Posts Tagged With: books

grateful for a brain reset

This summer felt weird.
Almost like it didn’t really start until we came home from Thing 2’s at the end of June.
Then I blinked and July ended.
Now it’s all gearing up to get ready to go back to school.

I find myself searching for something just out of reach…
Perhaps I’ll focus on what was worth celebrating.
Perhaps a little brain reset?

I’m looking at all things for which I am grateful.
What better brain reset could there possibly be?

This is what I’m grateful for in May:
four negative COVID tests
YBW being only a little bit sick
Amber (she does my hair)
Jessica being here
Nicole and Jon being here
Baby K finally meeting (and loving) Nicole
two of my three alternative health care providers
Essie Willow in the Wind

What I’m grateful for in June:
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (Dobby is a free elf)
celebrating at two graduation parties
Essie Aruba Blue
Baby K weekend
a day at Nats park with my darling nephew
an unexpected Holly day
finally being at home with Thing 2 and Boyfriend M
new ink
celebrating Josie at her surprise birthday party
one of my three alternative health care providers

What I’m grateful for in July:
celebrating twenty-five years of Thing 2
an extra long Baby K weekend
Democracy jeans
Six at the National and cocktails at Round Robin with Thing 1

dinner with Nora and Dale
Essie Spice it Up
a Bards Alley trip with Baby K in which she discovered kaleidoscopes
Thing 1 creating the perfect labels for my pantry containers with her Cricut
two of my three alternative health care providers

I’m chock full of gratitude this summer for:
being able to read so many books
fresh peaches
time on the roof terrace

a new grill
tequila
brewing some damn fine iced tea

Even though things are weighing heavily on my brain and heart, I’ve got so much to be grateful for!
I hope y’all’s summer has you chock full of gratitude too.

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April gratitude

As we move into May (my most favorite of all the months) I want to take a moment to look back on April and celebrate.

April was busy. Especially the week it shouldn’t have been.
But the good kind of busy.

I’m grateful for:

two of my three alternative healthcare providers
brunch and bellinis with Mike and Josie
Oscar Isaac (we’re watching Moon Knight or as I call it ‘the moon guy’)
Essie Geranium polish
Smithsonian museums
dinosaur bones
the Smartless podcast
my dad’s windchimes

my friendship with Thing 1
a clean home
Bards Alley Bookshop
YBW’s sense of humor
kick ass charcuterie boards
free oil changes
working just the right amount
talking to my brother on his birthday
skeeball and air hockey (I’m excellent at one mediocre at the other)
time with YBW’s brother and sister-in-law
sunny afternoons
roof terrace time (#porchlife much?)
books
Harp Lager
monogrammed rainboots
afternoons with friends
weekday bubbly with Holly
reading
a really great dermatologist
Natasha Lyonne (we watched the second season of Russian Doll)
snow in April (three times)
celebrating Baby K’s third birthday
being the hostess with the mostest (for YBW’s work fam)
calling it like I see it
Old Navy Super Cash (Baby K outgrew all her warm weather clothes)

Dear April,
Thanks!
(heart) Roby

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grateful for the sprinkled in good

This month got me like:

However…
I took some time to explore the good sprinkled within the madness and found myself feeling grateful.
So, I made a list.
I mean, of course I made a list…
Imma call it ‘Gratitude: get you some’ (or something like that)

With all sincerity I’m grateful for:

celebrating Thing 1’s birthday
freak snow storm
Baby K weekends (even when she doesn’t sleep and we switch to EDT)
being a helper (and earning money doing it)
the honor of knowing some seriously wonderful humans
peanut butter toast
black elderberry – echinacea – C vitamins – acetaminophen – ibuprofen – sudafed
vodka lemonade
warmer days
working well with YBW
Essie Bustling Bazaar polish
discovering The Bitter Southerner
being handy enough to patch and paint closet in preparation of new system installation (also grateful for upcoming closet porn but that’ll be it’s own post)
the group chat with Thing 1 and Thing 2
kick ass laundry machines
cleaning roof terrace and setting up rugs and furniture in anticipation of all the #porchlife
work schedule flexibility
air travel (Thing 2 arrives Thursday)
YBW’s nurturing and caregiving
driveway chalk playtime with Baby K
the ability to read
H2BAR box
orange juice (with calcium & vitamin D – no pulp)
AT&T offering FREE Samsung S22 devices (new phone who dis?)
Ryan Reynolds (we watched both Free Guy and The Adam Project this month)
Shuttle Art G-Line pens
my monogram hoodie

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fictional faves

I haven’t done a favorites list in quite some time and I realized I missed it.
So, I thought: what the hell, let’s do one.
This favorites list focuses on all things fictional. Any- and everything made up.
Buckle up for my fictional faves.

