The Black Keys - Lengths

I was introduced to The Black Keys quite a few years ago, and for some reason, I didn't run out and buy all their albums. Not sure why, because I actually really like them. They're a great band to see live. This is one of their slower songs, but I like it, so I thought I'd share. Hope you enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.

Singing, Salsa, and Hope for Spring

This week's Three Beautiful Things:

1. The little boy serenaded me all the way home. The song list included the ABC's, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Good Morning Friends How are You?, She'll be Coming Round the Mountain, and Mary had a Little Lamb. He even started the ABC's in Spanish but gave up halfway through - he's not as confident with that one yet, but he's getting there. Maybe he'll continue to enjoy singing as much as I do.

2. I pulled out a forgotten jar of Salsa Verde to serve with our enchiladas. It hit exactly the right spot.

3. There is still quite a bit of snow on the ground, and it's still February in New England, so it's cold. But! Enough of the snow has melted so that I can see some grass. And Spring Training has begun. I'm going to buy myself some more tulips this weekend, to remind me of all those tulip bulbs we planted in the Fall. I love these hopeful signs that Spring will one day arrive.

Quote of the Day

Tina Fey is fabulous, and I love this quote:

"I think every working mom probably feels the same thing which is you go through big chunks of time where you're just going 'this is impossible -- oh this is impossible.' And then you just keep going and keep going and you sort of do the impossible." - Tina Fey

Taking Care

Here I am relaxing on my sister's terrace in Barcelona. I did a good job of relaxing while I was there.

I'm exhausted. And I'm tired of being exhausted. I know I'm not unique. A lot of us - moms in particular - struggle to find balance in our everyday lives. I've reached a point where I wanted to spend a few minutes to create some goals for myself to help alleviate this problem. I know it's always important for me to take care of myself, and it's particularly important now, being pregnant.

All these goals are focused on now through the end of June, when my schedule will go away for a while. Thank goodness for summer babies!

1. Breakfast. I typically eat breakfast with my son in the morning, and in order to get out of the house in a reasonable timeframe, I stick to easy options: oatmeal, waffles, cereal. I do often add fruit, but I'm thinking I need to increase my non-carb consumption in the morning. I may not be able to change my first breakfast, but I can update my second breakfast, which occurs after I arrive at work. My current latte and bagel/croissant is not the right answer. Yogurt and fruit should be easy enough.

2. Exercise. I am currently not getting much, and I really struggle with the best way to fit it into my schedule. I get much more in the warmer months when I can take walks and there's more daylight to work with. My goal: 3 yoga/exercise videos per week. On nights when I've planned leftovers, I'm hoping I can squeeze one in after work. (That's of course dependent on the little boy's mood. I get up at 5:30AM as it is, so early morning doesn't seem feasible.) On weekends, I'll take advantage of naptime.

3. Bedtime. 5:30 comes fast. I need to be in bed by 9:30. Period. I'm going to focus on making that happen more often, allowing some time to read as well. That means watching less TV, and that's okay too.

4. Music. I know I need to inject some fun into my everyday life as well. Not much improves my mood like a really good song. I am on a mission to fill my car CD player with new music. Any suggestions?

5. Books. It's such a great thing when you find a book that you can immerse yourself in. I've read a lot of great books this year, but I have now run out and have nothing on my nightstand at the moment. Again, any suggestions? I'm actually thinking of going back and re-reading (or in some cases, reading for the first time) some classics. I read Wuthering Heights in the 7th grade but can't remember it at all. I remember adoring Gone with the Wind in the 8th grade. I bet I would still adore it now. What are your favorites?

Everything is Amazing, Nobody is Happy...

My cousin posted this to Facebook, and I love it. I have no idea who this guy is, but he provides some great reminders of how much we all take for granted these days.

Oscars Faves

I love that I have a husband who will stay up later than usual to watch the Oscars with me. We rarely make it to the end, of course, but I do enjoy watching them. I thought this year's show was a little dull, actually, but I was very happy with the winners. Slumdog Millionaire is fantastic, Kate Winslet so deserved an Oscar (I love her!), and Sean Penn is fabulous. (I haven't seen Milk yet, but I want to and have heard it's fantastic.)

I also wasn't terribly impressed with a lot of the dresses, but there were a few that stood out to me. Here are my faves:

Jennifer didn't walk the red carpet, so it was harder to find pictures of her. Not sure these do her justice, but I thought she looked beautiful.

