Windshield Rosary

Victorian Housewife

2012-01-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

Because I need help in the realm of all things domestic, "Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management" looks rather enchanting. It was originally published in 1861 and sold 60,000 copies the first year. The author wasn't even 25 years old (she died at 28), and her book is still in print more than 150 years later.

New Favorites

2012-01-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

I tried two new recipes today, and I loved them both. The salad is adapted from one I ate at the Purple Onion earlier this week. I discovered the mushroom sage sauce here.

Spinach, Pea & Pesto Salad

3 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 cups peas
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan
Pesto (a few spoonfuls)

This salad is so easy! Nothing needs to be chopped. Defrost frozen peas with warm tap water. Mix all ingredients and dress with the pesto. Different and delicious.

Mushroom Sage Cream Sauce

3 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup chopped shallots (I used about a cup)
8-10 ounces mushrooms, cremini or shitake, thickly sliced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
1 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream (light cream may curdle, so use heavy cream)
3 Tbsp chopped fresh sage (again, I used more)

From Simply Recipes: Melt butter in a large sauté pan on medium high heat. Add shallots and sauté for one minute. Add mushrooms and sage and sauté for 5-10 more minutes, until the mushrooms have browned. If you are using unsalted butter, sprinkle on a pinch of salt. Add vermouth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits that may be sticking to the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cream. Bring to a boil and cook the sauce down until it is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon (about 10 minutes). Garnish with parsley.

Bon Appetit!

Goodnight, Week

2012-01-27T23:31:00.000-08:00

It's time for you to be put to bed.

The Junk Room

2012-01-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

I've conquered the junk room. Now, I need to conquer the junk that was displaced to all the other rooms.

A Kind of Renovation

2012-01-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things have to be taken apart just to be put back together.

3 a.m. to 5 a.m.

2012-01-24T22:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Brain,

Unless it is Black Friday, we do not want to be awake during these hours. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
The Rest of Your Body

Miracle Seeking

2012-01-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

To the Unknown & Unnamed Saints
of Homemaking, Housecleaning and Organization,
Please pray for me.
Amen.

Thank You, Niners

2012-01-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

I only know a few things about football. I listed them all to John today. It didn't take long.
Despite this, the 49ers have always been my team (because they've always been my dad's team).
My favorite thing about this season was the reminder of how important it is to have the right coach. That's one of those lessons that applies both on and off the field.

Mutual Admiration

2012-01-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

You know how parents like to brag about their kids. Kids like to brag about their parents, too. Usually when they are not listening.

Clean Eats

2012-01-20T22:44:00.000-08:00

I know I'm eating more organic. I found dirt in my fridge.

Sick, Again

2012-01-19T21:47:00.000-08:00

Dear 2012,
I'm determined to love you. But this is the third time in less than three weeks that I've been sick. The insanity must stop. Health is one of my resolutions, for crying out loud.
xoxo!
Christina

Toxic Chemicals

2012-01-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

Umm, so I need a plastic bubble. One big enough for me and everyone I love. Wait, not plastic. Plastic is bad. Glass. We need a glass bubble. Something nice and cozy and safe from our current air, water, food and cosmetic supply.

Green Smoothie Recipes

2012-01-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

I don't yet have a juicer, but I've been putting my blender to good work.

Basic Green Smoothie:
1 cup water
1 cup spinach or kale
1 cup frozen berries
1 banana
Ice, if desired

Slightly Greener Green Smoothie:
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups spinach or kale
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup frozen berries
1 banana
1 tablespoon almond meal
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Ice, if desired

For a tart taste, add lemon juice.

PS: John says for a sweeter taste, add sugar. But you don't want to do that.

Honoring King

2012-01-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Closets ...

2012-01-15T23:22:00.000-08:00

... are like clown cars. Small and packed with scary stuff.

Transformation

2012-01-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

I wonder if the caterpillar (while busy making its cocoon) ever thinks, "This is never going to work."

Bumper Sticker Wisdom

2012-01-13T22:31:00.000-08:00

Love > Fear

Forward Motion

2012-01-12T22:29:00.000-08:00

The trick to moving forward is ... to keep trying.
(I had to think about that one.)

Sleep 2.0

2012-01-11T21:52:00.000-08:00

My body requires sleep. I would like to upgrade to a version that doesn't.

