I spent Thursday blowing through things at work, getting things accomplished, preparing for our transitions, tackling projects that had piled up while things are slow during Chinese New Year. I had our budget set out for the next few months and things are looking great. Cooper is in the care of his Daddy and then one of the most genuine, loving, wonderful people I've ever met. My working mother guilt is quelled for the time being because I know he's extremely well taken care of.
Then I get the call from Steven saying they cut his hours and he will now be working days. We had a sneaking suspicion something like this might happen but I didn't really believe it-he's been working nights for the entire 9 years we've been together. How is that possible? What will we even do? Will we even know how to act around eachother in the evenings? Not to mention the paycut for not having a night differential.
The worst part is how this all affects Coopy...not only will his schedule change drastically from the toddler night shift of sleeping 9 pm to 10 am, but we will have to find a new caregiver situation for him-a daunting task as any other working mother knows. This will also lead to his bedtime being much earlier, thus decreasing my time with him, which makes me the saddest. We had a good little routine going there.
So now we're once again in the market for a new sitter/daycare, so if anyone has any leads, let me know!
I'm allowing myself a few days of being whiny about this, and then I will suck it up and move on. We are still very blessed and appreciative of what we have, just concerned about the logistics of it all. Things like this happen for a reason and we will make it through. This economy is really hitting home-seems like everyone is affected by it now.
Meanwhile all three of us have been on the verge of being sick this week.
Meanwhile didn't we get a new president or something of extreme importance this week?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Too much change-Part 1
Just last week I actually had the thought that everything was in its right place, we are so blessed and fortunate to have the life we have. I still feel this way, but not so much the 'in its right place' part.
Do you remember this chart from school? Well, I believe I've run through each and every one of these feelings this week.
I had a feeling of foreboding, this internal stress that was eating away inside of me all weekend-I knew something was wrong. I kept telling Steven there would be big changes at MY work this week and my nerves were already fried.
Monday started with a serious bang. With the popping in every few minutes of coworkers telling me who had been let go, and the list seemed never-ending. People you never would have imagined losing their jobs and some who half expected it. My closest confidant was home sick, my stoic boss seemed frazzled, and the rest of us were left feeling like sitting ducks. I was literally shaking and everytime someone came by with new news I expected it to be someone leading me to the chopping block. When my boss was taken behind closed doors by our big boss, I knew that it was one of our turns. My single mother co-worker called me and we voiced our fears, knowing that the inevitable was about to happen. She said she didn't know what she'd do if it was her because she had no help to raise her daughter and herself. I then went to the restroom and on my way back, I saw her waiting for an elevator and she said quietly "Its me, they called me down to HR." I was dumbstruck and didn't know what to say. I naively waited for her to walk back by my office so I could offer a hug or at least say goodbye, but she never did and I realized they wouldn't let her come back up when I saw someone walk by with her purse.
Word was that everyone who would be gone was gone before lunch so there was a small sense of relief, but you could see the sadness and exhaustion in the remaining people's eyes. After lunch I was called in to talk about my new responsibilities and other changes. And when I say changes, I'm talking CHANGES. While this is a great opportunity for me and some of my other talented peers to advance along with exploring and learning different categories-its all quite an adjustment for all of us, but we welcome it. I will no longer have my great boss and can't help but feel mournful for all of the co-workers I lost but I do recognize the huge blessing this is for me especially in times like these.
For about a day and a half, this led to another false feeling of everything being in its right place....
Do you remember this chart from school? Well, I believe I've run through each and every one of these feelings this week.
I had a feeling of foreboding, this internal stress that was eating away inside of me all weekend-I knew something was wrong. I kept telling Steven there would be big changes at MY work this week and my nerves were already fried.
Monday started with a serious bang. With the popping in every few minutes of coworkers telling me who had been let go, and the list seemed never-ending. People you never would have imagined losing their jobs and some who half expected it. My closest confidant was home sick, my stoic boss seemed frazzled, and the rest of us were left feeling like sitting ducks. I was literally shaking and everytime someone came by with new news I expected it to be someone leading me to the chopping block. When my boss was taken behind closed doors by our big boss, I knew that it was one of our turns. My single mother co-worker called me and we voiced our fears, knowing that the inevitable was about to happen. She said she didn't know what she'd do if it was her because she had no help to raise her daughter and herself. I then went to the restroom and on my way back, I saw her waiting for an elevator and she said quietly "Its me, they called me down to HR." I was dumbstruck and didn't know what to say. I naively waited for her to walk back by my office so I could offer a hug or at least say goodbye, but she never did and I realized they wouldn't let her come back up when I saw someone walk by with her purse.
Word was that everyone who would be gone was gone before lunch so there was a small sense of relief, but you could see the sadness and exhaustion in the remaining people's eyes. After lunch I was called in to talk about my new responsibilities and other changes. And when I say changes, I'm talking CHANGES. While this is a great opportunity for me and some of my other talented peers to advance along with exploring and learning different categories-its all quite an adjustment for all of us, but we welcome it. I will no longer have my great boss and can't help but feel mournful for all of the co-workers I lost but I do recognize the huge blessing this is for me especially in times like these.
For about a day and a half, this led to another false feeling of everything being in its right place....
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hilarious ad
I'm not a big internet video watcher, but a friend at work showed me this one and its great, you have to watch it!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Boots of a different feather still flock together
On my feet!
