*After some confusion, we did finally meet up with my parents and one of my cousins at a playground for about an hour this afternoon. My parents' GPS hadn't adjusted for Daylight Saving Time, so they were way off!
*Got to sleep in again, which was nice. We didn't have much to do before my parents came. Still, that did not prevent me from totally bitching out Mark for no reason over the location of a bottle of nail polish... I hate it when I do that! He doesn't deserve it. :)
*Because we weren't able to meet until almost three, Rosina didn't take a nap until after four. She slept until almost eight! Very late dinner.
*Menu for tomorrow: ham, roasted potatoes and carrots, asparagus (Mark insisted!), salad, fancy bread, cheesecake. How much I am responsible for: salad dressing, probably the potatoes and carrots. Add to that helpful grandparents who live far away: I call that a day off!
*Two more product reviews:
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm (Red Dahlia): I do like the color, but it is the darkest one they make, and is still not particularly dark. It's almost the same color as Cover Girl Lip Slicks in Hipster (one of my favorites), but costs almost three dollars more. I like it fine, but I doubt I'll buy it again.
Thayer's Alcohol-Free Lavender Witch Hazel Toner: I've been using this for nearly a month, and I haven't seen a difference in my skin or anything, but it definitely has picked up stray traces of makeup. I might try the rose water scent, since the lavender is a bit medicinal.
Saturday, March 30
Finally the weekend!
*Rosina woke up crying at about 5 A.M., and even though it was his turn, Mark somehow convinced me to take care of her. It was probably just a bad dream or something, but she just would not go back to sleep, even with me holding her. I was kind of going in and out of sleep, and every time I looked down at her, her eyes were wide open and staring... After my second try at putting her back in the crib, she finally settled down. I sat back down to make sure she didn't get upset, and must've fallen asleep there. Mark woke me up at 7:30, and I went back to bed. I woke up at ten, about half an hour before Rosina did. I needed the sleep, but I really hate having to wait to work until the afternoon...
*Mark took the afternoon off because we were initially going to drive up to Maryland today. It worked out well, because he was able to get almost all of the grocery shopping out of the way while Rosina napped and I worked.
*Read a really great and touching blog post about post-baby body image--though it doesn't have to only apply to women who've had children. It is very easy for me to talk the talk, but much harder to walk the walk! I hope to get there someday.
*So Rosina did have a bit of an off day after her less-than-restful night, and alternated between being really sweet and loving--pointing at stars, drive-by kisses--and acting totally crazy--pitching a fit over diaper changes, breaking my new sunglasses! (The latter was probably not entirely her fault, since they were hard to open; I ended up returning them and buying a pair of "value" sunglasses that were $9 cheaper and probably cuter on me. Okay, officially old.). I am hoping tomorrow will be a better day.
*We are mostly ready for my parents' visit--just a little straightening and some spot-mopping and vacuuming, and we can relax.
*Mark took the afternoon off because we were initially going to drive up to Maryland today. It worked out well, because he was able to get almost all of the grocery shopping out of the way while Rosina napped and I worked.
*Read a really great and touching blog post about post-baby body image--though it doesn't have to only apply to women who've had children. It is very easy for me to talk the talk, but much harder to walk the walk! I hope to get there someday.
*So Rosina did have a bit of an off day after her less-than-restful night, and alternated between being really sweet and loving--pointing at stars, drive-by kisses--and acting totally crazy--pitching a fit over diaper changes, breaking my new sunglasses! (The latter was probably not entirely her fault, since they were hard to open; I ended up returning them and buying a pair of "value" sunglasses that were $9 cheaper and probably cuter on me. Okay, officially old.). I am hoping tomorrow will be a better day.
*We are mostly ready for my parents' visit--just a little straightening and some spot-mopping and vacuuming, and we can relax.
Thursday, March 28
Der Mondfleck
*Amazing moon tonight! It was lovely to see on my way home from knitting. I also got to hear the first part of the Verdi Requiem. Hearing the (okay, but not all that fantastic!) mezzo sing the Liber scriptus, I am quite inspired to dust off my score tomorrow. I've coached it, but haven't performed it--and I think it suits me a lot better than it did that soloist... I did sing through Ulrica's Invocation Aria a few times today--exciting to get through those long phrases I never could handle before!
*I am indeed a bit sore today from the massage, but I'll make it! Sweeping the floors certainly did not help my lower back, and cleaning the bathrooms tomorrow won't, either.
*Returned the buttons (and was admonished by the Joann cashier for cutting in line, even though I totally didn't--wth?), then went to Target. New sunglasses for Rosina and me have been acquired! I must be getting old, because all the sunglasses looked very foolish on me. They don't have the $1 sunglasses for kiddos yet, so succumbed to ones that were SIX dollars. I may have some buyers' remorse about them... Among other odds and ends, I also decided to try that Mio stuff; I have been drinking way too many caffeinated things lately, and maybe it will remind me to drink more water!
*Started a new pair of socks today for Mark as an anniversary present. I'm using grey Regia that I got in a swap a few years back, and it's unfortunately a very light fingering; a 72-stitch sock is going to take just a bit longer than a 68-stitch one, but I do only have two weeks! It has a little cable panel, but is otherwise stockinette, so it won't be too terrible (if dull).
*New bra fits great! I should get another soon! In the meantime, I'd like to look up a tutorial on the best way to take in the band on the ones that are too big...
*I am indeed a bit sore today from the massage, but I'll make it! Sweeping the floors certainly did not help my lower back, and cleaning the bathrooms tomorrow won't, either.
*Returned the buttons (and was admonished by the Joann cashier for cutting in line, even though I totally didn't--wth?), then went to Target. New sunglasses for Rosina and me have been acquired! I must be getting old, because all the sunglasses looked very foolish on me. They don't have the $1 sunglasses for kiddos yet, so succumbed to ones that were SIX dollars. I may have some buyers' remorse about them... Among other odds and ends, I also decided to try that Mio stuff; I have been drinking way too many caffeinated things lately, and maybe it will remind me to drink more water!
*Started a new pair of socks today for Mark as an anniversary present. I'm using grey Regia that I got in a swap a few years back, and it's unfortunately a very light fingering; a 72-stitch sock is going to take just a bit longer than a 68-stitch one, but I do only have two weeks! It has a little cable panel, but is otherwise stockinette, so it won't be too terrible (if dull).
*New bra fits great! I should get another soon! In the meantime, I'd like to look up a tutorial on the best way to take in the band on the ones that are too big...
Wednesday, March 27
Om shanti
*Got back from my massage a bit ago. I will be sore tomorrow, but it was worth it! I even got to take an uninterrupted shower afterwards...
*Cute toddler moment of the day: an actual sentence! "Cookie all gone." (As in, "I see that my snack cup is empty; please remedy this situation.") Typical that it involves carbs, I suppose...
*Made mini meatloaves (?) for dinner. I was finally able to find the recipe I used a few months ago: I thought it was from Pinterest, but it was actually from an old Whole Foods flyer. Grated sweet potatoes help bulk up the meat. I mixed it up a bit by using mango chutney in addition to the usual ketchup--yum. And when I came home from the massage, I was surprised with a clean kitchen. Much love to my boo, who had already had a very long day. :)
*Went to Hancock Fabrics to buy a skein of Cotton-Ease and a long black skirt for bellydancing (one of my classmates said they had them). Left with bookmarks, buttons (same I bought the other day, but 40% off) and an actual pashmina marked down below five dollars. They did have long skirts, surprisingly, but not in black, and I think they only sell Cotton-Ease online. I have to return the full-price buttons to Joann anyway, so hopefully they have the yarn, and I'll see if they have that pre-elasticized skirt fabric in black. My mother's sewing machine is coming in three days, and the projects are already lining up...
*Almost done with Speaking from Among the Bones--going upstairs now to finish it!
*Cute toddler moment of the day: an actual sentence! "Cookie all gone." (As in, "I see that my snack cup is empty; please remedy this situation.") Typical that it involves carbs, I suppose...
