Day 676/55 - Joy

Well, gee.  It's been, what, 24 days since I last blogged.  So much for blogging every day!

Ahh well.  Onward.

Lately I've been thinking about joy.  Not happiness necessarily, but joy.  Two Thursdays in a row now I've heard great quotes about joy.  Maybe someone's trying to get my attention.  

Here they are:

"We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and am happy I lived long enough to find it out."

- Roger Ebert

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”

- Abraham Lincoln 

Both are timely after a long gloomy week of rain rain rain.  

Then again, I haven't worn my coat in a week, and our lawn is greening up.  Some random flowers came up in our flower bed, and the day lilies are slowly making their way up too.

Ahh joy!  

 

Day 700/31 - Winter Blues

OK, I'm just going to do one post about this, then I promise, I'll shut up about it.

After all, this is supposed to be a postive blog.  One where I count my blessings, not whine about the lemons of life.

Still, I just need a little time to enter my complaint about the winters around here.

It's true that I grew up a mere 2 hours from where I'm currently sitting.  So yes, I knew well what we were in for when we packed up and left comfortable Colorado.  With its 300 sunny days a year.  And its random 60 degree days all winter long.

But there was a reason I left the Midwest, and her name is Mother Nature.  

The first time I went to CO in the middle of winter I was floored.  It was sunny there. A lot. 

WHAT?  

When we lived in CO and I met people who weren't from there on vacations or whatever I almost always got the same question: it snows there all the time, right?  The weather is awful there, right?

Well, I'm going to let you in on a little secret (sorry CO friends, you'll be OK, no one will believe me, anyway).

The weather there is awesome.  

Sure, it doesn't rain very often.  And yes, those dry, 100 degree summer days can be brutal.  But shorts in March?  Every year?  Yes please!

I am waiting.  And waiting.  And at this point, I'm pretty sure I'll be waiting until April.  

Please, God, not May!


PS: In the meantime, can you CO peeps please lay off the short sleeves posts? Help a girl out! 

Post 701/30 - Garden Planning

Well, it was another slow day around here.

However, I did decide to start planning for some gardening this summer.  

Even looked at some seeds and supplies while I was at Home Depot. 

Oh yes, I know I need to get on this...but did I mention it's still winter outside?  This year, I think I have some time.  

More on this development later, I'm sure.

 

Day 702/29 - The Luck of the Irish

I don't know if you know this, but St. Patrick's Day is a big deal around here.

They have a huge parade downtown, not to mention the legendary South Side Irish parade.  And of course, they dye the river green every year, which is pretty fun to see in person.

Last year, we decided at the last minute to head into the city for the river dyeing.  

By the time the day was over, the highs topped out at 80 degrees.  Here's a picture of Hubs and Tot waiting for the train:

 

Yes, they are both wearing shorts.

It was a fantastic day, and we were really glad we went because we knew it was a St. Pat's Day for the record books.

Fast forward to today.  Where the high topped out somewhere around 30, maybe 35.  I don't know.  It was freaking freezing!

Here's Hubs and Tot waiting for the train this year:

 

All bundled up. Hubs is even wearing his long underwear. Burrr!

Still, we had fun.  Taking the train alone is big time excitement for Tot.  By the time we walked from Union Station to where they dye the river, it was already green, so we just took a look, then headed back towards the train station.

With a stop at Do-Rite donuts.  And yes, they do.

 

I realize the inconsistency of a post about donuts the day after a post about working on my fitness.  

But then, why do I work on my fitness if not to enjoy donuts?

Day 703/28 - Working on My Fitness

One of the things that I do to attempt to combat the winter blues is to exercise.  I try to go 5 days a week.  And because I'm easily bored by exercise, I try to mix it up as much as possible.

To make a long story short, before we moved to CO I had really let my fitness slide.  There are many reasons, but let's just say it wasn't pretty.  

So it's been a long slow journey back, but I'm getting there.  

