Cal is going with Ivy to visit her grandparents a week before Dad and I join her. I am hoping the magic will continue and that someone documents it for me. I want to continue to share Cal's adventures.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Motivation & Menu Plan Monday
I took a hiatus from blogging because of schedule and time
adjustments (went back to work and dealing with the house purchase). Then I got
sick which was nothing in itself, but it added stress. Also, there was work
stress. Then a couple weeks flew by and turned into months of not really
posting any content anywhere.
I got comfortable being off the grid. I was in the moment. I
liked living in the present, not behind the lens or in the glow of a screen. I
kept going to post, but it felt meaningless. Who wants to read my purposeless
ramblings? No one, that's who. So I stayed quiet. I also lost interest. Getting back online, I
hesitate.
I hesitate because it isnt important enough or helpful to the
world. I hesitate because being mostly silent on the internet is a hard habit
to break, though not unwelcome. I hesitate because once it is out there, it is
out there forever. I hesitate because of how it might be interpreted - as a
pity-seeking, attention-begging, drama-llama cry for help. I hesitate because
someone somewhere else has it worse than me
how-dare-I-even-mention-my-problems. I hesitate because noone wants to read
that. I hesitate because that is all there is.
I would retreat from it all. Shut it all down. Never look back. Return to how things were. To The Before. But it is how I stay connected with family. It is how I stay connected with friends. It is how I stay connected to reality. And right now, I feel as though i am pulling back from reality. I can sense my Self wanting to retreat into the back corners of my mind.
I would retreat from it all. Shut it all down. Never look back. Return to how things were. To The Before. But it is how I stay connected with family. It is how I stay connected with friends. It is how I stay connected to reality. And right now, I feel as though i am pulling back from reality. I can sense my Self wanting to retreat into the back corners of my mind.
I mentally took a slight nosedive. I felt worse every day. So I
chatted it up with my doctor and we increased my meds. Nature of the beast, I
assume. I believe I have finally adjusted. I'm certainly not feeling
disinterested in something that kept me occupied. I am feeling motivated. I
want to do things, start projects, get back out there. So maybe I will.
Menu Plan Monday
Sunday - Seared pork loin & mashed potatoes
Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Black bean and chicken enchilada casserole (Pinterest)
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Pizza
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Unsure
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Icepocalypse
Alternate title: Icemageddon
Warm breakfast, hot coffee, movies, technology gaming, venturing out into the cold, hot chocolate, and decorating for Christmas. Soup, cleaning, and much napping.
On Tuesday, I noticed the strange forecast and we decided to get groceries just in case. 
Wednesday, the kids were excited about the weather. I went to Target to get some last few items including ice scrapers for our cars and some house slippers for my man.
Thursday, the weather was expected to hit in the morning but didn't show up until around noon. We should have been taking bets for the district closing. The kids were even more excited because they were hopeful school would be out the following day. Afterall, there eas an announcement that all after school activities were cancelled and the teachers were allowed to leave at the same time as the kids.
I was glad I brought my ice scraper with me because I sure did need it! The drizzle immediately froze all over my windows and the defroster took some time. On the way home, things seemed fine and clear. Students and other people took to Twitter to influence the district to cancel school because other districts were.
Fairly late into Thursday evening, we got word that school was cancelled. Ice started accumulating. Temperatures dropped. We woke up to a winter wonderland.
I certainly had my doubts on the weather and on the district too. We had even discussed that there would be a closing but just watch, the weather won't do anything. It'll be for nothing.
We all bundled up to play.
And cabin fever. We can't go anywhere.
We have had to find things to do. We started really decorating.
The weather is not expected to improve our situation on Sunday. Conditions are likely to cause black ice. Roads are shut down. People have been stuck on the highway in their cars for 24+ hours.
We are fortunate to have electricity. A lot of families are without.
What will Monday hold in store? Will we return to work as normal? Will we be delayed? Will it be cancelled again? Who knows.