*Made mini meatloaves (?) for dinner. I was finally able to find the recipe I used a few months ago: I thought it was from Pinterest, but it was actually from an old Whole Foods flyer. Grated sweet potatoes help bulk up the meat. I mixed it up a bit by using mango chutney in addition to the usual ketchup--yum. And when I came home from the massage, I was surprised with a clean kitchen. Much love to my boo, who had already had a very long day. :)
*Went to Hancock Fabrics to buy a skein of Cotton-Ease and a long black skirt for bellydancing (one of my classmates said they had them). Left with bookmarks, buttons (same I bought the other day, but 40% off) and an actual pashmina marked down below five dollars. They did have long skirts, surprisingly, but not in black, and I think they only sell Cotton-Ease online. I have to return the full-price buttons to Joann anyway, so hopefully they have the yarn, and I'll see if they have that pre-elasticized skirt fabric in black. My mother's sewing machine is coming in three days, and the projects are already lining up...
*Almost done with Speaking from Among the Bones--going upstairs now to finish it!
Tuesday, March 26
Enough dragging my feet!
*Making this quick. I really need to get to bed early tonight. I was totally wiped out today, plus my right quad has been acting up (too many hip shimmies without stretching, I suppose).
*Rosina had a sweet day today. I was lying on the living room floor, trying to stretch out my quad, and she gave me a big kiss on the mouth. So cute! :)
*Finally broke down and made a massage appointment for tomorrow night at the day spa down the street. It's not my preferred therapist (who is just so, so good, but is currently only available Wednesday through Friday, before four, at an office across town), but I have a SpaFinder card which will cover most of the cost, and I've just been really uncomfortable the last few weeks.
*Almost done with the baby sweater--but I will need to pick up some extra yarn tomorrow. It's a basic yarn in a basic color, so I'm not too worried about adding to the stash!
*New bra came in the mail today--hopefully it is the size I ought to be wearing! The pre-pregnancy ones are too small in the cup (and probably too small in the band as a result), and the during-pregnancy ones are too big in the band. Keeping my fingers crossed.
*Rosina had a sweet day today. I was lying on the living room floor, trying to stretch out my quad, and she gave me a big kiss on the mouth. So cute! :)
*Finally broke down and made a massage appointment for tomorrow night at the day spa down the street. It's not my preferred therapist (who is just so, so good, but is currently only available Wednesday through Friday, before four, at an office across town), but I have a SpaFinder card which will cover most of the cost, and I've just been really uncomfortable the last few weeks.
*Almost done with the baby sweater--but I will need to pick up some extra yarn tomorrow. It's a basic yarn in a basic color, so I'm not too worried about adding to the stash!
*New bra came in the mail today--hopefully it is the size I ought to be wearing! The pre-pregnancy ones are too small in the cup (and probably too small in the band as a result), and the during-pregnancy ones are too big in the band. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Monday, March 25
Sweatin' to the oldies
*Child woke up at seven today, throwing schedule out of whack. Once she had some Tylenol and agreed to have some milk she was fine, so I was able to ply her with Sesame Street while I tried to get some work done!
*Did an awesome job on Rosina's hair today, if I do say so myself. The left side came undone during her nap, but I expected that...
*Plugging away on sweater #2; I just have to do one cuff and the collar/button bands and it will be finished. This is for a very special baby, and it is a freaking beautiful sweater. At least I think so. :) Also started the project for my niece--and while I have the glue gun out, I'm going to make one for Rosina as well. (Sidebar: "Rosina" sometimes autocorrects to "raisins".)
*Fried rice for dinner! I always feel like a genius when I make it--particularly when leftovers are involved. I added lots if extra vegetables and rice this time, so we'll even get another meal out of it. Rosina liked it as well.
*Bellydance worked my butt off tonight. If you can survive four-minute hip shimmies, you're doing alright! And on that note, I need to hop in the shower.
*Did an awesome job on Rosina's hair today, if I do say so myself. The left side came undone during her nap, but I expected that...
*Fried rice for dinner! I always feel like a genius when I make it--particularly when leftovers are involved. I added lots if extra vegetables and rice this time, so we'll even get another meal out of it. Rosina liked it as well.
*Bellydance worked my butt off tonight. If you can survive four-minute hip shimmies, you're doing alright! And on that note, I need to hop in the shower.
Sunday, March 24
Weekend in review
*Haircut: standard, but it is nice to have time to myself! I ran to Joann afterwards for buttons and some supplies for my niece's baptism present (with impulse purchases of fat quarters for toddler sundresses and Easter presents for Rosina).
*Two impressive salad dressings two nights in a row from yours truly. Particularly proud of the taco salad dressing with salsa verde. My mother's refrigerator is always filled with gnarly half-empty bottles of dressing, and she is mystified by my dressing-making abilities. I don't understand what the big deal is; once you figure out to use an emulsifier (mustard or sometimes honey, for my taste), it's really easy to customize them for your meal/whim.
*Finished baby sweater #1, picked up again on baby sweater #2. And just in time, because I just found out that another friend of mine is pregnant! Is there something in the water?! I'm excited for her, though. :)
*KIP day today! I used the time to eat a chicken kebab and sew in all the ends on that sweater. It is really cute--I had Rosina try it on, and it's too short but almost fits in the chest, predictably! I do hope they like it. I ended up buying a silver flower button, so I can leave off the rosettes.
*Super nasty day today. By this time in March we've already had a few days over 80 degrees. I certainly cannot handle a 40-degree day. I am pining, pining for spring. At this rate I wonder if we'll even have one this year! Watch in a month it'll be 90 degrees (not uncommon for the end of April--the few weeks before Rosina was born were pretty hot). Is it wrong to want four seasons instead of only two?
*Week to come: bellydancing and Starbucks tomorrow, Panera on Thursday, and my parents will arrive on Saturday afternoon. In the meantime we must clean. I noticed yesterday that the library a block away has really expanded their storytimes: they have five every week just for toddlers, not to mention the ones for babies and preschoolers. They are very highly attended, but I will try to make it to one this week.
*Going to bed early tonight, for real! My headache is not going away, and I have two library books I need to get through that I can't renew. I guess I'll start with the new Flavia de Luce novel, since the Neil DeGrasse Tyson essays have been out for about a year.
*Two impressive salad dressings two nights in a row from yours truly. Particularly proud of the taco salad dressing with salsa verde. My mother's refrigerator is always filled with gnarly half-empty bottles of dressing, and she is mystified by my dressing-making abilities. I don't understand what the big deal is; once you figure out to use an emulsifier (mustard or sometimes honey, for my taste), it's really easy to customize them for your meal/whim.
*Finished baby sweater #1, picked up again on baby sweater #2. And just in time, because I just found out that another friend of mine is pregnant! Is there something in the water?! I'm excited for her, though. :)
*KIP day today! I used the time to eat a chicken kebab and sew in all the ends on that sweater. It is really cute--I had Rosina try it on, and it's too short but almost fits in the chest, predictably! I do hope they like it. I ended up buying a silver flower button, so I can leave off the rosettes.
*Super nasty day today. By this time in March we've already had a few days over 80 degrees. I certainly cannot handle a 40-degree day. I am pining, pining for spring. At this rate I wonder if we'll even have one this year! Watch in a month it'll be 90 degrees (not uncommon for the end of April--the few weeks before Rosina was born were pretty hot). Is it wrong to want four seasons instead of only two?
*Week to come: bellydancing and Starbucks tomorrow, Panera on Thursday, and my parents will arrive on Saturday afternoon. In the meantime we must clean. I noticed yesterday that the library a block away has really expanded their storytimes: they have five every week just for toddlers, not to mention the ones for babies and preschoolers. They are very highly attended, but I will try to make it to one this week.
*Going to bed early tonight, for real! My headache is not going away, and I have two library books I need to get through that I can't renew. I guess I'll start with the new Flavia de Luce novel, since the Neil DeGrasse Tyson essays have been out for about a year.
Friday, March 22
So much for getting to bed early...
*Nearly finished with the blue and purple sweater. I would definitely be done right now if it weren't for all the sleeve-frogging. I really don't have enough purple to do what I intended.
*Another crankypants day from Rosina. At this point I suspect it's a combination of teething and her recent diet changes. She's been drinking less milk in relation to her food consumption lately, and I wonder if she isn't particularly comfortable tummy-wise. Poor thing! She does have apples or applesauce almost every day, which should be helpful.
