Mind Mush

I was reading Beth Anne's blog the other night, Heir To Blair, and I was like YES! ME too.  I am so freaking busy these days, but I feel like I've got nothing to say/share about it.

I get up waaay earlier than I deem necessary, play with, feed and nurture a 7 month old, get myself ready for work, her ready for daycare, try to get in a pumping session, go to work, come home, play with her, feed her, make dinner, feed myself and husband, bathe her, read with her, put her to bed, get ready for the next day, clean up the house, exercise, shower, pump, try to catch up with friends/reading and go to bed.

That sounds super busy and it is.  I should have lots to talk about and share.  But when I get to the computer? My mind is mush.  My mind is mush as I write this and really don't know if I have a point besides, yeah, that's why I got nothing of importance lately.

Yeah, I have choices in life on how to spend my day, but honestly? I haven't had a full night of sleep since May 24th, 2011 and that was in a hospital bed with a sleeping pill 41 weeks pregnant.  Yeah.  I'm not working with a full deck of cards here anymore.  We won't even talk about how many pots of coffee I've tried brewing with either no water, no grounds or without putting the water spout thingie in the right spot.  It's not cool.  And I'm not complaining, just stating, that I have no interesting thoughts, or I do,but can't remember to write them down!

It irritates me.  I want to have thoughts of importance and say witty intelligent things.  I want discourse. But dude? I can't even hold a train of thought anymore.

Dear Blog..

I miss you.

I promise I've not forgotten about you, but I have gotten a little busy.  Who woulda thunk that having an almost 4 month old and a part-time job would hinder your blogging time so much? Ha.

Maybe one day, when your almost 4 month old remembers how to take a morning nap, you can catch up on writing some posts.  Perhaps about the book you just finished, or posting photos of that cute almost 4 month old.

Maybe someday, I will get all caught up on reading other people's blogs and know what is going on in their lives. 

Maybe, some day, I'll sleep all night again.

Maybe, some day, pigs will fly.

Love,
me

P.S.  How do I have an almost 4 month old?

P.P.S. Why am I still awake at almost 11 pm?

A Great Summer Weekend..

This past weekend was the perfect mix of busy, fun, family and relaxing.  The only thing missing was a dip in the pool or lake but frankly, there wasn't much extra time. ;)

Friday night my husband got his car worked on and then we had bbq chicken and potatoes on the grill with a side of corn for dinner.  We enjoyed a locally brewed beer, Red Sky, yum, and that night we hung out with Isla until she went to bed.  We made some cheese/bean dip and watched tv until we fell into bed early.

Saturday we all woke up early and hung out in bed together for awhile and then my hubby made some eggs, sausage and toast for us.  Isla got a bath and then we all got baths/showers to go out to eat for my mother and sister in-laws birthdays.  It was Isla's first time out for a meal with us and she was fabulous.  And was NOT the child screaming in the restaurant.  Yay.  She was entertained for about an hour and then was ready for her own meal and a nap so she and I cut out early to the car and got her ready to sleep the 40 minutes home. 

When we got home we watched a movie while Isla napped some more.  We ate our leftovers for dinner and then I took Isla over to my aunt's cottage to hang out and she was entertained by my uncle who made faces at her for quite awhile.  Then I came home, put her to bed and made a photo book for my mom while my husband played NCAA football with his cousin.

Sunday we all got up early again (me under protest) and I got a newspaper and cut out the ads and we played with Isla and then during her afternoon nap I went grocery shopping and then at night we went back over to my aunts cottage and hung out with more family who was in town.  She entertained them all with her drooling and got to play with her 4 year old third cousin who adored her.

Last night we worked on uploading photos and my husband made a photo book for himself.  We watched more tv and got ready for the week.  If I would have had 5 more minutes of daylight the pool was calling my name.

And today? I am so going into the pool.  High of 90. Oh and I am finally going to buy a sports bra so I can re-start the Couch to 5k tomorrow.  Already downloaded a podcast for Week 1.  And I HAVE to run because Lisa joined twitter and I said I'd run if she did. ;)

How was your weekend? Do anything exciting?