While at the water cooler after lunch, I looked down at my right foot to see that I had worn my black boots with stitching down the middle. Not liking these boots much I was surprised at my choice to wear them. Then, I looked at the left foot and realized that I was wearing one of my new boots on that foot. Gotta love getting ready while holding your clingy toddler and running late!
While at the water cooler after lunch, I looked down at my right foot to see that I had worn my black boots with stitching down the middle. Not liking these boots much I was surprised at my choice to wear them. Then, I looked at the left foot and realized that I was wearing one of my new boots on that foot. Gotta love getting ready while holding your clingy toddler and running late!
Lethargy and Blessings
I've been stumbling through the week thus far feeling zombie-esque, disconnected, and unable to concentrate as well as usual...with no clear reason why. Isn't it funny that when you feel this way you can't muster up enough brainpower to figure out what the cause is and thus can't figure out a solution. Maybe its a sinus infection? Maybe the onset of a cold? Maybe the weather changes are taking their toll? Or could it be the minimal exercise so far this week? Could it be the bag of yummy cookies and goodies from my sweet friend (shoutout S.H.) that I practically ate in one sitting? Probably a combination of all of these things and I imagine the general consensus right now.
This morning I had to stop for gas, usually a non-event. I got out in the upper 20 something degree weather and got the pump going but couldn't handle being out in the cold so I sat in my passenger seat and waited. There were hundreds of birds around the Exxon sign just flying around in what seemed an aimless dance. This being our coldest day of the year so far, I was baffled at the fact that these birds weren't headed South like their cohorts I've seen lately. I guess some do stick around seeing as we are relatively pretty far South, but how cold is too cold for a bird? I'm sure it depends on the bird and the wind, and who knows how many other variables. Maybe a bird expert will happen upon my blog and answer these questions for me.
Anyways, as much as I knew in my heart that these specific birds (grackles) could surely tolerate the weather or they wouldn't be there, I couldn't help myself from wanting to round them up and put them in my car and keep them warm. I sat there and pictured myself grabbing handfuls of them in my arms and placing them in the backseat and all of us sitting comfortably together in the warmth.
Inevitably that led me to think of the fact that there could be children out in weather this cold or colder and how horribly sad that is. I can't and don't want to imagine the unbearable yearning they and their mothers must have for warmth in the cold like this. Naively, I'd like to believe that really this isn't happening anywhere in the world, but I know better. Its nice to have the option to take such a painful thought or feeling and push it away because it doesn't affect me directly but many people don't have that luxury....and I'm still trying to figure out a way to somehow help them all!
The long and short of this story is that this cold weather and those crazy birds out there in it took me out of my little sheltered world for a minute and made me remember that having a home- with heat and cozy blankets and soft beds for my family is such an incredible blessing. Maybe God hit me with this sluggishness so I'd slow down and realize how truly, exceptionally wonderful my simple little life is.
This morning I had to stop for gas, usually a non-event. I got out in the upper 20 something degree weather and got the pump going but couldn't handle being out in the cold so I sat in my passenger seat and waited. There were hundreds of birds around the Exxon sign just flying around in what seemed an aimless dance. This being our coldest day of the year so far, I was baffled at the fact that these birds weren't headed South like their cohorts I've seen lately. I guess some do stick around seeing as we are relatively pretty far South, but how cold is too cold for a bird? I'm sure it depends on the bird and the wind, and who knows how many other variables. Maybe a bird expert will happen upon my blog and answer these questions for me.
Anyways, as much as I knew in my heart that these specific birds (grackles) could surely tolerate the weather or they wouldn't be there, I couldn't help myself from wanting to round them up and put them in my car and keep them warm. I sat there and pictured myself grabbing handfuls of them in my arms and placing them in the backseat and all of us sitting comfortably together in the warmth.
Inevitably that led me to think of the fact that there could be children out in weather this cold or colder and how horribly sad that is. I can't and don't want to imagine the unbearable yearning they and their mothers must have for warmth in the cold like this. Naively, I'd like to believe that really this isn't happening anywhere in the world, but I know better. Its nice to have the option to take such a painful thought or feeling and push it away because it doesn't affect me directly but many people don't have that luxury....and I'm still trying to figure out a way to somehow help them all!
The long and short of this story is that this cold weather and those crazy birds out there in it took me out of my little sheltered world for a minute and made me remember that having a home- with heat and cozy blankets and soft beds for my family is such an incredible blessing. Maybe God hit me with this sluggishness so I'd slow down and realize how truly, exceptionally wonderful my simple little life is.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Shantell's Bday!!
What a fun night! Though those who are still out partying every weekend may have considered our night out lame, but it was a blast for me and probably the latest I've been out (without baby in tow) since my boy was born. I love meeting new people, and Shantell's friends were all such fun and intersesting women that I'm so glad I got to meet or see again.
One in particular that I'm somewhat selfishly glad showed up was Erika, who is an amazingly creative person who makes these beautiful cakes. This is the one she made for Shantell which was dark chocolate with ganache, rasberry, etc. along with the adorable fondant margarita glasses and limes. It was absolutely delicous! Seriously, anyone reading this should check out her website HERE and look at the pictures of some that she has made...talk about talent. I can hardly ice a cupcake well, so I'm a bit jealous. :)
After dinner we weighed going out to a bar or going shopping kid-free, and guess what us party animals chose? Shopping! And what did we buy? Mainly stuff for our kids. But we were out really late, so we're still hard-core.