When we first moved to IL and joined the gym, it was all I could do to get to the gym and spend 30 minutes on the elliptical.  Then I added back weights.  And finally, I was ready to start adding back some classes, which I love.

First, I added yoga.  It took a few months of regular yoga not to feel like I was going to die the next day, but I got there.  

Then, I added body pump, which I love!  Lately, I've been doing body pump on Saturday mornings while Hubs is studying.  I keep thinking that eventually I'll stop having the sorest quads in the metro area on Sundays...but that has yet to happen.

Finally, I added cycling class.  This was the toughest of all.  I was really really nervous to add this back to my repertoire, but I knew I had to.  My first few classes back were tough.  Really tough.  Especially with the sore buns and all.  But I'm getting better.  

Or so I thought.

My usual Friday instructor is out after having hip replacement.  (not sure what that says about a life of exercise...but I must not dwell on the negatives)  So a new person instructed us today.

She had a tattoo of the Ironman symbol on her leg.

We did things I've never seen before in spin class...like one-legged climbs and sprints, or this thing where you move your legs but try not to move your body up or down as if balancing a book on your head. 

Dude.

But all this is for the greater good.  Every time I think about how old I am compared to how young tot is, I feel more and more motivated to keep up the fitness fight.  

I finally feel like I might be winning.

Day 704/27 - There's a skunk in my yard!

I don't know that this really qualifies as a "Magic Moment," but I find the wildlife situation around here to be surprising and fascinating, so I'm writing about it anyway.

We moved to Chicagoland from Colorado.  Now, you tell me, which do you think might have a more vibrant and diverse wildlife population: Boulder, at the foothills of the Rockies, or the western suburbs of Chicago.

Before living here, I'd have guessed Boulder.  It seems logical to me.  And yes, we saw plenty of wildlife. In the almost 14 years I lived in CO, I saw big horn sheep, some sort of antelope, deer, coyotes, elk, skunks, porcupines, foxes, hawks, falcons, and snakes.  

But in the 14 MONTHS I've lived in IL, I've seen muskrats, coyotes, foxes, falcons, egrets, cranes, skunks, snakes, deer, hummingbirds, and cardinals. Pretty impressive, I'd say. I had no idea I'd be in for such a wildlife treat.

On the other hand, living near such a menagerie can have its downsides.  

Exhibit A: the stinky skunk currently living (we think) under our patio.  

We have the tiniest hole on the east side of our front patio.  We didn't even worry about it last year because it was so small.

But did you know that skunks can get into a spot via a hole as small as your fist?  

I do now!

So today we finally bit the bullet and had a pest guy (I call him "Trapper Carl") come out and set some traps.  

Stay tuned!

Day 705/26 - Not Everyday is Brazzle Dazzle

So, I started this blog so that I would HAVE to find the sunshine in every day.  But let's just be honest, sometimes, it's hard! 

I've definitely been in some sort of pit of despair.  OK, that may be a little bit of a hyperbole, but still.  Some days, the monotony just gets to me. And I guess it's those days that I really, really need this blog to remind me that brazzle dazzle can be found.

Truthfully, I have it pretty good. A house over my head. A healthy child. A husband who loves me. A pretty sweet job. I could go on. But man, sometimes, it feels like it's just not enough.  

So here's to the days, like today, when it's hard to find the magic moments.  Hopefully, they will be few and far between!

Day 706/25 - Pete's Dragon

When I was a kid, there were a few movies I loved and watched obsessively.

Watership Down was one at some point - maybe I was 8. And when I was little older, Sixteen Candles.

But one of my all time faves was Pete's Dragon. I could go on and on about its awesomeness, but you'll just have to take my word - or go see it yourself!

Recently, we joined the Disney Movie Club to round out our Disney collection. And lo and behold - there was Pete's Dragon, in Blu-Ray!

So of course I had to get it!

Today, Tot and I watched it for the first time. To my surprise, he was pretty much mesmerized, especially during the music scenes or whenever Elliot was on the screen.