*We dropped off Mark's car at the shop overnight because it's running kind of loud. Hopefully it's an alignment thing or something--it definitely doesn't seem mechanical. We were planning to go to the zoo next Monday, since my parents are coming down here for Easter instead of us going up there, and we can't have the non-21-year-old car conking out!
*Pollo A La Brasa tonight. I could eat that chicken every day, but daily sweet plantain consumption would be inadvisable.
*Tomorrow: long-overdue hair appointment, picking up the car (I earnestly hope!), groceries... Mark was planning on painting the trim on the front steps, but it's not going to be warm enough! SO tired of this weather.
*Another crankypants day from Rosina. At this point I suspect it's a combination of teething and her recent diet changes. She's been drinking less milk in relation to her food consumption lately, and I wonder if she isn't particularly comfortable tummy-wise. Poor thing! She does have apples or applesauce almost every day, which should be helpful.
*We dropped off Mark's car at the shop overnight because it's running kind of loud. Hopefully it's an alignment thing or something--it definitely doesn't seem mechanical. We were planning to go to the zoo next Monday, since my parents are coming down here for Easter instead of us going up there, and we can't have the non-21-year-old car conking out!
*Pollo A La Brasa tonight. I could eat that chicken every day, but daily sweet plantain consumption would be inadvisable.
*Tomorrow: long-overdue hair appointment, picking up the car (I earnestly hope!), groceries... Mark was planning on painting the trim on the front steps, but it's not going to be warm enough! SO tired of this weather.
Thursday, March 21
Papa, can you hear me?
*Rosina blew away her audiology exam like a BOSS. They want to do another exam next year because I thought my father's hearing loss was partially hereditary, but I talked to him tonight, and he's not so sure about that. Next time I talk to my grandmother I will ask her more about my great-grandfather's hearing problems; if the evidence points more to it just being a coincidence (loud jobs tend to run in the family!), maybe she won't have to go back at all!
*So many asshole drivers on the road today, everywhere I went. What the HELL. Try not tailgating at 80 miles an hour, you bastard!
*Finished the body of baby sweater #1. In the lights at Panera the purple looked really purple, and made the light blue look more like periwinkle. I'll probably add the rosettes anyway, just in case, but it should be okay unless they're really ridiculous about gender-normative colors on babies--in which case, screw them, they can donate the sweater to charity so somebody who actually likes it can have it.
*We finished the last of that fabulous lasagne for dinner tonight. It may be time to restock the freezer. Granted, it is currently full of soda bread and pie and brown rice. Mark needs to make some barbecue with the blade roast in there--it is taking up way too much space!
*Product reviews! Because what's the use of a shampoo museum if nobody gets to see it?
Carmex Healing Lotion: OMG it smells like Carmex. If it were cheaper I would use it as a body lotion, all the time. It also does a rather good job on my hands, though it doesn't create as much of a barrier as Aveeno does. I do prefer to buy body products without a petroleum base, but all-natural hand creams and salves (see below) tend to wipe off too easily. When Rosina was in the hospital, we had to wash and sanitize our hands with some pretty harsh stuff, multiple times a day. I asked my RN mother to buy me whatever kind of lotion she used when she was in daily patient care, and she bought Aveeno. My hands wouldn't be so scaly right now if I were more religious about using it.
Burt's Bees Miracle Salve: Mark got me this for Valentine's Day. It works very well on my hands and feet (I don't think it would work well on my hair!), though as mentioned above, it does wipe off somewhat quickly. I like to use it at night, so that's less of an issue. It has a unique scent that I can't place--beeswax plus something else--and it might not appeal to everyone, though I think it's intended to be unisex.
*So many asshole drivers on the road today, everywhere I went. What the HELL. Try not tailgating at 80 miles an hour, you bastard!
*Finished the body of baby sweater #1. In the lights at Panera the purple looked really purple, and made the light blue look more like periwinkle. I'll probably add the rosettes anyway, just in case, but it should be okay unless they're really ridiculous about gender-normative colors on babies--in which case, screw them, they can donate the sweater to charity so somebody who actually likes it can have it.
*We finished the last of that fabulous lasagne for dinner tonight. It may be time to restock the freezer. Granted, it is currently full of soda bread and pie and brown rice. Mark needs to make some barbecue with the blade roast in there--it is taking up way too much space!
*Product reviews! Because what's the use of a shampoo museum if nobody gets to see it?
Carmex Healing Lotion: OMG it smells like Carmex. If it were cheaper I would use it as a body lotion, all the time. It also does a rather good job on my hands, though it doesn't create as much of a barrier as Aveeno does. I do prefer to buy body products without a petroleum base, but all-natural hand creams and salves (see below) tend to wipe off too easily. When Rosina was in the hospital, we had to wash and sanitize our hands with some pretty harsh stuff, multiple times a day. I asked my RN mother to buy me whatever kind of lotion she used when she was in daily patient care, and she bought Aveeno. My hands wouldn't be so scaly right now if I were more religious about using it.
Burt's Bees Miracle Salve: Mark got me this for Valentine's Day. It works very well on my hands and feet (I don't think it would work well on my hair!), though as mentioned above, it does wipe off somewhat quickly. I like to use it at night, so that's less of an issue. It has a unique scent that I can't place--beeswax plus something else--and it might not appeal to everyone, though I think it's intended to be unisex.
Wednesday, March 20
Sleepy, happy...
*Completed an annoying task for work--try opening 75 different PDFs to record how many pages each one has--that surprisingly took less time than I thought it would.
*Was supposed to go to a women's health demonstration downtown, but A. and L. couldn't make it, so we stayed home--probably the right choice, since Rosina was being a crankypants this morning!
*Managed to cheer her up by pulling out an unopened box of chalk! We had a good time out on the driveway, and she got to get dirty and run off some of her grumpiness.
*Working on a baby sweater for my coworker's future granddaughter. I hope they're not the kind who get bent out of shape about a little blue. I may need to add some rosettes or something, just in case.
*Tomorrow is Rosina's audiology followup--probably her last Special Infant Care Clinic appointment! I'm not too worried about her hearing, seeing as she's been singing in tune for months, but I guess you never know about high- and low-frequency tones. After the appointment we are going to try to catch up with Mark for lunch.
*Was supposed to go to a women's health demonstration downtown, but A. and L. couldn't make it, so we stayed home--probably the right choice, since Rosina was being a crankypants this morning!
*Managed to cheer her up by pulling out an unopened box of chalk! We had a good time out on the driveway, and she got to get dirty and run off some of her grumpiness.
*Working on a baby sweater for my coworker's future granddaughter. I hope they're not the kind who get bent out of shape about a little blue. I may need to add some rosettes or something, just in case.
*Tomorrow is Rosina's audiology followup--probably her last Special Infant Care Clinic appointment! I'm not too worried about her hearing, seeing as she's been singing in tune for months, but I guess you never know about high- and low-frequency tones. After the appointment we are going to try to catch up with Mark for lunch.
Tuesday, March 19
Actual accomplishments
*My "Under Construction" page is finally up! There were all sorts of weird problems... The GoDaddy customer service has been very friendly and effective. Now I just have to build an actual site!
*Finished the cable section of my second sock. I think I'll be ready for a more challenging pattern again after a few baby sweaters.
*I love you, Trader Joe's Soyaki! I hope one day they make a lower-sodium version.
*Gorgeous day today! Rosina and I spent some time out on the covered porch. Today was probably not the best day for the white bodysuit and tights.
*With the traveling and an unfortunate run-in with some Easter candy, I have been kind of slack on the DASH front. Today I got back on the stick!
*Finished the cable section of my second sock. I think I'll be ready for a more challenging pattern again after a few baby sweaters.
*I love you, Trader Joe's Soyaki! I hope one day they make a lower-sodium version.
*Gorgeous day today! Rosina and I spent some time out on the covered porch. Today was probably not the best day for the white bodysuit and tights.
*With the traveling and an unfortunate run-in with some Easter candy, I have been kind of slack on the DASH front. Today I got back on the stick!
Monday, March 18
Bleepity bleep bleep
*Am I the last person in the world to realize how awesome Bruno Mars is? Probably. I've heard "Just the Way You Are", certainly--I think I heard it in Food Lion yesterday!--and that doesn't really do it for me: it sounds like a boy-band song. But this, on the other hand:
WHAT. Also, he co-wrote "Fuck You" (the Cee-Lo song, not the Lily Allen one!). If you don't hear from me for a while, I may have been sucked into a Bruno Mars YouTube vortex...
