1. Despite popular belief, interviewing does not get easier with age. In some respects it may, but certainly not on my nerves. First teaching interview since I've been back in Minnesota and I'm just as much of a hot mess as I was when I graduated college. Less emphasis on 'hot' & more on 'mess'. But at least I've got experience in my back pocket, so that should make it a tad bit easier, right?!
2. Big puppy news! We've been accident-free in the house for a month now and last night we took a major step & a leap of faith.... Amelia made it out of the laundry room & slept upstairs with us. Like any baby she neglected to sleep through the night. But I give props to the little gal for waking up the girls instead of us when she was ready to play!
3. It finally feels like this house is our home. Why did I not think it would take so long?
4. I still miss our house in Ohio. And our neighborhood. And our friends. And my job. Is this feeling ever going to go away?!
5. I did not expect my oldest child to erupt in tears at the prospect of spending her last two weeks of summer vacation without me in the house. Love that she still needs me, but man does she pull on my heart strings!
6. I am anxiously awaiting the night when we finally make use of our fire ring. Finally it is getting cool enough to actually sit outside by a fire.
7. I have stopped myself three times now from putting my Fall decorations out by the front door. Is it September yet?!
8. I still have to get the girls' shelves up on their walls. I've come across just about every reason possible to delay this. Who knew it was such a commitment?!
9. I might be having just as much fun doing the behind-the-scenes design work for Geoff's new company as he is being the front man. If only I could put my inappropriate slogans to work. I guess I'll just have to keep on giggling to myself. Some things never change.
10. I could not be more grateful that the girls have met some really great friends in our neighborhood. There were moments I questioned this, but the kids they've been spending their time with as of recent are on the approval list. Yay for that hurdle!
Showing posts with label Ten on Tuesdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ten on Tuesdays. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Ten on Tuesday
1. Duluth! Outside magazine's 2013 Best Adventure Hub runner-up. Love that town!
2. Both lovelies are actively eating apples off Dad's trees. The apples are still green. I'm willing to wager their digestive track will also be actively eating at them before the night is through.
3. I love the word, espionage. Maybe it's the way it rolls off the tongue, or the sophistication it implies. But no worries, you didn't uncover my secret password to anything.... I'd never remember how to spell it!
4. Confession Alert! When the Sarah McLachlan commercials come on TV I either leave the room, hit mute, or turn the channel. But I'm a sucker for the Values.com ads.
5. On another note, I'm also a huge fan of the colonoscopy billboard campaign decorating Minnesota's highways. Cracks me up!
6. The girls have mastered the art of checkers. I pity the fool in school who takes them on.
7. This summer is all about ice cream for Abby. If she could eat it with every meal, she would. And still, not an inch of fat on your body. Lucky girl!
8. I realized today when we attempted to do school shopping how much I don't like school shopping. We left the Medford Outlet with one sweatshirt for each of the girls. Shoes & jeans go on sale next week. It was a great excuse to ditch the shopping in lieu of ice cream!
9. Something tells me when the dust settles there is another dog in our future. I suspect I will be the last hold out. I love the life & energy a dog brings into our home.... I hate the hair, the responsibility. Anyone want to take bets on how long it takes?!
10. This might finally be the time for me to try coconut oil! Hmmmm.... now what to do with it?!
2. Both lovelies are actively eating apples off Dad's trees. The apples are still green. I'm willing to wager their digestive track will also be actively eating at them before the night is through.
3. I love the word, espionage. Maybe it's the way it rolls off the tongue, or the sophistication it implies. But no worries, you didn't uncover my secret password to anything.... I'd never remember how to spell it!
4. Confession Alert! When the Sarah McLachlan commercials come on TV I either leave the room, hit mute, or turn the channel. But I'm a sucker for the Values.com ads.
5. On another note, I'm also a huge fan of the colonoscopy billboard campaign decorating Minnesota's highways. Cracks me up!
6. The girls have mastered the art of checkers. I pity the fool in school who takes them on.
7. This summer is all about ice cream for Abby. If she could eat it with every meal, she would. And still, not an inch of fat on your body. Lucky girl!
8. I realized today when we attempted to do school shopping how much I don't like school shopping. We left the Medford Outlet with one sweatshirt for each of the girls. Shoes & jeans go on sale next week. It was a great excuse to ditch the shopping in lieu of ice cream!
9. Something tells me when the dust settles there is another dog in our future. I suspect I will be the last hold out. I love the life & energy a dog brings into our home.... I hate the hair, the responsibility. Anyone want to take bets on how long it takes?!
10. This might finally be the time for me to try coconut oil! Hmmmm.... now what to do with it?!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Ten on Tuesday
1. Vacation never felt so good. If only we knew with certainty what our next chapter holds. I love a good surprise, but this holding pattern is taking forevah! Thank heavens for the distraction of VACATION!
2. Why is it the longer I go without posting, the harder it is to find anything meaningful to write?
3. I love my Toms; far more than I thought I would. Or maybe more than I wanted to. Benefit of the Toms: less emphasis on having beautifully painted toe nails. Downfall: my new foot tan lines are cramping my flip flop style.
4. Perhaps the reason everyone in Minnesota thinks the mosquitoes aren't so bad this year is because my girls are acting as decoys. This summer I'm trying something new. That's right, I'm giving my little mosquito magnets garlic supplements. With any luck they'll be much less appetizing to those pesky insects. It's the hungry Italians we'll have to watch out for now!
5. If it is possible to overdose on watermelon then I think this summer will be that summer. Cannot get enough!
6. That said, I'm patiently waiting for sweet corn.
7. Moving around the country has not only offered me the chance to get to know so many different people, but best of all it's made me realize how genuinely fantastic & humble people are in Minnesota.
8. Finally, finally, I think I've adjusted to Windows 8. If only I could get all of the apps to work. Sigh.
9. Recipe I've always wanted to try: Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate.
10. Confession Alert: I refuse to repin or repost anything with a grammatical or spelling error. Fingernails on a chalkboard....
2. Why is it the longer I go without posting, the harder it is to find anything meaningful to write?
3. I love my Toms; far more than I thought I would. Or maybe more than I wanted to. Benefit of the Toms: less emphasis on having beautifully painted toe nails. Downfall: my new foot tan lines are cramping my flip flop style.
4. Perhaps the reason everyone in Minnesota thinks the mosquitoes aren't so bad this year is because my girls are acting as decoys. This summer I'm trying something new. That's right, I'm giving my little mosquito magnets garlic supplements. With any luck they'll be much less appetizing to those pesky insects. It's the hungry Italians we'll have to watch out for now!
5. If it is possible to overdose on watermelon then I think this summer will be that summer. Cannot get enough!
6. That said, I'm patiently waiting for sweet corn.
7. Moving around the country has not only offered me the chance to get to know so many different people, but best of all it's made me realize how genuinely fantastic & humble people are in Minnesota.
8. Finally, finally, I think I've adjusted to Windows 8. If only I could get all of the apps to work. Sigh.
9. Recipe I've always wanted to try: Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate.
10. Confession Alert: I refuse to repin or repost anything with a grammatical or spelling error. Fingernails on a chalkboard....
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Ten on Tuesday
1. I have a favorite screwdriver. I wonder if real handymen are partial to their tools. I suspect they are, which by virtue means I am one of them. I am, right?!
2. I cannot hear the phrase, "Jump to conclusions" without adding the word 'mat' in my head. Thank you, Office Space.
3. OMG! I love Worcestershire sauce! I can't spell it, but I can eat it on roast beef like a rock star.
4. Also, I heart ketchup & A-1.... both of which I can spell.
5. This morning's workout I really feeling the burn from Sunday's yard work. Old. I. Am. Old.
6. I have dropped just about everything I touched today. Except children. Thank goodness for that one.
7. Thanks to Bon Jovi I am constantly reminded that the roads are slippery when wet.
8. In spite of the horror that struck Boston yesterday, the best of America shined in Massachusetts. From brave men & women who rushed in to rescue victims, to the runners who went right to the medic tent to donate blood after finishing 26.2 miles, and the locals who offered their own homes for the night. God blessed America!
9. Abby & Lauren are really into their new worm friends. Maybe I should be worried, but the fact that Lauren's does tricks makes me giggle.
