When I got home the other day, I found out that Chuck had chosen option 5 in order to deal with our illegally-parked neighbors. What's option 5, you ask? Right, I didn't give you an option 5. Turns out that option 5 is to leave a note on the car...in Spanish. Why Spanish, you ask? They'd never guess that the white guy across the street speaks Spanish. So we'll never be the target of mean glances or, say, eggs thrown at windows. Let's hope this works. Apparently neither one of us has the chutzpah to really do anything else.
And even though he didn't, I want you to imagine that Chuck dressed in all black, tip-toeing out the front door around 1 a.m. to deliver the note on the windshield. Maybe he's even wearing a black raccoon mask. Isn't that a great picture?! I don't know whether to be secretly pleased and proud of my dear husband, or secretly embarrassed that he's part wimp.
P.S. Daniel, we tried a modified-Mumma park but we were too chicken to do it fully. Hopefully we won't need to.
P.P.S. Amanda, you better believe that as soon as the foreclosure is complete, and if they continue to park like that, I'll let the bank know. But as far as I can tell, tax records indicate that ownership is still in a person's name. However, the paper taped to the door suggests that it'll soon be changing hands.
P.P.P.S. Everyone, a new puzzle: same owner, different car. They have a truck with a flat tire and flat tire has been flat for months. Do I let that one go? I'm really trying to be more laid back, but this neighbor is really pushing my buttons!
P.P.P.P.S. Off to Utah tomorrow! Wish us luck on the flights. Oy.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Yeah Fall!
Summers here pretty much suck. I'll admit that this summer was unusually un-humid, but generally, they are hot and humid; it's not pretty. However, spring and fall are typically very lovely. (For example, Sunday was 70 degrees. Awesome!)
When my sister was in college, she was a nurse at a summer camp in Connecticut. I remember she said that taking drives there was no fun; you couldn't see anything because all the trees got in the way. I couldn't really understand that. But boy do I understand now. There are sooo many trees and they make sooo many leaves. It's crazy. (I won't mention that my tax dollars pay for a big leaf vacuum that comes and vacuums up people's leaves. Nope, not one word about it.) Rhett loved walking through the leaves and it's certainly an activity I can support. Can you believe how big that one leaf is?! Let's not forget his head is in the 80th percentile, people. This thing is HUGE!
And just because Halloween is over, doesn't mean I can't dress up my kid in Halloween pajamas. Honestly, pajamas are my favorite thing that Rhett wears. I would love to keep him in pajamas all day. And yes, they glow in the dark. How fun are they?
When my sister was in college, she was a nurse at a summer camp in Connecticut. I remember she said that taking drives there was no fun; you couldn't see anything because all the trees got in the way. I couldn't really understand that. But boy do I understand now. There are sooo many trees and they make sooo many leaves. It's crazy. (I won't mention that my tax dollars pay for a big leaf vacuum that comes and vacuums up people's leaves. Nope, not one word about it.) Rhett loved walking through the leaves and it's certainly an activity I can support. Can you believe how big that one leaf is?! Let's not forget his head is in the 80th percentile, people. This thing is HUGE!
And just because Halloween is over, doesn't mean I can't dress up my kid in Halloween pajamas. Honestly, pajamas are my favorite thing that Rhett wears. I would love to keep him in pajamas all day. And yes, they glow in the dark. How fun are they?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Habitat for Hubanity: the Pantry
Since the inception of TV-free Mondays, Mondays have turned into big work parties. They're the days we worked on the yard. The days that Chuck and I switched the master bedroom from upstairs to downstairs. And now, the day that we lined the shelves in the pantry.
I saw the contact paper at Target and felt inspired. That and the fact that the cans in the pantry are turning the shelves black. That helped too. The first picture is obviously the before picture.
And these show the end product. I am really pleased with how they turned out.
The containers for flour, sugar, etc., are my favorite things in my pantry. Thanks Mom!
For full disclosure, I must confess that this project did not take place on a Monday night. It was scheduled to, but this most recent Monday was just too rough a day and neither of us was up for the job. But don't worry; we'll be back to regular Monday work days soon.
The next project I would like to tackle is painting the shutters. Has anyone every done this? I don't know where to start; we can't even figure out how to get them off the house.
I saw the contact paper at Target and felt inspired. That and the fact that the cans in the pantry are turning the shelves black. That helped too. The first picture is obviously the before picture.
And these show the end product. I am really pleased with how they turned out.
The containers for flour, sugar, etc., are my favorite things in my pantry. Thanks Mom!
For full disclosure, I must confess that this project did not take place on a Monday night. It was scheduled to, but this most recent Monday was just too rough a day and neither of us was up for the job. But don't worry; we'll be back to regular Monday work days soon.
The next project I would like to tackle is painting the shutters. Has anyone every done this? I don't know where to start; we can't even figure out how to get them off the house.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Go Rhett Go
And not only does he "stop" the dogs, but he tells us when to stop at traffic lights, and other appropriate stopping times. Oh man, I love this boy.
Again, please ignore my voice. Yikes.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What Would Good Neighbors Do?
