Bliss and Books

This weekend was perfection. I only got in my car one time to go to the grocery store, and that was it. Other than a Saturday afternoon walk to the park, that was as far as I ventured from the house. I finished two books, I finished ALL of my laundry, realized that I don’t have nearly enough hangers for all of my clothes, took two naps, and ate chocolate cake delivered by my mother-in-law who provided several hours of child entertainment on Sunday afternoon.

Lately I’ve been feeling like I don’t have time to do anything for me. This isn’t true at all, but it feels that way. Fortunately, I think I’ve kicked that feeling to the curb after finishing both seasons of Downton Abbey in eight days, then powering through an entire book on Saturday afternoon, after having made quick work of another book during the last half of the week.

So, I’ve read a few good things lately and here they are.

Bossypants – I realize that I’m probably the last person on the internet to read this book, but I did finally get around to it. I read the entire book on Saturday and I can’t remember the last time I finished an entire adult book in the span of one day. There’s not much I can say here that hasn’t been said a million times over. Tina Fey is hilarious and and adorable. I won’t tell you that you’re going to laugh out loud throughout the entire book, like many, many people told me, because that sets up an unrealistic expectation. BUT! The book is enjoyable and humorous, and I would highly recommend it.

Stories I Only Tell My Friends – It seems unfair to list this after Tina Fey’s book, because if you’re going to read only one celebrity memoir, then pick Tina’s PLEASE. However, I did enjoy this book, although – like Swistle – I did a LOT of eye-rolling. Reading this did make me think that he was a tad full of himself, although – again, like Swistle –I couldn’t help but think that maybe he’s right. I did enjoy his high school years, and his friendships with the Sheen brothers and the Penn brothers. I also really enjoyed his discussion of The Outsiders, the movie that did not at all live up to the book, but nevertheless launched the careers of many eighties heartthrobs.

The Department of Lost and Found – Yes, this book is about someone in her early thirties with breast cancer, but it is surprisingly not depressing. I would say that this is chick lit, without being silly. I finished this book in three evenings and felt perfectly satisfied when I was finished reading. There were enough loose ends tied up so I didn’t feel let down by the author (it isn’t my job to GUESS how to the book is to end, it is your job to TELL me.) and enough to think about that I didn’t even feel sorry that I was done reading, as often happens because I’m not ready for a story to be finished.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone – I first discussed this here, but it bears repeating on a list of books I’ve read recently. Highly enjoyed, highly recommend.

The Paris Wife – This was January’s book club pick and I enjoyed this far more than I expected to. If you read this book, don’t skip the introduction. I was left wanting to read Hemingway, particularly as the book includes many of the people he wrote about.

Obsessed/Neglect

Occasionally I become obsessed with something to the point that I begin neglecting everyone, and everything else.

Although I jumped on the bandwagon a bit late, I am totally head over heels for Downton Abbey. Although it seems like the entire internet is on board, no one in my real life seems to be watching. I’m just starting season 2, and all hail the PBS app on the iPad where I can watch them all in rapid succession while my house falls apart around me. I had to physically tear myself away from Linda’s post about the season 2 finale this morning, although I can hear it’s siren song calling to me. (Click with caution, spoilers ahead!)  I NEED to know what happens. Bates and Anna! Lady Mary and Matthew! Will O’Brien stop being such a hateful wench?

Just before I started watching Downton, I read Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Typically, when someone recommends a book to me, I add it to a list on my phone, and request them at the library a few at a time. By the time I have the book in my hands I rarely have any idea what it’s about, but I did remember that this book came highly recommended by a few people. It did not disappoint. I believe that Elizabeth’s review says everything I though about this book with one exception: I MUST stop reading books for which the sequels have  not been written. (Divergent, I’m looking at you.) Perhaps it’s for the best, as when I read Harry Potter for the first time, the first four books were available, and I read them all one Thanksgiving weekend, barely looking up for pumpkin pie.

