Octolilly

Up: I’ve read seven books so far this year!

Down: Flickr 365 is already something I dread a bit each day. It feels a bit narcissistic and I’m having camera envy and I haven’t reached the place where I think wow, what a fun project. I hope I get there soon.

Up: Project Get Healthy is going well. One week down. 51 more to go.

Down: Drew has been exceptionally difficult for the past few days. Like, I-want-to-hide-in-a-closet-difficult.

Up: Thankfully, he still manages to turn the charm on for when we meet friends for dinner or open the door to packages from the UPS guy.

Up: It snowed for the longest time yesterday. Thick, beautiful flakes. I know that snow will be a four letter word by the middle of February (it just becomes piles of nasty muck around here) but I’m still a southern girl who still gets a tiny high from it all.

Down: The pain in my jaw is becoming more severe. Headaches, ear-aches, and a clicking sound all make me think I have TMJ. Sigh.

Up: Going to bed at 8:30pm. This probably means I’m getting old but if I can have at least ONE of these evenings each week, I feel like I can climb a mountain.

Down: Our car has been in the garage all week. It should be healed today. I hope.

Up: I’ve had my nose in a book all week. All week! That’s very rare. There’s been no skimming nonsense because it’s just SO GOOD.

Down: People who piously shun social networks because it doesn’t feel like “real” friendship and then turn into complete jerks when hanging out in “real life.”

Up: I’ve been working on The Christmas Lists this week. Shopping blogs, catalogues, pinterest, and lots of drooling. I know some people who just hate this time of year because the hustle and bustle can get out of hand but I LOVE IT. And I can honestly say the best part is just planning and creating gifts for the people I love.

Down: Drew wants a pet. He keeps making suggestions and our eyes just get wider. A dog? But, but, dogs jump around. You never know where they are going to land or what they are going to do. And cats? I’m allergic. A FROG? Seriously? How about a fish? “Can I play with it in my bath each night?” Maybe not a fish. How about Sims 3 Pets? Or we could just look at other people’s pets!

Up: The Ann Arbor 2011 Holiday Event Planner & Guide! I love that Drew is at the age where he absolutely comprehends everything going on around him. He understands the holidays and gets excited about it all even if he has to hide behind me while being excited (i.e. trick or treating). I hope we do a lot of fun things over the next two months. I love making memories.

Down: I’m still having nightmares about driving. Weirdly, it gets worse when I’m eating healthy and losing weight. And if I actually have to drive anywhere, ugh. Panic attacks unless it’s a few minutes from where we live. I’m starting to self sabotage my plans for eating well. Having nightmares? No problem! Eat more ice cream!

Up: Only 12 days until we leave for Thanksgiving in Baltimore! We’re going to spend the holiday with The Bergey’s. Tim & Dani, Steve & Cassidy, and Ben (who has been away at college) will all be there too. I haven’t seen everyone in over a year or maybe longer.

Down: I smashed my wrist against the door frame a couple of months ago and it appears that I now have a cyst where the deep bruise was. I guess this means I need to make an appointment with my doctor and bring in my list of ailments. Good grief I sound old.

Up: Once Upon a Time, Snow White & The Huntsman, Merlin, and Game of Thrones have all sent me flailing deliciously back into World of Warcraft. The fantasy, fairy-tales, and beauty of it all. Ahh, the long winter nights ahead will be filled with such dreaminess. Hot chocolate and gaming!

Down: My hair is driving me crazy. I started shouting out ideas the other evening. “Dreadlocks! Zooey Deschanel bangs! Blue!” I need a change and if I don’t get one soon I’m going to start hacking away with scissors. And we really don’t want that to happen.

Another Down: The Frustrated Neighbor downstairs. He apparently doesn’t have kids or understand that apartment-dwelling isn’t perfect. I’m constantly making sure Drew isn’t running or thumping but sometimes noise happens and I can’t prevent it. The other evening we came into the apartment and Drew had a FIT within seconds. He stomped four very loud, hard, and stern thumps across the floor to the couch and IMMEDIATELY there was Ceiling Thumping from the Grumpster downstairs. It was as though our neighbor was waiting with a cane or something. Drew, of course, flailed and started asking if the police were going to take him to jail. It’s happened a few other times too and I even tried going downstairs to talk to him. I was going to apologize for the noise and explain that I can’t always stop it before it happens but that we try very carefully to be quiet neighbors. But the dork wouldn’t open the door.

Sort of Down: Drew has crossed the magic 40 lb mark. This is a “down” because whoa – kids grow so fast. This also means researching which booster seat is best.

Up: IT’S THE WEEKEND.

Up: We purchased two new lamps for the living room. I’ve been meaning to get back to Ikea for awhile but we finally made it happen this past weekend.

Up: My game repertoire is growing! I’m becoming well-versed in Settlers of Catan, Nertz, Bullshit, and Pinochle.

Down: Drew has a bad habit of using his head as a battering ram. He “accidentally” slammed his head into the bridge of my nose a few days ago and I’m still suffering with severe pain. I suppose the cartilage is bruised? It is still a bit swollen but thankfully, it’s not broken.

