Monday, April 30, 2012
Scarborough Beach
We finished up our fun running off the last of our energy at the beach before going home for a long nap!
Climbing Hills
She climbed this hill over and over...the pic doesn't really show how steep it was...I was at the bottom, looking up.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
4/28/12
This has been a crazy morning. Hayley and I cleaned like mad women, while Zach mowed the back lawn and washed out the fridge. All that's left is a good mopping. Even the cupboards and walls got bleached down. Bathroom done, toilet and shower included. Counters cleared off and important papers filed...the rest tossed. Stove cleaned.
Now we just have to figure out what we're going to do for dinner and dessert. I finished The Clash of Kings last night. Started on book three part one. Need to finish Helter Skelter too. Candles burning, relaxing music on, wine later...perfect day.
Friday, April 27, 2012
4/27/12
This week has been one that I'm not sorry to see go. I am sorry to be saying goodbye to April though. It's been been beautiful around here.
Today *should* be an easy day. I'm going to hop in the shower, tan and work for a few hours...then home to enjoy my family. My list of books to read is forever growing! I want to sink my teeth into Unorthadox, but alas I have to finish A Clash of Kings (today), Helter Skelter (this weekend), and start book three of Game of Thrones...then just maybe I can sneak Unorthadox in before all the other books waiting in line know about it!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Finally...
I finally have two seconds to relax...hate hate hate this new blogger crap...I'm not the only iPad owner to complain.
My relaxation will only last an hour or so, then back on the go till 9 tonight. Tomorrow will be a short day. Thank goodness! Almost done reading A Clash of Kings, then onto book three in the series. I'm still reading Helter Skelter. I had to take a break from it. I can just imagine how the prosecution, or even the jury, must have felt being so up close and personal with the victims and defendants and evidence for as long as they did, as I need to take breaks from the book just to feel "normal" again.
I can barely remember falling asleep last night and I'm pretty sure I slept straight through till this morning. I know it was 9ish when I went down. Hopefully tonight will be a good night of Criminal Minds and some more of season one of Lost. AND I can sleep in tomorrow!!
Monday, April 23, 2012
WTF?
Can't say I really like the blogger surprise I got this morning. Just leave stuff alone. If I wanted something changed, I'd change it myself.
ANYWAY...Miss Annabella turned TWO on Saturday! We skipped the birthday cake since she's not crazy about sweets and cake in general, and instead opted for yummy strawberry cheesecake.
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed last week's lighter schedule (38 hours instead of over 40!). Of course all the sunshine last week was super great as well! We watched three pretty good movies this weekend. The Sitter. Hop. Dream House.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
4/19/12
I'm feeling incredibly lazy this morning. And I'm feeling okay with that! I think yesterday was my easiest day at work...ever! I was hoping to take Bella to the zoo this week, but it's school vacation week and they do a TON of events there this week. I'm sure it'll be as enjoyable as our beach days...Bella had fun at the beach but there were just too many misbehaving kids/parents there for me to truly enjoy myself. It's different on weekdays in the summer because most people WORK, so while the beaches are busy, they aren't what they are on a summer weekEND, and I don't go to the beach on the summer weekends for just that reason. Every warm day this week it was like a summer weekend here. My guess is because parents took the same week off. Sucky for those of us that live here. So I'm looking forward to quieter beach days in the weeks leading up to 5/31. I'm going to try the zoo with Bella next week. Her ticket is free till she's 3. I'm not interested in going once it starts getting too hot to stand around in the Providence sun and unfortunately they close at 4pm, so that rules out any cool summer evening.
Weaving my way through Helter Skelter today. Going tanning. Get my workout in. I should clean. Just not feeling it these last couple of days. My allergies are flaring up just enough to be annoying...interfering with sleep mostly and causing that headachy feeling. I need a road trip with my husband.
Weaving my way through Helter Skelter today. Going tanning. Get my workout in. I should clean. Just not feeling it these last couple of days. My allergies are flaring up just enough to be annoying...interfering with sleep mostly and causing that headachy feeling. I need a road trip with my husband.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday ALREADY!!
