out of step

So, I know you know that my month-long job started on Friday (and, by the way, isn't a Friday a very good day for a first day? You go through all that paper work and figuring out where you'll sit and who's who and what your password is, and then before you know it, it's time to go home and you can think about it all later), and I am the "one of these things doesn't belong here" person. And it's not because I have been hired to fill in for a new mom who is on maternity leave (so really, I don't belong...permanently, that is). Rather, it's because it's my old company and we've both had some major changes happen to us since I last left the building. My company and me. Major changes since I left it and it said goodbye to me. That was a few years ago, and yet a lifetime ago.

It is strange to come back to a place where your memories of it are all the people inside, and now those people are gone. And you are gone, sort of. The person you used to be is gone, anyway. Your friends have moved on, the business has changed, you've gotten a little older, hopefully wiser. I see ghosts as I move about the hallways. A ghost of me from that not so distant past: wearing stylish clothes, talking to her boyfriend on the phone, making plans for the weekend (new restaurant? cubs game? movie? see friends? it was all possible, especially sleeping in on weekends.) Ghosts of my former colleagues and friends, people I loved who have moved, or moved on, and who I only keep up with in distant e-mails or by way of a not so up to date grapevine. Ghosts of the clients we used to keep, the businesses I worked on that have now changed so much.

Around me I see younger girls, gentle reminders of what I must have been, must have looked like, must have appeared to be. They are young and hip, talking about their weekend plans at places I don't know, neighborhoods I haven't been to in ages. They are bright and ready to take on the world. I look at them and wonder, what will your story be? How will it unfold for you?

As I walk to and from the train station now I think about my commute during my city days. Light steps on the sidewalk, upturned collar and chin down to face the Chicago winter wind, hurrying up the stairs to the L platform, changing out of my snow boots once I arrived at the office. Or catching the bus at Dearborn/Lake with the other Lincoln Park twenty somethings, each of us clutching our Tribune as we wove our way up through rush hour traffic.

My life has changed in many ways since my days as young girl in the city. But don't misunderstand, I'm not sad about it. Instead, I'm enjoying the walk down memory lane, the chance to reflect on a past tense "me" that I don't think about very often. Once in awhile it's a good thing to open the memory book up, dust off the pages, and immerse yourself in what used to be. How it all used to feel back then.

Some day I'll think about my life in the Little Cottage and what it felt like on a night like tonight. And I know those memories will be just as sweet, if not sweeter.

anniversary wishes

a public Happy 40th Anniversary today to my dear parents. Congrats congrats congrats to my favorite couple!

hello

It's the end of the weekend and somehow I didn't get around to spiffying up my blog any more. But I have intentions to. Libby has been kind enough to offer some advice, and my husband says he can help me, too. But, where does the time go? During busy days, blogging always takes a back seat to more important things in life. Which is pretty much everything else.

We did have such a nice weekend here. It was one of those picture perfect weekends - bright sun, clear air, gentle breeze, perfect temps. Couldn't be topped. This is how I always think of September, it's the prettiest month. And so we spent a lot of time outside, in our shorts, letting the open windows freshen up the house a bit while we went about our business.

So....no, I didn't work on my blog look (and thanks for your nice comments about it, btw...what you're seeing is somewhere around version #4 from the other night, I played with the templates for about an hour before going to bed), but I was so practical and efficient over the last two days (being the Virgo that I am) - cleaning, cooking, organizing, changing sheets. I think we're all set for a busy but good week. Hopefully I'll seize another moment to catch up with you before too long.

insomnia

7:45 p.m. Two little boys go to bed

10:00 p.m. Mommy goes to bed

1:00 a.m. Daddy goes to bed

1:15 a.m. Son (oldest) comes into Mommy and Daddy's room (has to go to the bathroom)

1:16 a.m. Son goes back to bed

1:20 a.m. Son starts talking to himself in bed

1:35 a.m. Talking continues. Mommy (light sleeper) goes in to see Son, says "time to go back to sleep"

1:47 a.m. Talking continues, and now a little giggling too coming from Son's room

1:55 a.m. Mommy goes back in, "no more talking, buddy". "Ok" says Son.

2:03 a.m. Chatter continues

2:10 a.m. Mommy hears a shout, "ah-la Peanut Butter Sandwiches!!!!" followed by giggling! laughter!

2:15 a.m. Mommy, back down the hallway to Son's room, pleads for him to be quiet

2:23 a.m. More chatter from Son's room (he can't help it, he's not tired)

2:30 a.m. Any possibility of salvaging the night and getting (at the very least) a good night's rest is now officially out of the question, as Mommy tosses from side to side and tries to not think about her son being wide awake and the demands of his busy day tomorrow (he needs his rest!!)

2:45 a.m. chatter chatter chatter

2:50 a.m. Mommy gets up and heads down to the computer.

2:55 a.m. Son gets up and starts heading down, too.

2:55 a.m. Mommy intercepts Son on stairs, scaring him unintentionally

2:56 a.m. Son flies back into bed, terrified about stairway meeting with Mommy

2:57 a.m. Mommy and Son cuddle a little on his bed. He's Ok now and maybe getting a little tired, too.