What you see here is an aerial picture of my house (with the digitally-added smiley roof) and the house next door. As you can see, we share a driveway. Right now, that house is vacant (a victim to foreclosure) and Chuck (the green car) and I (the yellow car) have full access to the neighbor's half of the shared driveway. Of course we never park in that half, but we do use it to get around each other's cars.
However, one of our other neighbors has started using this driveway for their own personal vehicle's use (the red car). This is not only illegal but a complete nuisance to us! So here's the question: what do we do?
As we see it, we have a few options:
1. Leave a note on their car asking them to kindly not park there. This one is scary because it will obviously come from us. I mean, which other neighbor would give a fig about who is using this driveway ? Not one. And I really don't want to come off as the type of person who cares about this, even if I am the type of person who cares about this.
2. Put up a sign on the fence at the end of the driveway that says "No Parking." We'd do this at night, dressed in all black to avoid being seen. The violators would assume this came from the bank that owns the house and presumably stop parking there.
3. Report it to the county' housing authority. Not sure what they'd do, but I can do it and even anonymously. (I'm such a wimp.)
4. Do nothing. We take a couple of deep breaths and repeat the mantra, "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter." We will be the first to admit that we're upset about this more because it ruins our beautiful little parking setup rather than the legality of the issue.
I want to be a good neighbor, but I also want our driveway back!
Monday, November 9, 2009
You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling
In every edition of the Washington Post Magazine is a feature called "Date Lab." And it is what it sounds like: a blind date service. People apply, go on a date with someone with whom he/she should be compatible, take pictures during the date, and then it gets written up for the magazine for the entire DC metro area to read over Sunday morning coffee cake. One couple even got married! (Read an example here...with a Mormon...a Mormon whom I know!)
But in Sunday's edition of Date Lab, they put out the word that they're looking for couples who are already married. Says Date Lab, "Even if you've found The One, it's easy to lose sight of the romance once you fall into a routine. But married couples need a good date once in a while, too...Tell us why you and your significant other are long overdue for a date...We'll choose our favorite response, send that couple out to dinner, then write about it in the magazine."
This is what I sent. Think we'll win!?
"If it’s oatmeal, it must be Wednesday. And no, I’m not kidding. Generally I love schedules: schedules for meals, chores, events. You name it and I’ll find a calendar appropriate for it. When a son joined my husband and me 19 months ago, my love for schedules grew even more. But for some reason, my husband and I have not been able to schedule time for just the two of us.
I like to blame this on a couple of things. First, we didn’t really learn to date. Before we were married we had a long-distance relationship. After we were married and before the little guy came, we did almost everything together, so it seemed like a three-and-a-half year date. We never learned to make it formal however.
Second, I’m cheap. When we travel, I’ll pack sandwiches for us so we don’t have to eat fast food on the road. (I like to say that it’s more about the quality of the food rather than the money, but really, it’s about the money.) We are pretty good at earning and saving money and feel like responsible adults, but this definitely comes at a cost.
Third, did I mention the 19-month-old? Because he’s definitely the biggest culprit. Being first-time parents means we’re still getting used to this parenting thing. Between a husband who works full-time and a wife who works part-time outside of the home, we both feel the hardest job is inside the home with the little guy! When he goes down for the night, so do we. This does not leave a lot of time for dating.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that there is desire! Both he and I would love to go on a date, so come on Date Lab…make it happen!"
But in Sunday's edition of Date Lab, they put out the word that they're looking for couples who are already married. Says Date Lab, "Even if you've found The One, it's easy to lose sight of the romance once you fall into a routine. But married couples need a good date once in a while, too...Tell us why you and your significant other are long overdue for a date...We'll choose our favorite response, send that couple out to dinner, then write about it in the magazine."
This is what I sent. Think we'll win!?
"If it’s oatmeal, it must be Wednesday. And no, I’m not kidding. Generally I love schedules: schedules for meals, chores, events. You name it and I’ll find a calendar appropriate for it. When a son joined my husband and me 19 months ago, my love for schedules grew even more. But for some reason, my husband and I have not been able to schedule time for just the two of us.
I like to blame this on a couple of things. First, we didn’t really learn to date. Before we were married we had a long-distance relationship. After we were married and before the little guy came, we did almost everything together, so it seemed like a three-and-a-half year date. We never learned to make it formal however.
Second, I’m cheap. When we travel, I’ll pack sandwiches for us so we don’t have to eat fast food on the road. (I like to say that it’s more about the quality of the food rather than the money, but really, it’s about the money.) We are pretty good at earning and saving money and feel like responsible adults, but this definitely comes at a cost.
Third, did I mention the 19-month-old? Because he’s definitely the biggest culprit. Being first-time parents means we’re still getting used to this parenting thing. Between a husband who works full-time and a wife who works part-time outside of the home, we both feel the hardest job is inside the home with the little guy! When he goes down for the night, so do we. This does not leave a lot of time for dating.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that there is desire! Both he and I would love to go on a date, so come on Date Lab…make it happen!"
Saturday, November 7, 2009
No New Car For Me
Sad to report, but I will not be getting a new car. Although it was possibly my fastest time yet (25:55), it does not justify the VW Eos. And really, neither would a time of 24:00.
