I am writing this as Jackson is napping, which is a really big deal because it is the first nap he has taken in two weeks straight, and it means that maybe he isn’t completely done with naps just yet after all (though him barfing an hour before he passed out may have something to do with the sudden need for rest…). Before I had a kid, I never understood the obsession parents of young kids/toddlers had with naps — all the constant discussions about whether Billy napped today or for how long or whether it would throw things off too much to push Billy’s nap back a couple hours in order to actually be able to do an activity that lasted into the afternoon and blah blah blah. It all seemed so boring. And it totally is (sorry), unless you have a kid and then you’re suddenly like, Oh my God, NAPPPPPPPS. And that’s where I am/we are right now because Jackson is on the cusp of maybe giving up naps completely and that’s going to catapult us into a whole new zone of parenting — one where there is no long break mid-way through the day to re-fuel or rest (or, in my case, work) — and I’m pretty nervous about the transition. But, I guess that’s where wine comes in handy.
Anyway, this weekend looks to be a pretty dreary, gray one in NYC — perfect for lounging around and maybe watching some movies and cooking stew and doing some reading. I want to start a new book since I actually finished our March/April book, Fairyland (loved it!!) in less than three weeks, which is a record for me since Jackson was born. Any recommendations for a quick, fun read? Or just something good to read on a rainy weekend? What are you reading? And what are your plans for the weekend?
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LadyinPurpleNotRed March 28, 2014, 4:04 pm
I got Wendy’s postcard today. It was awesome. I get to dog sit, which I am SUPER pumped about. Then I get to make a (color-coded) super to-do list of everything I need to get done in the next 5-6 weeks before I move. I’m scared for that one. And then to terrify me less, do some reading of Fairyland!
BriarRose March 28, 2014, 4:10 pm
This weekend I am meeting my boyfriend’s brother and the brother’s wife. They live in Belgium! I’m excited and only a little nervous. I’m not too nervous, because today was the day I realized just how wonderful my boyfriend is, and how much he cares about me and my daughter. He took time off of work and drove across town (a good 30 min drive), all to spend just 20 minutes at my daughter’s school for a quick program, then turn around and drive back to work. I’m pretty sure he’s the one.
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Cutest book I read recently was “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell. It’s YA so it goes quickly, but it was so good and touching.
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Totally get the nap thing. My daughter (even as an infant) napped once a day for just 1 hour (and never really slept at night) so I spent the first few years of her life basically obsessed with her sleeping patterns. Once she took a 2 hour nap when sick, and I realized that was how other parents managed to survive. It never happened again, sadly.
gigi March 28, 2014, 4:21 pm
Mine napped all the way up until Kindergarten. They didn’t always want to, but I would tell them they didn’t have to really take a nap, they just had to PRETEND to take a nap, with closed eyes. Worked the majority of the time, they would be out like a light within 5 minutes. Failing that, I told them they didn’t have to take a nap, but they would have to play quietly in their rooms for awhile. Mama needed a break!
BriarRose March 28, 2014, 4:25 pm
My daughter did the “quiet time” thing for a bit around age 3 but she rarely fell asleep. Maybe twice a month at most. The rule was she had to play quietly in her room for an hour. Usually she came out after exactly an hour–the plus side was that she learned to tell time at a young age 🙂
She was just never a sleeper. It’s one of the main reasons I never had another kid. I was just exhausted 24/7.
lets_be_honest March 28, 2014, 4:29 pm
I had a friend compliment me on how great I am about sticking to schedules with bedtimes…uh, I really only did that for mom time, not for good parenting points. haha.
Dear Wendy March 28, 2014, 7:17 pm
I’m so glad you all understand!
kerrycontrary March 28, 2014, 4:11 pm
Book recommendation (not sure if I recommended it here before): Life after life by Kate Atkinson. SO GOOD.
I have the DW meetup tomorrow (!!!!) in DC. No other plans besides picking up my fiance from the airport on Sunday. Just another weekend of working out, cleaning, dog walking, cooking. Oh, also, there are some boyfriend jeans at H&M I really want. So maybe I’ll head there tonight and grab dinner in the area.
BriarRose March 28, 2014, 4:13 pm
I tell everyone about that book. It was amazing!!
Banana March 28, 2014, 4:12 pm
Ooh, read a Kristan Higgans book! Those are always fun, quick reads. Try “Fools Rush In” or “The Best Man.”
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Besides the DC meetup tomorrow, I have…nothing! And it feels so good. So, so good.