Seeking

2012-01-10T23:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes people surprise me.
Tonight at a committee meeting (the church kind that begin with Gospel reflections), the question was, "If Jesus were to ask you what you are looking for, what would your answer be?"
My mind was a blank. The word peace popped in my head, but so did the word answers.
The woman next to me said, "Forgiveness and salvation."
The woman next to her replied, "Wholeness and holiness."
If they weren't so utterly sincere, their smarty-pants responses might have been annoying.
But they weren't. They were beautiful and honest and a reminder of what this life is about.

Juiced

2012-01-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I was the last person on earth to watch, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. But I'm so glad I did. Now I feel like eating kale and buying a juicer.

PS: Which juicer should I buy?

Monday Blues

2012-01-08T22:53:00.000-08:00

I don't think it's fair to have two 3-day weekends in a row and not make it a weekly tradition.

Sliding Doors

2012-01-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

The 1998 Gwyneth Paltrow movie was referenced three times this week. Random, right?

The Last Feast of Christmas

2012-01-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated La Befana.

You remember. She was the old lady who turned down the wise men's invitation to follow the star to the Christ Child. She wanted to clean her house instead. But she regretted her choice. She left her home in search of the wise men and the Child, but never found them. So instead, she gives gifts to all children on January 6th, the same date the wise men gave gifts to Jesus.

In other words, it's the solemnity of the Epiphany, which means food and wine and dessert and gifts and paper crowns. It's a good time.

Just Ask

2012-01-05T22:11:00.000-08:00

I keep thinking about my friends' son, Ben.
He's 5, and so smart.
Instead of requesting a specific toy, he asked Santa to bring him the Best Stuff.
I'm pretty sure this is why Jesus tells us to be childlike --- so we will ask God for his Best Stuff and trust he is going to deliver.

Wish List

2012-01-04T21:52:00.000-08:00

I started to write a wish list today. Not a must-do resolution list or a far-reaching Mondo Beyondo list. Just a simple wish list with as many specifics as I can dream up. You know, for when I go 'shopping' for my heart's desires.

The Long Holiday

2012-01-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, it's Christmas until Friday. Which means any New Year's resolutions that require exercising or avoiding sweets are on hold until Monday. Pretty fabulous, huh?

Rough Start

2012-01-02T22:15:00.000-08:00

I won't hold this against 2012, but I spent the second day of the year sick with a sore throat.

Hello, 2012!

2012-01-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

I am so happy you are here. I have a plan for us. It's going to be a magical year.

Ways I Was Brave

2011-12-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to be brave in 2011, and I was.

Maybe not as brave as I could have been or should have been. But I was braver than I would have been if I wasn't trying.

My braveness included writing for Tired & Stuck, witnessing the birth of Eden Grace, undergoing surgery, going to BlogHer and giving a presentation to 9 whole people at church. There were other things, too.

I'm not going to miss 2011. It was the year everyone I knew needed a miracle. We survived, and it took courage to do so.

2011

2011-12-30T23:51:00.000-08:00

You were nothing, if not surprising.

Year End

2011-12-29T22:56:00.000-08:00

"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places." ~ Ernest Hemingway

I don't read as much as I should, so beautiful quotes like these come to me from movies. Hemingway's words were highlighted in "Bottle Shock." (PS: Santa brought me Netflix. Yeah!)

Anyway, in whichever way 2011 broke us, we can thank it for making us stronger.

Obsessions

2011-12-28T22:45:00.000-08:00

I'm currently in love with the New Year. It's a new love, so everything is perfect. Surely, it won't be as flawless as I imagine. But right now, I'm obsessed with the idea of 2012.

Resolutions

2011-12-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

On Christmas day, I wrote out a plan for December 2012. I want to be better at all this holiday hoopla. You know, tree decorating and Christmas card mailing. Neither of which were accomplished this year. It was surprisingly easy to schedule exactly what needs to be accomplished on each weekend of December 2012. I hope I don't lose the piece of paper with my master plan. Now, I just need to focus on January through November.

Recovery

2011-12-26T22:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas aftermath is rough. I took a 2 1/2 hour nap and woke up tired. My right eyelid has been twitching since last week, which the Internet said is likely due to too much caffeine and not enough sleep. Have I mentioned the whole world should take the week between Christmas and New Year's off?

