Taking Stock - September 2016

Saturday mornings

Watching - Lots of soccer and baseball. Saturday soccer, Sunday baseball. I love watching my boys play.
Wearing - Dresses. I've been taking advantage of the warm weather by baring my legs more often. I know that boots and sweater weather is on its way. This may be the most comfortable dress I've ever owned. 
Loving - Our Halloween costumes. Yes, I already have them. I'm a planner, and it's fun to get excited. 
Eating - Salads every day at lunch. Small dinners. Ice cream. Raisin toast most mornings for breakfast - I'd like to have a healthier option there. I don't like overnight oats, but maybe there's a slow-cooker option that would make sense to try over the winter? Any of you have a suggestion?
Listening - A couple nights ago, Aaron asked me who Bruce Springsteen was. I sighed and realized that I am failing as a parent. We've been playing Bruce since then. Also - Letters to Cleo has a new album coming out, and we have tickets to see them next month (yay!). And a decent amount of Sleater-Kinney, inspired by my reading of Carrie Brownstein's book.
Wanting -  Sweaters. It's almost sweater weather! 
Reading - I will do a Recently Read post again soon. I just started The Life Intended.
Enjoying - My morning yoga. I've started to fall out of habit again, and I'm not sure how much I will be able to keep it up, but I love it so much. 
Drinking - A lot of water. I'm finally back in the habit of carrying my water bottle around at work. It's amazing how much more I drink when I bring it. 
Thinking - That I'd like our election to be over. It feels so terrible that nobody is happy with our choices this year. In previous years, I always had an opinion, but I wasn't scared if it didn't go my way. This time, I'm legitimately afraid. And not all that excited the other way either. 
Appreciating - My new sitter. In addition to watching the boys after school, she is also helping me out around the house. She's wonderful, the boys like her, and I hope she stays for a long time. 
Planning - School-year activities. I have most registrations complete, and the calendar updated. Baseball, soccer, piano, drums (!).  I need to update the calendar with the school events, and then I can start thinking about the next vacation. And of course the holidays are rapidly approaching. SO much planning this time of year!
Feeling - A little anxious. I start at a new client next week. New relationships, new commute, new project... Lots of newness can intimidate me. 
Working - At being more patient. When I'm going through a change, I lose patience much more easily. I have to remind myself that the boys are going through a transition too - new teachers, new processes, new classmates, new teammates... We all need to allow ourselves time to settle in.
Wondering - When we can go see a movie in the theater again. This is the time of year that good movies start coming out. I know I want to see this one.
Finishing - Stranger Things. Such a fabulous blend of X-Files sci-fi weirdness and 80s nostalgia. The kids make the show - but Winona Ryder is pretty fun to see, too. It's very fun. 

Stranger Things

A Fun Diversion...

Sydney and Vaughn

I forgot to mention one other thing I've been doing this past month:  watching Alias. It's one of my most favorite TV shows, and I discovered that it was available on Netflix. I started putting it on in the background as I worked in the evenings, and I found myself hooked on it just as I was 14 years ago when it started.  The first two seasons are sooooo good, and even though it goes downhill from there, I am still having fun watching it all over again.

Taking Stock - April 2015

Watching:  The Americans. Dark and twisted, but such a great show. Fascinating to see a dramatic show set in the 1980s, too.  Oh and The Imitation Game - have you seen it?  So good. So sad too, though.
Eating:  Asparagus. It's not quite time for asparagus here in New England, but I can't wait, so we've already been eating lots. This past weekend we threw a bunch on the grill - yum.
Loving:  Yoga. I'm in a good rhythm right now, and it feels great, body and mind.
Savoring:  Every sunny day. It's amazing how much I appreciate the warmth of sunshine after enduring this winter.
Listening: To Brandi Carlile's latest album - she's going to be at Newport this year. Also really loving Haunt the House, a relatively recent discovery.
Anticipating: Summer! And all it brings, including visits with my family, who I really do not see enough.
Reading:  Leading the Life You Want.  As I've mentioned, I'm trying to incorporate more non-fiction into my reading list. Self-improvement and all that.
Wanting:  The big crack in my kitchen floor to magically disappear.
Enjoying:  The sounds of baseball from our back yard. I love where we live.
Wondering:  Where my next job assignment will be, and if I will like it, and if it will be manageable, and...
Realizing:  The downside of consulting is the uncertainty.
Feeling: Confident that I am working for the right company and happy that I have the opportunity to work with cool and talented people.
Hoping: Our neighbor will share some of her garden with us again this year. I haven't been able to bring it up yet, and I'm afraid we might not get to have a garden this summer.
Thinking: We can always at least put together a planter garden somewhere - some big pots of tomatoes and carrots and eggplants or something. We can be creative and come up with something.
Noticing:  The house is dirty. We let our housecleaner go a couple months ago. I've been trying - and failing - to keep up with it myself. Time to admit defeat and hire more help.
Laughing:  At my boys. They are a constant source of entertainment.
Wishing:  I had purchased a sun hat a month ago - every one I like is already sold out.  Booo.
Packing:  My new bikini, sunscreen, and a new book. We're going on a trip tomorrow!  Yay!

