Guilty Pleasures

Only for you, my blogging audience, would I admit to actually liking the following things:

--The Delilah radio show (yep, very sappy, indeed)
--Adult Contemporary Christmas Music (none of those traditional carols for me, thank you)
--QVC (I'm REALLY trying to quit, but it just keeps sucking me in)
--Ketchup on steak (and it doesn't matter the quality of steak--I must have ketchup)
--Lifetime movies (the ultimate of sappiness, but who doesn't appreciate mindless entertainment from time to time?)
--Anthony Bourdain (Why am I obsessed with this man? He is absolutely fascinating, I cannot tell a lie)
--Russian Rock (I had to throw this one in. Ever since Joe came back from Russia, I've been hooked on music that I haven't the slightest clue as to what they are singing. But, nevertheless, it rocks.)

If You're Happy and You Know it...

Missing my time as a SAHM

Daniel was absolutely wild today. He is usually pretty wide open, but tonight, Daniel was wide open times 10. I suppose that even though we tried to keep him on the move, we just cannot replace the companionship that his daycare friends provide him. We all have had a lovely day off, but I truly think that Daniel is ready to get back to his routine and his friends.

I cannot say I'm ready to get back to work just yet. After having extended breaks with Daniel, I always start getting nostalgic for my maternity leave and wishing that I could be a stay-at-home mom once again. I know that if I was able to stay-at-home, I would miss my students and probably my independence, but I cannot help but wonder what life would be like if I didn't have to work. I know that tomorrow will be tough when I have to leave Daniel, and I know that there will be times during the day when I will be watching the clock not knowing how I am going to make it through the day without Daniel...such is the life of a WOHM. I know that I should be thankful to have a job so that I can support my son without outside assistance.

Why can't I just be happy with things as they are? Why can't I ever be satisfied living my current reality? Why is the grass always greener on the other side?

Here is the product of procrastination

All day, I have been procrastinating washing and folding laundry. This evening proved to be the height of my procrastination. I found a website that allows users to create virtual makeovers. I asked Joe if he might pose for a picture that I could use to attempt a virtual makeover, and he obliged (bless his heart, he seriously needs an award for allowing me to do this AND to post it on my blog). Above are the results. Do you like????

What a busy day!

Daniel was supposed to be participating in the
graduation ceremonies, but he was too busy
pointing at us because he wanted to go play on
the playground instead.

So, Daniel got to go play with his best friend.

The musical entertainment at the graduation
with a graduate.

Relaxing in the pool with Dad

He learned this move in the bathtub (splashing,
that is).

Daniel had so many appearances to make today! First, he was a participant/attendant at the annual graduation at his daycare. Daniel had a great time playing at one of the daycare's playground areas with his best friend Nicholas. Later today, Daniel attended a cookout and pool party hosted by some local teacher friends of ours. This was the first time that Daniel has been swimming in a real pool, and he LOVED it. We had such a nice time watching our little boy laugh and play all day.

Finally, I've decided to blog again.

Random squirrel in the nature reserve that
is our backyard (LOL) eating Daniel's leftover
graham cracker snack


The latest picture of le petit prince.

At the end of July, I was in a serious funk. I stopped blogging because, frankly, I questioned who would be interested in the mundane that was my existence. I mean, who really wants to read about me having headaches and feeling the crap-funk 24-7??? Nobody! So, I decided that I should step back and reevaluate my life (hum?) and, in the process, my blogging.

Since that time, I have started back to school. Even though being a teacher makes me crazy-tired and just plain worn-out, it is the most therapeutic cure for breaking out of the rut that had become my routine (or lack thereof). I also have figured out the pattern of my summertime vacation. I always look forward to the summer break with great anticipation, but without fail, as the summer progresses on towards fall, I literally crave the structure and routine that is found within my job and my school. So, even though I know that there will be plenty of times this school year when I will have massive amounts of work piling up with no end in sight and I will definitely feel like I am losing my mind, I know that this kind of thing works to keep me feeling balanced, and I am thankful that I have that opportunity. Kinda crazy, huh?

To accompany this blog entry, I am including two unrelated pictures for no particular reason.

Happiness is...

iced tea--sweet tea, preferably, but being health-conscious here, unsweet tea will suffice as well. I just can't imagine a more perfect drink. My absolute favorite tea is from McAlister's Deli. The picture above shows my beloved tea in all its glory, just as it is presented to me each time I frequent this restaurant (sans lemon...not too big of a fan of the whole lemon-in-the-tea deal). It is brewed to perfection--not too bitter, but definitely not bland or watery. The best thing about their tea is the fact that it is not only sold by the glass but also by the gallon. What good Southern girl could pass that up? Oh, and Liz, when you come to visit me one day, we're making a b-line to McAlister's for a tall glass of sweet tea. I promise that you'll be hooked!