*I was kind of headachy today, and basically sat around the house crafting when I wasn't trying to get Rosina to eat something or take her nap. Teething, again. I finally finished plying that teal roving! I just have to skein up this last ounce. The Epic Wool Washing Day of Epicness will come soon. I should probably wash everything I'm not wearing right now (which only leaves my Noro cardigan to wash later). I am within about ten rounds of the end of the cables on that sock.
*Started watching Little Mosque on Hulu. Very cute! (And the imam is seriously nice to look at.) But now I've been sucked into another 90-episode series...
*Rosina may or may not be saying "Oh, shit," which she would certainly have picked up from yours truly. Eek! I am watching my language now. But if that is indeed what she is saying, it is so freaking cute.
*On the docket for tomorrow: milk run, with a possible Starbucks detour (how exciting my life is). Also, Mark has been feeling a little blue about not eating pie on Pi Day (he is a serious pie fanatic), so I am making him a secret pumpkin pie! It is truly cheaper to buy one at Costco than to make one, but theirs tastes weird to me, plus I have the ingredients on hand.
Sunday, March 17
Quick weekend roundup
*Still recuperating from the Asheville trip! Rosina didn't nap much at all on Friday, and we didn't get home until ten in Saturday, so I didn't get a chance to post.
*Asheville highlights: Comfortable hotel (Springhill Suites), Carrabba's delivery to the hotel (including the bread!), yummy lunch Saturday at Chai Pani (Rosina ate almost an entire pappadum!), hearing Tori Amos on the radio on an indie-ish station (reminding me how cool that moment is in "Caught A Lite Sneeze" when she swivels from the harpsichord to the piano).
*Since I knew we'd be in the car for eight hours, I decided to bring my Cookie A sock. Thanks to some dropped stitches, I only got ten rounds done on the way there! All told, though, I've only got about 20 rounds left now before I can switch to stockinette.
*I also took a big leap: I bought enough roving to spin a sweater-quantity of yarn! In my size, even! It was surprisingly cheap at this super-crunchy craft supply store in Asheville, and the owner (?) actually warned me about it, saying that it was intended for needle-felting (hopefully I won't offend anyone for hating on those awful needle-felted bucket hats I've been seeing places, presumably for the Chico's crowd), and that it wouldn't make a smooth yarn. I know I'm just a newbie spinner, but it really doesn't seem like it's too fuzzy or not carded rigorously enough... I don't necessarily think she was trying to upsell me, either. I guess when I start it (not particularly soon), if I decide the wool is too unruly, I could always buy/borrow a carder, right? It feels pretty soft to me. Also, it is an awesome winey magenta color.
*Today: playground (poor R. tripped and hit her little nose!), lunch at Neomonde, groceries, Irish soda bread made in a cast-iron skillet (so good--but jeez, that was a lot of butter), spaghetti and meatballs, failed attempt at turning in early!
*Asheville highlights: Comfortable hotel (Springhill Suites), Carrabba's delivery to the hotel (including the bread!), yummy lunch Saturday at Chai Pani (Rosina ate almost an entire pappadum!), hearing Tori Amos on the radio on an indie-ish station (reminding me how cool that moment is in "Caught A Lite Sneeze" when she swivels from the harpsichord to the piano).
*Since I knew we'd be in the car for eight hours, I decided to bring my Cookie A sock. Thanks to some dropped stitches, I only got ten rounds done on the way there! All told, though, I've only got about 20 rounds left now before I can switch to stockinette.
*I also took a big leap: I bought enough roving to spin a sweater-quantity of yarn! In my size, even! It was surprisingly cheap at this super-crunchy craft supply store in Asheville, and the owner (?) actually warned me about it, saying that it was intended for needle-felting (hopefully I won't offend anyone for hating on those awful needle-felted bucket hats I've been seeing places, presumably for the Chico's crowd), and that it wouldn't make a smooth yarn. I know I'm just a newbie spinner, but it really doesn't seem like it's too fuzzy or not carded rigorously enough... I don't necessarily think she was trying to upsell me, either. I guess when I start it (not particularly soon), if I decide the wool is too unruly, I could always buy/borrow a carder, right? It feels pretty soft to me. Also, it is an awesome winey magenta color.
*Today: playground (poor R. tripped and hit her little nose!), lunch at Neomonde, groceries, Irish soda bread made in a cast-iron skillet (so good--but jeez, that was a lot of butter), spaghetti and meatballs, failed attempt at turning in early!
Thursday, March 14
Randomness
*Just got back from Mark's alumni event--an informal thing at a sports bar. The woman who runs the events (there have been a handful over the past two years or so) is kind of overly friendly. I think that is because she has been slightly drunk every time I've met her...
*More puke. I don't know what I'm going to do when Rosina inevitably gets a stomach virus. (I suppose I might have it as well, which is horrible to contemplate.) When will she learn not to shove fistfuls of food in her mouth?
*Am I the only person that thinks that Lily Allen's bravado is extremely adorable, coming in such a sweet voice out of such a cute little person?
*Whole Foods, I am a recent convert to your grind-your-own peanut butter, but I love you so.
*Preparing for an overnight trip to Asheville tomorrow. Much laundry has been washed. Rosina doesn't do well sleeping in hotels, but we are going to try a few things to (hopefully) make it easier for her.
*More puke. I don't know what I'm going to do when Rosina inevitably gets a stomach virus. (I suppose I might have it as well, which is horrible to contemplate.) When will she learn not to shove fistfuls of food in her mouth?
*Am I the only person that thinks that Lily Allen's bravado is extremely adorable, coming in such a sweet voice out of such a cute little person?
*Whole Foods, I am a recent convert to your grind-your-own peanut butter, but I love you so.
*Preparing for an overnight trip to Asheville tomorrow. Much laundry has been washed. Rosina doesn't do well sleeping in hotels, but we are going to try a few things to (hopefully) make it easier for her.
Wednesday, March 13
Glorious things of Thee are spoken
*My domain name has finally transferred! I created an"under construction" page, but it will take 24-48 hours to go online. Yeah, I don't understand why, either! I suspect I'm going to have to customize a template more than I'd prefer.
*Hit Tarzhay and Costco today; only needed Whole Foods and Trader Joe's for Bourgie Bingo. (Whole Foods tomorrow, because we're out of milk.) I called Kohl's one last time to see if Rosina's Munchie Mug turned up, but no luck--so I bought a two-pack of less-fancy snack cups for five bucks! I also bought her shorts, which I think will round out the summer wardrobe for good.
*New Pope: SSDD. Or DP, if you prefer. Pardon me for being an American and hoping for change on a less-geologic scale. Feh. When I feel like going to church again, the Episcopalians will welcome me with open arms. I know all their hymns already, though it's been nine years and I don't know the alto parts...
*Rosina opted out of a nap today, bless. We think it was a combination of gas and teething. She's been asleep for half an hour already.
*Began enumerating the baby gifts I want to make in the next six months...I guess birth control went out with low-rise jeans! Just kidding--all the preggos I know are very happy about it! :)
*Hit Tarzhay and Costco today; only needed Whole Foods and Trader Joe's for Bourgie Bingo. (Whole Foods tomorrow, because we're out of milk.) I called Kohl's one last time to see if Rosina's Munchie Mug turned up, but no luck--so I bought a two-pack of less-fancy snack cups for five bucks! I also bought her shorts, which I think will round out the summer wardrobe for good.
*New Pope: SSDD. Or DP, if you prefer. Pardon me for being an American and hoping for change on a less-geologic scale. Feh. When I feel like going to church again, the Episcopalians will welcome me with open arms. I know all their hymns already, though it's been nine years and I don't know the alto parts...
*Rosina opted out of a nap today, bless. We think it was a combination of gas and teething. She's been asleep for half an hour already.
*Began enumerating the baby gifts I want to make in the next six months...I guess birth control went out with low-rise jeans! Just kidding--all the preggos I know are very happy about it! :)
Tuesday, March 12
Mostly baby-ish
*Am almost caught up on my work. Things went a little pear-shaped a few weeks ago, and after I finish off some website updates tomorrow morning I'll feel much better about it! It ought to be relatively slow for the next few weeks...so I should probably start planning that November board meeting now. O_o
*It was pretty crappy this morning, so I decided we'd stay home--but it was just gorgeous out when Rosina woke up from her nap, and we went out to play in the driveway (too muddy on the grass). We saw the neighbors' cat, Rufus, which is always a treat for my kitty-obsessed child. The cat himself is less enthusiastic.
