, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Took Bella forever to notice the hang glider in the sky.

Pant Legs Up

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

So much for rolling her pants up!!!

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Climbing a really high and challenging sand dune.

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Love how she's standing!

November 2011

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Great day at the beach with Bella!

11/7/11

I might actually get back on the right sleep schedule! I was up at 6:30 this morning. Working out by 7. Hopefully tonight I will be out around 10-ish. I took a few days off from working out last week. I do not feel guilty at all. I've been at it every day since March, except for a day or two when I've been sick, and the last three months, I've consistently done 2 hours of cardio per day. I needed the break. I needed to get some food in me. Right now, I'm focused on getting a lot more fruit in me whether I want to eat or not. I'm pretty good with veggies. I eat a wide variety of vegetables but often prefer to take my fruit in juice form. I also need to get back into monitoring my water intake. I know half my headaches are from inadequate hydration. I ate an orange last night and I'm quite proud of myself. I hate the texture of pulp/skins/seeds etc and like my fruit peeled/seeded/skinned etc. I choked down the orange, pulp and all anyway, knowing I was doing a good thing for my body.

So all my small jeans fit. Glad I hung onto them! I removed them from my closet last March but held out hope I'd get back into them. I also wore jeans every day last week for a couple of reasons. 1.) I have SO many. Way less than before, but probably still >15 and <20. That would be greater than and less than respectively. 2.) I wear a lot of leggings, yoga pants, butt hugging sweats because they're comfy, I drive a lot and chase after an 18 month old several days per week. They look awesome but don't offer any kind of discipline as far as weight control. Too tight jeans? Muffin top? All incentives to keep on working out, also a consistent reminder to stand up straight, abs and butt tucked. 3.) Somehow I've turned into the person for whom a pair of jeans is dressing up! If I'm going to be teaching again I need to get back into professional wardrobe mode (super yuck) and have my jeans actually be casual wear and my workout attire be lazy Sunday wear or actually *gasp* workout attire!!!

Plus I don't lie when I tell you when Zach and I went to the movies to see Paranormal Activity 3 the night it opened, EVERY girl in line had on yoga pants and Uggs. I love my Uggs but I ONLY wear them with jeans now. I remarked kind of loudly about why people complain about wearing uniforms to school and how guys can even tell girls apart these days. Zach laughed and said it is even worse AT school and not just in a line waiting for the movie to open.

Not opposed to leggings or yoga wear...certainly not opposed to my Uggs...just not going to pair them up, as that was so two years ago...yoga pants with cute flats or sneakers, paired with a cute tunic or under a skirt and my Uggs with jeans.

Another reason I like pricier shoes...my Uggs are not the cheaper Classic version, so I don't see a ton of people wearing mine. The Frye Veronica slouch boot is my major Christmas want, and with the $328 price tag, I'm sure I won't see them on EVERYONE and the average wearer gets 10 years out of a pair of Frye boots so I can justify the price...I can easily spend a $100 or more on a pair of boots every year or get a good quality pair and make them last. And vintage Frye? Just like vintage Levis. You never throw them away. Find a good cobbler.

Feeling Better

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

...but allergic to amoxicillin.

11/3/11

Incredibly super crappy day. Bella is starting day three of being sick so she and Kayla are headed to the Walk-In. I have to pick Janice up in Jamestown, then pick Kayla and Bella up in NK, and hopefully by that time they've already called the prescription in, if there is one, and I will take them to pick it up, then they will have to take the bus home as Janice and I have to head to Newport. My guess is ear infection. If it is, this will be her first, so that's pretty much a guarantee she will be put on antibiotics. Thank God. I doubt it is another UTI only because the fever isn't as high and does come down with Advil. My kids never had ear infections, though they still manage to get Swimmer's Ear most summers. Hayley had a bad year around age 7 or 8 when she got two or three ear infections that year but she was old enough to not cry all night/all day long. Bella is CRANKY, barely eating, still drinking, and has zero patience for any kind of malfunctioning toy. I think we've waited out the fever long enough; in another day or two, I will be the one crying.

I already took my shower but I can't seem to get more motivated than that at this present moment. I will need to get my butt in gear. I have to leave here by 1:20 the latest. Just not feeling life right now. I'm feeling sleep. Lots and lots of dreamless sleep please.

November 2, 2011

Bella is feeling much better. The fever is gone for now and is at least coming and going now, whereas yesterday, it never got below 100.9 even WITH Advil. It was breaking my heart when she didn't want to do anything but sit and cuddle all day. Whiny, independent girl is back and driving me crazy!

Work for two hours, then meeting from 3-5. Blah di blechedy blah. I got nothing accomplished yesterday because of the sick girl. Tuesdays I normally catch up on a few things, make a nice dinner, etc. This morning, I worked out, cleaned myself up and am feeling halfway normal. Going tanning before work. Stayed up last night reading more of The Hunger Games. Loving it!!!

Happy November!

Should be reading instead of blogging...I'm currently reading The Help and The Hunger Games on my kindle. Reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in hard copy. Totally loving The Hunger Games!!! Definitely going to add that and Sarah's Key to my Holocaust unit.

A cold rainy busy weekend! We attended Zach's last Homecoming football game, but left after the senior recognition because of the rain. We also enjoyed our stay at the hotel, complete with in-room jacuzzi. Temporpedic bed was very UN-comfy!!! But the company was perfect! Glad the weather is back in the 60s and that Bella didn't have to trick or treat in any kind of snow. Love snow but not till after Thanksgiving thanks!

Sleeping It Off

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Look at these two bozos! They've been asleep since 11:45. It's now 1:30.

Halloween Hangover

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Today she's not feeling so well. Staying home with her Nonni, cuddling on the couch, watching movies...

Our Sweet Little Ladybug

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Bella picked up the trick or treating thing pretty quickly. She was at it from 5-8:30! Even walking the whole way herself except for the return trip home (thanks, Aunt Hayley!). Not only did she get tons of candy, she came home with a pumpkin and a playdate for next weekend! She quickly got the hang of knocking on doors, saying "Hi-iii" in her sing- songy way, being invited into almost every home to see doll collections, stuffed animal collections, patted and hugged every dog, hugged and kissed babies...yes, most definitely a future politician!

Grrrrr!

Had a nice post and blogger is messing up! The second time this week. I've now switched back to the old version. The new thing was CRAP on my iPad! How's that for a review. I will try to post when I get back from my mini vacation.

Being a Turkey

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

We Irish sure make cute kiddos!!! Those big eyes and button nose and cheeks just perfect for kissing!!!

