Thursday, January 29, 2009

75


Guess what? My grandma turns 75 today. She definitely doesn't look or act 75 so much so that I actually wrote "happy 70th birthday" in her card. She'll be flattered.

My grandma doesn't surf the web or have email, but I had to post in her honor.

So happy 75th birthday, Nan. You're just beginning to blossom.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

spring in my step

Whenever it gets close to Valentine's Day I start thinking about brighter colors, flowers and warmer weather. It just doesn't seem right to have such a cheerful holiday during a frigid, winter month. So what to do to bring a bit of spring into my life no mater what the groundhog forecasts?

  1. Flowers. Especially tulips. Yes, they are overpriced. Yes, the delicate beauties will die in a week-even with a penny dropped in the water-and break my heart. If this is the way I choose to spend some money for a week of happiness, I am ok with it.
  2. Pink. I like to wear it, but pink candles around the house or a pink dishtowel also bring me cheer.
  3. Store-bought sunshine glow. Tanning beds are tempting devils, but I can't do that to my skin so I will trudge to the store and buy some sun in a bottle.
  4. Pedi treat. My toes are sad. They need a spa-cation. And a bright coat of happy.
These don't make the last weeks of winter easier, just bearable.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

movies, etc.

We finally saw Slumdog Millionaire! I've been hoping it would make its way to Bloomington and it arrived Friday. I definitely think it is worth all the hype. Very interesting story and the way it's told is just captivating and so well done. I hope it continues to open across the country so audiences can enjoy it.

Here's what else is going on:
  • Working my way through the Harry Potter dvds (just finished 3)
  • Reading Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
  • NOT listening to XM Cafe since it's gone now due to the dumb Sirius-XM merge. Gr!!
  • Viewing all the Obama photos coming out. Pete Souza is the White House photog (former Trib photog) and I think he's already captured some amazing moments so far.
Another work week starts tomorrow. Time to enjoy what's left of the weekend.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

the week so far

I enjoyed watching the inauguration festivities yesterday. Can't wait to see how President (!) Obama does in the first 100 days.

On a less serious fashion note, I thought the new First Lady struck a nice tone of conservative yet stylish during the inauguration. The lemon-grass ensemble for day was so classy, and the color and texture kept it fresh. I've heard a lot of criticism about the ball gown (too prom-like, too long/the Pres kept stepping on it). What can I say? I can't muster a negative word about Michelle just yet. I was also super impressed with the outfits worn by the girls (coats from the J Crew line for kids, Crewcuts). They looked age-appropriate and fun.

Now we're getting ready for the return of Lost at our house...I hope it lives up to the hype.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

a kitchen years in the making

Here are some before and after shots of the kitchen.


Before: sad and gray :(


After: sunny and cheerful!


The previous owner left the 46 tiles (our house #). They were good inspiration.


Our new over-the-sink shelf. I can't wait to put herbs in our planter.


And finally our new curtains - hot off the sewing machine. We've had the fabric since we lived in Chicago. 5 years, 1 apartment and 1 house later, curtains are born!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

6, -6

6 inches: amount of snow we received last night and today
-6 degrees: the low tonight (it'll feel like -24)

Fun times here in Bloomington. The snow is great, actually, because we'd only had a tiny bit all winter. I could do without the bitterly cold temps and wind. It's just painful to go outside.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

winter to-do list

With winter comes a delicate balance of hibernation and venturing out of the house in layers (to avoid cabin fever). This was more of a hibernation weekend for us. Yesterday we de-decorated (which is always a bit depressing; now the house is empty) and made a delicious pot of minestrone for some friends who came over for dinner.

I have a lot of movies on my must see list, but so far we've only been to see Doubt. I really liked the performances, but the story seemed to be missing something. ... I would have liked more (and I won't say more of what as to avoid any spoilers).

Also on my list: bowling, reading, jammies and TiVo catching-up, and sewing (curtains for the kitchen). With 10 more weeks of winter to go, I should have plenty of time to fit it all in.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

longest week ever

Short post because I'm freaking exhausted from my back to work schedule. I think I've snoozed 30 minutes every morning this week (Ben will tell you this is a regular occurrence, but it's usually 15-20 tops. Besides he's still off all this week so I get to be a bitter snoozer.). Honestly, it's the first week in January! Can't we hibernate or have a bit of a slower work load?

The one highlight for the week: Scrubs is back (Tues. night on ABC)! Watch it on ABC.com if you missed it. JD and co. will bring a smile to your tired, over-worked soul.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

out with the old, in with the new

Hello, 2009! We're three days into the new year and I have not come up with any earth-shattering resolutions.

So far the only thing I am actively trying to do is eat slower. I don't want to become someone who inhales her food without tasting it. I am resolving to savor tasty dishes (and boring food too) by eating slower.

Other things I am pondering:
  • reduce, reuse, recycle - trash is currently at 1 bag a week, but I think we can do better. I am trying to bring less crap into the house period.
  • tackle another room in the house to paint
  • take time for healthy living - don't rely on convenience foods, do yoga/walk/some sort of exercise on a more regular basis
  • write more - I've enjoyed my blog and am eager to try something new, but what?
  • travel somewhere new
Good luck with your resolutions!