Book Talk

I have finished - to the extent I plan to finish - this reading challenge list.  The only category I'm not hitting is "a book you previously abandoned" because even when it's painful, I finish books I start. And if you've read previous posts, you know I've combined categories here and there. 

To fulfill "a book you own but have never read" and "a book that intimidates you" (combined because if I own a book I haven't read, it's because it intimidates me), Steve said I should read All the President's Men.  (It was also "published before [I was] born", along with a couple of others I've read for this challenge).  All the President's Men follows Woodward and Bernstein as they investigate and uncover Watergate.  Full disclosure: I saw the movie before I read the book.  Many years ago, I had to watch it for my government class in high school; I had no appreciation for the story at the time, and I swear the movie was eight hours long.  I remember being literally bored to tears, which is part of why reading this book intimidated me.  I will say that my more mature view now allowed me to enjoy the book, because obviously it's a juice story, but I still wouldn't call it a book I'd willingly pick up in my downtime.  I did it for the list.  We also own the movie, so maybe I'm ready to try it again.

 All the Lasting Things is a very new release that I got for free on my Kindle.  It's about a family who, in dealing with the father's Alzheimer's, the adult son's attempted suicide, and the adult daughter's long-kept secret being revealed, struggles to find a way to maintain their bond as they find themselves facing quick decline.  A couple of interesting characters unexpectedly enter the picture, making life even more complex (yet possibly more meaningful) for the family.  Enjoyable enough, this would be a quick and easy summer read. 

"Don't read just the easy stuff.  You may be entertained by it, but you will never grow from it."

Jim Rohn

Long Weekend

I just love a three-day weekend!  Since we didn't have any snow/ice days this year causing us to miss school, we had Friday off and enjoyed every minute.  The girls and I met Erica, Parker, and Blakely for lunch and then we headed to Lil' Ninjas for the kids to run off some steam.  We'd never been before, and the girls loved it.  They played hard on the obstacle courses for almost two hours, and probably would have kept going if we hadn't had to head to the egg hunt at Emma's school.

 

 

 After the egg hunt, we dyed eggs.  

And then we watched the Cyclones totally blow their shot at the Elite Eight.  No smiling pictures of that.  It was a fun season and a good run while it lasted ... but, man, losing is the worst.

Saturday morning I made a quick trip to the gym and then got home in time for a second estimate on synthetic grass for the backyard.  We are on the docket and should have green behind the pool in just a few weeks!  Pics to come.  Our busy morning continued as the college student who will be watching the girls this summer came by.  She was home for the weekend from school, and the girls loved her immediately, thank goodness.  Then we headed to Sara's soccer game.  It ended in a tie, but her team played one of their best games yet, which was so fun to watch. During the afternoon, we had an early Easter celebration/grill out with the Brittains.  Mark and Brooke will be welcoming the girls' new  baby cousin in just a few days, and we are so excited to meet him!

Today we've had a quiet Easter at home.  Emma is fighting a cold, so she spent all day in jammies and most of it on the couch (after the intense egg hunt this morning, of course).  I knew she wasn't feeling well when she only ate about half of her cinnamon roll this morning ... she had so been looking forward to them.  Sara got Yahtzee for Easter, so of course we had to play a couple of rounds this afternoon.  Steve and I spent some time outside doing some yard clean-up.  We had a really bad storm a few nights ago, complete with lots of hail.  Many homes in the neighborhood had their skylights broken.  We have roof and fence damage, and the insurance adjuster is coming next week to look at both.  We're hoping for good news.  Anyway, the storm also left shredded branches, leaves, etc., everywhere, and Steve did a lot of clean-up the other day but there was still some left to do.  I also cleaned the outdoor furniture and did some organizing in the garage.  It felt good to have some time to give attention to these typically lower-priority tasks.

Our Easter weekend didn't include pictures with the EB or a fancy meal ... but I think we're all just fine despite that. We're at that point in the spring where every weekend for the next many weekends is busy, and I'm really trying to focus on one at a time.   I'm reminding myself to tackle things as they come and not sweat the small stuff.  Easier said than done, but I think it's a valuable reminder for all of us when we get to these times of year when the hours seem to disappear before we even realize they've come and gone.  Let's all just enjoy a little spring!

overdue update

The past week absolutely flew by.  We ate our favorite Mexican at Ojeda's and attended the spring social at Sara's school.  We celebrated St. Patrick's Day and the start of March Madness.  I completed my bracket in usual fashion (it took me about thirty seconds), and I am doing surprisingly well.  I picked many underdogs who happen to be winning.  I didn't, however, pick Iowa State to go very far since that has backfired on me the past couple of years.  I'm not even a little bit upset that they are winning and busting my bracket!  Last night we all went to the alumni game watch and cheered our beloved Cyclones into the Sweet 16.  I know it probably won't last forever, but I love that our girls enjoy Cyclones games as much as we do.  We are such good brain-washers. 