3:00 a.m. Mommy goes back downstairs to read about Luciano Pavarotti

3:07 a.m. Mommy clicks on http://www.blogger.com/

3:16 a.m. Clicking through her favorite blogs

3:20 a.m. Mommy decides to post a new entry

3:29 a.m. Finished writing, she's now thinking this might be a good time to play around with a new look to her homepage.

Good night!

week 15

So, here we are, almost 4 months into the project on the construction of the house across the street. Since my last entry you will see that the siding has gone up, and that there has been some stonework done at the front entryway. And that's just the outside! And, that's just what a nosey neighbor can spy from across the street. Imagine if I could give you an actual play-by-play of what's happening inside.

How are you today? I am fine. My boys are away this morning and I am on a mission to clean my house, top to bottom. Which is why I've chosen to procrastinate by blogging instead. I also have dinner going in the slow cooker. I just got a slow cooker last spring. Do you use yours? Any good recipes to pass on? I found a website, www.tastycrockpotrecipes.net. They have thousands of meal ideas. Good for me, as my meal ideas are nonexistent these days. Today we are trying the ultimate easy 'chicken-n-dumplings'. Doesn't necessarily sound like something you'd crave on a day when the mercury will hit 90, but then again, why not?

There is news to share. Beginning Friday I am heading into a 4-week freelance project. It will go from 9-5, M-F. Back to the advertising business, however briefly! I am not sure how this will affect my blog. I have visions of me blogging away during off hours, but maybe that is being optimistic. So perhaps my entrys will be a little spotty in the coming weeks. Don't worry, I'll still be here, and I'll for sure be reading what you have to say.

Have a wonderful day, and Happy Birthday to two special little boys....one in Ohio, one in North Carolina. Enjoy!

soon to be famous blogging mama

There was an email going around recently, maybe you saw it. It was a link to an auction on ebay, written by a very funny mom. That mom is a soon-to-be (more!) famous author, Dawn Meehan. She is a fellow Chicagoan, and a fellow blogger.

Here is her story:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-bloggermom_03sep03,1,987830.story?page=1&coll=chi_tab01_layout

Here is her blog:
http://www.mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/

Check it out!

thank you

I love my birthday comments, cards, e-cards, e-mails, and well wishes.

THANK YOU!

roll with it baby

hello! I have been a little negligent of my blogroll lately. If you would like to be linked here and you don't see your blog name, please let me know. I am trying to update it. I know my blog could use some TLC. I have never updated its look...and well, I don't have plans to right now. But some day I'll get around to it.

Do you have plans for the holiday weekend? We do: go outside, go outside, go outside! Enjoy the last weekend of the pool, take a picnic to the park, visit downtown. Oh yes, and one more thing. Celebrate my birthday! It is Sunday.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

makes you think

Did you happen to catch the CNN special report last week, God's Warriors? We recorded it and have been watching bits and pieces when we can. We are 5 hours into the 6 hour program.

In case you missed it, Christiane Amanpour's report devotes 3 segments - 2 hours each - to understanding the intersection between global politics and 3 religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. She meets with religious leaders, politicians, and every day citizens in various countries around the world to profile how governments have been and are currently affected by religious movements, history, and change. It has been fascinating to watch. Very informative, educational, and thought provoking.

I see that there have been repeats of the original airings of all 3 programs. If you are at all interested, I recommend checking it out.

oops

You can't view my video. Too bad, this was my first try at posting something from youtube. Oh well, hopefully you know what I was talking about in the previous post!

today's hits and yesterday's favorites

Such a lack of things to say today. No, that's not exactly true. Ok, more precise - I can't seem to organize my thoughts enough to make a worthwhile post today. My mind cannot get past what I heard on the radio first thing this morning. I just KNOW KNOW KNOW that you know what I mean about getting a song stuck in your head!

already an old pro

Things are going well with Kindergarten. Was it just last Tuesday that I was feeling so glum? What a difference a week makes.

If you are nervous about your son starting school, it really helps if he likes it. It helps if, when you ask him "how was kindergarten?" he shouts "GREAT!!" It helps if he talks about his new schedule all through breakfast & dinner (so much so that you have to remind him to eat.) It helps if, when the weekend comes, he's a little disappointed that the big yellow bus won't be pulling up to the curb. Most of all, it helps if he's smiling all the time, obviously happy and ready to tell the world why. Yes, all these things help. And, added together, they make a decisive conclusion. How could I not be doing well right now? Kindergarten rocks!

ta da...!

Congratulations, Paige! !

Please leave me a comment w/ your address (I won't publish) and I'll send you your package.

Oh, and I can't resist saying thank you again, everyone. Your sweet comments have been wonderful to read. Even my mom has been enjoying them. You guys are terrific! xo!

here we go!

Give me a second here, drawing a name now...

with gratitude

...for all you lovely friends. Thank you for these nice - no, more than nice - inspiring comments of encouragement and support over the last few days. You've done it again....just when I needed a little pick me up. I will be reading (and re-reading) your messages all day. Quite possibly all week.