I have to say, I was a little disappointed in my time. The race was almost an out-and-back. At the turnaround point, the girl said that we were half-way done. Hooray! When I get back to where I thought was the end, I started really pushing myself to finish strong. Imagine my dismay when I saw that we had to keep going--a half mile to go. I had just given everything I had and therefore barely had that extra half mile in me. So that last half mile was really tough. But I finished. Let's just hope it's enough to earn me points!
I have to say, I was a little disappointed in my time. The race was almost an out-and-back. At the turnaround point, the girl said that we were half-way done. Hooray! When I get back to where I thought was the end, I started really pushing myself to finish strong. Imagine my dismay when I saw that we had to keep going--a half mile to go. I had just given everything I had and therefore barely had that extra half mile in me. So that last half mile was really tough. But I finished. Let's just hope it's enough to earn me points!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
My Prize
This year I made a goal to finish in the top 10 (for my age group and gender) in six races hosted by my running club. It's all part of something they do called the "Championship Series" and I wanted part of it. I don't expect to get a prize at the end, but rather it was something I wanted just for me. Currently I have five races down and only one more to go. On Saturday (a day predicted to have perfect running weather) I run my final Championship Series race: a flat 5K.
Chuck said that if I run this race in 24:00 or less, I can have this car. What do you think? Can I do it? (See more pictures here.)
I'm not usually a girl who is in love with cars, but this one, ooooh, this one is much different. I love this car. I get excited when I see it on the road. I want this car so very badly that I might run my race at a pace which will cause me to puke at the end of it. That's how badly I want this car.
(Of course, none of that matters because there's no way we'd actually buy this car. But sometimes it's fun to imagine.)
Chuck said that if I run this race in 24:00 or less, I can have this car. What do you think? Can I do it? (See more pictures here.)
I'm not usually a girl who is in love with cars, but this one, ooooh, this one is much different. I love this car. I get excited when I see it on the road. I want this car so very badly that I might run my race at a pace which will cause me to puke at the end of it. That's how badly I want this car.
(Of course, none of that matters because there's no way we'd actually buy this car. But sometimes it's fun to imagine.)
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!
If you weren't able to guess Rhett's costume from the hat, maybe this will help? (That's Rhett's cute second (?) cousin Ally.)
And if not, maybe this one will give you a clue?
And the biggest hint of all (it's written on the bag).
Yep, our little candy corn loved Halloween. We trick-or-treated at his Aunt and Uncle's house, Grandma and Grandpa's house, and a dozen other homes for fun. When we got back to Grandma and Grandpa's house, his cousin Carolina was there. What a sweet vampire she made!
Turns out that Rhett loves knocking on doors. (Does this mean he'll make a good missionary?!) What you see here is his single fisted technique. We also saw a double-fist door knock which proved pretty effective. He liked to invite himself into other peoples' homes. And at one house, he even gave away one piece of candy. Good thing he got three in return.
And considering we stopped at less than a dozen homes, we think he did pretty well. One pound and ten ounces later...
Here's hoping for one sleepy baby tonight!
And if not, maybe this one will give you a clue?
And the biggest hint of all (it's written on the bag).
Yep, our little candy corn loved Halloween. We trick-or-treated at his Aunt and Uncle's house, Grandma and Grandpa's house, and a dozen other homes for fun. When we got back to Grandma and Grandpa's house, his cousin Carolina was there. What a sweet vampire she made!
Turns out that Rhett loves knocking on doors. (Does this mean he'll make a good missionary?!) What you see here is his single fisted technique. We also saw a double-fist door knock which proved pretty effective. He liked to invite himself into other peoples' homes. And at one house, he even gave away one piece of candy. Good thing he got three in return.
And considering we stopped at less than a dozen homes, we think he did pretty well. One pound and ten ounces later...
Here's hoping for one sleepy baby tonight!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Even 867-5309 Must Be Better than What I Have
Last April my Dad generously added my sister and me to his cell phone plan. Chuck and I had cut back to only one phone so returning to two made us feel quite luxurious. This is the good news.
The bad news is that my new phone number came from a shady source. The previous owner not only had multiple debts (as noted by all the calls I get from collectors) but she was also either a prostitute or drug dealer. These are the only logical conclusions given the patterns of calls I receive. (Hmmm...apparently selling your body and/or drugs does NOT pay! I must remember to tell my Young Women.)
What's happening is that about once a month, I'll get a series of 15-20 calls from a few different phone numbers within a very short time period. Sometimes I'll answer the calls and tell them to stop calling me. Sometimes I just let them go to voicemail. Either way, it's annoying.
I don't understand why these calls come in waves. The only scenarios I can create are (1) someone is giving out my phone number as a joke. You know, boy meets girl in a bar and girl gives fake number. But then why is that number passed around to so many people? Or (2) maybe it's given during drug deals. I don't know why this one makes sense, but I like to think it's true.
Another thing I don't understand is that these people sometimes leave messages. Do they not listen to the voicemail recording that says, "Hey, you've reached Erin..." Uhhh, ERIN, not Brenda, nor Sophie, and certainly not Chad. I'm pretty sure my voice is girly-enough to not be mistaken for a Chad, right? But alas, that's happened.
