Currently - February 6th

No, really! I'm working on my Week #6 post on our Real Food Challenge, but it probably won't be up until tomorrow. Maybe later today. I'm not sure. So, I decided to do a super-quick, no-graphics "currently." Just for funsies. 

this weeks themes:

smelling, drinking, wearing, making, loving

Smelling - Nothing. I've been smelling nothing. Sorry, folks, they can't all be winners. (Count your blessings. I could've been writing this near our cat pans.)

Drinking - Huh. This has made me realize that I've been drinking more wine than usual lately. When I make a good meal (which, lately, is pretty regular -- snaps all around!), we often feel like celebrating it by pouring a glass of wine. Dave drinks a bit of red wine for his heart health pretty much nightly (that's his story, at least), but I'll do any combination of red and white, as long as it's on the sweet-ish side. Lately, it's been kinda "local" Bully Hill, a NYS wine.

Oh, and I've also been drinking coffee any day that I feel the need for some extra motivation. Which is often. I'm not usually a coffee-drinker, but lately the plight of book piles has been heady at work.

Wearing - It's funny. My weight hasn't changed and I'm by no means pregnant, but I've only been able to wear a select few pairs of non-squishy-pinching pants lately. Tummy bulge is real, people. Can I blame it on a kid who is no longer a baby? On a positive note, I'm wearing my favorite outfit today, which tends to bring a smile to my face and make me think I'm actually part of the 21st century: skinny jeans, worn brown boots, a white t-shirt and my favorite coral blazer. Oh, and a necklace, just for the hell of it.

Making - I've wanted to start making more fun things and doing craft projects with Hadman, but there's always the fact that time seems to fly, be it on the weekends or evenings. Curse you, bathtime; curse you. I mean, the fact that I grabbed a couple of pieces of paper and said, "Okay, let's color and draw!" the other night and we had a fun time making a "spaceship" together doesn't feel like it counts. Does it? Maybe. Luckily, I forced him into child labor to get a couple of Valentine's Day gifts painted a little while back, so I guess we're fine.  

But, guess what. I've also been making some extra cash on the side lately. Pssshhhht. I know, we shouldn't speak of such things, but being able to actually write and earn and save (and hopefully splurge on a DSLR camera) is a fun, surreal if not slightly scary thing. That said, I've gotta find a bit of balance because every night I'm either working on a blog post or article and would like to get in some quality time with Dave once in awhile.

Loving - I'm loving lots lately, actually. Aside from the givens of loving my family and feeling lucky just to be alive, there are the simple things. Next week is a dress-down week at work (jeans = more productive; I kid you not), we've got a week-long break after that, I'm getting together with my sister for a much-needed "date" tonight, and there may or may not be a little side trip in the family's future one of these days. Life. Is. Great.

I'm not s'much loving my lack of motivation. I've been getting done with I "need" to get done, but I've got ideas on the back burner and cleaning and fixing up of the house that I just haven't been able to get off my behind to get done. I do try to do the "Okay, I got some stuff done, I'm allowed to just SIT" (which usually entails working on something else on the computer, ie the gigs I mentioned above), so it's not like I'm getting nothing done. But, the other stuff. I hate to say it, but I may start getting up earlier. *gulp*  


Feel free to chime in with what's "currently" going on in your life in the comments, or respond to any of my weirdness. Have an awesome weekend, guys!

Linking up to Kale & Beans and Ot & Et. Thanks, ladies!

Currently / 12.19.14

Hiya, folks! If you're stopping by from the linky party, thanks and it's great to see you. Here's this week's themes:

I'm currently LOVING the fact that today's the last day of school before a two-week vacation. Sure, the day's jam-packed with singing in the teacher's chorus, squeezing in a quick class, the nerves of having my husband invited into school to do one of his famous readings of "The Polar Express" (and watching my 2-year-old in the process), and my usual classes, but there isn't a real complaint in the mix. Oh, and I'm even going for one of my 2-3 times-per-year hair cuts tonight. Exciting stuff, people. Ex-citin'.

I'd like to think that READING more would be high on my list of 2015 goals, but I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself since I always seem to have at least a half dozen books going at a time...and rarely find myself completing a single one. That said, this was shared on FB by one of my librarian buddies (for those that don't know, I'm a school librarian by day) and sparked my interest. UGH! So many great ideas to go after on that list, but to avoid the inevitable failure, I'll aim for a handful this year. Maybe that'll be doable.

Lately, I've been CHOOSING between sleep and getting projects done, and guess what's actually happening. Right. Neither. While I'm waiting for that bolt of energy to strike me motivated, I sit there spinning my wheels while staring at a computer screen (only half getting anything off-topic finished). So, I'll have to work harder than Santa's elves to get a couple of the handmade projects I've got planned for Hadley done in time!

Hopefully, I'll be DESIGNING several things in the new year: a new website, re-designing the blog (still doesn't feel quite right...what do you think?), but most importantly, myself. Internally. Not, like, a superficial makeover, but a total rehab of the good ol' interior. Mhmm.

WONDERING if I'll actually have the guts to get some stuff published this year. Wondering if I'll have the motivation and guts to write more, and to try for some freelance gigs in 2015. Wondering if it really matters. Wondering what my focus needs to be, aside from the usual musts (family and friends). But, more importantly, wondering if we'll have a white Christmas this year. (We weren't supposed to last year, but we had an unexpected, unpredicted coating that filled me with joy and excitement. This year, there's a chance for a storm, but it might include ice and rain, sooooo...)  

Do tell! What're you loving/reading/choosing/designing/wondering currently? I'd love to hear in the comments.

Linking up with the fabulous Ot & Et and Harvesting Kale. 

Currently 12/5

Yo, homies. How're things? This week has been good...but a little anxiety-ridden. Just lots going on at work, plus I've surpassed the point of being on top of everything for the holidays.

Okay. Gonna add my voice to a very controversial issue here, and you may not agree. (Nope, not police violence and judicial inequality.) I truly, truly enjoyed watching the highly entertaining dancing and singing on last night's "Peter Pan Live!" No, really. The live tweets were equally as amusing, but since I was OBSESSED with our videotape of the old Mary Martin version as a little girl (I almost think it was my "first musical," even before "Annie"), there's a soft spot in my heart for the show. Even with the hilarity of Walken and far too grown Lost Boys and an at-times scary-eyed Allison Williams, it was awesome. Besides, anything beats the Carrie Underwood debacle last year.