I've been incredibly busy enjoying the incredibly beautiful summer weather we've been having the last few days! It's also seemed a bit like a vacation for me since I'm only working 38 hours this week. I could get used to this!
I've been reading Clash of Kings (book 2) and I just started Helter Skelter...when I have Bella at the beach, I wanted a book I could pick up and put down without feeling like I was missing the story. With the Game of Thrones books, I do have to pay attention because there are so many characters to keep track of.
The prosecuting lawyer wrote Helter Skelter and I'm feeling like I would I guess, if I were on the jury, minus any preconceived notions having missed the actual events by 3 years...I wasn't born till 1972. I do remember my parents talking about it periodically while growing up, no doubt before parole hearings. I don't feel like I ever got the complete story, just that Charles Manson was a monster and should be feared. I do have my own thoughts on that piece but will keep that to myself till I finish the book. Good story so far but I fear I won't get the side of the story I'm most interested in.
I've been reading Clash of Kings (book 2) and I just started Helter Skelter...when I have Bella at the beach, I wanted a book I could pick up and put down without feeling like I was missing the story. With the Game of Thrones books, I do have to pay attention because there are so many characters to keep track of.
The prosecuting lawyer wrote Helter Skelter and I'm feeling like I would I guess, if I were on the jury, minus any preconceived notions having missed the actual events by 3 years...I wasn't born till 1972. I do remember my parents talking about it periodically while growing up, no doubt before parole hearings. I don't feel like I ever got the complete story, just that Charles Manson was a monster and should be feared. I do have my own thoughts on that piece but will keep that to myself till I finish the book. Good story so far but I fear I won't get the side of the story I'm most interested in.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
4/15/12
The Closet app is free this weekend!! The problem will be taking pics of ALL of my clothes, shoes and accessories!!! Once loaded though, I will spend time looking at my virtual closet instead of sitting in front of my actual one! It should also eliminate the "I forgot I had that" or "when did I get that?" phenomena that I'm positive only applies to me! ;)
I want the new Eye-fi card for my digital camera. This way, I can actually use my camera again and send my pics over to my iPhone or iPad, even my MacBook without having to plugin. I use my iPhone camera for everything because it is easier to upload shots that way. And this way, I don't have to buy one of the new digital cameras that already do this. I've barely used mine since getting it for Christmas 3 years ago, even though Kayla uses it all the time. Like I said, my current iPhone and previous Blackberry began taking over because they take great pics and uploading pics to Flickr and Facebook are a cinch and the photo editing apps I've downloaded on my phone are pretty darn great!!!
My husband wants the new Pebble watch. It's going to have to be pre-ordered. Not exactly my personal style...I might as well walk around with a calculator strapped to my wrist. But it's closer to old school futuristic movies where people talk into their watches and set coordinates and shoot laser beams at people.
Of course I want a pair of kayaks.
Whoa...just remembered Bella's birthday is next Saturday!!!
In other news, I spent all day yesterday laying in the sun! Plan on doing that today and tomorrow too! Tomorrow, it's going to be 70 degrees by 9 am!! Perfect beach day! And I was not contacted by work once yesterday! Miracle of all miracles. I can't remember when and if that's ever happened! Time for some changes I think.
I want the new Eye-fi card for my digital camera. This way, I can actually use my camera again and send my pics over to my iPhone or iPad, even my MacBook without having to plugin. I use my iPhone camera for everything because it is easier to upload shots that way. And this way, I don't have to buy one of the new digital cameras that already do this. I've barely used mine since getting it for Christmas 3 years ago, even though Kayla uses it all the time. Like I said, my current iPhone and previous Blackberry began taking over because they take great pics and uploading pics to Flickr and Facebook are a cinch and the photo editing apps I've downloaded on my phone are pretty darn great!!!