fictional place
The Wood between the Worlds
(The Magician’s Nephew, Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis)

fictional fam
The Dashwoods
(Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen)

fictional couple
Gomez and Morticia Addams
(The Addams Family – Charles Addams)

fictional animal
Appa
(Flying Bison from Avatar: The Last Airbender – Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko)

fictional character – male
Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce
(M*A*S*H – portrayed by Alan Alda in the television series)

fictional character – female
Pippi Longstocking
(Pippi Longstocking, et al. – Astrid Lindgren)

fictional villain
this one is a no-win tie between:
Iago
(Othello -William Shakespeare)
and
Maleficent
(Sleeping Beauty – Disney 1959 animated film)

fictional world
Neverland
(Peter Pan – J. M. Barrie)

fictional name
Ramona Geraldine Quimby
(‘Ramona Series’ – Beverly Cleary)

fictional duo
Margo and Eliot
(The Magicians – Lev Grossman)

AND
Sherlock and John
(BBC Sherlock)

AND
Jay and Silent Bob
(Clerks, Dogma, et al. – Kevin Smith)

Yeah, I know. There are three fave duos…
But I honestly couldn’t choose!

What are some of your fictional favorites?

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one step at a time

All the books are packed.
All the journals are packed.
Most of the decorative storage boxes of office supplies are packed.
Most of the photos and smaller wall art is packed.
YBW’s office is packed.
All the boxes are in the back bedroom.
(don’t yet have a box long enough for my sugar mold gel pen holder but one will appear, I’m sure of it)

The bookshelf, tall dresser, vanity table and bench came out of our bedroom and are currently in the middle bedroom awaiting a trip into storage.
The dresser in front of the window lives in that room, but will also go to storage.

My plan for the upstairs bedrooms is to leave only the beds for staging when the house is on the market. The exception is the room Baby K is in now, it’ll return to an office-type space with one of my three work tables and one small shelving unit.

In our bedroom, I’ve packed things and moved furniture to show off the space potential to prospective buyers.

On the bookshelf is my TBR, journals and my planner, other things I actually need, like pens and pencils and sharpies.
The Marylin Monroe doll obviously still needs to be packed, as well as my pomander.
Next to the bookshelf are boxes for Thing 2. The bottom two are music and media, the next one is comics and books. The one on top is a box I haven’t finished packing but wanted out of the way.

In our bedroom, all that needs to happen now is paint and new flooring. In the other upstairs bedrooms, just new flooring, as they’ve all been painted in the last year or two.

On the main living level, music and media is all done, and there is literally nothing on the walls. The back living room and YBW’s office are ready to go. A few pieces of furniture will got into storage. The front room (formal living room) needs to have one thing packed and then three pieces will go to storage.
I’ll start packing the dining room this week.
Once everything is packed, it’ll go to storage and we can paint.
Then flooring.

I was worried about time…will I have enough? Can I get everything done?
Y’all! I’m not trying to jinx myself or anything, but I’m kicking this process right in its ass!
Timing is currently going according to our plan…
I’m grateful that it doesn’t feel too chaotic. I’m grateful I feel like I’m in charge of the situation and it’s not eating me alive.
One step at a time, yo.
I’ve got this!

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portable magic is actually pretty heavy

I packed books the other day.
Thing 1 came to help.
In a matter of a couple of hours we managed to clear one of the two bookshelves.
I use both sides of these shelves, so we packed twelve boxes.

The books left on the other side are my TBRs I’m leaving them not only to have access to them for actual reading, but for staging when the time comes.

Stephen King said: Books are uniquely portable magic and I’m with him every step of the way. Though I find them less uniquely portable when they’re packed in heavy boxes.

When she woke from her nap, Baby K came to help.
Help is a fluid word when you’re a toddler.
I specifically built this box so she and her dolly (also called Birdie) could play in it.

Though that didn’t last long because she was much less helpful after she climbed out of the box. And we stopped packing all together when she discovered the drawer of highlighters.

I’m about to get after the rest of the other shelf, then I’ll pack all my journals.
I’ll move to the dining room next. The china cabinet and buffet won’t pack themselves. Then I can work on removing the rest of the art and photos from the walls.
We’ve got a plan to store some things going to the new house or to Thing 1’s (future) house to make it simpler for us when the painters come, and when the guys come to do the flooring. Then we’ll be minimally staged and ready when it comes time to put the house on the market.
One step at a time, y’all.

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Wednesday morning thoughts

We’re getting a break from construction for a few days.
Our bathroom is finished (and gorgeous) but the shower glass is taking longer to manufacture than expected. And while it would be convenient for the contractor to demo and start on the hall bathroom we have no place to shower if that happens.
So, they can’t demo until we have shower glass.
Which means we get a break from having people in the house. It’s easier for the dogs. It’s easier for the baby. (therefore easier for Thing 1 and Husband N) And let’s be honest, it’s easier for me too. I like to write in my bedroom and with the work going on, that’s simply not doable.
Waiting is a pain in the ass, but at least we can clean our asses, you know?

Thing 2 and Boyfriend M will be here in five weeks, everything will be finished by then, so I’m not going to worry about timing.
I’m going to enjoy less chaos in the house for a as long as I can.

YBW and I are going to the design center Friday. It’s the first meeting about the new house. Navy kitchen cabinets, here I come! We’ve been on their website ‘hearting’ what we like, and if I understand correctly, they’ve pulled everything we like and we’ll have the opportunity to lay hands on it. I’m especially curious to look at flooring. There are two different options I like, and being able to see them live will help make that decision.

