Playground

There's something fun about a playground.  All that equipment.  All those kids, running around with big smiles.  Sand in your shoes.

Awesome.

(nearly) Wordless Wednesday

P.S.  Posts with pictures but no words (aka Wordless Wednesdays):  Awesome.

Secrets...

Over the last week or so, Baby G has discovered rolling over!  For several days, she only did it at daycare.  Then at home, she only did it when nobody was watching (at least twice) before DH or I finally got to see her new rolling skills.

Secrets can definitely be awesome.  It's funny to think that Baby G is already keeping secrets from mom and dad!

Kisses

I've never had a bad kiss.

But my favorite kisses are the slobbery ones.  And not from the kids - Yuck!

I'm talking about doggy kisses!

Awesome.

Control

So - today is a somewhat less than honorable topic.

We've been changing diapers in my house for a while, though.

And we still have a while of changing diapers.

So what's awesome today?  Bladder control.  Don't take it for granted!

Pampering

I'm not much on pampering, typically.

But once in a while (which equates to less than once a month), I do splurge on a pedicure.

I like having pretty toes.  Awesome.

Reading

Every once in a while, I get on a reading binge.


I've been on one of those binges this month. And sometimes, I hate myself for it! I'll do what absolutely has to be done (feeding the baby while reading, sneaking in a bit of exercise, updating the blog, etc.) but nothing more. No clean dishes or laundry, no vaccuming or cleaning. But alas, I digress.

Most of the time, I read trash. Romance novels or light mysteries are among my favorites. Often, these aren't necessarily books I'm "proud" of reading - just what I like or need to escape from the hum-drum of day to day.

I've always been around boys that like Science Fiction. So - on a few rare occasions - I've read a novel from the genre. One of my "surprise" favorite books - which I happened to have the honor of distributing for free on World Book Night - is Ender's Game.

Coincidentally, that's also our book club's next book choice!

So, recently, I read this book - for a second time. Yep, it's still awesome. Still had the problem of not being able to put it down. Even though book club is a full 2 weeks away, I'm already done. And it's probably a good thing, because there is plenty of dirty clothes and dishes and rooms in the house that I need to catch up on (just in time for a three day weekend!)

But the "awesome" for today is reading a book - for a second time. Wow, what a luxury. And when you already know it's a great book, it's just fun. Awesome, in fact.

Mail

I'm a huge fan of mail.  Snail-Mail, email, and even the mail I get occasionally at work!

It makes me think of the Blues Clues song.  Here's a recap for those who may not have young children (and therefore know the words by heart):

Here's the mail
It never fails
it makes me want to wag my tail
when it comes I want to wail...

MAIL (with crazy hands)

But yeah... There's just something about getting a letter from a pen-pal.  Or, a coupon for a free coffee from Starbucks.  Maybe a Christmas Card or new baby announcement.  Or the decal for Baby G's room that I ordered last week.

Heck, I hate to admit it, but I even like getting BILLS out of the mailbox! (Although admittedly, I think I only get about 4 delivered via snail-mail these days...)

I look forward to that moment at the end of the day, where we arrive home - walk down the "hill" (that is to say, our long driveway) - and find out what Mr. Post Man has delivered.

Mail.  Awesome.

Mini, bite-size, individual...

I'm a huge fan - when it comes to food - of anything that is individually packaged.  Like the mini candy bars.  Or individual serving sizes of snacks.

The luxury of the grab-and-go is awesome!

Wordless Wednesday

Smell

There's something baking in the oven.

The smell begins to fill the house, and makes a house feel like a home.

Whether it's a birthday cake, fresh baked bread, or pizza -

Smells from the oven are awesome.

Telephone

I'm really not much of a phone person.  In fact, since high school and college, there have only ever been two or three people where I've actually talked on the phone to them a bit.

I'm definitely more of an email/computer person, generally.

But every once in a while - - a phone call is just nice.  It helps you reconnect with an old friend.  And just the sound of a familiar voice from far away... Awesome.

Fuzzy Socks

When it's a little chilly - there is nothing in the world better than a fuzzy pair of socks!

Awesome.

Baby and Family update...

I'm in disbelief that my baby is 3 months old already!  Wow, how does time fly!

What is also crazy is what her 3 month journey in this world has been like.

She's been to multiple parks, and made multiple friends.

She's traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and to Winston-Salem.  She's gone camping and slept in a tent.