And, to show my appreciation, I want to send you something. Some sweet little thing that will arrive right at your door. Addressed to you. From me. Just because you're great!

This is for any one of my readers - even if you've never left a comment before, you're still out there and you check in on me, and I want to say thanks. So throw your hat in the ring. Please leave your comment here...let's say...leave it by 11:59 PM Thursday night....and I'll draw a name on Friday.

Thank you...so much...again. Love, Meg

better today

Thanks for those nice messages on my last entry. I know every blogger would agree with me here...comments mean so much! Much more than you can imagine. So, thank you, thank you, thank you for being thoughtful and kind enough to leave me a nice comment to read on a particularly hard day.

Doing fine today and ready for tomorrow, when everything starts - full day and all that. Anxiously awaiting arrival of new Bob the Builder lunch box...ups tracking says it's being delivered today, but where are you, Bob? And the sun is finally out after so many days of doom and gloom. So maybe later on this afternoon we'll sneak in one last trip to the pool. I think we all deserve it!

I'll miss you

My son starts kindergarten today. It is not a real first day, it's "meet & greet". Moms and Dads are invited along with the kids. We are invited to come to the classroom, meet the teacher (who I actually met last spring), see where everyone will sit, get a look at some of the other kids. It's very exciting but a little scary (for me, if not for him.) Technically we'll be there for only 20 minutes. But you know, it's the first day.

I am so very proud of my son. Working as hard as he has over the past 2 years has gotten him to this point...he's going to kindergarten with the other kids in the neighborhood, typically developing kids. It's the goal we've been working toward. He's excited, and all of the professionals we work with are confident in him. We know this year will be a challenge, but we also know that he can do it. It's going to be hard. He will be picked up by the bus at 7 to get to school at 8, and then be there until I pick him up at 2:30. He'll put in a half day at kindergarten, and another half day at a social skills program, where the curriculum focuses exclusively on interacting with peers. From what we've heard, it's a wonderful program, and so this is a terrific opportunity for him. As I said, it's won't be easy. But he can do it. If anyone can, I know he can! I have all the confidence in the world in him.

But still....there's a little voice inside me...it says don't go! Stay with me a little longer! Just stay with me, no one has to know. I'll figure out a way to keep you 5 years old forever. We'll keep going to the pool, and we'll play on the swings, and I'll jump with you on the trampoline, and you can play on the computer as much as you want. And we'll go to the park, and eat picnics on the hill like you like, and drive around with the windows down listening to Elmo and the Orchestra. I'd do it! I'd do it for an eternity for you. Just...don't go.

being nice

Thank you to my friends Deb, TulipMom, and the Sisters with Style for handing over this pretty (ooh, pink!) award to me. You guys were nice to think of me. And I'm glad you think I'm nice. I'm glad you think my blog is nice. Being nice is good. You can never be too nice, can you?

Well, maybe you can. I'm choosing to be too nice, and not select others for the award as well. You're all nice out there, and you all deserve this one. So, give yourselves a pat on the back. Nice job!

damages

Anyone out there watching this also? Isn't it GREAT!?

week 12

During Saturday's block party we met the couple who is building the house across the street. They could not have been nicer. We talked shop for a long time and heard the whole story about how they decided to knock down the old house and build the new. It's been an exciting year for them. In addition to taking on this project, they were married in January. They are very eager to settle in (they hope to be in by November 1) and start a new life in their new home together.

block party

Our 3rd annual block party was Saturday. Like last year there was a moon jump for the kids, a clown, and a live band. We stayed until it was time for the kids to go to bed...and then our babysitter came and we went back after the kids were asleep.

In other news, my son is still not feeling his best, so we're laying low. And I have to say, staying in the house like this is bad for my waistline!

one last look

This is our last stop on the tour through Lisa's house. Kitchens are always the first place I go when looking at houses online. I think you'll enjoy looking at hers, too.

I am partial to the beautiful windows here in the eating area...and what a pretty view, too! To me there's just no such thing as too many windows or too many trees. I think that's why I love her house and North Carolina. It is beautiful!

Hasn't this been fun? It sure has been for me. Hope you have enjoyed it, too.

* * *

Ok, I have to tell you - I had such a great time last night.

If you are coming to Chicago and you want a fun night out on the town, it would be great if you could meet up with my cousin. She's one of those "who's who" people. She's got the connections. She's a girl who (as my aunt said last night) does things right.

Last night at the theatre we had front row seats (dead center, no less!) I could peer into the orchestra pit and see all the musicians up close. And our tickets gave us VIP access to this special room below the theatre where we could enjoy complimentary appetizers, desserts, and drinks before and during intermission. There were a couple of private bathrooms there, too.(That alone made the passes worthwhile, you know how the ladies' room line gets during intermission.)

