Good Morning, Grumpy

Goodbye, House

2012-01-13T17:16:00.015-05:00

Today my life changes. It’s a well-worn cliché, but nothing will ever be the same again. Today my parents move out of my childhood home. The home I grew up in. The home they’ve lived in for 25 years.

If you would’ve asked me a year ago whether my parents, especially my dad, would ever consider leaving that house, I would’ve laughed at the mere idea of it. My dad has lived in Michigan for at least 50 years of his life. He loves nature, and hockey, and changing seasons. My mom has also lived in Michigan for at least 50 years. She loves the familiar, the Tigers, and the Red Wings (!!!!). But last spring my dad told us he was interviewing for two different jobs on the West Coast. After so many years teaching the same classes at the same university, he was spent. He decided it was time for a change. I’m not sure any of us really took this idea seriously. I mean, this is the man who was once going to contact the township to see if he could actually be buried in the backyard. But, the interviews came and went, and the excitement of a new teaching opportunity overpowered my father’s love of Michigan, our house, and the familiar. And that’s saying a lot.

As we’ve all anticipated this day, I’m sure he has second guessed this decision several times. I know he’ll miss fall, and visiting the U.P., and playing hockey five days a week. But I know, more than anything – he’s going to miss our house. My dad has spent the past quarter of a century working on this house and making it into our own family haven. He built a two-story garage, a tree house and a playhouse for my sister and me to play in when we were little, a sauna to remind him of his childhood days in the U.P., a library with a fireplace that he built himself, each stone with a story and taken from some place special (Just to name a few of his many projects). He has buried many a family pet on top of the hill behind the house. And he recently mentioned that one of the things he’ll miss the most is playing with Maddy in the yard.

To a lot of people moving away from a house is no big deal. Mikael, for one, has never really had a place he considered home. At least not home in the sense of what I have in this house. So, for him as well, this house is home. So many memories took place there that it’s hard to imagine what it will be like to not have that place to return to. It’s been one of the constants in my life as waves of changes have come over the years.

I know that letting go of this house doesn’t necessarily mean letting go of my memories, but it changes them somehow, makes them just a bit fuzzier when I think about them. I remember as an eight-year-old, sitting on the couch, listening to my grandma on the phone with my dad as he told her my baby brother had died. I remember watching my sister traipse around the yard with a kitten tucked under her arm. Or watching her get a new bike for her sixth birthday and subsequently throwing a fit because it was too big for her liking, a memory that has become one of our family favorites. I remember playing in the yard with my childhood friends every afternoon, imagining we were the Dukes of Hazzard or making “houses” out of raked leaves. I remember hiding myself in the linen closet with a book and a flashlight for the pure delight of having no one know where I was. I remember sledding down our hill with Joni, Lucy, and my mom, laughing until we were all in tears. I remember boyfriends and breakups, first kisses in the driveway, fights with my dad about curfews. I remember my mom rubbing my back as I cried over broken hearts and broken friendships. I remember sleeping on a mattress on the floor in the kitchen with Maddy when she was a puppy and waking up every hour to take her out, resulting in a quickly potty trained pup. I remember laying on the couch in the library with Mikael and kissing him first ‘cause I just couldn’t help myself. I remember crying in the driveway after Mikael and I broke up and he drove out of town, and then I remember meeting him several months later in that same spot as we started to reconsider that decision. I remember coming home from California to live with my parents at 29 years old, defeated from giving it a go in the real world, but grateful to have home and family ready to welcome me back and help me lick my wounds. I remember

coming home from Muncie or Ypsilanti with Maddy on the weekends, and as soon as I opened the front door, she would run as fast as she could to find my mom and dad, squealing with excitement to be home. I remember coming home from a trip to the beach one April afternoon with a sparkly ring on my finger. I remember sitting on the back porch with various family members, talking as we watched Maddy explore the yard and fetch her toy. I remember reading my vows to my sister in the attic the night before my wedding, both of us crying at the vows and the knowledge that our lives were about to change forever.

I always thought this would be the house I would bring my kids to someday. That I would show them the place where I busted a taillight trying to back out of the driveway or where home base used to be for our softball games or where my many pet hamsters are buried. That Christmas would mean going to grandpa and grandma’s on snowy Snow Road. That somehow they would understand who I am because who I am has been shaped by this place. But, I guess that’s the lesson in all of this. I mean, isn’t there always a lesson in something that makes you cry by yourself on the bathroom floor? The sense of belonging and place that I have because of this house has helped me become who I am. Knowing that I had home to return to – always- helped me be brave, take risks, made me stronger. And, I guess that’s what I’ll have to try to do for my own family. Someday I’ll give them all a place that is comfortable, familiar, warm, and full of memories. Someday.

Extended Absence Over

2011-10-05T23:34:00.004-04:00

I have been gone too long. Yes.

Life has changed quite a bit since my last post. We live in a new house, in a new state; I have a new job and new students and an office of my very own.

I have every intention of getting back on here regularly. I have a house to decorate and document. I have a new city to explore, with plenty of great restaurants, parks, and other inspiring things to blog about. I have life changing events on the horizon to make me reflect and need to write.

Yes, I shall return shortly.

Until then. . .

Welcome to our new home.

Happy Monday?

2011-06-12T21:43:00.008-04:00

This weekend included a birthday party for an adorable one-year-old, a visit from my parents, and a low-key afternoon in the backyard on Sunday with M and the pets. It was pretty perfect, and I was sad to see it go.

Today begins my final week of classes for the summer; then I'm officially on summer break until I start my new job in August. I have plenty to do before I get to Friday, so Monday Muffins were a must to get me geared up for this week. I had three rotting bananas, and my parents brought us tons of strawberries, so I give you...

Strawberry- Banana Muffins

3 large, ripe bananas, mashed

3/4 sugar (I subbed 1/2 of it with Splenda)

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 c butter, melted

1 1/2 c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 c chopped strawberries

Combine bananas, sugar, egg and butter. Mix until well combined. Add dry ingredients and mix until just moistened. Fold in strawberries. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full. Top with sugar in the raw for a little crunch (optional). Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

After this week is over, I will have a lot more time to blog about something other than muffins...

Bibliophile

2011-06-08T08:50:00.002-04:00

For the past few months, I've been on the hunt for an ex libris stamp for all of my books. I couldn't find one that I liked, so I inquired with one of my favorite Etsy vendors to see if they could customize one of their address stamps to be an ex libris stamp. And, voila!

I'm looking forward to stamping all my books as I pack them up for our move.

Any guesses what book is in the picture?

Monday Morning Muffins

2011-06-05T23:30:00.008-04:00

Part I: The Muffins

In an effort to use up a bunch of blueberries, I made muffins a few weeks ago on Sunday evening. The next morning, I got out of bed a bit quicker because I knew I had a delicious muffin to eat as I walked to work. M concurred that the muffins made his Monday brighter as well (huge surprise). And, thus began a new tradition in our house. Today marks the third consecutive week of Monday Muffins. So, I've decided it's now a thing.

