweet birthday gift....

Ok, so you didn't actually pick them out, but the gift card you sent helped to pay for them. I just got the notice that they were shipped today. I'm so excited to try them out!

I (heart) Blogging

I have to say that I am somewhat surprised at how addicted I have become to blogging. As I said in my opening entry, I wanted some way of chronicling this amazing time in my life and the kids' lives. These years are so busy and tiring and hard, yet also so amazing and full of joy and wonder. They are going by so quickly, and I know that in the blink of an eye, the kids will be grown and what I really feel to be my "life's work" will be over. I want to cherish and remember it all, and blogging is helping me to do that. I just didn't realize how prolific I would be.

I do think some of it has to do with the ease of composing electronically, vs. with paper and pen. Let's face it...writing by hand, for those of us accustomed to typing everything, is hard! Honestly, the only times I willingly use ink pens anymore are for signing checks (and, since most of our bills are paid online, there's only a couple a month that get written), writing grocery lists (truth be told, I have been guilty of typing it up on a slow day at work -- makes it easier to organize by store layout that way ;-) ) and signing birthday cards. I'm guessing I won't stop doing that anytime soon.

Well, whatever the reason, be it ease of use or just the enjoyment at having an outlet for all the random thoughts that occur to me, I am so glad I am doing this. Even if no one is reading ;-)

Gross

There is a colony of ants living under my keyboard.

We didn't have anything at work to get rid of them except for a thing of pledge and Joy dish detergent. So, I used both. It now reaks to high heaven in here of lemon and my wrists keep slipping off the keyboard tray.

I think it is time to go home.

Some Big Girl Time

I think Sadie and I are in some serious need of one-on-one time. Even though we spend a lot of time together (well, relatively speaking for a mother who works full-time out of the house), the time we spend together--especially during the week--isn't often 'quality.' It is just so hard when I'm trying to juggle her needs with keeping Eden out of trouble (that in itself is a fulltime job) and whatever tasks I need to attend to. Don't get me wrong...I'm not one of those parents who puts chores over time with my kids (trust me. anyone who has seen the state of my house can attest to that). But still. There are things that need to be done (lunches made, general chaos contained, diapers to change and babies to nap) that keep me from giving Sadie my full (or, sadly, even much) of my attention a lot of the time.

Anyway, the past week or so, she has gotten very clingy, and has started crying at drop-off at school. I've spoken with her teacher, who assures me that nothing is going on at school, and that she's fine 5 minutes after I leave. So, my takeway is that Sadie is needing some extra attention from me.

I'm going to try to have just the two of us go out to breakfast or lunch one of the days this weekend, and maybe do a little shopping (her favorite activity!). Hopefully, some extra alone time with me will help her get past whatever is bothering her these days.

At Last!

Its here! Its here! Finally...after much cool, damp, miserable weather, spring has arrived. Today, the sun is out and it is glorious. All of the flowers opened instantly this morning.

The weekend is looking to be superb - high sixties to low seventies with plenty of sunshine both days. I definitely want to get out on the bikes...maybe a picnic at the beach. Gah! I'm almost giddy at the thought.

Bring it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eat at Moe's

In my parents' house, there is an enormous bowl filled with matchbooks. Hundreds and hundreds of books. This was my grandmother's collection, and my dad got it when she passed away. When I was little, I used to love to sort through them and see where they came from. I learned so much about my grandparents' travels from reading these. "The Four Seasons" one might say, "Howard Johnson's" reads another. It was also a way of commemorating the momentous social events of their life, because back in the day before flower seeds or painted mugs, matchbooks were THE event souvenier of choice. "Robert and Ellen, August 1, 1957", "Jefferson High Sr. Prom", "Eric's Bar Mitzvah"...you get the idea.

I get the same kind of a feeling, nowadays, when I come across the many customized pens we have collected. Many of our past employers still hold a place in our pen jar, if not in our hearts ;-) "Paul's Bicycle Way of Life", "CognitiveArts", "Simmons College"... memories of past vacations are evoked when I come across those bearing the names "The Red Jacket Inn" or "The Hyatt Chesapeake Bay". Sure, the random "Bank of America" or "Citgo Service Station" pen makes a meaningless appearance, but overall, I do still get a kick out of recalling places gone, meals eaten, jobs had and so on each time I grab a pen and go to write something.

Is the outside of your home personalized?

One thing that really makes a house stand out for me, are those extra touches people put on the outside of it, to make it theirs. It might be a pair of planters flanking the front steps, an inviting bench in the yard, a wreath, mezzuzah, or celtic cross at the front door, a custom-painted mailbox or address sign...so much thought and energy and money is focused on getting the inside of the house 'just so' that a lot of times, people just ignore the outside. Now, I don't advocate for tons of stuff cluttering up the front, but one or two well-placed things really make a mark.

