So, it's been getting pretty deep over here on the blog and I think it's time to infuse a little fun for a change. I love summertime. It is one of my all-time favorites. Not just my favorite season, but one of my favorite things ever.
In honor of this, I will now post my playlist for this summer. These are the songs that have been on repeat on my iPod for the past month. I make no apologies for any lack of musical taste this may seem to show on my part. Just find these songs and listen to them and think of all the best things about summer.
Here they are, in no particular order. You're welcome.
Nova Baby by The Black Keys
Where I Want To Be by The Danderous Summer
Fly Over States by Jason Aldean
You and Me by Dave Matthews Band
Wild Ones (Feat. Sia) By Flo Rida (I'm not apologizing for this, but it is not kid-appropriate)
Everything You Do by He is We
Mountain and the Sea by Ingrid Michaelson
Springsteen by Eric Church
Do You Remember by Jack Johnson
Friday Night by Lady Antebellum
Melody by Kate Earl
Stay by Lisa Loeb
Last Request by Paolo Nutini
Days Like These by Jason Aldean
Saturday Morning by Rachael Yamagata
White Lies by Stacy Clark
Tim McGraw by Taylor Swift
Somebody Must be Prayin for Me by Tim McGraw
Go On by Jack Johnson
Next Girl by the Black Keys
Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen (I realize I will hate this song in another month or so, but I'm still okay with it right now)
Obviously I realize that taste in music is highly personal, but what is your all-time-favorite summertime song? I'll check it out and see if I should add it to my list...
Showing posts with label Favorite things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Favorite things. Show all posts
Friday, July 20, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Girlfriends
When I was growing up, I really only had a few friends. These friends were my BFFs and I loved them and spent as much time with them as possible. We did everything together and were always trying to coerce our parents into letting us spend more time together.
Of course, as invariably happens with girls, things change. Families move, we grow up, new BFFs come and go. It's difficult not to take these changes personally. She likes her more than me, spends more time with her than me, is more like her than I am, gets to hang out with her more than I do. There are so many questions. What did I do wrong? What should I have done/said/given/been to keep her as my friend? Losing a friend from childhood or those awkward tween/teen years can be devastating.
As an adult, I've been lucky enough to acquire some new "BFFs," if you will. Girls who are there for me, accept me, encourage me, inspire me, and are kind enough to share their lives with me. One of the big things I've learned from them is that having friends who have plenty of other friends is wonderful. There is so much freedom in knowing your friend is not dependent on you for everything and that you have at least several other people you can call if necessary. Conversely, it is wonderful to not feel like you are imposing too much on one friend or expecting too much of one friend.
A couple years ago I started hosting some parties at my house I call "Girlfriend Appreciation Parties." I invited friends from growing-up and work and church and other random places I meet people. I wasn't really sure of what to expect when I started doing it, but it has become something wonderful. Sometimes I have ten to fifteen people show up. Last night, I had only three guests. Regardless of how many or how few ladies attend, one thing I always come back to after one of these parties is how nice it is to spend time talking and laughing with other women.
I've come to realize how important is this interaction and conversation and confession and commiseration. We may be very different or pretty similar. We may be mothers or not mothers, employees or SAHMs, not that far out of high school or surprised at how long ago we graduated from college. But we are all women, so what we have in common almost always outweighs our differences.
I've so loved getting to know the ladies who show up and gaining this appreciation for having a variety of friends. No, every friend you make is not going to be a kindred spirit or inseparable companion. But there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's a wonderful thing. I now realize that even if a girl isn't your best friend or even a very good friend, you can appreciate each other and learn from each other and support each other. You can drink a glass of wine together and shoot the breeze over whatever you may happen to have in common. You can offer each other the gift of time and understanding. No pressure. No expectations. Just offering each other the time to talk and discuss and share mutual fears and laugh. And, even if this only happens occasionally (or even once) between you, you're all better for it.
Of course, as invariably happens with girls, things change. Families move, we grow up, new BFFs come and go. It's difficult not to take these changes personally. She likes her more than me, spends more time with her than me, is more like her than I am, gets to hang out with her more than I do. There are so many questions. What did I do wrong? What should I have done/said/given/been to keep her as my friend? Losing a friend from childhood or those awkward tween/teen years can be devastating.
As an adult, I've been lucky enough to acquire some new "BFFs," if you will. Girls who are there for me, accept me, encourage me, inspire me, and are kind enough to share their lives with me. One of the big things I've learned from them is that having friends who have plenty of other friends is wonderful. There is so much freedom in knowing your friend is not dependent on you for everything and that you have at least several other people you can call if necessary. Conversely, it is wonderful to not feel like you are imposing too much on one friend or expecting too much of one friend.
A couple years ago I started hosting some parties at my house I call "Girlfriend Appreciation Parties." I invited friends from growing-up and work and church and other random places I meet people. I wasn't really sure of what to expect when I started doing it, but it has become something wonderful. Sometimes I have ten to fifteen people show up. Last night, I had only three guests. Regardless of how many or how few ladies attend, one thing I always come back to after one of these parties is how nice it is to spend time talking and laughing with other women.
I've come to realize how important is this interaction and conversation and confession and commiseration. We may be very different or pretty similar. We may be mothers or not mothers, employees or SAHMs, not that far out of high school or surprised at how long ago we graduated from college. But we are all women, so what we have in common almost always outweighs our differences.
I've so loved getting to know the ladies who show up and gaining this appreciation for having a variety of friends. No, every friend you make is not going to be a kindred spirit or inseparable companion. But there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's a wonderful thing. I now realize that even if a girl isn't your best friend or even a very good friend, you can appreciate each other and learn from each other and support each other. You can drink a glass of wine together and shoot the breeze over whatever you may happen to have in common. You can offer each other the gift of time and understanding. No pressure. No expectations. Just offering each other the time to talk and discuss and share mutual fears and laugh. And, even if this only happens occasionally (or even once) between you, you're all better for it.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tinsel
Although Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, I have always loved Christmas. Not just the presents, but the decorations and the music and the lights and the traditions. All of it. I loved getting to stay up late when I was little to watch Christmas movies. I loved candlelight service at church, when I got to hold a real, lit candle. I loved playing with my sisters and moving around the figurines of the old nativity set my parents had. I loved lying on the floor under the Christmas tree and looking up at the lights and the ornaments. And, of course, I loved the anticipation of Christmas morning.
Wednesday we had a family movie night and watched Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. When the song "Silver and Gold" came on, Ryan asked me if we ever put tinsel on our tree growing up. My parents never had tinsel, but it reminded me of a memory I hadn't thought about in a long time: trimming the tree with my sisters at our grandparents' house.
We spent a lot of time at their house growing up, as my mother often helped my grandpa (or "Pap" as all the grand-kids called him) care for my grandma. Even when Mom wasn't there helping, my sisters and I slept over regularly, sharing the pull-out bed of the hideous orange and yellow floral sofa. We would wear Pap's t-shirts as nightgowns and he would sing to us old hymns like "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" and "Old Rugged Cross" as he tucked us in.