My cooking has been pretty boring lately. I officially have what I would define as quasi-picky eaters in the house (husband included), so I'm in a bit of a rut. I cooked a whole turkey and all the Thanksgivingy fixings last Saturday so that we'd have our own leftovers (and that I'd know that, yes, I could actually handle cooking a turkey - imagine that, I did it!), but otherwise we're in a rotation of homemade soups, chili, salad-and-sandwich, pasta breakfast-for-dinners (I think that's Dave's least favorite of all), and the occasional ACTUAL meal (meat + starch + veggie). Any suggestions that aren't too outlandish (and aren't full of processed stuff, if possible) are greatly appreciated! 

I'm pretty sure I'm losing my mind. Usually, I use December as a low-key month with few projects, fluff holiday stories (which, admittedly, I enjoy) and even the occasional movie during library classes. This year? Idiot. Moron. Dumb-dumb. I've got a research project for my older kids (ALL of them; giving them just enough time before break to complete), then a unit for two other grades utilizing a biographical book that I usually just read and discuss (activities! assessments!). My little ones are getting a break with awesome read-alouds, but I've also delved headlong into things I've put off or have been behind on, so yeah. December ain't a low-key month anymore. Also, can't wait to grade all this stuff come Christmas break. Damn it.

Speaking of minds, clearing mine has been a bit impossible lately. Again, work stuff piling up and dealing with things that give me tons of anxiety. Makes me think, then wake up at 3:30 in a sweat, then have a hard time falling asleep...rinse, repeat.

Dave will be sharing reading duties with a friend from his old job, presenting "The Polar Express" (and probably another book) for kids tonight at our local Barnes and Noble. It's become a fun tradition, but this year feels a bit different. I'll also be trying my best to prepare Hadley to SIT THE FRICK STILL while fully preparing MYSELF for the fact that he's a super active 2-year-old who knows what he wants -- and that is to be the center of attention who would much rather be running around than having to share storytime with other kids. (He listens to books every night, but it's always on our bed and for some reason a different environment changes his behavior completely.) And, really, I shouldn't expect him to be ready to sit still, but we've talked about it and my fingers are crossed.

So, what're you guys up to this weekend? We'll finally be getting our tree, and I'll do some shopping with Hadman (he has to buy a couple of presents still ;-)). I also foresee at least one good old Christmas movie, hot chocolate, and maybe some gift wrapping since I'm super behind on that. Am I the only one? 

Currently {11/21}

I figured it'd be fun to take part in the fun that is "Currently" about every month or so. Plus, it's fun to get a little personal and current-eventy and introspective from time to time. Or, not s'much. So, please. Come along.

Oh, and you may notice that, for some weird reason, my list isn't synched up to the other blogs linking up today. Um, whoops! I have no idea why that is. I grabbed the list from another blog that links up, but...yeah. I'll do better next time. ;-)

Just last week, I finished reading, of all things, a juvenile chapter book from the "Dear America" series. It's the first book I've been actually engrossed in and was able to finish in a day (thanks, minimal vocabulary!). On one hand, I'm a tad embarrassed about that, but on the other hand, I'm all "I am woman, hear me roar!" So, yeah. That said, I'm still trudging through our Dick Van Dyke memoir. (He's a great writer, but I've been slowing down in my reading.)

I'm thinking about what handmade gift I'll be making for Hadman this Christmas. I'm between two things in my head, but am leaning in one direction: it will involve felt. Oh, yes. It will. The other thing will probably be a "when I feel like a project" type of thing. It's way less fun. And, yes, I'm being super secretive. Neener, neener! 

I've been feeling pretty tired this week thanks to our annual Book Fair. It's a one-man-band scenario, so it's sometimes hard to get a bathroom break or grab my lunch (and I've had classes still coming in most of the week), but I also tend to feel energized by the thing. How can that be? Anyhoo, it's kind of my mental kick-off to the holiday season. At the same time, I'm feeling super excited every time a new gift shows up in the mail, knowing I'm getting on top of my $#%@. Feels purdy good.

I can't wait to be eating (that's poor grammar, I know) that Thanksgiving feast. This year is my "mom's year" which just means we're going there for the meal (and probably small dessert), then off to Dave's family's to have more dessert and hang-out time. While I pretty much enjoy most of the fixings on Thanksgiving (boiled squash, not s'much), my absolute faves are the stuffing, gravy-gravy-gravy, and *homemade* pumpkin pie. Oh, yes, I'm very much a pie snob. Must be homemade. I'll eat others, but I will die a little inside. ;-)

OF COURSE, I'm dreaming of the holidays ahead. The fact that we (Dave and I, both!) have TWO WEEKS OFF again this year at Christmastime is insane and awesome (and I'm sure I'll be sick of it by the start of week two). I'm doing well with my shopping, although I'm still planning a Black Friday excursion, even if to just one store. *I didn't say Thanksgiving shopping, BTW, so don't raise an eyebrow at me.* Side note: Totally had a weird dream about being at the March for Freedom with Martin Luther King, Jr. back in the day, although I didn't see him for a second, was just surrounded by a mass of people in super realistic clothes (I could feel the fabric as they brushed by me, so real!). It was an out-of-body thing, totally.

So, what about you guys? What're you reading/thinking/feeling/eating/dreaming lately? Share in the comments! Let's chat!

Linking up at Harvesting Kale and and OT & ET. Welcome, if you're visiting from the linky shindig! Er...welcome to you, regardless!

Currently - Sept. 19th

Howdy, folks! How're things? They're peachy here. No, really. They are! This week has been a mix of fast and slow, busy and bored, frantic and calm. And it's been good.

While I'm not usually a "talk on the phone" person (my 13-year-old self is dying laughing at me right now. DYING. How badly did I want my own phone line?), I'm hoping to start calling friends and family for a little chat here and there. My brother's birthday is tomorrow, so I hope to shoot him a line. I've got a long-time friend I want to touch base with. Otherwise, for some strange reason, autumn is the "let's have people over! Let's go DO something with someone we love!" time of the year, so we'll be checking our schedules to see who wants to have some play dates and grown-up get-togethers. Fun!

Is anyone else loving the new Ken Burns' doc on the Roosevelts? I know I'm not the only one, given how much buzz it's getting. I just wish I could focus more on it. It comes on right as we're putting Hadman down for the night (which entails him talking or calling for us for a good hours thereafter), and, of course, I'm immediately exhausted and have a handful of other duties I'd like to perform at the same time. Like Internety stuff. But, I'm still getting lots out of it. Our family has a couple of Roosevelt run-ins (on both sides of the family, egad!), so I tend to perk up for them. Yay, Progressives!