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Random question about parenting: do you think that as Jackson outgrows naps, at least he’ll be growing more into the phase when he can kind of entertain himself a bit more? Or is that untrue? I have a really bad sense of developmental milestones. I remember being little, and my mom would basically give us a book or put us in the backyard, and write her novels…but I think we were also all in the 6 – 12 range, when we can make our own snacks, walk to the library (SMALL TOWN), hang with the neighborhood kids, and stay out of her hair a bit more. I still look back and think about how much we must have tested her patience, though! Especially as I’m a writer now, and I sometimes feel like snapping at my roommate when I’m trying to get some writing done after a long day.
kerrycontrary March 28, 2014, 4:22 pm
In my experience with *other peoples* children, it depends on the kid as well as their age. Some kids are great playing by themselves from age 2 on, while others still need constant attention and participation at age 8. My mom left my brother/sister alone when they were 3 and 5 respectively, like to play in the basement or in the back yard. There were a few minor injuries from doing that, but it worked out.
bethany March 28, 2014, 4:34 pm
YES. My nephew is 3 and plays by himself really well, you just have to occasionally look up and ask him some sort of question about his cars, and he’s happy. My BF’s 3 year old needs attention all the time. She always wants to play with you or have you somehow involved.
kerrycontrary March 28, 2014, 4:49 pm
Yeh and kids wanting attention isn’t a bad thing as these people usually end up being the center of attention or “performers” or entertainers (socially, maybe not professionally). So it’s a great personality trait. But it’s a little exhausting for the people taking care of them!
Lemongrass March 28, 2014, 5:57 pm
E has been independent from 6 weeks old. He usually spends 1-2 hours a day total just playing by himself. He usually only comes running at me if I opened the dishwasher or fridge. He doesn’t nap a lot though. Just 30 mins to an hour at a time. My friends kid naps 3.5 hours straight every day! I would get bored haha.
No Pants March 28, 2014, 4:14 pm
This morning, I had to explain to a co-worker that the reason I get pissed off when she requests review of 20 documents in one hours is not because I don’t feel like doing it, but because I don’t have 20 sets of eyes and arms and everything else with which to edit all of them at the same time. Then it was like deer in the headlights, so that was that. This, after a poo week. But I’m very happy it’s Friday and tomorrow I’m going to eat ALL the grits like I used to in Virginia and hopefully find some vintage bell bottoms. He Pants also just informed me that avocados are $1 each at our local Giant!
Things have been stressful with a possible relocation, but if anything, it makes me so happy that He Pants is my husband and we can work through so much so easily together.
Banana March 28, 2014, 4:15 pm
I’m so glad you have each other, and I’m so glad “He Pants” is a thing now.
No Pants March 28, 2014, 4:28 pm
Hahaha I can’t wait to tell him that’s his name here!
Thank you – I am really so very happy that at the end of the day, we really have been able to support each other and be the best partners.
bethany March 28, 2014, 4:21 pm
Don’t move 🙁
No Pants March 28, 2014, 4:34 pm
I really don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon. 🙂 We’re just trying to stay one step ahead and figure out which cities we’d like, if it happens. Also, I will stick around for a while because I love love my job (and you and LP and drinking on the patio).
LlamaPajamas March 28, 2014, 6:08 pm
I’m glad it won’t be soon! We definitely need to hang out this summer. And SummerChat25! I haven’t seen here here since the meetup and I really want to hear how her 2nd date went. SummerChat, where are you?!
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I’m sorry your job has been so stressful this week. I’m glad you have grits and bell bottoms and dollar avocados to look forward to! And hooray for supportive partners! My parents are coming to visit this weekend and Mr. LP made them a batch of his amazing chocolate chip cookies. He does this every time they visit (they love his cookies) but I still swoon when he does it. He’s just so sweet.
No Pants March 28, 2014, 7:44 pm
I was JUST thinking about SummerChat! I hope she is doing well. We all need to hang out again ASAP.
Thank you for your happy thoughts 🙂 It was just a wonky week at work and I just could not seem to handle any stress. But you’re right; avocados and grits and He Pants always equal awesome!
I hope you have a great weekend with Tom and your parents! Are you up to anything fun?
SummerChat25 March 31, 2014, 2:31 pm
I’m here I’m here! sorry – I’ve been reading a bit during the week but I didn’t look at the Open Thread until now. I’ve been trying to keep up with your moving situation and I’m so sorry to hear it’s stressful, No Pants! and Bethany, I love reading about your dog, and LP I crack up every time you mention your llama love. I got excited today when I looked outside because all I can think about is drinking outdoors…but it’s still a little cold for that.
I did have a second date with that guy – but it didn’t happen until this past week. I still would like to see him again and it sounds like we might this week, so that’s that. Nothing too exciting to report. Except that on our second date we went bowling and I totally kicked his butt and in one game I even got a turkey (three strikes in a row for you who don’t know the lingo)!!!! it was pretty amazing, and nice to see that he took it in stride and didn’t get all weird about a girl beating him.
bethany March 31, 2014, 2:35 pm
3 strikes in a row?! OMG. That’s amazing. Glad the date went well!!!
No Pants April 1, 2014, 12:52 pm
Hi!!!! Yay, you’re here! And that you are a bowling extraordinaire!
No Pants April 1, 2014, 12:53 pm
*And I’m happy to hear you are a bowling extraordinaire
theattack March 28, 2014, 4:16 pm
Someone should make music that specifically puts kids to sleep so that they can’t resist naps. I hope it lasts a little longer, Wendy!
Today I got to see my new office, and I’m starting the new job Monday. I’m used to dressing in a mix between casual and business casual, but I have to dress in business clothes every day now, so I’m shopping this weekend! Yay! All I’ve wanted for months is an excuse to buy new clothes. Haha I’m really hoping I can learn how to be somewhat fashionable in this transition.
theattack March 28, 2014, 4:19 pm
Oh, and this week my town got a health foods store, another bargain outlet, a pet store, AND a vitamin store. It’s like all of my dreams come true, minus the vitamins I don’t care about. My life in this crappy town is getting better and better!