10. I'm not ashamed to admit that one of my favorite activities is going to bed early. Like 8pm early. Darn you Daylight Savings Time for still light outside and making me feel guilty for my sinful pleasure.
2. I cannot hear the phrase, "Jump to conclusions" without adding the word 'mat' in my head. Thank you, Office Space.
3. OMG! I love Worcestershire sauce! I can't spell it, but I can eat it on roast beef like a rock star.
4. Also, I heart ketchup & A-1.... both of which I can spell.
5. This morning's workout I really feeling the burn from Sunday's yard work. Old. I. Am. Old.
6. I have dropped just about everything I touched today. Except children. Thank goodness for that one.
7. Thanks to Bon Jovi I am constantly reminded that the roads are slippery when wet.
8. In spite of the horror that struck Boston yesterday, the best of America shined in Massachusetts. From brave men & women who rushed in to rescue victims, to the runners who went right to the medic tent to donate blood after finishing 26.2 miles, and the locals who offered their own homes for the night. God blessed America!
9. Abby & Lauren are really into their new worm friends. Maybe I should be worried, but the fact that Lauren's does tricks makes me giggle.
10. I'm not ashamed to admit that one of my favorite activities is going to bed early. Like 8pm early. Darn you Daylight Savings Time for still light outside and making me feel guilty for my sinful pleasure.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Ten on Tuesday
1. In light of recent speculation on upcoming changes at The View, I'm waiting for the announcement that Elizabeth Hasslebeck will be making the move to FOX News.
2. Am I the only person who finds it ironic that Daylight Savings Time actually lasts longer than standard time?
3. "Hey, Mom. I saved a fart for half an hour."~Abby.... Just one of many random quotes you'd hear if you were a little mouse in my house at bath time.
4. I often wonder what song Selena Gomez is referring to when she keeps hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat.
5. Loved the way the wizard's back story was laid out in, "Oz The Great and Powerful". But I'm left wondering one thing.... Was Glinda the Good Witch of the North or the South?
6. More irony. It's funny that the same children I eagerly tuck in bed at night are the same children I can't wait to smother with kisses in the morning until their eyes open.
7. PC Gone Wild.... How long will it be before little boys named Hunter will be banned from schools because their names is not only violent, but also threatening?
8. I can eat pickles, but cucumbers make me sick. Odd, huh? And unfortunate.
9. News by the Numbers. 5: The number of loose teeth currently residing in Lauren's mouth. 8: The number of teeth Abby has lost thus far. 100: The number of cents the girls get for each surrendered tooth. 1: The number of coins the girls find in their Tooth Fairy Pouch. You do the math, with the average going rate of Tooth Fairy at $2.42, my girls are getting the glittery shaft. Shhhhh!
10. Melt My Heart Quote-of-the-Night: "Mom I love you untell The Sun stoPs."~Lauren
2. Am I the only person who finds it ironic that Daylight Savings Time actually lasts longer than standard time?
3. "Hey, Mom. I saved a fart for half an hour."~Abby.... Just one of many random quotes you'd hear if you were a little mouse in my house at bath time.
4. I often wonder what song Selena Gomez is referring to when she keeps hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat.
5. Loved the way the wizard's back story was laid out in, "Oz The Great and Powerful". But I'm left wondering one thing.... Was Glinda the Good Witch of the North or the South?
6. More irony. It's funny that the same children I eagerly tuck in bed at night are the same children I can't wait to smother with kisses in the morning until their eyes open.
7. PC Gone Wild.... How long will it be before little boys named Hunter will be banned from schools because their names is not only violent, but also threatening?
8. I can eat pickles, but cucumbers make me sick. Odd, huh? And unfortunate.
9. News by the Numbers. 5: The number of loose teeth currently residing in Lauren's mouth. 8: The number of teeth Abby has lost thus far. 100: The number of cents the girls get for each surrendered tooth. 1: The number of coins the girls find in their Tooth Fairy Pouch. You do the math, with the average going rate of Tooth Fairy at $2.42, my girls are getting the glittery shaft. Shhhhh!
10. Melt My Heart Quote-of-the-Night: "Mom I love you untell The Sun stoPs."~Lauren
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Ten on Tuesday
1. The only way to describe Uma Thurman last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon was like watching someone pole dance in a chair. She kept looking at him with creepy sex eyes. So uncomfortable.
2. Taylor Swift's song "I Knew You Were Trouble" has some throw-back qualities. I know this because every time I hear the chorus it reminds me of shopping at Deb's, and it's been A LONG time since I've fit into anything in that store.
3. I'm officially a fan of Italian Blood Orange Soda. Yummmmm!
4. Karaoke Machine: solid investment. The girls spend a fair amount of time rockin' out on that thing. Belching and sometimes being inappropriate, too, but mostly singing. Not always great singing, but singing nonetheless.
5. Strange dream last night. Lauren was driving one of my dad's old trucks, and I was driving my Grand Am. It got weirder, but I'm still stuck on the significance of the old vehicles. And what was I thinking letting my six-year-old drive a stick?!
6. Confession Alert: I love finding the girls' random drawings around the house. Lauren's are especially cute with her rockets and words of love.
7. I have zero regrets about the girls having their tonsils & adenoids out this summer. We've only used the nebulizer twice this winter, and we've had zero middle-of-the-night coughing fits. Thank. You. God.
8. After weeks of slacking on my workout routine, I'm finally back in the groove. The worst part is actually getting out of bed. Second worst part, that funky feeling right before I take a shower. The payoff.... I feel great the rest of the day!
9. These days once I'm on Pinterest it's like pulling teeth to get me off. My latest crack up is this Dorothy & Toto pic. Gotta love people with the same sense of humor.
10. I'm anxiously waiting to try my latest crockpot creation: Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Soup. I even bought a little crockpot so I could half recipes and not have so much left over when I'm cooking for just me & the girls. It's almost time to dig in. Wish me luck!
2. Taylor Swift's song "I Knew You Were Trouble" has some throw-back qualities. I know this because every time I hear the chorus it reminds me of shopping at Deb's, and it's been A LONG time since I've fit into anything in that store.
3. I'm officially a fan of Italian Blood Orange Soda. Yummmmm!
4. Karaoke Machine: solid investment. The girls spend a fair amount of time rockin' out on that thing. Belching and sometimes being inappropriate, too, but mostly singing. Not always great singing, but singing nonetheless.
5. Strange dream last night. Lauren was driving one of my dad's old trucks, and I was driving my Grand Am. It got weirder, but I'm still stuck on the significance of the old vehicles. And what was I thinking letting my six-year-old drive a stick?!
6. Confession Alert: I love finding the girls' random drawings around the house. Lauren's are especially cute with her rockets and words of love.
7. I have zero regrets about the girls having their tonsils & adenoids out this summer. We've only used the nebulizer twice this winter, and we've had zero middle-of-the-night coughing fits. Thank. You. God.
8. After weeks of slacking on my workout routine, I'm finally back in the groove. The worst part is actually getting out of bed. Second worst part, that funky feeling right before I take a shower. The payoff.... I feel great the rest of the day!
9. These days once I'm on Pinterest it's like pulling teeth to get me off. My latest crack up is this Dorothy & Toto pic. Gotta love people with the same sense of humor.
10. I'm anxiously waiting to try my latest crockpot creation: Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Soup. I even bought a little crockpot so I could half recipes and not have so much left over when I'm cooking for just me & the girls. It's almost time to dig in. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Ten on Tuesday
1. Remember that moment when the concept of how they actually get money into checks perplexed you? I seriously do.
2. Experts claim without question that oatmeal is the best breakfast for a vast array of reasons. Now, if only they could get it to taste worthy of making it into my daily menu. Up to this point I've yet to taste an oatmeal I can stomach for more than four consecutive days. Your move, oatmeal.
3. Am I the only person who has a beef with where stationary soap dishes are cemented in showers? The fiberglass showers place them in just the right place to be knocked off by your elbow. The tile showers place them perfectly in the line of fire to be quickly broken down by the blast of the water. Don't even get me started on the showers that don't have a place for me to place my foot when I shave my legs....