Things That Irritate Me (just a small portion)

When people ask other people for their opinion (ESPECIALLY in a public forum) and do not get the answer they want they get all bent out of shape. Get over it. You asked and people told you what they think. Not everyone thinks the same as you. If you only want to hear POSITIVE things, it isn't happening unless you find the forum for whatever it is you desire to hear positive things on.

If you ask me about your potential child's name and I say it sounds like a hooker name to me, that is the truth! I am not going to say oh it's okay. No, it has a definite connotation in my head, so sure as heck I am going to tell you what it is. A blogger got a little upset with my comment on her post a few months ago because she was asking opinions if a bag was cute or not and I said I thought it was ugly. She actually went off on me for being mean and said if I didn't have anything nice to say, don't say it. Um. what? You asked what we thought about it???? It was ugly. I told you. Just like I tell my mother that purses she picks out or shirts she points out are ugly. Then the best was when her bloggy cohorts all ganged up and called me such a meanie. It was a day of pure hysterics for me. Seriously, get your panties out of a wad and realize not everyone likes the same things you do. When you post it on the Internet it is fair game. But all those clicks I get from people who get angry, are also awesome so thanks for the traffic! ;)

Another thing that irritates me is when people post EVERY freaking detail of their life in their facebook status. Yes, I am very sad for you that you are having a miscarriage. No, I nor your hundreds of other friends need to or WANT to hear about you passing your fetus. Hourly updates not needed. And for all that is holy, if you are going to link to your blog that you write about said incident, would you please at least research trying to conceive and fertility so you don't sound like a moron? And PLEASE stop blaming the doctors for doing their dang job.

Also, pets are not kids. Do not compare your puppy to my unborn child. They will not be cousins and no it is not like having a baby. No I will not be purchasing it a Christmas gift and no it is NOT welcome at my home. It is a pet.

And these are just a few things that irritate me..... What irks you?

Self-Promotion among other things

IT IS FRIDAY!!!!!! Which really means little in my world of substitute teaching when I feel like it, but I am leaving for Columbus in less than an hour with my dad to enjoy a nice Big Ten football weekend.. OSU vs. PSU!!! Woo Woo!

First, the lovely Jess is featuring me over at her place, Taking it One Step at a Time for Follow Friday! So go check it out and learn more about me and check Jess's blog and the adorable pictures of her son!

And hello to you, if this is your first time stopping by!

Second, I think I am finally getting a baby bump. It's not sucking in. ;) It's still not pretty but it is something that is just not belly fat! I will definitely plan on picture taking for this Wednesday's update!

Third, (tried to spell that with a Fhird haha) I am reading You Don't Look like Anyone I Know by Heather Sellers and it is fabulous!!! I am hoping to finish it between the ride down to C-bus and down time this weekend!

Fourth, did I mention I am going to Columbus???? I am so pumped. OSU football, good tailgating, friends I only see during the fall and I get to go shopping!!! (for a cute little onesie for the baby that it's father may or may not kill me over, silly wolverine fan he is!)

Fifth, Fruit Smoothies are amazing. I have been making a ton lately and they are fab. Some concoctions I have had this week have been

-strawberry yogurt
-strawberries
-frozen raspberries
- banana
- ice
- tangerine juice (someone, ahem me, didn't read the label and got this instead of orange juice whoops)

and then yesterday I had the same recipe but added in pineapple!!! i had been adding in milk but was getting waaaay too much dairy in my diet and felt like poo so I eliminated the milk from the smoothie.

I hope you have a fabulous weekend! Any big plans? Reading anything good? Let me know!

Dear Blog

I am sorry, but I am too tired to upload photos of my fun weekend. I am too tired to be witty. I am too tired to make sense. I am too tired to write anything quite frankly. I am too tired to even think about how I am doing my post for Blog Fest which is err tomorrow! I suppose that will be an early morning decision. Please bare with me.

In semi-sad but cute news. Today would have been my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. Instead, I called my gramps and talked to him while he ate his dinner alone because my grandma has been gone for 10 freaking months. How did this happen???? How has it been that long???? Poor grandpa. His memory has been so bad lately and he told me the same sad story twice about going to put flowers on her grave today.