It's fall, right? So, eating excessive amounts of baked goods and comfort foods is totally acceptable, right? RIGHT?? I've made ham and potato soup, banana blueberry muffins, a tenderloin, and more...during a busy workweek. And I haven't written a single post about any of them. #bloggerfail

While I had hoped that we would be found riding around the countryside doing Fall activities, stocking up on farmers' market goodies, and generally enjoying family life, the weather looks impeccable and unusually warm. This, of course, means that we'll be taking advantage of it to do some paint touch-ups, weeding, pulling up of the failed garden, and possibly planting some mums (generally Fall-ification). Y'know, a responsible, not-too-fun, adult weekend. :-P

Given the "fun" ahead this weekend, can you tell that I'm wishing and hoping for a few wonderful family-oriented experiences over the following few weeks? You know it. Hopefully getting some of the un-fun chore stuff done soon will make doing that awesome stuff even nicer. Plus, some of it goes hand-in-hand. Like, this weekend I'll pull up the weeds and get stuff ready, then when we're oot and aboot, I'll grab mums, pumpkins, and other autumny goodness to decorate with to finish it up.

Thanks to the ladies at Harvesting Kale and Ot & Et for hosting Currently! 

Currently - September 12th

Wait. What? September 12th? Is that even...is that even right? checks calendar Yup.

Oye.

Let's do this thing, shall we?

The leaves are far from falling quite yet, although there are snippets of mild color changes on the horizon. We are totally a fall family. It's our favorite season (although I've admitted before that just the change of each season is my favorite); so much so that we got married in October. Needless to say, we're itching to get out for leaf-peeping drives, pick out our pumpkins, drink some cider, and do a million other fall-centric things...SOON.

That said, while this season is our favorite, when you've got a wedding to attend and the temperature all week says it MIGHT hit 60...what the hell do you guys suggest wearing?? Is a sleeveless dress with a sweater enough? Stockings are a definite...thanks, Princess Kate. I think it might be an outside one, at that, so...yeah. It's times like these I'm jealous of my suit-wearing husband. Suggestions in the comments, pleeeeaaaase!

In an attempt to waste less and use up stuff after its prime, I've been making lots of creative meals. And, guess what. They're oftentimes tastier than the norm. Whodathunk?

I find myself smiling at the simple things lately. Namely, Hadley doing...well, almost anything...and our cats. Hadley's words are so full of emotion, his absent-minded humming that accompanies his new-found imaginative play just melts my heart. Beardslee had a procedure over the summer that will hopefully leave him healthy for many more years, and his boundless energy and very plentiful head-bunts remind us of his deep soulfulness. Winston, well, he's Winston, and he won't be ignored. Jasper's absolute addiction to having attention and being loved reminds me to take moments for him; he's so easy to forget sometimes.

Learning is the name of the game lately. Hadley is in a constant state of newness, using language in new ways and discovering that actions cause reactions, and stringing more words into sentences. Also, in an attempt to tackle my library lessons to include regular research skills, there was some palpable learning and connection-making to 9/11 this year. Definite teachable moment.

What's new with you guys?

Linking up to Ot & Et and Harvesting Kale.

Currently - September 5th

Mwahahahaaaaa!!! I won't say that I lied last week (because I technically didn't say I was giving up on my "currently" check-ins); just that I'd be sporadic. And today's part of that. *wink* That said...

Anyone else feeling like watching a John Hughes movie? No? Just me?

I'm currently loving Spark People for quick, at-home exercises. I know. I said "loving" and "exercises" in the same sentence. Going insane, clearly. Anyhoo, there are a million videos, and there's a range of levels (say 'hello' to a definite beginner). Oh, and the best part is that I can fit in a quick-but-sweaty 10-minute workout in before Dave gets home with the kiddo. I'm also up for any other "please don't kill me" free exercise vids. Needless to say, I'm not into those self-punishing sites. Just want to get the blood pumping and energy levels higher.

I hate to say it "out loud" for all to hear, but I am kinda craving the autumn weather, along with its old sweaters and cups of hot things and dead leaf smells. Yup. I guess those first days of school are harsher when the temperatures mock the mild summer you've just had. (Dude. It's going to dance around the 90 degree mark today.) Or, maybe I'm craving one last hurrah to a beach, since I didn't get an official stick-my-feet-in-sand-and-enjoy moment this summer. Either/or.

Although he was super demanding this summer (and, really, what toddler isn't?), I'm definitely feeling the burn of seeing Hadman head off to his SUPER patient, SUPER gracious grandma's house for another school year. He's starting to understand now where I go (although he's never visited; I can't seem to find an appropriate time for him AND my students), and is starting to get that I am spending time with other kids. Big kids. He's not the happiest about it, but at least he's pretty flexible. Y'know. As far as stubborn toddlers can be.

I'm questioning my finances right now. Dave and I have been embroiled in plenty of house talk (no arguments or major disagreements or anything, thank goodness) and decisions of when and where we want to move...and how...and all the other important life questions that accompany those thoughts. So, what do I do when I feel like I'm floundering and keeping life at a standstill? Why, visit the internet, of course! Going to hit up Our Freaking Budget some more to get some advice...y'know...for a person who absolutely cannot keep track of her spending and who SUHUUUCKS at budgeting. One of those. (I try not to spend. That's my current method. "Don't spend a lot. Then occasionally buy yourself something purdy. (Usually for the house or for the kid, honestly.) Then go back to not spending a lot." It's gotten me this far, but we've got goals here, people!)

I'm trying not to be a "worrying" person. There's only so much control we really have over ourselves, but given the sheer amount of worrying that my mother did (single mom + 4 kids of varying ages + very limited funds + a natural propensity to worry) gave me an idea of how I didn't want to live life. Sure, she was an incredible parent and did an awesome job, but I've discovered just how much energy is wasted by worrying. It pops up here and there, at particularly stressful times, but for the most part, I keep it under control...and enjoy life as it comes. :-)

Linking up at Ot & Et and Harvesting Kale, folks. Check 'em out.

Currently - August 29th

I didn't take part in last week's "Currently" link-up, mostly because I couldn't find connections to, like, four of the five topics. That's cool, though. I'll be linking up more sporadically now that school will be getting underway, anyway. Life's like that. It's been a fun summer, though!

I'm needing to do some cleaning before heading back to school (or at least during fall). You'd think I would've focused on that all summer, but instead I focused on spending time with Hadley, getting my blog in order, and a handful of other fun things. I'm also better at that sort of thing when under a time crunch. At the same time, the whole family has come down with a virus, so I'm also in need of some rest. Oh, the juxtaposition! 

