tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22914182699672770672024-03-05T06:55:21.133-05:00JUST DETAILS...Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-85467927605522089062009-03-18T11:41:00.008-04:002009-03-18T15:45:09.645-04:00nothings cookin' and nobody's sleepin'..."The weatherman said its going to hit 59 degrees tomorrow. And the sun will shine. I hope he's right this time. I want - no <em>Need</em> - him to be right. I'm dying here and sunshine and warmth would both really help me out," I yell to husband whose in the bathroom, hoping he can hear me over the running water, teeth brushing and whatever else he's doing in there. <br /><br />No response. <br /><br />Water shuts off. <br /><br />"Did you hear me?" i ask. <br /><br />"Yeah," he said. <br /><br />"OH really. What did i say?" I questioned. <br /><br />"you said it might hit 59 tomorrow and you Need that. See? I heard ya." <br /><br />"Did you hear the I'm dying here part?" I quizzed him. <br /><br />"Huh...?" he raises his eyebrows. "Oh i guess i missed that last part, i was brushing my teeth. I heard the rest of it though." <br /><br />Well, I sure wouldn't have known you heard me. You didn't say anything." <br /><br />"Whats to say? You didn't ask me anything," he stated. <br /><br />"You always do that! Just because I'm not <em></em>asking you something<em></em> doesn't mean you don't have to respond to me. It's called conversation. you go back and forth. acknowledging one anothers comments." <br /><br />"So, you're disappointed, i didn't say 'uh huh' or 'oh', something like that?" he asks. <br /><br />"Yes. actually, i am. that would have even been sufficient. ya know, just forget it." I turn over to read. <br /><br />He snuggles up next to me, putting his arm around my side. <br /><br />"Tell me the i'm dying here part... sorry i missed it but my mouth was full of toothpaste. ok?" <br /><br />I sighed. We do a lot of sighing around here. <br /><br />"spring will come. and with spring, maybe some relief from all this... this - crap," he assures me. <br /><br />"I hope you're right," i said, curling into him, sighing and laying down my book. <br /><br />Between the hormonal issues of the breastfeeding weaning process, our car's transmission going belly up when we've only owned the thing 4 months, husband being a full time student and a part time employee which means lots of homework and more stress at his work, bills and more bills, now sharing one car for a bit, never feeling like i have enough time in the day, planning a bridal shower, a tree falling in our backyard, and last but not least by ANY means - severe sleep deprivation... lets just say i've been <em>a little</em> stressed. in a fog. tired. stressed. did i say that already? <br /><br />"I'm trying to manage... I am," i tell him. "sorry i've been... ya know, um, demanding?" wondering if thats the word, he's already nodding, not only agreeing (go figure ha) but telling me its okay. <br /><br />"Sorry I haven't been cooking. But when ya don't sleep, ya don't cook i guess," and we dozed off, dreaming of a full nights rest. <br /><br />Last night i didn't exactly cook but i did whip up something. And these days, it counts for cooking. I saw the posting on the <a href="http://www.vegnews.com">Veg News</a> site (their site that i'm addicted to btw) and made the <a href="http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/cooking.do;jsessionid=6679E28F58DE64990C7CA54AA02B09B1">Tuna-Less Sandwiches</a>, less some of the veganaise (it calls for 1 cup, we used between 1/2 and 2/3 cup, which was part NaSoya which is lower cal but a little lower on flavor too, and part Veganaise, and that was plenty!) and we also added some chopped carrots to the mix for extra crunch and some additional veggie power. So easy and so yummy. I packed up one for husbands lunch and one for my own. He even liked it. A real bonus:) And the kid only woke once last night... A Red Sea Miracle if i do say so myself. <br /><br />I cooked. The kid slept. Landmark events. Spring is almost here. I see some hope out there in the distant distant end of the long dark tunnel called winter.Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-90535143042176925162009-02-05T14:07:00.007-05:002009-02-07T10:44:57.584-05:00believe it or not...Normally, i avoid the office debates, that often result in disagreements and fueds. I always observe, get a good laugh, occasionally even hear a good point. About global warming, i did offer up my bit, briefly. Some folks say its total BS. Just some hollywood ploy. some scam to get you to buy other stuff. the environment is fine. live your life how you wanna. The other folks said no no. its true. haven't you read the books. seen the movies. looked at the scientific data. we are on a horrid path. ETC ETC ETC. I think they thought it would get a real rise out of me considering i use my klean kanteen faithfully. use real silverware and a real coffee mug, not the disposal crap they all throw out daily. bring my lunch in reusable containers. carry everything in cloth bags. I once let it out that we don't use paper towels at home. GASP. So, on this topic, they look to me, what do you think? <br /><br />All i had to say was I'm no scientist. I guess there is a chance its hogwash. But theres an even better chance its not. Either way, I don't care. And if i found out tomorrow it wasn't true, i wouldn't do anything in my life differently. Because thats not what its about for me. For me, its about taking care of what God has given me/us. I simply want to be a good steward of what I have and the place i live. I think its only common sense to be smart with our resources and to take care of our earth. I look at the FACTS. It is a fact we only have ONE earth. and i look at my FAITH. My faith tells me this earth is God given. <br /><br />"So, you're saying you believe it or not?" they ask. And i thought i was really making a point there. lol.Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-59906418772565589572009-01-30T07:17:00.003-05:002009-01-30T07:49:38.266-05:00Birthday dinner and wishes...My original plans of a day in NYC with husband ended up axed. I clicked thru our many weather channels the week before, hoping for one to give me some hope. Hope that the weather would be lovely. Lovely and bearable for a saturday in January. I had someone to watch the kid already lined up. I could practically taste my dinner at candle 79. well at least envision it. smell it. ahhh. It would be our first outing without the kid. And though i dreaded leaving him, I was looking forward to walking the streets of NYC, going into stores without pushing a stroller or carrying his massive carrier, and eating a long slow meal without asking for the check before I had even taken my last bite. <br /><br />"Do you think one will tell you something vastly different from the others?" husband asks as I go to channel 101, instead of 49. 49 was not sounding good. 101 may give me some hope. <br /><br />"Maybe! I mean, not everyone reads that little doppler thingy the same. The digital read on 101 may be different than Jim Cantori on 49. He's not the expert," I say. <br /><br />Husband flips open his mac saying "lets settle this right now," and goes onto at least three weather websites in a matter of 3 minutes. No more channel flipping for me. <br /><br />"See? They all basically say the same thing. Ice. Snow. More in NYC than here. and a lot of wind. We can try it if you want, but I don't think its going to be enjoyable. Honestly. We should postpone or make other plans," He tells me. <br /><br />"Postpone?! to when?! Michelle is busy. she can't just watch him on a whim. And i mean, its winter. There isn't really a good time to postpone TO." <br /><br />"We'll go in the spring then. It will be warmer. Nicer. Lets do it then."<br /><br />"But then its not my birthday. and i know there is no way you will agree to eat at a vegan restaurant, in NYC no less, unless its MY birthday. Otherwise, you'll say its unfair for me to ask you to eat vegan food because you will go hungry. So unless its MY birthday, you either A. won't do it, or B. do it and give me a lot of grief, therefore ruining my meal. The meal I really really want and - " <br /><br />"I will be FINE with it. I promise," he interjects. "Really. it will be YOUR day. even if its July. we'll go eat at this hippy podunk vegan joint you're so desperate to go to and i'll eat whatever and act like i like it, ok? I promise." <br /><br />"Fine. I'll hold you to it." I respond, still pouting. <br /><br />"So, what do you want to do instead?" He asks. <br /><br />Eye roll. "YOU are supposed to do that. plan something. for me," I whined. <br /><br />"So let me get this straight. You planned a day for us to have to ourselves in NYC, kid free, for your birthday. Those plans are out. AND Now you're annoyed that i'm wanting to know what you want to do instead, because I should be planning it myself, when i didn't even plan it in the first place...? is this right?" he asks, puzzled a bit and obvoiusly trying to make a point. <br /><br />"Ok Fine. You have a point," I admit. "But now that my plans are out. You take over. and make it all better." <br /><br />What did we end up doing? Husband took me to Lemongrass in King of Prussia, PA. I'd been yaking about this place for ages, wanting to try it, not even real sure where it was, but husband wasn't sure if he'd like thai food and so we always ended up somewhere else when we were in that area. But - we loved it! Awesome food. Their tofu and vegetable pad thai rocked the house. and husband liked whatever crap he ordered too ha. and our little man, the kid, was along and loved the place as well. He sat in a highchair like a big kid, watched the waitress in amazement, and was a little angel the whole time. And husband knew a perfect way to finish out our evening - he took me to whole foods for vegan cupcakes and treats:) <br /><br />So, did i have a good birthday? Yes. Husband did good. Another year older. Another year ahead of me to look forward to. I anticipate great things! Next birthday is 30 - yikes! But i'm excited. Me and my BFF Robin are making major 30th birthday celebration plans and I can't wait! We're not talking meeting up for a nice dinner and getting our nails done. We're talking, go on a trip, leave the kids with husbands, and poof! girls gone wild! No No - this is misleading, clearly! How about Girls Gone Away! girls gone away for a long weekend of relaxin' and good ole fun:) <br /><br />"Well, did you have a good birthday hon?" he asks. <br /><br />"Oh yea, it was great. And the best part? knowing you had to do it all again in July."Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-30313148131611474582009-01-29T15:05:00.003-05:002009-01-29T15:24:38.886-05:00The Worst Foods of 2009I eat healthy. Or so i think. Try. After reading this list, I realize that, sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just don't know when you're eating out. Thankfully, majority of the stuff on this list, i wouldn't order in the first place. But YIKES. The blimpie veggie supreme is out to kill me! And an order of PF Chang's Tams Noodles is equal to 42 Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut Holes. Yep. Fact. And thank goodness i don't go to baskin robbins - ever. This place takes the cake, err ice cream, with the absolute worst food of 2009. So, being on a tight budget, we vowed to eat in, aka actually cook it ourselves and eat at home, much more. This list gives extra incentive since at home we control exactly what goes into our food. <br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28862370/?pg=1#TDY_MH_20WorstFoods2009">here</a> for the scary list!Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-36005273784367411822009-01-07T11:04:00.002-05:002009-01-07T11:50:24.308-05:00Just Details of 20097 days into 2009 and i'm still mulling over my NY Resolutions, debating of what they will be and limiting myself to only 3. I usually plan my resolutions, putting thought into them days before DD, yet this year, between traveling, the kid, illnesses, and well other chaos that i forget, the resolutions didn't even cross my mind till January 1. Me, never one to rush to any decision (i'm barely able to make decisions actually! this way... maybe... no no, that way, wait, bad idea? hmmm), began to think of some 'goodies' to aim for this year. and am still thinking. maybe one should be to make firm quick decisions? some scoff at the idea of resolutions bt I view it as a chance to set a few simple goals, better myself in some way, and start things off with a fresh beginning. suggestions are welcomed. I clearly need some help!! <br /><br />Cooking details of 09. NY Day I did not cook the usual greens, black eye peas, sauerkraut, and other traditional concoctions i made last year. Come to think of it, I can't even recall what we ate. I have since made two things from the <a href="http://www.vegnews.com">vegnews website </a>- the <a href="http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do;jsessionid=71BC4F3380091160389CEDEE12126BAB?pageId=258&catId=10">gingerbread cake </a>and the <a href="http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=216&catId=10">holiday nog</a>. Sadly I did not even get to sample the cake! bummer! I made it as a treat for my friend Carolyn who was dog sitting for us during our holiday travels. Her report on the cake - LOVED it. So it's on my to make list for ME. the pic of the cake on vegnews' website shows it with a yummy looking frosting (but no recipe for that, unfair!) but i just dusted it heavily with powdered sugar. i whipped up a half batch of the holiday nog this past sunday and loved the flavor. This couldn't be passed off as eggnog to some unsuspecting soul but it still a yummy healthy drink with lots of flava flave! and i was surprised by its creaminess. It sure ain't low-cal though! the scales were for sure tipping a bit heavier the next morning. Gulp! I received a new cookbook for christmas and am psyched to try a few recipes over the weekend! <a href="http://www.discountbooksale.com/store/productView.aspx?idProduct=86870&ec=1&ProdID=123&utm_source=pricegrabber&utm_medium=cpc">Veganomicon</a> by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. You can buy this from <a href="http://www.discountbooksale.com">discountbooksale.com</a> for only 13.16 - no tax and free shipping. Yahoo! <br /><br />Work details of 09. She is still oh so busy. Can you imagine her busy-ness over the holidays?! Incredibly ridiculous how busy she was! So busy, that she fell ILL, not sure regularly ill but so sick she can't even explain! and is just now starting to feel human again. Imagine! and He is still ranting and inspecting. just yesterday, me having been in the door 30 seconds, he questioned me if kate ever came in last friday. i paused. trying not to answer. <br /><br />finally i said, "umm... not sure".<br /><br />"not sure?" he says. "how are you not sure? i left at lunch. you were here all day."<br /><br />I eventually gave in, shaking my head no but stated i don't like being put in this position and questioned about coworkers. <br /><br />"Oh i know i know! I mean, I don't care! Really. Why should i care! I don't! I was just curious, ya know! I mean, hey, if the boss don't care, I don't care! ya know?!" <br /><br />Righhhttt... <br /><br />As of Jan 20 I am being reassigned to a new team, temporarily for 18-24 months. I volunteered to work on implementation of ERP and was selected! I think its a great opportunity to advance my skills here at work and am anxious for new tasks, tiring of the same ole same ole ones I've been plugging away at here for the last 2 1/2 years. Change is good. This does mean not sitting by Him. or working with Her. Or the others that i've yet to write about here. But I can return here after the end of my temp duties if i wish. time will tell. <br /><br />Family Details of 09. The kid is heavier, taller, laughs more, and grabs, err should i say Lunges!, at any/every thing he thinks he might want. He brings such pure and simple joy to me. for that i am so thankful. my 09 looks even brighter by having him. husband is still by my side. loving me in the new year and preparing to be a full time student. we've been curling up at night, catching up on Big Love Episodes on demand, after the kid is asleep, preparing for (finally!) the launch of season 3 this month! It's the only show we both like so I look forward to that time, our time, to gasp at Nikki's spiteful behavior, Margie's funny mistakes, and Bill's bare butt, which somehow works its way into every episode! ugh. enough of his ass already. he ain't hot!Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-69270949365431148132008-12-18T10:43:00.003-05:002008-12-19T08:44:06.178-05:0010 questionsI've been tagged to post "10 questions you've asked yourself today". At first I thought I hadn't asked myself any question really but then realize, I do this constantly, throughout my day, silently wonder things to myself. SO here goes. <br /><br />1. Can you still buy those radios that you have to crank to get to work? They are from god knows when, way back is all i know - and my coworker Lenny (who happens to be around 87 or so!) uses his daily to hear the stock market report at lunch. I hear the cranking, and keep wondering - wonder if you can still buy them? ebay maybe? <br /><br />2. What is my sister doing right now, at this very moment? I know she's in Russia, picking up Ashley but what exactly right now? Filling out paperwork, holding Ashley, sleeping maybe? not sure of the time difference. <br /><br />3. Is there any way I can leave work early today... ? Hmmm .... <br /><br />4. Will we have a white christmas? I want one of course but not a big one because we'll be traveling... but a white christmas is always a nice touch. <br /><br />5. Why does a frozen pizza put on the front of the wrapper - "Made with 100% real cheese!" like its something to brag about? I threw one in the oven for husbands dinner last night and noticed this - what? So what does that mean if the label Doesn't say that? whats that white shredded up stuff on 'those' pizzas...? <br /><br />6. Why do i have to call the dentist back either way? They always call to remind me of my appointment and want me to call back to confirm or cancel. It should only require a call back for canceling. And if i don't call at all - do they hold my spot? hope so! <br /><br />7. Is it raining? I look out the window. I'm really wanting/needing to walk on my lunch break but am a wimp about walking in the rain, especially if its cold! <br /><br />8. Why doesn't Abram sleeping thru the night anymore? While I was off for 5 months he almost always slept thru the night. But now that I'm back at work fulltime and waking up at 4:30am 4 days a week, he's decided getting up at 1am is a new little habit he's trying out... sigh. <br /><br />9. Will I keep producing enough breastmilk? The kid is eating like a madman these days and even though i'm pumping 3 times a day on work days and even a couple times on the weekend, i can barely keep up with him! and he's even eating strained foods too. <br /><br />10. Should I even go to the dentist tomorrow morning? Its going to be morning mix of snow/sleet... maybe i should cancel? Well then i definitely need to call them back! <br /><br />I'm supposed to tag someone but nahhh, just repost your 10 questions if you wanna;)Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-29425079306882975872008-12-10T14:17:00.003-05:002008-12-10T14:27:35.382-05:00Holiday PicturesApril shower brought us May flowers and November snow brought us 60 degree December days? Very Puzzling. But it sure wasn't 60 degrees the day Michelle and family came over to take pictures and have dinner. It was cold and windy and well, not outdoor photo weather! But Abram loves the wind (and he loved the twig michelle was waving at him ha) so he was grinning away for family photos! Michelle posted some previews on <a href="http://michelleevansphotography.