Happiness!

Day 707/24 - Spring Ahead

Today (actually early this morning), we sprang (sprung?) ahead.

It's one of my favorite days. I'd go so far as to call it a holiday.

When moved to Colorado, I was actually really excited to fall back for the first time. Who wouldn't love an extra hour of sleep?!

But on spring ahead day you get something even better - an extra hour of daylight! Days get longer and soon we'll be able to walk after dinner, or play outside a little longer.

And of course, it coincides with the beginning of spring.

Forget Christmas, Mr Williams. THIS is the most wonderful time of the year.

Day 708/23 - Successes and Failures in the Kitchen

I've never been much of a baker.

When I graduated from college, I moved to Vail, Colorado. I started cooking more complicated dishes, and found some success. But baking at 9000+ feet was more of a challenge than I could, or wanted to tackle. So I stuck with cooking.

Now I'm back at sea level. Or close enough. And baking SHOULD be easier. So I've been venturing out.

Our church is having a get together tomorrow, and we are supposed to bring cupcakes. I've been on a kick to try to eat less processed foods. So rather than make cupcakes from a box, or buy them from the store, I decided to make them from scratch.

I thought it was going pretty well...but when I pulled them out of the oven, They were diveted. I'm pretty sure my oven runs a little cold, so I think this may be why.

Anyway, the good thing was, they were delicious!

So I made some frosting from scratch (thanks to my friend Amy for her buttercream recipe)...and you really can't tell.

I was pretty frustrated by my "failure" in the kitchen. It doesn't happen all that often - I can follow a recipe like a champ!

But hubs reminded me that I have to be trying something new in order to fail. So I'll take the frustrations and try again.

Here's the evidence:

Day 709/22 - My Furry Friend

Today was a good day.

Tot and I got up and headed to the gym. He actually started to act like his sweet self again and had fun kicking snow piles on the way in.

I got a spin bike at the gym even though I was third on the wait list. And even though it totally kicked my butt, I survived.

And my heart rate monitor worked even though I haven't used it in years.

Sometimes, it's the little things.

We got home in time for Tot to play outside before lunch, and he even came in on his own for lunch without me having yo threaten or put on my boots to carry him in.

We went to the park after naps, and had low maintenance leftovers for dinner.

But now Tot's in bed, hubs is studying, and I'm spending a quiet (lonely) evening on the couch.

I do have one bud with me though. He's always ready to cuddle after a long day. My favorite Muppet:

Day 710/21 - My Hero

In addition to construction and trucks, Tot is way into super-heroes, bad guy, masks, and secret agents.

Imagine my excitement when I found sweet super-hero masks in the kids' section at Target

Here's my super-tot doing his best super-hero face:

Day 711/20 - Snowpocalypse

There's something really peaceful about the day after a huge snowstorm.

All that insulation. People are still kind of hunkered down.

Here's the gorgeous view from our backyard:

And look at that pine tree!  I didn't know I missed them so much until I saw this one covered in snow!

Day 712/19 - Snow Day and Friends

Today we had the biggest snowstorm in Chicagoland since we've lived here.  I'd say we got in between 6 - 8 inches of heavy, wet snow.  

Tot and Hubs loved it!  I thought it was pretty, too.  I'll admit!

We had our friends, the Rozmiareks, in town and Tot had fun showing off and working puzzles with Lou.

I know this is going to sound weird.  But the magic moment?  Watching the snow plows run through our neighborhood every hour or two.

Believe me, we pay for it in our property taxes.  But still, it feels like a serious luxury after years of living in CO where they only pave the main roads and your on your own.  

So thanks, snow plow guys!  You made my snow day.

Day 713/18 - The Monday Blues

Also known as Post Vacation Depression Disorder.

Yes, it's very real.  Hubs gets up and goes to work and leaves you to the rest of your gloomy, grey day.  

And of course Tot is suffering as well, but from Post Grandparent Spoiling Disorder.  That's a fun one.

