Nuthin' much

Random thoughts and sights...

I saw the UPS guy and the Fed-Ex guy eating lunch together in a restaurant yesterday.

I love clean sheet day!! If I weren't so lazy, everyday would be clean sheet day.

The new Apple scented air freshener from Febreeze is very nice and autumny.

My 3rd grade daughter is singing full blast with head phones on and doesn't realize how very adorable she is just now.

My piano bench is dusty. I will take care of that in just a bit.

I walked on the treadmill for 68 minutes today. A Cary Grant movie was on, but I don 't know how it ends because I had to move on.

I found a dress for my daughter to wear to 'Knights and Ladies' day at school. It is black and filmy with an gold band under the bodice that looks positively medieval. $4.97 on the bargain rack! We rolled her hair in curls and she looked very beautiful.

The fan in my bathroom needs to be fixed.

I need to mop.

I am proscrastinating the mopping and the dusting and the....

I have kept a to-do list all week, and has made my days go much better. I will continue the trend.

We are having friends to dinner tomorrow.

This concludes the putting off of chores. Have a wonderful day!

UPDATED: I have mopped and vacuumed and made corn muffins. My house is delicious and cozy and warm. What a happy feeling.

I love books

I love to read. I love a good story. I don’t even mind a bad one. Rarely do I put a book aside; I always have hope that a poor book will turn around, that the author might suddenly learn to create an interesting sentence. Even when they don’t, I keep plugging along. Sheesh, they got the thing published and that is a feat in and of itself. Right?

After much reading of blogs, I have found that most people will quit a book if it’s uninteresting, bad or just bugs them. This is very intimidating news for someone like me, who has ‘aspirations’. I think I read too many book blogs. I'm getting a complex. Some readers can deconstruct a book, tell you the theme, recommend it or pan it. Me? I either like it or don’t, chalk it up to personal taste and move on.

Once, I thought I would like to review books as a living, or become an editor. Now, I realize that these professions aren’t just about reading for enjoyment. They are about telling people why to like something, why it’s worthy of acquisition, why not to waste time on it. I’m not sure I’m cut out for that. I would have to change my approach to books, and I don’t know if I’m willing to do that.

So, now that I’m thinking of getting on the writing train, I wonder what kind of book will I write. Will I have a book good enough to be published? Or worse, will I have a bad book that gets published? Will readers put up with my learning curve? I have a feeling I’m asking these questions as a way to procrastinate the actual writing of my book, which makes the questions silly, eh?

I’ll just have to keep writing the thing and ask these questions later.

***
In other news, I just received two books in the mail to review on my blog. I already know I’ll like them both. One is by someone who hasn’t had a book I haven’t liked yet. The other is a newbie, but if her book is anything like her blog, I know it’ll be a winner. I will, however, endeavor to tell you why I like them and maybe even try to find, as Frank McCourt says, ‘the deeper meaning’.

Signs

Some signs from our vacation.

Burgerville! The best place for a hamburger and milk shake. If you live in the Northwest, you are so lucky!

I saw a sign in my coffee shop that says "All unattended children will be given a free espresso and a puppy". That'll teach 'em.

I'm not sure what this guy has against elephant ears, but his feelings are strong enough for a sign.

Now, if I were like my internet friend, Shanna, I would segue into how these signs are representitive of something in my life and draw some kind of meaningful conclusion. She recently paralleled Battlestar Galactica with her writing life. That's something.

But me? I got nothing. Not yet, anyway. If I get an epiphany, I'll be sure to let you know.

I've got a brand new bag

A while back I discovered a blog called Biscotti Togs, written by Erin. The day I found her she had the cutest, little messenger bag posted and I wanted it. I wrote right away, but it had already been snatched up.

Erin said not to worry. She would whip another one right up. Not only that, but I made some requests about pockets and size, and she said I could have whatever I wanted. So, a custom bag was born. She even found a zipper that matched this crazy orangey-red fabric. I love it! Pretty shiny.

I told Erin my bag had to be able to fit my Steno, a water, my camera, wallet and all those items I have to carry around for kids. Right now it even has two library books in it. It is so roomy. I want to move in.
It is so warm looking and fall-ish. I've gotten complements already, and it's only been in use for a few hours.

So, if you need a brand new, custom bag, pop on over to Erin's shop. Visit her blog archives to see all the cool things she has made. She will even tell you the story behind the vintage or unique fabric from which your bag is made.
Thank you so much, Erin. You are a gem and I'm glad you are my new bloggy friend.

