I saw Eclipse tonight. It did not disappoint. It was the best out of the three. I was glad to have re-read the book this week (the only book I have EVER read twice)...and the movie was "right on".
Gotta love me some Jacob :)
On a more serious entertainment note, I just finished reading Little Bee by Chris Cleave. This novel really spoke to me. It was beautiful, yet disturbing. I can't seem to get some of the scenes and phrases out of my head. I am reminded about how selfish we are. So many of Little Bees observations about 'our world' were a brash reminder of our excesses. This novel was a good reminder that we are SO blessed... but we are so rotten.
I'm convicted.
You must read the book.
(Any suggestions for my next literary venture? My nightstand is empty!)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
anticipated meltdown
so... below I bragged about how wonderful things have been going. And they have!! I'm thrilled with our summer! I am excited that I am out making memories with the kids. I don't regret one second.
but...as I have posted... (until you are completely tired of reading it)... my environment totally affects my mood.
I've been pretty proud of myself over the past few weeks, as I've totally ignored my home environment. The utter chaos behind the closed doors hasn't bothered me because we have rarely been home.
I have showered with the same spider for about a week now. I've noticed the spider's brothers take up residence all over the house... and I just glance and smile at them as I head out the door.
(One spider has taken refuge on our kitchen counter. ha. what does that say about my use of the kitchen?!)
The cat has been wallowing on about 20 crow feathers that are littered down the hallway. (a gift for the cat from our trip to the parkway).
Things are bad. really bad.
Tonight, I allowed the boys to stay up late and watch a movie. I ventured into our basement family room. This was only my second visit into that room since Easter. That room is frightening in many ways. It has become the pit of despair for every small toy and random part in the universe, and the resting place of every stink bug in the northern hemisphere.
I decided that I would start to tackle what I could.
I easily filled a trash bag with whatever I deemed to be trash. And I put the few remaining things into their designated storage containers. It wasn't too hard... since I deemed pretty much everything to be trash :)
The thing that pushed me over the edge was to witness the Wii controllers, remotes, discs, batteries, etc... scattered all over the floor as well. Do these kids realize how much money all of those things cost?! Well, if not... they were fully educated tonight. I was ticked!
I also uncovered three...1, 2, 3... piles of cat puke that had been there HOW long?!
My kids are disgusting. (yes, the cat is too)
We are gearing up for a yard sale toward the end of summer. It'll be one of those sales where "everything must go!" Perhaps our junk could be your junk :-)
I'll keep you posted once we set a date. I've decided that all proceeds will be going to Comfort Zone Camp.
but...as I have posted... (until you are completely tired of reading it)... my environment totally affects my mood.
I've been pretty proud of myself over the past few weeks, as I've totally ignored my home environment. The utter chaos behind the closed doors hasn't bothered me because we have rarely been home.
I have showered with the same spider for about a week now. I've noticed the spider's brothers take up residence all over the house... and I just glance and smile at them as I head out the door.
(One spider has taken refuge on our kitchen counter. ha. what does that say about my use of the kitchen?!)
The cat has been wallowing on about 20 crow feathers that are littered down the hallway. (a gift for the cat from our trip to the parkway).
Things are bad. really bad.
Tonight, I allowed the boys to stay up late and watch a movie. I ventured into our basement family room. This was only my second visit into that room since Easter. That room is frightening in many ways. It has become the pit of despair for every small toy and random part in the universe, and the resting place of every stink bug in the northern hemisphere.
I decided that I would start to tackle what I could.
I easily filled a trash bag with whatever I deemed to be trash. And I put the few remaining things into their designated storage containers. It wasn't too hard... since I deemed pretty much everything to be trash :)
The thing that pushed me over the edge was to witness the Wii controllers, remotes, discs, batteries, etc... scattered all over the floor as well. Do these kids realize how much money all of those things cost?! Well, if not... they were fully educated tonight. I was ticked!
I also uncovered three...1, 2, 3... piles of cat puke that had been there HOW long?!
My kids are disgusting. (yes, the cat is too)
We are gearing up for a yard sale toward the end of summer. It'll be one of those sales where "everything must go!" Perhaps our junk could be your junk :-)
I'll keep you posted once we set a date. I've decided that all proceeds will be going to Comfort Zone Camp.
52 days
My kids needed to know how many days before school started so that they could figure out how much of their summer homework they would need to do each day.
