Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts

More randomness from my wee brain this rainy Thursday morning:
  • I realize that I am in one or another doctor's office every week.
  • I sometimes think about having another baby. Then I slap myself really hard and move on to the next mess that needs to be cleaned up.
  • I'm beginning to come to the conclusion that it's highly dangerous to be a divorced or separated mother. Men can't seem to deal with the separation from the wives and/or kids so they end up killing their ex-wives. Brilliant solution, idiots! You've essentially orphaned your children. Now go rot in jail.
  • I have "friends" that spend way too much time on facebook. They literally post every thought that enters their mind. Must be some lonely people out there.
  • I hate the perfect vision of hindsight.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

WWW Wednesdays

MizB at Should Be Reading hosts WWW Wednesdays. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

I'm currently reading Falling Man by Don DeLillo.

I recently finished reading Outtakes From a Marriage by Ann Leary.
 
I plan on reading An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin next.

Some New Hops



 All that Glitters: girly fashion trends Fab Friends Thursday Blog Hop

Whine (or Wine) Wednesday

It's time for a little whine, or wine if you so desire. Here's mine for the day, or should I say hour:

I'm sick of hubby telling me I'm a complainer. Just because I comment on something does not mean I'm complaining about it. I'm expressing an opinion. I can't help it if my opinion is negative. I enjoy expressing myself, and it so happens I'm particularly good at expressing unhappiness. Get used to it!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
 
"It was here because he brought it here. It wasn't his briefcase but he'd carried it out of the tower and he had it with him when he showed up at the door."
~p. 35, "Falling Man" by Don DeLillo

Monday, March 28, 2011

Musing Mondays

MizB at Should Be Reading hosts Musing Mondays. This week’s Musing asks do you read books while you……eat? … bathe?… watch movies or tv?… listen to music?… While you’re on the computer?

I usually eat and read at the same time, especially if the kids have eaten first. I don't bathe, I shower, so there's no reading in there. I find it nearly impossible to watch tv and read at the same time. I could read and listen to music but I rarely do. I can't read while I'm on the computer - I'm already reading what's on the computer.

Monday Hopping

Happy Monday Blog Hopping!





The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a First Time Mom

The Things We Find Inside

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Weekend Window

Here's a view outside my back window this beautiful, but still cold day.
The first yellow blooms of the season on my shrubs.


Here's what's going on outside my front window today:
My garden is slowly coming to life. I desperately need some mulch!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Silly Saturday

Thanks to Currents magazine for making me smile today. Thought I'd share something silly with you guys on this beautiful Saturday:


  • Wouldn't it be nice if there wasn't always one flavor in the mixed assortment that no one liked?
  • Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?
  • Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? Aren't they both dogs?

6WS

Call Me Cate over at Show My Face hosts Six Word Saturday. Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words.

Sometimes we're reminded life is fleeting.


Weekend Hops

Happy Weekend everyone!

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Linda's Lunacy

Between the Lines

Free Hot Samples

Friday, March 25, 2011

For A Friend

I've heard said that God does not give you that which you cannot handle. Maybe. My question is why does He give you horrible things to handle at all.

I got an early morning phone call from a friend of a friend. As you may know, early morning and late night phone calls are rarely good news. My friend's husband has stage 4 stomach cancer. He's 40 years old.

I met my friend, S, about 4 years ago at a local mom's group. She and I hit it off at the first get-together and have been friends ever since. She has a little girl the same age as my 4 year old. They were born 1 week apart.

Since that time, S has had 2 miscarriages. I had baby boy #2 and struggled with post-partum. We hugged and cried and pressed forward with our lives. Finally this past September, she gave birth to a beautiful little boy.

I last saw S and the baby in September. As happens quite frequently, we get busy with our lives and our children and don't get to see each other as much as we want or should. A few texts here. A facebook message there.  And then this morning's phone call.

I can't wrap my mind around the fact that her little boy will have no memory of his father. He's only 6 months old. How do you explain to a 4 year old that her daddy is gone? How does it make her feel when she has to tell her friends now and later in life that her daddy died when she was 4?

How does it make S feel knowing her children have to deal with this? How will she continue to support her children alone? Will she be able to keep her house? Can she hang on to her teaching job? Can she continue to be a great mother to those children?

These are the questions I have for God. These are the thoughts that bring tears to my eyes. I realize that we mourn not only for the person who has passed, but for those who are left behind. My heart aches and my mind reels. Why, God? Why?

Friday Finds

MizB at Should Be Reading hosts Friday Finds. What great books did you hear about/discover this past week? Share with us your FRIDAY FINDS!

Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story by Isabel Gillies













Lost Hearts in Italy by Andrea Lee

No Filter Friday

Another week, another list of annoyances. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
  • News coverage of certain events really bothers me. The only item in the news 2 weeks ago was the crisis in Japan. Now it's all about Libya. Did the crisis in Japan suddenly vanish? Those poor people are homeless with possible radioactive contamination and the media has moved on to the next "developing story." Frustrating . . .
  • Speaking of Libya - what the hell are we doing involved in that mess? Why do we stick our nose into everyone else's business while this country is going to hell in a handbasket? Don't we have enough people around the world hating us as it is? Do we need to add yet another country to the list?
  • I realize Elizabeth Taylor was a Hollywood icon, but is it right to honor someone who scandalously stole another woman's husband? Why do we pick and choose who's worthy of all this honor and adoration while other husband-stealers are shunned? It should be consistent across the board.
  • What is it with men and the remote control? Hubby is constantly holding the remote. If he's not changing channels or surfing the guide, he's lowering and raising the volume during a show. What's up with that?!?

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts

Here's what's on my mind this very chilly Thursday:
  • Mother Nature is cruel this winter. Not only was it snowing again this morning, we had quite a wicked thunderstorm last night. Strange things are happening weather-wise.
  • My kitchen was measured for new flooring today. Coordinating new floor, cabinets and appliances has been the most stressful part of this reno so far. I still don't have everything lined up yet, and I hope I don't mess up the scheduling.
  • My boys are sick yet again. I'm not sure why God allowed me to have children because sometimes I feel like I just can't handle the stress of it all.
  • I'm so far behind with my regular cleaning thanks to the kitchen planning and endless doctor's appointments, I feel too overwhelmed to even start anything now.
  • It never ceases to amaze me how many times my almost-2-year-old falls down, walks into things and bangs his head. Boys this age should grow special padding all over just to protect themselves.

Thursday Hops

I found a few new hops this morning. Join along and make some new friends!







Happy Go Lucky

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Whine (or Wine) Wednesday?

I would say 100% of the time, I'm good for a wine Wednesday. That, of course, is in comparison to the 95% of the time I'm good for a nice big WHINE. Feel free to share your whine, or wine, story.

I just wish winter would be over here in the Northeast. It was snowing this morning and it's been raining and in the 30s all day. Who said March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb? Come on Mother Nature, give us a break. I'm freezing my butt off here!!

WWW Wednesdays

MizB at Should Be Reading hosts W.W.W Wednesdays. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…


• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

I'm currently reading "Outtakes From a Marriage" by Ann Leary.


I recently finished "The Beauty of the Husband" and I think next I'm going to read "Falling Man" by Don DeLillo.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Mid-Week Mingle

Making some new friends at the Mid-Week Mingle Hop.

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Teaser Tuesdays

MizB over at Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesdays. Anyone can join in. All you need to do is:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser:

"I hadn't yet started monitoring Joe's voice mail when I read that particular thread, so I assumed, back then, that it was a case of mistaken identity. Joe and I hadn't made out in a bar in Midtown . . . ever."
p. 87, Outtakes From a Marriage, Ann Leary

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Spring Reading Thing 2011



I'm entering a low-pressure book challenge for spring and love that I can set my own realistic or unrealistic expectations as to how many books I can read during the time period given. The challenge runs from March 20 - June 20 (Spring) and with all that's going on in my life lately, I hope I can manage to finish the books on time.

The Spring Reading Thing 2011 is hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days and if you'd like to join in the fun, check out the rules here.

Here's my (un)realistic list of books that I plan to read for the challenge:

Outtakes From A Marriage by Ann Leary
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
An Italian Affair by Laura Fraser
Falling Man by Don DeLillo

I know it's only 4 books in 3 months time, but I seriously hope I can pull it off. I'm doing a kitchen reno, have 2 boys under 5 and will be hosting 3 birthday parties during this time period. I think finishing 4 is unrealistic, but I like to set the bar high.

Sunday Hopping into Spring

Happy 1st Day of Spring!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Silly Saturday

Thanks to Currents magazine for making me smile today. Thought I'd share something silly with you guys on this beautiful Saturday:

  • Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
  • If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
  • Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up every 2 hours?

6WS


Call Me Cate from Show My Face hosts Six Word Saturday. Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words.

