It's been a few weeks since I heard this song while sitting at work. I'm just sitting there doing my assistant thing when suddenly my attention is drawn to the amazing sound coming out of the pathetic little Walgreen's clock radio that sits on my desk. This little radio has been with me for probably damn near a decade and I don't think it's ever provided me with such joy as it did that day - the day I heard "Elusive" for the first time. The song struck me so that I actually logged on to my hotmail account as I listened and sent the radio DJ an email. "Scott Matthews. Channeling Jeff Buckley, I'd say" is what I wrote to Phat Matt. "Totally. Do you hear Robert Plant, too?" he replied. I didn't hear Robert at all. Maybe on a different track I would. I was just so struck by the Jeff Buckley sound alike I could hear nothing else. I've yet to buy the complete album but I will. Scott Matthews is actually performing in town for FREE this Monday night. I wish my life was such that I could catch the show. I wish jenblossom was here to go with me!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Channeling
It's been a few weeks since I heard this song while sitting at work. I'm just sitting there doing my assistant thing when suddenly my attention is drawn to the amazing sound coming out of the pathetic little Walgreen's clock radio that sits on my desk. This little radio has been with me for probably damn near a decade and I don't think it's ever provided me with such joy as it did that day - the day I heard "Elusive" for the first time. The song struck me so that I actually logged on to my hotmail account as I listened and sent the radio DJ an email. "Scott Matthews. Channeling Jeff Buckley, I'd say" is what I wrote to Phat Matt. "Totally. Do you hear Robert Plant, too?" he replied. I didn't hear Robert at all. Maybe on a different track I would. I was just so struck by the Jeff Buckley sound alike I could hear nothing else. I've yet to buy the complete album but I will. Scott Matthews is actually performing in town for FREE this Monday night. I wish my life was such that I could catch the show. I wish jenblossom was here to go with me!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
15 million Canadians...and me
One thing a road trip through Ontario, Canada is sure to do for me is to rekindle my addiction for Tim Hortons coffee. I can't explain it. Maybe it's because I'm kinda "Canadian by marriage" and I've given birth to three "dual-citizens" but there's nothing like a service centre stop along the highway for a steaming hot fresh cup of Tims (medium, regular please).
We've been back home from vacation for almost a week now and I find myself driving a bit out of the way just to get one. I was completely incensed that I couldn't find a Tim Hortons on the way to Al's dental appointment the other morning. I thought for sure there would be one along our route. I even had Al in the backset looking for one with me. Had I known we wouldn't find one, I would have gone a differnt way. Sheer desperation sent me to McDonald's for coffee. Shame.
You can have your Starbucks...your Caribou...your independents, too.
I'm a Tim's girl.
We've been back home from vacation for almost a week now and I find myself driving a bit out of the way just to get one. I was completely incensed that I couldn't find a Tim Hortons on the way to Al's dental appointment the other morning. I thought for sure there would be one along our route. I even had Al in the backset looking for one with me. Had I known we wouldn't find one, I would have gone a differnt way. Sheer desperation sent me to McDonald's for coffee. Shame.
You can have your Starbucks...your Caribou...your independents, too.
I'm a Tim's girl.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Birthday Funk
Today I turned 38 years old. It's one of those "no big deal" birthdays like so many have been lately. I greet number 38 feeling a little blah and out of sorts. It's not that I'm depressed about my age because I'm really not...it's that I'm just letting life's pressures get to me and I'm feeling kinda crappy. The kids are really stressing me out lately and I get stressed thinking about the finances. Sometimes it feels that all I do all day is walk around with a baby on my hip while I fix meals, clean up, do laundry, load the dishwasher, worry a little, unload the dishwasher, clean up again, snap at the kids, worry some more, take baby off of hip and (finally!) put her to bed, round up other two for bed and ultimately just go to bed myself. On the three days a week I work it's the same routine, just insert "go to the office" between "fix meals" and "clean up" with the only difference being that I go to the office without the baby on the hip (a welcomed break if you ask me).
The guess the best way to describe how I'm feeling is distracted. Distracted by life, worries, the needs of others, what I need to do, what I don't have the time to do, what I want, what I don't have the money for, where I'd like to go, what I'd like to buy, etc. I imagine it's a list much like the list other 38 year old mothers of three would compose. My birthday wish is to be able to ignore that ugly list for a while. My wish is that I'm able to start focusing on what I do have. Sounds easy enough but it's hard sometimes. It's easier to feel sorry for yourself.