Too much for me. I cried both times.

Since I am too tired. What are you all up to?

Weekend Update

Wanted to remind people to suggest a book for our August Group Read ! For new followers, every month we suggest books, then I post a poll on the sidebar of the blog and we pick a book and each of us reads it. Sometimes people post guest blogs on the book, I post my review, I post questions.. we do what we want with it.. Any and all are welcome to join!

I also came across some interesting articles/sites/ideas this week that I wanted to share..

Julie, made this SWEET wreath using book pages! I am in awe. Plus, Julie has a sweet blog anyway, you should check it out!

There is now a dating website where you can find people to date by the books they like! What an interesting way to find an online date. My husband and I would never have found each other. He doesn't *gasp* like to read. And I am fine with that. He reads articles non-stop online and I don't tell him but (that's reading!!) haha. I actually laugh when people make comments about how they couldn't date/marry someone who didn't share their love of reading with them. I giggle and judge that they are toooo picky, because REALLY, that's the reason you aren't gonna get serious with a guy? Whatever, enjoy being alone.

And I know I shared this link the other day, but I just think it has loads of interesting book information!

Any, cool/interesting new sites you came across this week? Anything we all need to check out? Leave a link in the comments.

And don't forget to suggest a book for August!

Winner of Portrait in Sepia!

is.....

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns!

Lisa I will email you.. I think I may still have your address. ;)

In blogger book club news.. I was able to get a copy of House Rules! I just popped into the library and they had like 8 copies just sitting there! So much for that 110 wait list! I am on page 60 something now.. Pretty good!

Headed down to the Tiger's game tonight..Pretty pumped! ;)

Nashville weekend and Green Monster Update

I have so many videos and lots of pictures from Nashville. Most that the public will not see. However, I have gone through and picked a few that are appropriate to share. However, it takes a long time to upload these videos so you may be treated to Nashville videos sporadically! The pictures are from either Saturday or Sunday and the video is from Sunday evening, from a bar on Broadway in Nashville. I would have added some more video but it takes forever!

Saturday night we went to Loveless Cafe & Motel for a Southern Family Style Dinner.. my second time there was just as good as my first.. YUM. The food is good and they have a bunch of shops around that you can look at while you wait for you dinner. I will suggest the pulled pork, coleslaw, mac & cheese, potatoes and their yummy homemade rolls. I also had some sweet tea, but it really wasn't all that sweet. We got fried chicken but I am not a fan so I only had a wee bite. The boys loved it.

Saturday night we also got tickets to the Grand Ole Opry because Charlie Daniels and John Anderson were playing. Charlie Daniel's plays a mean fiddle. We also saw a lot of country singers had never heard of before that were older. We did get to see a girl debut at the Grand Ole Opry that was 16 and pretty darn good!

Charlie Daniels!




This is a clip of a guy at one of the bars on Broadway singing. For the most part we really enjoyed all the bands and singers on Broadway. Except for the jerks who wouldn't play our songs.

Also, I tried a Green Monster today and it was surprisingly good. I wasn't really leery about it and it was fine. I went with a handful of mango, a banana, a scoop of peanut butter, very little spinach because it was all frozen together and I could barely break it apart, splash of milk and some ice cubes. The hubby even tried it and kind of liked it. I think tomorrow will be more of the same. My only complaint was that it was pretty thick and kind of hard to drink through my straw. Any thoughts?

On the book front.. still plugging away on Middlesex.

On the exercise front.. the hubby and I went on a 2 mile walk tonight.

Can't wait for tomorrow's green monster adventure. Oh and I apparently cannot boil eggs successfully.

I'm back!

We had soooo much fun. It was definitely a needed break and it also brought up once again, how pretty Tennessee is, and how much I want to move there! I have some photo's I will share and some adventures that I will share, but today I am going to be busy enjoying the 80 degree weather that we are being blessed with, oh and catching up on all the blogs!