I'll definitely be missing spending all my time with Hadman (and the luxury to work on my own "work" rather than lesson plans, teaching, returning books, shelving books, ordering, organizing, etc.). I count myself SO very lucky to have a job, and to have the summers to my own devices, but it doesn't mean I won't miss the time with Hadley the Precocious.

Reading an array of books this summer, I'm nearing the end of Marmee and Louisa (about Louisa May Alcott and her mom), finding it to portray a very bittersweet life for both women and completely dragging Bronson Alcott through the mud. I'm not sure if there's an agenda since the author is related to the maternal side of the family, but if it's all based in truth, the guy was a transcendental schmuck. Very well-written, though.

I'm also finishing up Blog, Inc. which I thought would be a lot of "yeah, I already know that," but actually have found tons of value to it. I also stumbled on the author's YouTube channel by complete accident and have found myself watching her short-but-inspirational videos for a heart-lightening. No wonder her blog's called "Oh, Joy!"

I'm hoping that we all start to feel better soon. We both came down with a virus, although his sicknesses always put us on high alert thanks to his febrile seizure last year. His illnesses also tend to jump straight to croup conditions, which is what immediately happened this time. It's weird. He can go to sleep totally fine, and an hour after he lays down starts having a barking fit. Out. Of. Nowhere. Poor kid.

We'll all enjoy playing together and laying low on Monday before the craziness starts again. We're not the types to get together for a huge family barbecue on Labor Day, but maybe we'll do a picnic or some such fun, if we're all feeling up to it.

Linking up with Ot & Et and Harvesting Kale.

Currently - August 15th

Dudes. August is halfway over. Practically. I suck at math. And I make completely blatant observations. Hi, my name is Megan, and I'm awkward.

Oh, and I'm working on a bit of a makeover for this here blog, but am having some layout issues. So, all ya get is the new header. Enjoy the cleanliness while it lasts!

That's enough of an intro, right? Here's what's "currently" going on 'round here...

I'm currently searching for rugs. Well. I shouldn't say "currently" because I'm always searching for rugs. We have area-ish rugs in our sunroom (with boring, thin stripes; too traditional), living room (there's also a carpet, but I need to ground our seating area...with a rug that's only slightly darker than the carpet...der?), and dining room (three words: squares, multicolor, scrolls). The rugs in those areas ain't cuttin' it anymore, so I've scoured Overstock, West Elm, RugsUSA.com, and about a dozen others regularly to see if I can find a deal. Unfortunately, even the deals are a tad rich for my blood. Plus, when I find something I *think* might work, I question it. I'm just a questioner when I'm spending a couple hundred (each?!) smackers. I drool at Target this time of year, thanks to back-to-school college kid rugs.

On non-sticky and non-comfy/ugly clothes days, I've been wearing the crap out of a silky blouse I scored at TJ Maxx recently. I'm not usually a Maxxanista outside of their home goods goodies, mostly because their stuff is super trendy (read: only a model can wear it without looking super awkward...and we all know I'm pretty awkward on my own) or downright ugly. I also always feel like, while perusing their racks, I'm searching the clearance racks at Kohl's (ya never know what you're gonna get), where I always leave disappointed. This one, however, has some small navy-and-coral (reddish coral?) prints and is flowy enough to make me feel hip but covered up. And it's weird because I'm not a "blouse" person. At. All. But, it's my new fave and has made me think about a few other pieces I should try. Isn't it awesome when ONE PIECE can inspire you for the rest of your wardrobe? Worth the price...which I forget.

Needing me some full-on motivation. It hasn't gotten any better since last week. Almost every day has been usurped by some thing or another, so my days of "he's napping, go paint/dust/pick up/go through something" have halted. I'm to the point where I know I should just finish ONE more project before I head back to school and I'll be happy. Now, which project will that be...?

{I could totally use two for this one, but I'm gonna get creative here. Watch me!}

Despite a really kind offer from loved ones for their house and a deep desire to do so, we've decided to put off any moving plans to the spring. Again, we hope to keep working on our beloved-but-small house while keeping our eyes on the market in areas we hope to move. The two reasons we have to move: Our neck of the woods is getting a tad scarier and just isn't an area we hope to raise kiddos (not so bad that we can't wait a little, honestly) and since we do hope to have more kids, it's just too small (it's shy of 1,000 sq. ft....plus 3 cats...carry the one...yeah, it's cozy). The two main reasons to wait: Some big ticket bills will be paid off come spring, so our finances will leave us feeling a lot more comfortable to make some changes, and waiting also means that we'll be able to look more for the wishlist items we hope to have in our "want to own it a long, long time" house. 

I won't say that I've been eating crap recently, but my husband and son are eating tons better than I am. Our dinners are usually the same thing, but I tend to incorporate more veggies and fruit into their lunches and snacks (and sometimes breakfasts) than I do my own. I just don't pay any attention to mine. I've been carb-based for awhile and I'm concerned it's starting to show a bit around my mid-section. Squishy. So, I'll be on the search for a lazy person's workout routine to get my arse moving (see? Moving?) and try to make a few food changes to see what I can do. Needless to say, we haven't been as active as we all should be for an adorable, young, spry family. *ahem* She says while eying the innumerable gray hairs springing forth from her noggin.

I'm taking part in the Currently linky party, graciously put on by Ot & Et and Harvesting Kale. Gotta love a party you don't have to brush your teeth or brush your hair to attend!

Currently - August 8th

Howdy, folks! Welcome back for this week's "Currently".  And, yes. I got a big package (while we were away, of course) and the huge ass box is still sitting in the living room...along with a couple of box aficionados.

I've been craving some end-of-summer family fun. Blueberry-picking (Hadley and his daddy's favorite; I'm not a fan of them as a plain snack, so freezing some for pancakes and muffins is more my speed). More animal-watching at the zoo. Maybe a picnic. A trip to the beach. More ice cream and unhealthy burgers and pulled pork sandwiches at the local seasonal shops before they close for late fall/winter. Oh, yes, it will be done.

Okay, yeah. I've been doing the suckiest Donna Reed impersonation as far as cleaning goes lately. My mom does a spring AND fall cleaning -- do you guys do that? -- and I hardly got the spring stuff done. However, looking around I'm seeing cobwebs and dust that I need to get a-scrubbin'. Since we're still getting the place ready for possible sale later this year, I don't want to do a huge cleaning since I know I'll be doing another one later on...but, yeah. I'll be chipping away at it before school starts...or maybe after. ;-)

I'll admit it. I'm daydreaming lately. What else is a lazy summer afternoon for? My daydreams usually consist of thinking of the luxury of staying home with the munchkin (all year 'round) and writing to bring in an income. Oh, and having Hadley stay this age and size for at least, eh, 3 more years. That'd be nice. I also recently started a journal, so it's nice to get some of my thoughts out on paper (literally) and know that they're safe and sound and left unjudged.