Morgan March 28, 2014, 5:06 pm
I love shopping for professional clothes! All I want is a killer sheath, blazer and statement necklace combo as my daily uniform. I likewise need to transition to a more professional wardrobe from my “this is half professional and half casual, tending towards the later as the week goes on” teaching wardrobe, so I’ve been slowly stocking up on pieces as I find good deals. What’s been really useful is I made a list of all the things my ideal professional wardrobe would consist of, and I’ve been slowly checking them off. Today I bought navy pants and a cardigan. And a sweater that is not super professional, just super cute. But it was only $10, so that’s basically not even real money, right? Right? And they were from Loft, so I felt super skinny when my ass was magically two sizes smaller than usual 🙂 But yeah, Loft has some 40% friends and family thing going on right now. Their spring line is not super professional professional, but I found a pair of nice pants that were magically long enough (?! It was weird too, because the grey ones in the same size were not long enough)
theattack March 28, 2014, 5:21 pm
I was looking for an excuse to drive to the city for Loft, so that’s perfect! While I have to wear business clothes, I’m a social worker, and social workers are famous for bright colors and patterns and flashy chunky jewelry, so I’m really hoping I can still wear fun things that are in business…. Shapes? Haha But I totally feel you on getting lazier toward the end of the week. I think I need to put together outfits ahead of time so I don’t have to think about it.
snoopy128 March 29, 2014, 11:56 am
I’m starting my summer work in April and all I do now when I procrastinate is look for professional clothes to wear (that I really can’t afford). Le sigh. In the mean time, I will continue to purchase tim hortons coffee and pray that I win the car so I can trade it in for cash value.
Christy March 28, 2014, 5:36 pm
You should look at creating a “capsule” wardrobe to start out with–it’s getting a whole bunch of clothes that all work well together so you know you have a lot of outfits to start out. You loofah has a good example of one: http://youlookfab.com/2011/03/24/building-a-professional-wardrobe-capsule-for-less/
theattack March 28, 2014, 5:57 pm
Ooh I like this! Thanks, Christy!
Lemongrass March 28, 2014, 5:59 pm
If someone invented that they would be so rich. Parents would pay big bucks for it. Seriously there are strollers out there that cost $1000!
theattack March 28, 2014, 6:03 pm
What the crap? I really don’t want to believe that’s true. Talk about overspending!
Lemongrass March 28, 2014, 6:07 pm
Mine was $550 but I wanted a good quality one that would last me several kids and is a running/all terrain stroller.
theattack March 28, 2014, 6:24 pm
That makes sense. I just can’t imagine spending $1000 on something I could easily spend $150-200 on.
Lemongrass March 28, 2014, 6:53 pm
I know I’m bring the thumb wrath upon myself but I don’t get why someone down thumbed my comment.
LadyinPurpleNotRed March 28, 2014, 6:54 pm
I thumbs up to counter-act/that seems like money well spent!
Lyra March 29, 2014, 2:21 am
People have been attacking my comments on this thread with thumbs down too and I have no clue why….
lemongrass March 29, 2014, 10:47 am
I think that people who down thumb without commenting on why they disagree (disagreeing is fun! It’s how our best convos on here get started) or purposely down thumb just because someone called them out on it are sad people who need to get a life.
katie March 28, 2014, 4:16 pm
i just fucking cut myself at work… wtf. i also burned myself earlier this week, so i have now burn and cut myself and i havent done that at all i think since i started this new job, so thats like 2 years. and now both in a week. geez
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i am getting so stressed for the two upcoming weddings and all the shit i need to get done and its getting to the point where i just am shutting down and doing nothing. i need some do to lists and organized calendars STAT -dont worry though i printed the blank calendars today so itll be better hopefully soon.
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i think im getting my period soon (with my iud now i dont know when its happening….?) but it has to be soon because im eating all the things and i cried over a song on the way to work this morning. so. theres that.
katie March 28, 2014, 4:20 pm
oh but positive note: i did get my maid of honor speech done this week. i think its good. (i hope its good). i have no idea how to get feedback though, other then to read it to jake.
theattack March 28, 2014, 4:22 pm
Post it to DW obviously!
katie March 28, 2014, 4:42 pm
ok but it doesnt have the same effect! i mean i have to say it, with all the nice pauses and the tone and inflections on stuff… you know? it sounds ridiculous on paper, all speeches do.
bethany March 28, 2014, 4:22 pm
Keep it short. That is the key. Everyone will love it if it’s short and ends with something along the lines of “Here’s to the Bride and Groom”.
katie March 28, 2014, 4:42 pm
it is pretty short, i think. i havent timed it yet though officially. ill have to get back to you.
theattack March 28, 2014, 4:21 pm
I’m surprised you don’t hurt yourself more in your line of work honestly, though I’m sorry it happened twice in one week. Oh, you were in my dream last night, Katie. We were about to go to a DW party together, and you were helping me finish some dish I was making and telling me how to do it better by cutting the zucchini instead of trying to cook it whole in the pan. Haha
katie March 28, 2014, 4:41 pm
haha, well, in dream-kate’s defense, cooking a whole zucchini in a pan is a bad idea.