I'm trying to get some ideas for what will work well with our house, so I've been really noticing what other people have. I'm pretty sure I want to install some lights along the walkway up to the front door, but I have to figure out what the perfect accent piece will be. Any suggestions?

Pants-off Dance-off

Have you seen this show? Its on Fuse network and Evan and I came across it late one evening. It is...bizarre. Basically, these average people (known as Pancers) dance a strip-tease to a popular music video background. The routine is interspersed with interview clips of them (fully dressed!) and snarky commentary by professional judges. Viewers are encouraged to text in their votes, and the winner gets a cash prize. The dancers are mostly awful. Well, no worse than you or I would probably be, but the difference is that YOU AND I have enough sense not to do something like that (publicly, anway. I mean, I'm just sayin'....).

It is seriously, seriously bizarre. Yet...entertaining. And, upping the bizarro quotient is the fact that it is hosted by Jodi Sweeten. Do you remember her? Stephanie, from Full House. Uh-huh, little Stephanie Tanner is all.grown.up now. In fact, intrigued, I googled her and learned that after her stint on Full House she went on to develop a meth addiction and did time in drug rehab. Anyhoo...she seems to have put that sordid bit of nonsense behind her and is now busy facilitating the pants off. I mean the dance off. You know what I mean. Anyway, check your local listing guide for showing info. You'll probably only be a little sorry you did.

Sighted at 11:00 a.m., EST...

the tiniest, briefest glimpse of the sun. And, while the sky is still gray, I do believe it has a brightness to it, the likes of which we haven't seen in these parts in almost a week.

Are the clouds lifting? Will spring really ever come to Jersey this year?

Add to my wish list

I think I mentioned before that one of my guilty pleasures is thumbing through Better Homes and Gardens and eyeing up all the things I'd like to do to and buy for our home. Well, I've been on a tear about benches, since I saw them in a recent issue. I'd really like to get one for near our front door, since that's where we do our Mr. Rogers routine with the coats and shoes several times a day.

I so want this one (pictured)... made by Powell furniture. I think it would go great in the spot I have in mind. And, the price is very reasonable. Now, I just have to convince my furnituremaker husband who, talented as he is, is always too busy to make US anything, that it is ok to actually spend money on furniture made by others ;-)

Number Crunching

Next week I will have my annual performance review. Although the department I work for is pretty laid back, I still get kind of anxious about it. In preparation for this meeting, I need to list out my accomplishments, with regard to our department's goals and objectives for the year.

Before I moved into higher ed., I held onto this uninformed fantasy about what it would be like to work in "the ivory tower." Surely, it wouldn't be anything like the corporate sector, where the almighty $$ seemed to drive everything, right? Well, it is somewhat less obvious as when I worked in corporate, but at the end of the day, it really all does boil down to how much revenue you are generating (even very indirectly, as in my job) for the University.

Our daily hours (minutes, even...for any task that takes more than 15) are reported and tracked in a system that somewhere down the line allows some number crunching administrator to use Financial Reporting Sofware to generate reports on our productivity, and value to the University. So, in noting my accomplishments for my review...it does make me think about how I should summarize them. Ack! You can see why I'm feeling anxious.

The Sounds of Sleep

If there is one silver lining to all of this rain we've been having, it is that I've been reminded of how amazing it is to go to sleep to the sound of the rain outside. I just love that. I find it so soothing. In fact, in college, I actually had a cd of "distant thunderstorms" that I used to play as I was falling asleep.

The makers of sound machines proclaim that "white noise" helps you achieve deeper, better sleep. I believe that. When Sadie was real little, we used to run the humidifier at night to create white noise. My sister-in-law plays a cd of a heartbeat for her little one. I also know that in the summer, when we have our ceiling fan going, I sleep so well.

But still, for me, the best nighttime lullaby is still the original, authentic April rainstorm.

The McMansion You Could Afford...Somewhere Else

I have lived in a few different parts of the country, and while there have been things that I've loved about most of them, nowhere has ever really felt like 'home' but here...the Jersey shore, even after almost 10 years away. But, loving where you live and living where you love can come with a price. And, if your location of choice is NJ, that price comes in the form of ridiculously inflated real estate prices and sky high property taxes.

Sometimes I wish I was raised and attached to somewhere more affordable...Cleveland, Des Moines, Tulsa, Minneapolis...ok, so truth be told, I think I'm glad that I don't live in some of those places. But even some of the areas that I have been to that I've really liked. Raleigh North Carolina Real Estate, for example, is so much more affordable than here. I like to torture myself by looking up houses in our price range and seeing the McMansion I could be living in if only I were a North Carolina girl. Or an Iowan. Or a Georgian.