Hadman's hair was growing like a mop of weeds. My mother and I have given him a couple of haircuts (my last one was a butcher job and I haven't lived it down...), and he had a more recent "real" haircut (which was more of a trim, actually). So, I finally wielded the scissors again...and massacred his bangs. Crap. The rest looks fine, but thank goodness for hats, amiright? If only I could figure out what I did right the first time... Poor kid. Poor Daddy.

Yup, I'm still reading my Marmee & Louisa book. It takes me FOREVER to finish a book, but I actually think that my goal of finishing a book this summer will be met. See, between watching a toddler and being exhausted by the time I sit down to read (book + past-9pm = zonked), it takes awhile to get through. Plus, Dave says that I read headier stuff so it takes longer. That's a polite way to say it, but I'll take it.

That's the latest around here! I've stalled on my outdoor projects, mostly because I got out of the habit of forcing myself to do something everyday after our vacay. So, yeah, I'm back to self-loathing, but I sure am enjoying wasting naptimes to read or watch a movie. :-) What's currently going on with you guys?

Thanks for hosting the linky party, Ot & Et and Harvesting Kale!

Currently - August 1st

It's weird. In a way, I'm like, "Dude. How is it already August 1st?!" In another way, I'm like, "Okay, that sounds about right. The summer isn't going THAT quickly." Either way, it's disappointing, but I've enjoyed being lucky enough to be home with the munchkin everyday. Plus, every year seems to go faster, for better or for worse, so I know summer will be upon us before we know it, and there's a buttload of fun to be had in the meantime.

Here's this week's currently...I'm goin' vertical this week. ;-)

I'm seriously needing to stick my feet in some sand and warm lapping water sooner rather than later this summer. I'm hoping to possibly take the monkey to a lake some place locally to get the job done. Just once a year, that's all I need.    

This mama's been listening to her inner self and working on finding some balance. This is ongoing, but finding rewarding external and internal rewards for a job well done or achieving a goal here and there helps.

 She's also been trying to rack her brain (since when did this blog turn third person?) to remember all the child rearing advice she's ever heard to deal with "not listening," "screeching and crying the instant he hears no," and "asserting his choices which are against parents' orders." Not the "he'll grow out of it" or the "just wait until three..." or the "that's nothing; my son did such-and-such" advice. The real advice that gives you something -- anything -- to try. Internal giggling to relax myself and gain perspective doesn't seem to cut it anymore; I detest this sort of thing. The fact that it isn't a constant and he still shows huge signs of the sweet, joyous boy I know does help.

I've been learning about some updates and new ways to use the SmartBoard in my lessons this year. Professional development, peeps. Good times. Daniel Tiger's been teaching me a lot this summer, too. And Wild Kratts, Hadman's new favorite. Of course -- animals.

I'm not jumping back into school mode quite yet. After receiving our assignments in the mail, I find myself already dreading and detesting some changes that weren't made. Instead of letting it all thrust anxiety into my chest, I'm holding on to summer a bit longer. Enjoying the luxury of my little man and my at-ease mind.

We haven't had a lot of building going on lately; mostly fixing, sprucing, painting, patching, scrubbing, wiping, sanding, rolling, etc. Yep, still working on the house as long as the weather cooperates. We want to be ready to put ours on the market when the right one comes along; way better to do it now than try to run around and get it done during the school year. Besides, we all know I won't have EVERYTHING done and will have to scramble a bit, but I know I'll appreciate the stuff I'm doing now later.  

So, that's it this week! What's currently going on in your neck of the woods? Listening to anything cool? Learning something new? Jumping into anything not-too-gross? Do tell!

Late to the party, but linking to Harvesting Kale and Ot & Et's linky shindig. Thanks, ladies!

Currently - July 25th

In 1970's game show announcer voice: "Welcome to this week's episode of Currently!" Let's see what's up, shall we?

This week has been full of watching. Watching the weather to see whether (weather...whether...whatever) I could do some work outdoors or in during a Hadnap. Watching the little guy's heiny thanks to a horrible case of...well, use your imagination. What makes one's heiny particularly neon red? Poor little monkey. (It's teething, BTW.) Watching a buttload of Sesame Street to keep him chill and relaxed. Watching "Little Women" during naptime because, well, Mama can only take so much Sesame Street.

Searching for my ancestors on Ancestry.com is beyond rad. The nights that I can keep my eyelids open enough, that is. Dude. I'm related to Martin Van Buren. (Not the best president ever...or possibly one of the worst...but it's better than Hitler.) Oh, and we've got a handful of relatives that came during the "Great Migration" in the 1630s, along with one that goes back to Edward I. Yep. King of England, folks. Feel free to kiss my feet or try to overtake my kingdom and behead me. That might be fun.

It just goes to show you, though, that you're missing out on something if you ignore the ladies. I wouldn't have discovered any of the particularly cool ancestors (or the "important" connections, although those who migrated during the Irish migration are just as important as the "known" characters on the tree) or have gotten as much information if I hadn't clicked on the little leaf next to the ladies' names. Mind you, it saddens me that there can be full-length books written about a family's gentlemen but all you really find out about the ladies is their birth, death, and marriage dates. But, as I've always known, we are all truly equal as individuals and, damn it, ladies are cool.

Probably why I'm so thoroughly enjoying reading Marmee & Louisa by Eve LaPlante. It's no secret I'm a Louisa May Alcott fan (see above spiel about Little Women), and this is an in-depth look at how her relationship with her oft-ignored mother impacted her life and writings. The fact that the author is a distant relative who grew up with first-source materials in her attic just adds to the "thrilling factor."

We're growing them big here in the dorky/acting out household. Aye-yea. Veggies in the garden. Cats on the furniture. Toddlers who look like they could start kindergarten tomorrow. He won't have his two-year appointment until next month (his pediatrician is having a baby this month, so...sheesh, how dare he? ;-)), but it'll be interesting to hear what percentile he's in. I feel awkward when people start talking to him in the 4-year-old rather than 2-year-old way at the grocery store and expect answers. There are times that he's completely social ("HI!!!!" is pretty much all he'll say to strangers, though) and others when he's a terrified ball of shyness, so either way, they doth ask too much.