I'm amazed that we have 52 more days of freedom! (and that's just until registration.)
They have been out of school for 2 weeks but I feel like we've accomplished a summer's worth of activities already!
It's been an exciting whirlwind of activity.
We've been to the pool several times, a ballgame, karate, the lake, cookouts, the drive-in, hung out with family, visited friends, etc.
The great thing is that the three of us have been getting along wonderfully!!!
I realize that being out of school and work has done wonders for our attitudes.
I really hope that this summer will be a time of healing and that we can ease back into the school routine gracefully in the fall.
All three of us had meltdowns at some point today. It had been anticipated. (see post above) It is clear that tomorrow will be mandatory naptime for everyone. We'll rest up for the full week ahead of us.
More fun in the sun :-)
I'm amazed that we have 52 more days of freedom! (and that's just until registration.)
They have been out of school for 2 weeks but I feel like we've accomplished a summer's worth of activities already!
It's been an exciting whirlwind of activity.
We've been to the pool several times, a ballgame, karate, the lake, cookouts, the drive-in, hung out with family, visited friends, etc.
The great thing is that the three of us have been getting along wonderfully!!!
I realize that being out of school and work has done wonders for our attitudes.
I really hope that this summer will be a time of healing and that we can ease back into the school routine gracefully in the fall.
All three of us had meltdowns at some point today. It had been anticipated. (see post above) It is clear that tomorrow will be mandatory naptime for everyone. We'll rest up for the full week ahead of us.
More fun in the sun :-)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
designer neighborhoods
Yesterday, I headed out for a walk. I was armed with the iPod... which I soon discovered was dead. Probably having something to do with the fact that I left the power on all night. hmmm.
So I was left with my thoughts for the journey.
Some of you can picture the neighborhood where I walk.
(It's not my neighborhood.)
It's the kind of neighborhood that was designed for "community". The houses are fancy and close together. Each with their own quarter size yard and pretty landscaping. Each house is equipped with a spacious porch, adorned with plush patio furniture. The kind of porch that screams... "sit on me! have a cold one and chat with your friends!"
It's the kind of neighborhood that is supposed to encourage the "community" of long ago.
What a joke.
Many times I pass through... not a soul in sight. Deserted empty driveways. Sealed doors and closed blinds.
My thoughts start to climb onto my soapbox about our selfish society. I get disheartened about young couples who get themselves dependent on two salaries... those who have made the decision to work their butts off and have the absolute best of everything... the new cars, the big house.
A great house...but they are rarely at home. A tidy yard that their children rarely play in.
I could go on and on....
anywho. on this particular day... I was rather high and mighty on my box, while walking on the silent street.
In the distance I heard a low hum of a lawn mower. I wondered if people in designer neighborhoods actually did their own yard work. Then, as I rounded the corner, I saw him.
It was a young Dad (good looking and shirtless) with a baby... in a baby-backpack... pushing a lawn mower. At that moment, all of my gripes faded and I felt as if everything were right in the world again.
I'm not sure where the rest of his communtiy was...
but seeing that lone guy and his kid made everything okay for me.
It was refreshing that someone had priority to be at home, with their kid, in their yard, in the designer neighborhood.
So I was left with my thoughts for the journey.
Some of you can picture the neighborhood where I walk.
(It's not my neighborhood.)
It's the kind of neighborhood that was designed for "community". The houses are fancy and close together. Each with their own quarter size yard and pretty landscaping. Each house is equipped with a spacious porch, adorned with plush patio furniture. The kind of porch that screams... "sit on me! have a cold one and chat with your friends!"
It's the kind of neighborhood that is supposed to encourage the "community" of long ago.
What a joke.
Many times I pass through... not a soul in sight. Deserted empty driveways. Sealed doors and closed blinds.
My thoughts start to climb onto my soapbox about our selfish society. I get disheartened about young couples who get themselves dependent on two salaries... those who have made the decision to work their butts off and have the absolute best of everything... the new cars, the big house.
A great house...but they are rarely at home. A tidy yard that their children rarely play in.
I could go on and on....
anywho. on this particular day... I was rather high and mighty on my box, while walking on the silent street.
In the distance I heard a low hum of a lawn mower. I wondered if people in designer neighborhoods actually did their own yard work. Then, as I rounded the corner, I saw him.
It was a young Dad (good looking and shirtless) with a baby... in a baby-backpack... pushing a lawn mower. At that moment, all of my gripes faded and I felt as if everything were right in the world again.