My husband wants the new Pebble watch. It's going to have to be pre-ordered. Not exactly my personal style...I might as well walk around with a calculator strapped to my wrist. But it's closer to old school futuristic movies where people talk into their watches and set coordinates and shoot laser beams at people.
Of course I want a pair of kayaks.
Whoa...just remembered Bella's birthday is next Saturday!!!
In other news, I spent all day yesterday laying in the sun! Plan on doing that today and tomorrow too! Tomorrow, it's going to be 70 degrees by 9 am!! Perfect beach day! And I was not contacted by work once yesterday! Miracle of all miracles. I can't remember when and if that's ever happened! Time for some changes I think.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tech No News
What's up lately with the lack of new gadgets? I'm feeling a little underwhelmed. The latest on the news front seems to be instagram for android. Big whoop. Now that everyone can have it, it'll become unpopular pretty quickly. Trendsetting hasn't evolved much past middle school. What makes something popular is NOT availability to the masses! Nothing kills a trend faster. I've had Instagram on my phone for a long while now and I actually prefer my Hipstamatic app and of course for editing, my go to app is Camera+.
What's interesting to me is when a gadget stops becoming a trendy luxury and becomes a staple...microwaves, VCRs, etc...this is where I think Apple has done so well with their iPhone/iPod/iPad marketing...an iPod is now a staple in just about every home. I think I know only one person who does not own one and at this point, you have to really be trying to not own an iPod. My 3rd generation Nano (which I still love for sentimental reasons) is probably available at yardsales for $5. For me? I think my all-time favorite trendy luxury was back in the day when I was given a Sony Walkman for my birthday. It's bizarre to think how costly this particular item was at that time. All of my friends had one and I was convinced this was the secret to me being a better x-country runner. To this day, it is impossible for me to workout without my music. I hate that I don't LOVE gifts like I loved this gift anymore. A person grows up, and real wants and needs replace the impractical ones. I'm so glad that my parents let me have this then impractical gift. I think it would please them to know I still remember the joy of that day.
So maybe Instagram won't kill Facebook? I'm just getting this feeling that a lot of people are going to be "so over it" here in the upcoming year, and part of that reason, like it or lump it, is because the "exclusive" club (if millions of users means exclusive) is no longer that. Nobody joins a country club for amazing savings and advantages.
What's interesting to me is when a gadget stops becoming a trendy luxury and becomes a staple...microwaves, VCRs, etc...this is where I think Apple has done so well with their iPhone/iPod/iPad marketing...an iPod is now a staple in just about every home. I think I know only one person who does not own one and at this point, you have to really be trying to not own an iPod. My 3rd generation Nano (which I still love for sentimental reasons) is probably available at yardsales for $5. For me? I think my all-time favorite trendy luxury was back in the day when I was given a Sony Walkman for my birthday. It's bizarre to think how costly this particular item was at that time. All of my friends had one and I was convinced this was the secret to me being a better x-country runner. To this day, it is impossible for me to workout without my music. I hate that I don't LOVE gifts like I loved this gift anymore. A person grows up, and real wants and needs replace the impractical ones. I'm so glad that my parents let me have this then impractical gift. I think it would please them to know I still remember the joy of that day.
So maybe Instagram won't kill Facebook? I'm just getting this feeling that a lot of people are going to be "so over it" here in the upcoming year, and part of that reason, like it or lump it, is because the "exclusive" club (if millions of users means exclusive) is no longer that. Nobody joins a country club for amazing savings and advantages.
4/12/12
I'm pretty tired. 11 more hours over the next 2 days and my very long week of overtime is OVER!! Next week will seem like a vacation. I'm finally going to be able to catch up on some reading today.
Yesterday, we had a shower in the late afternoon, after the pavement had soaked up the sun all day, and it smelled just like summer! It made me hopeful. I'm in big need of a super warm beach day. Preferably before the summer people get in town! It's looking like Monday will be the day...70s and sunny and I don't have to be anywhere till 3:30! Of course the weather forecasts change pretty quickly around here!