But it's all OK, because even though there's snow on the way, there's a hint of spring in the air.  

Can you smell it?

Day 714/17 - Jet Lag *CAN* be Magic

This morning, Tot, Hubs, and I slept until 8 AM.

We were almost late to church.

And it was soooooo worth it.

Day 715/16 - Home Sweet Home

We made it safely back to Chicagoland.

Tot wasn't quite as angelic on the ride back, but it was a long day of travel, so who can blame him, really?

We had a really great trip - and it's nice to be home!

Day 716/15 - Last Day in Palm Springs

Today was our last day in the desert.  Boo!

It's going to be a shock heading back to the cold bleak winter of Chicagoland. 

We made the most of it by heading out early and visiting The Living Desert, a really cool zoo in Palm Springs, right up against the foothills.

We got to feed the giraffes:

Tyler enjoyed more fun with Grandma and Grandpa:

 

And got to ride on the carousel:

It was a great end to a great trip!

Day 717/14 - Lazy Day in Palm Springs

Today was a lazy day in Palm Springs.

We made it back after a fantastic few days in San Diego.  We were happy to be back with family and to see our tot again!

Tot has been having a blast getting spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa.  He spends most of his time outside and/or on the golf course.

Hubs likes to say he's living the retired lifestyle at 2.75.

My highlight was spending most of the afternoon laying in the sun by the pool, but this was a pretty great moment, too...

Day 718/13 - Everything Goes Better with Wine

Today, on our way back to Palm Springs from San Diego, I talked hubs into stopping at a winery in Temecula that had been recommended to us by some friends who used to live in the area.

I was a little skeptical about it because other friends had told us they hadn't had great luck with Temecula wineries, but we were there so I figured, hey, why not?

The grounds were beautiful and reminded me a lot of wineries I have visited on the western slope of Colorado.

And the wines were tasty, too!

Day 719/12 - Ahhhhh

I think this pretty much says it all...

Day 720/11 - Citrus Heaven

Today I began my day with this - made with oranges that just came off the tree:

 

And ended my day with a greyhound made with these - fresh from the tree:

 

 

It was a delicious day!

Day 721/10 - A Perfect Tot

Today we flew across the greater part of our country to Palm Springs CA to hang out with Hub's dad and stepmom.

I have to say, I really wasn't looking forward to 4 hours on a flight with a 2.75 year old.

I was envisioning kicking seats, loud talking and antsy pants. Not a pretty picture.

This is what we actually got:

 

Tot Perfection!

Day 722/9 - Puzzle Time

Today was a good day around here.

I felt loads better. Ran some errands. Cleaned up around the house.

A pretty basic Saturday.

You may think the best part was packing for our impending trip west. And that was pretty good.

But watching this was better:

Day 723/8 - Girls Night Out

Well, kind of.

I'm a social person.  I love meeting new people and being out with friends.  Or in with friends.  Really, it doesn't matter.

So moving to a new place and having almost no friends has been tough.  Really tough.

Tonight I went to a sort of get to know you thingy with some other ladies from church.  Yeah, some of you are going to think that's a little cheesy.  But I loved it!

And I had to leave early cuz it turns out I'm still a little sick.  So I'm heading to bed.

Day 724/7 - Survival

Soooo sick today.

Today's magic moment was being able to sleep in all morning because Tot was at daycare.

And then on the way home he said the snow smelled like pineapple. 

Love him!

Day 725/6 - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Day

That's right.

Today's magic moment is those first few minutes after Tot goes to bed.

Hubs and I look at each other, sigh, and hug it out.

Phew!

Day 726/5 - Art Time

I've never really been all that creative. 

From time to time I've had creative itches and stretches where I've tried to do creative things, but it never sticks for very long. 

So I've been trying to take the time to do art at least once a week with T, with the hopes that he'll at least appreciate the creative process.

This afternoon when he got up from his nap, he said I want to make some art for grandma and grandpa. And I said let's do it!