But enough about that - most important is me telling you about the show. It was terrific! Truly one of the best stage productions I've ever seen. Fabulous! The story, the actors, the costumes, the songs, the dancing! Oh my GOSH. It was incredible. We all loved it, and the entire audience was up on its feet screaming and clapping as soon as the curtain call started. I almost cried then, as I was clapping along. That's how much I loved it. If you ever have an opportunity to go, I highly highly highly highly recommend it. I would love to go back - I'd go back in a heartbeat tonight. *it was absolutely fantastic* ! ! !

8 more

Guess who's feeling better? I think he's nearly himself again. Some rest, maybe a nap this afternoon and a good night's sleep tonight should do the trick. Thank you for your nice comments and sending him those blogworld hugs. I'm sure that's what helped him turn the corner.

So, I cheated the other day with my 8 random facts. Not only were they not random, they didn't have much to do with me. Directly, anyway. But you know, they were facts.

Anyway, since I've been holed up in my house the past couple of days, I've had some time to think. Maybe too much time. And I've thought up 8 more facts to throw out into blogworld. These are all random and about ME and ME ONLY!

1. I love shopping for clothes now but hated it as a child. I think I didn't like it back then because I wore a school uniform, and I just did not get clothes. They were not an important part of my every day life. Shoes and hair were critical, but regular clothes did not factor in in any meaningful way. To me there was nothing worse than spending a couple of hours at the local department store with my mother when I was a child. One time we were in a nice store and she was having me try on things for fall, including a lot of stuff that was pink - pink corduroys, a pink and brown sweater. I can still remember feeling bored and hot and finally, after spending a good 20 minutes in the dressing room trying things on and tromping out each time to show her how they were fitting, she said what's the matter. I muttered something about not liking pink and she said well then let's just get our things and go. And I was so RELIEVED. Imagine, here I am a pink fanatic all these years later. Oh how things change.

2. I get terrible headaches on rainy days. Alleve works.

3. I met my maid of honor when I was 4. I moved into a house around the corner from hers the summer before we went to kindergarten together.

4. My hair doesn't grow but I'm trying. And let me tell you, I've been trying this for years. I'd like it to be about 3-4 inches longer than it is now. I'm always aiming for something longer than what I have. And it pretty much stays the same length. I have this theory that new hair just collects in the ringlets that are already going and so you can't see any changes. Why, just the other night my husband and I were looking at pictures from last summer and there was one of me. When I asked him whether my hair is longer or shorter than last year he said, I don't know...shorter? grrr.

5. In my senior year of college I was a student tour guide. It was a great job. Yes, a job! It paid $10/hr.

6. That was a big step up from the job I had when I was a senior in high school: Bob Evans hostess. I can still remember my schedule. Monday: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesday: 7-3, Wednesday 8-4, Th 9-5. I think Sundays were mandatory for the whole staff. It paid $5/hr. Technically it was the summer after high school.

7. I'm good at setting the table. This was always my assigned task as a child. If you need to know where to put the salad fork or the bread plate, you can ask me. Better yet, ask Monogram Momma. She's a pro.

8. Tonight my cousin has invited me downtown to see The Color Purple. I am excited! Cousin, you ask? Yes, my mom's sister's daughter, who lives in another Chicago suburb. She is wonderful. Her mother, my aunt, is in town and will be there, too. I haven't seen the show yet, have not read the book, and never saw the movie. So I am very much looking forward to both the company and the production.

let's keep going

The tour of Lisa's house in Charlotte continues! It's day 4, and this is of course the master bedroom. Lisa got new white bedding recently...oh so dreamy. I like beds that look as if they are big clouds that you simply fall into at the end of the day, don't you?

I love the color of her walls and the soft curtains in the windows. As you can see, it is a very peaceful room.


It's been nice to have had these pictures of Lisa's house to share this week. Aside from the fact that they are pictures of a beautiful home, it's made my blogging so easy. The pictures speak for themselves.


* * *

But I do have one story to share...


My oldest son has had a cold over the past week and it seems to have developed into the stomach flu. Which I guess is good if that means he's getting this out of the way before school starts on the 20th. But I have to share something he said yesterday, it was very sweet.

You know I don't talk about him very often here, but I think you also know that he's my special guy. Well, as bad as he was feeling yesterday, he was still trying so hard to get all of his words in order. This takes a lot of effort on his part. When he woke up in the morning and wanted to go downstairs he was feeling very weak and asked me to carry him, Mommy, may I please carry you downstairs?...being so careful to ask the way he thought was right. A little while later he was sitting on the couch and ended up getting sick...on his jammies. It was only a little water that he had been sipping, but he was devastated. He kept saying, I spilled my water, I spilled my water. A little while later he was getting drowsy, so I carried him back upstairs to sleep. As I did I could hear him speaking very quietly to himself, I don't want to spill, I don't want to spill.

Sweetest little guy ever. Oh, how could anyone not love a child like that?

dining out

Here we are at Lisa's house again. I wanted to be sure to capture her dining room for you. Isn't it great? So colorful! Actually, the wall color reminds me of a lipstick I had a long time ago...the name of it was "raspberry glacee" (it was Clinique in case that rings a bell.)

