Little Glimpses

Call me the absent-minded blogger.  I have not made the time or the effort to write (or read) a real blog post or update in days.  The holidays are such a hectic time.  I cannot seem to focus on my writing but maybe that is because my head is still buzzing around with lingering thoughts on my cookbook.  Then I'm wondering what new project I should take on next as well.  But these are all good problems to have. 


Still there have been a few things worth mentioning - little glimpses of life that I do want to remember in the future.  And that is my main reason for this blog - to be my memory when I seem to forget.  Here is what comes to my mind (before the experiences and thoughts leave my brain, that is):

1.)  I only enjoy shopping in a mall or outlet type store a few times a year.  Even when I am by myself without a tantrum-driven toddler.  I don't remember when aimlessly walking into shops lost its luster for me but it has.  However I will admit that I when I bought three pairs of blue jeans recently, I didn't cringe like I normally do.  I knew my size (6) and I was fine with it for the first time in a very long time.


2.) I've been going out for coffee two times per week lately.  Something about the colder weather and all the festive holiday flavors has me craving Starbucks, Panera Bread or whatever java shop comes across my path.  I know I could try to make them at home but where's the fun in that?  Plus the smells are much more inviting at those places!


3.) Our family took a weekend trip recently to attend Kirk's grandmother's 82nd birthday.  Kirk's mom is one of fourteen brothers and sisters.  She has a HUGE family.  It is a lot of fun being around them and watching them interact.  I wonder what it was like growing up with that much entertainment and noise.


4.) I'm a little bit embarassed to say that I have read and liked "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer.  A friend mailed me her copy and the second book (sequel) in the series too.  She really wanted me to read it even though I wasn't very interested in the story.  I even hid my copy in a plastic bag and tried to conceal it in the coffee shop where I sat reading it, wanting to finish the chapter I had started.  I don't normally read love stories or literature about vampires, zombies, scary people, etc.  So far, I have not seen the films. I don't really have a desire to view them either.  I am enjoying Meyer's writing and details though. 


5.) My parents have been the most amazing and surprising Marketing Managers of the cookbook I wrote.  My father has written to every newspaper where I have lived (or live now) to tell them about my story and the work I've written.  My mother is calling my former elementery teachers and even standing up and making speeches about me at her retirement teachers' events.  I'm so humbled, honored and proud to have such adoring fans! 


6.) Vivian experienced her first hibachi at a Japanese restaurant this week.  She was both frightened and intrigued at the chef preparing food at our table.  Viv continued to ask, "Who's that man?  What's his name?" And after I would say his name, she'd wave at him and say "Hey Man!"  I think she had a fun time even though she'd only eat her peanut butter and jelly sandwich and kernels of popcorn.  No worries though because I ate enough for the both of us.  That shrimp and steak was so delicious! 


7.) I've been listening to music artist John Mayer all week.  I find his voice and his songs very comforting.  I bought his album "Continum" several days ago.  I don't buy CD's very often but I bought three the other day - his, the Nat King Cole Christmas album and a classic Frank Sinatra one too.  I must be in an easy-listening kind of mood. 


8.) I had my hair darkened last week to cover my grays!  It was long over due.  I don't go to a salon very often but when I do, I simply love the pampering that takes place.  When someone is shampooing your hair and running their fingers through your scalp, that is just pure heaven!  I went about two shades darker.  It is always a bit of a shock when I do something like this.  My face becomes even paler but then I love it.  I really do enjoy being a brunette.  I feel like it's just who I am. 


9.) I have become an expert butt wiper.  I make going to the potty so much fun that now I have the privilege of using toiletries on most of Vivian's stuffed animals.  We take turns doing the sound effects and cheering for each one after they make pee-pee or poo-poo.  After Viv goes number 2, I pick her up and treat her like an airplane.  While I'm holding in my breath, trying not to become too close to the stinch, she's laughing and pretending that she's gliding in the air.  These are things that are not discussed when you take birthing classes by the way!


10.) I'm becoming this strange, domestic woman.  I hardly recognize myself some days.  Especially when just over a year ago I was working 50+ hours per week and traveling several times a year for my job.  It's crazy to see myself as this stay at home mom and wife!  But I'm falling into my role a little more easily and comfortably now.  I cook and I like it.  This morning I even cleaned and almost enjoyed it.  That was because I decided to make my own carpet freshener (using 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract -- now my whole home smells fresh and minty, a lot like Christmas!)  I suppose the secret (for me) is to put my own creative stamp on whatever I'm doing.  If I can tweak a recipe, a job, a chore, a relationship or a part of life with my own tiny flair, then I feel productive and meaningful. 

And as long as I'm bringing some special meaning to my day or to my family, then life is so much sweeter!  I can rejoice in it. 



Now it's your turn - leave me a comment that shares a small glimpse into your life these days!  What have you been up to or thinking about?