I cut out some shapes which he stuck on with a glue stick, and he worked on his cutting and pencil/crayon skills (which are seriously slow in developing - I'm guessing it doesn't help that he's a lefty).

 

 

Then he said Mommy, draw me Ms. Bridget (his teacher at day care).  And give her some coffee.  And draw me a house.  And a car.  And a vampire house (?). 

 

I did my best.

Day 727/4 - I Love Rock and Roll

Tyler really loves music. And the days when I could sit in my car and happily listen to NPR while doing my errands are gone.

Now all I hear is Mom, I want to hear "Ever Ever". Or Mom, play Gangnam Style.

And while I love that he loves music, and I don't even mind that he likes pop music more than my treasured rock and roll, it does make me a little sad that he'd rather listen to Taylor Swift than Bon Jovi.

Today we're in the car on the way to music class and Tot's in the back making his usual requests. Only this time, I have no idea what he's talking about:

Mom, I want "This is what I want".

Huh?

I try all the usual suspects, Swifty, Psy, Rihanna. Nope.

Mom, I want "This is what I want."

In the parking lot at Target, I'm scrolling through my iPod, trying to decipher Tot Talk. And finally, I get it.

I put on Journey - Any Way You Want It.

I say, Is this the one you want?

And from the back I hear, mmm-hum.

There's hope for him yet.

Day 728/3 - Sunday...SUNDAY

So, it's only 11:24 and today's magic moment has already come and gone:

I love tot's bathtime...because between the "keep the water in the tub, knees or bottom, don't drink that, don't pee in the tub"s, I still see glimpses of the babe he used to be.

Time with a tot really does fly by - he'll be three before I know it.

But there's something about his wet face and clean bod that reminds me of when he was itty bitty, and it makes me smile.

Day 729/2 - Pizza

Ahh Saturday.

I used to love you for sleeping in, relaxing trips to the gym, fun nights out on the town. 

Those days are loooooong gone.

Still, there's magic to be found on Saturdays.  LOTS of magic!

Hubs has started studying for the CPA exam.  It's a long road, but it hasn't been too bad so far.  These days, Saturdays look like 7 AM wake up calls, frantic trips to the gym to make a 9:30 AM Body Pump class, and family time together in the afternoon after naps. 

It was freezing in Chicagoland today, so after naps we headed to the Mall (Let's go to the mall, the mall).  Tot played in the play area and hubs and I had a few minutes between "Hey, get back in there"s to catch up. 

That leads me to today's magic moment:

 

Oh yeah, I love me some pizza. This gem is from my grocer's freezer, but it's made just up the road.  For coming out of celophane and into my oven, it is DELICIOUS. If it's one thing Chicagoland knows, it's pizza.

 

Alright, it's not really about the pizza.  It's about spending a Saturday evening in, on the couch, watching hockey with my boys. 

 

Delish.

Day 730 (or, Day 1)

So, I've never been much of a blogger.

I don't follow many blogs.

I like to see my friends' blogs, but I usually forget they even exist until they post something and link it to Facebook.  

Then I go Oh yeah! And savor the few minutes of connection to old friends.

But lately, I've been feeling like I have more to say. More to contribute. I'm just not sure how, or where. So until I figure it out, I'll start here.

In two years, I turn 40. I can't even believe I'm writing those words.

40 is just so OLD.

Remember that scene in When Harry Met Sally and Sally's all, but I'm going to be 40. And her friend says, when? And Sally says, In 8 years...

Ugh, that was 6 years ago, for me.  And now it looms large.

Lately, I've been lonely, sad, and a little down about things, despite all I have in my life to be grateful for. Living in a new place with new people has been harder than I ever thought it might be. So this year, every day, I'll remind myself of all the magic still to be found in my life, even when I have to look a little harder to find it.

And next year, I'll celebrate the end of my 30s with a little more magic!

Until then, here's today's magic moment: 

OK, it hasn't actually happened yet, but it will, tonight.  

And I will savor every bite!