4. I actually find it a thrill to decipher which store brand products are superior to both other store brands and their brand name counterparts. I have to say, my favorite store brand vanilla ice cream is Target's. I have the girls' tonsillectomy to thank for that discovery.
5. Shepard Smith, anchor at FOX News. I'm torn here. He easily engages me in the programs he anchors. But then there is his arrogance. I've overlooked his daily shout-out to Oxford, Mississippi. But twice now he's capped stories about the NHL lockout with snarky comments about how no one cares. I care. What I don't care about is Mississippi or your beloved Alabama "Roll Tide" (whatever that means) football team. As a person I think he's a douche.
6. It's funny how kangaroos are cute and angelic looking, and yet I'm pretty sure they could kick or box the crap out of a grown man. Me for sure. Frankly, they scare me.
7. Random Family Fun Fact: Lauren is the only one of my parents' grandchildren that does not also share a name with one of my mother's brothers' dogs. Follow-Up Fact: All of the dogs were named before the children were born. Does this mean that subconsciously my sister & I have issues?
8. Growing up I was never a fan of radio talk shows. I listened to KROC or KDWB when I got ready for school, but there was enough music to keep me engaged and the talk was light & entertaining. Now I'd take a talk show any day.... Elvis Duran, Neal Boortz, Andy Dean, I could listen to my faves all day.
9. While I was home for Christmas I noticed my favorite column in the Owatonna People's Press was MIA. That's right, they dropped Dear Abby. So I'm posting the link for future reference, this way next time I'm home and without a paper version I've got this baby online: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/. Thanks, Mrs. Best for passing this on!
10. My Christmas vacation this year was crappy, and that's being kind. There were many sweet spots, but overall the trip ranks as one of my least favorite visits home. This is honest to God, the best part of my entire time in Minnesota this Christmas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG_iODz6e7E&sns=fb. I could watch it a million times and not get tired of it.... maybe it's Jerry's endearing Minnesota accent. Maybe it's his spirit. But when it comes down to it, I just like the way looking at The Tree makes me feel.
Happy 2013!
2. Experts claim without question that oatmeal is the best breakfast for a vast array of reasons. Now, if only they could get it to taste worthy of making it into my daily menu. Up to this point I've yet to taste an oatmeal I can stomach for more than four consecutive days. Your move, oatmeal.
3. Am I the only person who has a beef with where stationary soap dishes are cemented in showers? The fiberglass showers place them in just the right place to be knocked off by your elbow. The tile showers place them perfectly in the line of fire to be quickly broken down by the blast of the water. Don't even get me started on the showers that don't have a place for me to place my foot when I shave my legs....
4. I actually find it a thrill to decipher which store brand products are superior to both other store brands and their brand name counterparts. I have to say, my favorite store brand vanilla ice cream is Target's. I have the girls' tonsillectomy to thank for that discovery.
5. Shepard Smith, anchor at FOX News. I'm torn here. He easily engages me in the programs he anchors. But then there is his arrogance. I've overlooked his daily shout-out to Oxford, Mississippi. But twice now he's capped stories about the NHL lockout with snarky comments about how no one cares. I care. What I don't care about is Mississippi or your beloved Alabama "Roll Tide" (whatever that means) football team. As a person I think he's a douche.
6. It's funny how kangaroos are cute and angelic looking, and yet I'm pretty sure they could kick or box the crap out of a grown man. Me for sure. Frankly, they scare me.
7. Random Family Fun Fact: Lauren is the only one of my parents' grandchildren that does not also share a name with one of my mother's brothers' dogs. Follow-Up Fact: All of the dogs were named before the children were born. Does this mean that subconsciously my sister & I have issues?
8. Growing up I was never a fan of radio talk shows. I listened to KROC or KDWB when I got ready for school, but there was enough music to keep me engaged and the talk was light & entertaining. Now I'd take a talk show any day.... Elvis Duran, Neal Boortz, Andy Dean, I could listen to my faves all day.
9. While I was home for Christmas I noticed my favorite column in the Owatonna People's Press was MIA. That's right, they dropped Dear Abby. So I'm posting the link for future reference, this way next time I'm home and without a paper version I've got this baby online: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/. Thanks, Mrs. Best for passing this on!
10. My Christmas vacation this year was crappy, and that's being kind. There were many sweet spots, but overall the trip ranks as one of my least favorite visits home. This is honest to God, the best part of my entire time in Minnesota this Christmas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG_iODz6e7E&sns=fb. I could watch it a million times and not get tired of it.... maybe it's Jerry's endearing Minnesota accent. Maybe it's his spirit. But when it comes down to it, I just like the way looking at The Tree makes me feel.
Happy 2013!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. Today Abby mentioned someone living in the Fawn Ridge neighborhood. Lauren thought she said Clown Stage. I don't know why that strikes me so funny.
2. Abby amps up the naughty during the holiday season. Any special event really. Grrrrrrr. It makes this time of year that much less sweet.
3. I finally decide to suck it up and get my flu shot in the wake of recent reports about this season's flu being particularly bad and this season's shot being spot on; low and behold.... Target is out. Grrrrrrrr again.
4. When the temperature started to drop today I wanted to jump in the air and kick my heels. I can't actually do that, but it my head it was a perfect ten.
5. Rudolph is on tonight. You have no idea how excited I am for one of my favorite nights of the year!!!
6. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be married to Jimmy Fallon. I'm not wishing, or even day dreaming. But the guy is well-versed in the talent department.... I wonder if he's as fun at home as he is on TV.
7. Absolute favorite job, hands down is the one I'm currently in. Love the kids. LOVE the staff.... how am I ever going to find another job I enjoy going to half as much as this one. Boston, you have big shoes to fill!
8. Did I mention we're moving to Boston?! Oh so bittersweet.
9. It's funny how the thought of doing laundry can be such a weight on your shoulders. And then you don't have access to your washing machine for a few days and it's return makes you want to jump in the air and do that heel kick thing again.
10. I didn't realize how much I missed Lizzie until a dog came up to me yesterday for some attention. And then Lauren picked out a story about a puppy nuzzling its owner for attention. I sure do miss that Lizzie Girl.
2. Abby amps up the naughty during the holiday season. Any special event really. Grrrrrrr. It makes this time of year that much less sweet.
3. I finally decide to suck it up and get my flu shot in the wake of recent reports about this season's flu being particularly bad and this season's shot being spot on; low and behold.... Target is out. Grrrrrrrr again.
4. When the temperature started to drop today I wanted to jump in the air and kick my heels. I can't actually do that, but it my head it was a perfect ten.
5. Rudolph is on tonight. You have no idea how excited I am for one of my favorite nights of the year!!!
6. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be married to Jimmy Fallon. I'm not wishing, or even day dreaming. But the guy is well-versed in the talent department.... I wonder if he's as fun at home as he is on TV.
7. Absolute favorite job, hands down is the one I'm currently in. Love the kids. LOVE the staff.... how am I ever going to find another job I enjoy going to half as much as this one. Boston, you have big shoes to fill!
8. Did I mention we're moving to Boston?! Oh so bittersweet.
9. It's funny how the thought of doing laundry can be such a weight on your shoulders. And then you don't have access to your washing machine for a few days and it's return makes you want to jump in the air and do that heel kick thing again.
10. I didn't realize how much I missed Lizzie until a dog came up to me yesterday for some attention. And then Lauren picked out a story about a puppy nuzzling its owner for attention. I sure do miss that Lizzie Girl.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Ten on Tuesdayish
1. Whenever I see another Acadia on the road I give them a slight nod & grin. And then I think, 'Yep, there goes another person equally as cool as me.' I wonder what I'd be thinking if I was rockin' a minivan?
2. Key Lime Pie. I offered to bring a pie to church for a gathering after tonight's service. I'm certain no one else will show up with this tropical treat. Although I won't really know for sure since I'll be home with my sick children. Sigh.
3. It's now Abby's turn to be lounging in her PJs. I'm thankful for Thanksgiving break so my babes can be home, rest, and get back to the business of being healthy!
4. I'm convinced Ohio is killing me. Okay, maybe not literally killing me. But I'm not myself here.... my face is swollen, my body is sore and lethargic. I've spent a lot of time adjusting my sleep, my workout, my habits & my diet. But the bottom line is I never feel worse than when I'm here. Maybe it's time for a permanent something different?!