*First blacktop booboos! Rosina tripped on some errant pine straw from Mark's ongoing landscaping project, and she has a scrape on one cheekbone, and one index finger was even a tiny bit bloody! Not my fairy child! ;) It's bad enough that she had her first mosquito bite at seven pounds! She was a bit shaken at first, but otherwise fine. Not too bad for her first time in a new pair of sandals. No wonder people like Tevas so much...
*A puke episode, for the usual reason (eyes bigger than mouth). I don't think I will ever get used to it. Don't have it in me. At least this time I had the forethought to prerinse everything.
*Just found out one of my friends who had a second-trimester miscarriage last year is pregnant again, and past the point where the first was lost! I am sending her sticky-baby thoughts. We're not super close, but we do have a decent amount in common, and I was so sad for her last year. I wonder if she will consent to receiving some handknit baby goodness...
*It was pretty crappy this morning, so I decided we'd stay home--but it was just gorgeous out when Rosina woke up from her nap, and we went out to play in the driveway (too muddy on the grass). We saw the neighbors' cat, Rufus, which is always a treat for my kitty-obsessed child. The cat himself is less enthusiastic.
*First blacktop booboos! Rosina tripped on some errant pine straw from Mark's ongoing landscaping project, and she has a scrape on one cheekbone, and one index finger was even a tiny bit bloody! Not my fairy child! ;) It's bad enough that she had her first mosquito bite at seven pounds! She was a bit shaken at first, but otherwise fine. Not too bad for her first time in a new pair of sandals. No wonder people like Tevas so much...
*A puke episode, for the usual reason (eyes bigger than mouth). I don't think I will ever get used to it. Don't have it in me. At least this time I had the forethought to prerinse everything.
*Just found out one of my friends who had a second-trimester miscarriage last year is pregnant again, and past the point where the first was lost! I am sending her sticky-baby thoughts. We're not super close, but we do have a decent amount in common, and I was so sad for her last year. I wonder if she will consent to receiving some handknit baby goodness...
Monday, March 11
Gonna use my arms...
*Two different Pretenders songs on the radio today! I wish my first introduction to Chrissie Hynde wasn't that anemic cover of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".
*New bellydance session started tonight--and we had a full house! There were at least twenty people there, and all but about seven are new. I hope a lot of the new people will stick it out. We have a lot of fun! Plus, you know, shiny jingly things.
*I did indeed succeed at rising at seven...only to find that my Remote Desktop was down! I went back to sleep for a bit, but still, very annoying. I didn't get back on until Rosina's nap, around two, and then I worked on my annoying article list project for over three hours. I hope it's what the editor needs, because I really don't want to do it again!
*Fun at the gym with A. and L. Rosina really wanted to shoot some hoops, but was a bit short for the net. Luckily Rosina is taking the time change so much better than we are!
*Tomorrow: possibly more gym time, if I can get us out of the house in a timely manner. Hopefully I will finish plying and move on with my life! I really need to start practicing regularly again, and maybe I will try during Rosina's nap tomorrow afternoon. Also: taco night. The ground turkey at Costco is currently leaner and cheaper than the available hamburger; we'll see how it works for tacos...
*New bellydance session started tonight--and we had a full house! There were at least twenty people there, and all but about seven are new. I hope a lot of the new people will stick it out. We have a lot of fun! Plus, you know, shiny jingly things.
*I did indeed succeed at rising at seven...only to find that my Remote Desktop was down! I went back to sleep for a bit, but still, very annoying. I didn't get back on until Rosina's nap, around two, and then I worked on my annoying article list project for over three hours. I hope it's what the editor needs, because I really don't want to do it again!
*Fun at the gym with A. and L. Rosina really wanted to shoot some hoops, but was a bit short for the net. Luckily Rosina is taking the time change so much better than we are!
*Tomorrow: possibly more gym time, if I can get us out of the house in a timely manner. Hopefully I will finish plying and move on with my life! I really need to start practicing regularly again, and maybe I will try during Rosina's nap tomorrow afternoon. Also: taco night. The ground turkey at Costco is currently leaner and cheaper than the available hamburger; we'll see how it works for tacos...
Sunday, March 10
Zzzzzzzzzz...
*Like most people, I'm sure, I felt like today was a wasted day! I stayed up way too late last night, and didn't get out of bed until 11:30 EDT. I even took a two-hour nap this evening. And it looks like I'm going to bed as soon as I finish washing the dishes and Rosina's straw cups.
*Finally got to see the goats we missed last week! They are very large goats. Rosina was not sure whether they were goats or dogs. ;')
*Spent a lot of money stocking up on things at Costco. Cheddar Pirate's Booty is on sale this month, and we bought some thinking Rosina might like it, but no such luck yet. I fear Mark and I will be consuming most or all of it. I'll keep trying!
*Despite last week's M&M consumption and related issues, I am currently wearing jeans that were too small when I bought them several months ago! They were four bucks, so I couldn't resist, and I didn't feel like stopping everything to try on one item with Rosina with me. When I got them home and they were too small, I figured I'd only have to lose a few pounds to get into them; luckily I was right (though they are a bit snug, part of that is the alleged "tummy panel", which is apparently invisible). And none too soon, as my old fat day/early pregnancy jeans are about to split apart--I've already patched them, and I'm thinking there just isn't enough strong fabric in that area to even try again. Time for retirement!
*Busy day tomorrow: free gym time in the morning with A. and L.; bellydance later, followed by my semimonthly Monday knit night. I also think I may sleep in, depending on how I'm feeling at seven tomorrow morning (that's more like six...oh, I hate this time-change mindfuck). If so, then I'll do my work in the afternoon, but that always feels like wasting daylight.
*Finally got to see the goats we missed last week! They are very large goats. Rosina was not sure whether they were goats or dogs. ;')
*Spent a lot of money stocking up on things at Costco. Cheddar Pirate's Booty is on sale this month, and we bought some thinking Rosina might like it, but no such luck yet. I fear Mark and I will be consuming most or all of it. I'll keep trying!
*Despite last week's M&M consumption and related issues, I am currently wearing jeans that were too small when I bought them several months ago! They were four bucks, so I couldn't resist, and I didn't feel like stopping everything to try on one item with Rosina with me. When I got them home and they were too small, I figured I'd only have to lose a few pounds to get into them; luckily I was right (though they are a bit snug, part of that is the alleged "tummy panel", which is apparently invisible). And none too soon, as my old fat day/early pregnancy jeans are about to split apart--I've already patched them, and I'm thinking there just isn't enough strong fabric in that area to even try again. Time for retirement!
*Busy day tomorrow: free gym time in the morning with A. and L.; bellydance later, followed by my semimonthly Monday knit night. I also think I may sleep in, depending on how I'm feeling at seven tomorrow morning (that's more like six...oh, I hate this time-change mindfuck). If so, then I'll do my work in the afternoon, but that always feels like wasting daylight.
Saturday, March 9
Quickly:
*Still plying! It is rather gratifying to see the plied yarn in its neat little hanks, though. The big washing day will be sometime next week. Then I will get to to decide whether to spin the pretty green fiber next, or tackle something really big and do a gradient dye on a big nine-ounce ball of undyed roving. That will be an adventure.
*Trip to Kohl's: work pants for Mark, a skirt and shorts for Rosina, and no shoes in the store fit me. Really. Maybe it's just that Aerosoles don't fit me... Also, Rosina lost her Munchie Mug there! I will call tomorrow, and hopefully it will have turned up. They aren't cheap!
*Still watching last month's NOVA episode, "Earth from Space". It is very cool, but two hours long, and I've been watching it in chunks. I noticed that one of the Koch brothers is a sponsor of NOVA! That pissed me off for a minute, but then I realized that the more money he spends on awesome and altruistic things, the less there will be left to fund Americans for Prosperity (read: Americans for Making the Rich Richer) and other awful things and people. So keep funding NOVA!