Ignoring the fact that (counts on fingers) FIVE months from TODAY is Christmas, folks. The mess. The toys. The pile of ignored clothes. The running from one family to the next. The baking, the buying, the wrapping. Actually...I'm a little excited...but I'm still ignoring it. Hoping to simplify things a bit this year, too, so we won't jump off that bridge until we get to it.

What about you? What's "currently" happening with you? Growing anything cool? Ignoring? Searching?

Linking up to the incomparable Harvesting Kale and fabulous Ot & Et.

Currently - July 18th

This week has been a bummer. I'm not sure why. Well, I kind of do, but some things are private...even in blogland. ;-) But, I'm counting my blessings and that's totally what counts.

Anyhoo. Along with the "currently"!

1. I'm working on my saving tactics, once again. The closer we get to possibly moving, and most likely paying far more than we currently do, I've gotta get control. Unfortunately, it's tough when your professional clothes need a major upgrade for the new school year.

Any suggestions on relatively inexpensive -- you know, $79 for a blouse ON SALE ain't a sale to me -- and practical/comfy/relatively not matronly (I'm a librarian...but....), give me a heads-up in the comments! PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!!

2. Ever try closing the parts of your brain that say "No. You can't do that. You're not good enough. Why are you even..." (you get the point)? I'm trying to do that. Hopefully by closing those doors, others will open that say, "Wow! You're cooler than I thought. How great!" We'll see.

3. Hadley was loving our season pass to the zoo this week! We went yesterday and it just frickin' rocked. Animals that weren't around last time were out, it wasn't too busy, the lions were SUPER close to the fence (SO EXCITING!), and the list of awesome goes on. There's a tiny building that has animal and nature specimens for kids to "examine" (along with a magnifying glass) that he discovered and I almost couldn't get him out. There was even a composter and other eco-lessons that reminded me why I'm so proud and happy to be raising such an animal-friendly little scientist. #thankswildkratts 

4. I'm despising how I feel. Anyone else get seasonal mood disorder in the summer? I've realized it happens every. Single. Year. It's not full-blown depression (I know the depths of that well enough), which is encouraging, and it ebbs and flows throughout the summer. Like, isn't this supposed to be the happy, sunshiney part of life? Especially when I'm lucky enough to have summers "off" with my little man? If you're feeling me, comment. If not, skip over this one. ;-)

5. Since "throwing" Hadman's party, I'm "throwing" myself into my to-do list of house stuff. Er. "Throwing myself" may be too strong. "Gently sticking my toe into" the list might be better. Seriously, some of it's super simple and some is super complicated or time-intensive, so it can be overwhelming to think about sometimes.

One at a time. One at a time.

So, how're you all doing this week? Anything fun happening in your neck of the woods? Anyone else dealing with the summer doldrums or chores they don't want to do (or escaping to a zoo or other fun place)? Let's chat!

*Linking up at Harvesting Kale and Ot & Et (just her title is cracking me up this week...hee hee, Tony Danza).

Currently - July 10th

This week is all about Hadley. He's turning 2 years old this Sunday, so we're doing plenty of reminiscing, planning, prepping, and just generally getting getting our heads in order. God. Two years. He's practically in college. *sigh* Gotta say, the ladies who put "Currently" together selected the PERFECT themes for our week! ;-)

We'll be celebrating with our close family members this year. Last year, we invited a ton of people -- all whom we care about deeply -- but this year, we decided to cut it back to just family. (What my mom calls "a normal birthday party." Thanks, Mom.) Just kidding, I'm actually super lucky that my mother agreed to hold the party in her backyard since they've got way more space than we do (and we could all fit under their carport easily if it rains). I can't wait to have a larger space for times like this...and for an excuse to clean. Obviously.   

There are times that I can't seriously believe how much Hadman's growing into a little boy, but at other times I'm like, "Yup. That happened. I remember it. It's gonna get worse." and I can rationalize the crap out of it. Parenthood! I'm just lucky that, when I ask him, he still identifies as both a "big boy" and "mama's baby." Oh, Lord, I'm going to go cry now!!

Monkey's (in case you don't notice, he's got a million nicknames) been playing pretend progressively better lately. Oh, and so am I. There was a time when I was about 9 that I remember telling Mom that I was officially a grown-up because I had lost my ability to pretend. She laughed...a lot...and I think I know why. Only a kid with an active imagination could come up with crap like that.

But, seriously, there are a handful of great reasons that parents need to take time out of their day to play, on the floor, no devices in hand, no pictures being taken, no distractions. There are positive psychological and developmental repercussions for the child, but I've noticed that it can be a mood enhancer for Mom, as well as providing my brain with some great exercise... not to mention fun memories.

For setting up the shindig, I'm hoping to put up a couple of handmade posters (with none other than ducks from his favorite books, of course), a row of streamers behind the food table, and a mix of the old poufs and a few new ones that go with the yellow-and-blue duck theme. I found some fun cloth to use as a tablecloth for the food table to reuse elsewhere (can you say "chevron"?!), but the rest of the tables will just get a wipe-down. My sister's also going to bring a kiddie pool to set up, and my stepdad found the old school sprinkler (which kids may or may not run through, we'll see; Had's still at the "trip over his own feet" stage) for some fun. Only having two little ones to run around at a party like this makes the "entertainment" part of it kind of simple.

Even a small birthday party like ours isn't THAT small. I only sent out 5 homemade invitations (they're awesome), but that ultimately invited 16-17 people. See why we couldn't have it at our small house? Plus, I come from Blogland, which is just a town over from Pinterestonia. I've got to at least put some effort into the aesthetics of the thing. Although, no matter how adorable the paper straws are, NO ONE uses them. NO ONE. Unless, of course, you serve root beer floats.

Oh, the feelings. The feelings. I'm calmly excited (vs. last year's inevitable stress-out), a tad nervous about making a lemon cake that'll be fluffy (I'd like to never use a boxed cake mix ever again...even if they are delish), but ultimately all the emotions revolve around Hadley's growth. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing some of the stuff he's saying now, which, when compared to one year ago...well, it's a completely different kid. Totally.


So, that's what my week's currently about. After his birthday, I'll be turning my attention to some puttering around the house and other laid-back funness. :-) With my guys in tow, it's hard not to enjoy life.

Thanks for hosting, Ot & Et and Harvesting Kale! You ladies rock.  

Currently - July 3rd

I've been managing summer life with a toddler pretty well, I think. The key, especially when it comes to naptime, is to make a *simple* schedule. Apparently that's the key to a lot of things, parenting-wise. Heh. Who knew?