I've since changed the voicemail message. To those of you who call me on purpose, I apologize for the semi (okay, really) rude intro, but hang on and you'll be quickly returned to the nice version of me.
The bad news is that my new phone number came from a shady source. The previous owner not only had multiple debts (as noted by all the calls I get from collectors) but she was also either a prostitute or drug dealer. These are the only logical conclusions given the patterns of calls I receive. (Hmmm...apparently selling your body and/or drugs does NOT pay! I must remember to tell my Young Women.)
What's happening is that about once a month, I'll get a series of 15-20 calls from a few different phone numbers within a very short time period. Sometimes I'll answer the calls and tell them to stop calling me. Sometimes I just let them go to voicemail. Either way, it's annoying.
I don't understand why these calls come in waves. The only scenarios I can create are (1) someone is giving out my phone number as a joke. You know, boy meets girl in a bar and girl gives fake number. But then why is that number passed around to so many people? Or (2) maybe it's given during drug deals. I don't know why this one makes sense, but I like to think it's true.
Another thing I don't understand is that these people sometimes leave messages. Do they not listen to the voicemail recording that says, "Hey, you've reached Erin..." Uhhh, ERIN, not Brenda, nor Sophie, and certainly not Chad. I'm pretty sure my voice is girly-enough to not be mistaken for a Chad, right? But alas, that's happened.
I've since changed the voicemail message. To those of you who call me on purpose, I apologize for the semi (okay, really) rude intro, but hang on and you'll be quickly returned to the nice version of me.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Scenes from a Run
Sometimes I really love where I live. Fall will do that to me.
And the best view of all:
And the best view of all:
Friday, October 23, 2009
Made by e
Some recent projects:
A backpack for Rhett. I'm still more in love with it than he is, but it'll come.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bags (thanks cousin Nicole!). You can't see it, but they're lined with a cute Halloween print flannel.
Pillowcase
Oven Mitts (via this tutorial)
Boo!
Smocks from Pillowcases
And of course, Rhett's Halloween costume. You'll have to wait for that, but here's one hint.
A backpack for Rhett. I'm still more in love with it than he is, but it'll come.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bags (thanks cousin Nicole!). You can't see it, but they're lined with a cute Halloween print flannel.
Pillowcase
Oven Mitts (via this tutorial)
Boo!
Smocks from Pillowcases
And of course, Rhett's Halloween costume. You'll have to wait for that, but here's one hint.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
What's Wrong With This Picture?
a. My husband's sweatshirt: a token of his devotion to a team that (sorry chuck) sucks.
b. The tree behind us: some leaves are green while some are not. What's up with that?
c. The dry sidewalks: I mean, we've had straight rain since Wednesday afternoon, why should Mother Nature stop now?
Answer: C. It has, no exaggeration, been raining (and record-setting cold) since Wednesday afternoon. I thought it would never stop. I thought I'd have to run in wet, squishy shoes for the rest of my life. I thought I'd be stuck inside my house with a toddler until Rhett canoed himself to kindergarten. I thought wrong. Thank goodness.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Deep Thoughts, by Chuck and erin
Which fictional TV character's life would you most like to have?
Although many were tempting, for some strange reason we both thought about characters from Seinfeld. I think I could definitely handle Elaine's life and Chuck would enjoy being Jerry. Others that we tossed around were Pam from the office (for me). I would have to be old Pam though, before she was a salesperson. I would love being a secretary, and working with crazy people would give me such good stories. Chuck thinks he'd also consider being Alex P. Keaton. I think he could pull it off.
Although many were tempting, for some strange reason we both thought about characters from Seinfeld. I think I could definitely handle Elaine's life and Chuck would enjoy being Jerry. Others that we tossed around were Pam from the office (for me). I would have to be old Pam though, before she was a salesperson. I would love being a secretary, and working with crazy people would give me such good stories. Chuck thinks he'd also consider being Alex P. Keaton. I think he could pull it off.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Happy Pumpkin Day!
I love traditions and wish I had more of them. So when I came up with Pumpkin Day, I knew it was a winner. At least, I hoped it would be a winner.
My idea was to go to a real pumpkin patch, not one where they set out already-picked pumpkins on grass. I wanted a Real Pumpkin Patch, where you had to actually rip the pumpkins off the vines. (Little did I know that pumpkin vines hurt! Oh well, still worth it.) Once we had picked the pumpkins, we'd feast on pumpkin soup and finish with pumpkin pie.
Our afternoon went just like that with the happy additions of a free hay-bale maze trip for Rhett and an awesome hayride around the farm for all of us. There's still time for all of you to celebrate Pumpkin Day too!
He played with Chuck's hat for the entire 40-minute drive.
This is what happens when you tell Rhett to "give the pumpkin a hug."
We thought pumpkin soup would taste better than Rhett Soup.
I'm really proud of Chuck for being open to pumpkin soup. It helps that it wasn't half bad!
Rhett having his very first (and only) bite of pumpkin pie.
P.S. Thanks Jess for the suggestion of Larriland Farms. We obviously loved it!