This reminds me of a similar if not worse ice storm in 1996 in our hometown. I don't remember much. Just that we were cold and bored. We were entertained with our toys and board games in the dark afternoons. My mom and I delivered flashlights and candles to a lady who didn't have anything. I don't remember our meals but I do know my mom demanded a gas range because of it all.
Really, it is only a few inches of ice. But it is hard ice. We aren't used to this weather. We are not prepared or equipped for this kind pf stuff. I didn't think that we would need a snow shovel our first year living in the house! I don't know how y'all that are used to it do it!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Elf on the Shelf Week 1
This year, things are different. Honestly, I don't really like Christmas for a lot of different reasons. But since Ivy is getting older, I want to try to enjoy the holidays for her sake. She is innocent and sweet and I want her to have fun in the moment and believe in the magic. So I decided on two things: have Cal be a fun holiday tradition and to do an Advent calendar counting the days until Christmas. I made the Advent calendar but I am not very fond of it. It is on hold for next year.
Our elf is not a spy for Santa. Our elf doesn't really posess any magic that disappears if it is touched. Ivy just finds her elf in sweet and silly situations. Of course, Pinterest has helped in coming up with ideas.
Here is Cal's first week of adventures.
A little welcome back breakfast.
Sliding down the banister.
In Ivy's Christmas tree.
Hanging from the living room ceiling fan.
Ivy loves M&Ms so Cal left her some.
She turned the milk pink.
And she TP'd the tree and mantle.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Two Things Tuesday
Day 3: Candle
The fresh balsam is from last year. All three minis are recent purchases. Merry cookie is Ivy's and I don't like it. But the rest? Oooooo! Love 'em!
2. Cold weather is coming in a couple of days. All I want is a crackling fire, a cozy blanket, and hot soup.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Menu Plan Monday & Photo Challenge day 2
Even though I have not been posting them, we have still been pretty diligent with out menu planning.
Sunday - Frozen pizza, we just got back home
Monday - beef nachos
Tuesday - I don't know yet. Husband will be busy this evening.
Wednesday - Seared pork loin, mashed potatoes
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - the pork lasts a long time, so that and mac and cheese
Saturday - last of the leftovers
Day 2: My idea of "cheer"
We put up our big tree. We came home with Ivy's small tree and put that one up too.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Capturing December Photo-A-Day Challenge
I decided to participate in the Capturing December Photo-a-Day Challenge. I saw this on Pinterest, of course.
Day 1: Something I'm reading
Is this my official Back From Hiatus post? Nope, not today. We just got home from visiting family for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Exhaustion and Excitement
I am not going to lie.
Returning to work after a 2.5 month long vacation is overwhelming. It is a complete change in lifestyle! Same for starting vacation.
You start with everything on a timed schedule. You have to get up, get ready, go to work, work schedule, get ready to go home, go home, fix dinner, take care of kid, shower, go to bed. The end. Begin again.
Once summer starts, you shock your body into a null schedule. It is sleep till whenever, eat when you want, do what you want, stay up late if you like, go to bed whenever. Nap in the day if you can.
Then WHAM! Back to the schedule you shocked your body out of.
No wonder I couldn't find time for anything. It's still pretty difficult!
And it is no surprise I got sick - a sick that I am still trying to break free from. Sadly, nothing really works to kick it out of my system. I have to wait it out. I think it is mostly due to having asthma.
I am still exhausted. I just want to fall down on the couch at the end of the day. I just go and go and go. No breaks, except for lunch. At least this makes my day end a bit quicker. I feel like I have enough time to wind down and take care of a lot of business before I think about going home.
My classes are smaller this year. I have less troublesome students (knock on wood). I have fresh ideas. I always love the start of a new year. I have a lot of excitement.
That's all I've got for now.
Returning to work after a 2.5 month long vacation is overwhelming. It is a complete change in lifestyle! Same for starting vacation.
You start with everything on a timed schedule. You have to get up, get ready, go to work, work schedule, get ready to go home, go home, fix dinner, take care of kid, shower, go to bed. The end. Begin again.