It was always fun to stay over, but we especially looked forward to December when we got to help decorate their tree. We would follow him down the narrow steps to the basement, and help gather the pieces of the world's first artificial tree to drag back up the stairs. Okay, so it wasn't the actual first artificial tree, but probably close to it. It smelled a little musty from its home in the basement and you could see the twisted, metal wire of the pieces showing between the matted "needles." Once assembled, it had a strange, alien quality, with the unwieldy branches curling up at strange angles.
None of that mattered to us. We loved digging through the ornament boxes and hanging up the strange shaped glass Santa faces or birds with colorful feathers. Best of all, we were allowed to put colored lights on it. But not just colored lights. The ones that blinked! It was only white lights and sentimental ornaments at our house, so this was quite a treat. And they let us use tinsel. I think more of it probably ended up on the floor and in our hair and static-clinging to our clothes than where it actually belonged, but we loved playing with it and adding it to the tree. How pretty it looked reflecting the colored lights!
Regardless of how tacky this all seems to me as I'm writing it, in my mind's eye I can still see how beautiful and magical it was to us at the time. I loved driving up to their house and seeing that tree blinking in the front window. I'm sure we loved rearranging the ornaments every time we went over. But my favorite part was snuggling up on the couch bed with my sisters and falling asleep in that tree's beautiful glow.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your celebrations are full of love and laughter and cherished memories.
Wednesday we had a family movie night and watched Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. When the song "Silver and Gold" came on, Ryan asked me if we ever put tinsel on our tree growing up. My parents never had tinsel, but it reminded me of a memory I hadn't thought about in a long time: trimming the tree with my sisters at our grandparents' house.
We spent a lot of time at their house growing up, as my mother often helped my grandpa (or "Pap" as all the grand-kids called him) care for my grandma. Even when Mom wasn't there helping, my sisters and I slept over regularly, sharing the pull-out bed of the hideous orange and yellow floral sofa. We would wear Pap's t-shirts as nightgowns and he would sing to us old hymns like "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" and "Old Rugged Cross" as he tucked us in.
It was always fun to stay over, but we especially looked forward to December when we got to help decorate their tree. We would follow him down the narrow steps to the basement, and help gather the pieces of the world's first artificial tree to drag back up the stairs. Okay, so it wasn't the actual first artificial tree, but probably close to it. It smelled a little musty from its home in the basement and you could see the twisted, metal wire of the pieces showing between the matted "needles." Once assembled, it had a strange, alien quality, with the unwieldy branches curling up at strange angles.
None of that mattered to us. We loved digging through the ornament boxes and hanging up the strange shaped glass Santa faces or birds with colorful feathers. Best of all, we were allowed to put colored lights on it. But not just colored lights. The ones that blinked! It was only white lights and sentimental ornaments at our house, so this was quite a treat. And they let us use tinsel. I think more of it probably ended up on the floor and in our hair and static-clinging to our clothes than where it actually belonged, but we loved playing with it and adding it to the tree. How pretty it looked reflecting the colored lights!
Regardless of how tacky this all seems to me as I'm writing it, in my mind's eye I can still see how beautiful and magical it was to us at the time. I loved driving up to their house and seeing that tree blinking in the front window. I'm sure we loved rearranging the ornaments every time we went over. But my favorite part was snuggling up on the couch bed with my sisters and falling asleep in that tree's beautiful glow.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your celebrations are full of love and laughter and cherished memories.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Playing Favorites
It's been a little while since I've done a favorite things post, so I thought I'd add some new favorites to the ever-growing list of stuff I like.
Having my own work space at home. I work from home three days a week. I've typically worked at the dining room table or in our guest room. This past Christmas, my husband made me a desk. For the top, he used part of a tree from our property. It is a beautiful desk. Sure, for now I have to share my work space with the boys' playroom, but it is SO nice to have a designated area with my own desk. And even better that the desk is a beautiful, hand-made gift.
Having my own work space at home. I work from home three days a week. I've typically worked at the dining room table or in our guest room. This past Christmas, my husband made me a desk. For the top, he used part of a tree from our property. It is a beautiful desk. Sure, for now I have to share my work space with the boys' playroom, but it is SO nice to have a designated area with my own desk. And even better that the desk is a beautiful, hand-made gift.
SUMMER! I know I've listed this one before, but I just love it so much. This summer has been awesome. I know July was really hot, but it's mid-August right now and the weather is mid-eighties and pleasant. Here is the summer view from my lovely new work space. If I have to be working and can't be playing outside, sitting here with the windows open makes it easier to take. 
essie nail polish. Now, I'm not really a nail polish 
girl. I do paint my toe nails, but only because I think I have weird feet that look weird without polished nails. And you don't have to repaint toe nails as often as you have to repaint your finger nails. Now, I can't really justify spending a lot on nail polish, but I bought it on sale and from what I've seen so far, it wears pretty well. Chinchilly is my current favorite. The website describes it as "a sleek granite gray," and I think that is a color that suits me pretty well.
Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations. Now, I know he is very 
snarky and can be quite crass, but I love this show. I love how he interacts with the people he meets and makes comments like, "Yeah, if people were only drunker, there'd be no
war." Seriously... it is educational AND entertaining. And makes me wish I could afford to just drop everything and fly to some far away place and try the food. A girl can dream.
Pinterest. I admit it. There are nights when Ryan is at work and the boys are in bed and I mindlessly surf the internet. Only most people are out on those nights, so not much is going on here on blogger or on Facebook. This is when I love Pinterest most. I can look for recipe ideas or interesting quotes or tattoo ideas or just.... other random stuff. And I can pin stuff to my pin boards really quickly so that I don't 
have to try to remember where I saw it and never be able to find it again. Sure, it's a waste of time, but at least I'm enjoying wasting it.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Over 10 years have gone by...
Well I was crazy about you then
And now the craziest thing of all
Over 10 years have gone by
And you're still mine
And now the craziest thing of all
Over 10 years have gone by
And you're still mine
- Jack Johnson (From the song Do You Remember)
So, I have never been the kind of person who gushes about my relationship. And, frankly, I find the people who do to be unbelievably annoying. I'm not talking about sharing from time-to-time a very sweet or thoughtful gesture like, "My husband knew I was tired and got up with the kids this morning so I could sleep in."
No. The ones I'm talking about are the people who are constantly saying out loud or posting things on Facebook like, "I can't believe how perfect and romantic and good-looking and amazing my significant other is and how I'm the luckiest and most blessed and most perfect person for getting to be with them!!!!!!!!!!" Or something similar. You get the point. I mean, I just have to wonder if these people really feel that way or if they just think they are supposed to feel that way and are trying to convince everyone, including themselves, that they do. I think the whole Hollywood-romantic-fantasy-and-grand-gesture thing has gotten to the brains of some people.