My idea was to go to a real pumpkin patch, not one where they set out already-picked pumpkins on grass. I wanted a Real Pumpkin Patch, where you had to actually rip the pumpkins off the vines. (Little did I know that pumpkin vines hurt! Oh well, still worth it.) Once we had picked the pumpkins, we'd feast on pumpkin soup and finish with pumpkin pie.
Our afternoon went just like that with the happy additions of a free hay-bale maze trip for Rhett and an awesome hayride around the farm for all of us. There's still time for all of you to celebrate Pumpkin Day too!
He played with Chuck's hat for the entire 40-minute drive.
This is what happens when you tell Rhett to "give the pumpkin a hug."
We thought pumpkin soup would taste better than Rhett Soup.
I'm really proud of Chuck for being open to pumpkin soup. It helps that it wasn't half bad!
Rhett having his very first (and only) bite of pumpkin pie.P.S. Thanks Jess for the suggestion of Larriland Farms. We obviously loved it!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Weekend Trip to Williamsburg and Jamestown
Can you believe that we won a trip to Williamsburg? And all we had to do was sit through a three-hour sales pitch for a time share! What are the odds, right?! Crazy.
We managed to have a great time, despite the sales pitch. In fact, even that wasn't that bad. I mean, how can anything that offers free donuts be 100% bad?
Rhett has just started to understand why we wave at things. Here he's waving goodbye to the horses that announced George Washington (seen in the background).
He was being a bad boy. Chuck also spent some time in there and I did some time in the leg stocks.
Rhett and Chuck watching some little band.
The sole family picture taken all weekend (minus the real blurry one of us in a dug-out canoe). Doesn't Rhett have the face of a fourteen-year-old in this picture? I love the little person on his finger.
And if you were wondering, no, we opted not to purchase the time share. No trip to Cancun next year for us. Sad, I know.
We managed to have a great time, despite the sales pitch. In fact, even that wasn't that bad. I mean, how can anything that offers free donuts be 100% bad?
Rhett has just started to understand why we wave at things. Here he's waving goodbye to the horses that announced George Washington (seen in the background).
He was being a bad boy. Chuck also spent some time in there and I did some time in the leg stocks.
Rhett and Chuck watching some little band.
The sole family picture taken all weekend (minus the real blurry one of us in a dug-out canoe). Doesn't Rhett have the face of a fourteen-year-old in this picture? I love the little person on his finger.And if you were wondering, no, we opted not to purchase the time share. No trip to Cancun next year for us. Sad, I know.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
You Know You're Sleep Deprived When...
...you lie in bed in the morning thinking the following:
"I know that hot dogs come from pigs and steak comes from cows. But where does sliced turkey come from?"
Seriously. I did this.
And yes, I realize this picture has nothing to do with the origins of sliced turkey, but I don't care. I like it.
"I know that hot dogs come from pigs and steak comes from cows. But where does sliced turkey come from?"
Seriously. I did this.
And yes, I realize this picture has nothing to do with the origins of sliced turkey, but I don't care. I like it.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Blogging Lite
I wish I had a better excuse for my lame posts this week, but truth is, my life has been pretty lame. I'm having one of those weeks where I wish my life wasn't my life, you know? I saw this "Intervention" the other night about an addict from Salt Lake and I was almost crying (alright, I was crying) at how much I miss Utah. There was snow on the ground and the mountains looked beautiful. It just made me feel sorry for myself.
Then I remembered: I had a baby. Honestly, how different do I think my life would be if I was living in Utah right now? Considering my status as a mom, I don't think it would be that different. I couldn't be taking my desired backpacking trips in the Winds or the Tetons. I couldn't be skiing all the time (can't afford to). I'd probably still be taking trips to the library, running, and waiting for Chuck to come home. With the exception of occasional dinners at my parents' house instead of Chuck's parents' house, honestly, my life wouldn't be that different. I'd just have a better view and less humidity.
So now I have to stop feeling sorry for myself. It's a little easier when I look at this little guy enjoying his very first pillow. He seems to be getting the hang of it. (And yes, we really did wait 18 months to give him a pillow in his crib. He has yet to get a blanket, however.)
Cousin Emily, I hope this is honest enough. I don't have it in me to reveal nine more things. Forgive me, please?
Then I remembered: I had a baby. Honestly, how different do I think my life would be if I was living in Utah right now? Considering my status as a mom, I don't think it would be that different. I couldn't be taking my desired backpacking trips in the Winds or the Tetons. I couldn't be skiing all the time (can't afford to). I'd probably still be taking trips to the library, running, and waiting for Chuck to come home. With the exception of occasional dinners at my parents' house instead of Chuck's parents' house, honestly, my life wouldn't be that different. I'd just have a better view and less humidity.
So now I have to stop feeling sorry for myself. It's a little easier when I look at this little guy enjoying his very first pillow. He seems to be getting the hang of it. (And yes, we really did wait 18 months to give him a pillow in his crib. He has yet to get a blanket, however.)
Cousin Emily, I hope this is honest enough. I don't have it in me to reveal nine more things. Forgive me, please?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
I Couldn't Resist
I had thoughts of posting something else until I took these pictures. These are the reason I love digital cameras so much: instant gratification.