Congrats also to Stephanie, Jeremy, and Jesse...you guys have such a sweet family and I'm so happy I got to be there to help surprise you guys after such a wonderful experience!!!! Jesse is lucky to have such great parents.
One in particular that I'm somewhat selfishly glad showed up was Erika, who is an amazingly creative person who makes these beautiful cakes. This is the one she made for Shantell which was dark chocolate with ganache, rasberry, etc. along with the adorable fondant margarita glasses and limes. It was absolutely delicous! Seriously, anyone reading this should check out her website HERE and look at the pictures of some that she has made...talk about talent. I can hardly ice a cupcake well, so I'm a bit jealous. :)
After dinner we weighed going out to a bar or going shopping kid-free, and guess what us party animals chose? Shopping! And what did we buy? Mainly stuff for our kids. But we were out really late, so we're still hard-core.
Congrats also to Stephanie, Jeremy, and Jesse...you guys have such a sweet family and I'm so happy I got to be there to help surprise you guys after such a wonderful experience!!!! Jesse is lucky to have such great parents.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Take a hint, Mom
Last night, I was on the computer searching for and booking a hotel for an upcoming trip that I had to get done last night. I kept trying to do my best to engage Cooper while I was busily searching. I would read him the hotel rates, locations, and amenities, etc. but still felt bad for being pre-occupied but it had to be done right then. He kept walking up to me with that toothy grin, bringing me random books and toys he probably hoped I'd play with. :(
I frantically finished the search and found and booked a place. Meanwhile, I had heard Cooper moving around in his room and it sounded like he was searching through the closet. As I was finally entering my credit card info, he walks up to me and hands me a shirt that was tucked away in the far corner of his closet where the hand me downs for next year are hung(Thanks Shantell & Caleb!). And the shirt said.........
"I want My Mummy!"
Of course I find more meaning in things than I probably should but how perfect was that timing? That boy got more hugs and kisses than he ever wanted and will probably think that he should always bring me shirts from his closet now since it made me so happy.
I frantically finished the search and found and booked a place. Meanwhile, I had heard Cooper moving around in his room and it sounded like he was searching through the closet. As I was finally entering my credit card info, he walks up to me and hands me a shirt that was tucked away in the far corner of his closet where the hand me downs for next year are hung(Thanks Shantell & Caleb!). And the shirt said.........
"I want My Mummy!"
Of course I find more meaning in things than I probably should but how perfect was that timing? That boy got more hugs and kisses than he ever wanted and will probably think that he should always bring me shirts from his closet now since it made me so happy.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Stomach bugs
The past two days have been filled with unmentionable stomach issues, hours cuddled under numerous comforters trying to fight off the fever chills, extreme exhaustion, and the fear that I may drop my child if I tried to pick him up because I was so weak. I wondered what was wrong with me since my family and immediate co-workers did not have any issues...maybe I had food poisoning or some rare intestinal disease...or an ulcer from worrying about rare diseases anytime someone I love gets sick.
Upon my return to the electronic world, I've discovered an inbox I don't want to tackle and 9 people in my circle of friends/co-workers who've suffered through the past 2 days just as I have! NINE people. This is just the people I've had the opportunity to talk to so far today. Some were friends at a party and others weren't there nor did any of us have direct contact. I'm always so flabbergasted at how quickly/voraciously these types of bugs pass! I wouldn't wish that kind of sickness upon anybody so if I've come into contact with you directly or indirectly....I'm SORRY!
And....if you've been sick too tell me so I can add you to my list of sick people to be amazed about.
Upon my return to the electronic world, I've discovered an inbox I don't want to tackle and 9 people in my circle of friends/co-workers who've suffered through the past 2 days just as I have! NINE people. This is just the people I've had the opportunity to talk to so far today. Some were friends at a party and others weren't there nor did any of us have direct contact. I'm always so flabbergasted at how quickly/voraciously these types of bugs pass! I wouldn't wish that kind of sickness upon anybody so if I've come into contact with you directly or indirectly....I'm SORRY!
And....if you've been sick too tell me so I can add you to my list of sick people to be amazed about.
Monday, October 6, 2008
A Post from Stoppage Lead Palin
I'm sure you've all heard Sarah Palin's children's names and they are quite interesting. This by no means should indicate my political preference, its just funny!
Go to the Sarah Palin baby name generator. It gives you your name if Sarah Palin were your mother.
Its really hard being back at work today in the dreary, rainy weather after such a great weekend with my speedwalking son Trowel Ogre Palin and his wonderful Daddy, Thump Hummer Palin, so I was glad to run across something that was mildly humorous.
Go to the Sarah Palin baby name generator. It gives you your name if Sarah Palin were your mother.
Its really hard being back at work today in the dreary, rainy weather after such a great weekend with my speedwalking son Trowel Ogre Palin and his wonderful Daddy, Thump Hummer Palin, so I was glad to run across something that was mildly humorous.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sundry thoughts
I am an overthinker and overanalyzer hence the reason I hardly ever post blogs, it has nothing to do with the lack of content, just can't figure out how to make things concise or just pick one topic! So, I'm just going to write a few things that are in my head today in bullet format. Why? Because I know everyone is waiting around with bated breath to read the latest installment of my blog.