I am just into the third book of Middlesex. Bad, bad I know. But I will finish it. Just was too busy having fun on vacation to read ALLL the time! Though, I have to say the incest stuff is a bit much for me. Like, there aren't enough people in Detroit that you have to marry your cousin? UH NO.

In other news, our April's Group Read will be Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah.


Goodreads.com descrpition: From the New York Times bestselling author of On Mystic Lake comes a powerful novel of love, loss, and the magic of friendship...

In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the "coolest girl in the world" moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all---beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer's end they've become TullyandKate. Inseparable.

So begins Kristin Hannah's magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives.

From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. In the glittering, big-hair era of the eighties, she looks to men to fill the void in her soul. But in the buttoned-down nineties, it is television news that captivates her. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success...and loneliness.

Kate knows early on that her life will be nothing special. Throughout college, she pretends to be driven by a need for success, but all she really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn't know is how being a wife and mother will change her...how she'll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she'll envy her famous best friend...

For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship---jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they've survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart...and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.

Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone's Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it's the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It's about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you...and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you'll never forget...one you'll want to pass on to your best friend

Have a fabulous weekend! Hope you are doing something fun!

Meh

I have started and stopped and erased the review of The Awakening more than twice. That is just going to have to wait. I have started and stopped an "All I want for Christmas --- books" about five times. I am lacking the focus.

Not only am I lacking the focus for writing the blog, but I am lacking focus everywhere. I have been forgetting about everything, not comprehending simple sentences being said to me, and losing my ever loving patience.

I need Christmas break. I need it soooooooo bad. And sadly, I already am thinking how it is not long enough. We haven't had recess outside in about 2 weeks. The weather has either been too cold or too wet and my kids don't all have the right clothes on any given day and when the majority do not, I am not going to make them stay inside while half go out. At 5 years old, it is not their fault they don't have it.

This post is about all over as my mind keeps flying. I have ideas for posts, but the motivation to start them and implement them erases the moment I click on "New Entry." I really need some focus.

And to make a further random jump of topic... Those of you who are purchasing gifts for a significant other, what are some things you are getting them? I need to get my husband something "fun" or something and this year I haven't found the idea yet and I am clearly running out of time!

And in hopes of jump starting my "focus" what would you like me to blog about?

Recent book happenings..

This summer I went through a phase where I found some new books via various peoples book blogs and put them on hold at the library. I JUST got one the other day and it is soo good I am addicted like crack. Like, if I didn't feel like I would be soo lost if I didn't catch up on blogs right now, I would be reading it. It is called Commencement and written by J. Courtney Sullivan. So far so good. I'd recommend it on the first 40 pages. :)

I also stopped into Target tonight to grab some deodorant and decided if I could find a book between 5-8 dollars that I really wanted to read I would pick one up. I found Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. I watched all of Season 2 of True Blood on HBO in September when I was sick and I really wanted to check out the Sookie Stackhouse Series. I read 3 pages while waiting for the hub to try on a tux for the wedding he is in this weekend. It is a nice fun light reading style which is what I need in my life.

I have not started Pride & Prejudice yet, I am going to try to finish Commencement by Sunday (I only get it for three weeks) and start up reading P&P. If I don't finish it by Sunday, either way I am starting P&P!

I have had a busy week and another busy weekend. Tomorrow I am back at work and realized I didn't stop to pick up some pictures I need to do our project I wanted tomorrow, so basically my entire lesson plan for tomorrow and Friday need to be arranged, and I am wondering how the sub did and who it was. I also am going to have parents in the room the next two days so my plan of, let's just go to the gym for 20 minutes tomorrow, probably shouldn't happen. Depends on the weather, if it is raining, we are so going to run off some steam in the gym! After work, I am going to visit my grandma (mom's mom) in the hospital because she is not doing well at all. I really CANNOT handle losing another grandparent this year so I am hoping she can pull out of this. This weekend we have wedding rehearsal and wedding. The cold weather is not making me excited, however it should be around 50ish this weekend. Yay..

Now I must catch up on all my blogs..

Have you bought/found any new books recently?

housekeeping!