Day One

2011-12-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas isn't over. We have 12 days to savor the magic.

Come, Let Us Adore Him

2011-12-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

"The angel said to them,
'Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger.'"
~ Luke 2: 10-12

Very Merry

2011-12-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

As far as I'm concerned, the next few days (starting with today) are actually one long day with little sleep, lots of food and a ton to do. It's a blur of merry madness.

Still Advent

2011-12-22T22:46:00.000-08:00

Advent, I almost forgot about you. I almost forgot how beautiful you are. In the two days we have left, I will try to remember.

Christmas Cheer

2011-12-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

The whole world is drunk on caffeine and anticipation. Or maybe it's just me.

Holiday Brunch

2011-12-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

So, what should John and I eat for breakfast on Christmas morning? Yes, I really need your opinion. I want an easy, delicious menu. One that can be made mostly ahead of time and is meant for two. (I don't want leftovers.) It has to be protein packed otherwise my darling husband will be cranky. I, on the other hand, can practically live on bread alone.
PS: Mimosas are a must.

Santa & Siri

2011-12-19T22:35:00.000-08:00

I have not been pleased with the Santa advertisements this season. Several big brands seemed to think it would be a good idea to compete with Santa (in a naughty, mean-spirited way). As if anyone could out do Santa. Are these marketers unhinged? Anyway, I was relieved to see that Apple is clearly on Santa's nice list.

Time Out

2011-12-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

I am perfectly OK with 2011 ending, but I wish we could put a hold on 2012 beginning.

Decorations

2011-12-17T22:56:00.000-08:00

So I decided to put up a few Christmas decorations. I do this so hesitantly because once they go up, I know there's a good chance they won't come down until Easter. But I have to say, I do love how a little Christmas cheer makes a home sparkle.

Shopping

2011-12-16T23:26:00.000-08:00

Click, Click, Click is the sound of Check, Check, Check off the to-do list.

10 Years Ago Today ...

2011-12-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

My life changed forever in the most amazing way when I met my husband. Yeah for us!

Give Big or Small

2011-12-14T21:50:00.000-08:00

Just a friendly, no-pressure reminder that there are lots of great ways to make a great difference for a lot of great people who could use a helping hand this holiday season. It's easy and fun and any donation (big or small) is greatly appreciated.

A few of my personal favorites:
Sacred Heart Community Service
Family Giving Tree
Siena House Maternity Home

How to Be Happy & Brave

2011-12-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

I love lists. So, I loved when Erin emailed me the 12 Things Happy People Do Differently. Here is the CliffsNotes version:

Express gratitude.
Cultivate optimism.
Avoid over-thinking and social comparison.
Practice acts of kindness.
Nurture social relationships.
Develop strategies for coping.
Learn to forgive.
Increase flow experiences. (Flow is when you’re so focused on what you’re doing that you become one with the task.)
Savor life’s joys.
Commit to your goals.
Practice spirituality.
Take care of your body.

In addition, Seth's Blog also featured a list of sorts today:

Insulate yourself ...

from anonymous angry people
Expose yourself to art you don't yet understand
Precisely measure the results that are important to you
Stay blind to the metrics that don't matter
Fail often
Ship
Lead, don't manage so much
Seek out uncomfortable situations
Make an impact on the people who matter to you
Be better at your baseline skills than anyone else
Copyedit less, invent more
Give more speeches
Ignore unsolicited advice

I think both are so smart. I'll be revisiting these as I dream up my resolutions for 2012.

Soup's On

2011-12-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

What I need to do is start using recipes when I cook. I don't know why I think I can wing it. Tonight I made a vegetable soup and decided to replace broth with wine (we had an open bottle that needed to be used). It wasn't an altogether terrible idea, but the result was not as brilliant as I had hoped.

Fa La La La La, La La La La

2011-12-11T22:21:00.001-08:00

The tradition I grew up with was decorate for Christmas at the last minute. Which is a lot better than what I did last year ~ not decorate at all. With 13 days left, I'm curious if any of my halls are going to get decked. I'll keep you posted.