Anyway, rant over. I really got off-topic. I really just meant to say all that to make the point that you will rarely hear me gush about my husband or see me posting things about our relationship. I think that a relationship is between two people and while it is fine to share with friends something frustrating or something great, it really isn't something that should be talked about or posted about all the time and for everyone to hear/see.
That said, I would just like to take a moment to say that yesterday was our ten year wedding anniversary. I know that all anniversaries are special, but something about making it to the decade mark just seems like such a big deal to me. I was ridiculously excited about it and probably gushed a little too much (yet hopefully not to the point of annoyance), but... TEN YEARS! And I have to say that I love my husband more now than I did way back when we were 23 and 22 and fresh out of college and getting married. We aren't perfect and we certainly don't have it all figured out, but somehow we work and he has put up with me all this time and I am really very thankful for that.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Pizza and Potato Chips
It's so crazy how something I've probably seen hundreds of times will randomly spark a memory I haven't thought of in years. My boys and I were at the Reds game on Sunday, walking near the stadium, when I looked up and saw a sign for "Mike-sells". Mike-sells is a local potato chip/snack food company that distributes mostly in the Midwest. Their wavy potato chips, including the ones that have the greenish edges from being cute too close to the peel (?), have a special place in my heart. On Sunday afternoon when I saw that sign, I was transported for a second to pizza night at my parents' house WAY back when I was little.
Pizza night when I was growing up did not involve a delivery guy or carry-out. Sure, from time-to-time we did buy pizza. But that wasn't "pizza night." Pizza night when I was growing up always started with some yeast, water, flour, and a pinch of sugar. Pizza was the thing my dad made. And as soon as we were old enough to spread tomato sauce or sprinkle oregano, my sisters and I had our hands all over it. I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't help make pizza or know how to make pizza.
The dough that results from my dad's recipe is very... yeast-forward (no, I don't know if that's a real thing, but "yeast-y" just sounds weird). It's not like anything I've every had in a restaurant, and yet it is still my favorite pizza to eat. I now make it with my boys at least a few times a month. Back in the day, pizza night was a huge deal and usually involved company. Even if that company was just the neighbors.
I know we ate a lot of pizza in the winter, including every Christmas Eve, but my main memories of pizza night were in the summertime. We didn't have air conditioning and despite having every window open and multiple fans working overtime, the house would get increasingly warm from the oven being on and opened/closed to cook multiple pizzas. We (my sisters and I, the neighbor kids, and all the adults) would eat in shifts around the ancient, creaky table in the dining room. When the pizza with the toppings you liked was ready, you'd get a paper plate with a slice, a perspiring cup of 'Pepsi-free' (pizza night was one of the few times we were allowed to have soda), and a handful of wavy, Mike's-sells potato chips.
And there you have it. The crazy way my mind works. Walking on a chilly, rainy day in the city with my kids, and all it takes is seeing an advertisement to take me back to a sweet memory of a sweltering, summertime joy from my childhood. I don't think I've eaten chips with pizza in years, but for the past few days all I could think about was getting some Mike-sells chips and savoring a memory. Luckily, I went to the supermarket today. If you'll excuse me, my writing is keeping me from a salty, crispy snack and some serious reminiscing.
Pizza night when I was growing up did not involve a delivery guy or carry-out. Sure, from time-to-time we did buy pizza. But that wasn't "pizza night." Pizza night when I was growing up always started with some yeast, water, flour, and a pinch of sugar. Pizza was the thing my dad made. And as soon as we were old enough to spread tomato sauce or sprinkle oregano, my sisters and I had our hands all over it. I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't help make pizza or know how to make pizza.
The dough that results from my dad's recipe is very... yeast-forward (no, I don't know if that's a real thing, but "yeast-y" just sounds weird). It's not like anything I've every had in a restaurant, and yet it is still my favorite pizza to eat. I now make it with my boys at least a few times a month. Back in the day, pizza night was a huge deal and usually involved company. Even if that company was just the neighbors.
I know we ate a lot of pizza in the winter, including every Christmas Eve, but my main memories of pizza night were in the summertime. We didn't have air conditioning and despite having every window open and multiple fans working overtime, the house would get increasingly warm from the oven being on and opened/closed to cook multiple pizzas. We (my sisters and I, the neighbor kids, and all the adults) would eat in shifts around the ancient, creaky table in the dining room. When the pizza with the toppings you liked was ready, you'd get a paper plate with a slice, a perspiring cup of 'Pepsi-free' (pizza night was one of the few times we were allowed to have soda), and a handful of wavy, Mike's-sells potato chips.
And there you have it. The crazy way my mind works. Walking on a chilly, rainy day in the city with my kids, and all it takes is seeing an advertisement to take me back to a sweet memory of a sweltering, summertime joy from my childhood. I don't think I've eaten chips with pizza in years, but for the past few days all I could think about was getting some Mike-sells chips and savoring a memory. Luckily, I went to the supermarket today. If you'll excuse me, my writing is keeping me from a salty, crispy snack and some serious reminiscing.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Some Things I Like
It's been a while since I posted a favorite things list. And on a night like tonight when I realize I haven't been able to beat my writer's block and I have ten loads of laundry to fold before I can go to sleep, it seems like a good idea to post another one. Maybe "good idea" is generous. More like, I seems like what I am going to do, good, bad, or indifferent.
Boursin Cheese - I could maybe eat an entire pack of Boursin Cheese all by myself in one sitting. Not maybe. I know I could. It is delicious. I used to eat it on crackers, but I was trying low-carb for a while and started eating it on salami. To. Die. For. No joke, if my last meal included Boursin Cheese, I would die happy.
The Television Show Parenthood -Such a good show. I end up laughing out loud a lot, but also crying at least once per episode. The writing is great and the cast is amazing. Plus, I think I might have a girl-crush on Lauren Graham. She is perfect in such a relatable, imperfect way.
Shoemall.com - All the shoes I've bought in the past four months that I love and want to wear all the time have been purchased from Shoemall.com. I know there are other sites out there, but The selection on Shoemall is great and I like the ease of sorting/finding on the site, as well as the discounts they offer.
Small-Venue Concerts - I haven't been to an excessive number of concerts, but I've been to a few. I by far prefer the ones that have been in small theaters to the ones in massive stadiums. Last night I saw Sara Bareilles at a small, local theatre. Amazing.
Summertime - I know I've posted this one before, but this spring is dragging on and on in a cold, wet, depressing grossness. I am just ready for the weather to be hot and sunny. I love summer and I miss it so much.
The end. For now.
Boursin Cheese - I could maybe eat an entire pack of Boursin Cheese all by myself in one sitting. Not maybe. I know I could. It is delicious. I used to eat it on crackers, but I was trying low-carb for a while and started eating it on salami. To. Die. For. No joke, if my last meal included Boursin Cheese, I would die happy.