Signature Bella Smile

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

10/24/11

Halloween is almost here. Thanksgiving is in 4 weeks and Christmas in 8! I already ordered one of my husband's birthday presents, which is also in November. I slept very well last night. Slept in till 8:30. Bella slept in till after 9. Got one workout in. Went tanning. Going to go to work in an hour. I think this week for dinners we are going to have Italian stew, Thanksgiving sandwiches, chicken veggie au gratin, and pizza. Friday is fast food. I work Saturday night and Mitch and I will be away Sunday/Monday in our fancy hotel room celebrating soccer season being OVER. Wine, music, lots of food, two person whirlpool and plenty of hot sex. Perfect day with my husband.

10/23/11

I slept so bad last night!!! Took a little bit of a nap this late afternoon. I made coconut chicken curry for dinner tonight. Kayla texted me from work and said it was great and that she loved me. It put me to sleep. Zach and Bella are sleeping too! It was almost the feeling you get after eating turkey. My husband is coming home AND we have plans for next weekend. Can't wait!!!

Happy 18 Months Bella!!!

A year and a half this little wonderful creature has been in our lives. I just can't express in words how much fun she is these days, as she leaves babyhood behind. She's had little interest in being a baby since day one, so she's not looking back. She just moves on from one adventure to the next. She has the most beautiful, expressive, shiny eyes I've ever seen, with a grin, if you're blessed to see one, that can make anyone smile. She has an attitude as big and volatile as Mt. Etna, so she's often more difficult than not, which is just fine with me. She is not scared of anything! Nothing spleeny about this kid! She's even gotten over her fear of vacuums, golf clubs (we don't know why, other than Zach's bag crashed to the floor once) and the pots and pans cupboard. She loves to spin till she's dizzy, and she still loves music and singing and dancing. She also loves loves loves her books. She literally spends most of her day being read to or flipping through the pages and reading aloud to herself. While shopping, she says hi in a sing songy voice to EVEYONE, and Nonni likes almost NO ONE, so this has caused me to loosen up a little and be a bit more friendly to complete strangers. They immediately fall in love with her, after she says hi to them. I've decided she's probably going to be a movie star or a politician. She needs to put her dramatics and manipulative skills to work for her. Zach and I went to see Paranormal Activity 3. It was a lot of fun! Love being in a large group of people with everyone screaming at the same time. Increases the suspense and drama. I also spent my gift card I got from work and bought a new pair of sneaks!!! I really like them. Nikes of course. They're not the ones I plan on getting for working out, although these will work till then. The ones I want for my workouts are at the actual Nike store and are well over a hundred dollars, but these ones are good every day kinda sneaks. Silver, with florescent blue and green trim. Flashy! I really need to get my day started. I'm already about two hours behind schedule. Somehow, I think the day will just continue on whether I'm ready for it or not!

Not Sure...

...about the new blogger interface I switched to. It's acting wonky with my iPad. First workout completed. One more to go. Listening to some tunes. Kayla and Bella just left to run some errands. Last night my husband was so nice and took Bella with him to run errands so I had about two hours all alone! No Zach, no Bella, nobody but ME! I've never enjoyed being alone so much in my life. I thank my husband for recognizing that that was exactly just what I needed. Just a few minutes to myself. Salve tonight. Home around 9:15. Paranormal Activity 3 at midnight at the movie theater. So excited to see it. The previews look even scarier than the first two movies. So I've been kind of drooling over the new iPad. It draws me to it every time I walk by. A nice white one, like my iPhone. I LOVE that it has the front and back cameras. In fact, my only complaint I've ever had regarding my first gen iPad was the absence of cameras. Ok enough drooling for now. Christmas is in 65 days. For the most part, in talking with the kids, we've agreed that a smallish Christmas (movies, books, games) is a good idea. Stuff to keep us all busy during the winter. There really isn't much out there that we don't already have. Electronically speaking. They still asked that I continue the tradition of getting them new coffee mugs and stockings full of different teas, flavored coffees and hot cocoas. I've found some books with little plastic CDs for Bella and I'd like us to take her to Providence Place mall to be terrorized by Santa and for her to go to Build A Bear and pick out what she wants. I think Mitch and I will probably have more fun than her! Puzzles. She needs wooden puzzles. Walmart has no selection, so I will have to go to Toys r Us. As for my husband, I think he wants a new white iPad. And it's up to me to make sure he gets what he wants! :)

10/16/11

Worst night's sleep EVER!!! I'm in bed on this pretty sunny day curled up with my blanket cuddling with Bella, who isn't feeling so well. We're watching...wait for it...The Wizard of Oz! I have a feeling I will sleep well tonight!

Wow!!!

I'm actually blogging on my Macbook! I can't remember when I've actually typed using a keyboard and not a touch pad. I have to say, as much as I hate auto-correct on my iPhone and iPad, I'm so used to it that the laptop feels awkward!

So glad I can drink a glass of wine tomorrow evening.

I got a workout and a half in today.

10/14/11

Where exactly did the week go?

I've been up since 6:30 or so. Glad I got my 2 hours of cardio in early because I'm going to probably crap out early myself.

Going to hop in the tub. Tan. Clean a teeny bit. Go to work. Big blah and boooooooooo hiss on that.

42 days till Black Friday.

Another very warm humid day here in South County. It's better than cold but I have some great clothes I'd like to be sporting but it's still too warm for them!!!

In other news, our little Miss Bella peed on her potty yesterday!!! She will be 18 months on the 21st. Next Friday. Anyway, her chair is in the bathroom (duh) and she goes in when we go in. This time she actually peed! So she got her exploding fist bump, since she prefers this over a high five (thanks, Uncle Zach) and lots and lots of praise. We're NOT officially potty training yet, but this was a great step in the right direction. I waited till my kids showed interest and they pretty much potty trained themselves, that's how easy it was. They were all completely potty trained by age two. I was also a stay at home mommy at that time, so that probably helped make it so easy.

10/13/11

First hour of cardio completed! I'm going to squeeze another hour in somewhere today. I currently get in between 12 and 14 hours of cardio per week. Pretty proud of myself and definitely loving the results!!! Once you get over that slump where everything seems to just be maintaining, you start seeing visible results again, almost daily. Plus, I'm going by how I'm feeling more than just rigidly maintaining a schedule. Some days I feel like I can do more and on those days, I do. Some days, especially if I'm sick, I need a break, so I take one. WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY or letting it defeat me.

Going to be a long night but Kayla will have the house cleaned and dinner ready (taco soup) when I get home.

10/10/11

Happy day off to everyone!

It is 10:40 and my workout was done early. I loaded some new pics to Flickr and posted them to the blog. Now I'm just lounging in my comfy bed. I suppose I should get up and go outside to enjoy this beautiful day!