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i used to hurt myself a lot- i mean in the crazyness that is a functioning kitchen, you just do. i was also a first aid nurse for other people a lot of the time. but, because i dont operate with the crazyness anymore -no chefs calling out orders, no tickets going all at once, no wait staff coming in to tell me that a ticket is wrong, no on the fly orders, no fire times, ect, ect) i havent! except for this week. ugh.
Deb March 28, 2014, 4:18 pm
Long-time lurker, suddenly emerging. Hi, ya’ll!
Wendy, when my kids were little and gave up napping, I made a deal with both of them that worked out well for all of us. If they weren’t going to nap, then their bedtime had to be earlier, say, 7p.m.. They were thrilled! No nap, and believe me, by the time they got to bed at night, they were plenty ready for it and so was I.
The point is, we followed their natural body clock, which said no more naps. But! We bit the bullet and got our evenings back, which was just spiffy.
veritek33 March 28, 2014, 4:25 pm
I am going to do as much resting and as little spending money as possible this weekend. Like, serious hard-core naps and book reading. Lot’s of coffee, blankets.
Unless……it might actually be pretty this weekend, in which case I will try to get my garden beds ready for planting, take the dogs for ALL THE WALKS, and maybe clean out my garage.
And possibly a date Sunday night with a guy that looks like Marshall from How I Met Your Mother.
AliceInDairyland March 28, 2014, 4:46 pm
Tall?!?!?!?!!?!
veritek33 March 28, 2014, 5:12 pm
6’3″
AliceInDairyland March 28, 2014, 5:13 pm
Yesssssssss. Benjamin is 6’3″. It’s nice. I’m height-ist.
veritek33 March 28, 2014, 5:28 pm
I’m 5’4″, so it presents some neck pain issues if I have to look up all the time for conversation/kissing, but tall guys are pretty awesome.
AliceInDairyland March 28, 2014, 9:45 pm
I never watch TV, but I specifically remember that Marshall was tall, nice, and slightly socially awkward and I was like…
“OMG, he’s totally my type!”
Lyra March 28, 2014, 6:53 pm
Mmmmmm tall guys. I loooove tall guys. Navy Guy is 6’1″ and I go up to hug him and my head fits right on his shoulder (I’m 5’8″). It’s great. I’m pretty sure I’m in the enamored stage right now. 😀
Northern Mermaid March 28, 2014, 8:22 pm
I’m popping in for my defense of short men. They are my favorite! No taller than 5’10” please. The best sex I’ve ever had has been with guys around my height (5’5″). All the relevant parts are easily accessible and I am a fan.
Lyra March 28, 2014, 8:29 pm
You can keep them! 6′ and above for me. 🙂 A guy who I dated last year was 5’9″ and I kind of hated it.
Northern Mermaid March 28, 2014, 8:35 pm
More for me! I guess I also just have never felt the need to be “small” or “feel little”—not that there’s anything wrong with that. I am the kind of girl that likes to be the big spoon. I dunno. I’m a weirdo–but I think it’s led me to date some really great guys that sometimes get overlooked
Astronomer March 28, 2014, 9:28 pm
I also love short guys. LOVE THEM. I’m only 5’2″, though, so I’m totally biased. Whenever I dated tall guys in the past, I always felt like I spent most of my time in their armpits. But sometimes with a short guy, you can do that full-body hug thing where everything lines up just right and it’s so hot. That could never happen for me with a tall guy. And I also like being the big spoon about half the time. I guess I’m an equal opportunity spooner.
Lyra March 28, 2014, 9:30 pm
I think it’s different depending on your height. I can totally see the whole armpit thing. I wouldn’t like that either.
AliceInDairyland March 28, 2014, 9:52 pm
Some guys could spend most of their time in my armpit…
I think I believe I am taller than I actually am though. Because when I wear my 4.5 inch high heels I’m still just a teeny bit shorter than Benjamin… and in my imagination I would be like 3 inches taller than him.
Northern Mermaid March 29, 2014, 12:50 am
Astronomer have all the dibs ever, then. 🙂 AND yesss to full body hugs!
Christy March 29, 2014, 8:26 am
Yes! This, 1000%! I love hugging gf and having everything line up.
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I had a really weird height thing for a while, where I would only date women between 5’6″ and 5’10”. I just wanted to date someone my own height. I had/have weird body image issues, so I didn’t want to date someone substantially larger (height-wise) or smaller (height- or weight-wise) than me. I think I’ve grown more flexible on that, but it’s not so much an issue anymore. I’ve also discovered the joys and wonders of sharing clothes with gf, so maybe that’s another incentive to date same-height people.
Fabelle March 29, 2014, 8:48 am
I prefer tall guys (which I’ve made clear on here before 😉 ), but on the lining-up thing— I always felt like things ~didn’t~ line up with shorter guys? because dudes tend to have longer torsos anyway. Fabello is 6’2″ & I’m 5’7″ & when we hug, his dick is like… right in between my hipbones? which is where I like it. haha
I like women who are shorter than me, though, usually. Apparently my lust-brain is very gender essentialist (women must be small, men must be big!) But that’s okay, it’s just my lust brain.
rainbow March 29, 2014, 10:39 am
Mmm armpits. Yummy.