I’m having a hard time with keeping track of the date.
I know what day of the week it is, but I’ve no clue as to the date. I was looking at the milk this morning, it has a sell by date of 10/4. I had to ask Thing 1 about today’s date because I realized I had no earthly idea.
I mean, I’m putting stuff in my phone calendar and writing it in my planner…you’d think I’d have some idea WTF day it is…is it just me, or is it covid life?

My TBR stack continues to grow.
Why do we purchase books at a faster rate than we read? (I say we to ease my conscience)
I’m reading a book called Rules for Being Dead.
So far, I like it.
Have any of y’all read this yet?
I just got Matt Haig’s new book and I’m excited to start it.

I miss being at school.
I haven’t been to school since February. And distance learning doesn’t really require subs so I’ll be waiting until we actually go back to school.

What makes missing school tolerable is spending time with Baby K.
That girl is something else!
I am so grateful to be an active part of her daily life.
My time teaching and learning with her is sacred. I know how lucky I am.

I’m going to wrap this up. I realize I’m just rambling at y’all and most likely, that’s not much fun to read.
I hope your Wednesday is lovely.
I’m going to go read now…

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September gratitude

Today is October first.
The official start of Halloween month!
But before I get all SQUEE about that, I’m going to express my gratitude.

September was straight chaos. But it was also quite lovely.
As I look back on this month I find myself grateful for both.

I’m also grateful for:

a porchlife lunch with Mike and Josie
Husband N’s willingness to transport a 16 foot ladder
a successful and fun flea market day with YBW, his brother and sister-in-law
meeting with the builder about electricals in the new house
stackable jewelry organizers
a tearful conversation with YBW

Target run with Thing 1 and Baby K (sassy thing chose her own new shades and bag)

finally getting to talk with Jessica
Husband N’s mad landscaping skills
cool Autumn mornings
Thing G seems content at his mom’s
winery day with Nora and Dale’s family
joyfully ‘hate watching’ the Twilight saga with Thing 1

bathroom construction progress

windows open for several days in a row
playing a game called Bye Felicia
making good use of my instant pot
two of my alternative healthcare providers
Saturday morning snuggles with YBW and Baby K
exercising my 19th amendment right and responsibility by voting early
TJXrewards points

inventing this ridiculously delicious cocktail with Thing 1

having airline miles to purchase tickets for Thing 2 and Boyfriend M to visit in November
the post office in Old Town Manassas
taking a chance on the curated bundles at Bards Alley and getting some great reads
red toenail polish
CBD oil capsules
being in the car by myself

My heart is full of gratitude as I look back at this lovely and chaotic month.

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IWotB 2020 edition ~ day five

I had a nice quiet morning organizing books. Of course then I had a stack of books I’ve read, but don’t actually want to keep.
For the most part, I share books with my friend Josie. I can trust her to take good care of the ones I want back, and know anything she passes along will go to a good reader.
In true ‘if you give a mouse a cookie’ fashion, this book organization lead to me texting Josie. Which lead to YBW and I going out to Mike and Josie’s to drop off books. But since we were there, we had (an appropriately socially distanced) visit on their porch and carry out from this precious local restaurant called Field & Main.

When we got home there were packages in the mailbox for me!

Colors from the Essie summer collection Bustling Bazaar, and Christopher Moore’s new book! The second sequel to one of my all time favorites, Fool.
AND(!!!) Check this out!

International Week of the Birthday continues to rock!

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the little things

I face timed with Sally and her family on Tuesday.
So many kisses blown!

I had the worst headache I’ve had in nearly two years on Wednesday.
Waves of pain so great they caused involuntary tears.
Lying down with my magnet mask saved the day!

I saw Thing 2’s relief money was in her account Thursday morning.
Replenished savings FTW!

I talked with Jessica Thursday morning.
That love is real!

I saw Holly in the afternoon on Thursday!
She stood in my yard and I stood on my porch. We exchanged a bottle of olive oil and a ten dollar (founding father without a father)

I went to the acupuncturist yesterday. Had my treatment and picked up my Chinese herbs.
Listened to the Hamilton soundtrack on the way home.
I can’t tell you how much better I feel!

I talked to Thing 1 while I was in the car on the way to Falls Church.
Husband N said, “Love you, Birdie!” and I heard Baby K giggling!

I read the 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle this week.
Am still reeling!

I swung by Bards Alley Bookshop.
My (prepaid) book was in a basket on their patio waiting for me to come pick it up!

Watched Lego Masters finale off the DVR last night.
The team I love most didn’t win.
The team that started out with the most trouble ended in the final three!

I woke this morning to hot coffee and gooey cinnamon rolls.
YBW is the best!

I’m picking up shampoo and conditioner at the hair salon today.
Prepaid and waiting in a bag for me at the door.
Healthy clean hair!

So much rain this week.
But, much less pollen!

The sun just came out from behind the clouds!

These are the little every day joys from my week.
It really is the little things, y’all!

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