Once summer starts, you shock your body into a null schedule. It is sleep till whenever, eat when you want, do what you want, stay up late if you like, go to bed whenever. Nap in the day if you can.
Then WHAM! Back to the schedule you shocked your body out of.
No wonder I couldn't find time for anything. It's still pretty difficult!
And it is no surprise I got sick - a sick that I am still trying to break free from. Sadly, nothing really works to kick it out of my system. I have to wait it out. I think it is mostly due to having asthma.
I am still exhausted. I just want to fall down on the couch at the end of the day. I just go and go and go. No breaks, except for lunch. At least this makes my day end a bit quicker. I feel like I have enough time to wind down and take care of a lot of business before I think about going home.
My classes are smaller this year. I have less troublesome students (knock on wood). I have fresh ideas. I always love the start of a new year. I have a lot of excitement.
That's all I've got for now.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Tiny Dancer, I have one.
My heart is breaking a little bit every day.
I realize every once in a while how quickly time is flying by.
My sweet little tiny baby is growing so fast. I barely remember just how small she was. I can hardly remember her speech developing. I rely on videos and photos that we have taken to preserve those memories and refresh or remember what I can.
It just amazes me just how much she has changed over these few years.
Do I wish I could turn back time? No.
Do I want to do this all over again with another? Eh, not right now. Not anytime soon. Probably never. I know now what I can and cannot handle.
I just wish I could slow it down and savor it. I guess this is me savoring it.
I am extremely proud of my little baby girl.
She had apparently been asking about classes where the boys she stays with take while husband and I are at work. Does this even make sense. Our babysitter sits two boys and Ivy. The boys take various classes at a big business. Ivy had been asking about taking classes.
I took her this past Monday and signed her up for a combo tap & ballet class. She was extremely excited. I got her shoes and tights that night as well. A couple days later, we got her leotard and a skirt.
Today, she had her first class. She loved it so much, she asked to take another class immediately. It was amazing to see her in her class thanks to see-through mirrors. She was totally cute. I am excited that she has finally started dance classes and that she likes it so far. I hope she stays interested and continues for a long time.
I vow I will never be one of those stage/dance moms. I'll keep her in dance as long as she wants it. She can explore any of her interests. I will be excited, no matter what. Oh yes, I do plan on saving those shoes and dance clothes. Shadow-box style!
This is just the first.
I realize every once in a while how quickly time is flying by.
My sweet little tiny baby is growing so fast. I barely remember just how small she was. I can hardly remember her speech developing. I rely on videos and photos that we have taken to preserve those memories and refresh or remember what I can.
It just amazes me just how much she has changed over these few years.
Do I wish I could turn back time? No.
Do I want to do this all over again with another? Eh, not right now. Not anytime soon. Probably never. I know now what I can and cannot handle.
I just wish I could slow it down and savor it. I guess this is me savoring it.
I am extremely proud of my little baby girl.
She had apparently been asking about classes where the boys she stays with take while husband and I are at work. Does this even make sense. Our babysitter sits two boys and Ivy. The boys take various classes at a big business. Ivy had been asking about taking classes.
I took her this past Monday and signed her up for a combo tap & ballet class. She was extremely excited. I got her shoes and tights that night as well. A couple days later, we got her leotard and a skirt.
Today, she had her first class. She loved it so much, she asked to take another class immediately. It was amazing to see her in her class thanks to see-through mirrors. She was totally cute. I am excited that she has finally started dance classes and that she likes it so far. I hope she stays interested and continues for a long time.
I vow I will never be one of those stage/dance moms. I'll keep her in dance as long as she wants it. She can explore any of her interests. I will be excited, no matter what. Oh yes, I do plan on saving those shoes and dance clothes. Shadow-box style!
This is just the first.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Blog Vacation.
I'm taking a small break from blogging until:
1.) I feel better, because I am dealing with sinus junk.
2.) I have content. It has been busy since returning to work.
3.) I figure out a good time to sit and blog.