I was feeling quite poorly the last few days, bad cough, horrible headache, stomachache. Today, I feel great! Headache is gone. Stomachache gone! I'm not sure I coughed much once I finally fell asleep. I did wake up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat. This is what happens when I'm sick. I don't feel better till I finally "sweat" it out.

I have to get gas. Get Hayley back to school. Spend an hour or two with Janice. I NEED a curtain rod. I have to fix the curtains in my living room before I have a coronary. I will probably tan. Figure out dinner.

Little Feet Crossed

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Watching a movie on Nonni and Pop's bed.

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Watching The Wizard of Oz with her Nonni.

17 Months

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

There aren't many kids this young who will sit still for an entire movie. Hands down, this is her favorite.

Annabella

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

She loves her apples sliced!

Newport, RI

Newport, RI, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Gorgeous views from all sides of the Sailing Capitol of the World.

Long Lashes

Long Lashes, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Thought I'd post some pics for a change.

10/7/11

The BAD mood seems to have lifted a little bit. I think I'm just missing my husband. I asked if we could go on a date one of these days. I really hate when they're in season. Only a few more weeks left and I get him back. I miss him so much when he's not around but then he comes home and every little thing drives me crazy.

This weekend is going to be beautiful. Definitely laying in the sun on Sunday!!!

Freaky "dream" last night. Only I don't think I was dreaming. I felt as if a demon was holding me against the bed, hands around my neck, preventing me from sitting up. I also could not talk or open my eyes...creepy. My neck, shoulders and head ache so bad today that I've had to take Tylenol all day.

I do get visited in dreams, usually by recently passed loved ones, and then they're off and I don't dream about them again. And I'm hugely interested in anything paranormal and typically not scared of any of it. Last night upset me though because I was prevented from speaking Jesus' name and when I would yell it in my head, the "demon" would like squeeze my temple area so hard that I felt like my head was going to explode. If I didn't try to speak Jesus' name then the pressure would stop a bit. Like I said, creepy!!!

10/6/11

I fell asleep last night with the news the Steve Jobs passed away. We knew it was coming. He's been extremely ill since 2004 but has always managed to rally and miraculously bounce back. That's what heroes do. Depressing to think that even billions of dollars can't keep you on this earth when it's your time. Because of Steve Jobs, my life will never be the same. We've been an all Mac household since 2002. Mitch tried to bring his Dell in and it experienced a devastating and permanent crash. Should have bought a Mac. The few extra hundred dollars you might spend is definitely worth the piece of mind that I have found with my MacBook. With my iBook. With my iPods. With my iPad, which I'm currently blogging on, and of course with my most favorite item I have ever, ever, ever owned...my iPhone. I know the company will continue and has been in safe hands for the last decade, but I can't help but think that while Apple will still prove to be a visionary leader amongst its competitors, it would have been just that much better if he were still with us.

In other news, I really wish Mac would make a reliable car. Mine's been "ok" since the disaster of spring 2011...but front brakes need to be done. I did clean it out yesterday. My cars are like my purses. The bigger they are, the more junk I can manage to cram in them. It would be nice if a certain husband would offer to let his wife use the Tahoe on Saturday so she can have an anxiety-free drive and possibly even a good time.

Salve starts tonight, which means I won't be home till 9ish, but I will be able to get some reading done, Bella-free. They are actually running errands today, so Kayla can take her class, and I'm enjoying a morning ALONE! Amazing. I worked out without having to hold Bella and her assortment of toys. I picked up her toys without her taking them back out of her toy box. Unfortunately, I now miss her! Tuesday night we had THE battle of wills. I have never met someone so stubborn in my entire life. She refuses to acknowledge defeat or to seem weak, unless that gets her her way faster. She is smart, calculating, manipulative, and quite controlling. It is like looking in a very flattering mirror. HRC look out! Bella is on your heels!

10/5/11

I think fall is finally here! Low 70s and low humidity and SUN for at least the next seven days!!! I'm going to spend about 12 hours in Waterville (on Saturday) and then home to enjoy some of Rhode Island's best weather. I love a nice warm, dry spring, which we did not get this year, and a nice warm and dry fall, which we haven't had yet, but I'm hoping today through next week, it'll finally get here. The humidity has been crazy crazy crazy. The AC is usually off by now and the windows usually open.

I got excused from the meeting late today to take someone in for eye surgery. Either option will be equally boring, but at least now I can get some paper work done.

My bleak, grumpy mood might be lifting. I don't want to jinx myself, but I'm feeling better in general. My cold/allergies really sap any extra energy and creativity and leave me exhausted during the day and awake coughing all night. Throw in a sudden, unexpected death, pay cuts at work, the realization that our life will be changing greatly in the next year and the fact that we're currently living in the house from Hell, and well there ya go! My bad mood. Guess I don't need medication after all. Sometimes one's bad mood is very equal to one's problems.

My workout is done, going tanning in a little while, then off to work I go. And it's Hump Day!!!

I got an amazing amount of stuff done today! Dishes washed, floors swept, mopped, vacuumed. Bella slept for exactly one hour. 11:44 to 12:44. Curtains were washed but I screwed up the curtain rod! Grrrrrrrrr! Cabinets wiped down. Counters washed. Couches vacuumed. Toys put away. Bathroom cleaned and sanitized. We listened to music just about all day. Now we're watching Mars needs Moms.

10/4/11

I am in such a bad mood. Been that way for a few days now. Just seems to be getting worse.
Today, I'm going to workout and then clean the house, fall cleaning, if you will, and crank some music.

Can't wait for Saturday. Day off. Mixed with a friend or two and it just might be what I need so I can stop feeling like my life is this blah thing that just keeps on keeping on.

10/2/11

I would have done just about anything to sleep in this morning! I absolutely could not fall asleep last night! I was awake till 12:30. That is RARE for me. Can't remember the last time I saw 12:30! Shouldn't have any troubles tonight!

The agenda today consists of cleaning, working out, tanning, and making a yummy dinner.

Happy (?) October

Exhausted already and I only got up about an hour and a half ago! Cardio done. Going tanning in a few. Coffee consumed. Lost another pound, so yay for that!

9/30/11

Goodbye September! The only good thing about this month really is our anniversary. October is kind of blah too, except for Halloween. After Halloween, November and December race by, January is long and boring, with nothing exciting, then my favorite day, Valentine's!!! I loved the holidays when I was a kid. My parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles always made them so much fun for us, teeming with goodies and traditions. Every year, even once I was an adult with my own children, my grandfather's Halloween costumes and "scary" antics would get more and more elaborate. On Valentine's day, my dad always got me lots of fun stuff, playdoh, paints, boxes of chocolate just for me! And Valentine's day at school was THE best! I loved getting all those Valentine's and as I got older, my mother always made me help my little brother do all of his. Even St. Patrick's Day at school was fun!

