Both boys were down for naps (although, not necessarily sleeping) and I meant to do this, but got caught up in Friends reruns. Seriously, Momma needs her downtime.
Speaking of, Dr. Phil (which I caught a glimpse of while channel-surfing) was discussing whether moms are really that busy during the day. He made a very valid point which I had been trying to put into words. There's a difference between leisure and non-leisure time. For example, leisure is reading a magazine or book, or surfing the web, or watching TV. Non-leisure are those things that are not exactly enjoyable or personal, like tending to the kids, or doing the dishes, or working outside the home. I realized that I had been getting very little leisure time, even after Hubby came home. It's much better now, especially since my doing the dishes is done while brewing a cup of tea. And Hubby's been super lately without me bugging him about it. I even had a whole afternoon of window-shopping to myself! And I needed it. The usual schedule is non-leisure from the moment I wake up until the kids are in bed. And even after that, I'm taking out the recycling or loading the dishwasher or preparing for the inevitable 5am waking with JC. Soooo, leisure time had been reduced to about an hour a day. Totally unacceptable. No wonder I've been going crazy. :)
My friends are having a boy, which I'm thrilled about!! It's their first kid, so they're going through all that first-timer uncertainties, but they've been great with LB so I think they will be fine. Plus, boys are fun!
Hubby's cousin is also preggers again. Didn't find this out until today, which is strange... usually my MIL knows about things like this but we hadn't heard anything. Maybe it's not a well-known fact, but it was on FB...
Facebook is totally robbing everyone of their privacy. I recently revamped my profile, taking down about 70% of all my personal info. I'd already set my privacy settings, but really, do people need to know what movies I like? Anyone that doesn't know that is already on my limited profile list (yeah, I use it!).
Biggest Loser is on tonight. I'm addicted. I even got Hubby addicted, which I consider a feat since he dislikes reality shows and really dislikes fat people crying. He even nicknames his tough workouts his "last chance workout". Both of us are pretty busted that they are using the show to advertise crap, though. Nothing is worse than getting into a show and blatantly being solicited Scrubbing Bubbles.
Had a waldorf salad for dinner. Kinda. I made it up, based on CPK's waldorf. Red leaf lettuce, Granny Smith apples, celery, grapes, craisins, roasted walnuts, bleu cheese, and balsamic vinegarette, yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
3/30/10
3/29/10
Yin Yang
It's all about balance right? If something is good, something else is bad. :P
Grandpa and Mimi came to visit this weekend. The boys LOVED having them! Especially LB- he was all about Grandpa, and kept asking "Where's the grandpa?" when they left this morning. It was a great visit- relaxing and laidback. We took them downtown to Fisherman's Wharf, and Hubby took Grandpa hiking. We even saw a little baby sea lion that had just been born! Cool.
Unfortunately, both boys are sick with runny noses, congestion, and coughs. JC hasn't slept great and LB is very cranky, but thankfully they don't have fevers or anything worse. LB is finally old enough for cold medication like Sudafed, but poor JC has to tough it out.
Also, I got bit by something on my hand. Don't know what, but Hubby and Grandpa say it's a spider bite. It's incredibly itchy and swollen. And to make it even more awesome, I'm apparently allergic and have hives on my face. Sweet.
Grandpa and Mimi came to visit this weekend. The boys LOVED having them! Especially LB- he was all about Grandpa, and kept asking "Where's the grandpa?" when they left this morning. It was a great visit- relaxing and laidback. We took them downtown to Fisherman's Wharf, and Hubby took Grandpa hiking. We even saw a little baby sea lion that had just been born! Cool.
Unfortunately, both boys are sick with runny noses, congestion, and coughs. JC hasn't slept great and LB is very cranky, but thankfully they don't have fevers or anything worse. LB is finally old enough for cold medication like Sudafed, but poor JC has to tough it out.
Also, I got bit by something on my hand. Don't know what, but Hubby and Grandpa say it's a spider bite. It's incredibly itchy and swollen. And to make it even more awesome, I'm apparently allergic and have hives on my face. Sweet.
3/24/10
A somewhat depressing post
Lately, I've been feeling too much like a nomad and wondering where my place is. My sense of community is pretty much nil, and this is the first time that I'm truly experiencing that.