So, go on...if you live in the Northeast, or maybe the over-inflated west coast...join me in this exercise in agony and regret and see what kind of a house you could afford in Raleigh, or Sioux City, or Tuscaloosa.

Boy Toys

I thought that might get your attention ;-)

Does your husband, boyfriend, significant other of the male persuasion have a compulsion...make that a NEED...to buy things you consider...toys? You know, big screen TVs, golf clubs, car stereo equipment, mountain-biking gear, muscle cars - that kind of thing. I've always found it curious that men never seem to outgrow their need for toys.

My husband often combs the classifieds, or garage sales or ebay looking for stuff. Not stuff that he needs, necessarily, but things "that would be neat to have" (his words). My brother-in-law, upon the birth of his daughter, went out and bought himself a huge flat screen TV. He called it his 'baby gift to himself.' My father-in-law has two classic cars that he is forever spending money on parts and accessories for (much to my mother-in-law's chagrin).

Maybe I'm stereotyping and giving men a bad name (or...maybe its just the family I married into?), but I just don't see that women necessarily do the same thing. Or, maybe its just me. Do you have toys? If so...what are they?

I've Heard a Rumor

...that the yellow, fiery ball of light and warmth (otherwise known as the sun, and sort of a stranger around here lately) may make an appearance by the end of the week. And that temperatures might even climb all the way into the sixties by the weekend.

I'm not holding my breath.

Mothers...do you ever feel...?

...like you completely signed away your right to any down time the moment you gave birth to your first child? Like the notion of using the toilet ALONE is just for other people? Maybe it is because I am so tired today, but I'm just feeling...spent.

I'm tired of having company in the bathroom with me. I'm tired of locating and refilling sippy cups endlessly. I'm tired of having to scarf down my dinner in five minutes. I'm tired of not being able to come home from work and just take FIVE measly minutes to unwind before the kids attack me.

I need a vacation. With, or without, Evan ;-) . Nothing too elaborate...just a long weekend at a luxury hotel or quiet Bed and Breakfast, maybe by the beach somewhere. Where someone else can fix my meals (ok, so being as Evan does all the cooking in our house, that one is just thrown in for dramatic effect), fetch my toys, and attend to my needs. Or, better yet, just leave me be!

Hey, a girl can dream, right?

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....Redux

I am so tired today. There are a number of factors contributing to this.

First, I stayed up way past my bedtime (oh, for shame!) watching a movie last night. And, it wasn’t even a good one, or worth staying up for, but once I started watching it, I felt like I had to see it through. It was the Black Dahlia, in case you are interested. So bad it was almost (almost!) unwatchable.

Second, I didn’t end up sleeping well at all. I am aware of waking at least 2 or 3 times, when I usually sleep like the dead. I think it is because I didn’t work out yesterday. I definitely think that contributes to how well I sleep.

Third, a little someone decided that 5:45 was a perfectly A-OK time to wake for the day this morning. Gah! Said little someone also decided that she wasn’t content to hang out and play in her crib, so my day started a bit earlier than usual on top of it all.

So anyway, all of the above ingredients combine to make a very sleepy me. I have a feeling I’m going to need a little extra of something…be it coffee, Red Bull, or just a kick in the rear to get through the day.

Virginia Tech

I must be the only person in America, who wasn't glued to the T.V. yesterday, watching coverage of the events at Virginia Tech unfold. It isn't that I didn't care, or wasn't interested. I just couldn't bear to watch or read about it.

I know I hugged my children just a little bit tighter and longer than usual last night, and wondered, as I have many times in the past 4.5 years, what kind of a crazy world I have chosen to bring children into.

More on the Yard Renovation

We're making progress toward our big project for this year - taming the backyard. We're having four trees taken down at the end of the month, and that will pave the way for the rest of the work to begin. Next up will be to tear down the old deck. From the looks of it, it shouldn't be too hard, being as it is halfway rotted and sagging already.

This weekend we'll measure out the space and figure out the exact layout for the new patio. Once we do that, we'll be able to figure out our material needs. Then, the fun begins -- perusing pavers, garden accessories, and yard markers. I'm such a geek, but I love all that kind of stuff. I seriously spend a lot of time drooling over dream yards in Better Home and Gardens each month. I’m so excited to transform our yard into a great outdoor space.