Lyra March 28, 2014, 9:28 pm
Oh I looooove being the small spoon! Haha. It’s the best feeling. I love being wrapped in a hug by a guy who has some height. Navy Guy give the BEST hugs. I’m by no means a small girl and I’m fine with that, but it makes me feel awkward if a guy is my height/shorter than me.
bethany March 28, 2014, 4:25 pm
I’m super excited about this weekend because I’m going on a Wine Tour with my wine club (aka my parents and family friends). We’re hitting up some places in Maryland and PA, and it’s going to rule. This will be my 3rd year going, and it’s always a blast. I’m going to miss Rudy, but it’ll be kind of nice to get away for a little while. Having a dog is exhausting me!
kerrycontrary March 28, 2014, 4:50 pm
No shame, my dog goes on “vacation” to her grand-parents once every few months. Usually its because I’m traveling, but it also gives me a break.
honeybeenicki March 28, 2014, 4:27 pm
Oh naps. I don’t take naps because they make me more tired. But I think once we have a baby, I might be willing to try it again. Or maybe I’ll actually do something useful while baby naps. Or maybe I’ll sit on the couch, watch TV and eat bon bons. Whichever works for me I guess.
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This weekend we aren’t doing anything terribly fun. I have to work Sunday morning at 7am and will be training someone else. Tomorrow I’m going to a giant book sale that the University puts on and we’re going on the day that we bring grocery bags and can fill the bag for $4. And tomorrow the books are all free so maybe we’ll swing back again. Or maybe I’ll go down there after work since I only work about 10 blocks away.
AliceInDairyland March 28, 2014, 4:54 pm
ALL the things people. I had spring break last week, which was wonderful and I didn’t do anything school related and it didn’t seem that bad. But I’ve been back a week and suddenly I’m all “OMG, where did all the things come from? So much to do!” and then it’s finally nice out, and when it’s nice out I’m all, “I should do productive-y outside things instead!” which is helpful and good yes, but I still gotta do all the other study stuff. So then my brain implodes. Plus I had my…. 4th (4th guys!! I didn’t run away from therapy like last time!!!!) appointment with the counselor and it’s just SO EXHAUSTING talking about feelings when you have spent the majority of your life making sure no one ever knows about your actual feelings. I had that shit on lock down, and now the counselor wants to talk about it so I have to unpack them and the feelz are then all unruly for being cooped up all the time and then I have to sort of stuff them back in or at least put a leash on them so I can function and it’s just.. tiring. But good. But tiring.
Tomorrow I am going to be Farmer Benjamin’s side kick at a sustainability fair to talk about community supported agriculture and farming. And they wanted us to talk about raising backyard chickens so I’m gonna try and be the pretend expert on that and see what materials I can scrounge up… Even though I’m like, “ergh, I have an exam on birds in class next week and I know nothing useful!!!!!” And then I have a friend’s party to go to Saturday night and then we may be going out to celebrate my mom’s birthday with dinner or lunch or brunch or something. I decided my gift is going to be a card that says I will teach her the basics of knitting because she mentioned being impressed with my mad skillz. Hopefully that’s an acceptable gift.
And then study, study, study. Update my resume and make a pretend cover letter for a class. Email a bunch of people about externships for the coming year (AHHHHHHHHHHH). Hopefully I get at least some of it done.
Kate March 28, 2014, 5:00 pm
Re: napping, not that I should be giving out parenting advice, but I remember when we were really little, my mom would basically be like, you need to lie down in your bed for an hour and not come out of your room. If you sleep, fine. If not that’s fine too. We could listen to a record (like Free to Be You and Me or Mr. Rogers!) or look at a book, but we had to be in our rooms, on our beds. Does that work, or is 2 too young? I was probably 3 when I remember this going on.
Dear Wendy March 28, 2014, 7:43 pm
That’s what I am telling jackson and so far, it works fairly well. He quietly plays for about 30-45 minutes, which is good but it’s still so much less than the 2 1/2 hour naps he was taking until just recently. Maybe we can compromise on an hour an 15 minutes or an hour and a half here soon.
Diablo March 28, 2014, 5:39 pm
Just finished a big granting meeting where i participated in giving out about $300,000 to local charities. This is one of those days when i really love my job. In particular a couple of organizations that I really want to see succeed got the grants they requested. Days like this pay for all the more drudge-y days. Going to a new Ethiopian restaurant to celebrate with M and close friends. M is busy volunteering on the weekend, so i may take a stab at recording a couple of newer songs. That and write my !@*&$$#! Annual Report (see drudgery).
Christy March 28, 2014, 5:43 pm
Wendy, you should read The Martian by Andy Weir. It’s about an astronaut who gets stranded on Mars and it’s really funny and really fast-paced. I got a recommendation from a worker in an independent bookstore; otherwise I would never have picked it up. I’m really enjoying it.
Diablo March 28, 2014, 5:57 pm
Does anybody here read fantasy? I’m in the middle of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and it is awesome.
othy March 28, 2014, 6:51 pm
Oh, I love those books! And, I’m not really big into fantasy.