The Television Show Parenthood -Such a good show. I end up laughing out loud a lot, but also crying at least once per episode. The writing is great and the cast is amazing. Plus, I think I might have a girl-crush on Lauren Graham. She is perfect in such a relatable, imperfect way.
Shoemall.com - All the shoes I've bought in the past four months that I love and want to wear all the time have been purchased from Shoemall.com. I know there are other sites out there, but The selection on Shoemall is great and I like the ease of sorting/finding on the site, as well as the discounts they offer.
Small-Venue Concerts - I haven't been to an excessive number of concerts, but I've been to a few. I by far prefer the ones that have been in small theaters to the ones in massive stadiums. Last night I saw Sara Bareilles at a small, local theatre. Amazing.
Summertime - I know I've posted this one before, but this spring is dragging on and on in a cold, wet, depressing grossness. I am just ready for the weather to be hot and sunny. I love summer and I miss it so much.
The end. For now.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
My Name is Trischa....
...And I have a shoe addiction. I believe this stems from not knowing how to create outfits or accessorize. I try to make up for it by having great shoes. That's okay, right? I do try to be frugal about my shoes. I'm not going to go out and buy really cheap ones that are going to fall apart in three days, but I also can't justify paying full price. I try to watch for sales and use coupon codes and can typically get great shoes for less than $40.
I recently ordered a pair of nude pumps. This pair, if you're curious. I hav
e lots of black shoes and several black boots, but I have been working to add variety. Before these, I bought a great pair of army green heels. These nude heels arrived on a day when I was working from home and I tried them on right away. They are so cute.
But then my husband came home and I showed them to him. He acutally (usually) has great taste in clothes. He isn't one of those guys who obsesses about his looks, but he also looks good when he leaves the house. He took one look at these shoes and said, "They look like high-heel wooden shoes from Holland."
Talk about a blow to my enthusiasm. Of course, I wanted to say they look nothing like that, but... I couldn't. All I could do was laugh. They don't really look like that, but I could kind of see what he meant! And now every time I wear them, all I can think of is "wooden shoes."
So, if I can just get into my closet this weekend to sort, organize, discard, and evaluate.... I'm hoping that I can find some items that go perfectly with wooden high heels.
I recently ordered a pair of nude pumps. This pair, if you're curious. I hav
e lots of black shoes and several black boots, but I have been working to add variety. Before these, I bought a great pair of army green heels. These nude heels arrived on a day when I was working from home and I tried them on right away. They are so cute. But then my husband came home and I showed them to him. He acutally (usually) has great taste in clothes. He isn't one of those guys who obsesses about his looks, but he also looks good when he leaves the house. He took one look at these shoes and said, "They look like high-heel wooden shoes from Holland."
Talk about a blow to my enthusiasm. Of course, I wanted to say they look nothing like that, but... I couldn't. All I could do was laugh. They don't really look like that, but I could kind of see what he meant! And now every time I wear them, all I can think of is "wooden shoes."
So, if I can just get into my closet this weekend to sort, organize, discard, and evaluate.... I'm hoping that I can find some items that go perfectly with wooden high heels.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Distractions
I know it has been forever since I've written. I blame my third-of-life crisis. I'm mad that I know what I want to be when I grow up, but I can't be that and instead I'm being something else. I can barely tolerate all the office politics and stupidness that consume my job right now. I was talking with my friend Irena today about how much time work sucks up out of our weeks and it was completely depressing. Despite that there were years in the past that I was working two jobs, weekends included, I don't remember feeling this way back then. She feels same way and thinks it's because we had goals then, biding our time till we graduated college, moved away, got married, or whatever was the next step then and we thought our real lives would begin soon.
Now that our real lives are here, we realize that we're kind of trapped. And that makes it almost unbearable. It's nice to have a distraction.
Tonight, my distraction came in the form of a long-time friend's wedding. She looked gorgeous and happy and I am ecstatic for her that she has found someone who treats her the way she deserves. My husband couldn't attend with me because of work, so I met up with my dear friend from forever, her husband, and a friend from back in my working-all-the-time phase. There is something so refreshing and almost soul-cleansing about spending time with people you spent so much time with in your past. People who knew you back when you were an awkward teenager and then college student, trying to figure it all out, and who still embrace you as a grown-up once you've all realized you will never have it all figured out.
I'm not really sure of what else to say about it. I love those moments when you are completely comfortable in the company of people who really know you. This night could not have happened at a better time.
Now that our real lives are here, we realize that we're kind of trapped. And that makes it almost unbearable. It's nice to have a distraction.
Tonight, my distraction came in the form of a long-time friend's wedding. She looked gorgeous and happy and I am ecstatic for her that she has found someone who treats her the way she deserves. My husband couldn't attend with me because of work, so I met up with my dear friend from forever, her husband, and a friend from back in my working-all-the-time phase. There is something so refreshing and almost soul-cleansing about spending time with people you spent so much time with in your past. People who knew you back when you were an awkward teenager and then college student, trying to figure it all out, and who still embrace you as a grown-up once you've all realized you will never have it all figured out.
I'm not really sure of what else to say about it. I love those moments when you are completely comfortable in the company of people who really know you. This night could not have happened at a better time.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Please Come Back
I know I promised no more posts complaining about the weather. So this is a post about my longing for Summer. I miss wearing dresses and heels to work. I miss wearing knit dresses and flip-flops at home. I miss the long evenings where we can play outside with the boys after dinner. I miss taking walks. I miss feeling the grass on my bare feet. I miss open windows.
I miss Summer so much that it is almost physically painful. I sit at my desk and wish for the sun reflecting off the side of the building behind me to illuminate my cube. I sit at our dining room table and look at the trees behind the house and wish they were green with leaves.
I have lived in the Midwest all my life. When I was younger, there were fun things to look forward to about each season. The more time that passes, the more I love Summer. I also love the end of Spring and the beginning of Fall, when the weather is Summer-like. There is that old cliche' about absence making the heart grow fonder. In this case, I can assure you I would be much more fond of Summer if it didn't stay away so long.
I miss Summer so much that it is almost physically painful. I sit at my desk and wish for the sun reflecting off the side of the building behind me to illuminate my cube. I sit at our dining room table and look at the trees behind the house and wish they were green with leaves.
I have lived in the Midwest all my life. When I was younger, there were fun things to look forward to about each season. The more time that passes, the more I love Summer. I also love the end of Spring and the beginning of Fall, when the weather is Summer-like. There is that old cliche' about absence making the heart grow fonder. In this case, I can assure you I would be much more fond of Summer if it didn't stay away so long.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Another Favorite Things Friday
I've been complaining A LOT. Especially about that season which shall remain nameless. I think it is time to talk about some things I like, especially today when I am out of inspiration for a 'real' post. Here are some more of my favorite things, in no particular order:
Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus - Oh my goodness. If you always buy hummus from the store instead of making it at home, but have never had Sabra, maybe you shouldn't try it. It is that good. You will be ruined and unable to buy any other brand after you try Sabra. I love it with chips or pita or carrots. Yum.