Another view below. Lisa's breakfront has a mirror in it, which you can see. So I had to stand to the side of it as I looked into the room to avoid being caught on film. Be sure to notice the beautiful fabric on those curtains. Gorgeous!

How about that chandelier? I love it. And of course, I love Lisa's pottery collection. I needn't say anything more about that, you know the whole story already!

8 things

Ok, the picture above is more from Lisa's house...this is her family room....very very pretty. The weary vacationer on the couch belongs to me. Day 1 of our vacation...he was getting the right idea already.

While I was gone I saw that Heather tagged me for 8 Random Facts. Thank you, Heather. I find it challenging to come up with facts, don't you? But it's fun. Still, maybe I've cheated a little bit this time...I'm throwing in a lot about my family. Here I go.

1. My hometown is not small, but when I was growing up it was much smaller than it is today. My grandfather, my dad's father, ran a successful family business. It was named after him. Everyone in town knew it, and so everyone knew him.

2. My dad is the second of nine children, the oldest son. He was named after his father. My dad did not work for his father, he chose to do something completely unrelated. But he has also made a career out of working with a lot of different people in town.

3. So when I was growing up, people would hear my last name and say, wait - are you related to [grandfather] or [father]?

4. But it seemed just as often they'd say, wait - are you [mother]'s daughter?

5. And they'd say to me, I love your mother.

6. They'd say, she's the greatest lady! She's so funny.

7. Store clerks, house painters, electricians, hair dressers, receptionists, doctors, nurses, gas station attendants, hostesses & waiters, lifeguards at the pool, the local butcher, mailman, handyman, florist, and seamstress. Throughout my life I've heard these people tell me they love my mother. Many have told her outright that she is their favorite customer/patient/client. Probably because she makes a point of getting to know them, asking them about themselves, taking a sincere interest in their lives (the good as well as the bad) each time she sees them. And she makes them laugh with her own life stories. She has a strong effect on people; it's hard to describe in a way that doesn't make it seem like I'm exaggerating. But I'm not. I remember one time a woman in town had a party to honor special women around and she announced to everyone at the party that she loved my mother the most. Even as I was growing up my friends always liked her and would want to visit with her when they came over.

8. So even though her name wasn't on the sign, or the letterhead, by my account she was (and is) as well known as my dad and grandfather in my hometown. Just in a different way.

home again

We were gone 10 days, and it was glorious. We spent 2 days visiting my husband's sister & family in Charlotte, NC, and then a week on Seabrook Island, SC with my parents and younger brother.

Have you noticed, any time you are gone longer than a week - 7 days - time really does start to slow down. You begin to forget what day it is - or at least, you don't always think of it right away if someone asks you. And the people you're with ask you because they don't remember right away, either. And you start forgetting what you usually do on a typical day during a typical week in your life and all of a sudden every day is Saturday and you have so much time to do anything you want. Like eat too late. Or too early. And eat decadent things. And nap. And waste time by doing nothing but watch the waves hit the beach, even if you brought a book to read. And ride bikes with your family and not think about what you should do as soon as you get back.

We had that kind of vacation. Funny, though...it wasn't like I was away from real life. In fact, at one point I said to my husband that it seemed like I was having more than my fair share of serious talks when we were supposed to be relaxing. I had these kind of conversations with my brother, my mom, my husband, and my sister in-law and her husband. Maybe that's a natural part of vacationing...you get just far away from your regular life that you can see it and talk about it clearly. Or not.

Speaking of my sister in-law, her name is Lisa, which I think you know. The picture above is from her foyer in her lovely home. I told you I would take pictures...and I did. But I ran out of steam during my trip and all my good intentions for taking great beach pictures kind of dissipated. My husband took a lot of video, though. I am hoping I can show you some video of the alligator we had behind our house on Seabrook.

I took some pictures of Lisa's house and thought I would share them with you. Let's start with this one. Sorry there won't be any beach pictures, but what can I say. It was a nice vacation, and I was having a really good time.

before we go

We're leaving for the beach tomorrow. So today's been one of those run-around-last-few-errands kind of days. You know how it goes, dry cleaners, pharmacy, target. Water the plants (plant new plants), iron a little bit, clean a little bit, too. Now I think we're all set.

I'll be back soon....and hopefully I'll have some fun blog pictures to share when I return. See you then!

hangin around

We've been here the last few days, but I've been uninspired to blog. Or, is it too tired to blog? hmmm. How can you be too tired to blog!

We had a garage sale on Saturday. Then, because we did well and the forecast looked good, we decided to continue it on Sunday. There was so much stuff in our basement that had been sitting for 4 years...it was time to clean out. My old dining room table & chairs, our unused home gym (what a beast) and several small pesky items went out the door. Toys, books, odds and ends. Gone for good, and what a feeling! All in all we did well. We made enough to pay for our new dryer and maybe a few nights at Dairy Queen before summer's end.

Guess what? I made brownies last night. Just because I'd been thinking of them and rereading what I wrote in my previous post about how good they smell when they're baking in the oven. Wonderful. My oldest son and I just came in the door from doing errands this morning and there is still a lingering smell of chocolate in the kitchen. ahhh. Can't beat it.

inspired by Tulipmom

(Tulipmom...and many others as well...)