Christy March 29, 2014, 8:28 am
I have had that book on my shelf for over a year–a friend recommended it to me–and I STILL haven’t read it! Glad to see it has another endorsement.
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Have you read The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay? It’s amazing! I read it twice a year for years!
Diablo March 30, 2014, 11:28 am
I met Guy Gavriel Kay at a Literary festival last fall (and got a photo with him!). He is one of my favourite writers in any genre and he is Canadian. The last book I read before The Name of the Wind was his River of Stars. Was planning to start over with The Summer Tree when i got sidetracked by Name. I loved tat book because it starts with grad students at U of Toronto, which is practically what I was when i first read it, though wrong university. Unfortunately, the only fantasy world I got sucked into was of my own devising, but hey, i won the lady.
AliceInDairyland March 28, 2014, 4:58 pm
Also…. I’m trying to get my schedule under control… and find a system that works well for me. I do NOT have a smart phone. I use google calendar and google keep but it feels really scattered and not accessible if I don’t have my laptop out. I want a way to vomit out EVERYTHING I’m thinking/planning/plotting so I don’t forget it, OR keep it cycling in my head. I downloaded EverNote and that’s kind of annoying me because I don’t like the system.
I’m thinking about doing it pen and paper style but using Bullet Journal Technique:
Has anyone else heard of this? I like the idea of carrying around a notebook and pen (I always carry my knitting purse anyways) and I like the way it’s both freeform and organized. I can vomit out whatever I’m thinking but also keep track of it in a productive way. So I think I’m going to order a notebook and nice pen off of amazon and give it a try.
Lemongrass March 28, 2014, 6:05 pm
We bought a house today! I can’t believe how fast everything happened. I’m really excited to move. Other than that E has been cutting a molar and sick, fever of 39C (102.2F) so I haven’t slept longer than 3 hours in a row in 3 days and I would like to scratch my eyes out.
Diablo March 28, 2014, 6:11 pm
Congratulations! On the house, i mean, not the fever or extreme fatigue.
Astronomer March 28, 2014, 6:10 pm
My problem friend is getting married on Saturday, and she (like, three days ago) asked her best ladyfriends to show up five hours early at the reception place to steam tablecloths and arrange centerpieces and set up the sweet table and and and. Then she wants all of us to come back to the reception place after the church wedding (three hours early–that’s eight hours if you’re doing the math along with me!) to set up the buffet and plate desserts and and and and. I’m guessing she can’t really afford her fancy-pants wedding, because she didn’t hire anyone to do ANYTHING. She doesn’t even have anyone to bus tables or change food containers on the buffet during the reception. Gah. I was really, really looking forward to relaxing at her wedding, and now I’m exhausted thinking about how it’s going to be this 16-hour forced labor production. All I know is, there is no way in hell I’m staying after the reception is over to wash the damn dishes. You know what kills me? She said, “Hey, at least you’re getting a free meal out of it.” AAAAAAGH!
I’ve also taken to calling her my problem friend, so that’s a fun new thing.
Diablo March 28, 2014, 6:14 pm
You realize that you don’t have to do it, right? perhaps instead “your problem friend,’ you should take to calling her “YOUR problem, friend.”
LadyinPurpleNotRed March 28, 2014, 6:16 pm
If you don’t want to do it and you consider her a problem friend, then why are you agreeing to do it?
Astronomer March 28, 2014, 6:29 pm
She used to be my very best friend, and we had all the fun together. I was cutting her off, I swear(!), but I got sucked back in. It’s hard. We’ll have one good time, I’ll get sentimental, and the next thing you know…
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From our years of best-friendship, I’m also sad at the idea of losing the extended network of friends and (her) family that I often spend birthdays and holidays with. The idea of never seeing her again isn’t exactly a hardship, but I’m going to miss the rest. That’s the main reason I’ve been pulling the band-aid off so slowly. This is the last time, though. I do want her to have a nice wedding, even if she’s being an entitled dick about it.
cmary March 28, 2014, 6:17 pm
I finally read Gone Girl and thought it was great. But I’m late to the party on that one, so maybe everyone else has already read it? Also, Defending Jacob was a really good book my sister-in-law recommended, and she’s not a big reader. But she called me and insisted I read it so we could then talk about it.
Also, Stay by Deb Caletti – one of my favorite YA authors. House of Bathory and The Bloodletter’s Daughter by…um…hang on, I’ll look it up. By Linda Lafferty.
Lyra March 28, 2014, 7:19 pm
Gone Girl is on my reading list right now.
cmary March 28, 2014, 7:51 pm
After you read it let’s talk about it!
Lyra March 28, 2014, 8:19 pm
Deal! It’s on a list with about 30 other books right now! 🙂
Northern Mermaid March 28, 2014, 8:26 pm
I loved Gone Girl
snoopy128 March 29, 2014, 11:46 am
Loved Gone Girl. Hated the ending. Can’t wait for the movie.
lindsaybob March 29, 2014, 2:05 pm
I loved Gone Girl. Didn’t know they were making a movie of it. I wonder how they’ll handle the two perspectives in the book.
veritek33 March 29, 2014, 7:30 pm
I got to visit the set of the Gone Girl movie and talk to the producer! She wouldn’t say much about how they will handle that, but I’m sure it’s gonna be awesome
Northern Mermaid March 30, 2014, 2:22 am
Ok, So, I know talking about downthumbs is the kiss of death, but someone around here REALLY did not like Gone Girl! I promise my feelings aren’t hurt, but if you want to discuss your feelings on a book, I’m pretty sure everyone here would politely listen and agree to disagree.