5. Fact: I love basil. If I was a food we would be married. If we weren't then I would have a hard time not cheating on my other half. I can't get enough of the leafy treat. Confession: Sometimes I put grilled pizza on our menu just so I have an excuse to pair it with fresh mozzarella and gobble it up.
6. This month's Book Club featured a visit by our current author, Vanessa Gray Bartal. I left that night so inspired and uplifted by this seemingly common mom who quite honestly is a lot like me. If everyone who hits a personal wall in life could be as inspired and productive as Vanessa, our world would be a much better place.
7. Lauren brought home her Christmas tree yesterday. Each year at the girls' school first graders bring home a giant green paper Christmas tree to decorate and bring back to school to festive up the halls. While I'm not thrilled with the collection of glitter all over the little table & the floor, her tree is decorated to her standard of perfection. For that reason alone, I LoVe It!
8. My heart swelled with pride when I walked into Lauren's classroom yesterday afternoon. The room was filled with the smell of Thanksgiving and children dressed in Indian head dress & Pilgrim hats. I know the PC police will slander me for that statement, but the truth of it is, those children were learning about their American history. Frankly, schools are so caught up with teaching about acceptance and other cultures that an appreciation for our own is often lost.
9. If I could, I would add another hour--maybe two--to every day. And I would make myself do all of the projects and crafty things I seem to have lost time for.
10. It pains me to see our nightly routine of story time slipping away.... often it is for a lack of time, which is a horrible excuse. Priority number one: Bring back story time with full force!
2. Key Lime Pie. I offered to bring a pie to church for a gathering after tonight's service. I'm certain no one else will show up with this tropical treat. Although I won't really know for sure since I'll be home with my sick children. Sigh.
3. It's now Abby's turn to be lounging in her PJs. I'm thankful for Thanksgiving break so my babes can be home, rest, and get back to the business of being healthy!
4. I'm convinced Ohio is killing me. Okay, maybe not literally killing me. But I'm not myself here.... my face is swollen, my body is sore and lethargic. I've spent a lot of time adjusting my sleep, my workout, my habits & my diet. But the bottom line is I never feel worse than when I'm here. Maybe it's time for a permanent something different?!
5. Fact: I love basil. If I was a food we would be married. If we weren't then I would have a hard time not cheating on my other half. I can't get enough of the leafy treat. Confession: Sometimes I put grilled pizza on our menu just so I have an excuse to pair it with fresh mozzarella and gobble it up.
6. This month's Book Club featured a visit by our current author, Vanessa Gray Bartal. I left that night so inspired and uplifted by this seemingly common mom who quite honestly is a lot like me. If everyone who hits a personal wall in life could be as inspired and productive as Vanessa, our world would be a much better place.
7. Lauren brought home her Christmas tree yesterday. Each year at the girls' school first graders bring home a giant green paper Christmas tree to decorate and bring back to school to festive up the halls. While I'm not thrilled with the collection of glitter all over the little table & the floor, her tree is decorated to her standard of perfection. For that reason alone, I LoVe It!
8. My heart swelled with pride when I walked into Lauren's classroom yesterday afternoon. The room was filled with the smell of Thanksgiving and children dressed in Indian head dress & Pilgrim hats. I know the PC police will slander me for that statement, but the truth of it is, those children were learning about their American history. Frankly, schools are so caught up with teaching about acceptance and other cultures that an appreciation for our own is often lost.
9. If I could, I would add another hour--maybe two--to every day. And I would make myself do all of the projects and crafty things I seem to have lost time for.
10. It pains me to see our nightly routine of story time slipping away.... often it is for a lack of time, which is a horrible excuse. Priority number one: Bring back story time with full force!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. In my book Candy Corn is not irrelevant until after Thanksgiving.
2. Tic Tacs.... I always eat them in pairs.
3. If the 80s had a flavor, it would be orange Tic Tacs.
4. Never underestimate the power of well manicured eyebrows!
5. Gray Hairs: Why do they always crop up on the part in your hair? Maybe it's just me. Either way, I go after them with a good pair of tweezers every time.
6. I'm pretty sure my BFF & I coined the best period code word when we were in school. Shopping. Boys automatically tune out when you start talking about that!
7. Tickle Attacks.... Lauren LOVES them! Here is her list of the reasons why:
8. Back to periods & my BFF. I can still see her walking around the junior high when she was graced with her inaugural period. She carried around a brown paper bag packed with provisions the entire day "just in case". I was certain it was a dead giveaway, but she was adamant that people would believe it was her lunch. BFF, I won't out your identity, you know who you are. Thank you for the smile all these years later!
9. Why didn't anyone raise an eyebrow when TV show characters had such inappropriate names & nicknames in the 80s & 90s.... like Boner & Scrote. Ahhhh, when being PC wasn't so PC.
10. For the life of me I cannot get Michael Jackson's PYT out of my head. There could be worse songs, I know. Don't suggest any; I'm perfectly happy with that MJ track. For now.
2. Tic Tacs.... I always eat them in pairs.
3. If the 80s had a flavor, it would be orange Tic Tacs.
4. Never underestimate the power of well manicured eyebrows!
5. Gray Hairs: Why do they always crop up on the part in your hair? Maybe it's just me. Either way, I go after them with a good pair of tweezers every time.
6. I'm pretty sure my BFF & I coined the best period code word when we were in school. Shopping. Boys automatically tune out when you start talking about that!
7. Tickle Attacks.... Lauren LOVES them! Here is her list of the reasons why:
- I love it when you tickle me.
- I love it that we can be together.
- When we kiss each other.
- I love my giggle.
- I love it when you smooch on me.
8. Back to periods & my BFF. I can still see her walking around the junior high when she was graced with her inaugural period. She carried around a brown paper bag packed with provisions the entire day "just in case". I was certain it was a dead giveaway, but she was adamant that people would believe it was her lunch. BFF, I won't out your identity, you know who you are. Thank you for the smile all these years later!
9. Why didn't anyone raise an eyebrow when TV show characters had such inappropriate names & nicknames in the 80s & 90s.... like Boner & Scrote. Ahhhh, when being PC wasn't so PC.
10. For the life of me I cannot get Michael Jackson's PYT out of my head. There could be worse songs, I know. Don't suggest any; I'm perfectly happy with that MJ track. For now.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. I can't help it. Whenever I see U.S. Representative Allen West I can't see him as a congressman or a leutenant colonal, I see a character on the Peanuts. Speaking of which, it's that time of year again.... The Charlie Brown Specials!
2. Family Handyman Dot Com.... You had me at the adorable Dollar-Savvy Shed.
3. Obama's America 2016.... How do all American's not know about this film? Without a doubt the most important movie you'll ever see at the theater. An eye-opener to say the least.
4. Could life be any better? Okay, yes. But at the end of the day, I've got it all. I'll keep my apple cart just the way it is.
5. Tonight on the menu: french toast with Panera bread, bacon & orange juice. According to Lauren, "It was the best breakfast supper EVER!"
6. In clumps. That's how Abby's hair has been coming out of her head. She will have no hair left in her head by Christmas if she keeps this up. Sigh. Her eczema has stepped it up all of the sudden. I'm nervous. I think it's time to seek a second opinion.
7. One of the best wines I've tasted came from Wide River Winery.... Can't wait to get back to Iowa for Girls' Weekend with the family and get my hands on a few more bottles of that tasty drink.
8. The very best chocolate cake I've ever laid my lips on. Yeah, I made it last week. The Most Amazing Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Ever. There it is. Be warned. Once you've make it for people, it won't be the last.
9. To my sister-in-law.... Tonight I sat down at the computer with a glass of wine. Now I'm on my second. That much wine tastes much better on the deck in Wenatchee. Ahhhh, the days.
10. I like it much better when people walk into my life than out of it. Lots of footsteps walked back in my door today. {smile}
2. Family Handyman Dot Com.... You had me at the adorable Dollar-Savvy Shed.
3. Obama's America 2016.... How do all American's not know about this film? Without a doubt the most important movie you'll ever see at the theater. An eye-opener to say the least.
4. Could life be any better? Okay, yes. But at the end of the day, I've got it all. I'll keep my apple cart just the way it is.