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? not my first name, but my middle name is my mother's middle name and my maternal grandmother's first name

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I teared up at my oldest son's swimming lesson this week because he's doing so great! (he's come a long way)

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I do

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? I love a good tuna sandwich

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? two beautiful boys who delight me every day

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? yes

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? no, I don't like it

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? no, I got them out in 8th grade

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I don't think so

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I eat Special K red berries every day, but if I could I'd eat Crunch Berries every day...much more fun....I like eating all the crunchies first and the berries second

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? yes

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM? chocolate

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their eye contact

15. RED OR PINK? pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I'd take another 2-3 inches of leg, please

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I'd love to have an afternoon of catching up with my grandparents, both sides. I'd love to have them come to my house and meet my kids. We could all sit around together and tell stories about what we've been up to the last few years. I miss their laughter.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I think everyone has done this already

19. WHAT COLOUR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? khaki shorts, bare feet

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? tuna & cheddar sandwich, pretzels, and a crunchy baby dill pickle

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? my oldest son playing down in the basement

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE? sky blue

23. FAVOURITE SMELLS? brownies in the oven; my husband's cologne; chocolate wafting through the city from the candy factories; baby boys after a bath

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? my husband

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I like all those blogs where I've already seen it

26. FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH? college football with my husband

27. HAIR COLOUR? light brownish blonde with blonde highlights

28. EYE COLOUR? green

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes

30. FAVOURITE FOOD? homemade chocolate chip cookies

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Good Shepherd with Matt Damon...it was awful

33. WHAT COLOUR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? a navy blue t-shirt

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? sum sum summertime - but you knew this already

35. HUGS OR KISSES? a little of both

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? (hey, where's #36?) whoever is looking for a little material for their blog today

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? those who have done this already

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Snowflower and the Secret Fan. I started it but had to stop during the foot binding chapter. Trying to get up the courage to start again

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? don't have one

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Property Ladder

42. FAVOURITE SOUND? hearing my kids laugh at each other

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Europe

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? hmm...tough one. I think I'm the jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none type

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Columbus, Ohio

47. WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU LIKE? flying...just like Superman

week 8

I am not sure but I don't think you can tell much of a difference between this week's picture and last week's. It's been raining and I dashed out quickly to snap this picture...next week I'll see if I can get a little closer. Hopefully there will be more to show!

Hope you have a wonderful day.

anniversary flowers

new hang up

I'm hung up on my new wall art...which just happens to be my *not new* fish platter. I think it looks great up there, right above my dining table. So much better than being stored away in my china cabinet, which is where it had been residing. When my mom was here a couple of weeks ago we were looking at it, and she suggested hanging it up. We got it up just in time for the party on the 4th. So great to have a deadline like that, something that forces you to rearrange, straighten up, refresh your space.

Here's a close up so you can see the details of the work. I got this MacKenzie-Childs platter on ebay awhile back. It's a piece from an era when the company was still owned and operated by the original artists, Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs. All of the pieces from this time are slightly 'off' a little...meaning, they look like they are made by hand (which they are.) When you stack the plates they are not uniform, they kind of tilt in different directions. Some plates are lighter or heavier than others. The painting on each piece varies. Sometimes the pattern is very light, sometimes it's dark. Sometimes the flowers are little, and sometimes they are BIG! It all depends on who was painting that day. Even this piece...see that vertical line in the middle? It's a little pop that can happen during the firing process. But, I like the flaw. It looks more authentically handmade.

I'll always be a MacKenzie fan and follow what's happening with the company (currently for sale!), and I'll (of course) continue to add to my collection with new pieces. But it's never been the same since Victoria and Richard left. They were the soul of the company. They were (and are) extremely talented yet humble artists who had a vision, and then the passion to bring their dream to life. Their whimsical designs and presentation truly made everything look and feel magical, as if you were stepping into a fairy tale when you entered their world. As if, as an adult, you had somehow reconnected to your childhood and found a way to infuse that kind of innocence and fun into a grown up world. There was no mass production...heck, there wasn't always consistency with the product line from season to season. But there was so much fun in it all. And there was no Made In China.

8 years

July 17, 1999

Happy Anniversary, My Sweet!

clotheslines online

Look what my sweet husband just forwarded to me:
http://www.clotheslineshop.com

who knew you could make a business out of selling clotheslines? but then again, isn't this just the kind of business that thrives online?? :)

my new dryer

Is being delivered on Wednesday. Wouldn't you know it...it would have cost almost as much to fix our old dryer as it would to simply buy a brand new one (with a new warranty.) By the way, the repair guy told me GE is the WORST. He said I didn't hear that from him. His highest recommendation goes to Kenmore, Maytag, and Whirlpool. We were only talking about dryers.