Since leaving NH in 2003 (sidenote: God, has it been seven years??), we've moved all over the country, but everywhere we've been, I've found my thing, my group, my community. In OH, it was my job and Hubby's college circle. In SC, it was again my job and Hubby's circle of friends. In NH, when Hubby was in CT for three months, I already had my community- my family and friends. In VA, it was again my job and a tight wardroom on Hubby's boat. And in HI, even though I was unemployed, I had the band I performed in and the tight wardroom. It's almost like the subby wives were an instant circle of friends.
But since moving here, it's been isolating and frustrating. I joined the local gym and realized that after several months, I haven't met many people there. I started thinking about why, and came to the conclusion that I don't WANT to. I mean, I do like meeting new people, but I'm in this mentality of "what's the point"? If I'm just going to leave in a year, then why start any kind of friendship? Military wives get it. They know what it's like to "lose" your friends, and they are the ones that I have kept most in touch with. Because they understand when you suddenly call after 6 months of being MIA. Civilians... not so much. It takes a special person (for example, Grace Adler) to maintain that kind of relationship, to accept that fact that I will be around one minute and gone the next, and I can't really tell when I'll be back. It's exhausting to live like that, but it's my reality... God bless Grace Adler (I know you're reading this!). :)
Unfortunately, there isn't a tight circle of military wives here. They come from all branches of the service, which are NOT the same. Even the sections of the Navy are completely different from each other. So the dynamic is different. It's not the same "instant circle of friends" like you get on sea duty on subs.
And the community thing is totally a wash. There are local elections going on here, and I know nothing about the candidates. But really, do I NEED to? I'll be leaving and won't come back (probably), so what's the point in voting in an election that won't affect me?
Having our families so far away just tops it all off. Lots of families rely on aunts and uncles and grandparents (whoever) to keep their sanity, so they can have date nights and on-call sitters. Whenever Hubby and I want to do something, we need to think about how long it will take, how much the sitter fee will be, and if what we are doing is worth it. Lately, we've resorted to taking turns. Each of us gets to go out and experience stuff (like the PB Pro-Am), but unfortunately, not together unless we can bring the babies. Having the families around would be so helpful... why isn't there a program for military families like that? Like, Rent-A-Grandma?
Anyway, most people stay either in the same town/city/district their whole lives. Some people venture across the state. And some move very far from home. But those people STAY where they go. They make a big move maybe once or twice, and that's it. Then they become involved in that community and establish themselves wherever they are.
I can't really do that. I KNOW I'll be leaving. I know that I haven't stayed in one spot for more than two years (once, we lived in 4 states within a year). I know in a few years, no one here will even remember that I lived here in CA. So where do I stand? What's my community? Right now, I guess it's a community of four: me, LB, JC, and Hubby. And considering two of the four are under the age of three, that makes for a very, very simple community.
A little depressing, on a day-to-day basis. Of course, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Someday, we will settle down in one place and live there for a very long time. The boys will end up in the same school system until they graduate high school. And Hubby and I will actually be able to get involved and participate in a community. But for now, I feel like I'm just waiting it out...
Since leaving NH in 2003 (sidenote: God, has it been seven years??), we've moved all over the country, but everywhere we've been, I've found my thing, my group, my community. In OH, it was my job and Hubby's college circle. In SC, it was again my job and Hubby's circle of friends. In NH, when Hubby was in CT for three months, I already had my community- my family and friends. In VA, it was again my job and a tight wardroom on Hubby's boat. And in HI, even though I was unemployed, I had the band I performed in and the tight wardroom. It's almost like the subby wives were an instant circle of friends.
But since moving here, it's been isolating and frustrating. I joined the local gym and realized that after several months, I haven't met many people there. I started thinking about why, and came to the conclusion that I don't WANT to. I mean, I do like meeting new people, but I'm in this mentality of "what's the point"? If I'm just going to leave in a year, then why start any kind of friendship? Military wives get it. They know what it's like to "lose" your friends, and they are the ones that I have kept most in touch with. Because they understand when you suddenly call after 6 months of being MIA. Civilians... not so much. It takes a special person (for example, Grace Adler) to maintain that kind of relationship, to accept that fact that I will be around one minute and gone the next, and I can't really tell when I'll be back. It's exhausting to live like that, but it's my reality... God bless Grace Adler (I know you're reading this!). :)
Unfortunately, there isn't a tight circle of military wives here. They come from all branches of the service, which are NOT the same. Even the sections of the Navy are completely different from each other. So the dynamic is different. It's not the same "instant circle of friends" like you get on sea duty on subs.