Oh! If you were similarly obsessed with Divergent, this excerpt from Insurgent – the sequel – just appeared in my Twitter stream. Obsession fed!

What is keeping you from being a productive member of society these days?

Hearts and Flowers

We have made a bit of a tradition out of doing something fun with the kids on Valentine’s Day, and that’s worked out because it fell over a weekend for the past few years. But, because the calendar works in funny ways, Valentine’s Day was on a Tuesday this year.

It wasn’t until late Monday night when I finally made plans with a friend to go to the park for lunch. We spent three glorious hours outside, and aside from an incident with an off-leash dog who ran rampant through the park and managed to pop Bub’s ball, eat a cookie directly out of Bubette’s hand, and chew straight through one of our sand toys in under ninety seconds, we all had a great time.

We gave the kids little treats: a bubble blowing gun for Bubette, and a coloring book and new crayons for Bub. I blew his mind with the pencil sharpener on the back of the crayon box and he spent the morning digging through his box of crayons for flat ones to sharpen.

Dinner was heart shaped ravioli with pink frosted cupcakes for dessert, and every single person ate their dinner without complaint – perhaps the best gift of the day. The husband and I exchanged small gifts after insisting that we weren’t going to be getting anything for each other, and then he watched all of Something Borrowed without whining once. I guess he figures he owes me since I’ve made it through five Star Wars movies and I needed a break. He went so far as to compare Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker to Harry Potter and I need to think about that one for a minute before we finish the series.

I know the holiday is overdone, and I’ve always sworn that we won’t give in to overpriced dinners and meaningless gestures, but I love taking a day to shower my little family with love and cupcakes.

Things I’ve bought lately

I’ve been on a bit of a spending binge lately, but with gift cards and credits and such, so it doesn’t feel so indulgent. It totally is, but it doesn’t feel that way.

First, I exchanged my old behemoth Kindle DX, and the credit I received more than covered the cost of a new Kindle. I LOVE it. It’s smaller and more lightweight and can be easily tossed into a bag without taking up all of the space. Now, if only I could find a way to live on significantly less sleep so I can actually read all of the things waiting for me.

Bub starts T-Ball next month, so I couldn’t resist this clippie for Bubette to wear.

I’m a little nervous about being a little league mom since parents are so competitive (hopefully not at this level of super-introductory t-ball) and I won’t be able to handle anyone yelling at my baby. So, distractions in the form of themed hair décor it is!

I picked up this dress:

for myself. The dress was the only one of the three that I ordered that didn’t get returned. I’m close to ordering this dress too, with my return credit. (My spending philosophy: Money from a return is totally fair game. It would be really annoying if that dress money became cable bill money.)

I first saw this plastic tub at Target a few weeks ago and really wanted it, but couldn’t see a need for it. (It doesn’t seem to be available online.) Then I was unloading groceries and saw the mishmash of containers we use to store Play-Doh and found a perfect need for it. Then, after I stood back to admire my cute new box, I saw the various plastic bags with crafting supplies lining the floor of our pantry. Naturally, I need a second box. The more I look around the house, the more uses I see for these boxes. Boxes for everything!

This picture does not do this box justice, I assure you. It’s seven dollars and ninety-nine cents of storage perfection.

I went on a bit of a spree, shopping for Bubette. When I say she had nothing to wear for warm weather, I was not exaggerating at all. Nothing from last year fits, of course, so she needed some things, particularly given our weird warm weather.

Some of my favorites?

Saltwater Sandals

TOMS

A dress

some jammies,

SMOCKING,

and sailboats.