I need to get out (if it ever stops raining) and take a before picture to post, so that you all can appreciate what we’re doing.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

We are in the midst of, we used to say in Massachusetts, "a wicked bad storm." It has just been pouring continuously since Saturday night. Our sump pump is running non-stop - though, I guess I should count my blessings that we have one. My parents, many of my friends and coworkers are dealing with flooded basements right now. The forecast is calling for rain throughout the week. Ugh.

Just Say Hi

It is amazing to me how many people I know have met their significant others online. It makes me wonder if the dating site is replacing the singles bar. Given how much time I spend online, I'm pretty sure that if I were single, online dating sites would be my preferred venue for meeting people.

I know of a few people who, though they are really looking to meet someone, have not tried to use any of these sites because they don't want to pay the fees to join. I can't say that I blame them. I mean, at least when you go to bar or club, whether or not you meet someone, you are paying for a tangible product (that would be alcohol, lol). There's probably also somewhat of a stigma attached to the idea of paying money to meet people.

I just heard of JustSayHi.com, which is a totally free site that connects people. I wanted to recommend it to a friend of mine, so I took a quick look through it, first. I have to say, it looks pretty cool. So, if you're single and looking to meet someone, but not wanting to pay money to do so, check it out.

Word Explosion

After almost a week of being super cranky and giving us a hard time with going to sleep and waking too early in the morning (all of which I attributed to teething), Eden seems to have made a gigantic leap with regard to comprehension and articulation of words. She is now saying (or, attempting to say) tons of things, including "thank you", "good!" (this one in response to us asking her how her day was), "cracker", "night-night", and "diaper".

She is also pointing appropriately to objects when prompted (I have to say, I was suprised to realize that she can identify the majority of the Sesame Street crew.

And, in her cutest move of the day, last night I asked her if it was time for night-night. "NyNy!" she shouted and nodded emphatically, then wriggled out of my arms and toddled into her bedroom and returned carrying a pair of pajamas.

How fast they grow!

Reigning Champions ;-)

Saturday night, we hosted "round two" of game night with six of our friends. It was a lot of fun, as always. We drank, ate tons of snacks, and kicked butt in The Newlywed Game.

If you haven't played this game - you should! It is hilarious (in that slightly uncomfortable "I can't believe I'm about to publicly disclose this info about my marriage" way).

So...being as I won at Kirsty's house during round one of game night, and Evan and I won round two...I think that defines us as the reigning champions. :)

In Praise of the Red Stuff

Do you think its bad that I sometimes view being sick as an opportunity to knock back NyQuil and hit the hay for a guaranteed great night of sleep? If you do, than read no further.

Because, last night, feeling a little stuffy, a little achy, and a lot aggravated by my head cold and UTI (sorry for the tmi), I did just that. Got the kids to bed, half-heartedly picked up the house, downed 2 tablespoons of the sweet, sweet nectar of the gods and by 9pm was fast asleep. Sometime just before 7am I came to again, and I have to say, I feel worlds better today.

And I Can Say I Knew Him When...

Our good friend Jeff will be having his taste of 'fame' this coming Sunday, when the New York Times features a write up of his business venture -- The Cotton Tree Lodge. Seven years ago, Evan and I had the opportunity to travel to Belize with Jeff. It was an amazing trip...the beaches, the snorkeling, the food, the people, the scenery, the Mayan ruins...and we've wanted to go back for some time.

At the time, Jeff took us to the jungle property that his good friend (and future business partner) Chris owned. Chris's dream was to open an 'eco lodge' on the land. We camped there for one night, and I'll be honest...after being led in by a machete-bearing guide (the machete was just for clearing brush), wading through the kind of thick mud that steals your shoes from your feet, and being devoured by mosquitos (I was sure I was going to end up with Malaria), I had a hard time envisioning the land as anywhere people would pay money to visit.

Well, Jeff and Chris and a host of others have done an amazing job of transforming the land just enough to make it a really special and comfortable vacation destination, without ruining what it made it so special (lush greenery, citrus fuits growing everywhere, wildlife all around - boy the Howler Monkeys are loud) in the first place. Unlike so many of the big resorts of the Caribbean, it is a resort that really does fit in well with the culture of those who live there. By this time next year, Evan and I will feel comfortable leaving both kids with the grandparents for some away time for us. I'm pretty sure this is where we'll be going.

If you're thinking about a once in a lifetime kind of vacation, or even if you're not, but just curious, I invite you to check it out.

And, congratulations, Jeff on the realization of an amazing vision!

A Milestone

Yesterday, Sadie's final pre-school tuition check cleared.

Yes, the school that we send her to is frightfully expensive and we are on a payment plan with them.