Doesn't he look like he's totally getting some eagerly anticipated information in that second picture? (Let's just ignore the upside-down-ness of the phone, shall we?)
Doesn't he look like he's totally getting some eagerly anticipated information in that second picture? (Let's just ignore the upside-down-ness of the phone, shall we?)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Advice...Again
Rhett started nursery on Sunday. I was unprepared for this: I thought he'd have to wait until this Sunday because last Sunday was one day before his actual 18-month birthday (if there is such a thing). So I was really not ready. But not in the "my-baby's-growing-up-so-fast" not ready sense, rather the "uh, will you keep him until dinner time?" Rhett being my first child in nursery meant that I didn't know the routine. I felt proud that I knew where to go. That's where my knowledge stopped.
Please share with me your wisdom. I need it.
Please share with me your wisdom. I need it.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Candy Hierarchy
Last night as we talked each other to sleep, Chuck and I started discussing candy. I asserted that gummi bears (Chuck's favorite candy) didn't even make my top 20. It was a glib statement, and I thought that I should work on seeing if it's true. So here's the list:
1. Hot Tamales. Easy.
2. Runts. Pink and red are my favorites, with green being the yuckiest, albeit still-eaten. The bananas used to be just underneath pink and red, but lately they have been surpassed by orange. I really like them orange ones!
3. Candy Corns. Brach's Candy Corns. I'm eating some (and by "some," I mean an entire bag) right now.
4. Cherry heads. Fun Fact: Once I ate a fairly large-sized bag of these (during one of three trips to the theater to see Titanic) and ended up with a mouth full of canker sores. Totally worth it.
5. Sour watermelons. These, too, have been retired. Some of you will say, "Oh erin, I saw them the other day!" But you didn't; trust me. You saw a cheap imitation. A part of me died when I learned that.
6. Skittles. Eaten in the following order: green, yellow, orange, purple, red. And when I have six reds left, I have to eat one, and then two at once, and then ALL THREE AT ONCE for the grand finale.
7. Lik-m-Aid (aka "Fun Dip"). I eat all three pouches with one stick and eat the other stick all by itself.
8. Twist 'n' Fill Twizzlers. Sadly, these are no longer made. Another small piece of happiness gone.
9. Regular Twizzlers. Best. Beach. Snack. Ever.
10. Smarties. I'm trying to get over the delusion that the different colors have a different taste. My therapist is helping. Until then, pink and yellow get eaten last; green first.
11. Almond Joy. My favorite piece of chocolate.
12. Butterfinger. Second favorite piece of chocolate.
13. Starburst. Once Chuck went to Hershey Park and brought me a bag of only pink and reds. It was heaven.
14. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. The little, individually-wrapped ones only please.
15. Swedish fish. But only the red ones.
16. Jolly Ranchers. When I have a sore throat, I contend that these are just as good for me as stupid sore throat lozenges.
17. Airheads. I love the white mystery flavor!
18. Carmels. But not good carmels. Carmels that are perfect cubes and sold in bulk. I'm sure to candy purists I'm breaking some rule. But you can't help what you like.
19. Nerds. These are great in a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Trust me.
20. Cinnamon bears. I eat the head first, then the legs, finally the torso.
An honorable mention has to go to SweetTarts just because of the game played between my sister, my mom, and me. You wouldn't get it.
There. I did it. I was right. Not even in my top 20.
(And now you maybe you understand why I have to run.)
1. Hot Tamales. Easy.
2. Runts. Pink and red are my favorites, with green being the yuckiest, albeit still-eaten. The bananas used to be just underneath pink and red, but lately they have been surpassed by orange. I really like them orange ones!
3. Candy Corns. Brach's Candy Corns. I'm eating some (and by "some," I mean an entire bag) right now.
4. Cherry heads. Fun Fact: Once I ate a fairly large-sized bag of these (during one of three trips to the theater to see Titanic) and ended up with a mouth full of canker sores. Totally worth it.
5. Sour watermelons. These, too, have been retired. Some of you will say, "Oh erin, I saw them the other day!" But you didn't; trust me. You saw a cheap imitation. A part of me died when I learned that.
6. Skittles. Eaten in the following order: green, yellow, orange, purple, red. And when I have six reds left, I have to eat one, and then two at once, and then ALL THREE AT ONCE for the grand finale.
7. Lik-m-Aid (aka "Fun Dip"). I eat all three pouches with one stick and eat the other stick all by itself.
8. Twist 'n' Fill Twizzlers. Sadly, these are no longer made. Another small piece of happiness gone.
9. Regular Twizzlers. Best. Beach. Snack. Ever.
10. Smarties. I'm trying to get over the delusion that the different colors have a different taste. My therapist is helping. Until then, pink and yellow get eaten last; green first.
11. Almond Joy. My favorite piece of chocolate.
12. Butterfinger. Second favorite piece of chocolate.
13. Starburst. Once Chuck went to Hershey Park and brought me a bag of only pink and reds. It was heaven.
14. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. The little, individually-wrapped ones only please.
