Recently ...

... I've had total writer's block, as evidenced by my lack of blogging.  As also evidenced by the fact that this post will be done in bullet format.

... Life has been busy.  Not exciting-I-have-so-much-to-report-busy, but just regular too-many-hours-spent-working-busy.  The kind where the day is over before it started and you're not really sure what (if anything) you've accomplished.

... People around me are talking about all the great new shows they are watching.  I listen with envy because so many of them sound good, and previews I've seen look good, but I know I won't join in watching.  I started this season by making a commitment to four shows.  I've dropped two ("Pan Am" and "Parenthood"), we're multiple weeks behind on "The Office", and I'm just hanging on to "Desperate Housewives" because, gosh darn it, I've been in from the start.  I wish I hadn't quit "Parenthood", still want to be on "The Good Wife" bandwagon, am interested in the new show (whose name escapes me) about the man whose family is in a car accident (or some sort of accident) and he lives his life in two parallel realities in the aftermath.  There is good TV out there, so I hope someone is enjoying it.  In the meantime, I still find myself giving up precious moments of my life watching "The Bachelor" ... will it never end?

... My memory has been failing me (see the above reference to a show whose name I can't remember).  Yesterday morning I realized that it is March, and that I completely forgot to get my car inspection done in February, when it was due.  I never forget that sort of thing.  The other day it took two people helping me to think of the word discrimination.  And more frequently, I've found myself in a room for something, and I can't even begin to remember what that something might be.  I totally blame pregnancy, but I'm also currently reading a book about a woman dealing with early-onset Alzheimer's, so it's a little disconcerting.  Just kidding.  Sort of.

... Sara has really been getting into some of her more difficult puzzles.  That definitely makes her a recognized member of our family. 

... Also among her growing interests is the alphabet.  She's constantly asking, "What does ____ start with?"  We'll respond by making the sound of the letter so she can identify it.  She has a few favorites: b, t, s, c, and m.  Now after reading books before bed, Sara says, "Let's think of things that start with ____," and before I leave her room we have to name as many things as possible that begin with the chosen letter.  It's funny to me that this is an enjoyable activity for her, but as the daughter of two language-minded parents, I shouldn't be surprised.  Still, we're hoping for her inner scientist to emerge at some point.

... I booked two tickets to (paradise?) Minnesota.  Sara and I are going to head up next Saturday for a few days over my spring break.  I'm looking forward to visiting, relaxing, and just getting the heck outta dodge for a bit.  Sometimes I just need a change of scenery.

... We've been consuming our fair share of Girl Scout cookies.  It's always sad when you realize they're gone, and you won't have any again for another year (at which point I'll be dieting and will try my hardest not to indulge).

... I'm finding myself stuck in that awkward place between regular clothes and maternity clothes.  If I could wear t-shirts everyday, this wouldn't be such a problem.  Last Sunday, Sara looked at me and asked, "Mom, why do you wear those jeans everyday?" (Yes, she really asks things like this).  For the record, she rarely sees me in jeans because I usually go straight from work clothes to sweats, but in her defense, she has seen these particular jeans a lot recently on the weekends.  Why?  Because they fit.  End of story.

... Allergy season has hit, and I'm sure missing my go-to meds.  Even though they knock me out and usually only work for a few hours, they sure beat the nothing I get to take now.  Sara is feeling it, too.  I don't think I will ever get used to listening to her wheeze.  It just pains me. 

... I haven't taken a single picture, so I apologize if that's what you came here hoping to find.