A Few Things...

I just love this picture posted to UNC's instagram.

Beyond Work/Life Balance - Living the Life You Want.  I think this post speaks to my thoughts about the word "balance".  There is no such thing.  There's no right amount of time you're supposed to spend at home versus at work.  No set time guidelines on playing with your kids or achieving a personal goal.  I don't want to think about it that way any more.  I just spent two years at home, and it was wonderful and great for us as a family.  I'm back at work, and even though I'm spending less time with my boys, I believe it's good for us as a family too.  And I'm working to make sure that the time I do spend with my boys is quality time, that they still know that I will always be there.

Bill Murray is doing a Christmas special.  This news just made me smile.

I've always been a little conflicted about GMOs.  I mean, since the beginning of farming, humans have cross-bred species and come up with ways of making crops stronger.  I remember learning about the guy who won a Nobel Prize for coming up with a new species of wheat - it was shorter, so they could grow more of it in a smaller space and therefore feed more people.  Brilliant!  So when all the uproar began about GMOs, I didn't understand at first. I get it now. I found this report to be especially interesting.  Bill Nye the Science Guy summed it up very reasonably in this short video.

25 Feminist Lessons for My Sons.  Yes, yes, yes. I work so hard at this. I know that I am not the only influences in my boys' lives, but I do want to stay the loudest for as long as possible. At least until some of these lessons are firmly ingrained in who they are. They are already influenced by so much at school, and I have to push back. I remind them that girls can like legos and superheroes, and boys can wear purple. And I am certainly making sure they know how to do laundry, cook, and put the toilet seat down.

I saw Gone Girl last weekend.  It was just as good as the book - creepy, twisted, strangely captivating, and ultimately disappointing.  I do adore Ben Affleck, and this clip on The Ellen Show made me laugh.  Oh and speaking of Ben, did you see Jennifer Garner confirm her baby bump on Ellen?  I have had a huge girl crush on Jennifer since she was Sydney Bristow on Alias.  This just made it stronger. 

I loved hearing Ryan Adams' cover of Alice in Chains. Such a great song.

A Cure For Hyper Parenting.  Another good article reminding all us parents to calm down. Let's just do the best we can. It's all good.

Taking Stock

Savoring:  Every moment of Fall.  Little boys jumping in leaf piles made my heart smile this weekend.
Eating:  Vegetarian Chili. I used this recipe, given to me by a friend. I made it just a tad too spicy - note for next time - but it was so good and perfect for a chilly Fall day.
Drinking:  Pumpkin ales.  It's that time of year.
Deciding:  It's the end of ice cream season.  Lest you think I deny myself, it's the start of pie and cookies season. 
Watching:  Nashville and Parenthood when Kevin's out of town (as he was last week).  Friday Night Lights together. We've both seen the entire series, but while we have Netflix...  There's nothing like a little dose of Tim Riggins.
Wanting:  Shoes that are stylish, look good with suits and work trousers, and comfortable enough to walk in all day.  SO hard to find that. 
Listening:  To my iTunes library on shuffle. Finding old favorites and bringing back memories.
Needing: To start planning for the holidays. Halloween is next week! Time really starts to fly after that.
Smelling:  The "Autumn Leaves" Yankee candle burning in the dining room.  And real autumn leaves outside. 
Feeling:  Optimistic. It's coming more naturally to me these days.
Reading:  Defending Jacob. I'm about a third of the way through and totally sucked in.
Making: Lists. Trying to get back into a routine of managing my to-do lists and staying on top of everything.
Needing:  A cool-but-not-cold weather trench (or other lightweight) coat.  I've tried dozens at this point but haven't found the perfect one.  Pretty soon it's going to be cold enough for my winter coat, so whatever.  But I'll keep looking.
Wishing: My family lived closer. I've never mentioned that before here, right? ;-)
Missing: My sisters. See above.
Wearing:  This sweater.  I was worried it would look bulky or old on me, but I absolutely love it.
Enjoying:  Homemade granola.  Turns out I can still find the time to make it happen.