We're missing our neighbor, George, who recently passed away. He was in his nineties, but the last time I saw him he was doing so well and asked us all in to hang out with his family. I'm so glad we took the chance to do that. The unadulterated joy in his eyes watching Hadley run around and play and discover was something I'll never forget. He was, by far, the most sensitive, kind-hearted man I ever met (which always surprised me, given his age and the toughness of his generation). On a bit of a side note, I'm also missing my grandfather since, well, I find myself always missing his presence since he passed earlier this year, but particularly with the 4th of July upon us. Any patriotic holiday does that to me, I guess. And when I watch "Yankee Doodle Dandy", I'm sure to enjoy it along with some tears.

I've tried to take a bit of a break from thinking lately. Does that sound idiotic? I mean, I'm an over-thinker, so it's nice to just kind of stick with the aforementioned toddler schedule with a few fun or productive activities thrown in for good measure. I fall into a guilt-ridden abyss when I don't try to do something productive, so I'm taking my mom's advice to try to do something fun and something off "my list" each week. I'd say that sounds good, especially knowing that once I get my "something productive" done that I can just kinda chill...unless the energy hits me to do something else. ;-)

Be it naptime or after the munchkin hits the hay at night, I've slowly but surely been creating his little felt food. It has taken FUH-REV-ER, but it's worth it. I had some confusion when I posted an image of a lowly "fried egg" the other day. Yes, I'm making him fake food made of felt. There are toys all over the interwebs for sale, but I like to do one handmade gift a year (if not one for his b-day, one for Christmas). He happens to be obsessed with pretending to "cook" and "mix". I guess if folks could hear how adorable his little energetically mouse-like voice as he "tastes" his "soup", rubs his belly and says "Yum, yum, yum!" they probably wouldn't question how much he is going to L-O-V-E these toys. Dave saw a slice of "bread" I sewed the other day and wouldn't stop talking about how much the monkey will enjoy them...which is really all that matters.

I just hope I can get a ton more done before next weekend (his birthday); gah!!! Lots more planning and getting ready to do, too, so yeah. I'm a tad stressed. Just a tad, really. Gotta find a cake recipe that suits Hadman but that will be tasty enough for the rest of the guests to enjoy, too. (Like, I would do a lemon-blueberry cake but I'm not sure if that's universally liked, y'know?)

Speaking of searching, I'm still looking for new leads on my Ancestry.com search. My "world" membership, which gives me access to a buttload of new material from our European ancestors, just began. So, needless to say, I'm excited about this. My goal is to see how far "up" the tree I can go through my more recent European ancestors (like the majority of my relatives on my mother's side), most of whom came from Ireland in the mid- to early-1800s.

I'm also newly interested in my paternal grandmother's family. They're part of the only line that has lived in the U.S. from pre-Revolutionary War times. I had found some who were in the British nobility (which makes me think of Downton Abbey, but in Medieval Times) and some part of the Dutch settlers of Manhattan Island, so any additional information with regards to the heights of the tree will be simply thrilling. If I could do this stuff all day long, I would. 


What's "currently" going on with you guys? How's your summer going? Are you managing/missing/thinking/creating/looking lately? ;-)

Linking up to Ot & Et and Harvesting Kale. Check 'em out!

Currently - June 26

Howdy, folks! Back for this week's "Currently", and guess what that means! Yep, I'm done. One more year of inventory's in the books. It's not perfect, and I've gotta work on some areas during the school year to organize better and weed, but it's D-O-N-E enough for me. Whew.

Time to check in with the ol' "Currently" list of the week...

The learning that's been going on in our little monkey's head lately is awe-inspiring. It seems like every day he "gets" a new word or concept. Sure, he needs to practice some of these (er, all of them) to mastery, but for now the fact that he can communicate with us and does so in such an at-times hilarious, sweet way makes me want to cry. Yup. There I go.

On the nights when the energy hits me, I've been working on making the Hadman's little felt food birthday present. I've got two slices of tomatoes, a slice of cheese (easiest. thing. ever.) done, and am working on a bunch of strawberries (very time consuming), and a bunch of other stuff. I even thought ahead enough to put aside a small plastic container that looks like it holds strawberries for him to put them in. (The edges aren't sharp or anything! Check this mama out, bein' all cautious.) My husbands says that it's the absolute PERFECT gift since the little man's been really into "mixing" and making "soup" lately. Like, it's one of the only playful activities I can get him to do, for real.

I'm loving a lot right now. Loving the fact that I get to be home with our monkey all summer. Loving that we got a season pass to the zoo, so we can hit that joint up whenever we want. Loving that we're planning our vacation, and I'm super excited to hit the road! Loving that I get to celebrate my nephew's awesomeness at his graduation party this weekend. Just. Loving. Everything. Oh, and my cats are pretty rad, too.

I haven't been reading a lot beyond magazines lately, but since school has come to an end I'll get to turn my attention back to a few already-started books piled up next to the bed. I tend towards non-fiction, so I've got a couple of history and biographical works (one on Audrey Hepburn that's awesome so far), but I might push the boundaries and see if anyone has a FUN fiction suggestion for me. (No downers...no mysteries...all fun!) I only know what's on the kiddies' best seller lists lately.

I love smelling stuff. Is that weird? Maybe it's a tad less weird if I explain that I enjoy smelling GOOD stuff. Like the summer breeze. And a freshly-bathed baby. And my cats. (They smell good, I assure you. They're OCD clean. Aren't most cats?) Not less weird? Eh. It's my thing, I guess. I also hope to FINALLY be smelling some flowers outside!! I got my veggie garden planted, but the foundation plantings I usually get done around Memorial Day...well...didn't happen. I was waiting to paint the foundation itself, but I think I'm just gonna get on it. The house looks depressing without some fun pops of color...and I need something new to stick my nose in.

How are you guys doing this week?? Enjoying the awesomeness that is summer? Yeah.

Linking to Harvesting Kale and Ot & Et. (Thanks for the linky party, ladies!)

Currently - June 20th

Holy crap. There's less than a week left of school.

I feel like I've been as busy as a bee lately, with inventory (which I told y'all about last week) and a poor little teething toddler-monkey and getting some stuff together for my sister's tag sale this weekend. It's weird because it feels like I've hardly gotten anything done; at least, nothing of note, nothing you can SEE necessarily done. But, I have.

So, anyhoo, here's what is "currently" going on...