The Food Network - I think I might be developing an unhealthy relationship with Food Network Nighttime. Ryan works Friday-Sunday nights, so I have sole control of the remote those nights. If I'm not watching something I DVR'd during the week, then I'm watching Food Network. And probably eating, since watching non-stop food shows makes me hungry. I might need therapy for this.
Highlander Grogg Coffee - Monday through Thursday, we drink regular coffee, because we set the coffee maker at night and share the brew and Ryan hates flavored coffee. On the weekend, I have the coffee maker all to myself so I make Highlander Grogg if I have it. The very subtle caramel and nut flavor is perfect for my half-and-half only, no sugar/sweetener way I take my coffee. It's great and I love it. I buy mine at Grinder's in Maineville.
My iPod Touch - Before Christmas, I had been hinting around to Ryan that I would like to have an MP3 player where I could store my music. I had done some research and settled on something in the $50 range. When I opened the iTouch 0n Christmas morning I just blurted out, "Babe, are you serious?? Oh my gosh!" Even then I was thinking it was excessive and I wouldn't possibly need something that did all that stuff. Let me tell you, now that I have it, I do need it. So cool! I can check my email and update my Facebook status without turning on the computer. Love.
American Eagle Jeans - It only took me 31 years, but I finally found jeans that are affordable, comfortable, and fit like a glove. When Ryan and I were in Vegas I had purchased a pair of 7 jeans, which were both comfortable and fit like a glove, but I can't justify spending that much on multiple jeans and kinda need more than one pair. American Eagle is one of those places where I typically avoided shopping because I don't like walking around with a giant brand on every inch of my clothing and that was my impression of AE. Who knew they would have such fabulous jeans?
When the boys are good at the store - Because weeknights are our family nights, we try not to plan anything those nights or have to spend them running around. This leaves me to do the grocery shopping alone with the boys on the weekend. My chosen time for this is Friday night, since I work all day anyway and want to get it out of the way and leave Saturday and Sunday open for whatever might come up. When we go to the store, I have three rules that the boys know and can recite from memory:
1. Stay close to Mommy.
2. Listen to Mommy and do what she says.
3. Watch for other people.
If they "forget" or disregard the rules, they have to sit in the cart, which they hate. If they have to get in the cart, there is much crying and yelling involved so I always hope it doesn't come to that. I love, love, love the nights when they are both so good at remembering the rules that I don't even have to remind them, let alone threaten them with sitting in the cart. (And yes, I realize that by writing that I have doomed myself to a horrendous next Friday at the grocery, but they were SO GOOD tonight and it was wonderful.)
Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus - Oh my goodness. If you always buy hummus from the store instead of making it at home, but have never had Sabra, maybe you shouldn't try it. It is that good. You will be ruined and unable to buy any other brand after you try Sabra. I love it with chips or pita or carrots. Yum.
The Food Network - I think I might be developing an unhealthy relationship with Food Network Nighttime. Ryan works Friday-Sunday nights, so I have sole control of the remote those nights. If I'm not watching something I DVR'd during the week, then I'm watching Food Network. And probably eating, since watching non-stop food shows makes me hungry. I might need therapy for this.
Highlander Grogg Coffee - Monday through Thursday, we drink regular coffee, because we set the coffee maker at night and share the brew and Ryan hates flavored coffee. On the weekend, I have the coffee maker all to myself so I make Highlander Grogg if I have it. The very subtle caramel and nut flavor is perfect for my half-and-half only, no sugar/sweetener way I take my coffee. It's great and I love it. I buy mine at Grinder's in Maineville.
My iPod Touch - Before Christmas, I had been hinting around to Ryan that I would like to have an MP3 player where I could store my music. I had done some research and settled on something in the $50 range. When I opened the iTouch 0n Christmas morning I just blurted out, "Babe, are you serious?? Oh my gosh!" Even then I was thinking it was excessive and I wouldn't possibly need something that did all that stuff. Let me tell you, now that I have it, I do need it. So cool! I can check my email and update my Facebook status without turning on the computer. Love.
American Eagle Jeans - It only took me 31 years, but I finally found jeans that are affordable, comfortable, and fit like a glove. When Ryan and I were in Vegas I had purchased a pair of 7 jeans, which were both comfortable and fit like a glove, but I can't justify spending that much on multiple jeans and kinda need more than one pair. American Eagle is one of those places where I typically avoided shopping because I don't like walking around with a giant brand on every inch of my clothing and that was my impression of AE. Who knew they would have such fabulous jeans?
When the boys are good at the store - Because weeknights are our family nights, we try not to plan anything those nights or have to spend them running around. This leaves me to do the grocery shopping alone with the boys on the weekend. My chosen time for this is Friday night, since I work all day anyway and want to get it out of the way and leave Saturday and Sunday open for whatever might come up. When we go to the store, I have three rules that the boys know and can recite from memory:
1. Stay close to Mommy.
2. Listen to Mommy and do what she says.
3. Watch for other people.
If they "forget" or disregard the rules, they have to sit in the cart, which they hate. If they have to get in the cart, there is much crying and yelling involved so I always hope it doesn't come to that. I love, love, love the nights when they are both so good at remembering the rules that I don't even have to remind them, let alone threaten them with sitting in the cart. (And yes, I realize that by writing that I have doomed myself to a horrendous next Friday at the grocery, but they were SO GOOD tonight and it was wonderful.)
Okay. I'll stop now. See? I can go a day without posting a hate post on my blog!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Girl, Put Your Records On
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song,
You go ahead, let your hair down.
- Corrine Bailey Rae
"Put Your Records On" is one of those songs that just makes you happy to listen to it. Even if it's not really your kind of music. (In my opinion, of course.) If you've never heard it, well, the lyrics really aren't all that great just by themselves. They really need the music with them. It's kind of weird that I am even beginning this post with a song excerpt from a song that isn't one of my favorites, but it's not as though I never warn people that I'm crazy. Crazy people do things that don't really make any sense.
I was on my way to work the other day, when I realized that I don't really know if I like a CD until I listen to it in the car. I just have so little time to really sit and listen to music without distraction, that my 45 minute round-trip commute has become my music booth time. When I get new music, I do try to listen to it at home, but it just seems like I can never focus on it. I may notice that I really like some of the music, but until I can listen to all the lyrics too, I don't know if I actually like a song. I have to like both the lyrics and the music with them or I can't officially like it.
So, for fun, I thought I would post some of the lyrics to some of my favorite songs. Some of these are songs I used to skip over on a CD, but then I listened to them in the car and found a song I couldn't live without. Sorry if this is boring to anyone reading it, but it's fun for me and since this is my blog....
A Fine Frenzy - From the song 'New Heights'
"From your lips, a precipice. I hang on every word"
Great imagery yet so simple. I love it.