One day warm. Back to cold :(

Friday, March 18, 2011

No Filter Friday

Here's what's troubling me this week:
  • My new neighbor has 3 large dogs that are incessantly barking. Now that warmer weather is approaching and I'm ready to open my windows, there will certainly be words in the next few days . . . and I don't mean "Hi. How are you?"
  • My little guy is a terror. He is doing everything that my first never did. Yesterday I found orange crayon all over my white wall. Grrrr . . .
  • Why do men need every little thing spelled out for them in black and white? Unless you tell them the most minute detail of what you expect or need or want, they have no clue. Insinuation is not part of their existence.
  • I hate painting. I'm still trying to get my kitchen pantry and closets painted before the reno actually starts, and I just hate every stroke of the brush. It's messy. It smells. And it makes my arm hurt.
  • I think every store or business establishment should have a drive-thru window. I have so many things that need returning, exchanging or purchasing and not enough time to do it with 2 little ones. I seriously suggest having drive-thru windows so moms like me can get more done without dragging 2 screaming, restless kids with her to every store.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts

Some random thoughts rattling around my head today:
  • I need to pick out a floor for the kitchen. I'm most likely going with a Pergo floor, but I did see this interesting very eco-friendly bamboo flooring on Monday. Feels like the more I see, the more confused I get.
  • I need to complete a project. I've got 3 in limbo right now and would feel much better if one was seen to fruition.
  • I am addicted to the coverage of the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster in Japan. I could watch CNN all day but for the incessant cartoons the kids are watching.
  • My 5 year old keeps looking for the leprecaun who's messing up the house and losing all his toys. I keep telling him his little brother's really a leprecaun.

Thursday Blog Hops

Haven't hopped in a while, but finally finding some time. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 All that Glitters: girly fashion trends Fab Friends Thursday Blog Hop

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

She Bit Off More Than She Could Chew

I've been crazy busy, taking on too many projects at once and not devoting any time to my blog. Here's what's going on in a nutshell:

We've got the ball rolling on a kitchen renovation. I've been researching new appliances on consumer reports and then trying to go see them in person. Things sound all fine and good when you read about them, but it's a whole different story when you seen it up close and personal. I was all set to purchase one refrigerator yesterday until I saw it in person. It just wasn't me - too plain. It's definitely good to do your homework before a major purchase, but I strongly discourage buying anything sight unseen. Pictures don't do the items justice, or in this case, they dish out too much justice.

Next item on the agenda is my son's 5th birthday. It's quickly approaching so party location needed to be decided. Since I doubt our kitchen will be finished in time for the party, we decided it was smart to have it elsewhere. One thing I've learned during this process - kids' parties are freaking expensive!! Once we agreed upon a location and day, I wanted to get cute invitations. We're having a Toy Story themed party so I did more research, this time on ebay, for some customized invitations. I'm waiting on the proof as I type this.

I'm still not finished with the family room redo that I started 2 weeks ago. This was not a major overhaul, just new accessories. Hubby's picking up the new ceiling fan tonight. I need 2 new lamps and another picture or perhaps a mirror for the wall, and then that room will be finished. Did I mention I think I'm doing too much at the same time?!?

And finally, through all this planning and researching and shopping (oh my), I'm repainting and organizing my kitchen closets/pantries. This is something that should've/could've been done years ago, but of course, nothing like the last minute for me. Since the kitchen's getting a facelift, the closets need to be refreshed as well. Hubs is taking care of the major painting in the room, and I ridiculously volunteered for the interior closet painting. My mantra each day as I put paintbrush to wall is "I hate painting."

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Saturday, March 12, 2011

6WS

Call me Cate from Show My Face hosts Six Word Saturday. Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words.

Kitchen reno under way. Help me!


Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday Finds

MizB at Should Be Reading hosts Friday Finds. What great books did you hear about/discover this past week? Share with us your FRIDAY FINDS!
Here are a few that sound appealing to me this week:

History of a Suicide: My Sister's Unfinished Life by Jill Bialosky
Three Stages of Amazement by Carol Edgarian
Summer Shift: A Novel by Lynn Kiele Bonasia
Let's Take the Long Way Home: A Memoir of Friendship by Gail Caldwell
Skipping A Beat: A Novel by Sarah Pekkanen
A Scattered Life by Karen McQuestion
Deep Down True: A Novel by Juliette Fay

No Filter Friday

I finally found some time to put my pent up thoughts down. Happy Friday everyone!
  1. If your marriage can survive a home improvement project, it can survive almost anything. I know because we're beginning (for the 3rd time) to redo our kitchen, and since we put down a deposit this time I think we're actually going through with it. It's one of the many things no one tells you about marriage, and it stinks.
  2. I can't stand the clique of moms at my son's school. No, I'm not jealous of this clique. I'm friendly with everyone, as we all should be. I just hate cliques. Period.
  3. I'm in the midst of organizing one of the 2 pantries in my kitchen and it never ceases to surprise me how much junk we hang on to. I'm finding random screws, tape measures and old, dried up bottles of glue. After watching one episode of Hoarders, I am throwing away EVERYTHING!
  4. I'm hoping and praying that today's earthquake(s) and tsunami in Japan will finally bring an end to the  mindless coverage of (you know who) Charlie Sheen. We focus too much on the inconsequential when our world could literally fall apart.