Yesterday, we had a shower in the late afternoon, after the pavement had soaked up the sun all day, and it smelled just like summer! It made me hopeful. I'm in big need of a super warm beach day. Preferably before the summer people get in town! It's looking like Monday will be the day...70s and sunny and I don't have to be anywhere till 3:30! Of course the weather forecasts change pretty quickly around here!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
4/11/12
Today will be long, boring and LONG...a brief respite tomorrow and then a crappy day Friday (tax day). The good news is it's looking like it'll be 70ish this weekend and next week. I wish all the trees would stay in bloom for longer than they do. It is so pretty around here with all the pink and white flowers on the trees.
Maybe a hike on the Cliff Walk on Saturday??? Bella's still too little to do all of it, but we can do maybe 2 miles of it.
Maybe a hike on the Cliff Walk on Saturday??? Bella's still too little to do all of it, but we can do maybe 2 miles of it.
Monday, April 09, 2012
4/9/12&
I'm certainly sorry to see the long weekend go away. Bella and I had our usual very early morning start like we do every Monday. Kitchen floor is swept and mopped. Counters washed. Hopefully I will get to sweeping and mopping the living room floor. If not, there's always tomorrow! Bella's been playing quietly with her doll house. Seriously the best money I've ever invested in a toy.
I have to keep moving or I'm going to crash hard. I have been up since 3:30. After I drop Janice off, I'm going to have some dinner and retire to my bed with my book for a few hours and then I will hopefully watch some more Lost, cuddling with my most wonderful, handsome, loving, perfect husband. The only way he could be more perfect is if he were to come home today and say I could quit work!
I have to keep moving or I'm going to crash hard. I have been up since 3:30. After I drop Janice off, I'm going to have some dinner and retire to my bed with my book for a few hours and then I will hopefully watch some more Lost, cuddling with my most wonderful, handsome, loving, perfect husband. The only way he could be more perfect is if he were to come home today and say I could quit work!
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Thursday, April 05, 2012
4/5/12
I can't believe Easter is upon us all ready! I picked up some of those plastic eggs awhile ago and Kayla and I are going to fill them with stuff Bella will actually eat...blueberries, strawberries, cut up cucumbers, some M&Ms...she's not really a sweet lover, but she does love her some candy canes!! The plan is to hide the eggs in the backyard and let her have an egg hunt. When I was growing up, we had a jelly bean hunt at Mimi and Papa's every Easter and who ever got the most jelly beans got a money prize. When my kids were growing up, my grandmother filled those plastic eggs with money and jelly beans and would have a big hunt for the kids.
Ham steaks on the grill. Probably potato salad. Deviled eggs. Some broccoli and asparagus. Asian Cole slaw. Some rolls. And DESSERT. That'll be Easter dinner. Nothing fancy.
Next week will be busy. 60 hours. I have to get myself in the right mindset to get through the week.
Ham steaks on the grill. Probably potato salad. Deviled eggs. Some broccoli and asparagus. Asian Cole slaw. Some rolls. And DESSERT. That'll be Easter dinner. Nothing fancy.
Next week will be busy. 60 hours. I have to get myself in the right mindset to get through the week.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
4/4/12
Today is going to be another long day but no Salve tomorrow night so that will be a short day, as will Friday. I got some good color yesterday while laying in the sun. Today is going to be even nicer, so hopefully I can get another hour or two in before I have to head to the committee meeting, 3-5...then work 5-8.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
4/3/12
Lazy. That's the word of today. I'm feeling lazy. The sun is shining bright and it's going to be warm out there today and I'm trying to talk myself out of bed. Feeling a bit crampy and bloated. The decision would be made if it were rainy!
We just can't pass up beautiful weather, so at the very least, some little girl will play outside...maybe she will even play at the beach, but her attraction to the ocean is great. April is still a bit chilly in the water. Basically the temp of our water by the end of April is what the ocean temp is in August in Old Orchard Beach (Maine). The water really is perfect here in the summer. Refreshing, not too warm, never cold. Perfect for swimming and playing.