Anyway, I can't believe that a) we're done paying out $xx a month to Center Play School (ok, I had to include that link b/c Sadie's picture in on their homepage)--at least until Eden starts there in Fall '09-- and b) my BABY is going to start Kindergarten in the fall. Where has the time gone?!?!?

Here is a photo of Sadie, taken on her first day there--September 19, 2005.



If she looks a bit dazed, its because she was! The poor child had been through quite a weekend. We sent her to her beloved sitter for the last time on a Friday, relocated from Massachusetts to New Jersey on a Saturday, and Monday morning she was starting her nursery school career. Again, I can't believe that 'career' is nearing the end.

zzzzzzzzzzzz......................................................

For some reason, I am so unbelievably sleepy today. I had enough sleep last night, so I'm not sure what the cause is, but I can barely keep my head up at work.

Must. Stay. Awake.

Monday, again.

Random thoughts on the weekend, in no particular order of importance:

• Someone needs to tell Mother Nature that it is spring. Because, 40 degree days in April are no fun.
• I didn't actually make it to the gym on Friday. Well, that's not true. I did make it there, but in the locker room, I discovered that I'd forgotten to pack my workout pants, so, needless to say, I didn't go work out. I did steal away for an hour on Saturday and get a really good workout in, so I almost kept to my Friday promise.
• Teething stinks. Seriously. And that is all I'm going to say about that for now.
• I love my husband, he is, seriously, the most amazing person and husband. And that is all I'm going to say about THAT for now ;-)
• We have a couple of great friends, Jeff and Anonda, who live in the city. We don't see nearly enough of them, but they came down Friday night and stayed over. It was great to see them, and I love that we can just pick up where we left off each time we see them.

That's all for now. Maybe after another cup of coffee, I'll perk up enough to write something more substantial.

DNA: Not Just for 'Must See TV' Anymore

There was a really compelling story in the New York Times yesterday about a woman who had been reunited with her biological family 24 years after being kidnapped as a "child of war" from El Salvador.

After living her life in the comfort of a Massachusetts suburb, she had this incredible and emotional journey to find the family that had been mourning her loss for all these years. It boggles my mind, the amazing powers of DNA testing. So, while I usually conjure up courtroom scenes from ‘Law and Order’ or the latest headline about the many potential fathers of Anna Nicole Smith’s baby when I hear the term DNA, it is nice to have a warm and fuzzy association with it. And, a happy ending. :)

I Will Work Out Today...I Will Work Out Today...I Will...

I've been a bit of a slacker in the going to the gym department this week. I went Monday, and Tuesday, I rode my bike into work (so, that counts as my workout), but Wednesday and yesterday, I just couldn't get motivated.

So, now it is Friday, and if I don't go today, chances are, I won't have a chance again until Monday. So, I'm going. Really. I am!

Crash

Finally got around to seeing this movie. If you haven't seen it...do! It was really compelling, with a pretty powerful message. There were several scenes where I was just so uncomfortable for the characters, and it was one of those 'god, I want this to end well, but I have a feeling it won't' kind of movies.

The acting was superb, too. I had no idea Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, and Ryan Phillipe had such chops. Thandie Newton and Don Cheadle were superb, too.

Anyway, definitely worth putting on your Netflix queue.

Easter Egg Hunts and Passover Seders, Oh My!

Just some images from the past week of 'festivities'

Weekend Recap: Just the Highlights

:: My in-laws are awesome - Friday night, they met us out for dinner, then watched the kids at our house (and put Eden to bed) so Evan and I could go grocery shopping. Who knew ShopRite at 7:30 in the evening could be so blissful?!?

:: I am awesome! ;) We took the 'dry run' bike ride on Saturday morning, and, while it certainly was work while I was doing it, it didn't feel any harder than a typical day at the gym. My legs were a little tired last night, but I feel fine today. I'm so excited to do this! I'll do it for real on Tuesday.

:: Our neighbhorhood is awesome :) Our neighbhor's held their annual Easter Egg Hunt/picnic on Saturday. It was a lot of fun--the kids had a blast. I'm so happy that we live in this neighborhood. Before we moved in, I was talking with someone I know who lives around the corner and he was saying how this little spot really is like "Mayberry." Having now lived here for over a year, I can 100% agree with him.

:: Progress made today in the 'must make new friends' front. We had one of Sadie's classmates, her mom and her baby sister over for a playdate. It was really nice, and she (Stacey) and I had a lot to talk about. The conversation flowed--we definitely have a lot in common. Hope to do it again soon.

:: My sister in law and her family arrived in town today for Passover. My in-laws, sister-in-law, her husband and their baby came over for pizza tonight. It was crowded, squeezing nine of us around the kitchen table, but a good kind of crowded, you know?

...and, with that, another weekend comes to a close.