Sara Bareilles - From the song 'One Sweet Love'
"The earth that is the space between, I'd banish it from under me...to get to you... Your unexpected love provides my solitary's Suicide...oh I wish I knew"
The lyrics remind me so much of an Emily Dickinson poem.
Jennifer Knapp - From the song 'A Little More'
"With all this motivation I still find a hesitation.... Deep in my soul.... Despite all my demanding I still find You understanding..." To me this speaks to so many things in my relationship with God. That struggle with my shortcomings and His grace. What a great song.
Jack Johnson - From 'If I Had Eyes'
I love the whole chorus so I'm just going to post it all.
"Sometimes time doesn't heal, no not at all. Just stands still, while we fall -- In or out of love, again I doubt I'm gonna win you back when you've got eyes like that that won't let me in. Always looking out."
Ingrid Michaelson - From 'Maybe'
"I don't wanna be the first to let it go,
But I know, I know, I know.
If you have the last hands that I want to hold,
Then I know I've got to let them go"
This was really true of my relationship with my husband, although I won't pretend I was that wise when I broke up with him in college on my 20th birthday weekend. I will say that us taking time to figure out who we were and what we really wanted was the best thing for us. Oh, and he has the last hands that I want to hold. Ingrid Michaelson is a lyrical genius.
Okay. That's enough for now. No, there was no point to this post, other than sharing some of the music I'm listening to or have often listened to. I also have a lot of Lisa Loeb lyrics I love, but WAY back I did a whole Lisa Loeb post, which can be found here.
Um.... The End.
You go ahead, let your hair down.
- Corrine Bailey Rae
"Put Your Records On" is one of those songs that just makes you happy to listen to it. Even if it's not really your kind of music. (In my opinion, of course.) If you've never heard it, well, the lyrics really aren't all that great just by themselves. They really need the music with them. It's kind of weird that I am even beginning this post with a song excerpt from a song that isn't one of my favorites, but it's not as though I never warn people that I'm crazy. Crazy people do things that don't really make any sense.
I was on my way to work the other day, when I realized that I don't really know if I like a CD until I listen to it in the car. I just have so little time to really sit and listen to music without distraction, that my 45 minute round-trip commute has become my music booth time. When I get new music, I do try to listen to it at home, but it just seems like I can never focus on it. I may notice that I really like some of the music, but until I can listen to all the lyrics too, I don't know if I actually like a song. I have to like both the lyrics and the music with them or I can't officially like it.
So, for fun, I thought I would post some of the lyrics to some of my favorite songs. Some of these are songs I used to skip over on a CD, but then I listened to them in the car and found a song I couldn't live without. Sorry if this is boring to anyone reading it, but it's fun for me and since this is my blog....
A Fine Frenzy - From the song 'New Heights'
"From your lips, a precipice. I hang on every word"
Great imagery yet so simple. I love it.
Sara Bareilles - From the song 'One Sweet Love'
"The earth that is the space between, I'd banish it from under me...to get to you... Your unexpected love provides my solitary's Suicide...oh I wish I knew"
The lyrics remind me so much of an Emily Dickinson poem.
Jennifer Knapp - From the song 'A Little More'
"With all this motivation I still find a hesitation.... Deep in my soul.... Despite all my demanding I still find You understanding..." To me this speaks to so many things in my relationship with God. That struggle with my shortcomings and His grace. What a great song.
Jack Johnson - From 'If I Had Eyes'
I love the whole chorus so I'm just going to post it all.
"Sometimes time doesn't heal, no not at all. Just stands still, while we fall -- In or out of love, again I doubt I'm gonna win you back when you've got eyes like that that won't let me in. Always looking out."
Ingrid Michaelson - From 'Maybe'
"I don't wanna be the first to let it go,
But I know, I know, I know.
If you have the last hands that I want to hold,
Then I know I've got to let them go"
This was really true of my relationship with my husband, although I won't pretend I was that wise when I broke up with him in college on my 20th birthday weekend. I will say that us taking time to figure out who we were and what we really wanted was the best thing for us. Oh, and he has the last hands that I want to hold. Ingrid Michaelson is a lyrical genius.
Okay. That's enough for now. No, there was no point to this post, other than sharing some of the music I'm listening to or have often listened to. I also have a lot of Lisa Loeb lyrics I love, but WAY back I did a whole Lisa Loeb post, which can be found here.
Um.... The End.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Stay or Go Away
To know when to go away and when to come closer is the key to any lasting relationship. ~Doménico Cieri Estrada
Since I started this blog, I've written a few posts about my boys. Not many, mind you, as this is a place for me to write my thoughts and practice my writing and is not a mommy blog. I have not written any posts about my husband. Other than maybe a few passing comments, I've barely mentioned him. However, when I read this quote, I immediately realized not only how true it is, but how much it applies to our relationship. Maybe this is odd, considering that I might seem like the kind of person who has to be close to the people I love all the time, but it is true. I thought that today, on the thirteenth anniversary of my very first date with my husband, I should at least say something about "us."
My husband does not need me and I do not need him. This is not to say that we don't love each other and don't want to be together. It's different. Ryan is the first guy I ever dated who did not make me feel smothered. Other guys called too much or were too needy. Other guys made me feel like I was going to go crazy trying to avoid them because they always had to be around or be talking to me. Ryan, not so much. Ryan did his own thing. Ryan made me feel wanted, but not needed. Sometimes it is nice being wanted, but not needed.
I'm not suggesting that I have relationships all figured out or that my relationship is perfect. Every person has their flaws, and therefore, it is impossible for any relationship to not have flaws. All I'm saying is that having our own time and our own things seems to contribute to the healthfulness of our relationship. And the conscious decision to want to be together, yet not need each other, is one of my favorite things about the man I love and me.
Since I started this blog, I've written a few posts about my boys. Not many, mind you, as this is a place for me to write my thoughts and practice my writing and is not a mommy blog. I have not written any posts about my husband. Other than maybe a few passing comments, I've barely mentioned him. However, when I read this quote, I immediately realized not only how true it is, but how much it applies to our relationship. Maybe this is odd, considering that I might seem like the kind of person who has to be close to the people I love all the time, but it is true. I thought that today, on the thirteenth anniversary of my very first date with my husband, I should at least say something about "us."
My husband does not need me and I do not need him. This is not to say that we don't love each other and don't want to be together. It's different. Ryan is the first guy I ever dated who did not make me feel smothered. Other guys called too much or were too needy. Other guys made me feel like I was going to go crazy trying to avoid them because they always had to be around or be talking to me. Ryan, not so much. Ryan did his own thing. Ryan made me feel wanted, but not needed. Sometimes it is nice being wanted, but not needed.
I'm not suggesting that I have relationships all figured out or that my relationship is perfect. Every person has their flaws, and therefore, it is impossible for any relationship to not have flaws. All I'm saying is that having our own time and our own things seems to contribute to the healthfulness of our relationship. And the conscious decision to want to be together, yet not need each other, is one of my favorite things about the man I love and me.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A Few More Favorite Things
Since I have to post something today and my brain is rebelling against me right now, I'll add some items to my favorite things. I know this is not even close to entertaining or insightful or anything anyone would want to read, but it's all I can muster. Sorry.