And, this week's muffin recipe is one you're gonna want to try -

Peaches and Cream Muffins
1/2 c butter, softened
3/4 c sugar
1 egg
1/2 c sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 c chopped peaches

Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg, sour cream and vanilla and mix. Mix in flour and baking powder until just combined. Fold in peaches. (I sprinkled sugar in the raw on top to add a little crunch). Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes. Cool in muffin pan for 5 minutes, them move to wire cooling rack. Yields a dozen.

Seriously easy. Seriously delicious.

Part II - Blog Changes
As you may have noticed, things have changed here at GMG. I decided to merge my personal blog with this one. Since I wasn't posting on either one, I figured having one blog to focus my energy might make it easier. I'm optimistic.

Thoughts on Marriage (at the 8 month mark)

2011-03-26T18:07:00.000-04:00

Life is a crazy mess of uninteresting research papers (writing them and grading them), a fractured ankle, and a dog with a lick granuloma and plastic cone on her head. Since I am unable to drive, bike, or even go for a walk, I have been forced to sit on the couch, surrounded by my research and stacks of essays to grade. Occasionally, I break the monotony by painting my nails, reading magazines, and spending too much time online.

Last night, as I allowed my brain to turn all mushy, rewarding it for an incredibly stressful week with tea and movie trailers, I came across the preview for Hall Pass, which is about a bunch of husbands who get a week off from marriage to do whatever they want. I'm sure it's a funny movie, and I'm also sure that the two idiot husbands end up seeing that being married isn't so bad at the end of it. However, the whole premise sort of irks me. I'm so tired of marriage being depicted as a huge tiresome burden.

I remember interacting with various acquaintances and distant relatives at our wedding reception, and it seemed that all the men had some smart ass "piece of advice" to share with Mikael. Most of these completely useless pointers centered around just keeping the peace and saying "Yes, dear." Now, I was pretty happy that day, so I smiled politely and didn't point out how stupid their "advice" really was, especially when sharing it with a couple who just signed their marriage license ten minutes before. If I would've been less Pollyanna-ish and more myself that day, I probably would've pointed out that I want Mikael to share his opinions with me, to fight with me so we can get better and better at communicating. As much as I feel I'm always right, I know that I won't be all the time. And, I haven't been.

I'm not really sure what I'm trying to say in this post other than I'm just tired of every depiction of marriage after the wedding day being something to be suffered through. I know marriage is hard (or it will be one of these days :). I guess what I'm getting at is marriage is hard enough without people setting it up with such low expectations.

As for us, I'm sure Mikael won't ever be asking for a hall pass:

"I love you. I will always pray to love you more, better and honestly. I love your beauty, be it rolling out bed, dressed up to teach, or cleaning the house with frizzy hair. You cannot make me love you less. You are mine, and I am smiling. Have a wonderful day." ~ via text message today

Newlywed Nesting

2011-02-11T19:09:00.000-05:00

I have gradually been redecorating our little house. I started many projects last school year, but now that I have a full-time handyman at my disposal, I seem to be completing my projects a lot faster. My most recent accomplishment was finishing the kitchen.

Here are the photos I took of the house when I was considering buying it. Not my stuff, but the walls, cupboards, and windows didn't change until the big overhaul I started last fall.

The gaping hole of missing cabinets. I assume the previous

owners were too cheap to buy all the cabinets.

The tan paint doesn't look so bad in these photos, but it was a rather yellowy tan.

And, the finished product:

Added cupboards & microwave. Painted walls light grey, added red highlights.

Yes, I made those valances myself.

Breakfast nook, with chalkboard paint (!!!!).

Please note adorable kitty in his favorite nap spot - right above the heater.

Happy Friday

2011-02-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Maddy wishes you a restful weekend.

The Need for Documentation

2011-02-10T14:27:00.000-05:00

When I was in grad school (the first time), Mikael and I broke up for about four months. During this time, I casually started seeing a guy my friend Anna set me up with. We went out as a group the first time, but he and I spent most of the time engrossed in conversation about our shared favorite author - Graham Greene. After that, we would get together every other week or so for a movie or meal. He was cute, funny, and an English teacher at a high school in Detroit. Seemingly perfect for me.

One weekend, Anna came to visit, and the three of us went out for coffee and dessert. Anna is a shutterbug, so at the end of our time together, she wanted us to take some photos. To Anna and I, this is normal practice, but, as we clustered together to take a timed shot in front of the coffee house, J muttered, "I hate documentation." It was such an odd, disgruntled statement. Anna and I glanced at each other, making sure the other also heard what he had just said. We said our goodbyes, and J and I set up a dinner for a week later.

When Anna and I got in the car, we immediately started sharing our exasperation. What was wrong with taking a photo? And why such a jerky statement? We laughed about it for a while, bringing it up from time to time as months went by.

I'm not sure why, but I think of that often. As a writer, who's married to a photographer, documenting my life has never been something I've thought twice about. I also have a horrible memory (something that I wish I could remedy in time for my comprehensive exams next year). So, I rely on old blog posts, journal entries, and many a GB of photos to remind of what has come before.

J and I obviously didn't work out. Not long after this meeting we shared a meal and started talking about politics. And, well, he is the most conservatives of conservatives, even going so far as writing a piece in the Detroit newspaper defending No Child Left Behind and George W. Bush's views on education. After that dinner, neither one of us made the effort to set up another date. But, I still wonder why he hated taking a photo and why documenting your life could be anything less than a nice way of recording your own history.

Today, Mikael and I played hockey in our backyard. Thanks to the Ice Storm of 2011 (and much grooming by Mikael), we have had an ice rink in our yard for two weeks. And, of course, we took a photo to help us remember how awesome it was in the future.

Valentine Craftastic

2011-02-10T14:15:00.004-05:00

After finishing grading 50 essays this weekend, I treated myself to a trip to the craft store and loaded up on felt, paper, and thread in various shades of pink and red. Here are some of the results:

Crayon/wax hearts a la Martha

Valentine garland

My workspace. Felt heart garland in progress.

A Long Winter

2011-01-28T09:40:00.003-05:00

Friends,

I am so sorry for the long hiatus. I was busy. I planned a wedding in three months, got married, and finished yet another semester of grad school - all since my last post. Fortunately, my new schedule this semester allows me some free time to possibly post more frequently. I shall try.

And, if I don't, you'll surely understand since now I live with this adorable face, and sometimes I find it hard to concentrate.

Unsettling

2010-11-21T22:44:00.000-05:00

I have had many thoughts lately. Many thoughts that have found their way to my computer, but not yet to my blog. I've been thinking about friendships. And how I'm both really good and really bad at being a friend. I've been thinking about babies. And how I'm ready, but terrified. I've been thinking about what I want for Christmas, since I've been repeatedly asked for my wish list from my in-laws, and I feel weird making a list for them of things I want. But I'll do it because I need this book. I've been thinking about several ideas for a paper I need to write in the next week, but you don't want me to blog about those thoughts. Trust me.

I just had one of those lovely Sundays that usually elude me. It seems like I always get to the end of my weekend and feel disappointed that I didn't use my time better. However, after a very hectic week, I decided to let myself relax. So, today, after making waffles for Mikael and seeing him off to work, I took time to stare out the window and daydream, transplanted my houseplants, made a new succulent garden (in a sad attempt to keep the spirit of California alive in our home), and made cookies to send my sister (since she won't be coming home for Thanksgiving). It seems I had forgotten what excellent company I am.