She's a lucky girl.

But DH and I are also lucky.

Not only is she a sweet girl, she's got a heckuva personality.  Her big brother adores her - even on the days he gets a little jealous.  She sleeps through the night, and barely cries - even when she's hungry.

Yep, no complaints.

I guess I'm just having one of those parenting moments.  Never did I realize how my children would awe and inspire me in ways I couldn't have imagined.

I also never realized how many poopy diapers I would change, how many times I would say "no", or how hurt I would be the first time my Kiddo made me stop singing along to one of his favorite songs.

The ups, the downs, the laughter and the tears, the passion and the anxiety, and for every in-between.... I love my family.

Shirts

As the month continues to progress, I'm learning how "Awesome" really is a word I live by, most of the time.

And oddly enough...everyone in the family (except me) has a shirt with the word "Awesome" on it.

Baby G:  Pink onesie with a super hero girl that says, "Because I'm awesome."

Kiddo:  (Current) Shirt says "50% mom, 50% dad, 100% awesome"  and (old) "My Dad is awesome."

DH:  "This Guy is awesome."  I've posted about this shirt - which he bought for himself- before.  Somewhere.

I don't have any clothes that have the word awesome on them... but the fact that the rest of the family does own something with the word awesome?

Well - yep - that's awesome in my book. :)

Walking

I like walking, generally.

But walking on the beach is my absolute favorite.

There is something that is just different about the sand on the beach.  The feel of it in-between your toes.  The exfoliation...

Awesome.

Chilly days

When it's one of those glorious spring or fall days, but the sun is shining on your car...

... and you get into the car that has been warmed by the sun...

... and you leave the windows rolled up, just to absorb the heat...

Awesome.

Wordless Wednesday

Dryer

Fresh, clean clothes right out of the dryer...

Maybe my favorite jeans, or a wrap or blanket to cuddle with on the sofa.  Or perhaps some clean, fresh-washed sheets.

Awesome.

Spontaneity

It just so happens - the last couple of years, for Mother's day, we've done something pretty amazing - with less than a week of planning.

Last year, we flew to Texas and surprised the in-laws.

This year?  We went camping.  Pitched a tent, ate some s'mores, did some hiking and fishing.

The fact that we say it - and do it- within a week is not a "common" thing for us, but you have to love spontaneity.

Awesome.

Vote

At heart, I'm really just a "can't we all just get along?" sort of person.

Which is why Politics is - most of the time - just not my thing.

I did vote in the primary this time around.  I didn't vote in all of the races, but I did vote.  This round, there was a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot that sparked my interest.

And - while it is pretty cool to live in a free society and to fulfill my civic duty - the best part is leaving the polling place with the "I voted" sticker.

Awesome.

Auto-Post

Don't tell anyone - - but most of my blogs I schedule ahead of time, using the auto post feature.

So if you happened to notice that I forgot to post yesterday... well... I guess it's cause I didn't have post ideas set out far enough in advance.

So - aptly - today's awesome?

Autoposting.

Which, of course, this post is not.

Laundry

Okay, so you saw the title for today, and perhaps you're thinking... What could possibly be awesome about laundry?!?!

Some days, laundry is like a treasure hunt.  And every once in a while, there's a small treasure that is found!

These aren't the unpleasant findings (like the fact that a new red shirt turned your white underwear into pink underwear, or that ball point pin left it's mark, or your cell phone that is now shiny and clean but no longer functions)....

These are those super-cool findings that make your day a little brighter.

Like a dollar bill (or maybe even a twenty!) that someone left in their pocket.  Or perhaps a special rock that got picked up on the playground.

Yep, when the rainbow ends at a treasure in your washer or dryer - it's pretty awesome!

FFF

FFF - or Fresh Fruit Friday - is when our mail room guy brings around a cart, stops at your desk, and raises his eyebrows - as if to ask what your choice is for the day.

On Fridays (most fridays), our office brings around fresh fruit.  Apples, Bananas, and sometimes Oranges.  It's a slightly obscure benefit - but absolutely one of my favorites.

It's a wellness thing.  And... It's awesome.

Wordless Wednesday

Lost Socks

I keep a "sock graveyard."  This is where all my mismatched socks go until their mate can be located.

Recently, I discovered that there is a holiday - today, in fact - for socks.

Today - May 9th - is the day of the Lost Sock Memorial.