So the new dryer comes on Wednesday, but in the meantime, we have all fallen in love with our lined dried clothes. I washed my sofa slipcovers last week and hung them out here, and they smell so sweet. Crawling into bed with freshly lined dried sheets has become my new favorite summer delight! Now I understand why my mom always had a clothesline in our backyard when I was growing up. I just may have to look into getting something permanent for my backyard, too.

look familiar?

Been to the farmer's market this weekend? Or just the plain ol' grocery store?

Then maybe your kitchen counter looks like this:

Or maybe your fruit bowl looks like this:

Ok

1, 2, 3,

all together now -

I LOVE SUMMER!!!

taking bloom

Leucanthemum 'Becky'; Daisy; Long bloomer if spent blooms are removed

That's how our landscaping plan describes this sweet little plant. We have planted about 30-40% of what is on the plan so far, with a goal of completing most of our planting by the fall. This daisy plant went into the ground about 2 weeks ago and we have already seen a few blooms emerge. It's such a nice change from seeing nothing pretty in this space for so long.

Daisies have always been my favorite flower. They are so friendly and sweet, unpretentious and welcoming. Unfussy! I have a small bunch in a vase on my coffee table right now, they have been there for about 3 weeks. They last forever, don't they? Unfortunately, I don't see them at the grocery store very often. So it's a treat now. Inside and out, they're surrounding me...

So here we are...Friday again, how fast these weeks fly by in the summertime. What's going on this weekend? We have our 'to do' list - which includes sorting through stuff in our basement and figuring out what's going into the pile of things to sell next weekend at our garage sale. We have a whoooole lotta baby things to sort through. Part of me dreads it, but another part is so eager to just get rid of all the excess. Amazing how it all accumulates, right before your eyes.

Have a happy and fun weekend!

week 7

Here we are this week...things continue to zip along on the house across the street. The crew arrives each morning around the same time (6:45) and leaves in the early afternoon. They seem to be very conscientious. I saw them here this past Saturday, putting in a full day's work. Looks like they're trying to stay on schedule.

In other news, the search for the right super hair conditioner continues. The olive oil treatment from the other day may have to be repeated. It seemed to make things soft and manageable, but then I went and put a leave-in conditioner in my hair yesterday that made it feel dry again. Ironic, I know. By the way, am I boring you with all this hair chat? I'll keep quiet for awhile and only check back in on this subject when I find my magic concoction. Wish me luck.

inspiration

My Company Kids catalog arrived today (yours too?) and look what I found on page 34. The perfect bedding ensemble for a little boy who is getting ready to depart from his crib and move into a big boy bed. Perfect for someone who worships Bob the Builder.

Oh, I'm excited now. hooray! hooray! ideas ideas!!

eat your heart out rachel ray

I am sitting here at my computer with my head covered in olive oil.

(EVOO!)

Thank you for all the interesting conditioning suggestions. I've decided to give them all a try, and I'm starting with the olive oil since I had it on hand.

Not to worry, this isn't a dire situation. My hair's just a little thirsty these days. Too much sun and chlorine from our frequent trips to the pool the last few weeks.

I'll let you know how it goes with Rachel's favorite cooking ingredient.

Thank you again!

who says there's nothing to blog about

This was me last night, experimenting with a deep hair conditioning treatment that I got at Target. I found it in the salon care section, and it says "mayonnaise" on the outside of the tub. You put it on freshly washed hair (the directions say mix it with an egg if you have very dry hair) and let it sit on your head under a shower cap (or, if you're like me and you don't have a shower cap, try saran wrap - it works!) for 1-2 hours.

I was excited about this, but I must say that I'm a little disappointed by the results. My hair feels fine, but no different from how it feels after using regular conditioner. I was hoping for something a little stronger. Something like a noticeably! softer and happier head of curls.

Would any of you fine friends happen to know a good conditioning treatment? I have heard something about using coconut oil on hair, but I'm not sure how that works and where to find it. My babysitter says she used to use something that involves mashed bananas, but she can't remember exactly what the concoction is. If you have a suggestion for me, I'd love to hear it.

By the way, our trip downtown on Saturday was terrific. Thank you for those nice birthday wishes for my husband. We walked and walked and walked and saw all the things we wanted to that day. Including our old neighborhood and all the places we used to hang out. We felt a little old, but very happy to have the memories that we do. We're hoping to do this again...sooner rather than later.

the wait is over

Tomorrow, as you know, is a lucky day. 7/07/07. It is a date expected to bring lots of luck to anxious brides and grooms, favorite sports teams, new babies who decide "today's the day!" I hope plenty of luck is delivered to all, as promised. As expected from such a great date!


Tomorrow is also my husband's birthday. And, truly, he's a lucky guy. He'd tell you that himself. His special birth date has worked for him from day one...07/07 (his mom will tell you that he was even lucky #7 on his hospital I.D. bracelet.) Lucky guy.


So tomorrow we are - just the two of us - taking the day and spending it with each other in the city. We have 2 different babysitters taking 2 different shifts throughout our long day away, the first reporting at 8:45 a.m. We haven't planned what we'll do yet, beyond take the train down and back. I'm sure we'll figure it out. Maybe a picnic lunch in Millennium Park. Maybe a trip to the Art Institute (where, sadly, we are members who have never used our membership.) Maybe a little shopping? A walk by our first apartment together? Definitely a special dinner at one of our favorite old haunts.