I've been fighting that "I'm gonna cry any minute now" feeling for a couple of days now but I think the worst of the worrying is behind me. I'm not going to make my way through 38 feeling this way. I've got two devilishly handsome shaggy haired boys and a beautifully bright-eyed daughter that should be off of the hip and walking on her own soon. They are all healthy. I've got a husband that loves me and wants the best for all of us and hates to see me distracted and worried. He tries his best. It may be easier to feel sorry for myself but I need to be positive for all of their sake. It's the right thing to do. Now. My worries are not their fault.
Welcome 38. We're gonna turn this funk to rock.
The guess the best way to describe how I'm feeling is distracted. Distracted by life, worries, the needs of others, what I need to do, what I don't have the time to do, what I want, what I don't have the money for, where I'd like to go, what I'd like to buy, etc. I imagine it's a list much like the list other 38 year old mothers of three would compose. My birthday wish is to be able to ignore that ugly list for a while. My wish is that I'm able to start focusing on what I do have. Sounds easy enough but it's hard sometimes. It's easier to feel sorry for yourself.
I've been fighting that "I'm gonna cry any minute now" feeling for a couple of days now but I think the worst of the worrying is behind me. I'm not going to make my way through 38 feeling this way. I've got two devilishly handsome shaggy haired boys and a beautifully bright-eyed daughter that should be off of the hip and walking on her own soon. They are all healthy. I've got a husband that loves me and wants the best for all of us and hates to see me distracted and worried. He tries his best. It may be easier to feel sorry for myself but I need to be positive for all of their sake. It's the right thing to do. Now. My worries are not their fault.
Welcome 38. We're gonna turn this funk to rock.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
The Itsy Bitsy Chipmunk...
Revenge is sweet, Dumb Ass. Serves you right.
Bleeding hearts, don't fret. I moved the downspout and he managed to work his way out and he's probably up to his little chipmunky elbows in dirt right now, burrowing his way through the roots of my perennials as I type.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
What's the rush?
Why do I have this feeling that summer is over already? Its only July 5th and I'm having that "end of August" sensation. Maybe it's because our temps have been a little mild - high 70s as opposed to the low 80s as they should be. A couple of nights recently have been downright chilly!
Maybe it's because I went to shop for a bathing suit this past weekend and was bombarded with mannequins wearing jeans and long sleeve sweaters. The few mix and match bathing suit pieces that remain have been relegated to the back of the store clearance rack. It took hours to weed through the mess trying to find pieces that actually went together and were the same size. I'm sorry but way back there in January, in the midst of the dead of winter, I just didn't FEEL like shopping for a swimsuit!
Maybe it's because we already had our summer BBQ. We usually host a BBQ the third Saturday in August but this year we are vacationing with friends that weekend instead. I guess Lu's 3rd birthday BBQ kind of took it's place this year.
Finally, this premature autumnal feeling has also been bolstered by that stupid chipmunk that's chosen my flower garden to burrow and nest in. He/she/they have pretty much destroyed the root systems of many of my perennials. Just looking at what's been ruined is depressing so I've kind of lost interest in weeding and maintaining the yard altogether. Plus, we got one of those obnoxious blue pools recently and it totally destroyed the look of the yard anyway.
But whatever the reason or reasons may be it's definatley time to snap out of it. Summertime is short lived around here so its out to the obnoxious blue pool we go. While I'm out there I might even check on the coneflowers and pull a few weeds. After all, I do it all wearing one of the THREE swim suits I scrounged around and pulled off of that disorganized clearance rack...at HALF PRICE!
Maybe it's because I went to shop for a bathing suit this past weekend and was bombarded with mannequins wearing jeans and long sleeve sweaters. The few mix and match bathing suit pieces that remain have been relegated to the back of the store clearance rack. It took hours to weed through the mess trying to find pieces that actually went together and were the same size. I'm sorry but way back there in January, in the midst of the dead of winter, I just didn't FEEL like shopping for a swimsuit!
Maybe it's because we already had our summer BBQ. We usually host a BBQ the third Saturday in August but this year we are vacationing with friends that weekend instead. I guess Lu's 3rd birthday BBQ kind of took it's place this year.
Finally, this premature autumnal feeling has also been bolstered by that stupid chipmunk that's chosen my flower garden to burrow and nest in. He/she/they have pretty much destroyed the root systems of many of my perennials. Just looking at what's been ruined is depressing so I've kind of lost interest in weeding and maintaining the yard altogether. Plus, we got one of those obnoxious blue pools recently and it totally destroyed the look of the yard anyway.