A Few Things...

Just a few random things for your reading pleasure...

This salad.  My garden is very full of romaine lettuce and kale at the moment, so I searched my pins to find a new way to use them.  I chose this salad recipe and holy cow is it good!  It has pretty much been my lunch for the last two weeks, and it will most likely continue to be for a while.  I tried adding apple, which was okay, but the next day I added an avocado and some brown rice....perfection.  Seriously.  Sooooo good.

A Conversation With Neil Degrasse Tyson About Cosmos, Race, and Celebrity.  I love Neil Degrasse Tyson.  He's such an interesting person, and every time I listen to him, I want to go out and learn something.

Pixar's new movie.  It's called "Inside Out" and won't be released until next year.  It sounds fascinating, though, and I'm already looking forward to it.

An Important Post About How to Prepare Your Teen for Certain Situations.  I appreciated this post.  I'm still several years away from having to deal with most of this stuff, but I find myself looking forward, preparing myself for the harder conversations.  Helping my kids navigate the teen years.

Conor Oberst performing at NPR's Tiny Desk.  If you haven't listened to his new album yet, check out this sweet little concert.

A beautiful last article by Rick Reilly, a popular sportswriter.

Six Things You Should Know About Spotify.  I spend a lot of money on music.  If I joined Spotify, I would most definitely save money, but I don't think I could ever do it.  It just seems wrong somehow. If I'm spending less, it must mean the artists are getting less, and they're already not getting much from album sales.  I find myself buying t-shirts as much to support the band as to wear.  Do you use Spotify?  Or rely on Pandora for your music?  So many of my friends don't buy music at all anymore, and it makes me sad.

The Newport lineup is complete.  And awesome.  Now I just need the schedule so I can strategize.  I think I'm most looking forward to seeing J. Roddy Walston & the Business - I think they will be a ton of fun to see live.  And The Oh Hellos.  And Jack White.  Have you listened to Jack White's new album?  Really, really good.  Oh and Shovels & Rope!  Man I hope the schedule is conducive to my wishes.

photo by Carli Nicole

A Few Things...

photo by Abby Hyslop

I've gone a bit quiet lately.  For several reasons, I suppose.  First is the desire to put the phone down, really live in the moments, and not feel the need to write a post about every single one.  It's good to take a step back at times.  Second is the fact that I'm tired and not feeling so great right now.  I haven't been sleeping well, waking up in the middle of the night with stomach pains.  Bleh.  And last is the simple reality of Spring.  I have a tendency to become more introspective around this time.  It's the weather, I suppose.  The changing of seasons which necessitates a change of pace and routine.  I washed and put away the snow pants and boots this week.  I am reviewing the boys' clothes to see what they need for the coming warmer weather.  It is coming!  And of course the desire to get the house and yard into shape.

There is a lot on my mind, and I will write more here soon.  In the meantime, here are some fun and interesting links from around the web...

Kevin Bacon explains the 80s to Millennials.  Funny, and speaking of Kevin Bacon, did you see his entrance on Fallon a couple weeks ago?  Made me smile.  Oh and speaking of The Tonight Show, did you see Jude Law?  Cracked. me. up.

Jack is back!  Who else loved 24?  Man those first couple seasons had me hooked.  It wasn't great after that and yet I kept coming back for more Jack.  I will definitely watch this, if only for old time's sake.