Countdown

2011-12-10T22:48:00.001-08:00

Two weeks to Christmas. Let the swearing begin.
(Obviously, said swearing has nothing to do with the celebration of the birth of Christ and everything to do with a long list of gift buying yet to be done. Don't even talk to me about decorating.)

Advent

2011-12-09T22:40:00.001-08:00

We are all waiting, all the time, and not just in the days before Christmas. But we get busy and distracted and forget that this whole life is one giant waiting room for eternity.

Best Gifts

2011-12-08T22:12:00.001-08:00

I went to a white elephant office party today and scored a tiny three-cup French coffee press (with Peet's coffee, peppermint bark and a cute little measuring spoon). Yeah for me!
The gift I brought was just OK ~ a nice bottle of wine and a 6-pack of Toblerone chocolate bars.
It was something I would be happy to take home myself.
Nothing wrong with it, but nothing creative about it either. Chocolate and wine ~ a perfectly safe gift.
The thing is life has too few white elephant party's to always play it safe.

Wish List

2011-12-07T22:40:00.001-08:00

It's Erin's fault. She wrote about Asian Chicken Noodle Soup and introduced me to Eat Live Run. So I looked around and found this post. Now I want Philosophy Birthday Cake Lip Shine and a pair of Frye boots.
Lord, help me.

Traditions

2011-12-06T22:13:00.001-08:00

I'm coming to realize I have a very specific December tradition: Panic.
It's not Christmas or the weather (which remains beautiful year round in Northern California).
It's the crashing halt of one year and inevitable start of another that truly unnerves me.

Create Something

2011-12-05T22:00:00.001-08:00

The whole difference between construction and creation is this; that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists. ~ Charles Dickens

Strangers with Pie

2011-12-04T21:50:00.001-08:00

We went to dinner at grandpa's new place. He is adjusting. It's not easy to be in a new place when you were in the old place for 52 years. But he has a great attitude.
Anyway, after dinner, we walked around, and we met a guy with some pie.
Like this old man had a quarter of a pie on a paper plate and was just walking around the complex.
"Wow. What kind of dessert do you have there?" my dad asks.
Stranger replies, "Berry pie. Sugar-free berry pie I made with Splenda. I was going to bring it to so-and-so, but they weren't home. So, I'm going to give it away to the first person I find who wants it."
"Done!" my dad says as he stretches out his arm and takes the pie from a stranger.
"I had no choice," he explains to me and my mom. "The man was giving away pie."

Giving Thanks

2011-12-03T22:27:00.001-08:00

The priest's advice: When you have trouble being grateful, start with giving thanks for your five senses.

Soulful Books ~ Recommendations Requested

2011-12-02T22:11:00.001-08:00

I am not an avid reader. I wish I was. But when I love a book, I read it (or at least parts of it) again and again. I underline my favorite sentences with colored pencils. And the words become a part of my soul. I haven't read a book like that in a long time, and I need one. So, please, which is your favorite?

Klutzy & Clumsy

2011-12-01T23:04:00.001-08:00

My co-worker gave me a new nickname this week: Stumbling Stubler.

A Long Time Ago

2011-11-30T22:33:00.001-08:00

A long time ago, I was a reporter. I would talk to strangers and tell their stories.
Reporters rarely come to your door when something good has happened, so most of the time, these were tales of utter heartbreak.
I cannot believe how many strangers let me stand with them and ask them questions during the worst hours of their life. I always felt honored and thankful when someone was willing to share their story with me.
The only reason I bring this up now is to say I remember them. I remember flashes of our conversation --- sitting on their couch, standing in their hallway, admiring a handmade piece of artwork that hung on the wall.
It's an odd collection of memories.
I hope all these years and days later peace has come upon these people and they have happiness in their life.

Like A Dorm, But Different

2011-11-29T22:23:00.001-08:00

My grandpa (all on his own) found an apartment in a retirement community. He is really excited about it. Tonight my parents took a tour and met a few of the residents, including an 87-year-old with a treadmill in her room. She told my folks that her kids insisted she move into the retirement community 6 years ago when her daughter and son-in-law caught her on her roof cleaning out the gutters. I think grandpa is going to have fun.