-Nobody blogs anymore, hardly any of my friends are posting and I miss it! Come on guys!!! I dare you!!!
-My son is an incredibly sweet, lately moody toddler boy who has unknowingly discovered new paths and crevices in my heart and filled so many of the empty holes.
-Being close to 30 is so much better than being in my early, or even mid-20's. Things are so much easier now, having a more rational vision of what life should be, knowledge that life, myself, and others cannot live up to my expectations, and being at peace with that (most of the time).
-Increasingly annoyed with those who often use the phrase "are we still in high school?" and act the most adolescent. Although I've been guilty of this in the past.
-I'm intentionally trying to ignore the economic/political turmoil in our country. Ignorance is bliss, right? How irresponsible of me as a voting citizen!
-Anybody know how long cows milk stays safe to drink if not in the fridge? i.e. in a sippy cup for hours?
-Nobody blogs anymore, hardly any of my friends are posting and I miss it! Come on guys!!! I dare you!!!
-My son is an incredibly sweet, lately moody toddler boy who has unknowingly discovered new paths and crevices in my heart and filled so many of the empty holes.
-Being close to 30 is so much better than being in my early, or even mid-20's. Things are so much easier now, having a more rational vision of what life should be, knowledge that life, myself, and others cannot live up to my expectations, and being at peace with that (most of the time).
-Increasingly annoyed with those who often use the phrase "are we still in high school?" and act the most adolescent. Although I've been guilty of this in the past.
-I'm intentionally trying to ignore the economic/political turmoil in our country. Ignorance is bliss, right? How irresponsible of me as a voting citizen!
-Anybody know how long cows milk stays safe to drink if not in the fridge? i.e. in a sippy cup for hours?
Friday, September 12, 2008
My Quest for selflessness, Grace, and REST
My vision of myself as a mother is not the woman I was last night. A few nights of 4 a.m. wakings mixed with female issues do not a happy Mommy make.
He did not fall asleep until near 11, I did not until near midnight. Then, the dreaded 2 a.m. wake up whine came...and it all went downhill from there. He was fussy at first, surely because of another evil tooth on the verge of arrival, so I gave him ibuprofen expecting he would soon feel better and be able to rest again. His plans were different, he felt better and he wanted to play! I tried my hardest to (gently) force him back to sleep for another hour, to no avail. At one point I contemplated letting him cry it out, but I wasn't built for that, some nights I wish I was. I melt at the sound of his or any child's cries, they are truly heart-wrenching to me, I sometimes wish I was a little less emotional and affected by things like that and some days I'm glad I'm so overly sensitive.
By then, it had been 2 hours already and I was cranky, to say the least. I took him out to the living room thinking maybe he hadn't had enough dinner and was hungry. I got him some Cheerios and we sat and read a book and were peaceful for a while, until he started to throw the Cheerios on the floor and try to stuff them into the couch creases...the boy is one year old and rules and commands like "No!" don't really register completely with him but I proceeded to tell him no, but I didn't just tell him, I yelled at him...several times. He looked at me with this confused and forlorn face, like "but, I thought we were having fun?" It was really an eye-opening incident for me. I don't want to be that mother who yells at her kids when its really unecessary, I've seen it in action and not only is it nerve-wracking but its counterproductive in most situations. So, I sat there staring at that doe-eyed little angel who brings me more happiness than I could ever imagine and he smiles and kisses me....how beautiful and forgiving these little creatures are.
By the grace of God, Steven woke up and told me to sneak back in the bedroom and get some sleep. I could hear Cooper in there squealing and squawking with delight....at 4:30 in the morning! He and I were running on 2-3 hours of sleep and I have no clue how he was still going! Steven brought him back to me around 5, and he proceeded to want to play and dawdle until he finally passed out around 6...when my alarm goes off. I got up and left a voicemail for my amazingly understanding (male!) boss that I would be in late. So, I did get another 2 hours of sleep.
This boy has been a super-sleeper for a while now, barring any teething nights or illnesses, and I sat there contemplating what might be causing his restlessness and wakefulness but came up with nothing besides new teeth.
What I did come up with is guilt for not being the kind of Mom I really want to be in this situation...and in many nighttime situations. I want to be calm, nurturing, caring, and selfless. I want to be concerned more with his health, happiness, and well-being than I am with my impending 6 o'clock alarm buzzing. I want him to know that his Mommy will be there for him when he's uncomfortable and doesn't feel good or can't sleep....I don't want to be B@*$^y and impatient and worried about surviving and being halfway coherent at work on 2 hours of sleep. Other women have had to do it, and some do it with grace too....its just part of being a Mom, right? I pray and have prayed that someday (sooner than later) I'm able to find that grace and selflessness and just accept that this is bound to happen and surely will many more times in his life. It just doesn't seem like nocturnal gracefulness was ever in my cards, I'm too much of a sleep-lover.
From the words of my dear friend Tressa, his youth is only a 'short season in' my life and I will miss it when its gone, so I need to appreciate every little nighttime kiss and hug and cuddle while I can get it, even if I'm missing sleep, right?