5. Tonight on the menu: french toast with Panera bread, bacon & orange juice. According to Lauren, "It was the best breakfast supper EVER!"
6. In clumps. That's how Abby's hair has been coming out of her head. She will have no hair left in her head by Christmas if she keeps this up. Sigh. Her eczema has stepped it up all of the sudden. I'm nervous. I think it's time to seek a second opinion.
7. One of the best wines I've tasted came from Wide River Winery.... Can't wait to get back to Iowa for Girls' Weekend with the family and get my hands on a few more bottles of that tasty drink.
8. The very best chocolate cake I've ever laid my lips on. Yeah, I made it last week. The Most Amazing Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Ever. There it is. Be warned. Once you've make it for people, it won't be the last.
9. To my sister-in-law.... Tonight I sat down at the computer with a glass of wine. Now I'm on my second. That much wine tastes much better on the deck in Wenatchee. Ahhhh, the days.
10. I like it much better when people walk into my life than out of it. Lots of footsteps walked back in my door today. {smile}
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. It absolutely drives me crazy when toothpaste gets on the cap. I hate to be so fanatical about something so absolutely insignificant, but I truly despise it.
2. I'm fond of the girls learning from others. Sometimes I believe the impact others make with a single action is ten times as powerful as any single action I can make. On the other hand, it's hard to see them learning the What-Not-to-Dos from people they look up to. They're too little to see the faults in their role models.
3. Good morning hugs & kisses from my girls NEVER get old.
4. Reevaluating.... it's not as fun as it sounds.
5. After a weekend with good friends in Michigan Geoff has fallen in love with releasing lanterns. I've become fond of Moonshine. I think we're evolving backwards.
6. My new favorite author just might be John Green. I was a big fan of The Fault in Our Stars. The story, the writing, the way it touches the reader. Fantastic!
7. If I wanted to wake up to 180% humidity (okay, I'm exaggerating a little) in September I would still be living in Florida. This weather is zapping every ounce of energy I have. Yuck!
8. Thank you to the girls' teachers. I was beginning to lose faith in teachers' diligence on correcting children's homework. Thank you for proving me right that doing your school work right does matter.
9. Tired. Hot. And sooooo tired. Please cool off soon. I'm too young to feel this damn old.
10. One of my favorite things: Lauren creeping into the kitchen in the morning while I'm making lunches and just wanting to hang out. Love that kid!
2. I'm fond of the girls learning from others. Sometimes I believe the impact others make with a single action is ten times as powerful as any single action I can make. On the other hand, it's hard to see them learning the What-Not-to-Dos from people they look up to. They're too little to see the faults in their role models.
3. Good morning hugs & kisses from my girls NEVER get old.
4. Reevaluating.... it's not as fun as it sounds.
5. After a weekend with good friends in Michigan Geoff has fallen in love with releasing lanterns. I've become fond of Moonshine. I think we're evolving backwards.
6. My new favorite author just might be John Green. I was a big fan of The Fault in Our Stars. The story, the writing, the way it touches the reader. Fantastic!
7. If I wanted to wake up to 180% humidity (okay, I'm exaggerating a little) in September I would still be living in Florida. This weather is zapping every ounce of energy I have. Yuck!
8. Thank you to the girls' teachers. I was beginning to lose faith in teachers' diligence on correcting children's homework. Thank you for proving me right that doing your school work right does matter.
9. Tired. Hot. And sooooo tired. Please cool off soon. I'm too young to feel this damn old.
10. One of my favorite things: Lauren creeping into the kitchen in the morning while I'm making lunches and just wanting to hang out. Love that kid!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Ten on Tuesdayish
1. First day back to work is in the books. Sort of. Yesterday was our meeting of the minds to gear up for the upcoming school year, then our open house last night. It was refreshing to meet new faces and a delight to see students & parents from years past. I'm reminded again how grateful I am to work with such an incredible staff and looking forward to this upcoming year. What a blessing to love my job sooooo much!
2. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to ground you. In our case, shape up these little rugrats of ours. Too much TV, too much leniency equals too much of two monsters. Today we're turning over a new leaf. I pray they get the message.
3. I miss Bunco. Once a month, great food, great friends, maybe some drinks & interesting conversation always prove to be an event worth looking forward to. Too bad it's so hard to find enough people to get on board & commit. :(
4. I'm so pleased with the amount of back-logged organizing I've been able to get done. I've still got a considerable amount to tackle, but I'm on a roll. Look out house!
5. While it's nice to have the down time around our house to get stuff done, I am beyond happy that we go home for the summer. Not only do the girls have a chance to listen to people speak proper English for two plus months, but it gives us something to do. We'd be bored out of our minds here no doubt.
6. Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike when people put a 'Ms.' in front of my first name? Two months of being called Brooke or Mrs. Zahn.... Ahhhhh. It makes me hate it more everytime I come back to it. Grrrrrrrr.
7. I'm not entirely hating on Ohio, but for sure there are things that get under my skin and the fouled up linguistics is top on the list. I am, however, looking forward to my very favorite thing about Ohio: Autumn. Bright, bold colors canvassing the landscape; crisp morning air. Heaven. Well, next to being Up North it's heaven.
8. While everyone at home is posting about all of their great eats at Minnesota's largest county fair, I'm stuck with savoring them by memory. I've been reminding myself that my daily workouts will benefit more from mental endulgance. So eat up friends. And thanks for thinking of me as you eat your way through the event of the summer. Okay, let's be honest, I'd still rather be there eating with them!
9. Oh my brother-in-law.... Bacon jam. What they don't think of. And if I knew how to can, I'd probably have to try it by virtue of curiosity. How I wish I lived closer to my brother-from-another-mother. Truly one of my favorite people. I miss ya, Kevin.
10. A week from today the girls head back to school. Eeeeeek! One week and we're back into the bump and grind. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. I've rather enjoyed sleeping in in the mornings. Sigh.
2. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to ground you. In our case, shape up these little rugrats of ours. Too much TV, too much leniency equals too much of two monsters. Today we're turning over a new leaf. I pray they get the message.
3. I miss Bunco. Once a month, great food, great friends, maybe some drinks & interesting conversation always prove to be an event worth looking forward to. Too bad it's so hard to find enough people to get on board & commit. :(
4. I'm so pleased with the amount of back-logged organizing I've been able to get done. I've still got a considerable amount to tackle, but I'm on a roll. Look out house!
5. While it's nice to have the down time around our house to get stuff done, I am beyond happy that we go home for the summer. Not only do the girls have a chance to listen to people speak proper English for two plus months, but it gives us something to do. We'd be bored out of our minds here no doubt.
6. Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike when people put a 'Ms.' in front of my first name? Two months of being called Brooke or Mrs. Zahn.... Ahhhhh. It makes me hate it more everytime I come back to it. Grrrrrrrr.
7. I'm not entirely hating on Ohio, but for sure there are things that get under my skin and the fouled up linguistics is top on the list. I am, however, looking forward to my very favorite thing about Ohio: Autumn. Bright, bold colors canvassing the landscape; crisp morning air. Heaven. Well, next to being Up North it's heaven.
8. While everyone at home is posting about all of their great eats at Minnesota's largest county fair, I'm stuck with savoring them by memory. I've been reminding myself that my daily workouts will benefit more from mental endulgance. So eat up friends. And thanks for thinking of me as you eat your way through the event of the summer. Okay, let's be honest, I'd still rather be there eating with them!
9. Oh my brother-in-law.... Bacon jam. What they don't think of. And if I knew how to can, I'd probably have to try it by virtue of curiosity. How I wish I lived closer to my brother-from-another-mother. Truly one of my favorite people. I miss ya, Kevin.
10. A week from today the girls head back to school. Eeeeeek! One week and we're back into the bump and grind. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. I've rather enjoyed sleeping in in the mornings. Sigh.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. Finally the girls took naps. It only took separating them and banishing one to her bed for them to relax enough to sleep. But it was just what the doctor, and more importantly the mom, ordered. This is how recovery rolls.