It's nice to think back on all those good times.

I currently have a Bella sitting in my lap. This is all she wants to do right now apparently. She keeps hugging me and kissing my cheek. What a sweetie!

This week went by so fast! I was invited to a wedding shower for a friend next Saturday in Waterville. I think I'm going to go. I took the 8th off but really wasn't feeling it one way or another, but I think it will be good to get away for one night. Alone. Mitch gets to travel with the team, and while I'm supposed to believe he hates it, I can't help thinking a night not coming home to the never ending chores must be nice. Plus, when he's gone, he can relax knowing I'm here dealing with all the crap.

Wow!

Got my workout, shower, and make up done while Bella amused herself. Swept, did the dishes, and finally sat down long enough for her to fall asleep in my arms. She's now napping on the couch and I've bleached the cupboards, walls, counters, and baseboards. When she gets up, she's going to have lunch, a bath and then maybe we will take our walk now that it is sunny out. We will have dinner, she will play with Zachary and then bedtime in Nonni and Pop's bed till her Mommy gets home. Took a little bit, but Bella and I have our Tuesday routine DOWN! Just this past week though she's really gotten out of the baby stage. As Zach says, she's like a little human now!

9/27/11

I completed my two hours of cardio pretty early on yesterday so last night while dinner was cooking I went for a walk too! I slept pretty darn well last night! Today I will be lucky if I get a workout in. I have Bella till 10:30 pm. She might let me squeeze my bootcamp booty into the day, but that's a wildcard. However, she WILL let me hold her all day and dance my ass off! The sun is supposed to come out this afternoon, so we will probably go for a walk, too!

I need coffee. I need to go hug my love bug. I hear her crying.

9/26/11

It's going to be another hot and humid day today. Busy, too.

Work has shifted gears. I almost don't even recognize it anymore. Gone are the happy faces of employees who love their jobs and are paid well in wages, bonuses, and benefits. The people who could leave, have. The people for whom these cuts haven't really affected (me included) are staying to ride out the storm. Positions have been completely eliminated. Mileage is capped. What it is boiling down to is more work, less pay. Meetings that were so important have been deemed nonessential. In services are now being done online. Granted, some of these changes are actually for the good, in the sense that after the storm, I think a few of the practices should be left in place.

I'm just sad for my friends who these changes affect significantly. It is scary too. All of a sudden, I'm senior staff. We're in the part of the Monopoly game where you have to sell off a few houses and maybe mortgage a property or two till you pass Go a couple of times. Business wise, I might consider these exciting times, if my heart weren't so heavy for my friends.

9/25/11

Can't believe September 2011 is coming to a close!

What a great day! First, finally a day off!!! Second, got TWO hours of cardio in. We're having meatball subs for dinner, with fries and pumpkin cookies for dessert. Yummy. Also going to enjoy some wine and some music before calling it a day.

9/24/11

Blech. I made the mistake that I occasionally do from time to time,and that is check my archives. I wanted to see what I was doing 6 years ago.

The only good news from doing that is being reminded how lucky I am to have such a wonderful husband. He is perfect. It makes me sad to think I wasted any time on anybody else.

Merry Christmas to ME!!!

ALL my jeans fit now. Even my skinny ones. And they even look better on me now than they did when they were part of my regular every day wardrobe.

Really glad I stuck with my diet/exercise program, even though the scale never seems to budge! I chose to not get discouraged and not let others discourage me, and decided to let how I was feeling, as opposed to what I was weighing, determine if it was working or not. A tape measure has become my best friend. Still wish the scale and I were on better terms, but muscle weighs more than fat and takes up much less space. I've only lost 11 pounds total, but the proof is in my clothes. And it took FOREVER to lose those 11 pounds. Ideally, I have about 15 more to go, if I go by scale standards. Otherwise, I think I look great, and I feel great, so we shall see. If I get much smaller, I will need new clothes. I love the collection I have now. That should make my husband happy. That, and me sleeping naked.

Went for a nice walk on the beach. Need to recharge a little. I breathe and feel better indoors though. Very muggy and smoggy outside. My eyes and lungs and throat were burning after about a half hour. I have to work for a few hours and then home for some relaxation. Maybe a glass of wine. Doubt I will be able to read. I have Bella till 10:30.

9/21/11

The week is winding down for me. 55 hours worked this week. Beyond done. Not to mention I've been sick, with the two worst days of it being Sunday and Monday, and of course I was having my period to top it all off. Feeling a whole lot better today. Sinuses are draining. My cough is productive. I got my workout in. Currently 100% humidity right now. Yeah, the air is still on and it's the end of September.

9/18/11

Well I was right about it being a stinky week. Our anniversary was Tuesday. I woke to the news that a very dear friend passed away. Still very much shocked and sad, but Mitch came home early and we spent the day together.

I love my Amazon Kindle very much. I can't believe how light it is! I can read all day and often only put a book down to stop reading to give my cramped hands a break, so I love that this alleviates that. I still love the physicality of books, their smell, how they feel, nothing like a new book, then again, nothing like an old book, but the Kindle will definitely have a place in my life. The simple fact I can hold 3500 books in the palm of my hand and I don't have to buy yet another bookshelf. The kindle version of a book is also cheaper than the paper version and hey, maybe we will save a tree or two.

I have a cold from Hell. We're all fighting one. I've been up since 4:30 because my head and sinuses were killing me and I needed some Tylenol. It is rare that I wake up because I need medicine.

I've been watching lots of infomercials this morning and now I'm watching Mass with a priest with a lisp. All morning I have found I've been turning these infomercials and now the Mass into Saturday Night Live skits. Honestly, the batteries are dead in the remote and there's no way I'm flipping through channels manually. Mass for this former Catholic it is!

Glad it's finally Sunday. I am working this afternoon/night for Lisa. Tomorrow, I get back to my regular schedule. Going to enjoy the brief normality and then Kayla's schedule gets shaken up next week. She will be working days. Good because no late nights with Bella, but a little challenging trying to coordinate but I think it'll actually work out fine so no worrying till I have to. Nobody had better take any more time off here at work. I'm really tapped out but I have a hard time saying no when someone asks me to fill in for them and you can hear the stress in their voice and you know they need the time off. God has given me an abundance of strength and will to perservere and I try to have a positive attitude about the overtime. I try to see the situation as a win/win. The overtime is nice and the big paycheck is always welcome but a regular week is fine with me too because it means I get to spend more time with the family.