Thinking about the Who would play you? conversation, Natalie Portman is my husband's answer for me. He calls her my Hollywood double, and I certainly don't mind. She's gorgeous. Last night, when she walked on stage, he commented that she has my neck. I liked that compliment very much. She has a very nice neck. ;-)

Stunningly beautiful.

Who Would Play You, part 2

I mean, totally, right?

Who Would Play You?

If they made a movie about your life, what actress would be cast in the leading role? We often have fun with this question, although K is still not happy with any of my choices for him. (What's wrong with Ben Affleck?)

My friend S paid me a very nice compliment the other day by saying that I look like Audrey Hepburn, and I've been trying to think of who would play her. What do you think of this choice, S? Debra Messing certainly has the gorgeous hair, not to mention the fun fashion sense.

The Second Time Around

Being pregnant is a lot different the second time around. I am already feeling guilty about the lack of attention I'm paying to my newest little guy. The first time, everything is so new and exciting that you pay attention to absolutely everything. I knew exactly how many days/weeks along I was, how much weight I had gained, how big the baby was, etc etc. I read babycenter.com religiously, and I faithfully took a belly shot every week.

I honestly have no idea how far along I am right now. 20 weeks? 21? Somewhere around there. I have checked babycenter once or twice to see how big the baby was, but I can't remember now. I'm getting bigger faster this time, but I have no idea how much I weigh - perhaps I'll actually look at my next doctor's appointment. And I hadn't taken a single belly shot until my sister forced me to last week.

I'm not saying it's not exciting, because it absolutely is - I can't wait to meet my new little boy. It's just different.

Barcelona

I'm home from my trip to Spain. Actually, I've been home since last Saturday, but I've been trying to catch up since then and haven't had time to post. I want to get back into it, though, because I miss my daily focus on positives.

The trip to Barcelona was great. I was there less than a week, and my primary objective was to spend quality time with my sister, baby nephew, and brother-in-law. I had been there before, and the weather was pretty chilly, so we didn't really do anything in the way of being touristy. Lots of walking, reading, playing, and eating. It was very nice. I went by myself, and although I missed my boys, it was also very good for me to get away from the usual routines that demand my time and energy at home.

These pictures are of one of the many Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. One of my favorite things to do in European cities is walk and enjoy the spectacle of the architecture. Barcelona is particularly beautiful in this regard. So many interesting buildings, structures, parks, neighborhoods, churches. One of my favorite spots - we didn't visit this time around, but we did during our first summer visit - is Park Guell. So unique and beautiful, with gorgeous views as well.

Z-man

*UNC/Duke is tonight - Z says ¨Go Heels!¨

Sorry for my absence this week. I am in Barcelona, visiting this gorgeous little man - my nephew - and his parents. I am missing my boys terribly, but I am determined to really enjoy the break from my normal routines. I´m sleeping and reading and walking, and of course playing with this cute little dude.

I forgot my camera cord, so I am not able to post my pics until I return. Have a lovely week, and I´ll catch up next week I promise!

Happiness, Vacations, and Breakfast with Friends

This is the face I get when I ask for a smile. Sigh...

This week's Three Beautiful Things:

1. We were walking up the stairs, and the little boy turned around and said, "I'm happy, Mommy. Are you happy?" I grinned. "Yes, Sweetie, I'm very happy."

2. I love the anticipation of a trip. I'm packing my suitcase gradually, which of course means I will forget things, but that's okay. I'm going to see my sister, brother-in-law and nephew in just a couple days!

3. A and I visited some friends on Sunday morning for waffles and playtime. It was a nice escape from the house, and it was great catching up. Thanks, C and M!!

Building towers (and then knocking them down, of course!) with Daddy

Daydreaming about a Shopping Spree

I don't go shopping much. Actually, I only buy things when I need them, and even then I usually buy online. I hate going to stores and love sites with free shipping. I have no business shopping now - I don't have any extra money lying around, and my waistline is also rapidly expanding, making most regular purchases pretty silly.

All that said, the latest Boden catalog provided quite a few temptations. If I did happen to have some extra money lying around, I would easily go on a shopping spree here. Here are a few of the items that caught my eye:

Cute little vintage top

I love these shoes - perhaps they'll go on my birthday list.
I like the orange and the pockets. Orange looks good on me, and you never see enough orange in the stores.

Isn't this a fun skirt? I'd have to get a cute shirt to go with it too, of course.

Twilight

Okay, I get it. I'm hooked. I finished the first book last night - took me three days. Wouldn't have taken me that long if I didn't force myself to go to sleep. I had to go out yesterday and buy the rest of the series. Pure, fun entertainment, and a total escape. I love it.