The Terrifyingly Nasty, Backstabbing, and Altogether Miserable World of the Suburban Mom.  This article is so sad.  I am thankful that I live in a fairly diverse town with great people.  I'm only a couple years in as a school mom, but so far I've met wonderful people and made great friends.  I'm confident that will only continue in the future.

Once again...I love Louis C.K.

Let Your Kids Fail.  Another reminder to take a step back, allow your children the opportunities to take risks, to try new things, to fail, and then to pick themselves back up again.  I'm happy at the seemingly increasing number of articles along these lines.  Perhaps the tide is turning.

The Locavore Myth.  This is an interesting article.  I suppose people make decisions about the food they buy for a large variety of reasons.  For some people, the impact to the environment is a huge factor.  For me, the biggest things are choosing food that is tasty, healthy, and palatable to my kids.  I do like supporting local farms, particularly my own neighborhood farm, but my motivation still goes back to those three factors.  Vegetables that are picked close to home are picked when they're ripe and not refrigerated for a long time in transit.  To me, the result is that they taste better and they have retained more of their vitamins.  My motivation to eat less meat again goes back to wanting to keep me and my family healthy more than the environmental impact, although that's a bonus for sure.  What are the biggest factors behind the food you buy?

Another blog post by my cousin Krista.  If you know anyone going through a divorce, please share.  She has been through it all, both as a child and as a parent, and she has wise words to share.

Another wonderful blog post by my cousin Tiffany.  (I know...I have very interesting and talented cousins!)

A Few Links

by liz rusby via flickr

I stumbled across some really great stuff online this week...

Why 43% of Women With Children Leave Their Jobs, And How To Get Them Back.  I thought this was a really interesting article, and a lot of the points resonated with me.  I haven't even been out of the workforce a year, and I don't plan on staying out for too long, but the question of what I can do while still balancing my family life is one that weighs heavy on my mind.

Johnny Marr performing The Smiths' "How Soon is Now?" on Jimmy Fallon.  Just for fun, because I am and always will be a fan of The Smiths.

Enjoy a flight over Africa while Listening to the music from Out of Africa.  Very random, but it's so pretty.  Even if all you do is play the music.

What Nobody Remembers About New Motherhood.  Do any of you feel this way?  I know so many people say that we forget the hard parts, so perhaps it's still too recent for me.  I can recall very vividly the pain of childbirth, and the exhaustion I felt those first few months.  I remember very well how hard some of those weeks were when I was low on sleep, dealing with a sick baby, and still having to go to work.  I also remember how my babies smelled (is there any smell in the world better than a clean baby?), how sweet those 2AM nursing sessions were, and how it felt when they squeezed my fingers with their chubby little hands.  And of course I know how amazing they are now.  But when a new mom tells me how exhausted she is, I absolutely understand and remember it all.

I am in total agreement with Joanna Goddard on this one.  And if you haven't watched New Girl yet, you should.

Indian Man Single-Handedly Plants a 1360-acre Forest.  This is just awesome, and it got me thinking about what my legacy will be.  A heavy topic for another day...

Life Lessons with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  Yes, sort of random too, but don't dismiss it just because it's written by a former basketball player.  It's a really great list!

Whoah!  Did I just publish three posts in a single day?  Crazy.  

A Few Things...

The view from my kitchen window.

A few links that caught my eye over the past few days...

I loved this.  When a 7-year-old boy lost one of his lego minifigures, he wrote to the company.  He got an awesome response.

The Atlantic had an interesting article about how we learn to listen and appreciate music.  Hearing music as beautiful is a learned trait.

This teen Jeopardy! contestant is awesome.  Make sure you take a look at his final answer.

This Wall Street Journal article is an interesting read.  It's about the lessons and approaches we can take from the business world and apply to our family life.  I do love the idea of having a weekly family meeting, especially for families that aren't able to sit down at the dinner table together every night.  (via Portland - soon to be Amsterdam - Sunshine)

Another classic post from The Wild and Wily Ways of a Brunette Bombshell.  Entitled How I Take Care of Myself.  Think I may need to write one of my own.

A Few Things...

photo by tania kindersley

There's a storm coming!  It's been a long time since we had a good old-fashioned blizzard, but it looks like we're going to get hit with a good one.  We might get a couple feet of snow!  I see lots of shoveling, sledding, hot chocolate, and movies on our weekend agenda.