And the community thing is totally a wash. There are local elections going on here, and I know nothing about the candidates. But really, do I NEED to? I'll be leaving and won't come back (probably), so what's the point in voting in an election that won't affect me?
Having our families so far away just tops it all off. Lots of families rely on aunts and uncles and grandparents (whoever) to keep their sanity, so they can have date nights and on-call sitters. Whenever Hubby and I want to do something, we need to think about how long it will take, how much the sitter fee will be, and if what we are doing is worth it. Lately, we've resorted to taking turns. Each of us gets to go out and experience stuff (like the PB Pro-Am), but unfortunately, not together unless we can bring the babies. Having the families around would be so helpful... why isn't there a program for military families like that? Like, Rent-A-Grandma?
Anyway, most people stay either in the same town/city/district their whole lives. Some people venture across the state. And some move very far from home. But those people STAY where they go. They make a big move maybe once or twice, and that's it. Then they become involved in that community and establish themselves wherever they are.
I can't really do that. I KNOW I'll be leaving. I know that I haven't stayed in one spot for more than two years (once, we lived in 4 states within a year). I know in a few years, no one here will even remember that I lived here in CA. So where do I stand? What's my community? Right now, I guess it's a community of four: me, LB, JC, and Hubby. And considering two of the four are under the age of three, that makes for a very, very simple community.
A little depressing, on a day-to-day basis. Of course, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Someday, we will settle down in one place and live there for a very long time. The boys will end up in the same school system until they graduate high school. And Hubby and I will actually be able to get involved and participate in a community. But for now, I feel like I'm just waiting it out...
3/23/10
Random Tuesday Thoughts
Wow, is it Tuesday already? I feel like I just did this... although it probably has been a week since losing my mind.
The car is a magical place for me where both my kids fall asleep, even when they don't want to and fight it to the end. Ahh, serenity.
Blueberry pancakes aren't has hard to make from scratch as I originally thought. If you want the recipe, message me.
Ugh, why is it that Tuesdays are always packed full of errands? Need to get LB a haircut, which (according to what happened last time) will be a painful experience for all involved.
Considering I'm already awake (usually) by 5am, this whole work-out-in-the-morning thing is pretty good. I like having gym time, but not sacrificing kid time.
It's going to be in the high 70s today. I think it might be a day to spend outside. Screw you, errands.
With all the kid toys out there, that are brightly colored and plastic and generally cartoon-like, where are the realistic ones?? All my boys want to play with is my cell phone or my camera or my computer. They need to make shiny silver kid toys that resemble parents' ones, except they can't accidentally butt-dial Daddy (true story of my 6 month old).
*sigh* So much to do still. Yesterday, I managed to tackle the floors and the couch. Still need to clean the bedrooms and bathrooms in anticipation for Grandpa R & Mimi's visit.
Anyone been to Yosemite? We're thinking of a family trip, but wondering if there are any kid-friendly things to do (i.e., not hiking up Mt. Whitney or anything).
3/22/10
Toooootally not ready
LB is back in diapers. After one day of trying the whole underwear thing, I just realized that he is not ready for that. The first time he peed, I thought he was pouring apple juice on the floor (since he was standing in front of the open fridge), and yelled "NO!". Um, big mistake. He freaked. Then, within 30 minutes of incident #1, he peed again... twice. Even after I put him on the potty and told him that's where peepee goes and blah blah blah. Clearly didn't get the concept.
So, that's fine with me. I don't have to run around looking for public bathrooms everywhere we go. And LB totally didn't mind sitting around in wet undies, so I don't think I can use the comfort angle just yet.
JC's getting better at sleeping through the night, but he's not ready to move into the big boys' room with LB because he wakes up at 6:30am. Holy cow, that's early. Plus, he's a talker. He babbles to himself sometimes at about 4am, which would wake LB... and I definitely don't need a cranky, over-tired toddler.