LlamaPajamas March 28, 2014, 6:22 pm
I’ve already taken a 2-hour nap this afternoon! It was a surprise nap though – I thought I was just laying down to cuddle with one of my cats for a minute. My parents are coming into town this weekend so Mr. LP and I can take them to Phantom of the Opera. Cheesy, I know, but my parents love it and it’s playing in Philly now, and they need a good cheering up (my dad is still really depressed about having another 6 months of chemo). And I need to finish hand embroidering a birthday gift for Mr. LP’s mom and search for rental townhouses so Mr. LP and I aren’t homeless come May. And it’s supposed to rain all weekend so I will definitely be taking more naps!
No Pants March 28, 2014, 8:39 pm
Ok, ignore my comment above re: what you’re going to do with your folks. I hope you have a great time at the theater! Naps + Phantom sound like the perfect weekend. And Tom’s cookies. I bet it will help cheer up your dad. 🙂
Lyra March 28, 2014, 7:19 pm
Today was nuts. Absolutely insane. I don’t have a prep period at all and I usually end up having a bazillion things to do during my lunch break (or “break” as it ends up being). So today I made copies while eating an apple so I wouldn’t be cranky/angry because I was hungry. And I got things ready for class. And by that point it was time for class. I didn’t have time to eat and the kids just bombarded me with questions. Out of 22 kids, I swear 21 of them had questions. So I was hungry and felt like a mom of 22 kiddos who were all demanding my attention…
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Anyway, weekend! Tonight is laundry/reading night. Tomorrow I’m having brunch with some of my cousins and I’m really excited for that! Then Navy Guy is coming down and we’re having our IKEA date. 🙂 Sunday is going to be in the 60’s (!!!!!!) so I’ll be outside on my deck and taking walks and maybe starting my couch to 5k program…I’m excited.
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And I’m getting a new (to me) car next week!!! My parents got a new-to-them car and they’re selling their other one to me. It’s a 2010, which is a definite improvement from my 1998. I’m looking forward to something that will have less issues and will run smoother. My coworker is buying my old car by happy accident. I had mentioned my new car purchase to her this week and she said that her husband is in desperate need of a car. She was ecstatic when she learned that I was willing to sell it to them she took me up on the deal!. So I’ll get about 3 times as much as I would from the junkyard, and they get a car, and I get my new car! Everyone is happy!! Which means I need to clean out my car this weekend…
Lyra March 28, 2014, 7:21 pm
Oh and I just finished the book “The Art of Racing in the Rain”. It’s told from and old dog’s perspective and I liked it a lot. My family’s dog is unfortunately aging (13) so it hit home for me.
call-me-hobo March 28, 2014, 8:49 pm
Nooooooo, don’t listen to Lyra! I read “The Art of Racing in the Rain” on a plane and ended up ugly crying in the middle of coach…
Lyra March 28, 2014, 9:31 pm
Oh man I cried too, but I loved it. I love animal stories. They always make me cry but I would take an animal story over a romance novel any day.
Lyra March 29, 2014, 2:19 am
OK, I’m legitimately curious — why so many down thumbs?
Lyra March 29, 2014, 4:39 pm
You guys I just got back from brunch where we had bottomless mimosas! Delish. They gave us this MASSIVE pitcher which basically had an entire bottle of champagne and a little tiny bit of orange juice. Now it’s time for some buzzed cleaning with the windows open!!!
XanderT March 28, 2014, 7:22 pm
Hey Wendy – Just because Jackson may not nap doesn’t mean that he can’t have quiet time in his room when you work. You just need to be firm. You can do it!
Northern Mermaid March 28, 2014, 8:32 pm
This weekend I’m working on my car—I’m changing out a part that requires removing my whole engine and refoaming my speakers. Then I’m going to see Frozen at the movie theatre where you can have beer. I’m making chile verde with moose meat for dinner tonight. It’s going to be super delicious and I can’t wait.
Portia March 28, 2014, 9:07 pm
I’m going to meet a friend’s baby for the first time! We were going to go last week, but boyfriend got deadly sick and we decided it was probably best not to subject the newborn to that. I’m so excited! Mostly I’m excited to see the friends, though, because they’re ones I was afraid would disappear off the face of the planet after having the babies.
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The rest of the weekend will be spent working on all the dissertation/presentation crap I need to get done. Hello Friday night, how about I work all the way through you…
thewriteway March 28, 2014, 9:25 pm
I am expecting things to be pretty low key this weekend until Sunday, when I am going to see Rock of Ages! The show’s touring cast is coming to the city about 30 minutes from me and I’m definitely looking forward to it. What can I say, I have a secret guilty pleasure for 80s rock!
I’m feeling a little bit bummed, though not downright depressed over it or anything, that I haven’t gotten calls back from two of the jobs I really wanted. I applied to both of them three weeks ago, and while I could still get called, I also read something that said if you hadn’t heard in 4-6 weeks, you’re probably not going to hear anything. Of course, I’m not counting on these jobs and am continuing to search/apply, but it’s frustrating to get crickets when you think a job is perfect for you!