I thought I'd share a few things here before heading to the grocery store to stock up...

I'm glad I'm not dead.  This article in the NY Times will make you smile and think of all those perfect moments in life.  It will also make you appreciate the less-than-perfect ones.

I just ordered a new bottle of facial oil.  It is the answer to my winter dry skin, and the smell is divine.  The perfect way to end each day.

The 30 Rock series finale was awesome.  What a fitting end to a silly and great show.

Article on being a happy mom of boys.  I still get the questions.  "Are you sure you're done? You don't want to try for a girl?"  It's insulting.  My family is complete, and I am so happy that the universe blessed me with two gorgeous, healthy boys.  I was meant to be a mother of sons.

Speaking of sons, my six-year-old made his first purchase with his own allowance money.  I think he made a very cool choice...

Homeland Weekend

This weekend consisted of:

*A visit from my mother-in-law
*Belated Christmas presents for the boys - new board games from their great-aunt
*Lunch at a local Jewish deli
*Scrabble
*Homemade pizza - we are going to start doing that more often again
*A little cleaning and organizing - Kevin made all our bathroom fixtures shine again, and I sorted through the boys clothes (don't need those 2Ts anymore!)
*New configuration for the marble run
*Hanging two new prints on our family room wall
*Valentine's Day cards
*Sunday morning at the ski hill.  The boys got a few runs in, but unfortunately, it was so cold, windy, and crowded (ski racers!), that we didn't stay long.
*Homeland!  We received Season 1 for Christmas and finally started it.  We are of course hooked, and are starting to catch up to the rest of the world.  We only have two episodes left!  Season 2 comes out at the end of August.

A Few Links...

Pictures like this blow my freakin' mind.   Sentences like this do too:  "This means that the light we're seeing in this image left the Pinwheel Galaxy about 21 million years ago - many millions of years before humans ever walked the Earth."  Ooh, here's another good one too.  Awesome. 

I haven't listened to Fiona Apple in years, but after reading this article, I think I may have to give her a spin. 

Watch this video of a recreation of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" using dominos.  Pretty cool.  The things people have the patience to do...

Have you ever illegally downloaded music?  I know plenty of people who have (and do), but I've never done it myself.  Always felt wrong.  I love music, and so I love musicians and want to support them so they can keep playing music.  That said, I will admit that I sometimes make music mixes for my sisters and friends.  I justify this by the fact that I am typically introducing them to new bands, ones that they wouldn't be spending money on anyway.  This blog post in response to this NPR Music article is interesting, and a good reminder that musicians deserve to be paid for their work. 

Did you watch The Electric Company when you were a kid?  I did, and it was nothing like the current version.  I so clearly remember Bill Cosby and Morgan Freeman and the very best part of all...Spiderman.  It was awesome.  If you did watch it, check out this article for a trip down memory lane.

Why are American kids so spoiled?  Interesting article about current parenting methods and their sad implications.  I think we're doing pretty well so far, although this makes me want to buckle down even more.

Okay, I had to add one more in:  This will crack you up and leave you smiling.  I promise!

The Most Astounding Fact...

I adore Neil deGrasse Tyson.  Every time I hear him speak, I am inspired.  I want to read non-fiction and learn things.  I want to pull out my worn copy of Cosmos and stare at the night sky and dream.  I loved this short interview, especially his comments about parenting and his answer to the "most astounding fact about the universe", which also inspired this other video. 

photo by Felicia R. Lee, via the NY Times

Weekend Recap

photo of the Ladies of Downton Abbey by Jason Bell for British Vogue

It was a small and quiet winter weekend.  Nothing wrong with that.  Here are the highlights:

*A visit to the mall on Saturday afternoon.  I don't typically do malls, but both pairs of my jeans developed knee-holes in the same week.  I went by myself so I could walk straight to the Lucky store.  I walked out with three new pairs and hopefully won't have to return to the mall again for a very long time.  (I do hate shopping, but I will admit that the afternoon alone-time was quite nice.)

*I am caught up on Downton Abbey.  Yes, it is as good as everyone says.

*The usual Saturday morning library visit, playing games, and spending time outside. 