A good mommy

I got this picture off one of those internet chain letters that I get all the time. The kind if you don't forward then you really are a horrible friend and all your friends will leave you and you will be left an empty shell to die alone... you know the ones I'm talking about.

Well, normally I delete them all, (I'm risky that way) but I thought this was precious. What a sweet example of selfless motherhood.

Alright, already

From the time that school started, I have had two goals:

1) To get the rooms of this house in shape, closets organized, drawers de-junked, clothes gone through, clutter abolished.

2) To continue on past chapter three of the book I am trying to write.

I have done neither. However, my mail is trying to get me off my duff and get me going. Freaky, or what?

Knitting 101

Here is my first completed project from my class. A bufonda and a gorra de lana. Not sure if I spelled that right, but that's scarf and hat in Spanish.

Here is my little sweetums modeling for me. I hope she doesn't lose the set on the playground. The scarf is wrapped twice so it's longer than it looks. The hat only took an afternoon. I was so pleasantly surprised.

Next up, Irish wrist warmers and then maybe something a little more challenging or at least larger. One lady has finished a whole sweater and is at least half way finished on a second.

Even though I don't understand everything said, I am at least getting some of the gist of the conversation before it is translated into English. Regardless of language, this is a comfortable place to spend a couple of hours on a Wednesday morning.

Our Instruments

It's Show and Tell Thursday, so here are my musical instruments. Some of which are not actually used to create any music, but to hold various odds and ends of a boy's life. I think that is a Santa hat on the floor. Time for a mommy overhaul in that room, I think.


This keyboard belongs to the number one girl. She likes the Seahawks. She is good and uses her instrument regularly. She sings along with her playing and makes me very happy.


The guitar and the piano belong to me. The guitar gets more use. I use it to make up songs for my kids that make them blush with glee as their names are immortalized forever. Or for as long as the song lasts.

The piano has not had it's fall makeover yet and it's summer do is looking a little sad. I did find some painted pumpkins to quick put on there, but they will not be staying. I have gourds and leaves in mind. Our cat also likes that piano so we tied a little toy on the knob for her to bat around. Classy!




Below is a little 1/2 sized violin that my 3rd grader is learning on. It is only a rental as she will most likely outgrow it by the end of this year and need a 3/4 size. We will purchase a 4/4 when her arms are long enough. She is so adorable and I wish she was home so I could snap a photo of her holding. Her posture and technique are something to behold. {{{Beaming!}}} She has a little alarm clock on the handle to help her to remember to be on time for her lesson, provided during Social Studies time, every fifth day, at her school.



We also have three trombones in their cases that are not pictured. One from hubby's high school and college days. (He had a partial scholarship!) And two purchased for middle school band that have been soundly rejected. Thus, the violin rental.

Also not shown are various and sundry items, such as recorders, kazoos and other noise makers.

Wow, I didn't realize how musical we were. Thanks, Suse!

Go Here

Go read Reason #63. I promise, You. Will. Laugh! Then, write Heather a nice, encouraging note. Motherhood Rocks!

My first meme

I've never done a meme, never been 'tagged', don't know what meme means and wouldn't know how to go about 'tagging' someone else (does it involve a can of spray paint?). But, this one from Sarah Louise, via some of her friends, looked a little different than the norm, so I'm gonna do it. I just might learn a little bit about my own self.

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says. "al.le.giance (e le'jens), n. loyalty to a government, sovereign, person, group or cause." The Random House Webster's Dictionary.

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can...what do you touch first? My tea, extra milk, two splenda's.

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? Half of Boston Legal, before I fell asleep.

4. Without looking, what time is it? 2:06 pm

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? 2:10 pm

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? Our dogs barking.

7. When did you last go outside? It's early out day from the elementary school. Went to pick up my girls. Very fall-ish and beautiful.

8. What are you wearing? New-to-me courdoroys from the thrift shop, t-shirt, cardigan, flip-flops and a smile.

9. When did you last laugh? With friends at knitting class.

10. Seen anything weird lately? I cleaned out the fridge the other day, so what does that say?

11. What did you dream last night? I don't remember last nights dream.

12. What's on the walls of the room you're in? My cork board full of pictures, writing guidelines, quotes, doo-dads from the kids, etc. The usual suspects.

13. What do you think of this survey? I'm having fun. It's my first meme, you know.

14. What's the last film you saw? Hollywoodland. Eh.

15. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy? A house on some property and a nice vacation.

16. Tell me something about you that I don't know. I am a sign-language interpreter, but as there is a very low deaf population where I live, I haven't worked in this field for a while. I hope I don't get too rusty.