We had a great night Friday night. We were all home. Mitch or I didn't have to go back out to pick anyone up, so we opened up a really yummy bottle of red. Zachary wasn't hiding in his room. Bella was being adorable with Mitch and Zachary chasing her around. Then we listened to some music. It was a much needed two hours where we kind of all got recharged. None of us are really feeling great with this cold, so it was nice to just hang out.

The thing I love about this Mass on tv is that it is EXACTLY like Mass at home. Wow. Never really sat and watched it on tv before. It feels like Sundays with Mimi when we would go to church together long before my grandparents started going on Saturday afternoons. I prefer bible study type churches now, but a part of me needs Mass once in awhile, because it is just so familiar that it fills me with wonderful memories of my friends and family. Amazing though how much is autopilot. The priest says his bit, you say yours.

I hope this week proves to be better than last.

9/12/11

This is the start of what's likely to be a stinky week. At least I've started it on an energized note. My cardio and shower are done. Going tanning in a bit. Have to drop off my library book. Took a break from DG to read Water for Elephants. Wanted to read it before I accidentally watch the movie. Finished it in less than 8 hours. I had higher hopes for it, since it's widely popular amongst my friends. Good book. I'd have liked it more if I had stumbled upon it and there was no hype. Reminded me of The Notebook. Like I said, a good quick read with memorable characters, perfect length for a transition to screenplay. Doesn't require much of the reader, other than to sit back and enjoy the show.

Back to my agonizing week, with the only good news being Kayla has tomorrow off. Good for a number of reasons. First being, I will only have Bella for a few hours till Kayla gets done testing at the Lincoln campus. God knows how long the bus ride home will be. But it will be before 10 PM at least. Second reason, it's our anniversary tomorrow. Third reason, Mitch won't have to pick her up at 10. Wednesday, staff meeting than work. Thursday, regular schedule. Friday I work with Emily 10-2 then Hopkins 3-8. Ick. Saturday I work 4-the overnight. Sunday I am working 3-the overnight. Ick, ick, ICK!!! At least I might get some overtime out of this.

I really hope I can get a second workout in today.

9/10/11

Fun date to write today. Tomorrow's won't be of course.

I seem to have lost all motivation. Guess that's what a day off gets you! I'm about 1/2 way done weeding my clothes. Hayley was a big help last night. I sent a bag with her back to school last week and I guess her roommates snagged everything! So I'm doing a more thorough job this weekend. Now I have to go through my dressier shirts and all my jeans.

I have no idea what to get my husband for our anniversary. Maybe we will just have dinner and go shopping. He can buy what he wants. I'm at least kind enough to give him a detailed list so he doesn't wander around aimlessly, wasting money on something I would never use. Yeah, yeah, blah, blah, spare me the "it's the thought that counts" bullshit. Not when you have a joint checking.

I've really want to sign him up for the wines of the month club, but holy expensive. Someday we will be cooler versions of ourselves.

I wore jeans yesterday for the first time in like 4 months. A bit regrettably I might add, as I remembered why fall is a difficult season...cold mornings, very hot afternoons...I was sweltering and grouchy by late afternoon. I still can't understand people who wear jeans/pants all summer. Unless you work in a cold air-conditioned environment all day, put some shorts on, you're making me hot just looking at you!

Still haven't found motivation to leave my cozy bed. Such a beautiful sunny day out, too. Maybe I will go sit outside for a bit before work.

Yay!!!

I got tomorrow off!!!

9/8/11

I didn't end up having to drive to NK last night after all. Instead I got called into work to take someone to the ER. Kayla's boss was kind enough to let her out a bit early so she could catch the last bus home. We both got home around the same time...midnight.

Prior to the 911 texts I was getting, followed by phone calls, Zach and I watched Will Ferrell's movie Everything Must Go. It was ok but kind of depressing. When I got home, I put in Your Highness. Fell asleep watching it but I'm trying again this morning.

I'm going to workout, tan and get ready and then go to work. Come home, feed Zach and Bella, get her to sleep and then drive to NK tonight to get Kayla from work.

Hmmmm!

I only have to go to my committee meeting at 3 now. Previous engagement was canceled. Now if only the meeting would get canceled too! Still have to drive to NK tonight to get Kayla, but at least I can go tanning now.

Tomorrow should be a relatively short day and Friday is what it is.

9/7/11

Today is filled with stuff I do not want to do. I do not want to drive anybody anywhere today. I do not want to sit through a 2 hour committee meeting. I do not want to drive to NK tonight.

So I've been hearing about this thread up program. You box up your outgrown baby's clothes and get to pick a box in return. Sounds great, huh? So I signed Kayla and Bella up, listed Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Baby Gap, LL Bean, Life is Good, etc, as the clothes we would be donating. The boxes that were available at that time for us to choose from were from Target, Walmart, JC Penney. You get my drift. So I'm going to donate QUALITY name brand clothing to get your used Walmart clothes? If I wanted them that badly, I guess I would have bought them new. Frustrating. Oh, and some of the people thought they'd be clever and list Baby Gap first, to get a nibble, then list one Gap onesie and a long list of Target/Walmart clothes. Not exactly a Gap box now is it. Frustrating because I would love to see Bella's stuff get used to its utmost. Guess we will just continue donating to Goodwill...

I have to get my hour of cardio in and begin my blah day.

Yesssssssssss!!!

Bella is actually taking a nap when she's supposed to! The house is clean. Toys are picked up. Her books put away and her letter magnets on the fridge! I can't decide what I want to do in the next hour!

9/6/11

I'm loving this rain! I really wish I could lay in bed all day. I will give myself a few more minutes, laying here, enjoying my coffee, catching up on current events before I get my hour of cardio in and begin my day off with Bella in tow! She was so cute at 6:30 this morning. She came into my room like she does every morning, but this time she was dry, so I actually let her get into bed with me, and all she wanted to do was cuddle. Bella is not a cuddly baby. She will spontaneously hug you and kiss you, especially if she wants something in return, but she's far too busy to just sit still. She wants to play. All day. Every day. She will sit for a book and you better get your cuddles in then.

The next two weeks are going to be long and annoying. When I look down that path, it is very overwhelming, so I guess today I'm just going to get through today.

9/5/11

8 days till our anniversary!

Glad this is the last holiday weekend this summer. I need to get back on my tanning schedule now that their regular hours will be starting soon, which means they'll be open on the weekends again! I got a lot accomplished even though I felt like I was in lines and in traffic for a lot of the day!

My bathroom looks great! Happy with what I did with it today!

Kayla has been cleaning her and Bella's room today. I might do my closet tonight! Desperately need to see what I have and what I will need for fall. Then again, I might just read a book till I fall asleep!

9/3/11

Ten days till our anniversary.