I'm not sure where the rest of his communtiy was...
but seeing that lone guy and his kid made everything okay for me.
It was refreshing that someone had priority to be at home, with their kid, in their yard, in the designer neighborhood.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
summer days
The boys returned from Comfort Zone Camp on Sunday. They were exhausted. But they had an awesome time. They are already psyched about going again next year.
Monday was our first official day of summer. We lunched with our family and then hit the city pool with friends.
What a great way to start our vacation. :-) I have a feeling that we'll be spending lots of time at the pool this summer.
(and for the record: Our city pool is GREAT! We've had wonderful experiences at that pool for the past two years. I've seen no evidence of gang violence and everyone pretty much behaves themselves. So don't hate on the pool! PLEASE come and hang with us!)
Tonight, it was a special treat, that L's 2nd grade teacher took both boys to a highschool ball game. I met them afterwards for some icecream. This teacher guy has taught both of my boys and I am very thankful for the impact he has had in their lives. Just fantastic!
During my free time at home this evening, I took a walk and then I hunkered down to do some writing.
(Ha. that sounds funny. )
Let's just say that I attempted to piece together a bit of my story as an entry into a writing contest.
The thought of entering a writing contest is almost humorous to me but I've decided to give it a shot.
I've been going back and reading some of my posts in the months following Thayer's death. I am amazed at some of my thoughts. Looking back, I am certain that the Holy Spirit gave me many of those words. It was a unique time for me in that I felt super close to God and I was open and willing to hear what he wanted to teach me. Many of those posts were clearly God speaking TO me and through me.
More lately, when I blog, I seem to be lacking that divine intervention. It's interesting to see what I am capable of hearing from God in times of trial... and then wondering if, and why, I don't hear as clearly now. Why is it that we tend to tune out God's voice when things are going "okay"?
I've been asking God to make me passionate about something. Just as I was passionate about sharing my immediate journey of grief, I would like to be just as passionate about sharing the good things that God is blessing me with currently.
We'll see how it goes.
As for now... I'm reveling in the fact that summer is upon us and I can sleep later than usual :-)
Monday was our first official day of summer. We lunched with our family and then hit the city pool with friends.
What a great way to start our vacation. :-) I have a feeling that we'll be spending lots of time at the pool this summer.
(and for the record: Our city pool is GREAT! We've had wonderful experiences at that pool for the past two years. I've seen no evidence of gang violence and everyone pretty much behaves themselves. So don't hate on the pool! PLEASE come and hang with us!)
Tonight, it was a special treat, that L's 2nd grade teacher took both boys to a highschool ball game. I met them afterwards for some icecream. This teacher guy has taught both of my boys and I am very thankful for the impact he has had in their lives. Just fantastic!
During my free time at home this evening, I took a walk and then I hunkered down to do some writing.
(Ha. that sounds funny. )
Let's just say that I attempted to piece together a bit of my story as an entry into a writing contest.
The thought of entering a writing contest is almost humorous to me but I've decided to give it a shot.
I've been going back and reading some of my posts in the months following Thayer's death. I am amazed at some of my thoughts. Looking back, I am certain that the Holy Spirit gave me many of those words. It was a unique time for me in that I felt super close to God and I was open and willing to hear what he wanted to teach me. Many of those posts were clearly God speaking TO me and through me.
More lately, when I blog, I seem to be lacking that divine intervention. It's interesting to see what I am capable of hearing from God in times of trial... and then wondering if, and why, I don't hear as clearly now. Why is it that we tend to tune out God's voice when things are going "okay"?
I've been asking God to make me passionate about something. Just as I was passionate about sharing my immediate journey of grief, I would like to be just as passionate about sharing the good things that God is blessing me with currently.
We'll see how it goes.
As for now... I'm reveling in the fact that summer is upon us and I can sleep later than usual :-)
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
my birthday
My 30th birthday has come once again.
The festivities began yesterday when the family came over for pizza and icecream cake.
Since my birthday party day is a nationally recognized holiday, I partook in caffeine free Dr. Pepper during the festivities.
This morning... feeling not a day older than 29, I took the kids to school and took a walk.
Upon returning to my house I was greeted by a surprise 6 pack of my favorite fruity beverage and some beautiful flowers. Perfect!
I enjoyed a lunch out with another friend while we anticipated an upcoming girl's weekend.