I'm working some crazy overtime next week. 60 hours. Plus that check will include my mileage. I'm quickly approaching 200 hours of ETO (earned time off). I need a vacation!!
Some baby girl will be turning 2 on the 21st!!! I'm hoping to get her a few more outdoor toys to make my time watching her a little more relaxing for me...a slide maybe. I was thinking a sand/water table. Honestly, we're about the length of a football field from water and a beach, but it might be nice to have something right here. I'm not opposed to buying used...my husband needs to get cracking with the craigslist. I'm also looking for two kayaks. Old Town Canoe preferably. Also looking for a jogging stroller. Her big stroller is great for all day excursions (the zoo, the fair, Block Island) because of all the storage. Heavy for a workout. Her umbrella stroller is good for quick jaunts, bus stop to bus stop, because it folds up so small and is light, but NOT appropriate for workouts. Since I'm with her so much and since I hate having my workouts interrupted, I want a jogger for my own use. Again, used is okay with me.
Off I go. Gotta start my day.
We just can't pass up beautiful weather, so at the very least, some little girl will play outside...maybe she will even play at the beach, but her attraction to the ocean is great. April is still a bit chilly in the water. Basically the temp of our water by the end of April is what the ocean temp is in August in Old Orchard Beach (Maine). The water really is perfect here in the summer. Refreshing, not too warm, never cold. Perfect for swimming and playing.
I'm working some crazy overtime next week. 60 hours. Plus that check will include my mileage. I'm quickly approaching 200 hours of ETO (earned time off). I need a vacation!!
Some baby girl will be turning 2 on the 21st!!! I'm hoping to get her a few more outdoor toys to make my time watching her a little more relaxing for me...a slide maybe. I was thinking a sand/water table. Honestly, we're about the length of a football field from water and a beach, but it might be nice to have something right here. I'm not opposed to buying used...my husband needs to get cracking with the craigslist. I'm also looking for two kayaks. Old Town Canoe preferably. Also looking for a jogging stroller. Her big stroller is great for all day excursions (the zoo, the fair, Block Island) because of all the storage. Heavy for a workout. Her umbrella stroller is good for quick jaunts, bus stop to bus stop, because it folds up so small and is light, but NOT appropriate for workouts. Since I'm with her so much and since I hate having my workouts interrupted, I want a jogger for my own use. Again, used is okay with me.
Off I go. Gotta start my day.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Cleaning the Stovetop
I've been putting off this chore because I can spend hours scrubbing and scraping and I've even used oven cleaner...nightmare. So today, I sprayed it with my bleach spray and then poured some baking soda over it to turn it into a paste and let it sit there till I felt like tackling it (a long time). I can't even describe my joy right now...everything came off with a minimum of elbow grease (like none). Who knew watered down bleach and baking soda would be my best friend?? So my bleach cleaner is just bleach in a spray bottle...one part bleach to two parts water, probably twenty cents and everyone has baking soda, so that was just pennies. Seriously? Have you priced oven cleaner lately? Clorox bleach spray? Both together would cost anywhere from $12-$14. Let me be clear, I would spend a LOT of money on a manufactured product if it did what is was marketed to do...when I'm scrubbing for hours to still looks dirty, that product is not working. The fact that these two common (cheap) household items not marketed for this job went above and beyond??? Big name companies had better watch out. Selling toxic waste for obscene amounts of money may seem like a great business model, but you just lost my dollar.
4/2/12
Well so far the work week has started out ok. It did last week as well and quickly took a turn for the worse by last Tuesday BUT going to put that all behind me. Candles are burning. Scentsy going in the kitchen. Windows open as well. Scrubbing the stove top. I will hopefully get to the fridge tomorrow. Bella's books and toys picked up. I made her scrambled eggs for breakfast. Now she's watching Rio with Sierra so I can sweep and mop. This will be a long day for me. I won't officially be responsibility-free till 8 tonight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)