Those socks that have been lingering in the sock drawer, unmatched, finally will find their ultimate resting place.  The trash can, the "circular" file, or whatever else you may call the garbage.  This post isn't for those pairs of socks.

This post is for that sock that has been missing it's mate for nearly a year where the matching sock is discovered!  Perhaps it was behind the dryer, or inside the sofa... but it's that pair of socks that finally are reunited once again.

Matching socks - Awesome!

Hair Brush

I've got long hair.  At times, every once in a while, it can be a bit unmanageable.

For example - riding in a convertible with the top down (and my hair down), or swimming at the lake.

Even though I brush my hair (or use a comb or pick on it) at least once a day, there's nothing like brushing it out after one of those crazy messy-hair adventures.

After one of those adventures, you appreciate your hair brush more intensely.  And the end result, once your hair is smoothed out and back to normal?

Awesome.

Drinking

This post will have nothing to do with alcohol!

The best drink?  A hot beverage on a cold day - or even just on a day when the AC in the office is turned too low!

Hot chocolate, hot tea, or even a fancy Starbucks.... That first sip just allows you to warm up from the inside...

Awesome.

Bonding

I'm nursing, and I have a love/hate relationship with it.  I certainly enjoy the nutrition I'm able to provide my daughter.  I also like that it's easy, and at least 3 fewer bottles a day (up to 30 bottles per week, though!) that don't have to be washed or sanitized.  I hate the inconvenience of pumping at work.  I hate the waking up sore (before I'd prefer getting up) to feed the baby.

So... why write about Bonding?  Some women will tell you that they love to nurse because they love that they can bond with their kid while nursing.  I'm not that woman, and that's not what I'm about to say.

What I enjoy is that short period of time immediately after the baby finishes nursing (and I finish getting dressed again) - just before she spits up.  The happy baby, full tummy, alert, focused, and smiling.  Once in a while, I even get a coo.  Yep, that few moments a day (several times a day)... Awesome.

Shoes

So, I thought following a "clothes" post, a "shoes" post only seemed appropriate!

So what's so awesome about shoes?

I do a fair amount of running.  Before kids, I even ran two marathons!

And I assure you... there is not a better feeling in the world than taking off your shoes (and socks) after a big finish! Spreading your toes, assessing the "damage", and generally letting your feet breathe...

Awesome.

Clothes

After spending months wearing clothes that are "frumpy" while pregnant, there is that moment where you try on some prepregnancy clothes..... and actually manage to get them buttoned/fastened.

Of course, they are still too tight - but that part doesn't matter.  Just to finally wear something that doesn't rely 100% on elastic?

Awesome.

Baby Smiles

What's one of the most vivid memories you can possibly have as a parent?

The baby's first smiles. Wow.

Yep - truly - few things in life are as awesome as the baby's first smile.

Wordless Wednesday

Rock, Paper, Scissors...

How do those "silly" arguments and/or choices get settled at your house?

At our house, every once in a while, a game of Rock Paper Scissors breaks out.

But first, I should confess to having a DH that competed in a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament at one stage in his life.

In fact, every once in a while as I do "random" laundry, a little Budweiser hand towel appears with a rock paper scissors logo on it and reminds me of that very occasion!  Not that I was present for it, mind you... it was something that happened long before I met my DH.

Can't remember whose turn it is to choose dinner?  RPS.

What about who gets to take the dogs outside this evening?  RPS.

Whose turn is it to change a diaper?  RPS.

So maybe this gives the wrong impression.  After all, we use RPS in our house on fairly rare occasions- and I don't remember the last time we actually settled something this way!

And even sometimes when we do, we have to square away the rules... you throw on the 4th one, for example.  I know this only because of DH's experience in making sure the rules were known from his RPS towel-winning experience. Anyhow...

Settling anything with Rock Paper Scissors?  Awesome.

Month of Awesome...

After much deliberation, I have decided to make May the month of AWESOME.

This is at least partially inspired by a gift I received for Christmas, called the book of Awesome.

It's a fun and easy way to put a positive spin on day-to-day items.  Hopefully, as we go through this month, you'll be able to relate to the little things that are AWESOME.

So today's post?  It's one of my favorite "AWESOME" moments.  It's that 10 minutes after the kids are both settled in bed. I can drink a glass of wine (or sherry), eat some icecream and not have to share, or just pull the laptop up to destress from the day.  Yep, that quiet moment of the day is AWESOME.