This has been a long week and I'm glad to see it come to a close. I have Sunday, Monday AND Tuesday off!

I got my workout done early. Go me! I find I'm less stressed about working out if I just get it out of the way early. My preferred time to workout though is in the early evening, but so much can happen in a day that if I have to alter my schedule, my workout is usually the first thing to get eliminated and I hate to miss a workout.

The weather is looking great for the holiday. No rain in the forecast till Tuesday. We will be grilling and drinking and maybe some exploring. I want to hike down to the seal preserve again. We will certainly be celebrating the fact that all the tourists will be gone after Monday! Please do not come back.

I also want to get some reading done.

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Hope Valley, RI

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Hope Valley, RI

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Narragansett Town Beach

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Our little spot was whored out to The Weather Channel for the duration of the storm. This was the Tuesday after the storm. Life is back to normal as you can see. The last of Irene's tracks went southeast of Narragansett and we got less than an inch of rain and minor storm surging. We did lose power for 31 hours. Portsmouth, RI got power last night. Parts of NK was still out when i drove through and my cousin Tammy said it was still out where she lives in Woonsocket.

Waiting on Irene

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Bella boo had lots of fun during the storm!

Chaffee Nature Preserve

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

This is the harbor seal habitat and you're supposed to be very quiet when you walk the paths down here so you don't scare the seals off of get into a tussle with one.

Zachary at Blue Beach

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

I love how the sunburst is in the right corner. It reminds me of when I used to draw pictures when I was a kid and make the sun in the corner of the picture like this.

Worden's Pond

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Can't wait to kayak here!

Worden's Pond, RI

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

My favorite spot and my favorite pic.

My FavoritebSpot

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Worden's Pond

Tuesdays with Bella

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Irene

The rain is just starting a bit. The storm itself is still in Virginia area so we have some time yet. Our town has a mandatory evacuation in effect tomorrow in ocean front property...we literally are like one house over from the evacuation zone. Big worries are power outages and flooding!!! The Weather Channel guy has been here in Narragansett, RI all day.

Tomorrow should be interesting to say the least!

Weird Dreams

The hurricane must be on my brain because it's spawning some weird dreams. Certainly entertaining but weird. I'm not worried about the storm. Not even stocking up on water because our grill has a burner and we'll just boil it if we have to. I'm not stocking my fridge or freezer because of the real threat of losing our power, and I'm not about to lose a whole fridge full of food! So it'll be mostly snack foods, canned veggies, meal replacement bars, etc for Sunday if we really do get nailed. Bella has formula, cans of food, etc, plus she eats what we eat, so I'm not worried about her starving.

I'm most worried about losing power and being bored to tears for the day/evening. I'm going into to work at 7 tomorrow night and staying till 3 the next day. Scott is coming in at 9 Sunday morning so if I have to go home to get the kids, I can. We're right on the water and I guess there's potential for flooding, but we're midway up a hill, so I guess I'm not worried. The boat is in the yard and boats float! Plus we have a raft. If they evacuate the neighborhood, Zachary and Hayley are both capable of driving to the shelter (the high school). The house I work at floods randomly (we have an alarm) so it is more likely to happen on my end of things.

If everything goes right, we will be in no real danger and will be able to enjoy some wild weather and maybe get some awesome pics of the big swells that are being predicted!

8/24/11

I went to bed late, woke up early, tried to fall back to sleep, finally out of bed by 9:20. Workout completed. Coffee ingested. Now I have to go tanning and then work, then home to watch Bella, get dinner, do timesheets and paperwork, and go to bed. Inservice tomorrow morning.

Annabella

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Meee

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Ok...Serious Wants...

I just fell in love deeply with Elie Saab le Parfum. IN SERIOUS LOVE! (Available at Saks and Nordstroms in case my husband is shopping.) I just may trade in my Eternity for this! Been wearing Eternity since it debuted forever ago.

I also really really like the new Mountain quilted short (Ugg boot) in seal.

I also fell in love with Dooney & Bourke's The Smith Bag, in camel.

Grand total: $650

Price of keeping your wife happy...$priceless

Oh, oh, oh...still NEED Nikes Legend amazing butt pants in Capri length.

Currently listening to Pandora. Chilling in my bed wearing some cut-offs, reading Vogue, drinking coconut water, smelling like Elie Saab.

Better

Feeling so much better, which is a good thing. So much to do. I have to squeeze in two workouts today because I was feeling so poorly on Saturdy and Sunday, that I didn't work out. I only tanned one day last week. I haven't gotten my nails done in like a month. I have to work for a bit and figure out a yummy dinner. I think we've decided on a quinoa base with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and bananas mixed in, with a little vanilla flavoring, and coconut on top!

Yuck

Headache, sore throat, stomachache.

After 8 AM tomorrow, I will have the next 30 hours off.

So yesterday, we had a Spanish rice version of quinoa. Made the same way, just substituted the rice with quinoa. I completely love how versatile this food is! Also used chicken broth instead of water to prepare it. Very yummy.

Success!!!

American Eagle jeans are ON!!! Zipped!!! And buttoned!!!

They're tight, and not necessarily a flattering tight right now, but dammit, they're on again!!! Another few weeks and these will be loose! I don't want them to get too big because these jeans are like five years old. I doubt American Eagle will ever push out awesomeness likethese jeans ever again!!! I read an article about favorite jeans and the two were Gap and American Eagle. Gap is a no brainer. They're stretchy and run big. American Eagle runs smallish to true to size I guess, so I'm surprised they made it to the top two. They make your butt look AMAZING!!!

Lucky!

My Lucky jeans fit too! Now I'm crossing my fingers that my very favorite of all lifetime American Eagle jeans fit again too! That may be a few weeks off yet, and I'm fine with that. I need something to work towards.

Happy Day!

Grabbed a random pair of jeans out of my closet. And these jeans were not my fat day jeans, to say the least, and I thought to myself, never gonna happen, but then thought the humiliation of not being able to squeeze into jeans that were once too big, would be good motivation for me to do a second work out today since I could only get one done yesterday. Well these jeans went right on!!! Even with premenstrual bloat and hot muggy summer air! And??? I still got a second hour of cardio in!

Also good news, Mitch is picking up Hayley for me and Kayla is taking the bus to work, so I will just have to get myself to work. Still 150 miles total for me but this is the last time I will be doing it!!!

I'm actually happiest because I worked out to Christmas music today! So excited about the upcoming holiday season. October through December!

Well...

The best news of yesterday is that it is over!!! So glad for that.