*Lunchtime: Landfill Park (which is just what it sounds like: a quite nice playground and trails at an old landfill) and Taza Grill. Oh, Taza Grill, it is YOU who are actually the boss. /inside Taza Grill joke
*Justin Timberlake on SNL! I know I wouldn't be able to choose between the "Dick in a Box"-ers and the Wild and Crazy Guys on a dating show. I had completely forgotten about their "bulges"! What I caught of the rest of the show was okay, I suppose.
*Trip to Kohl's: work pants for Mark, a skirt and shorts for Rosina, and no shoes in the store fit me. Really. Maybe it's just that Aerosoles don't fit me... Also, Rosina lost her Munchie Mug there! I will call tomorrow, and hopefully it will have turned up. They aren't cheap!
*Still watching last month's NOVA episode, "Earth from Space". It is very cool, but two hours long, and I've been watching it in chunks. I noticed that one of the Koch brothers is a sponsor of NOVA! That pissed me off for a minute, but then I realized that the more money he spends on awesome and altruistic things, the less there will be left to fund Americans for Prosperity (read: Americans for Making the Rich Richer) and other awful things and people. So keep funding NOVA!
*Lunchtime: Landfill Park (which is just what it sounds like: a quite nice playground and trails at an old landfill) and Taza Grill. Oh, Taza Grill, it is YOU who are actually the boss. /inside Taza Grill joke
*Justin Timberlake on SNL! I know I wouldn't be able to choose between the "Dick in a Box"-ers and the Wild and Crazy Guys on a dating show. I had completely forgotten about their "bulges"! What I caught of the rest of the show was okay, I suppose.
Friday, March 8
Nothing much to report
*I was about to say I got nothing accomplished today, but then I remembered that I did two loads of laundry. I also spent a ridiculous amount of time this morning reordering a list of articles that our publishing partner has listed online in a completely random order. I'm still not done with that particular project--and it's not even for the website! It's just an internal thing to help out the editor. I wish we could reorder the online papers, but there's no way to do it, really. I could go on and on about the shortcomings of this particular relationship...
*Rosina had another "Are you trying to poison me?" day, where she refused to eat any of the quite delicious Panera macaroni and cheese we got for her last night, and wouldn't touch the ravioli we got her for dinner. She did eat almost all of a very small apple, at least one cheese stick, and various cookies/Goldfish, along with a decent amount of milk. But that's all she had today. Child, we are trying to fatten you up, dammit!
*In other toddlery news, today I picked a random Sesame Street episode to watch, based on nothing more than the mentions of Big Bird and Elmo in the description (Rosina has developed an affinity for these two, and Elmo is finally growing on me), and what do I get? A very surreal sketch where Alec Baldwin rides a tricycle, and REM!!! I had completely forgotten about the "Furry Happy Monsters" sketch! It was a happy surprise.
*Still plying the second half of my singles. I should've known 7 ounces of wool is a LOT.
*We have no plans for the weekend! Mark was recently complaining that he dislikes all his short-sleeved casual shirts, so we may be doing some clothes shopping. I have no idea what he will replace all those shirts with, though. Also, I plan on getting a lot of sleep. I am seriously beat.
*Rosina had another "Are you trying to poison me?" day, where she refused to eat any of the quite delicious Panera macaroni and cheese we got for her last night, and wouldn't touch the ravioli we got her for dinner. She did eat almost all of a very small apple, at least one cheese stick, and various cookies/Goldfish, along with a decent amount of milk. But that's all she had today. Child, we are trying to fatten you up, dammit!
*In other toddlery news, today I picked a random Sesame Street episode to watch, based on nothing more than the mentions of Big Bird and Elmo in the description (Rosina has developed an affinity for these two, and Elmo is finally growing on me), and what do I get? A very surreal sketch where Alec Baldwin rides a tricycle, and REM!!! I had completely forgotten about the "Furry Happy Monsters" sketch! It was a happy surprise.
*Still plying the second half of my singles. I should've known 7 ounces of wool is a LOT.
*We have no plans for the weekend! Mark was recently complaining that he dislikes all his short-sleeved casual shirts, so we may be doing some clothes shopping. I have no idea what he will replace all those shirts with, though. Also, I plan on getting a lot of sleep. I am seriously beat.
Thursday, March 7
Do-over!
*Actually a light at the end of the tunnel in the domain transfer situation. I finally made the appropriate (but still professional) amount of stink to the right person in customer service, and suddenly people started giving me the information that I needed. The page is still down--it's been a whole week now--and I think there's some sort of waiting period before the domain can actually be transferred--and THEN I can start designing the new pages. I will at least put up a quick "under construction" page as soon as I can.
*I spent a decent amount of time plying about 100 grams of yarn over the last two days, only to realize that I had plied it in the wrong direction! Even though I had to do it again, it was much easier to ply in the right direction (and it looks and feels so much better!). I just started a second pair of singles, just to be sure that I would get it right when I picked it up in the morning. I also figured out an easier way to hank the plied yarn so I can wash and measure it: I set up a ghetto lazy Kate by putting my spindle in a small box, and wound the yarn right onto my swift! And here I was thinking I needed to make a niddy-noddy. I used to have an old 2x2 with two nails that I would wrap my recycled yarn on, but it was a huge pain in the ass, and I think I got rid of it a while ago.
*Realization: rough-drying my hair produces the same results as blowing it straight, only it takes way less time and doesn't hurt my wrists or give me huge knots. Win!
*Realization #2: Bimonthly M&M consumption time is over. You can tell it's over when you actually want a salad instead of dark chocolate-covered pretzels. Now I just have to take Aleve for a few days, and everything will be back to normal soon.
*Heard "Fat Bottomed Girls" on the radio on my way to S&B. Wondered why I can accept sexism and objectification in a Queen song, but not so much in an equally objectionable Led Zeppelin song ("Livin' Lovin' Maid" comes to mind; for the last while I've been changing the station when it comes on). Is it because I've finally grown out of my high school Zeppelin obsession? Or because Freddie Mercury is just that awesome? But I basically grew up hearing the Queen song, and only heard the other as a teenager. Also, I'm pretty okay with "Brick House". So is objectification okay if it's complimentary, and biased toward the more voluptuous among us?? Because I'm not okay with "Cherry Pie", either (granted, that's almost a novelty song). Hmm, I have to think about this!
*I spent a decent amount of time plying about 100 grams of yarn over the last two days, only to realize that I had plied it in the wrong direction! Even though I had to do it again, it was much easier to ply in the right direction (and it looks and feels so much better!). I just started a second pair of singles, just to be sure that I would get it right when I picked it up in the morning. I also figured out an easier way to hank the plied yarn so I can wash and measure it: I set up a ghetto lazy Kate by putting my spindle in a small box, and wound the yarn right onto my swift! And here I was thinking I needed to make a niddy-noddy. I used to have an old 2x2 with two nails that I would wrap my recycled yarn on, but it was a huge pain in the ass, and I think I got rid of it a while ago.
*Realization: rough-drying my hair produces the same results as blowing it straight, only it takes way less time and doesn't hurt my wrists or give me huge knots. Win!
*Realization #2: Bimonthly M&M consumption time is over. You can tell it's over when you actually want a salad instead of dark chocolate-covered pretzels. Now I just have to take Aleve for a few days, and everything will be back to normal soon.
*Heard "Fat Bottomed Girls" on the radio on my way to S&B. Wondered why I can accept sexism and objectification in a Queen song, but not so much in an equally objectionable Led Zeppelin song ("Livin' Lovin' Maid" comes to mind; for the last while I've been changing the station when it comes on). Is it because I've finally grown out of my high school Zeppelin obsession? Or because Freddie Mercury is just that awesome? But I basically grew up hearing the Queen song, and only heard the other as a teenager. Also, I'm pretty okay with "Brick House". So is objectification okay if it's complimentary, and biased toward the more voluptuous among us?? Because I'm not okay with "Cherry Pie", either (granted, that's almost a novelty song). Hmm, I have to think about this!
Wednesday, March 6
Psych!
*Psych is back! I didn't realize how much I missed it.
*Actually finished spinning that entire huge bag of teal wool. The plying seems to taking quite a while.
*Website situation is still not resolved. Seriously, my website has been down for almost a week now. I have no idea how the situation will be resolved.