Up: I met a new friend who lives in the same complex as we all do!

Down: Two things I ordered from Amazon are lost. Or someone stole them. Unfortunately, I hadn’t changed my address on the site when I placed the order so they went to my old apartment. But the packages haven’t turned up at all. Thankfully, Amazon will replace them in a few days if they still don’t turn up. Even though it’s sort of my fault in the first place.

Up: An old friend, Jason Wall, visited with us over lunch on Sunday while he was driving through Michigan. I hadn’t seen him since Thanksgiving in Baltimore so that was especially nice.

Up: We’ve started watching Downton Abbey (it’s on Netflix streaming). I must admit that I hadn’t heard of the show until I read a bit of celebrity gossip and saw that William and Kate are big fans of the show. My curiosity was piqued and we watched the first episode. I’m a sucker for most British shows but this show is just fabulous. Maggie Smith (she plays Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series) and Penelope Wilton (she plays Harriest Jones, MP in Doctor Who) surprised me by being in the cast.

Up: We’ve had the pianos and guitar put away for about two years (neither of us were able to play without emotional angst) and now Ken is here with all of his guitars and the guys are talking about composing and collaboration and it’s really nice to close my eyes and hear music flooding through the apartment.

Down: I have to take Drew to a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. He’s getting a few immunization shots, a wellness visit, and hopefully something to clear up a frustrating case of eczema he’s been dealing with since we moved here (we’re slightly concerned it stems from something in the new carpet but we aren’t sure). Drew doesn’t remember getting shots before so I’m anxious to see how that plays out. He’s been carrying his doctor toys around all day and we’ve taken turns giving each other shots, taking temperatures, and all-around-doctorish-things. It’s really cute when Drew dashes up to me and shouts “HOW OLD ARE YOU? HOW ARE YOU FEELING? MY NAME IS DOCTOR DREW AND I NEED TO GIVE YOU A SHOT AND CHECK YOUR BLOOD.”

Up: Annie & Helen got married in Boston today. My heart felt so full and I’ll admit to becoming teary-eyed when she posted the news to FB.

Up: We’re contemplating a family membership at the YMCA in Ann Arbor. It’s really close to Barracuda so I could drop Daniel at work each morning, let Drew frolic in their excellent child care, and go work out. But that means I need to stop baking cookies and work a little harder than just my daily walking. So. We’ll see.

Up: I saw a thread today on Reddit about favorite documentaries. Someone mentioned Dear Zachary and I remembered that my friend Jeff had told me some time back that I HAD to see it. So, I watched it. And yes, it was absolutely amazing. One of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. It’s on Netflix streaming. Go watch it!

Down: However, I cried like a baby while watching Dear Zachary. Not only was it one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen, it also felt hauntingly painful. I felt such anger when it was over. And I felt such awe for Andrew’s parents. But like I just said, go watch it! Right now! Please don’t look it up online first. You can find spoilers very easily and I want you to see it without any knowledge of the story.

Up: Drew is figuring out how to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star all by himself on the piano! He’s been very firm about DOING IT HIMSELF. Adorable.

Up: Wildberry Tea. My new love. I discovered it at Wendy’s but I am thinking about mixing some up at home.

Up: Daniel’s dad and sister came to visit yesterday. They brought us a beautiful and very comfy recliner to add to our collection of furniture that is rather large for a couple who has only been married for 3 years. We were also treated to a meal at Cracker Barrel. And of course, we went by Tractor Supply. And the park. And saw ducks going at it. At a CHILDREN’S PARK. ;)

Down: Drew had so much fun with Harry & Sarah that after breakfast this morning we had a LONG talk about where on earth is Sarah and why can’t we get in Granddaddy’s truck? He made a large frownie face.

Up: I’m really glad that he is remembering our family members and even what group they belong in. When we talk about Grammy he always asks about Poppy and when we talk about Grandmommy he always talks about Granddaddy, Nana, Grandpa, and the rest of the family. Even the dog.

Down: I’m feeling sick this morning. I don’t know if it is a stomach bug or, embarrassingly, the amount of ice cream I ate last night while watching Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story. Or maybe I have some sort of tapeworm that’s about to explode. You know, because that’s common. I tossed and turned all night long and woke up sweating around 2am and pretty much had a fit where I couldn’t find my glasses and was crawling on the bedroom floor fussing and slapping the carpet and whining and moaning and poor Daniel just raised up on one elbow and looked at me like oh my word what did I marry and why is she crawling on the floor? I seriously don’t know why I was other than I was frustrated that I couldn’t find my glasses and had assumed that they were somewhere on the floor and by God I was going to find them. No matter that I was half asleep, blind, and currently in no NEED of my glasses since it was the middle of the night and I just needed to sleep.