ABC

Because I’m a follower, I stole this from… everyone else. I think I saw K’s first.
A. Age: 32
B. Bed size: California King, and thank goodness because there are three of us in there lately.
C. Chore that you hate: Putting away laundry. I’ll DO the laundry all day long, but when it comes to hanging up clothes, that’s where I draw the line.
D. Dogs: We have one, but I wouldn’t say I’m a dog person. I’m a cat person, but my husband is allergic, so I’m just a person who prefers cats, but can’t have one anymore - which is probably for the best, because I HATE cleaning the cat box.
E. Essential start to your day: Well I was really enjoying my early morning Keurig dates, but NO MORE, so I’ll go with a shower.
F. Favorite color: Blue
G. Gold or silver: I use to think silver, but now I like both. My mother would be pleased as she believes a redhead shouldn’t wear silver.
H. Height: Just a touch under 5' 6".
I. Instruments that you play: None.
J. Job title: I refuse to say homemaker, but… I guess that’s what I am. Chief Butt Wiper and Snack Preparer to you.
K. Kids: Bub and Bubette

L. Live: Southern California
M. Mother's name:
N. Nicknames: Is it possible that I don’t have one anymore? Some people call me Meg, but that’s not really acceptable unless you’re my parents.
O. Overnight hospital stays: Two, for the purpose of having babies
P. Pet peeves: Audible chewing, intolerance, vague Facebook and Twitter posts, door to door salespeople.
Q. Quote from a movie: “I am at the end of my rapidly fraying rope.”
R: Right or left handed: Right.
S: Siblings: One younger brother.
T: Travel favorite: Somewhere I can nap. In all seriousness, I would go back to New York City any day.
U. Underwear: Nothing worth talking about. I should probably do something about that.
V. Vegetable(s) you hate: Kale. I’M SORRY, it’s true.
W. What makes you run late: Whoops! Left this out when I first published. My kids, I suppose, although I plan my departure to an annoying level, because I HATE running late.
X. X-rays you've had: Teeth, arm, knee
Y. Yummy food that you make: chocolate chip cookies, ice cream sandwiches (so, I assemble these, whatever,) potato soup, banana bread

Z. Zoo animal: Anything sleepy.
Your turn!

Decaffeinated Me

I have a long history with stomach issues. They come and go, sometimes to the point where I think I can eat anything and everything without consequence. Sometimes it’s the opposite extreme where I feel sick daily without any obvious link to  my diet or other circumstances.

I have been to a few doctors about this, and I know that dairy and artificial sweeteners are triggers for me, but I know that it’s more than that. I saw one doctor several years ago. After running a few tests, he suggested that I might have a gluten intolerance. He left me a message at home telling me to Google the diet for celiac disease, and to make another appointment to see him. I never went back to that doctor.

Recently though, I’ve been sick all the time. It’s annoying to me, and I’m sure annoying to the people around me who have to hear me complaining about not feeling well all the time. I found a new doctor who I like and she’s totally interested in finding the problem. She’s run some tests and is trying a new medication. After my last appointment she suggested I cut out all caffeine.

All of it? Even a cup of coffee in the morning?

All of it. Other than a raging headache that lasted for three days, I haven’t felt sick once in the past week and a half. I have felt sick at some point every day for the past four MONTHS, but with this one elimination I feel so much better, albeit a little more tired. I don’t think this is the miracle cure, but it is nice to know yet another trigger to avoid.

I miss caffeine, and I’ve had to talk myself out of coffee or soda DAILY for the past two weeks. I weigh the risks of a stomach ache against the benefit of staying awake all day, and even I realize how insane that sounds. I went without caffeine while pregnant and nursing both kids, and eventually I just adjusted. Incidentally, I always felt so much better while I was pregnant and nursing – hello aha moment!

Typically I drink water, soda and coffee and iced tea. Rarely juice or lemonade or anything else. HOWEVER, now that I can’t have soda (I realize that there are caffeine-free varieties, and I reserve the right to chance my mind on this one, but for now I don’t really see the point) and coffee and most teas, I’ll be tempted to replace them with something else because water is BORING. Healthy, and necessary, and I don’t need a lecture about not drinking my calories, but still boring.  Maybe this is the excuse I need to get a Soda Stream so I can start carbonating and flavoring my own water?

Instagram

Last month I participated in the #janphotoaday challenge on Instagram and it was a nice reminder to take a picture every day.