This evening I've been enjoying the couch in my pajamas and picking and choosing songs to play as loudly as I please, fighting the urge to lie down on the floor and have a good cry. I know. This sounds troubling, but I'm a melancholic soul, so sometimes, I just feel like I need to revert back to my melodramatic teenage self and play my favorite song on repeat until the tears come. But, here's the catch - I have nothing to cry about (other than that stack of ungraded papers). And, tonight, I found this both comforting and unsettling. It's like I don't know how to cope unless I'm coping.

So, how long does it take to get used to happy?

my week in objects

2010-11-12T16:38:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers often posts photos of several things that made her week. I always find these posts charming, so I thought I'd give it a try. If you'd like to see where I got this idea from, please visit Reading my Tea Leaves.

I give you, five things that made my week.

1. These fall leaves

*because I collected them as I walked home from campus every day this week. Now they are piled on the dining room table, reminding me of childhood collections of rocks and pressed flowers.

2. The sun!

* because I got to wear two of my favorite skirts again before the cold weather. And because fall leaves are even prettier when the sun shines through them.

3. This plant

* because I bought it for myself at Trader Joe's last Sunday, and I've enjoyed watching bloom all week, turning into this:

4. This purply/grey nail polish
*because it was a new color for me. And, since I spend most of my time with my computer, it's nice to look down at my hands and see something colorful and pretty.

5. This sheet of paper

* because it is my program of study form, and it says I only have four required classes left to take before my comps.

Making Plans

2010-11-10T21:02:00.000-05:00

Mikael has been working full-time for about a month now. Unfortunately, the only job he could find was one he didn't want (supervising juvenile "delinquents") and one that requires he work an eight-hour evening shift. Considering neither one of us has had health or dental benefits for over a year, he took it anyway. This means that several days a week, we only see each other for a couple hours in the morning and maybe an hour or so (before I pass out) at night.

Initially, I thought this would be okay, or maybe even good. Not having him around in the evenings (at least those that I don't have a evening class on) would help me focus on my ever-expanding to-do list. And this has been the case (except when there's good TV on). What I didn't foresee is it putting us in a bit of a rut. We've started spending our mornings catching up on sleep instead of catching up with each other, or eating a late breakfast while watching Price is Right, which means our conversation revolves around guessing prices and making fun of Drew Carey's bow ties. So, this morning, I woke up a bit earlier than usual, got myself dressed and even curled my hair. I then woke Mikael up and told him we were going to IHOP, something he loves to do but doesn't get to do too often since he's married to a vegan(ish).

While we were beginning our meal, a family came in and sat in a nearby booth with their three little girls (I'd guess 5, 3 and a year old). As they walked by, I said, "So that's pretty much your worst nightmare." And, he laughed and said yeah, and then did an impression of our future daughter saying, "Look Daddy. Look how slutty I am," because he has this horrible idea stuck in his head that all teenage girls will be a father's worst nightmare and sluts - big big sluts. I'm sure that he will be fine with whatever we end up having in the end, and I'm sure if we do have girls, he will be a huge pile of mush. After we talked about this a bit, somehow the conversation evolved into how we hope to raise our kids. We talked about education (private vs. public, christian vs. adventist), discipline, how to motivate them, and so on. These are things that we might have talked about once in a while in the past, but this time it was real. These were real plans, real strategies we were making together.

After finishing our meal, we headed to Lowe's and bought a few perennials to round out the garden before the snow falls and then mapped out where to put them before he had to go to work. And, as he kissed me goodbye, he even complemented me on my hair.

A Long Fall

2010-11-04T22:09:00.000-04:00

I am completely brain dead tonight. After conferencing with students and attending two classes with my crappy drafts, I have no energy left for a witty post. So, I give you a few choice photos Mikael took the last time we were at my parents' house. This is the house I grew up in, and I hope it never changes.

Smelling the Roses, if I could

2010-11-03T22:27:00.000-04:00

Tonight I am working on two huge projects. Okay, not huge, but two papers that are due tomorrow. Luckily, both of them only need to be in "draft" form. However, I am now very concerned about how my concept of what constitutes a draft may differ from that of my teacher and/or fellow graduate students. I'm tired of those pesky Master's students making me look like a slacker. My only excuse is, I'm teaching! It's so time consuming! When, really, I just watched a lot of Parks and Recreation episodes this weekend instead of writing these papers.

Anyway, this is rambly, but I've been writing for the last five hours straight. So, the point of my post is that (1) I am a horrible doctoral student. And, (2) I am sick again. AND, I'm holding one-on-one conferences with half of my students tomorrow. I feel like that's kind of mean - to get them sick, and then dock their grades for being absent. Hmmm...

(3)In other news, this evening, as I was pounding away at my computer, at about 6:45 my whole study lit up. A bright light was hitting my drawn shades and making my study glow, so I glanced out between the blinds and saw that the sun was starting to set and was making one last ditch effort to show off. Now, on any other day (when I don't have tons of work to do) I would've just sat back down at the computer and proceeded to surf the Internet for new videos of dogs swimming with dolphins (!!!!!!!!!), but tonight I decided to go outside and investigate the glowy sun. It was gorgeous, and I took a crappy photo with my phone.

Today's lesson: If I could get a PhD in procrastination, I would have my diploma by now.

Peter Pan Envy

2010-11-02T21:02:00.000-04:00

I just had one of those really surreal moments where you almost feel like you're high. Like when you really think about your name, and you say it over and over until it loses all of its meaning, and then your whole sense of identity shifts because your name is meaningless. Please, someone tell me you know what I'm talking about.

Well, I just had one of those moments, and it was brought on by one of the most mundane things. I was putting away a bunch of spices I had left out on the counter last night. I made this soup, and it was a-maz-ing. So, I was putting away the cumin and paprika when all of a sudden I stopped and thought, "This can't be my spice rack. There are way too many spices in here. This looks like my mom's cupboard." And, then it dawned on me - I'm a grown up. I make meals on a regular basis. I go grocery shopping and pay all my own bills. I bought these spices with my own money. And, holy crap, I even know what kinds of recipes cream of tartar and cumin are used in.

I'm not sure why this is significant. And, maybe I'm just writing about it because I have to write something, but these little oh-crap-I'm-a-grown-up moments have been happening a lot lately. And, when they do, I get all weirded out and start to really think about why I am where I am. All those years I blamed not getting married on Mikael, but maybe I didn't want to get married either... or, I could be making big money if I'd stuck with that marketing department in L.A., but apparently I'd rather suffer through reading esoteric rhetorical theory and writing research proposals than actually commit to a commute and a 401K.

Hmmm . . .

NaBloPoMo or I am feeling ambitious

2010-11-01T23:52:00.000-04:00

Right now, this sad little blog has five posts on it. Five. That's just not good. I meant for this space to be a place where I could document these early months of my marriage, lament about the rigors of grad school, and try to keep a record of life in the middle of nowhere Indiana, which I have been told I will feel nostalgic for after we leave. Ha!

So, I'm going to try to participate in NaBloPoMo this year. Here I am, just a few minutes shy of being too late, but I'm here, and that's the point.

This could be really good or really bad. We'll see.