Sara was the lucky one selected to draw ticket numbers for prizes at halftime.  Even though she didn't draw our number, one winner gave her his prize (a Cyclone pennant) anyway.

Both girls had soccer games yesterday.  Emma had a hat-trick at hers!  I missed it because I was at Sara's game, but we made it to Emma's just for the tail end. Steve said that the first time Emma was in front of the other goal, alone with the ball, she wasn't really sure what to do.  But once she figured out she should kick it in and everyone would cheer, she was on fire.  Even though three is young, I'm glad we decided to go ahead and start a sport.  It's such a good outlet for her.

 In other news, Project Backyard is back on.  Remember when I said I had an idea for all the space in the raised area behind the pool? 

Well ... this is what it looks like now:

 I'm not usually a proponent of getting rid of green, but we just really want the space in our backyard.  The shrubs were fine, but they required a lot of maintenance, and every time the girls went to jump off the ledge, they had to dodge scratchy branches.  So now it's all gone.  I'm waiting to hear back from a couple of turf companies for bids on synthetic grass.  I know that might sound crazy, but it's actually not (I've done my research).  We have a really decent sized space, and we want to be able to use it.  We don't want material that will constantly fly into the pool, and synthetic grass has a fairly long lifespan.  I'm excited about having more usable space around the pool.  I have a million ideas ... if only I had the money to match.  More pics to come, hopefully sooner than later.

We have a four day week!  Friday was put in the calendar as an inclement weather day, but since we haven't had any snow days this year (for the first time in a long time), the girls and I have the day off.  Woo-hoo!  Now it's time to tuck in my girls and enjoy a night cap with Steve before we tackle another week.  Have a good one, all.

Three Tickets to Paradise

Last weekend the girls and I were so excited to board our plane for Florida to spend the week with G&G.  Sunshine, beaches, and palm trees were calling to us!

 I loved that we had a really simple vacation.  We swam in the pool a lot, played at the beach, and relaxed around the condo.  Grandma taught Sara how to play Yahtzee, we watched "Overboard", and Todd took me on a couple of good bike rides to show me the area ... lots of low-key fun.  As usual, the weather was beautiful and the scenery as perfect as ever. 

The girls enjoyed using the boogie boards that Todd bought for Melissa and me on a family trip to Florida back in the 90's.  They are still in great shape, and both girls got the hang of riding the waves.  Lots of laughs on the boogie boards, and it was so fun to watch the girls truly enjoy the ocean without fear or trepidation.  There's nothing like playing in ocean waves!

 

 

Sun, surf, and spirits.

 

 My beach bum parents ... I told them that they look tan and thin.  I think the Florida life suits them.

 During a day at Captiva, Joey's Grill pulled up and a line quickly formed for hot dogs, ice cream and drinks.  We all enjoyed some snacks.

 Seriously ... who could turn down making a living this way?  The boat is equipped with a grill, large coolers, and a little serving station.  We decided that Joey is a retiree making some extra cash stopping along Captiva each day.  When he came through a second time, we let Sara take Emma and walk down the shore by themselves to get a Sprite.  She loved the opportunity to be independent, and even left a tip in the jar.

 Sara got it in her head that she wanted to try shrimp.  She liked it so much that she ordered it a second time a couple of nights later.  She's taking her New Year's resolution of trying new things much more seriously than I ever suspected.  Proud of this girl!

 Selfie (I regretted leaving my selfie stick at home)!

 The girls enjoyed their "sleepovers" in the den, falling asleep to "Despicable Me 2". 

 On our last night, Emma was thrilled to finally find a place that served her beloved rice and beans!

Florida Girls!

 I didn't get any pictures of our pool time, but we were all excited to watch Emma throughout the week.  My goal was to go to Florida this year without having to bring her floaty ... she jumped in day one and never looked back.  So thrilled to have two swimmers now!  Also no pics this year of the breathtaking sunsets (to which we sang and embarrassed Sara) or sub-par live music (to which we danced and embarrassed Sara), but we enjoyed it all (even Sara, although she won't admit it).

We left Florida late last night with sun-tanned skin and full hearts.  I do realize how lucky we are, and I'm very thankful that my girls have the opportunity to make special vacation memories with their G&G.  What a wonderful week in paradise!

The longest month.

What is it about February?  If you've ever worked in a school, you've likely heard teachers grumble about how it's the never-ending month.  I rejected it for the longest because how could my birthday month be so terrible?  But it's true.  The other day, even Sara asked me, "How does the month with the smallest number of days feel like the longest month e-v-e-r?"   And although I've heard mattress stores advertise the benefits of an extra night's sleep this year in February, I think that is just a fancy way of saying that we have to wake up and make it through one extra day in the longest month this year.
 