*We watched the movie 50/50.  It is wonderful.  It is an emotional ride, as you'd expect given the premise, but one that is totally worth taking. 

*I got to spend Sunday with Nathan, my little guy, and Kevin took Aaron skiing.  I had a very nice day at home, cleaning and baking and playing; and they had a great time skiing together for the first time. 

Goals for the week:

1.  Stretch every morning.

2.  Reinstitute the "10 minutes of relaxation after the boys go to bed" rule.  I miss them and I need them.

3.  Call my sister.  Email my cousin.  Confirm the timing of our trip to Wilmington.  I shouldn't lament my long-distance family if I'm not doing my part to keep in touch.

4.  Patience.

5.  Buy some decent ski gloves.  Mine are pitiful, and it's going to be cold in Vermont this weekend!  (Did I mention I'm going to Vermont this weekend?  Yay!)

Below is a little peek at yesterday's skiing.  Only for aunts and grandmothers and other interested parties.  Try not to notice the brown grass in the background - the lack of snow is still a little depressing, but at least they can make it for us on the mountain.  Aaron is doing great.  He is a serious and methodical and careful skier, which I love.

Lately...

Listening to:

Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now - Since receiving a new guitar for Christmas, I find myself especially drawn to guitar music.  I've been playing and singing 'Own Side' a lot lately.

Bryan John Appleby - Fire on the Vine -  This is simply gorgeous music.

The Barr Brothers - The Barr Brothers - Folk, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, even a little Blues...I love bands that are hard to classify.  I am having fun getting to know this Canadian band.

The Black Keys - El Camino - This continues to be our nightly after-dinner dance music.  And our commute to school music.  And our "hurt my knee and need to cheer up" music.  In other words, my boys LOVE this album.

Watching:
The Descendants - We went to see this over the holidays.  It was definitely sadder than I expected, but I thought it was wonderful.  Not an exciting movie, but a beautiful and moving one.  Highly recommend.
Contagion - This was pretty good.  The cast was phenomenal - I can't believe how many A-listers are in it - and it was engaging.  There was almost too much going on to really connect with any of the characters in any depth, but I enjoyed it.

Reading:

Sebastian Barry - I discovered Sebastian Barry a couple months ago, and I started with On Canaan's Side.  His writing is exquisite.  It's so beautiful, and it drew me right in.  That said, when I finished the book I realized that I didn't really care about the main character very much.  She seemed to let life happen to her, and then she reflected on it.   The Secret Scripture and A Long Long Way, on the other hand, I enjoyed immensely.  All of Barry's novels are either based in Ireland or at least start there, and I enjoyed learning a little about Irish history along the way as well.  But mostly, I just love his words.
By Nightfall - I loved The Hours, so I decided to read the latest by Michael Cunningham.  I am about halfway through it so far, and I think we've covered about twelve hours.  Amazing how he can keep me interested while talking through the specifics of someone's day.  I'm liking it so far, but I'm anxious to get to the climactic event.  If there is one, what will it be?  If there isn't, then why am I reading this?

What are you listening to/watching/reading lately?

Parks and Rec

original source unknown

It's the end of the regular TV season.  Once you watch all those season finales, you might want a little something to keep you entertained through the summer (not even Mad Men this year!).  Might I suggest Parks and Recreation? I kept hearing good things about it and decided to give it a shot.  It makes me giggle.  I also actually like the characters.  I haven't gone all the way back to the beginning, but I can vouch for this season.  Good stuff.  

Thoughts of Spring and Inspiration...

This change of seasons gets me every year.  I adore the warm sunshine of Summer, the fantastic colors of Autumn, and even the twinkling magic of Winter.  But then there's Spring.  Spring in New England can best be described as cold, rainy, muddy, and windy.  The flowers will eventually make their appearance, but it happens very slowly, and the full beauty of the season isn't realized until towards the end of May.  The farmer's market moves outside at the end of May.  Strawberry-picking isn't until the middle of June. 

I'm trying to stay positive, but I have to admit that it is a real effort lately.  In addition to the typical Spring weather, my husband is back to traveling full-time for work.  This leaves me at home, trying to balance everything on my own.  Let me just say that it's hard. 