Hair trim and Walmart shopping fit in there somewhere.
And upon returning home, the second time, I was greeted with balloons, streamers and bubbles, (real bubbles not a "bottle of bubbly") hehe. ( I was starting to see a pattern here) ;)
My mom called this morning to remind me just how much weight I have gained since birth. (not really... she reminded me of my birth time and weight).... and my Dad stopped by to sing his annual "Happy Birthday" song.
I love my parents :)
My birthday dinner was consumed at Jersey Mikes with credit given to the Jersey Mike's email club. (coupon for a free sandwich and drink on your birthday!) And since my actual birthday is nationally recognized as well, I enjoyed a Pepsi in memory of Thayer.
(Jersy Mikes is special to our family because we used to eat there every Sunday after church...)
On a side note, I feel the need to brag on my kids tonight. We are really getting into our itunes. They've made playlists entitled "D Man" and "hip hop boy". And while other people brag on their kids for singing worship music in the car... I was particularly impressed as I listened to the kids belt out "Coyotes" on the way home tonight.
But please don't get me wrong... these kids usually rock out to TobyMac and Hawk Nelson... in which I am way prouder of :)
All in all... a great day!
thanks to everyone who made my day special! :0)
The festivities began yesterday when the family came over for pizza and icecream cake.
Since my birthday party day is a nationally recognized holiday, I partook in caffeine free Dr. Pepper during the festivities.
This morning... feeling not a day older than 29, I took the kids to school and took a walk.
Upon returning to my house I was greeted by a surprise 6 pack of my favorite fruity beverage and some beautiful flowers. Perfect!
I enjoyed a lunch out with another friend while we anticipated an upcoming girl's weekend.
Hair trim and Walmart shopping fit in there somewhere.
And upon returning home, the second time, I was greeted with balloons, streamers and bubbles, (real bubbles not a "bottle of bubbly") hehe. ( I was starting to see a pattern here) ;)
My mom called this morning to remind me just how much weight I have gained since birth. (not really... she reminded me of my birth time and weight).... and my Dad stopped by to sing his annual "Happy Birthday" song.
I love my parents :)
My birthday dinner was consumed at Jersey Mikes with credit given to the Jersey Mike's email club. (coupon for a free sandwich and drink on your birthday!) And since my actual birthday is nationally recognized as well, I enjoyed a Pepsi in memory of Thayer.
(Jersy Mikes is special to our family because we used to eat there every Sunday after church...)
On a side note, I feel the need to brag on my kids tonight. We are really getting into our itunes. They've made playlists entitled "D Man" and "hip hop boy". And while other people brag on their kids for singing worship music in the car... I was particularly impressed as I listened to the kids belt out "Coyotes" on the way home tonight.
But please don't get me wrong... these kids usually rock out to TobyMac and Hawk Nelson... in which I am way prouder of :)
All in all... a great day!
thanks to everyone who made my day special! :0)
Friday, June 04, 2010
small accomplishments
-I just taught myself how to use itunes. I know, that's pretty lame. I had dabbled with it back when D purchased an ipod, (christmas of '08) but never really knew about how to do the playlists. (I blame it on my grief brain at the time.) Ever since, I have felt like an old mom who couldn't even supply her kids with music. But I'm happy to report that tonight it was rather simple to download some CDs and purchase a few hippity-hoppity songs.
I'm determined to have some rockin' tunes when I walk in the morning.
Oh yeah... and I'm ready to teach D how to make his own playlist :-)
-Since I've been out of work, I have been walking 2.5 miles each day and I've also been taking care of the scheduled appointments. Today the cat went to the vet. I sat in the waiting room for about an hour and had to listen to some old ladies talk about their dogs. I am amazed that people are pretty much convinced that their animals are human. I know that pets are great... but they are PETS! not people!! Luckily a cute young guy came in and briefly distracted me. We had a nice little chat.
If any of you know a guy named Adam, that works at a funeral home in Appomattox... please tell him to give me a call!! ;) seriously.
-I had a great evening with my widowed friends. It's so nice to have an evening free of responsibilities. Time to hang out and laugh with people who can relate. It's a great group of gals :-)
Tomorrow: walk, cut grass, find something really exciting to do, and prepare for D's friend to sleepover.
I'm determined to have some rockin' tunes when I walk in the morning.