17. If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change? Hate.

18. Do you like to dance? I like to embarrass my children with all my happenin' moves.

19. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? We named her after family members. I think if I had to do it over again, I would have a theme, like maybe give everyone a flower name, or something.

20. Boy? I wouldn't change his name. His name fits him.

21. Would you ever consider living abroad? I would live in Vancouver, B.C, but don't think that counts as abroad. If I did live somewhere, I would want to be fluent in the language before I went.

Okay... I feel like a more official member of the blogging world now. And all it took was the amount of time to drink a cup of tea. So, since I don't know the real protocol, consider yourself tagged.

My kids a poet

** This is a poem my 8th grade daughter has written for her English assignment. Since I have a photo illustration and am bursting with pride, I thought I would share it. Don't tell! P.S. I get to go see her read it aloud at school today. :)


I am in the Pacific Ocean
Alone with my quiet thoughts
Ankle deep, I stand in the foamy, cool ocean water
The waves roll in and I see the sun dip into the ocean
The mighty waves crash onto the sandy beach
I breath in the refreshing ocean air
I taste the salt of the sea on my lips
The cool breeze blows my hair, the sun warms my face, and I feel the churning ocean water tugging at my feet
My soul is at peace
I am on the sandy beach

Bits from our trip home this summer

Taken from the top of the Space Needle.


Long Beach, WA

How do you like my tat?

Kathryn from Daring Young Mom sent out bloggy tattoos that she got from her trip to Blogher. Here's mine. It says 'Blog This'. I'm feeling so tough!

I had to include the flip-flop photo, though, because just a few short weeks ago I had a pedicure with flowers painted on the toes and my feet looked oh, so cute. They were summer feet.

Summer is over. Please don't look too closely! Usually, I just stop painting my toes and by the time summer rolls around again I chip off the remnants of last years polish and start over again. This year, I actually took the polish off so my feet will be able to breathe comfortably all winter long, under their socks, slippers and boots.

My feet are the only part of my body that will miss summer. The rest of me is ready for fall and winter. I like sweaters and jeans and to be covered from head to ankles. My feet will continue to be as free as possible until they are too chilly to bare. Blackbird had some very cute Mary Janes posted that I may be interested in.

Pop on over to visit Kathryn. She will have a bunch of tattooed mommas on her site shortly. Meanwhile, my kids have informed me that I am not a 'tattoo person' and have recommended that I find the baby oil. Party poopers.

Chickens and such

Before I had kids, if you asked me "Guess what?", my answer would've been... Chicken Butt!

I loved saying that. I guess 14 years ago it was unique and funny and clever and witty and not as stupid as it sounds now?? Maybe?

Then I had a sweet, little ball of pink fluff who, in no time flat, became repeat to my 'peat'. When your toddler says chicken butt a hundred times a day it ceases to become amusing. When they say it to every stranger and teach it to every kid in the nursery it becomes downright embarrassing.

Not as embarrassing as my old neighbor, whose son would scream the 'sh' version of chicken manure any time a pre-school worker would try to change his diaper or in any way try to rein him in. Then, my little problem just became amusing again. Misery loves company.

Anyway, knowing how stupid I used to sound, and how much trouble those two little words caused in my world, why do I want to purchase this absurd shirt?

The joys and trials of small town life

I love my little, rural town. I really do. And sometimes I just want to go somewhere big, traffic and all, and be anonymous again.

I love that I can let my older kids walk a few blocks and go to the library by themselves. I can send them to the store for milk, or bread or whatever, and know that they'll be back inside of seven minutes.

On the up-side, other moms know my kids. I feel like my kids are watched over and cared for when I'm not being the over-proctective hawk that big town living has bred into me.

On the down-side, other moms know my kids. We are new here. We don't always 'get' the strange ways of this town. We buck the system a little bit, and ruffle feathers. Not that we didn't do that before, it's just that here, we are noticed.

We run into people we know everywhere. It's a good thing. I love seeing a friend at the grocery store and having a chat. If you want someone to hang out with, you just show up on a door step. Or someone shows up at yours. It's nice.

Of course, there are the times when you see someone you sort of recognize, can't quite place, and realize it's the doctor who just did your pelvic exam. I miss the days when I didn't run into the person who sees my inner most parts on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. Yes, I know. Doctors are people, too.

Same goes for teachers. I love seeing my little girls' teachers out and about. However, when you see the teacher you've had a problem with, the one you had to have a 'discussion' with, all over town and can see on teachers face that they think you are a terrible parent and should have never questioned their judgment... well, I could go on and on. I don't like it.

I don't like that I can smell cows. I REALLY don't like when the wind changes and I smell hogs instead. Gag.