Here are a few things I'm loving right now...

I don't see many flowers outside yet, so I am drawn to gorgeous pictures of them.

Photograph by the always-inspiring Alicia Bock

The new mini-series, Mildred Pierce, on HBO.  Another reason for me to love Kate Winslet. 

Official cover art via word and film

I gave up ice cream for a few months.  I had been in the habit of enjoying some every night, and I figured Winter was a good time to give it a break.  Plus it's so darn cold!  But it was my birthday a week ago, and then Haagen-Daaz was on sale at the grocery store, so I guess my break is over.  It's still pretty darn cold, but tonight I plan to sit by my fireplace and enjoy some ice cream.  

photo by Jayme Michelle at Delectable Deliciousness

I left a message with our contractors last week, ready to start conversations about our big home renovation.  We want to start the planning and design.  How exciting!

Photo by Julian Wass

What else can I do to remain positive and inspired through this cold and wet month of April?  I'm seriously asking here.  Perhaps something sweet to bake?  A great book to read?  How about your favorite blog?  What is inspiring you right now?  Books, music, art, food...I would love to hear your suggestions. 

A Few Thoughts on Oscar...

I stayed up way too late watching the Academy Awards.  I always do - I don't know why, but I love it.  A few impressions:  The show was a bit boring this year.  James Franco was a dud - sorry, James, but I expected more.  The dresses were beautiful.  Perhaps a bit plain - there weren't any shockingly outlandish ones that I saw - but nice.  I liked that there seemed to be a lot of vibrant colors.  Natalie Portman was gorgeous.  Halle Berry, as always.  My favorite was Marisa Tomei, although I guess a lot of the experts hated her dress.  I loved her hair.  I loved Cate Blanchett's hair too.  I love Colin Firth more every time I hear him speak.  I am amazed by how talented Christian Bale is when I hear him speak - I don't think I had ever heard him talk in his own voice before this year.  It's even more shocking than when Hugh Laurie stops being House.  I'll say it again - Sandra Bullock is flawless.  Robert Downey Jr is someone else that I love a little more every time I see him.  Has there ever been a more gorgeous pair of presenters than Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law?

Rubicon

AMC has a new original series, called 'Rubicon'.  If you watch Mad Men, you've no doubt seen the promos.  Rubicon airs right before Mad Men on Sunday nights.  Since Summer has such a void of original programming, and there aren't too many shows I like right now anyway, I decided to give it a shot.

I've seen the first couple episodes at this point, and I'm already hooked.  It's a conspiracy show, so it's one of those shows that you watch only if you're the kind of person who can be comfortable not knowing what's going on.  I like that it's set in NY, I like the characters, especially the lead (Will Travers), and although it's dark, I love these kinds of thriller/intrigue shows.  I don't need to know what's going on.  And when they finally reveal it to me at the end of the series, I won't be disappointed by the outcome, as long as I was entertained along the way.  I've been entertained so far, and I'm curious to say where they go with it.  The show has great potential, and I hope it takes off.

*Images via AMC.com

America: The Story of Us

There is a new series on The History Channel entitled "America:  The Story of Us."  It's a 12-hour series that tells the story of America.  We just started watching it, and so far I'm really enjoying it.

This series of course covers the revolution, but it talks about how our economy was built, what it was like before the new settlers arrived, how it grew, where people settled and why.  As I said, I just started watching it, so I'm interested to see the growth and evolution of the country.  It's fascinating to look at such a broad view.

I hated history in school.  It was by far my least favorite subject.  I never understood how to study for it.  I always viewed it as a ton of reading and memorizing.  Perhaps I didn't have very good textbooks or engaging teachers, or perhaps it just wasn't my thing.  I was a math and science girl.  I moved in the fifth grade and missed most of U.S. History basics.   I always regretted not learning more history, though.  Since moving to Boston, I've been especially interested in the early days of our country.  It's easier to grasp the events if you are standing right where they happened - seeing Paul Revere's house, standing where Crispus Attucks was shot, visiting Concord where the first revolutionary battle was fought.  And although I usually stick to fiction, I've read a few history books along the way that have filled in some knowledge gaps.

What was your least favorite subject in school?  Have you done anything as an adult to try to learn in that subject?