Whille I may regret publicizing my meanness for all the world to see, my excuse is sheer exhaustion and the effects of only 4 broken hours of sleep. Plus, I thought if I blogged about it, I'd have to hold myself accountable to being a better nighttime Mom. :)
He did not fall asleep until near 11, I did not until near midnight. Then, the dreaded 2 a.m. wake up whine came...and it all went downhill from there. He was fussy at first, surely because of another evil tooth on the verge of arrival, so I gave him ibuprofen expecting he would soon feel better and be able to rest again. His plans were different, he felt better and he wanted to play! I tried my hardest to (gently) force him back to sleep for another hour, to no avail. At one point I contemplated letting him cry it out, but I wasn't built for that, some nights I wish I was. I melt at the sound of his or any child's cries, they are truly heart-wrenching to me, I sometimes wish I was a little less emotional and affected by things like that and some days I'm glad I'm so overly sensitive.
By then, it had been 2 hours already and I was cranky, to say the least. I took him out to the living room thinking maybe he hadn't had enough dinner and was hungry. I got him some Cheerios and we sat and read a book and were peaceful for a while, until he started to throw the Cheerios on the floor and try to stuff them into the couch creases...the boy is one year old and rules and commands like "No!" don't really register completely with him but I proceeded to tell him no, but I didn't just tell him, I yelled at him...several times. He looked at me with this confused and forlorn face, like "but, I thought we were having fun?" It was really an eye-opening incident for me. I don't want to be that mother who yells at her kids when its really unecessary, I've seen it in action and not only is it nerve-wracking but its counterproductive in most situations. So, I sat there staring at that doe-eyed little angel who brings me more happiness than I could ever imagine and he smiles and kisses me....how beautiful and forgiving these little creatures are.
By the grace of God, Steven woke up and told me to sneak back in the bedroom and get some sleep. I could hear Cooper in there squealing and squawking with delight....at 4:30 in the morning! He and I were running on 2-3 hours of sleep and I have no clue how he was still going! Steven brought him back to me around 5, and he proceeded to want to play and dawdle until he finally passed out around 6...when my alarm goes off. I got up and left a voicemail for my amazingly understanding (male!) boss that I would be in late. So, I did get another 2 hours of sleep.
This boy has been a super-sleeper for a while now, barring any teething nights or illnesses, and I sat there contemplating what might be causing his restlessness and wakefulness but came up with nothing besides new teeth.
What I did come up with is guilt for not being the kind of Mom I really want to be in this situation...and in many nighttime situations. I want to be calm, nurturing, caring, and selfless. I want to be concerned more with his health, happiness, and well-being than I am with my impending 6 o'clock alarm buzzing. I want him to know that his Mommy will be there for him when he's uncomfortable and doesn't feel good or can't sleep....I don't want to be B@*$^y and impatient and worried about surviving and being halfway coherent at work on 2 hours of sleep. Other women have had to do it, and some do it with grace too....its just part of being a Mom, right? I pray and have prayed that someday (sooner than later) I'm able to find that grace and selflessness and just accept that this is bound to happen and surely will many more times in his life. It just doesn't seem like nocturnal gracefulness was ever in my cards, I'm too much of a sleep-lover.
From the words of my dear friend Tressa, his youth is only a 'short season in' my life and I will miss it when its gone, so I need to appreciate every little nighttime kiss and hug and cuddle while I can get it, even if I'm missing sleep, right?
Whille I may regret publicizing my meanness for all the world to see, my excuse is sheer exhaustion and the effects of only 4 broken hours of sleep. Plus, I thought if I blogged about it, I'd have to hold myself accountable to being a better nighttime Mom. :)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
For my superbly, genuinely talented friend
Remember:
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Don't give up on what you're meant to do because others are unable to find their own path and must follow yours!
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Don't give up on what you're meant to do because others are unable to find their own path and must follow yours!
Friday, July 18, 2008
The New Classics
I have so missed reading over the past few years. I went from being in school and having time only for reading textbooks, to being pregnant and only wanting to read pregnancy books, to having a baby and having time for nothing other than baby.
Oddly, in this age of horrifyingly high gas prices, I am thankful for my hour-long commute each way. Why? Because I've discovered the wonderful world of audiobooks! I am seriously obsessed and cannot read (listen to) them fast enough. I actually look forward to my drive everyday. No, more than look forward to it...I am excited for it, I crave it. Thank you audiobooks, you've changed my life! :)
So, I came across this list of the "New Classics," and this blog challenging everyone to read at least 6 books they haven't previously read from the list between August 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009.
Anyone else want to join me?
I've highlighed the books I've read in bold; I am planning to read the books in red.