But whatever the reason or reasons may be it's definatley time to snap out of it. Summertime is short lived around here so its out to the obnoxious blue pool we go. While I'm out there I might even check on the coneflowers and pull a few weeds. After all, I do it all wearing one of the THREE swim suits I scrounged around and pulled off of that disorganized clearance rack...at HALF PRICE!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
To Do...eventually
OK, here it is, my mother of all to do lists. I usually construct these lists in January in a Word document on my computer at work. This time I'm putting it here, and its June. Some of the items are more ambitious than others and some are added to act more as a reminder to myself than actually an item "to do" and then cross off. Some of the items I need to save money for in order to complete. Ahhhh, but enough of the blathering and on to the list:
1) MAC store color/product consult
2) iPod!
3) Digital prints to DVD
4) Better bedtime routine for myself
5) Better bedtime routine with the kids
6) Baseline mammogram
7) Vasectomy (well, not actually MY to do but I could make the first doctor's appt.)
8) New rug for living room
9) Dining room decor
10) Closet doors - master bedroom and bathroom
11) Day trips with the kids - parks, museums, zoo...
12) Keep up with Al's summer vacation tutoring
13) Read a book
14) Blog more
15) Manicures
16) Pedicures
17) Budget
18) Save money
19) Update resume
20) Snack better - more fruit and veggies
21) Vitamins and supplements
22) H's baby book
23) Home filing
24) Re pot house plants
25) Shop more
26) Focus on the wardrobe
27) Accessorize! Jewelry!
28) Shoes, handbags, belts, scarves
29) Drink more water
30) Cook more
31) Send more cards
32) Be more appreciative
33) Give better gifts
34) Thank you notes
35) Send more e-mails
36) Keep in touch
37) More involvement in Al's new school
38) Pay the bills on time
39) Financial advisor (on the list for YEARS!)
40) No new debt
41) Lu to the dentist
42) Get to that Farmers Market
43) Bra shopping - at a REAL bra store
44) Get Al into Karate class
45) IKEA
46) Life insurance update
47) Date night (also on the list for YEARS)
48) Flowers for the office more often
49) Plants for the office, too
50) Bake more
51) Home videos to DVD
52) Plasma TV mounted to the wall
Actually, I'm finding it difficult to think of things for my list. Usually, I can knock out a good 40 or 50 items in a flash. I guess I've taken care of a lot of my major "to dos". I donate clothes and household items several times a year. I don't let things accumulate. I've organized closets, digital pictures, filing cabinets, kitchen drawers and toy boxes. I think working part time now helps. I've been able to catch up on a lot of the things that would pester my subconscious while I sat at my desk at work for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Being home has saved me mentally but sure puts a strain on the pocketbook.
What stands out to me as I review my list above is how it illustrates the fact that I've put myself and my own needs on the back burner since having kids. Most of these items would have never been on my to do list a decade ago. Things like taking care of my nails, date nights and having an up to date wardrobe and accesories to go with were just things I did back then. I also see so many items that seem simple enough to accomplish it's just that I don't have the spare time. I mean for God's sake, I can't even find time to read a book? Geez. And I do have some pretty good time managment skills...
Anyway, I'm sure I'll be back to edit this post often.
1) MAC store color/product consult
2) iPod!
3) Digital prints to DVD
4) Better bedtime routine for myself
5) Better bedtime routine with the kids
6) Baseline mammogram
7) Vasectomy (well, not actually MY to do but I could make the first doctor's appt.)
8) New rug for living room
9) Dining room decor
10) Closet doors - master bedroom and bathroom
11) Day trips with the kids - parks, museums, zoo...
12) Keep up with Al's summer vacation tutoring
13) Read a book
14) Blog more
15) Manicures
16) Pedicures
17) Budget
18) Save money
19) Update resume
20) Snack better - more fruit and veggies
21) Vitamins and supplements
22) H's baby book
23) Home filing
24) Re pot house plants
25) Shop more
26) Focus on the wardrobe
27) Accessorize! Jewelry!
28) Shoes, handbags, belts, scarves
29) Drink more water
30) Cook more
31) Send more cards
32) Be more appreciative
33) Give better gifts
34) Thank you notes
35) Send more e-mails
36) Keep in touch
37) More involvement in Al's new school
38) Pay the bills on time
39) Financial advisor (on the list for YEARS!)