Oh yeah... and I'm ready to teach D how to make his own playlist :-)
-Since I've been out of work, I have been walking 2.5 miles each day and I've also been taking care of the scheduled appointments. Today the cat went to the vet. I sat in the waiting room for about an hour and had to listen to some old ladies talk about their dogs. I am amazed that people are pretty much convinced that their animals are human. I know that pets are great... but they are PETS! not people!! Luckily a cute young guy came in and briefly distracted me. We had a nice little chat.
If any of you know a guy named Adam, that works at a funeral home in Appomattox... please tell him to give me a call!! ;) seriously.
-I had a great evening with my widowed friends. It's so nice to have an evening free of responsibilities. Time to hang out and laugh with people who can relate. It's a great group of gals :-)
Tomorrow: walk, cut grass, find something really exciting to do, and prepare for D's friend to sleepover.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
you know who you are....
A special little treat for some of my special friends.
ALMOST makes me feel bad about getting rid of my van. but not really. not at all.
:-)
">
ALMOST makes me feel bad about getting rid of my van. but not really. not at all.
:-)
">
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
in the news
I'm encouraged to see that CZC is starting a good conversation with the media.
Check out this article in the Wall Street Journal.
Check out this article in the Wall Street Journal.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
holiday
I went an entire week without soda. I drank water, happily, until I was brutally force-fed a Dr. Pepper on Sunday night. At that moment... I decided that I would allow myself one soda per week.
Yesterday while eating a super traditional Memorial Day meal at CiCis Pizza... ha ha... I drank soda again. At that moment... I decided that I would allow myself one serving of soda per week and on holidays. Only nationally recognized holidays... not all of the obscure ones ;)
So far, so good.
As for our memorial day weekend...
We had lots of time around the house.
The kids had a blast with the neighborhood kids. (And I know of only two things that got broken.)
We are hoping to narrow down the destruction rate this summer.
The kids loved making and playing with Oobleck. This provided lots of "hands on" that didn't involved beating the snot out of each other. :)
After two attempts with the "kiddie" pool and the chaos that ensued, I have decided that my kids are too old for such frolicking. We will be making lots of trips to the lake and city pool this summer!
anywho-
We started off our escapades with the "Neverending Story" version of a local minor league ball game. It was a doubleheader with promise of fireworks. I left the stadium at 10:30pm with two crying children who didn't get to see the fireworks because those lousy teams were finishing their 10th inning with no score in sight. (the next day, I heard that it had lasted 14 innings!)
On Sunday we went to the Drive-In!!! We loved it! (First-run movies at a great price!)
The kids were back in school today and I had car appointments to attend. I also had lunch and shopped with a friend while a hitch was being installed in my car. We are up and rolling for the bike rack... so if you wanna go riding- let me know!
Tonight, I'm getting ready to snuggle up and start reading Eclipse again. I want to be prepared for the movie on june 30th :-)
Meanwhile the house is in utter chaos. I keep saying that "I'll get to it tomorrow".
Yesterday while eating a super traditional Memorial Day meal at CiCis Pizza... ha ha... I drank soda again. At that moment... I decided that I would allow myself one serving of soda per week and on holidays. Only nationally recognized holidays... not all of the obscure ones ;)
So far, so good.
As for our memorial day weekend...
We had lots of time around the house.
The kids had a blast with the neighborhood kids. (And I know of only two things that got broken.)
We are hoping to narrow down the destruction rate this summer.
The kids loved making and playing with Oobleck. This provided lots of "hands on" that didn't involved beating the snot out of each other. :)
After two attempts with the "kiddie" pool and the chaos that ensued, I have decided that my kids are too old for such frolicking. We will be making lots of trips to the lake and city pool this summer!
anywho-
We started off our escapades with the "Neverending Story" version of a local minor league ball game. It was a doubleheader with promise of fireworks. I left the stadium at 10:30pm with two crying children who didn't get to see the fireworks because those lousy teams were finishing their 10th inning with no score in sight. (the next day, I heard that it had lasted 14 innings!)
On Sunday we went to the Drive-In!!! We loved it! (First-run movies at a great price!)
The kids were back in school today and I had car appointments to attend. I also had lunch and shopped with a friend while a hitch was being installed in my car. We are up and rolling for the bike rack... so if you wanna go riding- let me know!
Tonight, I'm getting ready to snuggle up and start reading Eclipse again. I want to be prepared for the movie on june 30th :-)
Meanwhile the house is in utter chaos. I keep saying that "I'll get to it tomorrow".
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