1. The Road , Cormac McCarthy (2006)
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling (2000)
3. Beloved, Toni Morrison (1987)
4. The Liars' Club, Mary Karr (1995)
5. American Pastoral, Philip Roth (1997)
6. Mystic River, Dennis Lehane (2001)
7. Maus, Art Spiegelman (1986/1991)
8. Selected Stories, Alice Munro (1996)
9. Cold Mountain, Charles Frazier (1997)
10. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Haruki Murakami (1997)
11. Into Thin Air, Jon Krakauer (1997)
12. Blindness, José Saramago (1998)
13. Watchmen, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (1986-87)
14. Black Water, Joyce Carol Oates (1992)
15. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Dave Eggers (2000)
16. The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood (1986)
17. Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez (1988)
18. Rabbit at Rest, John Updike (1990)
19. On Beauty, Zadie Smith (2005)
20. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding (1998)
21. On Writing, Stephen King (2000)
22. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Díaz (2007)
23. The Ghost Road, Pat Barker (1996)
24. Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry (1985)
25. The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan (1989)
26. Neuromancer, William Gibson (1984)
27. Possession, A.S. Byatt (1990)
28. Naked, David Sedaris (1997)
29. Bel Canto, Anne Patchett (2001)
30. Case Histories, Kate Atkinson (2004)
31. The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien (1990)
32. Parting the Waters, Taylor Branch (1988)
33. The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion (2005)
34. The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold (2002)
35. The Line of Beauty, Alan Hollinghurst (2004)
36. Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt (1996)
37. Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi (2003)
38. Birds of America, Lorrie Moore (1998)
39. Interpreter of Maladies, Jhumpa Lahiri (2000)
40. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman (1995-2000)
41. The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros (1984)
42. LaBrava, Elmore Leonard (1983)
43. Borrowed Time, Paul Monette (1988)
44. Praying for Sheetrock, Melissa Fay Greene (1991)
45. Eva Luna, Isabel Allende (1988)
46. Sandman, Neil Gaiman (1988-1996)
47. World's Fair, E.L. Doctorow (1985)
48. The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver (1998)
49. Clockers, Richard Price (1992)
50. The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen (2001)
51. The Journalist and the Murderer, Janet Malcom (1990)
52. Waiting to Exhale, Terry McMillan (1992)
53. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, Michael Chabon (2000)
54. Jimmy Corrigan, Chris Ware (2000)
55. The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls (2006)
56. The Night Manager, John le Carré (1993)
57. The Bonfire of the Vanities, Tom Wolfe (1987)
58. Drop City, TC Boyle (2003)
59. Krik? Krak! Edwidge Danticat (1995)
60. Nickel & Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich (2001)
61. Money, Martin Amis (1985)
62. Last Train To Memphis, Peter Guralnick (1994)
63. Pastoralia, George Saunders (2000)
64. Underworld, Don DeLillo (1997)
65. The Giver, Lois Lowry (1993)
66. A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again, David Foster Wallace (1997)
67. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini (2003)
68. Fun Home, Alison Bechdel (2006)
69. Secret History, Donna Tartt (1992)
70. Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell (2004)
71. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Ann Fadiman (1997)
72. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon (2003)
73. A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving (1989)
74. Friday Night Lights, H.G. Bissinger (1990)
75. Cathedral, Raymond Carver (1983)
76. A Sight for Sore Eyes, Ruth Rendell (1998)
77. The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro (1989)
78. Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert (2006)
79. The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell (2000)
80. Bright Lights, Big City, Jay McInerney (1984)
81. Backlash, Susan Faludi (1991)
82. Atonement, Ian McEwan (2002)
83. The Stone Diaries, Carol Shields (1994)
84. Holes, Louis Sachar (1998)
85. Gilead, Marilynne Robinson (2004)
86. And the Band Played On, Randy Shilts (1987)
87. The Ruins, Scott Smith (2006)
88. High Fidelity, Nick Hornby (1995)
89. Close Range, Annie Proulx (1999)
90. Comfort Me With Apples, Ruth Reichl (2001)
91. Random Family, Adrian Nicole LeBlanc (2003)
92. Presumed Innocent, Scott Turow (1987)
93. A Thousand Acres, Jane Smiley (1991)
94. Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser (2001)
95. Kaaterskill Falls, Allegra Goodman (1998)
96. The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown (2003)
97. Jesus’ Son, Denis Johnson (1992)
98. The Predators' Ball, Connie Bruck (1988)
99. Practical Magic, Alice Hoffman (1995)
100. America (the Book), Jon Stewart/Daily Show (2004)
Oddly, in this age of horrifyingly high gas prices, I am thankful for my hour-long commute each way. Why? Because I've discovered the wonderful world of audiobooks! I am seriously obsessed and cannot read (listen to) them fast enough. I actually look forward to my drive everyday. No, more than look forward to it...I am excited for it, I crave it. Thank you audiobooks, you've changed my life! :)
So, I came across this list of the "New Classics," and this blog challenging everyone to read at least 6 books they haven't previously read from the list between August 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009.
Anyone else want to join me?
I've highlighed the books I've read in bold; I am planning to read the books in red.