2. I'm increasingly disappointed in the lack of professionalism in the service industry. I've long understood it is the responsibility of the person providing the service to guide the patron.... if the doctor's visit is over, stand up, doc; don't sit closer to me and stare at me while you wait for me to say something. And then there was the service manager at the dealership today. Seriously buddy, you came into the waiting room to chat to someone else. Then you sat down and just looked at me, saying nothing. And THEN you tell me you'll wait for me to finish texting. First of all, I wasn't texting, I was loading coupons. Second, if you want to talk to me about my car, address me as Mrs. Zahn and spill out the words. Grrrrrrr.
3. I'm currently in possesion of a Chevrolet Sonic. It looks nice, it's cozy to sit in, but it is not the car for me. Admittedly, it does feel nice to be behind the wheel of a car again. I feel like a sports car driver. No worries, I'm not giving up my Acadia any time soon.
4. LOVED Hatfields & McCoys. I know, that was on in May, but for one reason or another I wasn't able to watch it before we went to Minnesota for the summer. Today was my super, super lazy day, so I watched the last four hours. Well played, History Channel.
5. Lauren told me when they took out her tonsils they also removed all the naughty. We shall see. A mom can hope!
6. Geoff has been extra kind to me today. I'm not complaining, but part of me wonders what he is buttering me up for. Maybe he feels bad for me. Is it that obvious that I'm exhausted?!
7. LOVED our health care staff at Dayton Children's yesterday. Our nurse was awesome. So attentive, kind and caring. Maybe she was grateful to have easy-going patients. I imagine that is not always the case.
8. I'm nearing the halfway mark in the last of the Fifty Shades series. I'm most definitely savoring it, and equally anxious to see how it ends.
9. I had raisin toast this morning made from Purple Wheat. A first to my knowledge. And delish.
10. The girls are stuck like glue to the stuffed animal buddies we got them after surgery. Melts my heart.
2. I'm increasingly disappointed in the lack of professionalism in the service industry. I've long understood it is the responsibility of the person providing the service to guide the patron.... if the doctor's visit is over, stand up, doc; don't sit closer to me and stare at me while you wait for me to say something. And then there was the service manager at the dealership today. Seriously buddy, you came into the waiting room to chat to someone else. Then you sat down and just looked at me, saying nothing. And THEN you tell me you'll wait for me to finish texting. First of all, I wasn't texting, I was loading coupons. Second, if you want to talk to me about my car, address me as Mrs. Zahn and spill out the words. Grrrrrrr.
3. I'm currently in possesion of a Chevrolet Sonic. It looks nice, it's cozy to sit in, but it is not the car for me. Admittedly, it does feel nice to be behind the wheel of a car again. I feel like a sports car driver. No worries, I'm not giving up my Acadia any time soon.
4. LOVED Hatfields & McCoys. I know, that was on in May, but for one reason or another I wasn't able to watch it before we went to Minnesota for the summer. Today was my super, super lazy day, so I watched the last four hours. Well played, History Channel.
5. Lauren told me when they took out her tonsils they also removed all the naughty. We shall see. A mom can hope!
6. Geoff has been extra kind to me today. I'm not complaining, but part of me wonders what he is buttering me up for. Maybe he feels bad for me. Is it that obvious that I'm exhausted?!
7. LOVED our health care staff at Dayton Children's yesterday. Our nurse was awesome. So attentive, kind and caring. Maybe she was grateful to have easy-going patients. I imagine that is not always the case.
8. I'm nearing the halfway mark in the last of the Fifty Shades series. I'm most definitely savoring it, and equally anxious to see how it ends.
9. I had raisin toast this morning made from Purple Wheat. A first to my knowledge. And delish.
10. The girls are stuck like glue to the stuffed animal buddies we got them after surgery. Melts my heart.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. I'm a sucker for popcorn. Kettle corn not excluded.
2. Maybe it's a Midwest thing. That was always our Sunday night supper.... and I don't think we were alone in that one. I seriously love popcorn.
3. After the Obama's were caught on the Kiss Cam at the basketball game in DC last night I got to thinking.... How many people get put up on Kiss Cams who don't know each other? And how awesome would it be to be sitting next to a total hottie and end up on one of those?! Ewwww, or if you end up on one with the guy you've been watching pick his nose the entire game. That one would be ishy.
4. Crazy 8s & 31. Abby is a rock star at both of them, thanks to Papa. She's also become an expert at spinning quarters, gambling and peeing in the yard. As soon as she takes her ACTs she should be ready for college.
5. I cannot get that stupid Call Me Maybe song out of my head. And thanks to the many versions on YouTube I am now seeing Big Ten mascots dancing my head.
6. Giant. Screw. In. My. Tire. Not happy. Thanks to the friendly service crew at my uncle's shop, a patch & I'm good to go. Whew!
7. Six hours we spent at the water park with friends yesterday afternoon. Life is good. It's moments like this I appreciate the opportunity we have to spend our summers at home in Minnesota.
8. Among Lauren's many talents: fashioning a diaper for her bear out of paper & tape.
9. I can still hear the words Lauren said to her Grandma Phillips, "Someday you're going to find out I went to space." My heart swelled with pride!
10. And then she told her sister that when you go to space you also have to work. Something tells me the child was born with work ethic. Love that child!
2. Maybe it's a Midwest thing. That was always our Sunday night supper.... and I don't think we were alone in that one. I seriously love popcorn.
3. After the Obama's were caught on the Kiss Cam at the basketball game in DC last night I got to thinking.... How many people get put up on Kiss Cams who don't know each other? And how awesome would it be to be sitting next to a total hottie and end up on one of those?! Ewwww, or if you end up on one with the guy you've been watching pick his nose the entire game. That one would be ishy.
4. Crazy 8s & 31. Abby is a rock star at both of them, thanks to Papa. She's also become an expert at spinning quarters, gambling and peeing in the yard. As soon as she takes her ACTs she should be ready for college.
5. I cannot get that stupid Call Me Maybe song out of my head. And thanks to the many versions on YouTube I am now seeing Big Ten mascots dancing my head.
6. Giant. Screw. In. My. Tire. Not happy. Thanks to the friendly service crew at my uncle's shop, a patch & I'm good to go. Whew!
7. Six hours we spent at the water park with friends yesterday afternoon. Life is good. It's moments like this I appreciate the opportunity we have to spend our summers at home in Minnesota.
8. Among Lauren's many talents: fashioning a diaper for her bear out of paper & tape.
9. I can still hear the words Lauren said to her Grandma Phillips, "Someday you're going to find out I went to space." My heart swelled with pride!
10. And then she told her sister that when you go to space you also have to work. Something tells me the child was born with work ethic. Love that child!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Not so Ten On Tuesday
The past school year I made a diligent effort to make a daily post. It became a stealth record of the girls' school year and a nifty way to keep family & friends up on our latest musings. This year I find my efforts yielded by two things: First, the girls' additional night of two-hour gymnastics consumes even more of our already dwindling family time. Second, Blogger limits the number of pictures I can use without being charged a fee. Frustrating! I could solve the problem by setting my blog into a book and deleting pics, but of course I haven't made that commitment yet, so here I sit....
Ten on Tuesday has become my favorite weekly topic. I LOVE its randomness, its structure, and of all posts it's probably the one that best captures a single moment in time.
In a nod to random, here's my Ten on Tuesday. On Saturday.
1. I'm all for removing the drinking age. My proposal: eliminate the right-to-drink at age 21, let kids start drinking whenever they want and instead cap off at oh, lets say 34. As I see it kids can metabolize their booze much faster & get a much less severe hangover. Of course I'm kidding about really proposing this legislation change. But I am serious about one thing. No one told me that just two adult beverages would make me feel so crappy the next morning.
2. I truly cannot remember the last Friday night I went out on the town. I also cannot remember the last time I was awake late enough on East Coast time to be awake for The Tonight Show. I haven't decided if that makes me a rock star or just a sad old lady.
3. When "Tonight, Tonight" comes on the radio we still gasp, then turn it up and dance. Don't think that one will ever get old. We can get crazy let it all out.... Love it!
4. I like to click on the "Everything" option on Pinterest. That's where I've found most of the good stuff these days.
5. Last night Lauren told me she needed several cotton circle pads and a Q-Tip for a project. She would also need some glue to make it stick.... I can't wait to see what she comes up with!