Anyway, here's what I'm wearing for the occasion. My new Lilly dress! I have had this in my closet with tags on for months now, waiting to wear it. First, waiting for the weather to be warm enough. Then, waiting for the right occasion. Last Saturday I considered it. We went out to dinner and it was a beautiful night...we sat outside under the stars. I considered my dress then, but knowing our plans for tomorrow decided to wait just a wee bit longer.

And now I'm happy that it's making its debut on such a grand date. The dress seems worthy of the great expectations surrounding this special Saturday in 2007. Or, perhaps it is the other way around? The date is worthy of the dress. hm mm. Not sure. Either way, I'm thrilled I'll be wearing it for just us tomorrow. On my husband's special day.

week 6

After a day away, it's back to business for the construction crew working on the house across the street. Aren't they making such swift progress? I bet you're looking forward to seeing next week's picture already. I know I am!

Yesterday was our party and...of course!....I did not take any pictures. But my littlest guy and I tiptoed out this morning and snapped this picture so I could at least show you some of how things looked yesterday. You can also see that we are coming along on our garden in front. Little by little by little....it's a slow but steady process (you remember those overgrown bushes that were ripped out last summer, don't you?)

Have a good one!

how lucky we are

...to live in such a glorious country

...to be free.

Hope your 4th is festive & fun...

and rain free! :)

party prep

My mom was here for a long weekend and flew home this morning. I miss her already. While she was here she did a lot to help me get ready for our 4th of July party tomorrow. We picked out food, decorations, and all the essential party items. What a help she was...with party planning, as well as just being here and helping the whole household hum along on our usual crazy days. If you are someone who adores her mom like I do mine, and you happen to live close to her...you are so very lucky.

It wasn't all work this weekend. We saw a movie together on Friday and spent Saturday shopping. We also managed to squeeze in a few rounds of cards here and there. Spite & Malice is our game. Ever play it? It's about the only card game I play. But I love playing it, especially with her.

uh oh

Yesterday was laundry day and my dryer broke. During the "whites" load, as you can see. So my husband quickly strung up this temporary clothesline. Good thing it's June and not January! Another reason to love summer. :)

My dryer is less than 2 years old. And it's GE. Isn't that something? It tumbles but no heat. Oh well, we'll see what the problem is. The tech won't come until next Friday. That's right, next Friday. There must be a lot of broken dryers out there.

property ladder

I love Property Ladder on TLC...and since getting our dvr, I've become a regular viewer. This show is addictive! It seems like no matter how organized the people on the show are, something always goes hideously wrong - schedules, budgets. It's like watching a car accident. Every time!

There's a flip down our street, it went on the market about 3 weeks ago. All eyes are on it to see what will happen, when it will sell. I should take a picture of it to show you. The market around here has gotten so soft. Just imagining what it must be like to be the owners and trying to sell makes me a little uneasy...

across the street - week 5

Making lots of progress every day on the new house, and I'm going to (try to) keep up a regular post on this. There's some more teardown action going on in the next block down, and I will show you that, too.

Have a good one!

more nostalgia

Ok, last post for awhile on "remember when". But a friend just passed this site on. If you were a saddle-wearing gal in your school days like I was, take a walk down memory lane as you peruse their vast selection.

As I just said to my friend, I remember thinking that these shoes were so comfortable. Clearly that was before I discovered Dansko clogs!

new old space

Finally, finally I am showing you the "after" version of my back porch. This was a long project in the making. Remember me bemoaning the paint job last year? I may have fallen behind on other projects, but at least this one has at last been crossed off the list. Oh, I haven't yet gotten around to painting the floor in here, and no, haven't yet spray painted the second pair of wicker chairs. Come to think of it, I still need to hang up my little sparkly star that's there in the corner (thanks, Brig!) But, close is good enough. Time to show you something other than house construction!


I'm not sure...but I think in the end I needed a deadline to get this room done. If I hadn't committed to hosting my Mother's Day party last month, I very well might be telling you right now about how long it took me to paint the second coat of paint last weekend. As it turned out, I spent 3 weekends committed to painting 3 coats on the paneling & trim, and then another week or two scouting around for seat cushions and pillows, a rug, lamps, bar stools, and accessories (major luck and success at the Crate & Barrel outlet, Target, and Sur La Table.) In the end, getting it all done in a short amount of time was the best motivation. It always is. For me, anyway.

And, as always, I'm glad in the end that I worked so hard. It was worth it. You may have noticed the little booster seat at the table there....we are enjoying all of our meals out here these days. And the boys - when they are playing indoors - are mostly out on the porch. It's a nice change. One of the biggest perks for me is discovering that our wireless connection works out here. So I can blog to my heart's content as I drink my coffee in the morning or listen to the sprinkler at night. Mostly I think we just appreciate being in a different space, and finally enjoying space that was right under our noses all this time.

happy audience

So much to see across the street!