Lucky Table

2011-11-28T22:42:00.001-08:00

The only reason we ever went to Bingo was to make my grandma happy. She loved bingo. Of course, we always had fun and sometimes we even won money. But one of my cousins, the youngest who lives out of state, was never old enough to join us. We'd try to sneak her in, but a 16-year-old really stands out in a bingo hall. Finally, finally, tonight, Lindsey got her chance to play bingo. She didn't win. But my grandpa, uncle and cousin's boyfriend all walked away with cash in hand.

Traditions

2011-11-23T22:31:00.001-08:00

Wednesday = Cooking
Thursday = Eating
Friday = Shopping

Procrastinators Anonymous

2011-11-22T22:34:00.001-08:00

Annual meeting Wednesday night at the grocery store.

It's Here

2011-11-21T22:02:00.001-08:00

Postpone or power through? Every deadline I come across creates this quandary, even the ones that absolutely can't be moved ~ like this week's Thanksgiving + Black Friday duo.

Where Laughter Lives

2011-11-20T21:32:00.001-08:00

I don't remember the last time I got to sit across from Sheila's beautiful face. Today, we spent four hours sitting at her mom's kitchen table talking and laughing. It's a scene we have repeated countless times. For this reason, the kitchen table is my favorite place in her parents' home. Actually, it's my favorite place in most homes.

Beautiful Day

2011-11-19T22:00:00.001-08:00

Sweet Eden Grace, the miracle baby, was baptized today. It was glorious, and it felt like a miracle upon a miracle. A beautiful baby, a beautiful sacrament. Our hearts rejoiced.

Prizes

2011-11-18T22:52:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I entered a raffle, and today I found out I won a diet book.

Shop With Purpose

2011-11-17T22:13:00.001-08:00

This is my wish: That everyone brave enough to shop on Black Friday will be generous enough to buy one present, just one, for someone in need.

Cats

2011-11-16T21:01:00.001-08:00

John sent me this text today: "Laughing hysterically at Erin's cat hair finger post." On the off chance that you'd like to laugh, too, go here.

You'll learn why cat people have a reputation for being bizarre.

Currently ...

2011-11-15T23:06:00.001-08:00

There is an empty dresser blocking the doorway to a room I like to call the lost cause. I wish I was making this up.

Christmas is Coming

2011-11-14T21:52:00.001-08:00

My chest feels tight with anxiety, and I'm having trouble sleeping. This is how I know the holidays are roaring down the tracks. Seems like the opposite effect anticipating Advent should have.

Mondays

2011-11-13T22:44:00.001-08:00

Not many compliments can be paid to the dreaded first day of the week, except this: Mondays are made for clean slates, starting over, trying again. God bless them.

Fizzless

2011-11-12T23:34:00.001-08:00

We don't often drink soda, but for some reason we've had two bottles of coke in our refrigerator forever. I'm not even sure where they came from. But today, I decided to drink one. I later realized it expired November 2, 2009. Turns out, you can drink expired soda although it does taste a little flat.

Welcome Home

2011-11-11T21:24:00.001-08:00

My parents are international super stars. They've been touring Italy since Halloween. Which as a Catholic means visiting lots of churches, seeing the heads and fingers of saints and saying hello to the Pope. They may miss Italy, and Italy may miss them. But now they are home. Where they belong.

X Factor

2011-11-10T21:54:00.001-08:00

I don't watch this show, but I saw these two videos today and loved them. The first made me smile, the second made me cry.

Pin Pricks

2011-11-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

Half my back lit up like a Christmas tree after being pricked with more than 70 allergens. The doctor recommended I don't start my own lawn mowing business since I'm allergic to practically every grass, several trees and multiple weeds.

Problem Solving

2011-11-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

The Rubik's cube is still torturing me. That is all.

Bedtime

2011-11-07T23:32:00.000-08:00

I need to go to bed earlier. Which means I really need to spend less time staring into space.

Time

2011-11-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

If we are going to take the time to change our clocks, I don't know why we limit ourselves to one hour. I say, we give ourselves two extra weeks, clean all our closets and catch up on chores. Imagine, everyone would feel super prepared and relaxed for the holidays.

New Things

2011-11-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

When did you last try something new?