Liberté Méditerranée Yogurt - Some crazy guy accosted me when I was buying other yogurt at Whole Foods and told me I had to try this yogurt. Maybe I tried it to appease him (best to avoid pissing off crazy people) and make him go away, but he was right. It may not be low-fat, but it is amazingly delicious. I think the lemon flavor is my favorite. SO good.
Franco Sarto Shoes - Don't bother trying to look them up online because for some reason the ones they list online are mostly ugly. But the ones I have in real life are totally cute AND comfortable... which is difficult for shoes with high heels. Plus I love that they sell them at Famous Footwear so I can usually score a pair, regularly priced at least $80, for around $20 with discounts and coupons.
Half-and-half - In my original favorite things post I talked about coffee, but since I can't really drink coffee without half-and-half, I think it deserves a spot as well. I drink my coffee with only cream, no sugar. Yum. I wish I had some right now.
Facebook - Apparently (according to several articles I've seen lately) Facebook is becoming outdated and for old people, but I really don't care. I hate to talk on the phone, so I love that I can keep up with people and what is going on with them via Facebook. Oh... and I'm old so I guess it's okay.
Homegrown Tomatoes - We planted a tiny garden this year, which included three tomato plants. I love tomatoes anyway, but homegrown tomatoes are about a million times better than the ones you can buy at the store. They are so good and I could eat them every day. Delicious.
Okay. That is enough for now. I'll try for something better tomorrow.
Liberté Méditerranée Yogurt - Some crazy guy accosted me when I was buying other yogurt at Whole Foods and told me I had to try this yogurt. Maybe I tried it to appease him (best to avoid pissing off crazy people) and make him go away, but he was right. It may not be low-fat, but it is amazingly delicious. I think the lemon flavor is my favorite. SO good.
Franco Sarto Shoes - Don't bother trying to look them up online because for some reason the ones they list online are mostly ugly. But the ones I have in real life are totally cute AND comfortable... which is difficult for shoes with high heels. Plus I love that they sell them at Famous Footwear so I can usually score a pair, regularly priced at least $80, for around $20 with discounts and coupons.
Half-and-half - In my original favorite things post I talked about coffee, but since I can't really drink coffee without half-and-half, I think it deserves a spot as well. I drink my coffee with only cream, no sugar. Yum. I wish I had some right now.
Facebook - Apparently (according to several articles I've seen lately) Facebook is becoming outdated and for old people, but I really don't care. I hate to talk on the phone, so I love that I can keep up with people and what is going on with them via Facebook. Oh... and I'm old so I guess it's okay.
Homegrown Tomatoes - We planted a tiny garden this year, which included three tomato plants. I love tomatoes anyway, but homegrown tomatoes are about a million times better than the ones you can buy at the store. They are so good and I could eat them every day. Delicious.
Okay. That is enough for now. I'll try for something better tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What to Do?
My mind still has some thoughts swirling around regarding my topic from yesterday, but I need some time to catch them and make them into something concrete. I noticed that it has been over three months since I've written a post obsessing about tattoos. So while I'm still thinking of what to say on other, deeper topics, I will post some randomness about my tattoo obsession.
I've already written about why I like tattoos and what they mean to me so I'm just going to talk
about my dilemma. I really want a new tattoo, but I also really want to add on to one I already have. As (good) tattoos are not inexpensive, I have to choose one or the other. The one I want to add to is the one on my shoulder. It is two wild violets and some ivy. Violets mean 'watchfulness' or 'faithfulness' and I got them to represent the boys and how as their mother I am to be watchful of them, not just in making sure they are safe, but also in the example I set for them. The ivy is for Ryan, as it means loyalty or fidelity. I loved my tattoo after I first got it and I still really love it. But when I look at it now it seems too small. Ivy doen't just grow in a little tiny patch all neatly around some flowers. I think it needs more ivy. I want more ivy.
But.... I also want something new. I still really want a foxtail, not exactly like the one in the picture on the left, but similar. It wouldn't be to represent someone else, it would just be for me. I love foxtails because they remind me of summertime in the country. I love summertime and a foxtail seems way less cliche' than getting a sun on my ankle (not that there is anything wrong with that if you have it). However, I am concerned about how it would translate to a tattoo. It 
would have to be big enough to get enough detail in, but I don't really want it taking up my entire side or side of my back. Decisions, decisons.
I've already written about why I like tattoos and what they mean to me so I'm just going to talk
about my dilemma. I really want a new tattoo, but I also really want to add on to one I already have. As (good) tattoos are not inexpensive, I have to choose one or the other. The one I want to add to is the one on my shoulder. It is two wild violets and some ivy. Violets mean 'watchfulness' or 'faithfulness' and I got them to represent the boys and how as their mother I am to be watchful of them, not just in making sure they are safe, but also in the example I set for them. The ivy is for Ryan, as it means loyalty or fidelity. I loved my tattoo after I first got it and I still really love it. But when I look at it now it seems too small. Ivy doen't just grow in a little tiny patch all neatly around some flowers. I think it needs more ivy. I want more ivy. 
But.... I also want something new. I still really want a foxtail, not exactly like the one in the picture on the left, but similar. It wouldn't be to represent someone else, it would just be for me. I love foxtails because they remind me of summertime in the country. I love summertime and a foxtail seems way less cliche' than getting a sun on my ankle (not that there is anything wrong with that if you have it). However, I am concerned about how it would translate to a tattoo. It 
would have to be big enough to get enough detail in, but I don't really want it taking up my entire side or side of my back. Decisions, decisons.
AND... I'm still trying to decide if I want something on my upper arm. I love the idea of magnolia branches and blooms, but that is a big decision to get something in a location that can't be so easily covered (in summertime, anyway). I'm not sure if I'm ready for that. Or maybe I am. *sigh*
Anyway, I am getting tattoo'd next month, I just have to decide with what. The ivy is my default, as I am completely certain I want it and I've already talked to my artist about it. I still have a few weeks to decide if I'm going to put that off and go with something new, so I guess we'll see what happens.
I don't want to get to the end of my life and find thatI lived just the length of it.I want to have lived the width of it as well.- Diane Ackerman
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I Love Lisa Loeb
Note: I know I promised an explanation of my trust issues, but I'm still doing research and I'm still trying to find the time to write it all out in some kind of understandable something. I am working on it... I just don't want to post it prematurely.
SO, I'll finish and post something I started a while ago. It has been languishing sadly in my drafts for a couple months. Likely for good reason, but I have to post something. I did warn you there would be some crap posts, although I was hoping to wait until at least the end of the first week before I had to resort to this. I hope you'll forgive me.