Midterm Funk

2010-10-21T10:56:00.000-04:00

The last couple of weeks have been tough. I remember saying to Mikael at the beginning of the school year that we should plan something for October, something fun to do that breaks our routine. I knew that once the wedding afterglow wore off, we didn't have any more trips planned, and we finished decorating the house, I would need something to perk me up. But, we failed to plan anything. So, the inevitable happened - I got behind in my school work, started staring blankly out the windows for long periods of time, and generally feeling like maybe I should just drop out and open a bakery or flower shop. This happens periodically. I guess it's one of the hazards of being rather melancholic. And, it doesn't help that Mikael has started a new job and works nights, leaving me with many hours to listlessly roam the house.

In order to get out of my funk, I put my school stuff aside for two days and didn't even let myself think about any of it. No papers to grade. No articles to read. I then proceeded to bake. I made vegan chocolate chip cookies, a spinach potato quiche (with legitimately free range eggs), two loaves of oat meal/wheat bread, and a chocolate hazelnut cheesecake for my friend Jenn's birthday. I also went to Lowes and bought a bunch of perennials for our yard and mapped out how to arrange them. After doing all of this, I felt a million times better.

I've always known that I'm creative, that trying different projects and crafts and recipes makes me happy, but I hadn't realized how this might actually be something I need. I've heard people talk about having a need to create, and my response has always been similar to how I react to people who say that pot really helps them with their art - with an emphatic, "yeah, right." But, maybe I do need to be creative from time to time in order to be better prepared for all those other things I have to do - like write lame reading journals, grade an endless pile of freshman papers, read articles on rhetorical theory, and stay awake for evening classes that don't seem to go anywhere.

Like a Beaver or a Bee

2010-09-08T21:59:00.000-04:00

Yeah, so I've been busy. I can't believe it's been so long since I started this little blog - with such good intentions. So, a lot has happened, and I can't possibly summarize all of it in a few neat paragraphs - so, bullet points will have to do.

The last couple weeks planning the wedding went fairly well. I now consider myself an expert at DIY wedding stuff. I made (with some help) all the floral arrangements, and I mean ALL of them, tissue paper flowers to hang in the reception tent, my birdcage veil and we used iTunes for our music, made our own playlist, my dad made an ice cream "cart" for the reception, the list goes on and on. It was probably a bit more stressful this way, but we got endless compliments on all the details, so, to me, it paid off.

Okay, I'm biased, but I have to say our wedding was the most beautiful and personal wedding I've ever been to. Everything went so well; it was a beautiful day. Perfect. Out of everything, I definitely got the most compliments on our vows. We each wrote our own, and they turned out to say exactly what we both wanted to say and what we both needed to hear as we began our marriage. I had more than one of our male guests come up to me afterward and tell me he cried.

Marriage is awesome. No big surprises. He's just with me all the time, which can be annoying when he chooses to watch Bonanza at 3:00 pm, and I need to read for class, but if that's my biggest problem, then I guess I'm pretty lucky. (Also, Bonanza? WTF?)

I have started a new school year and was given two weeks to pull myself together to teach freshman comp. I got a teaching spot at the last minute, which is really good for me (and my bank account), but it was a bit stressful. The good news for those who care to read this blog is I tend to blog more as a means to procrastinate, and nothing makes me procrastinate more than a pile of essays waiting to be graded.

There, now you're caught up. I haven't had any major wiferly epiphanies yet. The closest I've

come is realizing that I feel like I need to feed him. And, really, I don't want to be that traditional about this whole thing (and I know he doesn't care one way or the other), but I find myself taking it personally when he remarks on how he needs to gain weight and needs to eat more. There's also the fact that, when I do cook for us, it's healthy and vegan, so his chances of putting on weight are pretty slim. So, I'm trying to let go of this apparent social brainwashing I've received over the years that makes me think it's my duty to feed my husband.

Also, I'm having a bit of an identity crisis with my name, but maybe that's a saga for another time. As in, I still haven't officially made any changes to it, and now I'm wondering if I want to at all.

Back for Good

2010-05-28T10:53:00.004-04:00

Hello, friends,

So sorry for the lengthy absence. But here are all my excuses, and they're actually good ones this time:

I finished the hardest semester of my life. It was bad. Really bad. But now I am officially a second year doctoral student. It's nice to not be a newbie anymore.
Mikael finally proposed on April 18. It was wonderful, and not really a surprise at all, but it was perfect for us. The photo above was taken a few minutes after. Which means...
I've been wedding planning. We're planning a July 25th wedding. We figure, we've been together for eight years, who needs a long engagement?
I'm taking a summer class. It's easy, but has occupied my evenings.
However, I have been sewing, and I will have new items in my Etsy shop next weekend. My shop is in sad shape right now, but it's about to expand!

So there's your update. I shall return next week with actual quality posts.

Helloooooo Spring

2010-04-05T11:49:00.005-04:00

So, things have been a little hectic here at the GMG headquarters. I've been buried in school work for the past few weeks. I'm sorry to have abandoned this blog for so long, but I'm back! I may not post every day for the next four weeks, but I will try my hardest to get back in the game.

Tomorrow I will announce the winner of my drawing (from forever ago), so come back and see who gets a fancy new pillow cover. I haven't been crafting too much, but my sister and I did start making paper garlands a couple weeks ago while we watched TV. I'll be adding some to my Etsy shortly.

So, life is crazy, but really good. The sun is out. My tulips are blooming in my yard. And other exciting things are in the works. (wink wink)

Monday Morning Heart Warmer

2010-03-01T10:36:00.002-05:00

Since I left Maddy at my parents' house for these last couple weeks, so I could take my trip to Orlando last weekend, I've been rather lonely for her. After watching some YouTube videos featuring dogs, I feel a bit better. And, well, this one... this one made me cry. So cute.

Solitary Weekend

2010-02-26T11:46:00.004-05:00

photo via weheartit

This weekend I am on my own again. Since I'm headed home and then to California next Thursday/Friday, I've decided to stay at school and get some school work done. Of course, I have other things on my list too - such as my first attempt at vegan baking. Strawberry muffins anyone?

I also plan to make some new items for my Etsy shop and thoroughly clean my house. Not very exciting, but what else is one to do when the forecast is calling for snow all weekend? So ready for spring break!

Hope your weekend is more exciting than mine!

Counting Down to Palm Trees

2010-02-24T11:27:00.007-05:00

I have been counting down on a calendar on my fridge to March 5th. After this long winter, I am very ready for some warm weather. Mikael and I have decided to take a trip to Southern California for my spring break. There are so many things we want to do, most of which include seeing our friends from when we lived out there. However, with my crazy semester, I'm looking forward to. . .

Laying on the beach at Old Man's while Mikael surfs.

And reading this:

And finishing this:

Then, heading to Pasadena for some Pinkberry, which I will definitely break my new vegan diet to enjoy (going strong for a full week now).

Of course, there are many more things I want to do, including Jamba Juice, Vromans, and so many favorite restaurants, but who knows what we'll be able to fit into five days.

Can't. Wait.