6. Hey girl. I will never look at Ryan Gosling the same way again after seeing the mountain of Hey Girl inspirational pics. My new annoying habit: coming up with Hey girl captions for all the gals in my life.... that will probably never get old either. At least not to me. I won't stop 'till I've Hey girled each and every one of you. Hey girl, look out.
7. Spring forward already. Really? Ughh!
8. We've been pounding the smoothies lately. An overdose of vitamins, maybe. I'm all about anything that will keep 'em healthy.
9. My other favorite snack these days: apple & peanut butter sandwiches. The girls love Granny Smith apples, so I use an apple corer to core one Granny Smith and cut it into round slices 1/8" thick pieces. Spread peanut butter over one slice and top with another to make a sandwich. Who knows. Maybe someday we'll get clever and drizzle caramel or chocolate or even fill the hole with a random goody. Hmmmmm.
10. I have great faith that someday Abby will grow out of her tantrums of anger. She can be so mean, so nasty. What happened to that gentle, free-loving baby I once shared with the world?
Ten on Tuesday has become my favorite weekly topic. I LOVE its randomness, its structure, and of all posts it's probably the one that best captures a single moment in time.
In a nod to random, here's my Ten on Tuesday. On Saturday.
1. I'm all for removing the drinking age. My proposal: eliminate the right-to-drink at age 21, let kids start drinking whenever they want and instead cap off at oh, lets say 34. As I see it kids can metabolize their booze much faster & get a much less severe hangover. Of course I'm kidding about really proposing this legislation change. But I am serious about one thing. No one told me that just two adult beverages would make me feel so crappy the next morning.
2. I truly cannot remember the last Friday night I went out on the town. I also cannot remember the last time I was awake late enough on East Coast time to be awake for The Tonight Show. I haven't decided if that makes me a rock star or just a sad old lady.
3. When "Tonight, Tonight" comes on the radio we still gasp, then turn it up and dance. Don't think that one will ever get old. We can get crazy let it all out.... Love it!
4. I like to click on the "Everything" option on Pinterest. That's where I've found most of the good stuff these days.
5. Last night Lauren told me she needed several cotton circle pads and a Q-Tip for a project. She would also need some glue to make it stick.... I can't wait to see what she comes up with!
6. Hey girl. I will never look at Ryan Gosling the same way again after seeing the mountain of Hey Girl inspirational pics. My new annoying habit: coming up with Hey girl captions for all the gals in my life.... that will probably never get old either. At least not to me. I won't stop 'till I've Hey girled each and every one of you. Hey girl, look out.
7. Spring forward already. Really? Ughh!
8. We've been pounding the smoothies lately. An overdose of vitamins, maybe. I'm all about anything that will keep 'em healthy.
9. My other favorite snack these days: apple & peanut butter sandwiches. The girls love Granny Smith apples, so I use an apple corer to core one Granny Smith and cut it into round slices 1/8" thick pieces. Spread peanut butter over one slice and top with another to make a sandwich. Who knows. Maybe someday we'll get clever and drizzle caramel or chocolate or even fill the hole with a random goody. Hmmmmm.
10. I have great faith that someday Abby will grow out of her tantrums of anger. She can be so mean, so nasty. What happened to that gentle, free-loving baby I once shared with the world?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
Now that the girls are old enough, I decided it was time to beef up their writing skills and what better way than keeping a journal. Today was our first day, and barring a raging tantrum from Abby, I'd say it went pretty well.
When presented with the idea the girls were in love at first thought. This morning they could hardly contain their excitement for this afternoon's project.
The rules are simple: each day will be a different subject. The objective is to make them strong writers & independent thinkers. This afternoon the three of us each opened up a crisp writing book.
Let the journaling begin....
[Brooke]
1. They are building the house behind ours very fast! I wonder when they'll move in!
2. Lauren makes me smile.
3. Abby is more like me than she'll ever admit.
4. I love storms. Tomorrow: a thunderstorm is on tap. I kind of wish it was snow, but I'm ready for a mild Spring.
5. I've found more ideas on Pinterest than I could ever keep up with.
6. There's something about old birdhouses.
7. The cabin is my favorite place on Earth.
8. Sharpened pencils give me peace.
9. When Abby gets mad, she gets MAD!
[Lauren]
1. them one aving Fun
2. my mome mes me surh
3. you mek me hpu
4. I love you mom
5. You can Love me
6. We are tkly
7. I like Tes hou
8. You are my iret mom I like it
9. I Like my name
10. I Like rotkt
[Abby]
1. they are wrok on house
2. I make ten cukes
3. I have ten mittins
4. and a lot of hats
5. I Play in ten millin timeis
6. I like the hubru ten
7. and I like to Play
8. I love my mommy.
9. I like to be safteyu.
10. it is the last one
Clearly we have a little work to do, but all-in-all I'd say they've got the idea. And what can I say.... Abby already knows 'a lot' are two words. Right on little Brooke!
When presented with the idea the girls were in love at first thought. This morning they could hardly contain their excitement for this afternoon's project.
The rules are simple: each day will be a different subject. The objective is to make them strong writers & independent thinkers. This afternoon the three of us each opened up a crisp writing book.
Let the journaling begin....
[Brooke]
1. They are building the house behind ours very fast! I wonder when they'll move in!
2. Lauren makes me smile.
3. Abby is more like me than she'll ever admit.
4. I love storms. Tomorrow: a thunderstorm is on tap. I kind of wish it was snow, but I'm ready for a mild Spring.
5. I've found more ideas on Pinterest than I could ever keep up with.
6. There's something about old birdhouses.
7. The cabin is my favorite place on Earth.
8. Sharpened pencils give me peace.
9. When Abby gets mad, she gets MAD!
[Lauren]
1. them one aving Fun
2. my mome mes me surh
3. you mek me hpu
4. I love you mom
5. You can Love me
6. We are tkly
7. I like Tes hou
8. You are my iret mom I like it
9. I Like my name
10. I Like rotkt
[Abby]
1. they are wrok on house
2. I make ten cukes
3. I have ten mittins
4. and a lot of hats
5. I Play in ten millin timeis
6. I like the hubru ten
7. and I like to Play
8. I love my mommy.
9. I like to be safteyu.
10. it is the last one
Clearly we have a little work to do, but all-in-all I'd say they've got the idea. And what can I say.... Abby already knows 'a lot' are two words. Right on little Brooke!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. I thought Lauren was dead. Okay, not really. But the thought did cross my mind when Geoff & I woke up after 9 on Sunday morning and hadn't heard a peep from our early riser. Before long she came strolling into our bedroom asking, "Did you read the book I put on your nightstand for you?" It didn't take much coaxing to get her to snuggle in bed with us and read it.... The 3 LPZ or as she read it, The Three Little Pigs. Of course the big, bad wolf was a werewolf in her version and she even added the finishing touch: a Scooby Doo sticker to the front cover. Only Lauren.
2. I found my crack. Glee! When my cold turned into the flu, which them morphed into a sinus infection I spent A LOT of time on the couch catching up quickly on Season II of Glee. Genius writing. I'm admittedly an addict.
3. My gal pal, Susie, will be happy to know that I've now gone active on Goodreads. My other new internet addiction.
4. I finally freed myself of my last old-fashioned paper book and began my first book on my Kindle. The fact that Wi-Fi takes up a lot of battery makes it really easy to tune out the distraction of its internet capabilities and focus on my book, which by the way, I'm really enjoying!
5. Abby's first grade bestie is Emma. The way Abby's face lights up when she talks about her friend fills my heart with joy. It's such a treat to watch her enjoying being a young girl.
6. I drove home with the windows down today. It's January.
7. The smaller, thin-skinned lemons are much juicer and more flavorful.
8. I would never pay $13.99 for a half gallon of Graeter's ice cream. This makes me very unOhio. That does not make me sad.
9. Wuden't isn't in my vocabulary. This makes me excessively unOhio. I'm still not weeping.
10. I currently work for the best boss I've ever had. She's a 100% Ohioan (is that what they call themselves?!) but she is by far one of the people I respect the most, personally & professionally. I've learned more from her than she can probably imagine.
2. I found my crack. Glee! When my cold turned into the flu, which them morphed into a sinus infection I spent A LOT of time on the couch catching up quickly on Season II of Glee. Genius writing. I'm admittedly an addict.