1. The Road , Cormac McCarthy (2006)
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling (2000)
3. Beloved, Toni Morrison (1987)
4. The Liars' Club, Mary Karr (1995)
5. American Pastoral, Philip Roth (1997)
6. Mystic River, Dennis Lehane (2001)
7. Maus, Art Spiegelman (1986/1991)
8. Selected Stories, Alice Munro (1996)
9. Cold Mountain, Charles Frazier (1997)
10. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Haruki Murakami (1997)
11. Into Thin Air, Jon Krakauer (1997)
12. Blindness, José Saramago (1998)
13. Watchmen, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (1986-87)
14. Black Water, Joyce Carol Oates (1992)
15. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Dave Eggers (2000)
16. The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood (1986)
17. Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez (1988)
18. Rabbit at Rest, John Updike (1990)
19. On Beauty, Zadie Smith (2005)
20. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding (1998)
21. On Writing, Stephen King (2000)
22. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Díaz (2007)
23. The Ghost Road, Pat Barker (1996)
24. Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry (1985)
25. The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan (1989)
26. Neuromancer, William Gibson (1984)
27. Possession, A.S. Byatt (1990)
28. Naked, David Sedaris (1997)
29. Bel Canto, Anne Patchett (2001)
30. Case Histories, Kate Atkinson (2004)
31. The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien (1990)
32. Parting the Waters, Taylor Branch (1988)
33. The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion (2005)
34. The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold (2002)
35. The Line of Beauty, Alan Hollinghurst (2004)
36. Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt (1996)
37. Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi (2003)
38. Birds of America, Lorrie Moore (1998)
39. Interpreter of Maladies, Jhumpa Lahiri (2000)
40. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman (1995-2000)
41. The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros (1984)
42. LaBrava, Elmore Leonard (1983)
43. Borrowed Time, Paul Monette (1988)
44. Praying for Sheetrock, Melissa Fay Greene (1991)
45. Eva Luna, Isabel Allende (1988)
46. Sandman, Neil Gaiman (1988-1996)
47. World's Fair, E.L. Doctorow (1985)
48. The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver (1998)
49. Clockers, Richard Price (1992)
50. The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen (2001)
51. The Journalist and the Murderer, Janet Malcom (1990)
52. Waiting to Exhale, Terry McMillan (1992)
53. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, Michael Chabon (2000)
54. Jimmy Corrigan, Chris Ware (2000)
55. The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls (2006)
56. The Night Manager, John le Carré (1993)
57. The Bonfire of the Vanities, Tom Wolfe (1987)
58. Drop City, TC Boyle (2003)
59. Krik? Krak! Edwidge Danticat (1995)
60. Nickel & Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich (2001)
61. Money, Martin Amis (1985)
62. Last Train To Memphis, Peter Guralnick (1994)
63. Pastoralia, George Saunders (2000)
64. Underworld, Don DeLillo (1997)
65. The Giver, Lois Lowry (1993)
66. A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again, David Foster Wallace (1997)
67. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini (2003)
68. Fun Home, Alison Bechdel (2006)
69. Secret History, Donna Tartt (1992)
70. Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell (2004)
71. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Ann Fadiman (1997)
72. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon (2003)
73. A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving (1989)
74. Friday Night Lights, H.G. Bissinger (1990)
75. Cathedral, Raymond Carver (1983)
76. A Sight for Sore Eyes, Ruth Rendell (1998)
77. The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro (1989)
78. Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert (2006)
79. The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell (2000)
80. Bright Lights, Big City, Jay McInerney (1984)
81. Backlash, Susan Faludi (1991)
82. Atonement, Ian McEwan (2002)
83. The Stone Diaries, Carol Shields (1994)
84. Holes, Louis Sachar (1998)
85. Gilead, Marilynne Robinson (2004)
86. And the Band Played On, Randy Shilts (1987)
87. The Ruins, Scott Smith (2006)
88. High Fidelity, Nick Hornby (1995)
89. Close Range, Annie Proulx (1999)
90. Comfort Me With Apples, Ruth Reichl (2001)
91. Random Family, Adrian Nicole LeBlanc (2003)
92. Presumed Innocent, Scott Turow (1987)
93. A Thousand Acres, Jane Smiley (1991)
94. Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser (2001)
95. Kaaterskill Falls, Allegra Goodman (1998)
96. The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown (2003)
97. Jesus’ Son, Denis Johnson (1992)
98. The Predators' Ball, Connie Bruck (1988)
99. Practical Magic, Alice Hoffman (1995)
100. America (the Book), Jon Stewart/Daily Show (2004)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Pure Joy
This picture evokes more emotion in me than any photograph has before.
Grandma (she's no longer Mom to me anymore, but Grandma) calls it "The Joy of Cooping." You know, like the old cookbook which was a staple in our home"The Joy of Cooking."
Everytime I see it, on my desktop background at work, I get this nauseously happy feeling in my stomach. Its the weirdest thing. Like: "oh my gosh, this beautiful, cheerful child is mine, all mine!"
I can't soak in this smile enough, its his new thing, I'm thinking he likes to show off his pearly whites. He throws his head back and smiles with his lips as high up on his gums as possible and it melts my heart everytime I see it. I'm so glad I was able to capture it.
Every Mom probably has a picture of their Child(ren) that just makes them giddy and filled with love like this one does for me, I'd love to see these pictures from my friends. Hint, hint.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Blog Tops!
Cooper has a new and exciting blog header, made by an extremely talented graphic designer, Natalie Ward. She will design your blog top and the proceeds will go towards her deserving family who will soon be going on a mission trip, so if you'd like her to design your own beautiful and unique blog header, click Here.
How to leave a comment
Since embarking on my blogging journey, I've discovered many people having technical difficulities understanding all of this blog stuff. So this is my first attempt to clear things up....
When reading a blog, the blog author would love to get your feedback on the topic at hand. Its always nice to hear what people think or to know that anyone is reading your blog at all. So, here is my simple 4 step guide to leaving comments:
1. Find the hyperlink (highlighted, clickable words) below the blog text stating either (1)how many comments there are or (2)"Post a Comment" and click on it:
(1) Posted by The Gardner's at 8:55 AM 3 comments
(2)Post a Comment
2. Write your comment in the "Leave your Comment," section.
3. Choose your identity
You have 4 options:
Leaving Comments
When reading a blog, the blog author would love to get your feedback on the topic at hand. Its always nice to hear what people think or to know that anyone is reading your blog at all. So, here is my simple 4 step guide to leaving comments:
1. Find the hyperlink (highlighted, clickable words) below the blog text stating either (1)how many comments there are or (2)"Post a Comment" and click on it:
(1) Posted by The Gardner's at 8:55 AM 3 comments
(2)Post a Comment
2. Write your comment in the "Leave your Comment," section.
3. Choose your identity
You have 4 options:
- Google/Blogger ID- If you aren't a Google member already, you should be, but if not you have other options.