*Please note that I've extended the deadline for my giveaway until Friday. So far I only have two entries. Come on, people, we can do better than that!

all photos via weheartit

Celebratory giveaway

2010-02-22T09:53:00.006-05:00

Hello, friends,

I have had a busy couple of weeks. I turned 31, celebrated my dad's 60th, spent Valentine's Day with Mikael, wrote two papers, and now I'm in Florida, visiting my friend Jessica. So, I failed to find the time for the past couple weeks to post here.

However, I have recently had some moderate Etsy success with the new items I posted a couple weeks ago. And, to celebrate, I'm doing another giveaway. It'll be interesting to see which of my four readers wins this time! Ceri was the lucky girl the last time, and she just wrote the nicest post about the goodies I sent her.

This time, I'll giveaway one pillow cover and throw in surprise. I won't say which pillow cover, 'cause for Ceri, I just asked her what colors she decorated with and picked out something I thought would match, which was a lot more fun.

Leave a comment to enter. Tweet or blog about it, provide your link, and get two entries. You have 'til Friday at noon to enter. Good luck!

Ahhhh!!!

2010-02-10T12:30:00.003-05:00

I have so much to do! So, this is all you get today:

from CuteOverload

My birthday wish list

2010-02-09T08:47:00.000-05:00

My birthday is a week from today. And all I want is this:

I hope he's enjoying keeping me in suspense. Ugh!

Weekend Report

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

So, my weekend at home was a success. Even though my back still hurts from shoveling my entire driveway all by myself, I still managed to get much sewing (and reading and writing for school) done.

I started off making some pillow covers to send my sister in her Valentine's Day care package:

Then, since I happened to notice the home decor fabric was on sale, I bought a little and made some new items to put in my Etsy shop, which I've been meaning to devote more time to for months.

I also updated my Etsy shop with some earrings I made over the summer and relisted some magnets. After getting things up and running Saturday night, I had three sales right away. Very productive.

Here are some of my latest creations:

Four Days at Home

2010-02-05T12:07:00.007-05:00

I am on my own this weekend. Actually, it's by design, so I can get a lot done and not have to do much during Valentine's/Birthday weekend next week. Big snow is coming my way. I'm in the blue, which is heavy snow. I'm fully stocked on groceries. Made my final run to the library yesterday. And have a basket of fabric for my weekend craft project.

One item I made sure to purchase before my weekend seclusion was a new Moka Pot coffee maker. I got one this summer, but I recently broke the handle off and had to toss it. I've been trying to curb my Starbucks dependency, so after my (and Maddy's) waffles this morning, I made myself a latte. If you are a coffee drinker, I highly recommend getting a Moka Pot. They're pretty easy to use and make excellent espresso within minutes. I also use an electric milk frother to complete the full, foamy effect. Also, I've purchased both of mine from TJMaxx or Marshalls for about 10 bucks. That's pretty much three drinks from Starbucks.

Hope you have a relaxing and warm weekend!

Five Things to Help You Survive Winter

2010-02-04T09:04:00.000-05:00

I hate the winter. Hate. It. I have no idea where we're headed in three years when I graduate, but these long winter days have me checking the MLA job list in Southern California every week. Here are five things that help ease my winter pain.

At the beginning of winter, I purchased this heating pad off Etsy. It's come in handy several times over the last couple months. I like to put it at the foot of my bed to warm my feet when I first get in bed. It's stuffed with rice. You warm it in the microwave, so you don't have to worry about turning it off like an electric heating pad.

I've been a long time fan of this lotion from Kiehls. I have one in my backpack and one on my bedstand. It has a slight medicinal smell, but it's worth it.

I've never been a big tea fan, but I love this tea from Tazo. I've started drinking this in the evenings to warm up and to ease my hunger without eating something fatty (spring break in four weeks. eek!).

I resisted for a long time, but I finally got some uggs for Christmas. I have no idea why I waited so long. They make my other boots seem like lead weights. Mikael hates them, but I hate his winter facial hair, so we're even.

Also, I highly recommend you get one of these:

More Etsy Love

2010-02-03T08:13:00.000-05:00

Mikael's parents are in the process of purchasing a new home in Tennessee to move to when they retire in July. With this is mind, I got his mom this return address stamp for Christmas:

You can see more of them at the Note Trunk Etsy shop. I'm planning on getting one for myself, but not until my name makes some changes, if you know what I mean...

My second favorite golden

2010-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

A friend sent this to me a while ago, and I've taken to watching it when I'm in a bad mood. It helps.

Also, Maddy told me she totally could've learned to surf, too. She just didn't have a board. Missed opportunity I guess.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Five Beauty Musts (at least for me)

2010-01-28T09:10:00.000-05:00

New idea - five things every Thursday. We'll see how creative I get, but for today, I'm starting small - my top five beauty must-haves.

Okay, so maybe this is an obvious choice, being that everyone I know uses Bare Minerals these days, but I can't ignore their wonderful foundation. I was introduced to it about four years ago, and I haven't looked back. It works like a charm, and I really don't feel like I'm wearing makeup.

This summer, my sister and I both got hooked on this eyeliner from Ulta. We both like the dark brown shade, but I'm anxious to add a few more shades to my collection. I promise, you will not see a line on your top lid, which is such an unsightly problem, if you ask me.

One of the items I spent my Christmas Ulta gift card on was Ooh La La Lift from Benefit. I've been using it for three weeks, and I'm sure it'll become a permanent fixture in my makeup bag.

I got Gucci Flora for Christmas, and I love it. It's the perfect smell for me. It just fits.

I think I've mentioned before that I use Philosophy's Purity Made Simple facial cleanser. Well, fine if I did; I just love it that much. It has a subtle lemony sent and always leaves my face feeling super clean. I love everything from Philosophy, especially their shower gels, and their perfume Amazing Grace is my summer scent.

For my sister

2010-01-27T09:03:00.000-05:00

If I had tons of money, I would get this dog for my sister. Oh, the cuteness.

From CuteOverload.

Etsy-aholic

2010-01-26T08:02:00.001-05:00

When I returned home from my weekend at my parents', I found my latest Etsy purchase in my mailbox. I recently purchased this for my study. I've been working on redecorating it for the last couple months (slowly), and I will make sure to post a photo of my finished masterpiece once I finish making a pillow for my reading chair.

I thought this poster was very appropriate for my current state of existence. You can see more of these adorable posters in the Etsy shop By Order of the Crown. And read about the history of this poster here.

It's Monday!

2010-01-25T08:38:00.000-05:00

I, for one, had an incredibly productive weekend. This is probably largely due my spending the weekend at my parents', where there is no Internet, combined with Mikael's ridiculously busy work weekend.

This morning I am coveting this laptop case:

I didn't get a new case when I got my new MacBook nearly a year ago, so maybe I'll have to get this for myself... for my birthday that's in three weeks. Ick.

Class

2010-01-21T08:15:00.000-05:00

I've been intrigued by first ladies lately. This is likely due to a paper I'm thinking of writing for my Contemporary Rhetoric class. I've got tons of ideas floating around in my head. I'd love to do something with Jackie Kennedy and fashion, but I have many other ideas too.

I'd also love to write about Michelle Obama, but it's still a bit early. I wish I'd been one of the tourists at the White House yesterday who got a surprise greeting. How awesome would that be? And to meet Bo the dog too!