*No rain today, but it was crazy windy. Rosina and I went to Trader Joe's, where I knew all the broadcast songs. I think this means I am their target demographic. I suppose I am...
*Just realized that Arthur Darville reminds me of Jack Klugman. It's probably the nose!
*Actually finished spinning that entire huge bag of teal wool. The plying seems to taking quite a while.
*Website situation is still not resolved. Seriously, my website has been down for almost a week now. I have no idea how the situation will be resolved.
*No rain today, but it was crazy windy. Rosina and I went to Trader Joe's, where I knew all the broadcast songs. I think this means I am their target demographic. I suppose I am...
*Just realized that Arthur Darville reminds me of Jack Klugman. It's probably the nose!
Tuesday, March 5
WebHostingPad sucks
*I don't know if this will come up in search engines, but WebHostingPad sucks. Last year my website was down for MONTHS because I never received final notification about my domain renewal, and they were complete jerks about it. Now I am trying to transfer my domain, and since it had been three business days without any word, I emailed them, and they said that they delete all transfer requests as spam, and that I would have to change the contact email address myself. First off, why was I not the domain contact anyway?! It's my damn domain, isn't it? I am not positive there's even a way to change the email with GoDaddy--I have emailed customer service (and they have already been way more helpful, though that's not saying much), and hopefully they will have an answer. I am just so fucking tired of dealing with this. It's also a constant reminder that I basically have a professional page that does nothing, because I'm not doing anything professional right now. Grrrrrr... Also, have I mentioned, WebHostingPad sucks?
*Um, anyway, otherwise it was a relatively mellow day. It has been raining since about noon, and Rosina and I stayed in today. I would like to run errands tomorrow (mama needs some port from Trader Joe's, and dada has been asking for more Whole Foods animal crackers), so we will need to brave the elements.
*Got in a decent amount of drop-spindling today! I'm trying to get Rosina used to it, so I can actually use the spindle when she's around without her always trying to play with it. If I do it enough, maybe she'll get bored...and I can make her one out of a CD and a dowel when she turns four.
*Orange juice plus seltzer plus limoncello equals Orangina cocktail! Actually, it's a bit sweeter than I'd prefer. Maybe less orange juice and more seltzer next time.
*Watched The Campaign this evening--it was funnier than its relatively short time in theaters would indicate. I was hoping for more North Carolina references; there was a Jesse Helms name-drop, but they could've mentioned SunDrop or pig pickin's, you know? Zach Galifianakis is from Raleigh, yo.
P.S. In case you missed it, WebHostingPad sucks! Goodnight and good luck.
*Um, anyway, otherwise it was a relatively mellow day. It has been raining since about noon, and Rosina and I stayed in today. I would like to run errands tomorrow (mama needs some port from Trader Joe's, and dada has been asking for more Whole Foods animal crackers), so we will need to brave the elements.
*Got in a decent amount of drop-spindling today! I'm trying to get Rosina used to it, so I can actually use the spindle when she's around without her always trying to play with it. If I do it enough, maybe she'll get bored...and I can make her one out of a CD and a dowel when she turns four.
*Orange juice plus seltzer plus limoncello equals Orangina cocktail! Actually, it's a bit sweeter than I'd prefer. Maybe less orange juice and more seltzer next time.
*Watched The Campaign this evening--it was funnier than its relatively short time in theaters would indicate. I was hoping for more North Carolina references; there was a Jesse Helms name-drop, but they could've mentioned SunDrop or pig pickin's, you know? Zach Galifianakis is from Raleigh, yo.
P.S. In case you missed it, WebHostingPad sucks! Goodnight and good luck.
Monday, March 4
Bimonthly M&M consumption
*Tired the last few days (see post title). Planning to have a relaxed Tuesday, though we're supposed to have nasty weather on Wednesday so I'll guess I'll have to go out early then.
*Went to a county park/historic farm on Sunday to show Rosina some animals, but we showed up too early! We saw the goats running by while we were in the car on the way out...
*Finished the mailing job--it took two-and-a-half hours! At least I got paid to fold envelopes while watching Saturday Night Live.
*Nice lunch with A. and L. Rosina managed to poke a hole in her styrofoam cup with her thumb, and there was a lot of water, but all was well. :) I bought some really, really pretty roving at the yarn store, which inspired me to break out my drop spindle for the first time in a while. I am really almost done spinning a big 7 oz. bag of teal Border Leicester. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it. Rosina doesn't look good in that color, or else it could make a really nice cardigan with yarn to spare. I'll have to see what kind of yardage I end up with after plying.
*Just finished Fuse...and now I have to wait a year for the cliffhanger to be resolved. Eh, it's not too bad. I checked out The Age of Homespun to start now. The librarians were impressed with me when I checked it out. ;) I haven't had much of a look at the prose, but I hope it's accessible enough that I can fit it into my late-night reading.
*Ended up missing my bellydance class because Mark was running late from work, and I had a headache anyway (see post title). A new session starts next week, and I'm trying to decide whether I should take the Bollywood class (always so much fun! but all the jumping barefoot is really hard on my arches) or if I should learn the second half of the choreography we did in the bellydance class this session.
*Went to a county park/historic farm on Sunday to show Rosina some animals, but we showed up too early! We saw the goats running by while we were in the car on the way out...
*Finished the mailing job--it took two-and-a-half hours! At least I got paid to fold envelopes while watching Saturday Night Live.
*Nice lunch with A. and L. Rosina managed to poke a hole in her styrofoam cup with her thumb, and there was a lot of water, but all was well. :) I bought some really, really pretty roving at the yarn store, which inspired me to break out my drop spindle for the first time in a while. I am really almost done spinning a big 7 oz. bag of teal Border Leicester. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it. Rosina doesn't look good in that color, or else it could make a really nice cardigan with yarn to spare. I'll have to see what kind of yardage I end up with after plying.
*Just finished Fuse...and now I have to wait a year for the cliffhanger to be resolved. Eh, it's not too bad. I checked out The Age of Homespun to start now. The librarians were impressed with me when I checked it out. ;) I haven't had much of a look at the prose, but I hope it's accessible enough that I can fit it into my late-night reading.
*Ended up missing my bellydance class because Mark was running late from work, and I had a headache anyway (see post title). A new session starts next week, and I'm trying to decide whether I should take the Bollywood class (always so much fun! but all the jumping barefoot is really hard on my arches) or if I should learn the second half of the choreography we did in the bellydance class this session.
Saturday, March 2
FroYo Blog
As a word of warning, the only salient points of my day today revolved around eating and sleeping, so here goes:
*Stayed up waaay too late last night, and when Mark woke me up at ten, I was none too happy about it. Because we had errands to run, my breakfast was Sample #1 from the four creepy-flavored Kroger low-carb yogurts I got last night. (Cinnamon Bun: weird but palatable.) I did get to take a nap this afternoon, but I kept having that disturbing dream (which Mark tells me is not a dream, but a particularity of a certain level of sleep) where I felt awake, but couldn't move my arms. This is one of my big fears, and it does not make for a restful nap. Hopefully tonight will be uneventful.
*After taking Rosina to a playground and picking up Mark's car from an oil change, we went to a new restaurant, The Finsky: their gimmick is large breaded cutlet sandwiches that come with fries and a drink, all for $5. The sandwiches were huge, and I suppose they were good, but our order somehow got mixed up with another table, and we both got the wrong food. I ordered beef with horseradish, and I got beef with some weird sweet-and-sour sauce and onions. We didn't want to send it back, because the food was okay, plus there weren't a lot of people in the place (it did get busier before we left) and I already feel bad about throwing perfectly good food away, so we ate it. I think we'll go back again--and next time I will make sure I get the right order!
*Elizabeth update: she was doing just fine this afternoon, and was supposed to have come home today. It's too late to call now, but I will check in tomorrow.
*Quite proud of tonight's dinner: salmon with a dash of ginger and cumin (actually fully cooked, unlike when Mark makes it!) on a bed of sweet potato grits (freezer leftovers) with a huge serving of green beans with ginger, cumin, garlic and a splash of sesame oil. (Oh, sesame oil, why did I never buy you before January?) It was a happy change from lunch and last night's dinner; my blood is flowing freely again!