I am a HUGE Lisa Loeb fan. She is sheer genius. Someone once told me that I look like Lisa Loeb when I wear my glasses. I didn't believe him for a second, but I still took it as a compliment. I love how quirky and cute she is and I love, love, love her lyrics. Here are a few of my favorites:
"When I'm left at home, I'm all alone. But I'd rather be alone with you. So what is this weather, and what is this darkness, and why do I feel so alone?"
"She can't tell me that all of the love songs have been written 'Cause she's never been in love with you before."
"I didn't come this far for you to make this hard for me. And now you want to ask me "how"? It's like - how does your heart beat, why do you breathe? How does your heart beat, and why do you breathe? Why did you come here? You weren't invited. You were on the outside - Stay on the outside. And now you want to ask me "why"? It's like - how does your heart beat, and how do you cry? How does your heart beat? "
"You kick my foot under the table, I kick you back, I can't say I'm able to stand for you or fall for you ever again."
"I kept talking to myself, I had to get the words out of my head (so I did)"
My favorite all-time Lisa Loeb song is 'Stay.' Arguably her most popular song and probably one of two Lisa Loeb songs that most people (who listen to the radio) would be able to name. It will always be one of 'my songs.' It was on the album 'Tails' which was released in 1995. I loved it the first time I heard it on the radio and it remained a song I listened to frequently through the rest of high school and college. I still turn up the stereo whenever it comes on. There is no point to this post. I guess it's more of an addition to my favorite things post.
"So I, I turned the radio on, I turned the radio up, and this woman was singin' my song..."
SO, I'll finish and post something I started a while ago. It has been languishing sadly in my drafts for a couple months. Likely for good reason, but I have to post something. I did warn you there would be some crap posts, although I was hoping to wait until at least the end of the first week before I had to resort to this. I hope you'll forgive me.
I am a HUGE Lisa Loeb fan. She is sheer genius. Someone once told me that I look like Lisa Loeb when I wear my glasses. I didn't believe him for a second, but I still took it as a compliment. I love how quirky and cute she is and I love, love, love her lyrics. Here are a few of my favorites:
"When I'm left at home, I'm all alone. But I'd rather be alone with you. So what is this weather, and what is this darkness, and why do I feel so alone?"
"She can't tell me that all of the love songs have been written 'Cause she's never been in love with you before."
"I didn't come this far for you to make this hard for me. And now you want to ask me "how"? It's like - how does your heart beat, why do you breathe? How does your heart beat, and why do you breathe? Why did you come here? You weren't invited. You were on the outside - Stay on the outside. And now you want to ask me "why"? It's like - how does your heart beat, and how do you cry? How does your heart beat? "
"You kick my foot under the table, I kick you back, I can't say I'm able to stand for you or fall for you ever again."
"I kept talking to myself, I had to get the words out of my head (so I did)"
My favorite all-time Lisa Loeb song is 'Stay.' Arguably her most popular song and probably one of two Lisa Loeb songs that most people (who listen to the radio) would be able to name. It will always be one of 'my songs.' It was on the album 'Tails' which was released in 1995. I loved it the first time I heard it on the radio and it remained a song I listened to frequently through the rest of high school and college. I still turn up the stereo whenever it comes on. There is no point to this post. I guess it's more of an addition to my favorite things post.
"So I, I turned the radio on, I turned the radio up, and this woman was singin' my song..."
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
These are a few of my favorite things...
So, my dad does this thing where, when he really enjoys something, he says "Now that is one of life's little pleasures." These are things like: An ice-cold Pepsi on a hot day. Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie. Schwan's vanilla ice cream. Fishing.
My dad works very hard. I think he's the hardest worker I know and he takes great pride in his work. He works for a contractor and is considered self-employed. He doesn't have a nice, relaxing retirement to look forward to. But he has his priorities straight and takes time to appreciate the small things in life that make the days a little better. In the spirit of this, I'm making a list of my favorite things to remind myself of the little things that make me happy.
Summer. I LOVE summer. I know a lot of people hate it when it is hot and humid, but I love knowing I can go outside in a tank-top and flip-flops and not be cold.
Dresses. This goes with my love of summer, as I hate to be cold and can really only wear dresses if it is 75 or warmer. I think dresses are great. You put on a dress, grab some matching shoes and you look great. I always feel so pretty and girly when I'm wearing a dress. Not that I am pretty and girly, but dresses make me feel like I am, which is kind of nice.
Chapstick brand Lip Moisturizer. I always have this with me. It's the best stuff ever.
A really great cup of coffee. Ah.... how could I live without coffee? I drink it every day, but I especially savor the times when I have a really good, hot cup and time to enjoy every sip.
Owen Talking. I love that Owen (my 2-year-old) can talk now so that I can hear he and Luke (my 3-and-a-half year old) interact with each other. Right now they do this thing when they see each other, even if they've only been apart for a few minutes, where they say hi back and forth. "Oh, Hi Owen" "Hi Yuke" or "Hi Yuke." "Hi Owen" Very 'Oh, fancy meeting you here.' It's the best and makes me smile every time.
Finding just the right word. I write poetry... or at least attempt to. I love it when I'm working on something and I find the word that makes the whole piece work.
Well, I said a few of my favorite things, and I think that counts as 'a few'. when the mood strikes me I might have more to add, but I think this is a good start.
My dad works very hard. I think he's the hardest worker I know and he takes great pride in his work. He works for a contractor and is considered self-employed. He doesn't have a nice, relaxing retirement to look forward to. But he has his priorities straight and takes time to appreciate the small things in life that make the days a little better. In the spirit of this, I'm making a list of my favorite things to remind myself of the little things that make me happy.
Summer. I LOVE summer. I know a lot of people hate it when it is hot and humid, but I love knowing I can go outside in a tank-top and flip-flops and not be cold.
Dresses. This goes with my love of summer, as I hate to be cold and can really only wear dresses if it is 75 or warmer. I think dresses are great. You put on a dress, grab some matching shoes and you look great. I always feel so pretty and girly when I'm wearing a dress. Not that I am pretty and girly, but dresses make me feel like I am, which is kind of nice.
Chapstick brand Lip Moisturizer. I always have this with me. It's the best stuff ever.
A really great cup of coffee. Ah.... how could I live without coffee? I drink it every day, but I especially savor the times when I have a really good, hot cup and time to enjoy every sip.
Owen Talking. I love that Owen (my 2-year-old) can talk now so that I can hear he and Luke (my 3-and-a-half year old) interact with each other. Right now they do this thing when they see each other, even if they've only been apart for a few minutes, where they say hi back and forth. "Oh, Hi Owen" "Hi Yuke" or "Hi Yuke." "Hi Owen" Very 'Oh, fancy meeting you here.' It's the best and makes me smile every time.
Finding just the right word. I write poetry... or at least attempt to. I love it when I'm working on something and I find the word that makes the whole piece work.
Well, I said a few of my favorite things, and I think that counts as 'a few'. when the mood strikes me I might have more to add, but I think this is a good start.
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