Aahhhhh... long weekends

2010-01-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

So, I'm off to my Lit. Theory class to discuss Aristotle. I have a feeling, after much relaxing this weekend with Mikael, this might be me in class:

See more cute sleepiness here.

And... we're back

2010-01-15T08:01:00.002-05:00

Hi friends!

I'm officially back to my old routine, and, yes, that includes my neglected blog (s?). It's been a crazy week. For today, I'd like to share with you a link. Rachel over at Lovely Clusters has compiled a nice list of businesses that are donating to the relief efforts in Haiti. I followed one of her links to this lovely shop on Etsy. I purchased this from their Haiti section.

Isn't it the cutest? I love the crown shaped clasp. An announcement on their main page says they'll be adding more items to their Haiti section soon. And, even if you don't buy something from the Haiti section, they still donate 15% of each purchase to charity:water.

Hello?

2010-01-07T22:24:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the long absence, but it's not over yet. I still have the weekend before I return to my own home, where high speed Internet abounds. I'm just checking in to say hello.

I hope the New Year is going well for all of you. So far so good here, but then again, I haven't started classes yet.

The lovely shot on the left is from Mikael's latest project. He's taking photos of all his friends and family in this ridiculous hat. I've assisted him some, and it's been amazing to see each person's personality come out as they get used to wearing the doofy hat. This is one of many of me; I'm the test subject as he gets the lights ready.

Check back next week. Things will be back to normal around Tuesday.

Almost there...

2009-12-15T11:44:00.002-05:00

via weheartit

Phew! Two classes down, and one huge project to go. I decided it's time to come back to the blog world. I have many things I want to post, so stay tuned.

It is a very cloudy day here in Indiana, but luckily I don't have to leave the house today. I just have to sit myself down and write a 30-page research proposal.

For today, I give you a link. I love Philosophy. I use their face cleanser daily. And I love all their shower gels. They have many specials right now for the holidays. I just wish I had someone to buy some of this stuff for. Also, they're having a giveaway every day for those who sign up for email updates. Go here to enter.

Bird by Bird

2009-12-03T18:16:00.002-05:00

via weheartit

Oh, friends,

I am so sorry about the lack of posting. Right now I am barely making it. I have no idea how I'm going to finish everything I need to get done.

So, I'm going to take a break from posting until I get my big papers/projects done. I have lots of ideas I want to post about, but the idea of sitting down to do it is too much for me.

I shall return.

And the winner is...

2009-12-01T11:34:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful week I had. I didn't do anything remotely productive for the majority of my break. And now I'm paying for it and trying to catch up on my final projects. I did read Audrey Niffinegger's latest. And, I strongly urge you not to waste your time. It was awful. Horrible. Such a let down.

Anyway, so since I only had four (!!!) entries for my free magnets, I wrote each name on a piece of paper and drew the winner out of a mug. Charlie, grumpily, presents the winner:

Congratulations, Cerise! I'll be sending you the magnets and a surprise soon.

Now back to my research proposal.

Good Morning, Thanksgiving Break

2009-11-23T11:34:00.004-05:00

via weheartit

Hello, friends!

I have been desperately trying to finish a paper, so I don't have anything fantastic prepared to greet you this morning. Also, since I'm headed home to the land of no Internet tonight, I will not be posting for the rest of this week. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As a test to see how many people are actually reading this blog (I fear I only have one lone reader), I'm going to send a set of magnets (that I made) and a special surprise to one person who leaves a comment below. So, tell me what you're thankful for this year.

The winner will be chosen randomly at the end of the week.

Good Morning (just barely)

2009-11-20T11:08:00.006-05:00

via weheartit

My sister arrived from Washington last night, so I am sleee-py this morning. The water for my french press can't boil fast enough. Luckily she's on west coast time, which means I'll be able to get some work done before she wakes up.

In my not-so early morning daze, I've been waking up by looking at some of my favorite websites. I always find it interesting when someone reveals a regular stop on their daily web route, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite places with you.

The Hostess with the Mostess combines many of my favorite things: good photography, food,decorating tips. There are a many good Thanksgiving ideas up right now.

100 Layer Cake is a wedding blog. My favorite posts are the Real Wedding ones. I've been compiling ideas from this site... premature? maybe. But you can't be too prepared.

Websites like F My Life and My Life is Average can be pretty entertaining when you've got some time to kill. My favorite of this genre is It Made My Day. The snippets on here aren't quite as negative as the other two. My favorite recent one: "My brother of 4 years old said, “I don’t really believe in God. I don’t think that God exists. I think he’s made up. Maybe we should ask Santa.” IMMD"

One of my professors is confessed earlier this semester that he is addicted to Arts and Letters Daily. Out of curiosity, I checked it out. And sure enough, I always find something interesting to read. Most recently, this article about Jane Austen was a fascinating read.

2009-11-19T09:32:00.000-05:00

We've been talking about going to see the Nutcracker this year. I'm super excited. I haven't been since I was a kid, and I don't really remember it all that well. There's just something so romantic about dressing up for the ballet, especially at Christmas. If I had a surplus of cash, I would get myself this dress from J Crew to go in. I love the spiced wine color.

Santa's Helper: The Reader

2009-11-18T07:49:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this is cheating because I'm pretty much making a list of the books I want to read, but I'm a reader, so it works. Here are a few suggestions for the bibliophile in your life.

I loved Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Since I've been a vegetarian for nearly four years now, I was really excited to hear about his latest book Eating Animals, which is about Foer's own struggle deciding between being a vegetarian or an omnivore. While I had been hoping for another work of fiction since I loved his last book so much, I am very much looking forward to reading some of his nonfiction on a topic that is important to me.

Let the Great World Spin has topped many lists his year. All I keep hearing is that it is very powerful. I think this will be one I tackle over Christmas break.

Oh, how I love Augusten Burroughs! Mikael already told me he's getting me his latest book You Better Not Cry, which is a collection of essays about his holiday experiences. If you've read Running With Scissors, you'll understand why this sure to be a hilarious read.

I want a Nook. It's official. It would be so handy for reading my pdfs for class. Also, I took a peek at one in person last week, and it was quite sleek and the screen was easy to read. I also enjoyed watching the dude at Barnes and Noble try to convince an Amish couple that they needed one. Not exactly the best target audience.

And what book lover doesn't love bookmarks. I love these wooden bookmarks I found on Etsy. I especially like the Little Red Riding Hood one. These would make great stocking stuffers.

Confession: I ♥ Glee

2009-11-17T07:39:00.000-05:00

I've recently become hooked on the new TV show Glee. In fact, I tend to like most musicals. This may seem a bit out of character for me. In reality, if I knew people who spontaneously broke out into song from time to time, those people would not be my friends, because, let's face it, that would be annoying. However, I love this show. This last week they sang "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, and now I want to go see that again. So good.

Anyway, all of this is to say, I found a new favorite place online. Grooveshark is a website that lets you listen to mp3s for free. They have a huge searchable database. Needless to say, I've been listening to songs from Glee. And maybe some Christmas songs too.

'tis the season

2009-11-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

via weheartit

. . . for Christmas cups at Starbucks. Yay!!! I have officially had my first peppermint mocha of the season. I know they have peppermint syrup year-round, but I always save my peppermint mocha order for the holiday season. It makes me feel festive.