40) No new debt
41) Lu to the dentist
42) Get to that Farmers Market
43) Bra shopping - at a REAL bra store
44) Get Al into Karate class
45) IKEA
46) Life insurance update
47) Date night (also on the list for YEARS)
48) Flowers for the office more often
49) Plants for the office, too
50) Bake more
51) Home videos to DVD
52) Plasma TV mounted to the wall
Actually, I'm finding it difficult to think of things for my list. Usually, I can knock out a good 40 or 50 items in a flash. I guess I've taken care of a lot of my major "to dos". I donate clothes and household items several times a year. I don't let things accumulate. I've organized closets, digital pictures, filing cabinets, kitchen drawers and toy boxes. I think working part time now helps. I've been able to catch up on a lot of the things that would pester my subconscious while I sat at my desk at work for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Being home has saved me mentally but sure puts a strain on the pocketbook.
What stands out to me as I review my list above is how it illustrates the fact that I've put myself and my own needs on the back burner since having kids. Most of these items would have never been on my to do list a decade ago. Things like taking care of my nails, date nights and having an up to date wardrobe and accesories to go with were just things I did back then. I also see so many items that seem simple enough to accomplish it's just that I don't have the spare time. I mean for God's sake, I can't even find time to read a book? Geez. And I do have some pretty good time managment skills...
Anyway, I'm sure I'll be back to edit this post often.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Hallelujah
1:16 p.m. Outside weeding. Beautiful day outside - picture perfect. From the radio in the garage, Hallelujah, on this, the 10 year anniversay of Jeff Buckley's death. I, overcome as always when I hear it, turn up the radio really, really loud, lay down in the grass and let the sunshine, voice, guitar pour over me and cry. A cry for the poem, for the man, for the loss, for the beauty, for what could have been, for what we are so lucky to have, for that note that he holds for-ev-er...for life, fate and everything else, it seemed.
The hope I hold for my children is that music touches them. That they feel, experience and are affected and overwhelmed by a song, a note, a voice, a lyric. That they get that sensation each and every time they hear it, no matter how many times that might be or how many decades may have slipped by since they heard it for the first time.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Sweeps
I don't watch much TV. The TV I do watch is kinda just the generic, network TV stuff. Don't watch ANYTHING on a premium channel or any of the "basic cable" stations. Here is what I do watch or record on my DVR:
1 - Desperate Housewives. Now really, I haven't cared about this show since that groundbreaking first season. It's just a kind of Sunday ritual that winds down the weekend and ushers in the work week. Kind of like how 60 Minutes is for others. Lately, I'm not that deep.
2 - Boston Legal. I don't watch a damn thing on Mondays. Tuesday nights are left for Denny Crane and Alan Shore. I like the banter and give me an Alan Shore closing any day.
3 - America's Next Top Model. I love this show and I'm really not ashamed to admit it. I love to see the photographic transformations and the way it's all done behind the scenes. I could care less about the 20-something drama queen storylines, gossip and catfighing. I just like to see their "best shots" and hear the critiques. The girls are far from cookie cutter and I like that, too.
4 - My Name is Earl. Sometimes, don't you just wanna live in Camden? Instant karma, indeed. Beers at the Crab Shack, vintage rock tees and blue jeans.
5 - The Office. Sometimes, don't you just wanna work at Dunder Mifflin? True story - two weeks ago, there was a bird in my office at work. My office on the 4th floor of a huge entertainment complex. A BIRD. I called Engineering. I called Security. How long do you think it took someone to get off their ass and get the frickin bird out? ALL DAMN DAY. When I left, it was still there! There was no "task force" or emergency meeting in the conference room! No Dwight with a plastic bag!
6 - Grey's Anatomy. Yeah, Thursday's are when I do most of my TV viewing. I love this show and if you watch it you know why. I can't get into all of that here, now. My most favorite moments though are those that belong to Burke and Cristina. I love the dynamics of this seemingly awkward relationship and I think I had better enjoy the moments while I can cause I sense the break-up. It is sweeps after all.
1 - Desperate Housewives. Now really, I haven't cared about this show since that groundbreaking first season. It's just a kind of Sunday ritual that winds down the weekend and ushers in the work week. Kind of like how 60 Minutes is for others. Lately, I'm not that deep.
2 - Boston Legal. I don't watch a damn thing on Mondays. Tuesday nights are left for Denny Crane and Alan Shore. I like the banter and give me an Alan Shore closing any day.