My schedule is changing up a bit starting next Friday. Instead of 150 miles of driving, it is a shift that requires no driving. Slight possibility of getting my ass kicked once in awhile, but more lucrative in the big scheme of things. I'm hoping my stress levels will improve for the better with this move. I can do 3-8 or 4-7. I will probably do the right thing and pick 3-8 but 4-7 sounds like just what the doctor has ordered! At least I won't be dishing out $60 extra in gas, which will be $240 saved every month.

Hell week is almost over. I went deeper into Hell than I wanted or anticipated yesterday. Obviously there was a reason we needed to be off the road for a bit and if that reason kept the baby safe, then it was very much worth the inconvenience.

At least I'm at the fun part of stressed out. The point where really all you can do is laugh at the absurdity of it all. And when the trouble struck, I called AAA and took care of things to the best of my ability, without calling my husband. It was like the old me took over and I kind of miss that girl! It is easier to just handle things on my own, instead of worrying about what I will do when something happens (and it always does) when my husband is unavailable.

The agenda today: work out, tan, get ready, pick up Hayley at 3:30, then get Kayla dropped off at work, bring Hayley and Bella home and then go to work myself.

Grrrrr!!

Finally home. Thank goodness for AAA. Not that he could do much with my frozen/stuck spare under my van, but he was calming at least. Of all days to have a flat, it has to be when I'm with Janice, her 90 year old mother, and Bella!!! And I'm wearing a skirt!!! Because I love being dressed like that on the side of the road and then get to hang out in BJ's tire shop. Super fun day!

iWants

I have a case of the iWants this morning. Should never look at a J. Crew catalog upon waking. But, coffee is in my system now and cooler heads are prevailing when I actually think about it. What I truly want is for my husband and I to look as cool and carefree as the people wearing the clothes. While my husband is model size 6'3, I'm not. 5'5 3/4 is average. Average bodies just struggle with the cool layered look because added bulk isnt flattering on most folks! I look best naked because I hate puckering, gapping, the dreaded overflow look when trying to prevent puckering and gapping. I hate pants too long, too short, too tight, too big. This is why I live in leggings these days, just like a preschooler! Or shorts. I wear a lot of shorts! I can pull off the t-shirt look. A tank and sweater or zippered hoodie. Any kind of scarf or additional layer leaves me feeling strangled and odd looking. I have boobs and fabulous hair. I really need no other accessory but I get the iWants when I see someone pull the layered look off. Ah well, I will be saying goodbye to my summer wardrobe in another month or two anyway.

In other news, the quinoa salad was a hit with the kids, jalepenos and all! Zachary especially loves the muscle building high protein part of it! It is one of the only foods with ALL amino acids in it!!! I'm going to use it whenever we would incorporate rice or mashed potatoes!

I just did a plain hour of cardio on the recumbent yesterday. Going to try for one today and then probably a brisk 3-miler around the neighborhood this evening and then see how far I can get through the bootcamp workout before collapsing! I'm going to try and have these fat blaster days at least twice a week.

A Day "Off"

I don't know if I should call it a day off. Already been up since 6. Zachary had to be at practice by 8. Needs to be picked up at 12:30. Kayla needs a ride to the nursing home for a CNA meeting. I'm preaching to a choir full of moms. I know.

Might try a quinoa salad for dinner tonight, with corn, tomatoes, avocados, jalepenos and lime. I want something healthy and yummy.

I think there is something to be said about this muscle confusion theory, or the old school cross-training theory. I didn't necessarily increase my intensity at all, just switched up the activity. The changes in my physical appearance are once again not so subtle. Not sure which workout I will do today.

129 days till Christmas! That makes me happy. It goes by so fast though! Especially after Halloween.

Very Slowly

The house is very slowly coming together. I thank the rainy day Gods for the break in summer sun so I don't have to feel guilty for staying indoors and cleaning. Bella is actually better behaved when you're cleaning. She actually entertains herself! When you sit down for a break, she's back at expecting you to entertain her.

I've swept. Dishes are done. Not only are dishes done, but the sinks are scrubbed out and BEHIND the faucet has been decontaminated. My kids just dont seem to understand that this is to be included when I say do the dishes! Appliances are in the appliance cupboard. Counters have been scrubbed. Little table cleared off. I'm getting a plastic tote. A good sized one. And in this tote will be mail for the year that I don't feel comfortable tossing until 2012. Receipts, car crap, bills, banking info, etc. The ONLY bills I want anywhere in the kitchen are the ones currently due. Period. Also included in the tote will be school correspondence. Work correspondence is usually filed in my work folder. A tote looks a heck of a lot better than crap all over my counters.

Next up on my list of things to get done in the next week:

Clean fridge
Clean freezer
Wash cupboards
De-scum the shower doors outside with the hose and clean the tub/shower more thoroughly while the doors are off
Go through clothes

I feel much better now that I have it all written down.

I haven't even gotten out of my pajama bottoms yet this morning. Just been cleaning and febreezing. Candles have been burning all morning. Just need to wash the floors. Might just do that tomorrow.

Reading

I was reading an article about reading vacations. A vacation solely dedicated to reading. Little talking, unless you are on a book club vacation, in which all the guests read the same book for discussion at dinner and other scheduled times.

I don't know about any of you, but my vacations are spent catching up, squeezing in as much QT as possible, scheduling, planning, playing referee and sightseeing. I'm usually left exhausted and needing a vacation to recover from my vacation! Little time is spent actually reading and relaxing! Don't get me wrong, I love the other kinds of vacations too, but what I currently need is a reading vacation!

What I would love to do in my grown up life is maybe teach 7th and 8th grade language arts again and in my summers off, run a bed and breakfast reading retreat. And if you're failing my class, instead of summer school, you have to come and work at the retreat! Hahaha! And during the book club retreat weeks, the entire food and drink menu would be centered around the book.

My dream weeks would be Judy Blume week and Diana Gabaldon week! *Sigh*

So Much for Not Fancy

I jogged for an hour. So much for taking it easy. My legs hurt so bad from the bootcamp workout that the jogging made them feel better. I'm feeling much better now. The quiche is cooking. I've had candles burning all day in my room so it smells yummy. I'm going to settle in and watch movies for the night. I was going to have a drink, but after all that working out, I think I will settle for some water with lemon.

Ick

Another Monday. I'm very very happy to see rain. So very tired of heavy tourist traffic.

My lower body is so sore! I did my usual cardio (an hour on the recumbent) but then I did my bootcamp DVD. I haven't done it in forever. Mostly because it was misplaced. Can't believe I used to be able to do the complete video 2 or 3 times per day!!! Today, I will do my walking DVD. Nothing fancy.

This is going to be an annoying week for me but just a little preview of the hell that will be my life for the next few months. Not only do I need to work, Zachary has football games and practices, Kayla has work and her CNA class/work about 30 minutes away, Hayley needs rides when she's helping out with Bella, and of course, I watch Bella when I'm not working, and sometimes even when I AM working.