So that's the scoop. We have Hubby's parents coming to visit, which would complicate potty-training anyway, so it's good to hold off. Besides, LB has expressed interest in going through the potty motions (like taking off his pants, climbing on the stool, sitting on the potty, then getting dressed and turning the lights off), so we'll see where we are in a little bit.
So, that's fine with me. I don't have to run around looking for public bathrooms everywhere we go. And LB totally didn't mind sitting around in wet undies, so I don't think I can use the comfort angle just yet.
JC's getting better at sleeping through the night, but he's not ready to move into the big boys' room with LB because he wakes up at 6:30am. Holy cow, that's early. Plus, he's a talker. He babbles to himself sometimes at about 4am, which would wake LB... and I definitely don't need a cranky, over-tired toddler.
So that's the scoop. We have Hubby's parents coming to visit, which would complicate potty-training anyway, so it's good to hold off. Besides, LB has expressed interest in going through the potty motions (like taking off his pants, climbing on the stool, sitting on the potty, then getting dressed and turning the lights off), so we'll see where we are in a little bit.
Gonna go straight from my house to the big house.
Just a quick note letting you all know that I officially declare insanity today. LB has watched Sesame Street for three episodes, and I'm still drowning in a mountain of housework. Don't know if I'm going to make it. Sesame Street may be on rerun all afternoon (considering the kid doesn't want to take advantage of a sunny, 60 degree day).
If I don't post again within several days, you will know that I have suffocated under all the laundry. Come dig me out.
*My only saving grace is that dinner is cooking in the slow cooker. Ah yes, one less thing to worry about. I love you, slow cooker.
If I don't post again within several days, you will know that I have suffocated under all the laundry. Come dig me out.
*My only saving grace is that dinner is cooking in the slow cooker. Ah yes, one less thing to worry about. I love you, slow cooker.
3/19/10
Why can't the pee go down the toilet instead of my brain?
I told you I'd lose it once "sleeping through the night" and "potty training" happened... and especially since they are coinciding with each other.
JC has been trying to sleep through the night. At least he doesn't wake up demanding to be fed. Now, we can just let him cry it out. And LB has started the potty training thing. I bought a Sesame Street potty seat and undies for him (he loves that fricking show). It technically started today, but I'm going to toss those damn Pull-Ups tomorrow and just put him in undies. Getting him outta diapers by buying him a different kind of diaper?? What was I thinking?
Apparently, not much. My brain has taken a vacation and did not leave a date when it would be back... much like Tiger Wood's vaca from golf... although my brain didn't cheat on me with a trashy, plastic, brainless twit.
It took me over a day to figure out how to put the Random Tuesday Thoughts logo into my blog. Seriously. And I've already forgotten how to do it. Isn't that pathetic? And, I seem to not be able to separate my circles of friends. I was thisclose to telling my friend J that K is also at the university he will be teaching at... then I realized that J and K don't know each other, and that information would be completely useless.
I'm also the queen of forgetting stuff at the store. I even make lists, then forget to bring them with me. *sigh* Oh boy. I blame lack of sleep.
JC has been trying to sleep through the night. At least he doesn't wake up demanding to be fed. Now, we can just let him cry it out. And LB has started the potty training thing. I bought a Sesame Street potty seat and undies for him (he loves that fricking show). It technically started today, but I'm going to toss those damn Pull-Ups tomorrow and just put him in undies. Getting him outta diapers by buying him a different kind of diaper?? What was I thinking?
Apparently, not much. My brain has taken a vacation and did not leave a date when it would be back... much like Tiger Wood's vaca from golf... although my brain didn't cheat on me with a trashy, plastic, brainless twit.
It took me over a day to figure out how to put the Random Tuesday Thoughts logo into my blog. Seriously. And I've already forgotten how to do it. Isn't that pathetic? And, I seem to not be able to separate my circles of friends. I was thisclose to telling my friend J that K is also at the university he will be teaching at... then I realized that J and K don't know each other, and that information would be completely useless.
I'm also the queen of forgetting stuff at the store. I even make lists, then forget to bring them with me. *sigh* Oh boy. I blame lack of sleep.
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