15. Swedish fish. But only the red ones.
16. Jolly Ranchers. When I have a sore throat, I contend that these are just as good for me as stupid sore throat lozenges.
17. Airheads. I love the white mystery flavor!
18. Carmels. But not good carmels. Carmels that are perfect cubes and sold in bulk. I'm sure to candy purists I'm breaking some rule. But you can't help what you like.
19. Nerds. These are great in a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Trust me.
20. Cinnamon bears. I eat the head first, then the legs, finally the torso.
An honorable mention has to go to SweetTarts just because of the game played between my sister, my mom, and me. You wouldn't get it.
There. I did it. I was right. Not even in my top 20.
(And now you maybe you understand why I have to run.)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Don't. Stop. Don't Stop. Seriously.
Do you ever have one of those days (or maybe, if you're lucky, two or three of those days) that are just perfect and even if you tried, you couldn't plan them any better? That was my weekend.
On Friday I relaxed at home working on this project. I didn't make two and I'm so angry at myself because of I didn't. I love it. Have I mentioned that I love Halloween? Because I do. L-O-V-E it. And that describes how I feel about this bunting.
When we woke up on Saturday (at 6:45 a.m---totally sleeping in for the little one!), we had perfect running weather. It was crisp and cool. I was able to get in a long-ish run and enjoy every second of it. When I came home, Chuck offered to let me have a morning alone. He took Rhett to his parents' house while I stayed home, showered, read the paper, ate breakfast, and wanted to cry at how great a husband I have for giving me that present. Honestly, I want to roll around naked in that morning, that's how great it was. Which is a slight step up from how I feel about Halloween.
When I was ready to return to my normal life, I joined Chuck at his parents' house where two out-of-town brothers (and families) were visiting. It is always fun to see his family and for Rhett to see his cousins. I got out of there for a small break to attend a baby shower where, happily for me, no baby shower games were played! Bonus. The above bunting was delivered and hopefully the gift will be used. I told her if she was unsure about putting a newborn in black, let me know and I'd take it back and make her anything she wanted. She kept it. Sigh.
When that was over, it was back to Chuck's parents' house for more family time and dinner. The weather was gorgeous and it was great being outside.
Sunday is pretty busy with meetings, but as the woman who brought these happy flowers had to leave early, I got to bring them home. What an end to my weekend, right? When do I get to do this again?
On Friday I relaxed at home working on this project. I didn't make two and I'm so angry at myself because of I didn't. I love it. Have I mentioned that I love Halloween? Because I do. L-O-V-E it. And that describes how I feel about this bunting.
When we woke up on Saturday (at 6:45 a.m---totally sleeping in for the little one!), we had perfect running weather. It was crisp and cool. I was able to get in a long-ish run and enjoy every second of it. When I came home, Chuck offered to let me have a morning alone. He took Rhett to his parents' house while I stayed home, showered, read the paper, ate breakfast, and wanted to cry at how great a husband I have for giving me that present. Honestly, I want to roll around naked in that morning, that's how great it was. Which is a slight step up from how I feel about Halloween.
When I was ready to return to my normal life, I joined Chuck at his parents' house where two out-of-town brothers (and families) were visiting. It is always fun to see his family and for Rhett to see his cousins. I got out of there for a small break to attend a baby shower where, happily for me, no baby shower games were played! Bonus. The above bunting was delivered and hopefully the gift will be used. I told her if she was unsure about putting a newborn in black, let me know and I'd take it back and make her anything she wanted. She kept it. Sigh.
When that was over, it was back to Chuck's parents' house for more family time and dinner. The weather was gorgeous and it was great being outside.
Sunday is pretty busy with meetings, but as the woman who brought these happy flowers had to leave early, I got to bring them home. What an end to my weekend, right? When do I get to do this again?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Exile Alternative
As much as Emily's eviction of Miles to Exile sounded like a pretty great place for my ultra-fussy eighteen-month-old, it took only one of these faces to make me reconsider.
P.S. Are you watching Glee? If not, you really really need to. It's on Fox on Wednesdays night, I think they're rerunning them on Fridays, and you can watch it here, right now. No excuses.
P.S. Are you watching Glee? If not, you really really need to. It's on Fox on Wednesdays night, I think they're rerunning them on Fridays, and you can watch it here, right now. No excuses.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Things I Would Tweet if I Twittered
"I can't stop eating these hint of lime chips. This is not a good thing."
"I want my two nostrils! Dang this stupid cold."
"Why is there nothing good on the internet? How else am I supposed to waste my time?"
"I now have two tricks for killing crickets: throwing a book on them and vacuuming them. One more effective than the other."
And we should all bow our heads and say a prayer of gratitude that I don't use twitter.
"I want my two nostrils! Dang this stupid cold."
"Why is there nothing good on the internet? How else am I supposed to waste my time?"
"I now have two tricks for killing crickets: throwing a book on them and vacuuming them. One more effective than the other."
And we should all bow our heads and say a prayer of gratitude that I don't use twitter.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Made by e: Latest Projects
Now that I'm back at home three days during the week, I can get back some crafting time during Rhett's naps. I've taken to doing everything in duplicate: one for me and one for Etsy. Since I noticed that pretty much everything that sold, sold during the months leading to Christmas, I thought I'd try opening the shop next month. But if it they don't sell, then, well, some of you might see these things next year in the form of gifts.