- Open ID- You can use your OpenID and sign in here
- Name/URL- Pay close attention! You can just type in your name here and thats it! No need to enter a URL, just type in your name.
Example:
Name: Megan
- Anonymous-Even easier, just click this one and you can be an incognito commenter.
4. Click on the "Publish your comment," button and Voila! You have left a comment!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Sleep deprivation
I remember those good ole days of sleeping in until noon or sometimes after because I had stayed up so late the night before...and thinking "Man, I'm so sleep deprived." Or coming into work after not being able to get to sleep until midnight or later and complaining to co-workers how unbelievably tired I was.....I didn't have a clue.
Now that I'm in the throes of a 9.5-month old with a tooth that is perpetually "just about to cut through," who woke me up numerous times last night unable to sleep through the pain, I realize 1) How stinking lucky I was, rest-wise, back then, and 2) How incredibly sleep-deprived I was the first 3 or 4 months of Cooper's life.
I find it so strange that I'd never really heard anyone talk about how serious sleep deprivation is. You can't function or create complete thoughts properly, and it just puts you into this haze where you feel like you're no longer a contributing part of the living world. I guess other mothers don't want to scare new Moms by telling them how truly hard this is, or maybe its just not something you can properly put into words...or maybe they try and block that all out. Truly, its nothing you can ever properly prepare for unless you've got a live-in nanny or family that lives close-by and are able to help out. Even then, if you're nursing, there's not much relief.
Trying to find compassion for your hungry/hurting/helpless child when all you want to do is close your eyes is so frustrating. I have found myself praying at night for God to give me the patience and sympathy to help Cooper instead of groaning at him when I was really exhausted.
I still sometimes find myself jealous/resentful of my husband's uninterrupted, lenghty rest and have found myself intentionally being louder than necessary in the hopes of interrupting his sleep too. Am I just plain evil or is this common? I'm pretty sure its something a lot of mothers secretly do but don't always admit. (I hope Steven doesn't read this).
Two of my good friends had babies after I did and when they sent me pictures, I saw these two and thought "Wow, there's a picture of me with those same tired eyes." But, you'll notice the blissful smiles we all have too! This is what gets us through...this unfathomable love for our little munchkins.
Renee & Kirsten
Tara & Ryeland
Me & Coopy
Sunday, April 13, 2008
New 'Do
I'm sporting a new 'do.
I was apprehensive at first, as I'm not one who is big on change. Its hard to tell in this picture, but I got highlights for the first time and this is really short for me, but I'm glad I did it. I love it!
I was apprehensive at first, as I'm not one who is big on change. Its hard to tell in this picture, but I got highlights for the first time and this is really short for me, but I'm glad I did it. I love it!
Thanks to Danielle Newby at A.J. Passini, she is one of the best muti-taskers I've ever seen.
I think Cooper likes it too, but you can't tell from this picture.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Music Monday: Favorite Soundtracks
A really great friend-of-a-friend blogger, Kat, posts these fun, interactive, weekly blogs called "Music Mondays." This week's is about favorite soundtracks. I have always been a soundtrack lover since the beginning of my love for music. I have a tendency to bore of the same artist over and over, but love the variety of soundtracks, so here are some of mine:
Garden State-
Brokedown Palace
Anyone else have their own favorites?
P.S. M&A, this is a perfect opportunity for a new blog for you guys.
Garden State-
This entire soundtrack is just excellent, not a bad song on it! I especially love the Shins
"Caring is Creepy"
I would listen to this song in the car before tests in college, it always calmed me down for some reason. Plus, Coldplay's on it. How could you go wrong?
"Caring is Creepy"
I would listen to this song in the car before tests in college, it always calmed me down for some reason. Plus, Coldplay's on it. How could you go wrong?
Brokedown Palace
I just love it, any album that starts out with Sarah Mclachlan is just destined to be an all-around fabulous CD.
Top Gun
This brings back my childhood fantasies of falling in love with a fighter pilot. What a great movie. I still get taken back to the 80's when "Take my Breath Away," comes on the Lite Rock station...oh yeah. Who would have guessed that my future husband and our other neighborhood buddy would end up smashing my Top Gun CD with their skateboards? Abd can you believe I still married the guy? I tried to act like it was okay because I was "too cool" at the time to own that album anyways, but it hurt....real bad. :(
The Lion King
Last but not least, my favorite soundtrack from an animated movie is The Lion King! Elton John's "The Circle of Life," always reminds me of my little sister and how much she loved that movie. We watched it over and over and over for months, maybe years. It makes me all teary-eyed thinking of my little tiny sister, who is no longer little and tiny.
Last but not least, my favorite soundtrack from an animated movie is The Lion King! Elton John's "The Circle of Life," always reminds me of my little sister and how much she loved that movie. We watched it over and over and over for months, maybe years. It makes me all teary-eyed thinking of my little tiny sister, who is no longer little and tiny.
Anyone else have their own favorites?
P.S. M&A, this is a perfect opportunity for a new blog for you guys.
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