I can run all my errands in under a half an hour, leaving me time to see a matinee if our little theater would realize that moms like movies too and start having a 1:00 show. Is that too much to ask??

I was wrong in thinking that we could talk to a parent about how their son was treating ours. I regret that day, as we made our son's life much, much harder.

I cannot tell you how much I adore our community swimming pool and all the friends we have made there.

I love my church and my pastor who knows us and seems to like us. He is accessible and because we see him all over the place, we know that he is who he is. He is the same guy at the pulpit that we see at the football games. My kids love him.

Quality of life here is high. You don't have to fight 30 minutes of traffic to get anywhere. Although I do have to drive 45 minutes to the nearest Target. A crime! There are parks, outdoor walking trails, indoor rec centers, festivals, music in the park, organized sports, unorganized sports, white Christmases, neighbors who bake for one another, and lots more.

I guess I am still getting used to a more transparent life. People see me, know me, put up with me and accept me. I used to get to choose who got to do that, but here, we are all piled up within a two mile radius and the lack of elbow space creates more 'cozy' living. Whether we want it or not.

There are still those smile and nod, everything-is-fine type of people. But now I have people who call me out, ask me why I say I'm fine when my eyes are saying something else. It's messy and not always comfortable, but very, very good.

It's not always the smooth, idealic, sailing that I once thought it would be, but it is definitely less trials, more joy.

Knitting and new friends

Today I joined a bi-lingual knitting class at my church. The lovely lady in charge spoke both English and Spanish fluently. Everyone else spoke Spanish.

Except me.

It is weird to sit in a room understand less than 5% of what is going on. I got 'verde'. I got 'muy'. I got 'something, something, something, Amy, no habla Espanol.' About five times. It is humbling to have your name connected with... here she is but she doesn't know a word your saying. Hopefully I'll be semi-conversational in a short amount of time.

Good thing I already know how to knit!

I think everyone should sit in a room and not be able to understand for awhile. It gives an appreciation to what new people to our country have to deal with. I can't imagine living with a language barrier for most of my day. A good reminder to be nice to strangers. A smile goes a long way.

Even though I was new to the group, these women were very gracious to me. They looked over my project (stupid scarf) and I looked over theirs (christening gowns with matching blankets. Hmmph). One lady worked my project for awhile. Big challenge there. They didn't laugh when I had to rip out fifteen minutes worth of work and they all asked where I bought my cool chenille yarn.

I didn't exactly fit in right away, but I think I might. They did already know each other and of course, they already had the language thing going on, but it was comfortable after the first few minutes. Some of them had brought along the most common denominator for moms.... babies! One can always ooh and aah over a toddler, no matter what the language.

Hasta later, amigas. (See! I'm getting it!)

I followed a trail to...

I just finished listening to the audio book 'Tis, by Frank McCourt. I loved that the author read his own work. His dry reading only added to the bits of humor and irony in the story.

Malachy McCourt, Frank's older brother, became an entertainer in New York, so I looked him up, and found that he has written a lot of books, is an actor, and has a column in a magazine.

On Malachy's website, I saw that his wife started something called Womanshare which looks totally cool. Women make a list of what they are good at and what they can offer other women, along with a list of what they hope another woman in the group can offer them. When you share, you get hours credited to your account which you can use to barter something from someone else. These women seem to have a wonderful community and there are testimonials of friendships and window cleanings!

Lovely.

Before and After

Would you look at this car? I packed for six people and it all fit in the back, without a car topper, and we didn't even lose any window space. I am amazing. My husband repeatedly thanked me as we unloaded that he didn't have to crawl on top of the van to get stuff.


On the other hand... when we got home, we weren't quite so contained. It took six days to unpack and clean up. I am still recovering.

We had a ton o' fun. But I am glad to be in my own home again.

We're back

We are home from vacation, but need to get caught up and catch my breath. History proves that this may take me more than a couple of days. I have a few pictures to show everyone, but in the mean time, please enjoy this very cool video by OK Go!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI

Going on Vacation

Good-bye my bloggy friends! We are going to be spending the next two and a half weeks in a van together and eating a lot of the above. My son likes a little chicken with his ketchup.

I'm using these chicken McNuggets as my chicken post for show and tell. I don't have any real chicken stories, unless you count the rooster I saw when I was walking the dogs the other day. A rooster, all alone, in someone's front yard. It yelled at us.

I will miss you, dear friends. I look forward to reading all your wonderful and fascinating posts when I return. Hopefully, I'll have some cool things to show you when we get back.

TTFN, ta ta for now.