I'm headed home for the weekend. Not exactly sure what our plans are. Mikael only has one day off of work (he has been working toooooo much), so we have to fit in all our quality time into Saturday. The rest of my time will be spent writing a 20-page paper. Oh, the joys of grad school.

Happy weekend!

Santa's Helper: Dad

2009-11-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

My dad is surprisingly easy to shop for. He loves hockey, nonfiction, woodworking, and anatomy. Odd, I know, but that's him. Here are a few things I've gotten him in the past, or may get him in the future.

One year I got my dad a truck very similar to this truck. I was at a loss, but I thought that it'd be fun to get him something different. It was a huge hit, and we all spent Christmas afternoon taking turns playing with it.

This year, I already bought this book for my dad. I saw a review for it in Newsweek and knew it was right up his alley. He loves history books, so I'm always on the lookout for a good one.

Okay, so this might be a bit selfish, because I kind of want this DVD series. But I know my dad would love it.

When it comes to the men in my life, you can't go wrong with a sports jersey. I once I got Mikael a Denmark (he's danish) hockey jersey with his favorite number and name on the back. It was a huge hit. My mom also got a Red Wings jersey for my dad one year, also a big hit.

A few years ago I got Mikael a little putt putt set. I didn't exactly think it through since it spent the next month taking up a large part of our living room. However, it would make a great gift for my dad.

There you go. Get Dad something fun.

Sick Day

2009-11-11T08:24:00.001-05:00

I am not feeling well at all. I know I'm supposed to give you my second installment of Santa's Helper, but I just haven't had the time or energy. Check back tomorrow. I'll give it my best shot. Plus, no one has suggested who to shop for this time. So, who's the toughie on your list this year?

In the meantime, here are some cheery Google logos. These made me happy all week. Who didn't grow up with the Sesame Street? My favorite is the Count and Oscar the Grouch. I've always been partial to Oscar, even as a kid. That speaks volumes, I'm sure.

Cozy Up Your Coffee

2009-11-10T08:23:00.000-05:00

Confession: I hit up Starbucks at least three times a week. I'm sure there are people out there more addicted than me, but I feel like I go too often considering the cost. In my Etsy "pouncing" I recently discovered a bunch of coffee cozies. I haven't purchased one, yet, but I'm thinking about it. If I'm gonna spend all that money at Starbucks, I might as well not use a new cardboard sleeve every time.

Black and White from EcoSmart

Felt with tree from by Mindy

Button from OC Styles

Knitted bear from Monkey Travel Club

Nerdy Fun

2009-11-09T06:48:00.001-05:00

A couple of my friends recently introduced me to Potter Puppet Pals. Now, when I'm feeling a little low, in addition to America's Funniest Videos montages, I watch some of these. This one is my favorite.

And if that doesn't make your Monday, I don't know what will.

Much Better

2009-11-05T23:03:00.005-05:00

Today is Friday. And I'm no longer alone.

The whole weekend is ahead, and we don't have a single plan.

The only thing I hope to accomplish this weekend is trying a recipe I found for pancakes from scratch. And sleeping.

Happy weekend!

C is for Cookie

2009-11-05T08:03:00.000-05:00

Last night, I decided to make these cookies. I saw them featured on Cupcakes and Cashmere, so I thought I'd give them a try. They turned out good, but I wouldn't say they're the best cookie I've ever eaten.

These are:

These are orange cookies. They are so soft and perfectly sweet. A few years back, my mom brought home a batch of orange cookies from an Amish bakery in Indiana. We went nuts over them and proceeded to scour the Internet looking for a recipe. After some tweaking and combining of a few different recipes, we've come up with a pretty close imitation of what we enjoyed so many years ago. So, today I'm sharing this recipe with you. You can add it to your Christmas arsenal.

1 c. shortening

2 c. granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. orange juice

4 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp soda

1/4 c. butter

4. c powdered sugar

3 T. thawed orange juice concentrate

Beat shortening, sugar, and eggs until fluffy. Beat in buttermilk and OJ.

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and soda.

Stir flour mixture into shortening mixture. Mix until combined.

Drop rounded tablespoons on prepared cookie sheets.

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. While still warm, spread frosting on.

Frosting - combine butter, powdered sugar, and OJ concentrate. Beat until smooth. Add more OJ concentrate to reach desired consistency. Yields 6 dozen cookies.

Happy baking!

Santa's Helper: The Dog Lover

2009-11-04T07:07:00.002-05:00

I'm a good gift giver. I don't know why this is, but I tend to do well in this department. So well, in fact, that I've been told it's both a good quality of mine and an annoying one. I guess I've set the bar too high too many times.

Well, I thought that since I've already accomplished a hefty chunk of my own holiday shopping, I would help my large body (are we up to three yet?) of readers with some holiday gift giving ideas. So, every Wednesday from now until Christmas I will give you some quality gift ideas.

I'll start out with something easy. Everyone has at least one family member who loves his or her dog with a fervor that borders on inappropriate. For my family, I am this family member. So, pretty much, I hope my mom is reading this blog, so Maddy gets a cute collar for Christmas.

I just purchased this dog bed for Maddy. I haven't even gotten it in the mail yet, but I know I'll love it. It's adorable. And it's green! You stuff a mesh bag full of your old sweatshirts, towels, and blankets and put it in the duvet. It's genius. I'll have to post a photo of Maddy using hers once I get it. And I've already purchased one for a Christmas gift. Visit Molly Mutt to see many other cute options.

I have yet to meet a dog that doesn't drop every other toy to pick up this one. Maddy originally got this as a gift from one of her "aunts". Now, every time I try to let her pick a new toy out at Petsmart, she will always find these. Usually she tries to rip off the packaging before we even get to the checkout. Also, my dad has dubbed this "the tampon". Lovely, I know.

I don't believe in dressing up your dog with more than a bandana once in a while. So, I like to find cute collars. Maddy is definitely due for a new one, so I've got my eye on this one. There are so many to choose from in the Dog Gone Knitting Etsy shop. Also, The Mod Dog shop has tons of cute options as well.

Now, I haven't gone this far for my beloved pooch yet, but I do frequently get homemade treats for her from one of my mom's friends. I'm not sure where she gets her recipes, but Maddy cobbles up homemade treats faster than the store bought ones. This is probably because most of them contain peanut butter. Should I choose to venture into doggie treat baking, this will be my first purchase.

I've had this cute dog tag in my Etsy favorites for a while. Urban Puppy's Etsy shop has tons of cute togs to spruce of a pooch's collar. I like the one above 'cause it functions as an ID tag, but they have plenty of just for fun ones as well.

So there you have five perfect gifts for the dog lover. If you have any suggestions for next week's recommendations, let me know. Since I've got things under control with my shopping, I'll be happy to help you. I'm looking at you, Jessica.

False Starter

2009-11-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

So sorry to leave you hanging when this venture is still so new. That's no way to get loyal readers. I promise, if I leave for a weekend and won't have Internet, I'll schedule posts so I don't have to feel so guilty and you have something to greet you in the a.m.

I had such a lovely weekend at home. Reading by the fireplace. Eating my mom's cooking. Kissing. Movie viewing.