Sandwich wraps like these. The bottom two and middle one are destined for my Etsy shop. The other two were already given as gifts.
A Halloween banner. This is one of my most favorite things I've ever sewn. Candy corns are in the top three of my favorite candies list. Hurry up October!
Christmas Banner
Little girl's skirt fashioned from a friend's too-long-for-her dress.
Car seat strap covers. One for Chuck's car, one for a friend's soon-to-be-born baby, and another for the shop.
Sandwich wraps like these. The bottom two and middle one are destined for my Etsy shop. The other two were already given as gifts.
A Halloween banner. This is one of my most favorite things I've ever sewn. Candy corns are in the top three of my favorite candies list. Hurry up October!
Christmas Banner
Little girl's skirt fashioned from a friend's too-long-for-her dress.
Car seat strap covers. One for Chuck's car, one for a friend's soon-to-be-born baby, and another for the shop.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Quirkiness Revealed
Because I have a lot of quirks (ask me sometime about the way I eat Skittles), I find them endearing in others. Here are a couple of Rhett's quirks.
Oh yeah, he also does this weird thing where he'll grab onto something and just hold it so tightly that his whole body tenses. Is that normal?
He doesn't like to keep hats on his head. But this plastic Orioles batting helmet (that we bought at a garage sale in Colorado, oddly enough), he wears all the time. And almost always it is backwards.
During a recent trip to the zoo, Rhett found this statue of a frog more interesting than most of the real animals we saw that day. I realize that this isn't quirk-ish, but it still made me laugh.
What you see here is a boy pointing at something. What you can't quite see is (1) that's he's quite upset and (2) he's pointing at the fire alarm. He HATES all things fire alarms. We had one sitting on the counter while we waited for a battery and he would start whining every time he saw it. And he still whines at those attached to the ceiling.
Again, looks harmless, right? Wrong. That sippy cup sitting in the upper-right hand corner of the tray MUST be in that upper-right hand corner of the tray. Try moving it to any other place on his tray and chaos will ensue. Out of all the quirks, this one makes me the most nervous. I have slight OCD tendencies and really really don't wish them on him.
Oh yeah, he also does this weird thing where he'll grab onto something and just hold it so tightly that his whole body tenses. Is that normal?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Quick Rant and then It's Over
Generally, I don't like to talk politics. I feel like I'm not a great debater and don't always have enough facts to make intelligent arguments. However, something has come up this week and for some reason, I can't get it out of my head, and in fact, it's now coming out of my fingers.
On Tuesday, President Obama delivered this speech to our nation's youth. There were a lot of people who were very opposed to the President doing this. And yet, I can't figure out why.
Being a leader of youth at church, I definitely see some of the problems that the President addressed. The biggest of which is that they don't want to take responsibility for anything. If they can't learn math, it's the teacher's fault. If they are tired during school, it's because school starts too early. These kids just might have a bad teacher and school might start too early, but there are things that can be done about their problems. They can get a tutor, talk to their parents, get more sleep. But they need to take the initiative to actually do these things. It's tough, but life's tough.
Some people might disagree with a political figure talking to their kids. But why? Remember, he's the President of the United States of America (and remember that President Bush also did this during his tenure). Even after taking an extreme right-leaning eye to the document (and yes, I used only my right-leaning eye to read it; my left-leaning eye stayed closed), I had a hard time finding a problem with anything he said. I don't care if people agree with his politics or not. The man is not spouting health care reform to middle-schoolers. He's telling them to work hard! How is this partisan?
Certainly I'm not saying that just because he's President that people should all agree with what he believes, if they didn't before he was elected. But when it comes to issues where it seems like we should all get along (Drugs are bad! Kids should be educated!), why are we not getting along?
On Tuesday, President Obama delivered this speech to our nation's youth. There were a lot of people who were very opposed to the President doing this. And yet, I can't figure out why.
Being a leader of youth at church, I definitely see some of the problems that the President addressed. The biggest of which is that they don't want to take responsibility for anything. If they can't learn math, it's the teacher's fault. If they are tired during school, it's because school starts too early. These kids just might have a bad teacher and school might start too early, but there are things that can be done about their problems. They can get a tutor, talk to their parents, get more sleep. But they need to take the initiative to actually do these things. It's tough, but life's tough.
Some people might disagree with a political figure talking to their kids. But why? Remember, he's the President of the United States of America (and remember that President Bush also did this during his tenure). Even after taking an extreme right-leaning eye to the document (and yes, I used only my right-leaning eye to read it; my left-leaning eye stayed closed), I had a hard time finding a problem with anything he said. I don't care if people agree with his politics or not. The man is not spouting health care reform to middle-schoolers. He's telling them to work hard! How is this partisan?
Certainly I'm not saying that just because he's President that people should all agree with what he believes, if they didn't before he was elected. But when it comes to issues where it seems like we should all get along (Drugs are bad! Kids should be educated!), why are we not getting along?
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