*In the last two years, there has been an explosion of frozen yogurt places locally. Mark has said on more than one occasion that I should start a froyo blog. It wouldn't be too exciting, since most of it would be comparing places negatively to Menchies, which is a chain, but they do a good job and the prices are reasonable. Tonight we went to a newer place we'd never been, CitizenYogurt. They are totally local, and try to be "green" and involved in the community--two things I like just on principle. Also, the yogurt was good--chocolate hazelnut, what?--and Mark said it was only 45 cents an ounce (definitely one of the cheapest in town). We will definitely be back. It's hard to say how a mainly seasonal business is doing when it's off-season, but I really hope they make it to summer, because we enjoyed it.
*Stayed up waaay too late last night, and when Mark woke me up at ten, I was none too happy about it. Because we had errands to run, my breakfast was Sample #1 from the four creepy-flavored Kroger low-carb yogurts I got last night. (Cinnamon Bun: weird but palatable.) I did get to take a nap this afternoon, but I kept having that disturbing dream (which Mark tells me is not a dream, but a particularity of a certain level of sleep) where I felt awake, but couldn't move my arms. This is one of my big fears, and it does not make for a restful nap. Hopefully tonight will be uneventful.
*After taking Rosina to a playground and picking up Mark's car from an oil change, we went to a new restaurant, The Finsky: their gimmick is large breaded cutlet sandwiches that come with fries and a drink, all for $5. The sandwiches were huge, and I suppose they were good, but our order somehow got mixed up with another table, and we both got the wrong food. I ordered beef with horseradish, and I got beef with some weird sweet-and-sour sauce and onions. We didn't want to send it back, because the food was okay, plus there weren't a lot of people in the place (it did get busier before we left) and I already feel bad about throwing perfectly good food away, so we ate it. I think we'll go back again--and next time I will make sure I get the right order!
*Elizabeth update: she was doing just fine this afternoon, and was supposed to have come home today. It's too late to call now, but I will check in tomorrow.
*Quite proud of tonight's dinner: salmon with a dash of ginger and cumin (actually fully cooked, unlike when Mark makes it!) on a bed of sweet potato grits (freezer leftovers) with a huge serving of green beans with ginger, cumin, garlic and a splash of sesame oil. (Oh, sesame oil, why did I never buy you before January?) It was a happy change from lunch and last night's dinner; my blood is flowing freely again!
*In the last two years, there has been an explosion of frozen yogurt places locally. Mark has said on more than one occasion that I should start a froyo blog. It wouldn't be too exciting, since most of it would be comparing places negatively to Menchies, which is a chain, but they do a good job and the prices are reasonable. Tonight we went to a newer place we'd never been, CitizenYogurt. They are totally local, and try to be "green" and involved in the community--two things I like just on principle. Also, the yogurt was good--chocolate hazelnut, what?--and Mark said it was only 45 cents an ounce (definitely one of the cheapest in town). We will definitely be back. It's hard to say how a mainly seasonal business is doing when it's off-season, but I really hope they make it to summer, because we enjoyed it.
Friday, March 1
When the world never seems to be livin' up to your dreams
*Did manage to score some pajamas (and some short sets that will pass as such) at the consignment sale, along with two pairs of shoes (had to settle for white Mary Janes) and a Fisher-Price corn popper that Rosina fell in love with (perfect combination of running around + making noise), all for under $25. Not bad! I feel weird about the shoes sometimes, but I only pick up very gently-used ones--plus she only wears a size 5, and most kids are still just learning to walk in that size shoe, so they really don't get a lot of wear. The sale was significantly smaller than the one we went to this time last year, which was on the other side of town but took up about half of a nearly-vacant indoor outlet mall. (It has since been converted to a Chinese mega-supermarket, but last I heard they're still having that sale there.)
*First day of my editor being incommunicado for two months. One of our board members--who coincidentally lives right here, and works at Duke--is filling in for him, but it may take a bit for him to get the hang of things. I wonder if he will actually take me up on my offer of calling me if he has any problems... I still have to stuff all those envelopes, but we have a rare free weekend, and I'm sure I'll find the time.
*Bad news: my newborn niece had a fever yesterday afternoon, so she was checked into the hospital to make sure it's nothing more serious than a virus. Unfortunately, this meant she had to have a SPINAL TAP. I've watched Rosina have a feeding tube reinserted through her nose, and heard her scream her teeny five-pound lungs out while they did an ROP exam in the next room (they have to pin their arms down--she was never a fan of swaddling, even--and shine bright lights in their eyes, which sounds like my worst nightmare, honestly), but I have never had to witness my child have such an unpleasant procedure. My mother implied that we might know what they're going through, but Mark and I agree that we really don't: however much it hurt to leave Rosina every day, it was quite clear that the hospital was where she belonged. An otherwise-healthy 11-pound six-week-old does NOT. Anyway, she is apparently doing fine, aside from some congestion, and will probably be home over the weekend sometime. My parents were already planning to drive to New York this weekend, but they left a day early to help take care of Charlotte. Jeff has to work tomorrow, even (some shutdown procedure/confined space certification thing, I have no idea), and Lauren has been with Elizabeth in isolation at the hospital. Ugh, it really sucks. I know we'll all be so relieved when she's home.
*Good news: well, I did hear some very good news from a friend today, but I can't tell! There will surely be updates about this eventually--stay tuned.
*I don't have an absolutely official number, since I didn't write down my exact weight on January 1, but I believe I am down between nine and ten pounds since then--so pretty much my pre-pregnancy weight. I can't quite tell a difference yet; I do have a few pairs of pants that are larger than the others (because of cut differences, or because they were on sale!), and they might fit more loosely, but it's hard to really know at this point. I have a baby tummy that I didn't used to have, and went up I think a cup size and half a band size, so everything fits a little differently than it did pre-pregnancy. I suppose I should be happy that the clothes fit at all--oh, except that twelve days post-partum I was 15 pounds lighter than I even am now. Thanks, preeclampsia! (Cue sad trombone.) Hopefully I did not blow all this by getting Mexican tonight. I should probably not weigh myself for a few days...
*First day of my editor being incommunicado for two months. One of our board members--who coincidentally lives right here, and works at Duke--is filling in for him, but it may take a bit for him to get the hang of things. I wonder if he will actually take me up on my offer of calling me if he has any problems... I still have to stuff all those envelopes, but we have a rare free weekend, and I'm sure I'll find the time.
*Bad news: my newborn niece had a fever yesterday afternoon, so she was checked into the hospital to make sure it's nothing more serious than a virus. Unfortunately, this meant she had to have a SPINAL TAP. I've watched Rosina have a feeding tube reinserted through her nose, and heard her scream her teeny five-pound lungs out while they did an ROP exam in the next room (they have to pin their arms down--she was never a fan of swaddling, even--and shine bright lights in their eyes, which sounds like my worst nightmare, honestly), but I have never had to witness my child have such an unpleasant procedure. My mother implied that we might know what they're going through, but Mark and I agree that we really don't: however much it hurt to leave Rosina every day, it was quite clear that the hospital was where she belonged. An otherwise-healthy 11-pound six-week-old does NOT. Anyway, she is apparently doing fine, aside from some congestion, and will probably be home over the weekend sometime. My parents were already planning to drive to New York this weekend, but they left a day early to help take care of Charlotte. Jeff has to work tomorrow, even (some shutdown procedure/confined space certification thing, I have no idea), and Lauren has been with Elizabeth in isolation at the hospital. Ugh, it really sucks. I know we'll all be so relieved when she's home.
*Good news: well, I did hear some very good news from a friend today, but I can't tell! There will surely be updates about this eventually--stay tuned.
*I don't have an absolutely official number, since I didn't write down my exact weight on January 1, but I believe I am down between nine and ten pounds since then--so pretty much my pre-pregnancy weight. I can't quite tell a difference yet; I do have a few pairs of pants that are larger than the others (because of cut differences, or because they were on sale!), and they might fit more loosely, but it's hard to really know at this point. I have a baby tummy that I didn't used to have, and went up I think a cup size and half a band size, so everything fits a little differently than it did pre-pregnancy. I suppose I should be happy that the clothes fit at all--oh, except that twelve days post-partum I was 15 pounds lighter than I even am now. Thanks, preeclampsia! (Cue sad trombone.) Hopefully I did not blow all this by getting Mexican tonight. I should probably not weigh myself for a few days...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)