Up: We are going to be traveling and having folks travel to us a LOT in March & April. We are heading back to Baltimore in two weeks (Sarah, I hope we can hook up around that time, I need to email you!) and then the Bergey’s are headed back up here at the end of March for a family reunion in Mechanicsburg. Then, we are leaving to go to South Carolina on April 4 and coming back here on April 13. I hope I’ll get to see Kerry’s new baby then and it will be SO wiggly to see our family. Then when we get back, Jason will be visiting for a week. Also, Shannon is coming to visit soon – not sure if it will be April or May. ;)

Down: All of that feels really stressful when I think about it for too long. But at the same time, I desperately need my daily life to be shaken up a bit (not in a bad way, mind you) and having more people to interact with can only improve things.

Up: I’m planning on sending a few postcards to PostSecret for Frank’s new book: Confessions on Life, Death & God.

Down: Reading Portraits of an Economy has had me weeping this week. Our finances are still really tight and I’d been feeling really overwhelmed about it all until I found this site. It wasn’t exactly encouragement but it was just a reminder that we aren’t alone. There are SO MANY people all over America right now who are either falling apart financially or on the brink. If you have it good right now, count your sweet blessings. And let’s all start learning how to plant vegetables, cut coupons, and create our own Friday night fun.

And on the subject of tightening belts and eating cheaply, this past month was the first time I’d ever seen/discovered what frozen juice concentrate is. Ohmyword it’s so wiggly. I’ve been making orange juice like crazy and after reading how fresh orange juice might not actually be so fresh, I don’t feel like we are missing out on much at all.

Up: I created a new character in WoW. Faerlanna was annoying me with her weird name and I felt like I was stumbling around still learning a lot and wanted a brand new start. So, ta da, I created Arnatuilë. She’s at level 21 and going strong. That is, when I find the time. I haven’t played for a few days now because there has actually been other things I’ve wanted/needed to do. Fancy that.

Down: I’m late on Drew’s Month 23 newsletter. I have a little text edit document filled with the bits and pieces of this month but I just haven’t sat down to write it. Also, I didn’t have a working camera for most of the month so I didn’t take that many pictures. The situation has been remedied so expect pictures soon. And also, expect an awesome letter. Drew has changed SO MUCH this month. I still can’t believe how fast he’s growing up. Maybe I’ll have it up soon.

Up: I think the rest of the country must have felt this too from all the tweets I saw, but we had AMAZING weather this weekend. And, still are. I am longing for Spring so badly. I’ve never been a fan of Spring (I love Autumn in her delicious blustery leaf-blowing goodness) but this year, I’m craving it.

Up: We are heading to Maryland in two hours to celebrate Christmas, New Years, and Sarah’s birthday (happy teenagedom!) with Daniel’s family.

Down: I’m not looking forward to dealing with a sickly toddler whose wants and needs change drastically from minute to minute.

Up: At least it’s only a two hour drive! And we have new Christmas toys for entertainment!

Down: Some of them are noisy. And I bet Daniel is going to looooove that. Since he is driving.

Up: Our friend Wilma is coming along for the trip. And tonight, at the Bergey’s, there will be TWENTY ONE people there for dinner. Our friends Eric & Stacy (and their kidlets) are coming as well.

Down: Several of the folks at dinner tonight are or have been sickly. What a germ-swapping fun time it’s going to be. ;) EVERYONE WEAR GLOVES.

Up: I heard some Oh My Word life-altering news yesterday of something that might happen. And might happen soon. I wish I could talk about it on here. Not yet. But soon. 2009 is already throwing caution to the wind.

Up: We made $130 at the yard-sale on Saturday.

Down: But I still have a ton of children’s clothes leftover.

Up: I’ve been working on my novel for NaNoWriMo. I’ve unexpectedly fallen in love with the story.

Down: Of course, I haven’t written any of the actual story yet. Stop laughing. I’ve just written outlines, scene cards, and character sketches. I’m totally going High School Creative Writing course on this project.

Up: Our family in Baltimore are making an impromptu trip up to spend sometime with us this evening.

Down: This means I have to do some really-quick-straightening-from-the-yard-sale before they get here. In four hours.

Up: I *think* Daniel’s brother Tim and his girlfriend Dani are coming to spend the weekend with us.

Down: What they don’t know is that there are lots of leaves with their names written on them. Ha! No, seriously, I’ll make sure Drew helps some too. :-P

Up: The election is tomorrow. PLEASE GO VOTE.

Down: I have to admit, I’m a little nervous. I guess we all are, right? Hopefully we will all still be friends once this drama is over.

Up: We took the closet door off in Drew’s room and put up a curtain instead. He’s using the extra cozy area as a tiny playroom.

Down: But the roof is sloped inside the closet and I keep forgetting and slamming my head into the ceiling.

Up: Drew has learned to say “on” and “off” when talking about lights.

Down: Instead of saying “Mommy!” when I walk into his room in the mornings, he now says “ON!”

Up: The carbon monoxide detector we bought the other night still has a bright red ZERO on the screen.

Down: But there is still worry to wring my hands over because the furnace side of the chimney is almost blocked and when that actually DOES happen, well, that zero will start rising. Hopefully our landlord will have some ideas soon.

Up: Daniel introduced me to the world of cheese and pickle sandwiches.

Down: It’s hard to resist these. I’m now on pickle jar #2.