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-holiday-photos.html">her blog</a> and if you are lucky enough to get a christmas card from us, you'll have a hard copy. I say Lucky Enough, meaning i start them and then get lazy and stop (well not lazy but otherwise occupied?). So pray your card is on the top of the stack:) (BTW, you can also check out <a href="http://www.michelleevansphotography.com">michelles site</a> for more photography info! She rocks:) <br /><br />But again, its 60 degrees here today so I walked during my lunch break. Felt so great to get out, exercise, and feel the warm breeze:) Plus, we got the memo we are not allowed to sleep on our lunch break at our desks. LOL. Thank god i'm not pregnant anymore. <br /><br />On Whats cookin - I have two big containers of Tofu from trader joes and i'm at a lose about what to do with it. Theres always tofu scramble, add it to smoothies, blah blah - but i wanted something different. Husband had ZERO suggestions:)Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-41844327387849972412008-12-09T07:35:00.003-05:002008-12-09T08:07:25.368-05:00Busy"How was your weekend?" <br /><br />"OH SO busy! I am so tired! Whew!" She says this to me every monday usually. The coworker who loves to go on and on about how 'busy' she always is, with practically no time to breathe. She will ramble on telling me all the 'busy-ness' and how stressful it is to be that busy and wow, she wishes she weren't so busy. <br /><br />"Well, stop doing so much," I suggest one day, after enduring yet another countless story about the 'busy-ness'. This seemed like a very simple resolution to me. You are busy and find it stressful. Therefore reduce stress by eleminating all the extra 'stuff'. Its how i operate. So i only assume others would do the same. I take much time to breathe on the weekends. Gather myself. Lay in bed a little longer. Snuggle next to my husband a bit more. Cuddle with my kid. Pet the dogs a little more. and get outdoors. Relax. It is so easy to get caught up in the busy mode of life. We vowed to not do so, no matter what life throws us. <br /><br />"Pft. Oh, I can only wish!" She states. <br /><br />"Well... I mean does your son really want to be involved in 3 sport activities at the same time? Does he really enjoy all of them? Plus the music lessons?" I ask. <br /><br />"OH He loves it. He does! Icouldn't possibly make him choose!" <br /><br />I considered asking why not. But instead offered a puzzled look, and returned to my work. <br /><br />Theres her, whom I dearly love but enough with the 'busy' stories. And then there is him. I avoid him. He rambles endlessly to himself about work and other nonsense all day long. He tracks other workers as if he were in charge. <br /><br />"I can't believe Shea isn't in yet..." He fumes to me, as if he were in charge of Shea. <br /><br />"Oh. Hm." I refrain from saying more. <br /><br />"This is ridiculous! He didn't call off so who knows when he'll waltz in here! He comes in later and later... but what are ya gonna do!?" His face getting redder. <br /><br />I merely nod. <br /><br />Him. Tracking other coworkers hours. Fuming about work before the day barely begins. When asked a question he yells "Who wants to know?!!!", "WHY?" or he rambles loudly about something ridiculous and then eventually answers after a couple minutes. He has no sense of humor, usually getting pissed at jokes because he thinks its seroius. Him who sits by me. Lovely. <br /><br />At one point maybe i was a little too obvious in my dislike of him. I know he sensed it. Mean of me, well not mean. But not exactly nice. So while I was pregnant, he began bringing me a water from the store next door. <br /><br />"Let me pay you for that," I say to him on day 4 of water. <br /><br />"No no. Its no big deal," he refused. <br /><br />"I'm okay. Really. You don't have to buy me water. Honest. But thank you. Really. Thank you." I stuttered. <br /><br />He kept buying the water. Every. Single. Day. I would bring water from home. Yet he still came back from his daily trip to the store at lunch, water bottle in hand. I began to feel uncomfortable with this. I went through a series of thoughts until I went out on maternity leave. I offered to pay him again. He refused. Do I owe him a case of water now? Is it enough to just say Thank you? I wish he would let me pay him. Maybe I should bring him cookies? Will I return from maternity leave, unable to even see my desk because its covered in water bottles? <br /><br />Maybe he was just trying to win me over. I'm not sure but whatever it was, it worked. I like him now. He's still annoying. But i like him. <br /><br />My coworkers. Love them and all the entertainment they give, and dinnertime stories i'm able to then tell husband. Sometimes i really do feel like i'm working at "The Office" or am caught up in a Seinfield Episode. <br /><br />This week, I've been lovingly nominated to the decoration committee... and the competition is getting heated. Judging is today at 10:30. Back to the task at hand.<br /><br />PS - after desperately needing a quick healthy breakfast to toss in my bag for work, I made the <a href="http://shmooedfood.blogspot.com/2007/02/full-meal-muffins.html">full meal muffins </a>from the <a href="http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/">vegan lunchbox </a> blogger. So easy, healthy, and a perfect breakfast for me. Husband liked them but asked me to add about a cup of sugar lol. Clearly, he prefers the sugar-laden muffins, which these aren't. "That would UNhealthy them!" I say. He interupts me before i finish with "I KNOW I KNOW. NOT Healthy".Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-43462978169836085282008-11-26T10:26:00.003-05:002008-11-26T12:01:08.462-05:00Wine and ChiliI loved red wine. My friend Carolyn shares this love. Husband does not. I know nothing about wine. I'm not swirling my glass, smelling, sipping, looking at the color. I just drink the stuff. Adn like it. A lot. Last night I purchased a bottle of Frey Vineyards Organic Cabernet Sauvignon. DElish!! check out their site <a href="http://freywine.com/freywine/">here</a> and try it. Not only is it organic but there its vegan, with no sulfites added. I'm so anxious to try their other wines now!<br /><br /><br />One last recipe link - The other night I made Isa's recipe for <a href="http://theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=104">Tempeh Chili Con Frijoles</a> from the <a href="http://theppk.com">Post Punk Kitchen</a> site, served with a pan of fresh, homemade cornbread - yum. I loved this chili and husband liked it alright. He missed the meat, tempeh not doing the trick for him. The recipe is <a href="http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=104">here</a>Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-78695305839261371912008-11-26T07:52:00.015-05:002008-12-04T07:56:32.147-05:00Where and WhatWhere have I been. What have I been doing. All good questions. As I look back since my last post, the answers are a blur of ... baby stuff, work stuff, and other stuff. All good stuff but as i said, a blur. Folks always say, time goes so quickly once you have kids. Agreed. I ponder back on these 6 months since the kid joined us on this earth... just 'yesterday' he was barely ever awake, needed constant head support, and woke often thru the night for food or just some mom-time. and 'now' he fights off naps, independently holds up his head and wants to sit up on his own, and snoozes 12 hours a night. Its all good stuff. But he needs me a little less - already. Time - going so quickly. <br /><br />Where I have been? Work. Back to the reality of earning a living. paying the bills. paying for daycare. It feels good but doesn't all at the same time. The weekends - I soak up as much of the kid as i can because monday-thursday, I suffer withdrawl of him. His smell. His grin. His laugh. His baby mohawk. How he looks while sleeping. His babble sounds. Just Him:) <br /><br />What have I been doing? Again work. Mom stuff. Kid stuff. Occassionally some cooking and reading. My two hobbies. Husband and I have this hobby discussion often. <br /><br />"You have too many hobbies", I tell him. <br /><br />"Theres no such thing as too many hobbies", He responds. <br /><br />"Yes, there is. They consume too much of you, too often. And you are obsessed with all your hobbies." <br /><br />"Obsessed - no. Its called interested."<br /><br />"Okay, DEEPLY interested. But its a bit out of hand. First it was the bonsai trees and all the bonsais you had to buy, along with the supplies, tree food, books about them. Then Pearl Jam. Your fanclub membership. ALL their CD's. and then the CD's of all their concerts - its the SAME songs! Then the metal detector. The one you had wasn't good enough so you had to get a better one with more stuff. Rods. Coils. Then a couple websites you needed to join to talk with other detector people. OH and now its football season and the pittsburgh steeler games you can't miss. Like i said, too many hobbies!" <br /><br />"You don't like that i have hobbies? Maybe you don't get it because YOu don't have any hobbies", he states. <br /><br />"I don't mind that you have hobbies. There are just so many of them. And they're so time consuming. And, i DO have hobbies!" <br /><br />"What are your hobbies?" <br /><br />"Well..." LONG PAUSE. <br /><br />"See?!? You need a hobby! Lets think of a hobby for you." <br /><br />"No... I have hobbies. I like to read. I like to cook," i tell him. <br /><br />"Why don't you do them? If they are your hobbies and you enjoy them... then you Do those things." <br /><br />"Hello. I'm busy! Baby. Work. More Baby. More work." <br /><br />"And when you aren't doing those things?" <br /><br />"I'm asleep", I laugh. <br /><br />So I vowed to him to spend a little more time doing my 'hobbies'. Even if that means some chores have to wait. <br /><br />I finished reading "When Bad things Happen to Good People" which until page 100 i mistakenly thought was titled "WHY Bad things Happen to Good People". Somewhere around page 100, i said to self, 'this guy is nowhere close to answering his own title!' and glanced at the cover. Oh. WHEN bad things... Oh. Well. I began reading it for the WHY but, finished it anyway. Good. But not great. Now I'm reading "Peace Like A River" or am I? Does it count as actually reading if you've only read 1 page? I say it does. hopefully with the holiday weekend, i'll sneak in some reading time. And maybe buy a new book called "Moose" by Stephanie Klein. <br /><br />I cooked up some new recipes lately. We're always whipping up homemade salad dressings because we eat a salad every night. Some recipes we loved, some husband hated and i just liked and others we agreed, weren't worth making again. The 'not worth making' ones i won't waste time writing about. A few of the good ones - <br /><br /><a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/11364">Chickpea Cutlets</a> from the Veganomicon cookbook. I loved these!! Husband didn't end up trying them because of - well not sure why. Go Figure. Click <a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/11364">here</a> for this yummy recipe. <br /><br /><a href="http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/2008/09/hemp-omega-caesar-dressing-this-is-good.html">Hemp Omega Caesar Dressing</a> from <a href="http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/">Kristens Raw</a>. We both loved this dressing and agreed it was a nice change from our usual vinegarette. Recipe <a href="http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/2008/09/hemp-omega-caesar-dressing-this-is-good.html">here</a><br /><br />A 'recreated' Annie's <a href="http://leadenhallshire.blogspot.com/2007/05/mamas-recipe-fakes-annies-woodstock.html">Woodstock Dressing </a>from <a href="http://www.leadenhallshire.blogspot.com/">Musings from the Shire</a> blog. I love Annie's Woodstock Dressing in the bottle but it ain't cheap! So i attempted to recreate it with this recipe. I loved this dressing but didn't feel it was as good as the bottle, but still really good. Husband said it had too much soy sauce. So the second time i made it, i used half as much. Better. Recipe <a href="http://leadenhallshire.blogspot.com/2007/05/mamas-recipe-fakes-annies-woodstock.html">here</a><br /><br /><a href="http://urbanvegan.blogspot.com/2008/04/red-jumble-crumble.html">Red Jumble Crumble</a> from the <a href="http://urbanvegan.blogspot.com">Urban Vegan</a>. We both Loved this one! Its dessert so of course we did. Will definitely be making again and again. recipe <a href="http://urbanvegan.blogspot.com/2008/04/red-jumble-crumble.html">here</a><br /><br /><a href="http://vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do;jsessionid=A6E3B5A143C0A0130970E75A62B7A5DB?pageId=103&catId=10">Savory Shiitake Saute</a> from the newly updated <a href="http://www.vegnews.com">VegNews</a> website. Loved how easy this was and we both really liked it. I did double the amount of mushrooms it called for and was glad i did. those shrooms shrink! Careful not to cook noodles too long - we did and it wasn't as good as if they were al dente. but for our first time using this type of noodle, we just didn't know how fast they cooked! husband even ate these leftovers a couple times for lunch. Click <a href="http://vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do;jsessionid=A6E3B5A143C0A0130970E75A62B7A5DB?pageId=103&catId=10">here</a> for the recipe. <br /><br /><a href="http://vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=40&catId=10">Mac n Cheese</a> from <a href="http://www.vegnews.com">VegNews</a> again. I loved this one and husband said it was just okay. If i hadn't told him what was in it, i think he would have loved it. but he couldn't get past the fact there was one little potato in a pasta dish. I will definitely make it again though - great flavors. Recipe <a href="http://vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=40&catId=10">here</a><br /><br />So, I dove into my hobbies as best I could considering I have a full time job, baby, two dogs, a house, chores, and well, there is the need for sleep. Husband asks where the clean works shirts are and i replied, still in the dirty clothes. He looks at me puzzled. I remind him I'm focusing more on my hobbies, less on chores, as he encouraged me to do. "Oh right", he nodds. <br /><br />I plan on buying a couple new books (or getting a few for christmas!) as well as some new cookbooks that are meatless (again, christmas) so i don't have to veganize meaty recipes. Despite diving into my hobbies, the past two nights husband has eaten veggie burgers. <br /><br />"I guess I'll have a veggie burger with chips again," he mumbles as he stares into the fridge, holding the door wide open. <br /><br />"I didn't want to shop this weekend because we're leaving Thursday morning early," i remind him. <br /><br />"Yea, but we do need to eat until Thursday." <br /><br />"Theres plenty of stuff in the freezer." <br /><br />He pushes past all the frozen bags of breastmilk, slowly naming off what he sees... "Frozen bananas, raspberries, apples, blackberries, a pie crust, veggie burgers, edamame, lima beans, peas, corn, vegan sausage... how can they call it that? sausage. I mean, its not." He sighs as he pulls out the veggie burgers. I remind him they're healthier, we have whole wheat buns, and be glad i didn't make lentil burgers.Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-73228212698661526202008-09-15T13:51:00.008-04:002008-11-26T12:05:13.466-05:00Just When...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8U2jxNK7EVwzJ9lejjFEE9WnEDpk7ZQF1YqdWiOxlD1ifbf4RgOC5FSAvZ59SU3BtcHhLYtZNOrE4g6pYo7fcwtBaonpD3q__9SVDdsKiQ7RN5a9hKbotTUndZ59O6adY3wyMTkYpxs/s1600-h/IMG_1805.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8U2jxNK7EVwzJ9lejjFEE9WnEDpk7ZQF1YqdWiOxlD1ifbf4RgOC5FSAvZ59SU3BtcHhLYtZNOrE4g6pYo7fcwtBaonpD3q__9SVDdsKiQ7RN5a9hKbotTUndZ59O6adY3wyMTkYpxs/s320/IMG_1805.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246320305440090066" /></a><br /><br />One of my all time favorite songs is by The Weepies, entitled "The World Spins Madly On". The summary of the song is that monumental things happen in your life, as do little minor things, and the everyday world continues to happen around you. You birth a child, the rest of the world still goes to work and gets off at 5 to head home and make dinner. Catastrophic loss hits your family and the sun still rises, awaking the world to 'just another day'. As 'the world spins madly on' its easy to feel a bit lost sometimes. So just when... just when you think no one is thinking of you - whether its during your purest joy, your deepest sorrows, or just another day - remind yourself that someone is always, always thinking of you, even if you don't realize it. Just when you start to feel overwhelmed by the everyday little things that can bombard you, a bright spot opens up, and you are thankful for the friends that surround you, literally or in spirit. <br /><br />Running errands this week with the kid has been challenging. He's very content and for that i'm thankful but its the juggling that gets me. He, all 14 lbs of him, and his carrier, all 10 lbs of that - weighs me down. Mid week i make my trek to "The Farm" store for locally grown produce. I lug him into the store and place him safely by the veggie stands as I plan to bag up my items. Oops, forgot the cloth bags I swore I would stop forgetting to use! Back to the car. Grab cloth bags, readjust the kid in his carrier, begin shopping - again. After purchasing a few bags worth of produce, I realize, i have too much to carry. Somehow I manage to gather all things, including the kid. Carrying that 24lb bulk on the left and too many bags on the right, I stumble out the door and wham, immediately knock over a beautiful elevated wire handmade rack displaying mums... Ok. No big deal. Deep breath. Just put everything down. Reassemble the display. The kid looks on as I set the rack back up, grasp the mum gatherings to put back in pots. Don't grab too tightly or the mold of the roots will crumble, dirt scattering everywhere. Sigh. Okay, all done, reassembled and almost, well sort of, just like it was. Hands covered in potting soil as I grab my cloth bags and the carrier, stumbling onto the car. Breath. Whew. <br /><br />Now onto the grocery for the rest... But after my challenge at the last stop, i reason with myself saying, ' We don't really need that now do we? nah... that can wait...' and 'why is that on the list? what does husband need that for?' and other excuses to not really shop. The checkout girl rolls her eyes as I hand over my cloth bags. "They don't fit in the turning bag stand" she states, somehow implying that she can't bag my groceries apparently. Clearly, without proper use of the turning bag stand, its just not possible. O-K. Hm. "Oh, no problem I can do it," I offer. No response. As I begin to pay and move the cart forward, she spots the kid. "Ahh I didn't see the baby!" she exclaims, turning friendly and chipper. "Aww, how old?" "15 weeks," I mumble flashing a brief smile. Now she likes me. Babies bring out the good in folks I guess... <br /><br />I drive home, hands on the potting soil covered steering wheel, wondering why babies bring such smiles from people. Is it the innocence, and freshness to babies? the new life? the little miracles they are? or the sweet smiles and soft little faces? My little kid ahh... my heart surges love for him, unexplainable, deep love. I think of the daycares we've been touring, in preparation for my return to work. Doomsday is Oct 22 and the thought of leaving him with strangers for entire days is slightly frightening, to say the least. I'm filled with dread thinking of that day. I glance in the backseat, seeing the kid doze in the sunlight. <br /><br />Pulling into the abandoned neighborhood, I'm reminded all my neighborhood friends are at work and husband will be in class the next two nights, arriving after me and the kid are in bed. A twinge of loneliness hits me. Its been a month since girls ngiht out with my girlfriends. Note to self - start planning this months girls night out before this month is over! Pulling into the driveway, I spot a box on the doorstep. Not expecting anything, I assume husband has ordered something but nope, my name is the addressee! <br /><br />After lugging in my bags, the baby, and the box, I dig in. Ahh the thoughtfulness of friends. And the timing of its arrival. So Just When... I was having a slightly roughed up day, I'm reminded what great friends I have. How thoughtful they are. And how just when I felt a bit alone, there was someone there, brightening my day. The box made my day - didn't matter what was in it! I then thought of how I can do the same for those I care about... <br /><br />I'm surrounded now by others who I need to reach out to as well. Someone going thru a divorce. One who lost her daughter to a tragedy. Another returning to work after maternity leave. Someone getting married. A pregnancy. Adoptions. Troubles with children. Through Joys and Sorrows - its always good to feel loved. Whether its someone celebrating your happiness with you or relating to your sadness. <br /><br />I tell husband of my care package as we prepare to head out another day. We open up the front door to its usual squeak and creak of the door. I'm trying to tell husband of my week, and the package. He half listens as he digs in the closet for something. <br /><br />"Where is that WD-40?!" he asks. "I had it on the grocery list." <br /><br />"Oh, i shrug... I think they were out," I lied. We head out for WD-40 and other 'forgotten' grocery items. <br /><br />"And there it was... the bright spot of my day," i go on telling him. I go on to say how its so nice to know someone was thinking of you and sent a little hello to brighten your day. <br /><br />'I need to do more of that' I tell him, 'for other people too.' <br /><br />"Thats nice hon," he says, barely paying attention. "Um, why are our cloth bag handles so dirty?? what have you been buying with these things!?" <br /><br />My Husband - great companion. Love of my life. Easily distracted.Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-53697219603596831722008-08-29T11:24:00.004-04:002008-11-26T12:02:50.803-05:00Chocolate - AgainWhile I've already admitted that I'm a complete chocoholic - I forgot to mention i'm always surfing the web for lowfat or fat free chocolate dessert options since i just can't give it up. I watched Emeril on the green network prepare some damn good looking brownies that were fat free (if you leave out the chips and believe me you don't need them!) and VEGAN. I made them based on his recipe which you can view at http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/emerils-brownies.html<br /><br />Things I did differently - left out the vegan chocolate chips and used white whole wheat flour instead of the rice flour. I didn't need to be gluten free which is why he used rice flour. I also only baked for 30 minutes instead of the suggested 35-40 - why? i like gooey brownies!! I've tried a lot of fat free brownies, low fat brownies, dairy free vegan brownies, etc. adn honestly, to me, these were the best rather 'healthy', if we can call it that, vegan brownie i've made yet.Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-59593184134913778732008-08-28T10:13:00.003-04:002008-11-26T12:06:06.680-05:00Almost SeptemberAmazing that it's almost September... the weather here has already turned fall-ish and its husbands favorite season. I love it as well and it reminds me of our trip last fall up to CT for kayaking in Windsor. That was before I knew I was pregnant with the boy - our last trip before i knew... We hope to go back to New England this year - but hopefully the second weekend in December for Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, VT. I've always wanted to go and this year we vow to make it happen! <div><br /></div><div>August has almost passed me by and with the boy in my life, it goes so quickly. He is 14 weeks old now and his growth is amazing. More amazing is watching his little personality develop. His first smile, then now frequent smiles. His first laugh (not that long ago!) which is becoming a bit more frequent. I love being a mom to him - I would never have thought i would say i love being a mom but i sure do. He's amazing... and adorable, and all the fabulous words i can think of to describe him. </div><div><br /></div><div>The end of July I made a trip home to see my parents/papaw. Also got to see my aunts and my brother/his family. Had a great visit with everyone and loved the time with each and every one. We also spent two weekends in Waynesburg with husbands family. First for a wedding that Husband was in. Second for a cousins bridal shower. Lots of travel and lots of fun. Now i'm trying to plan one more trip to TN before i go back to work. </div><div><br /></div><div>When am i going back to work? Mid-Oct i suppose. Though I would like to push it till the first of Nov. We will see. Financially its a BIG stretch. Mentally we would feel better waiting till then. Staying at home with the boy was an adjustment but now we are into such a routine. My friend Kimberly (just lives up the street) and I walk with our boys. Her boy is 1 month older than mine and we can compare notes, stories, and even complaints. </div><div><br /></div><div>Husband is back to school for the fall... three classes. three nights he won't be home. When i work, i don't mind those nights really. Its my time. But being at home all day and him getting home so late those nights, we sure miss him. </div><div><br /></div><div>Totally off point here - but i don't like Rachael Ray's haircut. I preferred it long. I also am starting to find her slightly annoying. Especially after she was snippy to that sweet blonde girl on "Food Network Star". </div>Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-92199835503046297652008-07-09T18:03:00.004-04:002008-11-26T12:06:54.642-05:00July...Its July... april showers brought May flowers as i mentioned before... and a baby! Yes, we welcomed our newest addition, a 6lb, 12oz, 20 inch long, precious boy. He emerged on the 21st of May and our lives are forever changed. We had weeks that were a blur afterward, a flurry of visits from family and friends. Then they all disappear and return to their normal lives and we are still here with this new little human being. I'm home with him for 16 weeks, until Sept 22 and being a temporary stay at home mom is an adjustment. But i'm adjusting. and cooking. cleaning a little, not as much as i should, taking care of our boy, our dogs, paying the bills despite our tight budget, and getting a little sunshine when i can. <div><br /></div><div>I now have time to cook up new recipes, experiment in the kitchen, and eat a healthier, heartier diet. Husband isn't as thrilled with most of my recipes as i am (all vegan, and some raw) but i must brag, he always tries them. Husband does eat healthier these days though and he feels better and looks better for it. We both slack on the exercise front... i love to be active, be outdoors, and break a sweat yet, calling it exercise or hopping on a treadmill is ever difficult for me. But if its a brisk walk with the dog, a game of tennis, a yoga or pilates class - i love it. The walk with the dog is possible these days. the game of tennis - not really, with the boy and husband being my only tennis partner. and the yoga/pilates classes have a pricetag attached so thats on hold. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm making a return trip to TN for a long overdue visit... i haven't been home since christmas... over 6 months. I'm anxious to return to my roots, my papaw, mom, dad, my house, papaws house, my forever friends, the laid back country, my hometown, my comfort... theres just such comfort in that place. I couldn't ever live there again... but its still the most comfortable place i'll ever know... and i can't wait to step back there for a week. </div>Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-3011864397712684882008-05-06T11:53:00.005-04:002008-11-26T12:03:12.467-05:00ChocolateI'm such a chocolate lover... just don't know how i could ever give it up! Even while pregnant and not having a sweet tooth, i somehow still manage to want chocolate! Help... haElizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-45995112251635639792008-04-07T10:03:00.003-04:002008-11-26T12:07:47.042-05:00April Showers...The good ole saying "April showers bring May flowers" better be true... here near Philly, we've been having 'April' showers since December and i can't wait for the clouds to break so spring can truly arrive! It's not freezing cold anymore but more like cold and damp with frequent rain. Personally, its downright depressing. With winter behind us (as well as my pregnancy sickness) I'm very anxious to enjoy some spring like weather with the hubby and dogs before our newest addition is born. About 8 more weeks to go till the kid arrives:)<br /><br />Since the holidays - thanksgiving/christmas - we haven't traveled out of town - not even to nearby areas such as DC, Baltimore, the Pocono's, NYC, nowhere. Husband is trying to save his time off for when the kid is born and I have taken to not wanting to travel far. This is odd for us. Normally, once winter breaks, or sometimes before, we are on the highway... to TN, Pittsburgh, maybe to SC, up to NYC... we love traveling, the dogs in tow when we can. Guess the kid is already slowing us down maybe... ? Not sure.<br /><br />Nelly had a birthday in January - she is 6. Sammy had his in February - he is 7. These numbers start to scare me... my little babies are growing old. Especially with Nelly being purebred Boxer, i don't know that she will live as long. Both are still rowdy, playful, and hyper, not letting their age hold them back from a thing... sammy is still the boss, deciding when and if they will play or sleep. nelly follows his every move, playing when he does, sleeping when he does. She would be lost without him. He loves her equally but doesn't like to show it haha...<br /><br />Had a visit from my parents in March... so nice to have company... be with family. Husband's parents are nesting over in western PA, admidst lots of family drama, that though entertaining and interesting, i won't be posting here. Upcoming plans? A college friend AHB is coming up next weekend and I can't wait to grab lunch together, gushing and gossiping like the old days. Other friends from central PA will be out in a couple weeks - mini baby shower get together.<br /><br />Then its onto husbands birthday and our 7th anniversary. yes 7 years. wow. 7. its amazing how fast its gone yet i also feel liks its been longer. I can't imagine life without husband. He's such a part of me, who i am, my being. I love him in ways i can't explain... i feel so utterly thankful. I'm still on the fence on his birthday gift and if we will travel for our anniversary as we usually do. I ask husband, "what is your favorite food, like that you would want for your birthday?" Pizza. 'what?! you want me to take you out for pizza for your birthday?! good grief.' So who knows where we will end up dining!!Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-30398720509007360452008-01-15T08:34:00.004-05:002008-11-26T12:08:14.176-05:00PregnancyThis blog has been wildly abandoned, as I have taken to writing (well mostly complaining) on my pregnancy blog... somehow, pregnancy has taken over my life the past several months. In the beginning, I was determined to continue my travels, even more vigorously than before, and maintain a very social, active existence throughout the entire pregnancy. Yet, battling constant morning sickness makes these goals very difficult to achieve. I did well at first but since our trip to DC, my motivation to keep so active has truly dwindled.