1. Watching our almost-nightly episodes of the Dick Van Dyke show help to give us a mental break and a quick escape into what seems to have been a fun time to live. I actually bought Dave this book for Father's Day (let's just say I can't wait to read it, too). We love that Rob Petrie treats his wife pretty equally by the day's standards, and when he mentions that he's "changed our son plenty" brings to mind today's active dads. It's no secret that I want my own Millie, too. Hoping one moves in nearby! ;-) I'm also in love with any casual pant outfit Laura wears. Adorbs!

Also watching lots of new-to-us Winnie-the-Pooh, Donald Duck, Sesame Street, and Mr. Rogers episodes, thanks to our recent discovery of a USB port on our DVD player. The hubs just hopped on YouTube, hunted for what we've been hoping to show the little guy, then popping it on his flash drive. He also threw in a couple of documentaries for me. Just call me one lucky lady!

Oh, and in a more "existential" way...We're watching Hadley constantly coming up with new words or funny inflections that just make us think, "My God. He's almost two years old. He's such a big boy!" Where HAS the time gone? *sniff, sniff*

2. Wearing capris everyday. Between a sudden bout of summery weather (with a rip-roaring storm Tuesday) and inventory, it's just the comfortable thing to do. I also have a white pair of Clark's sandals that spend 50% of the time on the library floor. Let's just hope I'll be wearing a smile come next Friday, our first official day of vacation (if I don't need to come in to finish my work!). 

3. Wanting inventory to be done. Sorry, I don't mean to complain; it's just where my thoughts are lately. This year, I'm not just "inventorying" but weeding AND getting rid of lots of "stuff" from the back storage room (that has been there for decades). So, factor in over 15,000 books to organize...zero helpers...still holding library classes...and deleting tons of pre-1960 books from the computer, and it's been busy! (Next year, I'm hitting all the 60's, 70's, and possibly 80's!)

I guess the "let's get rid of crap we don't use" bug has bitten, because I'll be helping my sister out at her yard sale this weekend and bringing along stuff that's cluttered up the basement...closets...heck, everything for awhile. I wish I could've found the time to go through our baby clothes (we've got 6-7 BIG totes in the basement...we could have twins and I'm pretty sure we'd still have stuff leftover at each age) -- maybe tonight, last-minute. Either way, I'm excited to hang out and chat with her all day Saturday!!

4. Waiting until school's over to try potty-training the monkey. He's getting SO close on his own, asking to use the potty at his grandma's house during the day, that I just need to keep the momentum going, then make the jump to big boy undies. *sigh* Our little man's growing up!!!

5. With inventory and grading hanging over my head, I don't really feel like I'm winning at much in life. I take stress in stride and it doesn't usually show outwardly, but I do beat myself up internally more than I'd like to admit. I guess the most "winningest" part of life lately is the small things: getting the kiddo to eat dinner, take a bath, and to bed without much drama; getting grades done; remembering to, say, brush my hair.

Actually, I'm doing well at remembering to just enjoy the time that I'm not working, and I'm really not stressing too much while at work. Just keep pluggin' away. Just keep pluggin'.


So, what have YOU been WATCHING / WEARING / WANTING / WAITING / WINNING lately? Seriously, when I post next week's "Currently", I'll be D-O-N-E with school for the year! I'm probably a tad more excited than our students about that!!

Happy to be linking up at Harvesting Kale and Ot & Et.

Currently - June 13th

Every once in awhile -- just for fun -- I decide to take part in the link-up shindig, "Currently." It's hosted by Harvesting Kale (isn't that an insanely awesome blog name?) and Ot & Et, although I always happen upon it through Christine at Nekaro. I'm thinking I may take part a tad more over the summer, when my brain tends to shut down from the heat and day-in-day-out of chasing a hyperactive monkey around.

1. This week, it feels like we've been hearing nothing but the dappled sound of rain. My husband loves it. I don't HATE it, but the fact that the weather's a touch spastic -- humid, yet chilly at times, plus the rain. I'm not a weather complainer, really. Bonus: I'm also hearing a constant rotation of Aladdin songs (they were incredibly well-written, weren't they? Didn't appreciate that as a kid) and Winnie the Pooh. Aladdin, because my 4th graders are watching it while I do inventory; Pooh because it's Hadley's new fave.

2. There's a complete and utter lack of hinting going on around here. We're an indecisive lot, for the most part, so when I've posed the daily question to Dave as to what he'd like to do for Father's Day (with vague suggestions that he can even pick from), I get nothin'. Looks like we'll be spending it with family, which isn't bad, but I wish I could make it more of a special day for him. He does just so much for us, and while I've got some gifts, I'd like to fit in some sort of surprise. My creativity is draaaaaaiiiiined.

3. Work has been nuts lately with our annual inventory, hunting down books and organizing and, this year, weeding. The shelves in our elementary library (where I'm housed 99% of the time) haven't been, shall we say, "lightened" in...well, many, many decades. Many. While I'd like to get rid of absolutely every book pre-1980 (or later!), I haven't got the space to put the weeded books. I put them out for teachers and kids to take for free, and I don't blame them for not being super excited about an obscure poetry book from 1958. So, each time I pull off a book I know hasn't been taken out since the '70s, is in rough shape, is inaccurate/irrelevant now (I'm talking about you, Pluto book), or is full of offensive stuff, a feeling of extreme excitement mixed with a pull of guilt and restraint comes over me.

I finally had to give myself a cut-off; anything from the 1950s and earlier, or that is in crappy shape, goes. Next year, I'm thinking of sticking to a Weeding Wednesdays schedule. For busier days, finding 10 minutes to weed a handful would be doable, whereas other Wednesdays an hour would get a lot done.

(See why I don't discuss library business? Only interesting to myself. ;-)) 

4. I'm hankering to be done grading 5th and 6th grade research papers. I'm just gonna leave it there to avoid saying anything I'll regret. The only thing of note I'd like to remember for next year: don't save the papers 'til the end of the year. (They weren't supposed to overlap into inventory, but that's another topic.)

5. Lately, I've been hoping to finally get some more work done on Hadley's birthday party. It's officially one month from today (I love Friday the Thirteenth! We welcomed Monkey into the world on one. Luckiest day of my life.), and need to get to work on his felt food toys. When I had the energy and excitement to work on them, I found myself needing to grade papers or read chapters for the next day. Now that those assignments have died down a bit, I haven't the energy. Eh, 'tis life. Either way, we'll have to make some final decisions about where to have the party and who's invited, then send out the invitations. Luckily, once that's done, I'll have at least a couple of weeks after work gets out to devote to decorations and meal planning.

One thing at a time.  

Linking up here and here.