3. My gal pal, Susie, will be happy to know that I've now gone active on Goodreads. My other new internet addiction.
4. I finally freed myself of my last old-fashioned paper book and began my first book on my Kindle. The fact that Wi-Fi takes up a lot of battery makes it really easy to tune out the distraction of its internet capabilities and focus on my book, which by the way, I'm really enjoying!
5. Abby's first grade bestie is Emma. The way Abby's face lights up when she talks about her friend fills my heart with joy. It's such a treat to watch her enjoying being a young girl.
6. I drove home with the windows down today. It's January.
7. The smaller, thin-skinned lemons are much juicer and more flavorful.
8. I would never pay $13.99 for a half gallon of Graeter's ice cream. This makes me very unOhio. That does not make me sad.
9. Wuden't isn't in my vocabulary. This makes me excessively unOhio. I'm still not weeping.
10. I currently work for the best boss I've ever had. She's a 100% Ohioan (is that what they call themselves?!) but she is by far one of the people I respect the most, personally & professionally. I've learned more from her than she can probably imagine.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. "Today is the day," Abby proclaimed right away this morning. Four weeks ago today was the day she joined the club, and now she can finally change her earrings. She picked the "Love" earrings she got from her aunt & uncle for her birthday to be her first alternative to the originals. I proudly report she learned to change them all by herself!
2. While it seems people in Minnesota are falling like dominoes as victims of the flu, a rash of strep that turns into Scarlet Fever is sweeping through our part of Ohio. Yikes!
3. I stumbled upon Adam Young's blog the other day. Ironically it was a post about how he pulled the name "Owl City" & it was featured with a pic of the Lift Bridge in Duluth. I'm not sure what the exact link to that bridge is, but it fascinates me how a kid who grew up in the same town I grew up in has achieved such greatness while I clearly live the simple life. Whooooo knows?!
4. What is Adel really talking about when she says she set fire to the rain?
5. Killing Lincoln is so well written that I cannot help but watch the President's speech tonight and compare & contrast the traditions today with those in the 1860s. I can't help but wonder what Lincoln would think about every element of our country today. Funny, I bet he couldn't even begin to imagine. And yet we can't imagine our country without him.
6. How my sweet & caring child can lie stone-cold to her mother & father blows me away. My heart truly sinks with grief at the thought of what happens to people who so blatantly lie. I know some of those people. It's a cold existence. Now, how to keep her from falling to that fate....
7. An unexpected conversation with a fellow gymnastics mom last night revealed a disturbing discovery about the correlation between Kelly Air Force Base and Leukemia & Lou Gehrig's Disease. What is going on in San Antonio that would contaminate the water and the people living & working at Kelly? Heartbreaking.
8. Random Pintrest grab: Muffin Tin Eggs.
9. Clever Repurpose Pintrest grab: It's a Rake. Seriously, this website is like crack.... once you start, you can't stop looking!
10. Another cold is taking hold of my entire body. Tomorrow should be swell. Looks like I'll be double-fisting my grapefruit juice.
2. While it seems people in Minnesota are falling like dominoes as victims of the flu, a rash of strep that turns into Scarlet Fever is sweeping through our part of Ohio. Yikes!
3. I stumbled upon Adam Young's blog the other day. Ironically it was a post about how he pulled the name "Owl City" & it was featured with a pic of the Lift Bridge in Duluth. I'm not sure what the exact link to that bridge is, but it fascinates me how a kid who grew up in the same town I grew up in has achieved such greatness while I clearly live the simple life. Whooooo knows?!
4. What is Adel really talking about when she says she set fire to the rain?
5. Killing Lincoln is so well written that I cannot help but watch the President's speech tonight and compare & contrast the traditions today with those in the 1860s. I can't help but wonder what Lincoln would think about every element of our country today. Funny, I bet he couldn't even begin to imagine. And yet we can't imagine our country without him.
6. How my sweet & caring child can lie stone-cold to her mother & father blows me away. My heart truly sinks with grief at the thought of what happens to people who so blatantly lie. I know some of those people. It's a cold existence. Now, how to keep her from falling to that fate....
7. An unexpected conversation with a fellow gymnastics mom last night revealed a disturbing discovery about the correlation between Kelly Air Force Base and Leukemia & Lou Gehrig's Disease. What is going on in San Antonio that would contaminate the water and the people living & working at Kelly? Heartbreaking.
8. Random Pintrest grab: Muffin Tin Eggs.
9. Clever Repurpose Pintrest grab: It's a Rake. Seriously, this website is like crack.... once you start, you can't stop looking!
10. Another cold is taking hold of my entire body. Tomorrow should be swell. Looks like I'll be double-fisting my grapefruit juice.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. Tonight for supper: Eggplant Parmesan. I didn't even get to sit down and eat it with the fam. But it smells awesome.
2. After months of suffering from stomach aches triggered by certain foods & other digestive dilemmas that shall remain nameless, I've decided that maybe what my system needs is to reboot. I'm starting a four week probiotic regimen. So far I think it's working; I started last night.
3. We have great neighbors. Yes, in Fairborn. I love them. Just sayin'.
4. The girls weren't even awake for two minutes this morning before they found something insignificant to fight about. Please tell me it's just a phase.
5. I'm so used to nasty dog farts that even when I'm not home I still think I smell them at times Lizzie would ordinarily be stinking up the house. This has gotten worse with age. Hers, not mine. And I don't care what they tell you, once a poop-eater, always a poop-eater. The Nasty Habit pills flavored with cayenne pepper that are supposed to make them unappetizing only get her more fired up for her meal.
6. If I had to pick a favorite dessert it would definitely be my mom's ice box cake. Mom, you're not planning a visit anytime soon, are you?!
7. Who doesn't like Tom Selleck? I've never heard anyone say they weren't a fan. He's a true class act, stand up, all-American guy.
8. I'm completely engrossed in Killing Lincoln. Who knew the Civil War could be so engaging.
9. I love the people I work with. I love the girls at the age they're at. Of all the details I would tweak about my life if I could, the truth is I couldn't be happier. What a gift!
10. I was given a rude awakening tonight the things recent college grads have been facing.... mounting debt, the inability to get enough loans to pay for school, no access to credit cards even when you have a degree and are using it to earn a living. It's going to be a tough road for these babes of mine. *sigh*
2. After months of suffering from stomach aches triggered by certain foods & other digestive dilemmas that shall remain nameless, I've decided that maybe what my system needs is to reboot. I'm starting a four week probiotic regimen. So far I think it's working; I started last night.
3. We have great neighbors. Yes, in Fairborn. I love them. Just sayin'.
4. The girls weren't even awake for two minutes this morning before they found something insignificant to fight about. Please tell me it's just a phase.
5. I'm so used to nasty dog farts that even when I'm not home I still think I smell them at times Lizzie would ordinarily be stinking up the house. This has gotten worse with age. Hers, not mine. And I don't care what they tell you, once a poop-eater, always a poop-eater. The Nasty Habit pills flavored with cayenne pepper that are supposed to make them unappetizing only get her more fired up for her meal.
6. If I had to pick a favorite dessert it would definitely be my mom's ice box cake. Mom, you're not planning a visit anytime soon, are you?!
7. Who doesn't like Tom Selleck? I've never heard anyone say they weren't a fan. He's a true class act, stand up, all-American guy.
8. I'm completely engrossed in Killing Lincoln. Who knew the Civil War could be so engaging.
9. I love the people I work with. I love the girls at the age they're at. Of all the details I would tweak about my life if I could, the truth is I couldn't be happier. What a gift!
10. I was given a rude awakening tonight the things recent college grads have been facing.... mounting debt, the inability to get enough loans to pay for school, no access to credit cards even when you have a degree and are using it to earn a living. It's going to be a tough road for these babes of mine. *sigh*
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{About Me}
- brookie
- Fairborn, Ohio, United States
- I'm a teacher by trade, writer at heart & mom in every sense of my being. I never considered writing as a profession, but after I got married and began moving around the country, I began sharing my adventures, misadventures & updates through a sort of e-mail newsletter. I found a true passion in unconventional story-telling that has followed me into motherhood.