The Gallery

I took B to the Gallery of Art today. It actually wasn't very smart of me because he had a cranky morning. However, the thought of spending the day in J's apartment with Cranky Pants was enough to drive me to drinking before 10am. So, we ate an early lunch and were out the door by 12:15pm. Did I mention B cried in his bed until after 8pm and awoke at 6am? Oh, and he took a whopping 30 minute nap in the morning? Yes, I took him to an art museum. It seemed like the logical thing to do. Believe it or not he did well. I reclined his stroller seat in the hope that he would nod off, but of course he did not. Fortunately, there were no breakdowns for either of us :) I was even able to enjoy the exhibit! I do love walking around an art museum and wondering what it must have been like to create something that 1000s of people 100s of years later are still admiring. After returning home I allowed B to cry himself to sleep. Let's hope he makes the most of this nap. I'm not sure I can handle a repeat of this morning!

Oh city life how I love you

So I am traveling with B this week. We went home with my brother-in-law (who is more like my brother) to stay in DC. I find that I have to get away every couple months or else I get a little crazy. By 'get away' I mean go to the city. I'm not really partial to a city. Any city will do, but one with a metro, free museums and a free place to stay is always a bonus :) It's Tuesday and I have already enjoyed a lunch out with one of my DC friends and shopping. This morning after B's first nap we headed to Target to return a purchase and checked out cameras at Best Buy. We did all that and still made it back in time to eat lunch and get B down for an afternoon nap. At home that would have involved a 45 minute car ride, no nap, a cranky baby and an exhausted me. Instead, I caught an episode of Brothers & Sisters, enjoyed some coffee, AND made it out to shop! Fabulous. If the weather cooperates B and I are going to metro down to the National Gallery of Art to check out From Impressionism to Modernism: The Chester Dale Collection. I was totally born to live like this. I guess it just shows what you'll do for love. I know S would move for me but I also know it would kill his spirit. Instead, we compromise; We travel as much and as far as we can afford :)

Road Trip

We left this morning with my brother-in-law, J, to return to DC for a week. I love being able to travel in the summer. So far this morning we dropped K off@Pitt airport and met up with some of J and T's friends for lunch. Lunch in the city is definitely on my list of Favorite Things To Do
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The Joys of Teething

So, B is cutting teeth #7 and #8 this weekend. Last weekend it was teeth #5 and #6. His sinuses are so out of wack that he literally has snot coming out his eyes. This is disgusting. Not to mention sad. He looks so pathetic and helpless. Its difficult not to just hold him and love on him all day. I truly don't understand how people can have more than one baby. I'm exhausted emotionally and physically with just B.
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Is it Friday yet?

So, my week has totally rocked, on paper. 3 of the last 4 school days have been 2 hour delays! Students haven't been arriving until 9:15 am. All classes are shortened to 30 minutes. I have been spoiled. I get up an hour later. I get to feed B his first bottle and cereal. We play for a short bit and then we leave for the sitter. A great schedule, right? The problem is that these "short" days feel longer than a regular day. I'm embarrassed to say that this week seems to be lasting FOREVER! Finally Friday tomorrow. It's duck tape day. I have no idea where these kids come up with their themes but it should be pretty stinkin' funny! I must design my duck tape shirt.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I'm still trying to figure out the settings on my blog. I want to be able to write about the books I'm currently reading. Reading is one of my passions. I always have at least one book that I'm reading. My job affords me the liberty of reading on the job. My students love to hear about the books I'm reading, what I like and don't like. One of my friends loaned me The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow. I am loving it! I saw it reviewed in a couple of publications (Real Simple and Book Page). It's a collection of fictional letters mostly between an author, her best friend and her publisher. Juliet, the main character, is searching for a new idea for a book when she receives a letter from one of the Society members who has stumbled across an old book that once belonged to Juliet. Juliet begins a correspondence with some of the Society members as she learns more about it's background. The novel is set post WWII and tells the story of the people of Guernsey of the Channel Islands and how they survived the german occupation. The novel is so well written you almost forget that you're not Juliet. I laugh outloud and cry all in one letter! I highly recommend this NY Times bestseller!!!!

Things I wonder about

1. Why is it that the more tired B is the less he sleeps?
2. Why do I hit the snooze button even when I'm not tired?
3. Why can't I get paid to do things I already have to do? (i.e. housework, cooking, laundry)
4. Why is it that even after 9 years of marriage my husband still can't read my mind when it comes to things that annoy me? (crumbs on the counter, dishes left by the sink but not in the dishwasher, power cords plugged in without the device)
5. Will I ever get that townhouse in the city?

You get the idea. Today was a good day as far as days go, but for some reason I've been feeling restless. I've been on the farm since July without a trip farther than Columbus. It's time to pack up the suitcase and get out. Where shall I go and how long shall I stay? Brother in-law in DC? College roommate in Denver? Weekend shopping in C-bus or Pittsburgh? Just thinking about getting out makes me feel better. I'll keep you posted on my decision!

Getting Old

I must be getting old. Last night S (my husband) and I returned home after an evening out with our Small Group from church. I got our babysitter home early enough that she was able to go out with her friends. They hadn't even left yet when she got home! This saddens me. Is there any hope for my social life post baby B?

Dear Mr. Weatherman

You know how the saying goes, "A man looks like his dog"? I'm wondering if the same holds true about behaviors. It's the end of January, in Ohio, and I've only had 1 snow day. The state gives us 5 calamity days. Usually we end up making days up at the end of the school year because we've exceeded our 5. I find myself silently saying a prayer for a cancellation or delay. anything. please. Is it possible that I've spent so much time with my 8th grade students that I am reverting back? Don't get me wrong, we're experiencing some balmy weather here. I was out without a jacket today. But, again, it's the end of January. In Ohio. I'll never survive the winter if I catch spring fever this early. Help. Mr. Weatherman, I need a snow day.