3 - America's Next Top Model. I love this show and I'm really not ashamed to admit it. I love to see the photographic transformations and the way it's all done behind the scenes. I could care less about the 20-something drama queen storylines, gossip and catfighing. I just like to see their "best shots" and hear the critiques. The girls are far from cookie cutter and I like that, too.
4 - My Name is Earl. Sometimes, don't you just wanna live in Camden? Instant karma, indeed. Beers at the Crab Shack, vintage rock tees and blue jeans.
5 - The Office. Sometimes, don't you just wanna work at Dunder Mifflin? True story - two weeks ago, there was a bird in my office at work. My office on the 4th floor of a huge entertainment complex. A BIRD. I called Engineering. I called Security. How long do you think it took someone to get off their ass and get the frickin bird out? ALL DAMN DAY. When I left, it was still there! There was no "task force" or emergency meeting in the conference room! No Dwight with a plastic bag!
6 - Grey's Anatomy. Yeah, Thursday's are when I do most of my TV viewing. I love this show and if you watch it you know why. I can't get into all of that here, now. My most favorite moments though are those that belong to Burke and Cristina. I love the dynamics of this seemingly awkward relationship and I think I had better enjoy the moments while I can cause I sense the break-up. It is sweeps after all.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Little ditty
Evenings are so crazy around my house that most of my TV viewing is done via my DVR. I've programmed it to record all new episodes of my most favorite shows. I end up watching what I've recorded on my days off while I feed the baby or something. Zipping through all of the commercials saves so much time.
But there is one thing I NEVER fast forward my way through - The Office theme song. In fact, I turn it up real loud and rock like Dwight before a sales call when I hear it...
But there is one thing I NEVER fast forward my way through - The Office theme song. In fact, I turn it up real loud and rock like Dwight before a sales call when I hear it...
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Loves company?
I've been an absolute miserable ASS today. I've been short tempered and super cranky since I woke up. I'm thinking that it might have something to do with the fact that it's 21 degrees outside and it's APRIL. And its snowing. And more than just a dusting.
All this and I'm just plain tired. Not enough sleep. Too much to do around the house. Not enough time or energy to get it all done.
I've let it all get to me today. Not feeling very "Eastery" at all.
Me or Mother Nature.
Me or Mother Nature.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Yo, Stupid
I just poked around on my Blogger dashboard and discovered that I had 12 comments to moderate and publish. 12 comments from friends and strangers that dated back to just about a year ago. 2006! I had no CLUE these things were sent and basically sitting there WAITING for me to discover and *ahem* respond to. Me thinks I ought to have clicked on that "Moderate Comments" tab a little sooner in my blogging career.
But alas, I thank you, dear commenters from the past, for paying attention to this little site of mine. I promise that this is the beginning of the blog again and I promise to pay attention to the fact that you visit and perhaps even take the time to drop me a note.
And now, all flustered from my discovery, I've forgotten why I logged on and what I was gonna post in the first place.
Oh yeah. I was all depressed cause I just received an e-mail notifying me that my 20 year high school class reunion will be held this year. Am I really that old? Thank God 40 is the new 30 cause that means I'm still in my "20s"...
Oh, and the search for the perfect outfit begins TODAY.
But alas, I thank you, dear commenters from the past, for paying attention to this little site of mine. I promise that this is the beginning of the blog again and I promise to pay attention to the fact that you visit and perhaps even take the time to drop me a note.
And now, all flustered from my discovery, I've forgotten why I logged on and what I was gonna post in the first place.
Oh yeah. I was all depressed cause I just received an e-mail notifying me that my 20 year high school class reunion will be held this year. Am I really that old? Thank God 40 is the new 30 cause that means I'm still in my "20s"...
Oh, and the search for the perfect outfit begins TODAY.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Not natural
I just don't like daylight saving time. I hate it. I'm off kilter for at least a week, constantly thinking about what time it really SHOULD be. I don't care that in July it will be light out until 10:00 p.m. Who cares? Enjoying a sunset at 9:00 p.m. is just as good and shit, with 3 kids to manage all day I say the sooner it gets dark the better. BEDTIME EVERYONE!
Just another reason we should have stayed in Arizona.
Oh, and I will correct everyone I speak to that calls it SAVINGS time. Ugh.
Just another reason we should have stayed in Arizona.
Oh, and I will correct everyone I speak to that calls it SAVINGS time. Ugh.
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