I posted the poll on the left about picking a book for the November Group Read. The poll ends around 11pm on November 2nd. Choices are Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice or Sense & Sensibility. I want to read all three, so I'm excited to see the winner!

My grandpa passed away last night. He is the husband of the grandma I lost this summer. He had come to live with my parents and has suffered through a lot of different health problems in the last 3 months. This seems super surreal since I still haven't wrapped my mind around my grandma's death. I feel really bad for my dad. He has had so much on his plate since July and has lost two parents. The thought of losing either of my parents, especially both in 3 months makes me really sad and have no idea how I'd deal with that. But I also have a very different relationship with my parents than he did with his. Regardless, it still sucks.

I am still not freaking done with I See You Everywhere. But since today IS THE LAST DAY OF October. My goal is to finish it already today. I have so slacked on reading since school started and I am not happy about it. I have read a lot of children's books and a lot of blogs, but I need to focus on my books. I am not going to finish any of my 2009 reading goals and that stinks.

Donuts are a great breakfast on Halloween.

I was going to have a costume for tonight but as the week went on I just am not feeling it. I can barely feel going out to the bar even though I want too. I am going to go pass out candy at my parents house.

Happy Halloween!!!

Who else hasn't/won't finish their reading goals for the year? Who was smart enough not to make any? Who HAS accomplished them? (You suck. Kidding.) Anyone read either three of the above books and can give some insight?

Have a great weekend!!

Busy Friday's

It seems the last two weeks I put a full week's worth of activity into my Friday's. Yesterday included a 3 hour meeting where I spent the majority of the time wanting to bang my head on the table. I do not get how some people can be so incapable of following simple directions. Or how rude they can be to people while presenting. Sit still, shut up, ask questions when appropraite and we can get out of the place fast. But noooo. And THESE PEOPLE ARE EDUCATORS. I tend to find any meeting with people from my field tends to make me a bit irritated.

I also had a ton of errands to run. The older sis-and-bro in-law have been in town this last week and today we are having a baby shower for them. I had to pick up the stuff to make the scrumptious oreo dessert that I was making, pick up the last part of the baby gift that the younger sis-in-law and I were giving them, and then as a nice gesture stop and pick up the bro-in-law's prescription. Yeah, sounds easy, but that took 4 stops, 1 trip home, one fill up of the gas tank and about 2 hours. The bro-in-law forgot there are two Walgreen's in town or did not know since they haven't lived here in awhile. I went to both yesterday. :)

I hurried and made my dessert which I hope turned out okay because I wasn't paying attention and know I made a boo-boo making it, but I am hoping it turned out fine. Then I headed to the church to meet up with the sis-in-law's and the mother-in-law to exchange stuff and set some stuff up. But I did not help much cuz I got to hold a baaaby. Love. :)

Next up, hurry home for a pick up from cousin-in-law to go run erands and hit up a softball tourney. Had fun there with friends, hurried up north to the in-laws to hang out with the fam and got home after midnight. I am pooped.

Today is just as busy because it is the last day to hang out before they head back out West. Can't wait for my neice or nephew to show up in December!!

Lame Tuesday

I feel bad because I have had a lack of reading posts or reading anything to update in the last two weeks. Leading up to the 4th, I read a ton that week and had a lot to say and then the last week or so I either am "too busy" or forget to read.

I really am reading a really good book that once I settle in with it, I just inhale it. Yes, I am still reading All we Ever Wanted was Everything by Janelle Brown. I reaaaallly want to finish it soon because a couple of my friends are both reading Pride & Prejudice and I think it would be kind of neat to be able to discuss it with them. Sadly, that is not one of the many books I have on loan from the library, which means I will most likely have to recheck out the ones I did get all those many weeks ago. Though, I do have another Austen novel. Mansfield Park, that I want to read but after Pride & Prejudice. I've never watched any of the movie adaptations of her stuff because I've always wanted to read them first, so that can be another challenge to myself.

Let me tell ya, continually job searching and continually finding nothing or something not really using your degree gets to be tiring. Thank goodness for random blog reading!