If you haven't seen The Brothers Bloom, you must. It's beautifully filmed, equally sad and funny, and has Adrian Brody. Rachel Weisz is amazing in it too.

My favorite lines:

Penelope: I think you're constipated.

Bloom: Constipated?

Penelope: Yeah. You're constipated - in your fucking soul. I think there is a great, humongous wad of poop up your soul's ass.

Profound.

Happy Tuesday!

Early Weekend

2009-10-29T11:51:00.003-04:00

via weheartit

Good Morning, readers (all two of you),

I'm happy to report that my mission to surprise Mikael was successful. I was able to wrap up all my stuff at school yesterday afternoon and come home in time to be here when he got off of work. So, I've been taking it easy this morning and sleeping in. I have so much reading to do today. I have to read a dissertation and write an evaluation of it, but at least it's interesting. It's about picture books as a rhetorical tool. Wish I could do some leisurely reading, though. Maybe at Christmas break.

So, what should I read when I finally have the time? What's the best book you've read recently?

Oh, sleep

2009-10-28T07:38:00.000-04:00

It's only Wednesday, and I'm already looking forward to napping in front of the fireplace this weekend. It's a drizzly morning here, so all I want to do is get back into bed and sleep the day away. Doesn't it look so cozy?

photo source

Jealous

2009-10-27T09:27:00.000-04:00

One of those days... Wish I were still in bed.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Good Morning, Giraffe?

2009-10-26T06:37:00.003-04:00

When I was about four, my dad gave me one of his old biology textbooks to play with. Yes, he was sending me the message early on, "You will like science. Science is gooooood." I drew in it, added stickers to pages, but one thing just wasn't right. There wasn't one picture of a giraffe. This got me really upset. I would fuss and fuss, "Where's the giraffe? There was a giraffe at the zoo. I want a giraffe!"

Being the obliging father that he is, or perhaps it was the need to shut me up so he could study, he cut a photo of a giraffe out of an old issue of National Geographic and glued it in my book. And ever since then, I've loved giraffes.

Seriously, they are just so cool. And the babies are the cutest. For example

In other giraffe news, I want this t-shirt:

This shop makes many unique t-shirts and bags. Love the bicycle t-shirt, too.

Hope you have a wonderful Monday. I'm counting down to Wednesday. I've decided to go home a day early and not tell Mikael. I'll be waiting at his house when he gets off work, and if I'm really motivated, I'll cook something yummy. Just the motivation I need to get me through the next three days.

What's keeping you going this Monday morning?

Happy Weekend

2009-10-23T07:00:00.001-04:00

I haven't yet decided whether I will post during the weekends or not. Perhaps I will if I feel inspired. I know I get bummed out when my favorite blogs don't deliver on the weekends, but then again, maybe I'll need a break if I post every day. I guess we'll see.

So, here are a few of my favorite things from this week.

This may be the only time you see something sports related on this blog. You can thank Mikael for this. It's awesome.

One of my favorite bloggers has returned to the Blogosphere after nearly a year-long hiatus. I love her. She is funny and honest. I just try to ignore her incessant need to use the word, if you can call it that, "y'all". Visit her and encourage her to post more often.

My sister posted this link on my Facebook page earlier today, and I keep going back to it. I didn't know you could fit that much adorable on one page. Which one's your favorite?

This weekend we have big plans to sleep in, carve pumpkins, and go see Where the Wild Things Are. I know my expectations are high for this movie, but every review I've read has praised it. I hope the Children's Lit professor in me will let me just sit back and enjoy.

Happy weekend!

I ♥ naps

2009-10-22T00:20:00.000-04:00

Have you ever taken a nap and then woken up when it's dark outside and been really confused? Yeah, that happened today, er, yesterday. I'm cheating a bit with this post, I guess. I'm waiting up for my weekend visitor, who should arrive around 2:00 a.m., so I figured I'd post in the early morning hours.

So, anyways, this nap I took. It was awesome, and totally necessary. I don't know if I'm paranoid, or if I am legitimately on my way to getting sick, but I've felt gross the last few days. I've been able to keep from getting full-blown sick by using hand sanitizer all. the. time. and taking frequent naps. This is a picture of me post-nap today.

Do you see what is wrong with this picture? That eyemask used to say "Sweet Dreams". I have used that thing a lot. Many naps, plane rides, and not-nearly-dark-enough guest rooms have caused me to bust it out. Now that I'm in the market for a new one (Yes, I know it really doesn't matter that the sequins have come off. No one else is going to care, but I care. And I need an excuse to spend money on Etsy.), I perused Etsy for a while and found two sellers who seem to have cornered the Etsy eyemask market.

The top two photos are from BibBon.

The bottom two are from Doodle Bugs Fun Fabrics.

I'm not sure who will win in the battle for my eyemask purchase. It's a tough call. Votes? Come on, lets get some comments on here!

Must Have

2009-10-21T08:37:00.000-04:00

This little gem has been featured on many a blog, but it's especially appropriate for us here at Good Morning, Grumpy. Check out all Jen's other wonderful creations in her Etsy shop. I want this for above my kitchen table.

Good Morning, Elizabeth

2009-10-20T08:37:00.000-04:00

The Autumn

Go, sit upon the lofty hill,
And turn your eyes around,
Where waving woods and waters wild
Do hymn an autumn sound.
The summer sun is faint on them --
The summer flowers depart --
Sit still -- as all transform'd to stone,
Except your musing heart.

How there you sat in summer-time,
May yet be in your mind;
And how you heard the green woods sing
Beneath the freshening wind.
Though the same wind now blows around,
You would its blast recall;
For every breath that stirs the trees,
Doth cause a leaf to fall.

Oh! like that wind, is all the mirth
That flesh and dust impart:
We cannot bear its visitings,
When change is on the heart.
Gay words and jests may make us smile,
When Sorrow is asleep;
But other things must make us smile,
When Sorrow bids us weep!

The dearest hands that clasp our hands, --
Their presence may be o'er;
The dearest voice that meets our ear,
That tone may come no more!
Youth fades; and then, the joys of youth,
Which once refresh'd our mind,
Shall come -- as, on those sighing woods,
The chilling autumn wind.

Hear not the wind -- view not the woods;
Look out o'er vale and hill-
In spring, the sky encircled them --
The sky is round them still.
Come autumn's scathe -- come winter's cold --
Come change -- and human fate!
Whatever prospect Heaven doth bound,
Can ne'er be desolate.

~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The Perfect First Post

2009-10-19T08:43:00.001-04:00

Good morning, Internet! Welcome to my new blog. I've been contemplating this idea for a while. Since I'm spending the day in bed, hiding from the flu that has now struck my workplace, I thought today would be a good day to start. Don't worry, I'm not being completely lazy. I have plenty to read for my evening class and stories to write for work.

I know I'm in no position to start another blog, considering I can't keep the one I already have updated regularly, but this is different - a creative outlet, if you will. A place to collect my Internet findings so I don't turn into one of those annoying people who overuse their Facebook feed.

For my first post, I give you the best commercial ever to be made, but never to be aired on television. This came out a number of years ago. Every time I watch it I think how it's both hilarious AND my worst nightmare.