I decided to continue on with February’s challenge. I figure I’ll take this one month at a time, and see how it goes. I know that committing myself to Project 365 would be too much for me to handle all at once, but this gives me the opportunity to take it one month at a time.

There’s still plenty of time for you to join in. Are you on Instagram? I’m mamabub, naturally.

Links

Perhaps you’ve been living under a rock and you’ve missed this Kristin Bell video? Even if you’ve seen it, I recommend watching it again. It seems to get better with each viewing. It’s coming to my party?

This is several weeks old, but Stimey’s post, An Itemized Tour of the Most Terrifying Playground in the World EVERYBODY PANIC!!!, must be shared. One of my many favorite parts:

Off that way is the sandbox, the baby swings, and some bouncy toys. Also off that way is easy access to the untamed forest bordering the playground. I get that the park designers probably did this to keep little kids separated from bigger, rampaging older children. To that, I say, thank GOODNESS no little kids have OLDER SIBLINGS.

You might think that a list of things that make someone cry would not make for good reading. You would be wrong. Go read Ali Martel’s Of Sonic Videos, Folgers Commercials and Jonathan Safran Foer Movies. Even if you’re not a video watcher, watch the embedded video.

On a slightly more serious note, Kristin from Rage Against the Minivan wrote, Should Kids Be Punished at Home for Bad Behavior in School?  We’re struggling with the same situation here, and my immediate answer is yes. However, we’re dealing with a four year old, and I’m not sure he can make the connection between a consequence at home, and misbehaving a few hours ago. But, I want to send the message that we don’t accept this kind of behavior! I don’t really know, but this – along with the comments – is a good read.

Manda wrote The One Where I Run a Half-Marathon and Live to Tell the Tale. From the point of view of a non-runner, I’m completely amazed when people make the choice to run long distances, complete the distance and then decide to do it AGAIN. Manda not only ran, but she raised a TON of money before her run, and her story is a great one.

Assorted Updates

I had my eyebrows threaded yesterday. Many, many people say that it doesn’t hurt, it just “feels weird.” Those people are all liars of the pants on fire variety. It hurts, but so does every other method of eyebrow hair removal. Waxing doesn’t agree with my super sensitive skin, and I’m not about to pay someone to electrocute me, one hair follicle at a time, thank you very much. So, even though I want to punch the threader in the face when she’s finished, threading it is.

We stuck with our 12 Date Nights in 12 Months resolution and had our first date night last weekend. Our sitter arrived, the kids were asleep and off we went for some grown up Disneyland time. Our plan was to make a game-time decision and see either Fantasmic or World of Color, have dessert, and ride a few rides with height requirements. The traffic getting into Disneyland was TERRIBLE. The Tinkerbell half-marathon was the next day, so that could have contributed, but it took us an hour to get in and parked, so most of our plans were dashed. We did see the fireworks, had a quick dessert and did a little shopping. Mostly we were so tired from a long day that we kind of hung out until we felt like it was okay to go home. Next date we’ll go out to lunch and maybe nap in the car!

Date Night (literal) Fireworks

This weekend I return the free babysitting favor and I’m REALLY looking forward it. I’m loading up my Kindle just for the occasion.

Do you do Valentine’s for your kids? Bub won’t be in school for his Valentine’s party, so I thought we were off the hook, but it turns they’re handing out Valentine’s for two days so everyone can be included. Last year we were strongly urged to make the Valentine’s as simple as possible. Fortunately, about half the class listened, so Bub was not the only kid with store bought valentine’s with taped on lollipops. This year we haven’t gotten any information, but I’m crossing my fingers that we get similar instructions. Pinterest is awash in great Valentine’s ideas, but I’m just not sure I have it in my to create anything this year.

Bub has been using… not bad words, but words we would rather he not say. The kicker is that he says them completely wrong. His current favorites are Darnick! and Inniot!

I guest posted on Food Lush about a great app that my friend developed. The giveaway is over, but the app remains great and I highly recommend it! On Style Lush, I’m asking for advice about eyelash curlers.