I really wish I didn't have to work right now. Or work as much. It isn't even work that's wearing me out, so i dont even think not working will help. Work is probably what's keeping me that one or two steps away from crazy. It is mostly not enough hours in the day. I find when I get my spare moments to do MY upkeep (tanning, working out, nails) I'm frigging DONE. I hit a wall. I get to the point where driving through beach traffic to get two miles down the road to tan or get my nails done is too overwhelming.

Bella is so funny now! She makes me laugh all the time. She's been so good lately in the car and when I have to drag her to a meeting. Everyone loves her. Last week, at a meeting, she went around and gave everyone a kiss and hug. People stop me in stores so they can pat her head and tell me how cute she is. They did this every time I would take my girls shopping when they were little and my friends used to LOVE going shopping with us because of all the attention they would get. Zachary would have gotten attention like that, however, he HATED shopping and would be the biggest pain in the rear every time I had to take him in a store.

She loves to read her Dr. Seuss books. She loves to hold the microphone and sing and dance. She loves when she makes people laugh. She loves when you hold her and sing and dance. She loves to be chased and caught! She loves playing in the dog's dishes and walking on the coffee table. She loves going outside to play or swim. If you're missing something, it'll likely be in her toy box or "her" cupboard (Aunt Hayley's bathing suit, for instance). She loves her family and her dog. She loves to wear your shoes. She loves loves loves the "Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My" part in The Wizard of Oz. She is just a whole lot of fun!!!

8/11/11

Journey concert tomorrow night!!! Me, Ammie, Jeremy and Janice are going to have a GREAT time!!!

I've had a pretty productive day off I'd say. Sat in the sun, worked out, went tanning, got gas, went to the grocery store, have dinner going now. We're trying a new chicken pasta salad, using yogurt instead mayo. There's still mayo, just not as much as you'd typically use. The recipe also calls for almonds, cranberries, cantaloupe, and mint. I added feta and some Parm to it because I had to use the rest of the feta.

I also rented some movies because I had a free red box rental I needed to use before the 14th. I have to bring Zachary to the high school at 5ish to pick up his football gear. Double practices start on Monday for him. Goodbye summer!

Journey!!!

4 sleeps till the Journey concert!!! So super excited!!!

Tonight I'm making taco soup for dinner. One of our favorites. Last night we had creamy pasta and chicken primavera. Another favorite.

I got one hour of cardio in. Going to shoot for another maybe. Right now I'm listening to some tunes in my room. I caught up on some current event reading. A Longread about a Holocaust survivor. A read on one of my favorite books, The Bell Jar, on its 40th anniversary!!! Which lead to some catching up on one of my favorite poets, Adrienne Rich, whom I've had the honor and pleasure of meeting. Which lead me to contemplating the tragic loss of Sylvia Plath and what could have been.

Anxious to get back into writer mode. This is a very good thing. Haven't had so many ideas swimming around for awhile.

Looking forward to some vacations with my husband. Mexico. The Grand Canyon. The Caribbean. Florida. Puerto Rico. Scotland.

Sunset at Worden's Pond, RI

, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

We happened to time it just right to catch the sun setting.

Yep

Yep, it's a Monday. I've been up since around 6. I somehow let my husband talk me into taking a three hour nap yesterday. We then woke up, decided on dinner, had a drink, listened to music and then watched two movies before falling back to sleep. What I didn't do was take advantage of the rainy day and CLEAN!

So my list of things to do today:
Clean
Go through clothes
Tan
2 hours of cardio
Cook a yummy dinner
Listen to music
Read a little

I will be doing well if I accomplish any of this.

Coffee

Coffee is the best discovery. Coffee and the sweetest good morning Bella kisses make it hard to stay feeling blah!

I'm still not moving super fast but my outlook is improving for the better. I will feel much better after I drop off my paper work, come home, hop in the shower, sit in the sun for a bit, go tanning and relax till it is time to go out with Tonya. Home to sleep. Up early to get Alexis and Cody back to Portland. On Sunday, I might just find time to have fun with my husband.

Blah!!!!!!!!

That's how I feel today.
Overwhelmed. Must be August.
I think my schedule might be getting a bit better though. It will if I can get rid of my Friday shift.
I don't even want to think of all the little things I need to get done next week. The highlight will be the Journey concert. I only wish my husband was doing the driving. Guess I better practice driving the new Tahoe since that is what I will be taking to Mansfield.
I really need some coffee right this very second. Hate waiting.
I need to drive to Jamestown this morning to drop off stupid paperwork that has to be done every week now. The third time I've been there this week! I had Bella three nights this week. And she had two nights of not falling quickly to sleep. I wish I could go back to last Friday night in the hotel.
I guess I need to get in gear. Paperwork has to be there by noon.

Inservice

I have an inservice this afternoon. Hayley, Lexi and Bella will be going with me to Jamestown. They will spend the afternoon at the playground, beach and library. I'm hoping we finish up early, which we usually do.

Phewwww!

After a short hiatus, my status as a contributor has been restored. I know that you all noticed I was removed from the blog and worried that you may never here from me again. Well after some intense negotiations, we came to agreement that the blog would suffer from the lack of my 3 times a year bogs and occasional incoherent attempt at humor. We greatly appreciate your patience during this time and are excited about the renewed excitement about this fabulous blog. I hope to be please you the way Jennifer does and be a more consistent contributor.

New Habit

When the weather is nice my plan is to get up and get my hour of cardio in, and while doing so, mull over where I want the blog to head that day, and blog outside while drinking my coffee.

I used to get up, blog in bed, while drinking coffee, but then that leads to checking current events, current sales, etc, and then more blogging, and the next thing I know, the morning has been wasted.

I'm headed to the beach for a few hours I think. Tired of not going just because I can't get a full day in. At this point, if I wait for a full day, I will have no summer left. I'm also tired of not going because I don't want to deal with effing vacationers. I've never seen such a large group of people with such little respect for traffic laws, others' property, not littering, I could bitch forever on this topic. If you DON'T live in southern Rhode Island, or have not been invited by someone who Does live in southern Rhode Island, we don't want you here. That means you, New York, CT, NJ...I will make exceptions for people from Mass because we're like the same state, and I know people from Mass have to deal with millions of vacationers in their pristine Cape Cod area. I also make exceptions for people from Maine because they know how to treat others' property and don't come to town and think they own everything. The rest of you, go to Atlantic city, or swim in the Hudson River. I don't care. Unlike other states, Rhode Islanders don't want or need your money. We're doing alright and are quite willimg to spend our money in our own state!