The Last Romance

2011-11-04T23:09:00.000-07:00

Every time I go to the theater, I think, "Why don't we do this more?" And then I remember. Every play is sad. Even the ones that are supposed to be happy are sad.
Tonight, we saw "The Last Romance."
My mom gave us the tickets, and before accepting, I asked, "Does it have a happy ending?"
"Yes, I believe it does."
When we arrived at the San Jose Rep, the cheerful lady at the door said the show is, "Great. Light and fluffy."
It was great, but I'm convinced theater people have a warped definition of happily ever after.

Finally Fall

2011-11-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

The sky was filled with leaves, but they were all falling up. Whirling up and away with the wind. It was amazing.

Rubik's

2011-11-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today I was given a Rubik's cube. It was perfect. In less than 10 seconds, I totally screwed it up. Some people have a mind for this six-sided puzzle, but I do not. Instantly the thing reminded me of life. Simple, but complicated with many sides to solve.

All Saints

2011-11-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

In this life, we are the runners and the cheerleaders. There's no time for sitting on the sidelines if we want to finish the race as saints.

Little Monsters

2011-10-31T23:02:00.000-07:00

Rapunzel, Superman, Batman, the kitty cat, monkey and owl ~ every one of the 10 little kids in our gang was super excited to hit the streets. But at the first house, I don't even think they said, "trick or treat." Not that our group was unfriendly. My godson walked right inside as soon as the woman opened the door. Small children must not realize this is a stay-on-the-neighbor's-front-porch kind of activity.

Trip Planning

2011-10-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

When do you pack for a trip? In my family, no sooner than the last minute.

We Will Never Forget

2011-10-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

My mom and I saw the flowers at the park this morning. Instantly, we knew it had been 10 years.
Ten years since a young San Jose police officer was senselessly shot and killed in the line of duty.
Jeffrey Fontane was patrolling less than a mile from my parents' home when his life was cut all too short.
He was only 24.
Ten years later I still can't believe something so terrible happened so close to home.
I'm not sure it's of any comfort, but I hope his parents and family know we will never forget.

Office Space

2011-10-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

It says a lot about a work week when even Mr. Stapler collapses across the strewn papers covering your desk.

Blank

2011-10-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

If I could post a blank screen, I would. I'm not being lazy. It would be an accurate representation of my brain.

Three Things

2011-10-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

1. Enter quick. Erin has a fabulous Paper Culture giveaway going on at Musings of a Madwoman. Deadline is midnight Thursday. Go now.
2. In case you haven't noticed, Sheila has been writing some great stuff over here.
3. A very low-key, not much going on update is up at Tired & Stuck.

Potty Mouth

2011-10-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a dream that I kept accidentally swearing in front of my friends' children. And in my dream, my friend's husband mildly scolded me for my potty mouth.
Of all the crazy, bizarre things I dream, this one seems like something that could actually happen.

Good Medicine

2011-10-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

True friends are the cure for ugly-fat days.

New Lineup

2011-10-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

More Sundays, less Mondays. Who's with me?

Clearing Out

2011-10-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

I'm realizing my closet is the place I most closely hold on to the past. I own items I adore but haven't worn in years. This goes against my desire to be more minimalist, less clutterist. I want my closet to be home to only those items that are beautiful and useful. If I don't wear it, it shouldn't take up space in my life. (I've made an exception for my wedding dress.)

Painting Project

2011-10-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

The only thing I've ever painted was a second-hand desk.
The desk was huge and brown (fake wood). I wanted to make it pretty, so I painted it pink.
John and I were dating at the time, and he helped.
It was a disaster. John and I argued, and the desk was ugly.
Anyway, that was like 9 years ago and I haven't painted since.
All this to say, I see a painting project on the horizon and I'm hoping to harness some Picasso-like inspiration.

History in the Making

2011-10-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm toying with the idea of becoming a revisionist. I plan to rewrite anything difficult in my life as, "We had a lot of fun."

Habits

2011-10-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

Are you ever tempted to skip brushing your teeth before bed? That's how I feel right now. I just don't want to brush my teeth, but I know I will. I know I will not let my head hit the pillow without scrubbing my pearly whites. It's one of the few things I absolutely know I will get done every day no matter how many things are on my to-do list. Now if I could just apply that same habitual dedication to a few other areas, I think I'd have the key to success.

Loose Ends

2011-10-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

I'm living in a chaos caused by an unending list of incomplete projects.
It's a lot of fun.