If I cook something up, it may be something random and not on a theme day.
See ya soon!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Color Mania!
(Photos from the event were posted earlier.)
Way back in May, my girlfriends were talking about running a 5K similar to The Color Run, called Color Mania. They invited me join them and I looked into the date. I needed to be in the Houston area on August 10. We normally take a second summer visit in August and Ryan and I decided that would be a good time to go. I went ahead and purchased my ticket.
The Friday before, two of the girls and I headed to Houston for the evening to pick up our race packets and check into our hotel. We drove, literally, across the city a couple of times because nothing is ever convenient in Texas. We had dinner at Papasitos, picked up some extra things from Walmart and crashed for the night.
We woke up early, ate a little breakfast, got dressed and headed to the location for the 5K. It was planned to be at Reliant stadium, but changed at the last minute to a BMX/dirtbike dirt track. Okay... Once we got out of the car, it was hot, humid, sticky, and gross! There were markedly fewer people participating in this run than The Color Run.
Once we started walking, we knew it was going to be rough. I'd expected an experience much like TCR - an easy walk on flat concrete. Since it was a dirt track, there were tons of walking climbs, small hills and odd turns. Some of those hills were difficult to get over because the dirt was loose. About a third of the way in, I felt nauseous because of the heat and humidity. I knew I should have brought my own cold water.
Two of the girls were walking faster, but Robin walked with me. She's my hang-back buddy. She walked with me on the beach looking for shells and glass while a couple of other girls walked ahead of us. Anyway, we had our own fun! At one point, we emerged from the part of the track that was in a wooded area (thank goodness!) and were told we were too clean and totally got bombarded with paint.
Two thirds of the way in, one of the girls had to stop early. Robin and I pulled through and finished with a huge amount of paint coving our entire bodies. We finished with a bit of a jog - and our cheer squad named Amanda. There had been one paint throwing party that went without a hitch. However, our wave decided they wanted to open their paint and play with it before the run started and we didn't have much of a paint party. Just a dance session just before it started raining. My girls and I saved our packets and had our own paint war. Then it POURED. Jess and I played in the rain a bit but we had to walk back to the car in the downpour. We could barely see with the paint running down our faces into our eyes.
This run was amazing!
I really loved having friends there to share the fun with me.
I've signed up for two more. November's Color Run in Dallas and December's Run or Dye in Arlington.
Way back in May, my girlfriends were talking about running a 5K similar to The Color Run, called Color Mania. They invited me join them and I looked into the date. I needed to be in the Houston area on August 10. We normally take a second summer visit in August and Ryan and I decided that would be a good time to go. I went ahead and purchased my ticket.
The Friday before, two of the girls and I headed to Houston for the evening to pick up our race packets and check into our hotel. We drove, literally, across the city a couple of times because nothing is ever convenient in Texas. We had dinner at Papasitos, picked up some extra things from Walmart and crashed for the night.
We woke up early, ate a little breakfast, got dressed and headed to the location for the 5K. It was planned to be at Reliant stadium, but changed at the last minute to a BMX/dirtbike dirt track. Okay... Once we got out of the car, it was hot, humid, sticky, and gross! There were markedly fewer people participating in this run than The Color Run.
Once we started walking, we knew it was going to be rough. I'd expected an experience much like TCR - an easy walk on flat concrete. Since it was a dirt track, there were tons of walking climbs, small hills and odd turns. Some of those hills were difficult to get over because the dirt was loose. About a third of the way in, I felt nauseous because of the heat and humidity. I knew I should have brought my own cold water.
Two of the girls were walking faster, but Robin walked with me. She's my hang-back buddy. She walked with me on the beach looking for shells and glass while a couple of other girls walked ahead of us. Anyway, we had our own fun! At one point, we emerged from the part of the track that was in a wooded area (thank goodness!) and were told we were too clean and totally got bombarded with paint.