<br /><br />November 17 and 18, My friend C and I went on a trip to Woodstock, NY for a Citizen Cope concert. He came to Philly the month before but we managed to talk one another into a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">roadtrip</span> to upstate New York. Naturally, on the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> as I packed my bag, the weather channel chatted in the background... I picked up on "several inches of snow for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">catskill</span> area..." What? C had nicely agreed to drive, considering my car is a heap of junk these days (yet a heap of junk I really don't want to fix but would be heartbroken if it died - ironic i know). I ring her up... "Did you hear the prediction?" She hadn't. I fill her in and we debate a bit, should we? shouldn't we? It's probably nothing... but, who knows... it could be bad... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hmm</span>.<br /><br />After much debate and many worthless phone calls to one another, we agree to go, despite the fact we're leaving two hours later than desired. The drive up was great. We used to work together and got to chat most everyday, but these days, at different jobs, our chat time is more limited to emails, phone calls, and the occasional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">gettogether</span>. We checked into our hotel in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Fishkill</span>. Dinner was Japanese and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">drooled</span> over C eating sushi as I had to stick to cooked foods. The concert was at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bearsville</span> Theater. A great show and he performed solo acoustic. Coming back on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sunday</span> was more visiting and a beautiful drive through big, luscious, white snowflakes in Jersey. A great trip and nice girl time...<br /><br />C was surprised at the news I was pregnant... and i have since kept her up to date with all the latest woes of my condition as well as the exciting things like feeling the baby move.<br /><br />Since our trip to Woodstock, I have done very little in the line of being social. We did travel for Thanksgiving as well as Christmas. I was able to attend our usual NYE get together at T&S's house which is all the way across the street... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">haha</span>. I hope to improvement my '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">socialness</span>' very soon and get back to my old self again. This pregnancy is bringing me down... and i want to get back up again! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JuJEEHmuHehvSIAPtWSLF9THwxmyynLIuN3zJHatERRDAuvAdutjX1VNZPeeX3RxoWyU7eEUlMNHpLyc-dC_WaPhATjWBdAmLIl72atJ4DEDJDTqHBBDF6TjNZkaPzXj2bstGlg07H4/s1600-h/IMG_0856.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JuJEEHmuHehvSIAPtWSLF9THwxmyynLIuN3zJHatERRDAuvAdutjX1VNZPeeX3RxoWyU7eEUlMNHpLyc-dC_WaPhATjWBdAmLIl72atJ4DEDJDTqHBBDF6TjNZkaPzXj2bstGlg07H4/s320/IMG_0856.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240007360018101506" /></a>Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-77149107838436832632007-11-14T07:49:00.001-05:002008-08-28T17:21:03.622-04:00More Travel!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uGYIsFVvNsGqBLsgvLpP3qvH5foKR7aGu6vU033fVtvjTHTMGFEWozRlx7cyHm78j5yxkDyFwbfg1m3ozNdNvMQS06GpW-ASRFUDaRQ9URR73ucj68PAD3qVpy-fze84rLuPHutjuGo/s1600-h/IMG_0829.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uGYIsFVvNsGqBLsgvLpP3qvH5foKR7aGu6vU033fVtvjTHTMGFEWozRlx7cyHm78j5yxkDyFwbfg1m3ozNdNvMQS06GpW-ASRFUDaRQ9URR73ucj68PAD3qVpy-fze84rLuPHutjuGo/s320/IMG_0829.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239681634955194562" /></a><br />The moment we met, we became instant best friends in college. Sometimes you just met those people who the moment you met - you know you are going to be instant, great friends. That's how it was with R. R and I are such similar people it amazes me sometimes. We fret over the same things, act silly in the same ways, and have taken similar paths in life. Our personalities vary and we react differently to some things, but majority of the time, we see eye to eye.<br /><br />About 6 months ago we planned to attend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GWU</span> Homecoming - back to our old university to relive a few great memories and a great excuse to get together. Life has gotten in our way and though we talk often, we haven't seen each other nearly as much as we would like. I flew down to Charlotte on Oct 26, early in the AM, and R picked me up with her little boy. He is the spitting image of her! I got to see her new house in SC, visit with her and her hubby too. We cooked together, played games, talked, gossiped, chatted (this consumed a lot of time ha), etc. The next day we went shopping at our old stomping grounds of gaffney, had a japanese dinner in shelby, and attended the homecoming game in Boiling Springs.<br /><br />The weekend went way too fast... i couldn't be more grateful for our time together that weekend. for the years of friendship thus far. for the ease of our friendship. thats right - its just easy. We talk, we're honest with each other, we know when to say one of us is being stupid, unfair, or completely unrealistic. we also know when to just listen - thats most important. I can call her when i'm utterly happy! and when i'm unbelievable sad. Again, how great are old friends? Nothing beats them!Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-76787849747167215772007-11-14T07:42:00.002-05:002008-08-28T11:41:29.340-04:00Travel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r9P2zvCQ4ky26OESF2hFH7nQjVxaOB-fQcVr18ubZ90dmgP5uSdp2c2mJRGaMvsbH6pW7G3IUF4CifOH5KBt103k5mi-gU_jbGpLTo3HrzD9UnzlnEUXC9wHpkAmQT-YjEA09W55t3U/s1600-h/IMG_0635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r9P2zvCQ4ky26OESF2hFH7nQjVxaOB-fQcVr18ubZ90dmgP5uSdp2c2mJRGaMvsbH6pW7G3IUF4CifOH5KBt103k5mi-gU_jbGpLTo3HrzD9UnzlnEUXC9wHpkAmQT-YjEA09W55t3U/s320/IMG_0635.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239593725730799970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ80Mnp3Sd0VWP4k8n6o1hxSvSMPuJqhYdLcDM7x9xP-Ximg767VZ_gdWC8IbR9IgbDaZs_1MiLkzI7XS1B7n_4C7w9MzKsh_yNfHEEW-c4kbwqZT2pC3w-aZyxUx_HSr9qFzTI5bbPA/s1600-h/IMG_0704.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ80Mnp3Sd0VWP4k8n6o1hxSvSMPuJqhYdLcDM7x9xP-Ximg767VZ_gdWC8IbR9IgbDaZs_1MiLkzI7XS1B7n_4C7w9MzKsh_yNfHEEW-c4kbwqZT2pC3w-aZyxUx_HSr9qFzTI5bbPA/s320/IMG_0704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239593409401216146" /></a><br />One of the best feelings, the older I get especially, is getting together with old friends. Husband and I have so many friends of all ages and geographically spread apart, but nothing beats the old comfort of friends who have known you longer than most and who you have a bond with unlike most others. Oct 12-14, we went to Washington DC for a weekend jaunt to meet up with Erin and Matt. Erin is one of my old BF's from college. Not just a BF but a roomie and one of my favorite people. After college, we somehow lost touch for a period of time but now, having reconnected, we haven't missed a beat since. Then being together, I was once again reminded of why we became such good friends in the first place. We just mesh well:-)<br /><br />The trip was great. Stayed in a nice hotel, ate great food, talked and talked some more, toured the sights, did lots of walking, took pictures, and didn't have to get up too horribly early, even though Matt was probably pacing the floors waiting on the rest of us sleepyheads lol. He's the only morning person of the crew. The weekend went way too fast and the Sunday goodbye's came way too soon. We left with promises of making it a yearly tradition, one I feel we will definitely keep! Can't wait to do it again. Until then, we call, leave many long winded voicemails, write lengthy emails, and eventually catch one another sometimes and have a real phone conversation.Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-73921441971204693002007-10-23T09:41:00.001-04:002007-10-23T10:20:42.547-04:00VisitorsWe rarely have visitors. Not because we don't want them (well most of the time thats not the reason). But because we live where we do - Philadelphia, PA. Most of my family is down south. Husband's family is all in Pittsburgh which is not far but they still don't travel the 5 hour treck often. His folks come once a year. Mine come once a year as well. We love the visits from the parents and hate to see them go. Another reason we don't have visitors often is again - because of where we live. Most of our friends are on average an hour away (philly's a big place) so we end up meeting halfway for lunch, dinner, or drinks. It works and then I don't have to scrub my house silly clean!<br /><br />My parents came for their yearly visit Oct 5-9. We went shopping, toured Longwood Gardens, ate good food, saw the movie "Into the Wild", and did lots of chatting. That's what me and mom do - chat, talk, visit, and then do it some more. Longwood Garden's are truly beautiful, even in the fall. I was amazed by their organic vegetable gardens! That tour was right up my gardner parents alley.<br /><br />The movie "Into the Wild" was just what I expected and more. Not only is a great film that I classify as a must see, but the message of the film is powerful. The movie tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a wandering soul who is searching for a greater life. He feels that life is waiting for him in the Alaskan wilderness. This true life story is an amazing and eventful one. I left there reminding myself that material things really hold little to no actual worth. Our happiness stems from our relationships and from love. I vow to be less materialistic. to value my relationships more. invest more time with others. love with my whole heart. stop spending money on pointless things. Again, the film is a must see.<br /><br />We had dinner one night at Bonefish Grill in Exton, PA. Excellent food there as usual. I ordered one of the specials but regretted not ordering what husband did - the pistachio encrusted trout. That is my favorite dish there and the times I haven't ordered it, I've regretted it! I vow to stop trying new things there and stick with my love - the pistachio encrusted trout.