Sexy Friday

Alexis Bledel is in a new movie which inspired this week's Sexy Friday. I've seen her in a lot of her work but, of course know her from Gilmore Girls. I'm actually kind of intrigued by her new movie, Post Grad which released last Friday. It was difficult to figure who to pair her with this week. I had a lot of options, but I decided to spread out her former co-stars and go with her fictional television father, David Sutcliffe. I've seen in him a couple of things, most recently Private Practice. I didn't like the turn his character took, but he looked hot in the show. I was always happy when his character was on Gilmore Girls. (Note: This also marks the first time the female of Sexy Friday got the upper photo, but it was Post Grad that inspired the post. It does, in no way, diminish David Sutcliffe's Sexy Friday value.)

Which TV President Are You?

I can't say I'm upset that I'm President Bartlett. He does have a way with words and he's smart. I'm also not sure who the other options were so maybe he's not the most favorable. Which President are you?

Which TV President Are You?

Created by BuddyTV

Warm Fuzzy Story

This story was really cute after a rough morning. It makes my lack of public transportation knowledge not that horrible (long story short: took the bus in the opposite direction so had to get off, cross the street and take the correct bus). If you don't want to take the time to read the article, it is about a woman who took a cab to her dialysis appointments. The cab driver happened to be her driver many times. So, after chatting, he decides to get tested to see if he is a match. It turns out he is, and he will donate a kidney to her. It's very warm and fuzzy. Also, because kidneys are kind of gross in photos, I decided to post a photo of kidney beans instead.

How Do You Say Banana?

As promised, here is the video of Little Miss. This is from last weekend. She oftens says "banana" which is one of her favorite foods. She doesn't quite say "banana" correctly which makes it cute. I wanted it on video before she corrects herself and doesn't say it like this anymore. Enjoy!

Weekend Update - I *heart* Target

On Friday, we mostly hung out. We also all went to bed fairly early. On Saturday, Husband woke up with Little Miss. Then, I got up. Little Miss said a bunch of new words like "Elmo", "bellybutton", "poke", "hot dog", and "pasta". She also "snored". She sat on the couch next to Husband and made snoring noises. He admitted after that he fell asleep on the couch while she was in her Pack 'n' Play. Then, Little Miss took a nap. When she woke up, we went grocery shopping, and she ate her way through the store and enjoyed the free samples of cantaloupe, strawberries, and cake. She did not like the cheese or turkey. I enjoyed the wine sampling, too. We went home, made some appetizers and went to Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law's place. I forgot our camera so no photos of the family, but I know some were taken.

On Sunday, I woke up with Little Miss. We had a good morning. We danced and ate and played. Then, after the morning nap, we all went to Target. We had some last-minute vacation items we needed and, of course, managed to find many other things we thought we needed. Little Miss was very entertained by all the lights and items on the shelves. When we got home, she took almost a 3-hour nap. Shopping must tire her out!

Not much of a weekend update, I'm afraid, but I promise that later tonight there will be a video. I finally got Little Miss saying "banana". It's absolutely adorable. One more week and then vacation!!!!

Starbucks to Change Pricing

This article explains the specific changes to the Starbucks menu. FYI: some of the larger, flashier drinks and shots, for example will be a few cents more while tall coffees, for example, will be a few cents less. None of the changes affect the beverages I enjoy. However, I'm very curious to see how the beer and wine testing will go. I have to imagine there will be select store and this won't be something they'll be selling on the New Jersey Turnpike. That said, the Starbucks on the way to work (and others, I imagine) has the promotion where if you buy a drink in the morning, you can come in after 2PM and get a $2 grande drink. I think that's kind of cool. I believe there is a treat in my future after my Grande Shaken Passion Tea Lemonade (sweetened) this afternoon!

Sexy Friday

This week is another request. James Franco has been in countless movies (well, not countless, but I'm too lazy to count them) as well as Freaks and Geeks. I love that he can do heavy contemporaries, historical movies, or comedy. His pieces on Funny or Die are hilarious. As for his counterpart, I went with his co-star in Tristan + Isolde, Sophia Myles. I'm not a huge fan of the movie, but I made it all the way through. I don't think I've seen Sophia Myles in anything else actually though I know she's been in other films (turns out, I have seen a few of her other roles, but I don't remember them). She was also in the short-lived Moonlight which has almost a cult following, but a following, nonetheless, that does not include me.

TV Is Good For Me!