GatorGirl March 28, 2014, 10:53 pm
I think I had my first thing I’m willing to call a migraine today. For about 6 hours I had the most ferocious throbbing in the base of my skull coupled with severe issues with eye focus. It hurt so bad I wanted to cry, and did a little. GGuy was so sweet taking care of me. When I was finally able to lay down he found my eye mask, got me water and blankets, rubbed my back, and then just sat there as I fell asleep. So thankful for him taking care of me. Today sucked.
katie March 28, 2014, 11:19 pm
Well apparently this was not the week for my body. In addition to my burn and cut I got bit by a maybe feral cat tonight. Ugh. Poor cat.
trixy minx March 28, 2014, 11:54 pm
I’m on book six of the wheel of time series by Robert Jordan. Anyone else read it?
Painted_lady March 30, 2014, 9:50 pm
Walter does. He says the last book is totally worth it. Seriously. I’m on the fence about it, though, because he was very irritable while he was reading the ones a couple from the end.
Fabelle March 29, 2014, 7:23 am
I’m going to a pole fitness class today! My Pilates instructor found a dance studio that has them & organized a group of us to attend the intro. I’m excited, & nervous 😐
Then later I have a family dinner & party for my brother’s 40th birthday (cannot believe he’s turning 40). So that should be fun. The only thing I’m sad about is that Fabello and I will be separated today because he’s got some school thing, then a bachelor party (I know, it’s only a day, but we’re used to spending most of the weekend together & I’m bummed he’ll miss the party)
Fabelle March 29, 2014, 8:58 am
okay, now that I’m on a real computer: re: naps, since I don’t have kids, I’ll just talk about myself as a baby—apparently, I never took naps? (And now as an adult, I don’t nap. I just cannot nap.) But I played quietly alone a lot as I got older, so there’s hope!
And what I’m reading: “Evil Eye” by Joyce Carol Oates. It’s the first book I’ve read in a while. It’s actually 4 novellas in one, so although it’s not “light” reading, it sort of is? because the stories are short.
snoopy128 March 29, 2014, 11:44 am
I finally found a by donation yoga studio in my city! Hooray! I can afford weekly yoga again! And the instructor last night ran an awesome class and now I will not be raising my arms for the rest of the weekend because my shoulders were just reminded what spending 60 minutes supporting my body feels like.
On the other end of things, it’s crazy-time here for me. 2 papers due Monday, 2 presentations and a paper next Monday plus marking.
@Wendy, I feel for ya with the nap thing. I’m petrified to have children because as a child I apparently NEVER slept. Not at night, not during the day. And it will probably all come back to me when I have kids. Also, hopefully you have found this site : http://www.reasonsmysoniscrying.com/ . Hilarious.
iseeshiny March 29, 2014, 2:46 pm
Oh. Oh my god. That is an amazing site! Why have I never seen this???
Portia March 30, 2014, 11:37 am
That. Site. Is. Amazing.
Marcie March 30, 2014, 4:09 pm
That site is one of the reasons I don’t want to have kids. I just cannot deal.
mrmidtwenties March 30, 2014, 4:00 pm
Guys, its bbq weather in Canada, I’m making some chicken wings and a home made maple jalapeno bbq sauce!!!!!!
mylaray March 30, 2014, 5:03 pm
One of my friends recommended I read Redefining Realness recently and it’s so good. It’s a memoir by a trans woman, Janet Mock, about her path to finding love, acceptance, identity, and what it means to be a woman. It’s a quick read and I read it in 2 days. I even got my husband to read it and he enjoyed it. I was planning on saving it for my flight tonight but I read books too quickly because I get so excited. Anyways, I’m going on my honeymoon to Europe in a few hours and I’m ecstatic.
scattol March 30, 2014, 6:16 pm
that’s right. it’s always BBQ weather when you get 6 inches of snow
CatsMeow March 30, 2014, 7:48 pm
I just made my first attempt at pickling… and forgot THE SALT!!!! They are all sealed up, a pound of green beans, and no salt. I’m so angry!!
CatsMeow March 30, 2014, 7:56 pm
katie? Alice? Can I save this??
Lyra March 30, 2014, 8:29 pm
Did you seal them up by canning them (my mom love canning and I’ve been around it my whole life)? If so you can’t add anything at this point. What other ingredients are in the recipe? Since it’s green beans, could you possibly add the salt to taste when you open up the jars? My mom has only pickled cucumbers…but if she had forgotten the salt she would just toss them.
AliceInDairyland March 30, 2014, 9:01 pm
Dilly beans? As in… acidified and water bath canned?
Yeah you don’t need salt as far as food safety goes. You can just add it to the jar like Lyra said. You may or may not need it!
Hooray for pickling!!!
CatsMeow March 30, 2014, 11:48 pm
Yep, water bath canned. Fuck. Won’t they taste bitter without salt?
Lyra March 31, 2014, 12:42 am
You can always taste a jar to see how they turned out and go from there. Don’t worry — my mom and I have made our fair share of canning mistakes.