There's not one thing in particular that has made our month drag on.  In fact, it's been really busy ... all the more reason it should feel like it's flying.  Both girls are in soccer and swimming, and Sara is in Daisies, which she is loving.  It's keeping us busy, and my brain feels scattered.  Between events, I'm constantly refereeing between arguing sisters and running errands where I always forget at least two things I really needed in the first place.  And also trying to keep track of work stuff, making poor attempts at providing decent meals, and keeping my house at a semi-acceptable level of clean.  I think these are all the things I was warned about for years, and now it's hitting.  Like a ton of bricks.

Of course the girls did enjoy their school Valentine's parties, and we celebrated with our traditional heart-shaped pizza.  That was a nice mid-month pick-me-up.  There have been a few other highlights, too...

On President's Day, Sara was out of school so she and Steve enjoyed a BBQ lunch complete with ribs and ice cream.

 Sara was excited that her MLK Jr. poster for Black History Month was displayed in the main hallway at school.

 Emma's team practiced for the first time on their indoor "bumpered" field.  She's pretty fast and feisty.  Looking forward to her first game tomorrow!

 

Steve is out of town enjoying a guys' weekend in Jackson Hole, and tomorrow the girls and I will go from game to swimming to game.  And since I won't be fooled into thinking there will actually be naps afterwards, I'm hopeful there will at least be some time to breath.  It's worth it, of course, because I love seeing the girls being active and having fun, which I try to remind myself of when I'm busy getting to the bottom of a fight over something like the yellow marker that smells like popcorn.  And seriously, thank goodness for wine.

The shining light at the end of this February tunnel is the Florida trip the girls and I are taking in just over a week.  We're so excited to visit G & G and get to the beach, even if I'm in last year's swimsuit because there's no way I'll be finding time to shop and try on between now and then.  I do plan to take five minutes to paint my toe nails before we leave, but besides that, it will be crazy life as usual.  By the time we board the plane, the longest month in yet another fleeting year will be behind us, and I'll be focusing on soaking up the moments (you know, as long as two certain girls aren't going toe to toe over the window seat ...).

Book Talk

I'm making progress on the reading challenge, but still doing a little cheating ... (see my previous Book Talk post for details on this).

 For a book you can finish in a day, I read What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan.  I didn't actually read it on one day-day, but I did read it within 24 hours, and I'm counting this because a) although it spanned two days, a 24-hour stretch is technically one day, and b) I don't foresee a single day with nothing to do but read presenting itself in my near future.  This was an easy book to read in such a short time frame because it was very captivating.  On a Sunday in the woods with his mom, 8-year-old Ben disappears.  The book walks the reader through what happens in the next nine days, during the desperate search for Ben.  Every new details leaves the reader questioning the motives of each character.  And while Ben's family struggle with their range of emotions during the search, so too do the investigators assigned to the case.  Definitely a thriller worth reading.

 Sara and I are reading a book I've already read at least once (it was also published before I was born): The Mouse and the Motorcycle.  This came up because my school wrote a grant for a one school, one book community literacy grant, and we're using this book.  I thought, what better time than now to introduce Sara to Ralph.  We're having a great time reading this classic!

 My sibling/BFF selected The Obituary Writer as a book chosen for me.  The two main characters, Vivian - living in 1919, and Claire - living in 1960, are connected in a surprising way in this story that explores the emotions of living with both grief and hope.  As the obituary writer, Vivian spent her life helping people through their hardest moments.  And Claire, who thought she married for all the right reasons, finds herself struggling in a marriage she no longer wants.  The book ended on an ambiguous note, which left me feeling irritated and unfulfilled on one hand, and surprisingly satisfied on the other.  Sometimes I like the grown-up version of "choose your own ending".  Easy to read and also very engaging, this would be a great winter fireside or summer poolside read.    

"Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems that divide us."

-JFK's Inaugural Address as quoted in The Obituary Writer

My Birthday Surprise

For a couple of months Steve has been telling me to leave this weekend open.  He wouldn't tell me why, only that I would have plans.  All week I was begging for hints about my surprise, but he wouldn't budge.  When he pulled in from work Friday evening with two of my college BFFs who live in KC, I was beside myself with excitement (caught on video here).  We had about thirty-six hours together and didn't waste a minute.  Unfortunately we did fail to get a decent picture of all three of us, but our myriad attempts resulted in endless laughter.

Our weekend consisted of good food and beverages, shopping, laughing to the point of tears, gossip, and full disclosure about anything and everything.  The last part is what I love most about Brooke and Leigh.  We are totally 100% ourselves around each other; we can bare our souls and let down our defenses, free from judgement or fear of transparency. 

 One of Leigh's friends from Illinois was in town for work, and he had about thirty minutes to spare so we met up with him briefly.  It was a nice break in our shopping excursion at North Park.  After watching us fail miserably at selfie attempts, a passerby took this shot.

This weekend was the perfect start to my new year ... it was the birthday celebration I didn't know I needed with two ladies I'm so blessed to have in my life.  Friends who wine o' clock together stay together, correct?

 "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name ..."