Two thirds of the way in, one of the girls had to stop early. Robin and I pulled through and finished with a huge amount of paint coving our entire bodies. We finished with a bit of a jog - and our cheer squad named Amanda. There had been one paint throwing party that went without a hitch. However, our wave decided they wanted to open their paint and play with it before the run started and we didn't have much of a paint party. Just a dance session just before it started raining. My girls and I saved our packets and had our own paint war. Then it POURED. Jess and I played in the rain a bit but we had to walk back to the car in the downpour. We could barely see with the paint running down our faces into our eyes.
This run was amazing!
I really loved having friends there to share the fun with me.
I've signed up for two more. November's Color Run in Dallas and December's Run or Dye in Arlington.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Throwback Thursday
This photo is nearly 20 years old.
We used to camp at/on the beach for a weekend regularly.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Two Things Tuesday 8/20
1. Thrifting
My latest obsession. Ryan and I were going to go to a local, large flea market in Arlington before we drove down for our August family visit. Spur of the moment decision, we left earlier and skipped the flea market. We went this past Sunday instead with Ivy in tow. This was probably not the day to do. It was just multiples of one junk shop over and over selling the exact same things. "YOLO" t-shirts, cheap sunglasses, bras and panties 5 for $9!, fans, umbrellas, bubbles on a necklace and packaged junk toys. Noooooooot the cool, mixmash of finds! that you would expect at a decent flea market.
2. Collection!
My latest obsession. Ryan and I were going to go to a local, large flea market in Arlington before we drove down for our August family visit. Spur of the moment decision, we left earlier and skipped the flea market. We went this past Sunday instead with Ivy in tow. This was probably not the day to do. It was just multiples of one junk shop over and over selling the exact same things. "YOLO" t-shirts, cheap sunglasses, bras and panties 5 for $9!, fans, umbrellas, bubbles on a necklace and packaged junk toys. Noooooooot the cool, mixmash of finds! that you would expect at a decent flea market.
2. Collection!
Top left stack is Fire King. Everything else is Pyrex. These are not being displayed yet.
This lovely set matches the Fire King baking dish. Pattern is called Alpine Swiss or something. It isnt labeled as FK.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Menu Plan Monday: Back to Work! August 18-24
We are back to work! Bring on the coffee!
This summer was so busy, it feels like only one week has gone by. I really am not ready because I wanted to do so many more things than I did. Like paint more furniture and paint some walls.
I am really pleased with myself, though, for my blogging schedule and sticking with it. I think it still needs a bit of tweaking. I might leave Friday as a whatever-I-want-to-write-about day.
Since we are back to work, it's back to major meal planning. Especially with Ivy going back to her sitter.
Menu Plan Monday!
Sunday - Chicken fettuccine alfredo
Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Breakfast Hash
Wednesday - Hamburgers
Thursday - Salisbury steak
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Nachos or chicken sandwiches
Breakfast Hash is another Pinterest Recipe but this is the actual link.
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 8 ounces bacon or turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten or 1/4 cup egg substitute
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 8-inch-square baking dish.
LAYER 1/2 potatoes, 1/2 onion, 1/2 bacon and 1/2 cheese in prepared baking dish; repeat layers. Combine evaporated milk, egg and seasoned salt in small bowl. Pour evenly over potato mixture; cover.
BAKE for 55 to 60 minutes. Uncover; bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
* I am omitting the onion and just using onion powder
Head over to OrgJunkie.com for more menu plans!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The End
Today is The Last Day of Summer. And I am not ready for it to be over. It went way too fast this year. I vow that next year, we will take it slowly.
So many things still left to do.
Today, we are holding true to our end of summer tradition. We are taking Ivy to the drive through safari. She loves seeing and feeding the animals in the park.
I am planning some posts and I hope I can keep my word to myself... To write them!
I recently did another paint 5k so I am going to write about my experience.
I am planning a post on how to prepare for a paint run.
I am also having a wonderful internal and external struggle. I am not quite sure how or if I even want to write about it.
I want to work on my house! And my furniture! Where did you go, summer!?
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