<br /><br />Parents departed Tuesday morning after I left for work. The treck back to TN is I-81 most of the way... horrible highway and too many trucks. But they had safe travels...Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-75533944817644527602007-10-23T09:27:00.001-04:002008-08-29T09:24:19.878-04:00Travel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjRM5_JUlSH8pkjDpMK_MIT0A_TJx52y3eu1sUzf_kxiwO6MjrxBGljeRHV4qL-_bKg4uljagR0pdmoXUz90ncCJktNiDtnKR459wZ5yhuQaTkiu6C1Jt0xld3aoCpZs1ZvkF910xNhI/s1600-h/IMG_0578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjRM5_JUlSH8pkjDpMK_MIT0A_TJx52y3eu1sUzf_kxiwO6MjrxBGljeRHV4qL-_bKg4uljagR0pdmoXUz90ncCJktNiDtnKR459wZ5yhuQaTkiu6C1Jt0xld3aoCpZs1ZvkF910xNhI/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239929673255454994" /></a><br />We've been busy traveling recently and I haven't had time to write. But I'm glad. We love traveling and doing new activities, seeing new areas, and meeting up with old friends.<br /><br />Sept 21 we went to Connecticut for a long weekend of sight seeing and kayaking. Traffic in NYC was the norm for a friday night - total nightmare. We swore to one another, asking why we didn't go another way. Unfortunately, being stuck on the bridge, we had no option but to stick it out. Thankfully we made it to our dinner destination in Branford, CT. Dinner at Lenny's was amazing! Its a seafood joint down a couple small roads. It's not fancy or expensive and the food is great - so just our style! I had the Broth version of clam chowder and Husband had his usual New England clam chowder. Both were good but Husband's was great. I wish I could have ordered a cup of that but knew if I did, I wouldn't finish my dinner. Husband went with the fish and chips which he said were very good. We both agreed though - I outordered him! I had the Maryland crab cakes which were awesome. The perfect amounts of crab meat with breadcrumbs and perfectly matched spices. I LOVED my food.<br /><br />We left there and drove up to Windsor, CT, just north of Hartford to stay overnight. Saturday morning we got going fairly early to do sightseeing of little villages and hit up some good new england tag sales. We scored a few good deals but mostly enjoyed seeing all the historic homes. Kayaking was great - so peaceful yet a good upper body workout too! We want to do this more often. The trip home was filled with CT backroads to get a real feel for the state. We loved what we saw and wish for our own center chimney home one day. Its always great to return home to Sammy and Nelly, our little pups. Well they're full grown but still our little ones we saw. Our kids. The four of us make up our family. Our happy little family...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z6KAdQc386moLh1XZ-aM7hdTHq1dBZuOt6pn0T0ZiKTIDkviFMuxSsHdM1kUm5_OIVfQjuJrgKW3adBs9lcCDjhWHfx9NunQVUc07bfUTYi9bkbptety8W1W0xBIOtAnUzn0ShCX_ko/s1600-h/IMG_0574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z6KAdQc386moLh1XZ-aM7hdTHq1dBZuOt6pn0T0ZiKTIDkviFMuxSsHdM1kUm5_OIVfQjuJrgKW3adBs9lcCDjhWHfx9NunQVUc07bfUTYi9bkbptety8W1W0xBIOtAnUzn0ShCX_ko/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239929670322768162" /></a>Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-23231783179804851122007-09-16T10:30:00.000-04:002007-09-16T20:21:06.449-04:00MovieWe watched the movie "Thank you for Smoking" on Friday night. I heard about the movie briefly way back when, then Friday it entered my brain somehow and I was dying to rent it. Its a very interesting movie - I definitely recommend it because its not your average drama, chic flick, or comedy. Its satire maybe? Whatever category - its interesting. The main character is a Lobbyist for the Tobacco Association, Vice President of the organization actually. He is their mouthpiece, defending tobacco products to politicians in DC, the general <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">American</span> public, and anyone else who'll listen, all while death rates from lung cancer continue to escalate. Interesting Fact - not one cigarette is smoked in the entire movie! You root for this guy throughout the entire flick.<br /><br />The son questions the dad (main character) asking him "how do you do what you do dad?". His response is "I have a moral flexibility most other people don't have." I have morals. I have flexibility. Do the two mix? That's something I'm not sure about but this line in the movie stuck with me. It draws me to the point of being "open minded" and meaning it. Lots of people say they are open minded but - are they? Are they really? Or does it just sound good? I vow to continue being an open minded individual. Once our ideas and opinions are set in stone, to never change again - we don't open ourselves up for learning something new, seriously considering a varying point of view, or comprehending the other side. Another line in the movie says something like "I just don't take anything that seriously. Its not worth it." When I feel myself taking life too seriously - I'm going to recite that line to myself. In my life - I'm seeking happiness. Complete utter happiness. If I get caught up in the morals of others or take life too seriously, aren't I missing the point?<br /><br />FYI - Last night, J called Husband. K, as it turns out, IS a steeler fanatic. yippee.Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-23820883504022205132007-09-15T11:02:00.001-04:002007-09-16T10:58:59.289-04:00ChildI'm a doubter. Don't misunderstand. I'm an overall positive person who is confident, self motivated, and always planning for the future. Yet, somehow, someway, I often manage to doubt myself! I should order the salad with goat cheese and pecans. Place order. Dammit, I should have gone with the feta and walnut one! I don't doubt every decision, but many. My restaurant order. My job. Where to live. If we should have kids.<br /><br />To have a baby. Or not. Do we or don't we? Pro's and Con's lists are composed in my head, perks and pitfalls put down on paper. One day my pro's outweight the con's but the next day, its reversed. How do I ever make a decision on this? It's been heavy on my mind for a variety of reasons.<br /><br />Several years ago I had a molar pregnancy - I won't bore you with the definition of this but basically your body thinks your pregnant yet you never were. Ultimately, I was relieved when that was diagnosed. Husband nor I were either ready for a child, especially me. I've never been the woman who yearns to be a mom, care for a baby, console them when they cry, watch them grow up, etc. Some girls just know they want to be a mom. I was not 'that girl'. My BFF, R, has such a strong motherly instinct - "I'll be a teacher, get married, have kids" she would say. I was the girl who would say "Ehh, I'm not sure I even want kids", especially if I was out hearing babies cry and toddlers whine.<br /><br />FYI - I have overcome a lot of this child anxiety. Give me a break, I was never really around kids growing up. I was the youngest in my family and just wasn't thrown into babyland at any point in time. It's not like I was a kid hater. I just wasn't 'kid friendly'. I've moved past a lot of that, maybe because of my age. Also, my instinct to have a child of my own has miraculously kicked in I think. This scares me.<br /><br />Previously, I would see a pregnant woman and think - Poor lady. Doesn't know what she's in for! On top of trying to manage a crazy kid who will grow up to be a teenager, putting the parents through hell, she's destined to be fat the rest of her life! Who WANTS that sort of thing? 'Nuts' I say to self. Then one day, out of nowhere, it hit me. Bam. I see cute pregnant woman, all belly, and my mind says 'Awwee. She is adorable! What a neat experience. To actually having a living human being inside your body. Must be amazing!' "What are you thinking?!!" I reprimand self. Have you lost your bloody mind! You don't WANT that. You don't want to be fat the rest of your life, never able to loose that baby belly of pudge. You don't WANT to be the mom at the store whose kid is running around screaming, throwing themself on the floor, because you won't buy them that hershey bar, with lots of onlookers thinking, gees that kid is a brat! You don't WANT to have a hellish teenager who tortures you with their bad decisions, ignoring all of the morals and values you tried to instill in them. You don't WANT to give up all your freedoms in life. Racking my brain to answer my psychotic thoughts, it crept up on me. 'Well, our kid would be different'. What? I need a drink. This is not ME.<br /><br />The process continues. I talk to husband. He is the king of 'our kid would be different', 'we would teach them proper behavior', 'its all in the parenting', 'we would be great parents'. Sigh. He's right. As weeks move into months, I find myself looking at babies and children out with their parents and thinking 'awwwee, he's so cute' and 'oh look, she has the most adorable curls!'. Then wanting to slap myself back into reality. Doesn't work.<br /><br />Moving on. Husband is great with kids, loves them, and knows that he wants them. He's not particularly concerned with the timing. I analyze timeframes. When we should do what where is what I analyze. Husband is a laid back go with the flow man. Good thing - I need that balance.<br /><br />Within this year, I've been having issues with ovarian cysts, missed periods, and lots of pelvic pain. Thus far, the obgyn tells me its not a huge concern but she can't rule out that it could lead to infertility problems. Infertility. Problems. Words like PCOS and Endometriosis. Huh? No. Not me. Is has been my choice to not have a child. My choice. After being married for 6 1/2 years, Don't tell me I can't. Have I waited myself out? I'm only 27 for the love of God. Obgyn's advice - either get on birth control or start trying to conceive. That's the only way to prevent the cysts. Reality check.<br /><br />Therefore with my recent attraction to the possibility (keyword - possibility) of having a child, we have THE talk. On the way home from a Labor day trip to visit In-Laws, I corner husband into a serious chat. Wives, FYI, roadtrips are the BEST time for a serious chat with Husbands. They have zero distractions (well, besides other drivers and the radio, so I should say few distractions) so there is no other choice but to actually focus on the conversation and they can't get out of it. Where are they going to go? The backseat? Husband was quick to agree to start trying. We analyze, discuss. Final decision: We'll start trying. I analyze planning and timing. If I get pregnant in Sept, I might miss J's wedding (old friend). And if I get pregnant in Nov, we might miss J and C's wedding (cousin). I love wedding season. Hmm. Maybe Oct? But then it could come early, still knocking me out of J's wedding. Would I be a fat cow err I mean pregnant for a wedding? Ugh. That would kill me. Husband reminds me, it takes months to get pregnant. We'll just start and when it happens, it happens. Okay, I say. Agreed.<br /><br />My fears: financial fears. protection fears. Daycare is damn expensive. How can we afford it? Money is short now as it is. Then to thrown a grand a month into daycare - hell, we could afford a second house payment for that price. Protection fear - and I think the reason I was so hesistant about kids from the get go - you can't protect your children. You can try. You can bust your ass to ensure their safety. You can do a background check on every person they might encounter. You can teach them don't talk to strangers. You can teach them to tell mommy and daddy is someone ever tries to hurt them. But you can't always be their protection. Ultimately, this is what scares me.<br /><br />Moving on. We aren't trying. We are just seeing what happens so to speak. No protection. But not having sex every other day and checking my temperature. Just doing it and enjoying it. I've been overanalyzing my body. Was that a cramp? Do I feel nauseas? No, no. Its nothing. Wait, that was a cramp! Months of this would literally make me bonkers. Then back to my opening line of being a self doubter. Thursday night while in class (and needing to focus on Accounting!) my mind wanders to 'we cannot afford to have kids. Holy shit we will be SO broke! This is not a good time. Husband is still working on his bachelors. I am working on my masters. We neither one have an incredible paying job. Oh gees, I hope I'm not pregnant!' Today, Saturday, I'm back to the other side. 'We would manage. Everything would work itself out. No one is ever really ready! And the joy a baby would bring us would make it all worth it'.<br /><br />Somehow, I've managed to convince myself (on most days!) that our child will be an angel, I'll loose all my baby weight plus a few pounds extra, and feel fabulous after childbirth! The financial and protection fears persist - this is where my doubting comes in. No way to know yet whether its already happened. Every other time I've taken a pregnancy test, I have been in complete fear of those two lines that mean pregnant! Now, I'm wanting the two lines? Am I? See - still doubting!!Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-38005185586620585562007-09-14T12:56:00.002-04:002008-08-28T11:21:27.609-04:00Friends"You should call Jay and Kara to see if they want to get together and watch the Steelers game some Sunday, ya know?" I have to throw in "ya know" on the end of many sentence to remind Husband that this requires a response. Often it seems that unless its posed as a question, he sees no reason for a verbal response. I, Wife, find this irritating and now finding myself adding "ya know" onto lots of my statements... ya know? lol.<br /><br />"Oh yea, I should. It would be fun to watch the game with them cause I know they're big Steelers fans", Husband says.<br /><br />"How do you know?"<br /><br />"I grew up with Jay, I'm sure he is - how couldn't he be? He's from western PA. Kara? I'm sure she is too. She grew up right outside Pittsburgh."<br /><br />"That doesn't mean she's into football though. She might root for the Steelers but, doesn't mean she's a steeler fanatic."<br /><br />I'm sure she's a Steeler fan hon."<br /><br />Dammit. I had hoped to have someone to talk with, at least a little bit, while we watch the Steelers games. I like football, don't get me wrong. But I also love conversation. Why do both at the same time? Makes sense to me. Anyway, Husband doesn't really know Kara so I'm hoping he's wrong and she isn't a fanatic over the Steelers. I'll know I'm wrong if we show up at the bar to meet them and she has her face painted black and gold, with a Ben Roethlisberger jersey on, and streamers tied in her hair. Yep, then I'll know.<br /><br />Days later, I ask, "Oh hey, did you call Jay to see about the game?"<br /><br />"Oh no, not yet. I will though."<br /><br />We have this conversation at least two more times whereupon I decide to stop asking.<br /><br />As Wife, I am the coordinator of our social life. I can't help but wish this weren't so at times. Why can't Husband coordinate a social gathering or two or twelve? Its odd because he loves to get together with friends, his and mine, have drinks, eat dinner, etc. Yet he never initiates this cause he's cool if it doesn't happen. Wife on the other hand, not so much. I need social gatherings, contact with friends on a daily basis, friends I can gab to, share stories with! These things don't matter to Husband. I sometimes wish I could be that way, so independently okay, not needing friends and social events on an ongoing basis. But hey, I'm SO done with trying to change myself. I accept and love myself (yes, a line I learned in counseling! lol).<br /><br />Husband has not bothered to keep in touch with old friends, high school, college, cousins, or any others. If he runs into them or hears from them, its all this "hey man, great to see ya. how's it going" stuff, like they didn't miss a beat. I say, "don't you miss your old friends?" "Yeah, I do!" Um, okay? I don't get it. On the other hand, I though, have dedicated myself to keeping important friendships intact because I not only need them but enjoy them and couldn't imagine my life without them.<br /><br />We all have different sets of friends. When you're in high school, you have a "crowd" that you hang with, creating first real friendship memories. These are the friends who you grouped with cause you had a hell of a good time together. Not because you necessarily bonded with each other maybe but - It was all about fun! My high school friend Brooke is my bud. I get together with her when I go home, we ponder on stories about before we had our license, lost our virginity, or got married. Same with high school friend, Steph. She's like my little sis and I'm protective of her.<br /><br />Then, you move on to college and a mass of strangers. You have more choices and end up with people whom you have a real connection with, forming bonds and everlasting friendships. You chose these friends because they fit you. Robin, my BFF, I met in college and she's just like a sister. I love her and rely on her more than I can say. Something would be missing from my life without her friendship and love. I know that feeling is mutual too. I can also call up my friends Erin, Deana, or Amanda from college, though we've maybe not talked in a month or two, and we pick up where we last left off. I relish in these friendships - these are 'my girls'.<br /><br />But then - we "grow up", get jobs, and move to cities where we are a stranger among many strangers, in a place where you aren't throw into the masses with folks in the same boat as you. Its not high school or college. Its your job. Its your neighborhood. You become friends with people who maybe you may never would befriended otherwise and/or some who you really connect with. You work with them for god's sake, spending 40 hours a week with them. How can you not become friends? They live down the street from you, so why not? You get to know them out of convenience. And your friendship group continues to expand... I have friends all over the states... <br /><br />So sets of friends develop. You have old friends (high school), college friends, neighborhood friends, work friends, church friends. You rely on these different groups of friends for different purposes. Some of them will last a lifetime and others will fade away along the circumstance that brought you together.<br /><br />Husband and I got together last weekend with Michelle and Todd for lunch at Mad Mex (great cheap mex food in university city area of philadelphia btw!). Michelle is in my group of "work friends" but someone I would have been friends with no matter who, what, when. We email daily, share TMI with each other, and bullshit over silly stuff. Lunch was a great time, good conversation. Everyone always departs saying we should do it more often. Then get in our cars asking our spouses, why don't we hang out with them more often. My work friend Carolyn came over last weekend for wine and food on our deck. Great time. 'Why don't we do this monthly' I say. I'm planning a trip to DC (i'm social coordinator, remember) with Erin and Matt, Erin being a college friend. We've had to postpone this 3 times because we can't get our two sets of schedules to match with their two sets. We now say October! October we'll definitely do this. Yes, agreed.<br /><br />Life and obligations kick in and we sometimes move these friendships to the back burner, attending to the necessities... then when we do see one another, we realize this is a necessity too! This is something as adults, we need. I vow to continue to carve out that much needed time with my friends... it validates who I am, cheers me on when life is great, and reminds me i'm not the only one that struggles when life throws things in my face.<br /><br />Husband still hasn't called Jay and Kara. I know this, not because I asked, but because I am Wife:) Should I call them? But I barely know them! They are "his" friends... Come to think of it, I don't even know their phone numbers. Okay, I'm letting this go (another counseling line - love them! lol).Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291418269967277067.post-69674005562206820862007-09-01T20:24:00.001-04:002007-09-16T10:50:36.657-04:00HairAnyone needing a good haircut in Waynesburg, PA should go to Holiday Hair and ask for Laura. Got my hair cut and layered there today by this girl and she's awesome - did exactly what i asked for and I'm loving my new style:-) She also did mom-in-law's hair, cut and color, last week and she loved hers as well. Laura comes highly recommended! I think i'll just wait till we come over here for in-law visits to get my hair done... there's nothing like having someone you trust to do you hair!Elizabeth Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968505431111144876noreply@blogger.com1