I whole-heartedly agree with this blogger. She found 10 Benefits to Watching Television. I only see 9 because, unless television will exercise for me, it does not make it easier. TV is one of those things that Husband and I really enjoy together. It's not just sitting and not communicating while we focus on something that is not each other. We actually geek out over the television industry, casting, storylines. For the shows we enjoy together, we really sit down and discuss what is going on, what we think is strong or weak in the writing or storylines. We anticipate what is to come for our favorite characters. We like to look for hidden meaning and in-jokes. I, more than he, will even take to listening to new music if I hear a great song from a television show. This has resulted in an entire Scrubs playlist on my iPod - a playlist that is full of songs that have been on the TV show Scrubs. We aren't the types to get lost in television. Though we like escapism occasionally, we like to think when we watch tv as well as be entertained or be encouraged to use our brain even if it's just to follow along to quick dialogue. Obviously, you need great actors to sell a show, but we also really appreciate the writing. Great writing is what ties all of our varied favorite programs together. No, television is not a babysitter or a substitute for friends, but it is also not evil. It fits somewhere in between.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Take 2

I mentioned that I made Baked Macaroni and Cheese in an an earlier post. I came back to say that I didn't eat the whole pan so I froze about two servings. I defrosted earlier this week and brought the leftovers to work today for lunch. The macaroni and cheese is perfect even after refrigeration, freezing, thawing and microwaving! The top breading isn't as crunchy, but it's only really crunchy that first time you eat it anyway and it's not plentiful enough to get soggy. So yummy! Knowing it freezes so well, I may make it more often.

The Beloit College Mindset List for the Class of 2013

In the first link, Ron Nief, Emeritus Director of Public Affairs, and Tom McBride, Keefer Professor of the Humanities and Professor of English, say that this list is "not deliberately designed to make readers feel really old". I can't tell if that's tongue-in-cheek, but I feel old reading this list every year.

The Beloit College Mindset List for the Class of 2013

Most students entering college for the first time this fall were born in 1991.

1. For these students, Martha Graham, Pan American Airways, Michael Landon, Dr. Seuss, Miles Davis, The Dallas Times Herald, Gene Roddenberry, and Freddie Mercury have always been dead.
2. Dan Rostenkowski, Jack Kevorkian, and Mike Tyson have always been felons.
3. The Green Giant has always been Shrek, not the big guy picking vegetables.
4. They have never used a card catalog to find a book.
5. Margaret Thatcher has always been a former prime minister.
6. Salsa has always outsold ketchup.
7. Earvin "Magic" Johnson has always been HIV-positive.
8. Tattoos have always been very chic and highly visible.
9. They have been preparing for the arrival of HDTV all their lives.
10. Rap music has always been main stream.
11. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream has always been a flavor choice.
12. Someone has always been building something taller than the Willis (née Sears) Tower in Chicago.
13. The KGB has never officially existed.
14. Text has always been hyper.
15. They never saw the “Scud Stud” (but there have always been electromagnetic stud finders.)
16. Babies have always had a Social Security Number.
17. They have never had to “shake down” an oral thermometer.
18. Bungee jumping has always been socially acceptable.
19. They have never understood the meaning of R.S.V.P.
20. American students have always lived anxiously with high-stakes educational testing.
21. Except for the present incumbent, the President has never inhaled.
22. State abbreviations in addresses have never had periods.
23. The European Union has always existed.
24. McDonald's has always been serving Happy Meals in China.
25. Condoms have always been advertised on television.
26. Cable television systems have always offered telephone service and vice versa.
27. Christopher Columbus has always been getting a bad rap.
28. The American health care system has always been in critical condition.
29. Bobby Cox has always managed the Atlanta Braves.
30. Desperate smokers have always been able to turn to Nicoderm skin patches.
31. There has always been a Cartoon Network.
32. The nation’s key economic indicator has always been the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
33. Their folks could always reach for a Zoloft.
34. They have always been able to read books on an electronic screen.
35. Women have always outnumbered men in college.
36. We have always watched wars, coups, and police arrests unfold on television in real time.
37. Amateur radio operators have never needed to know Morse code.
38. Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Latvia, Georgia, Lithuania, and Estonia have always been independent nations.
39. It's always been official: President Zachary Taylor did not die of arsenic poisoning.
40. Madonna’s perspective on Sex has always been well documented.
41. Phil Jackson has always been coaching championship basketball.
42. Ozzy Osbourne has always been coming back.
43. Kevin Costner has always been Dancing with Wolves, especially on cable.
44. There have always been flat screen televisions.
45. They have always eaten Berry Berry Kix.
46. Disney’s Fantasia has always been available on video, and It’s a Wonderful Life has always been on Moscow television.
47. Smokers have never been promoted as an economic force that deserves respect.
48. Elite American colleges have never been able to fix the price of tuition.
49. Nobody has been able to make a deposit in the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI).
50. Everyone has always known what the evening news was before the Evening News came on.
51. Britney Spears has always been heard on classic rock stations.
52. They have never been Saved by the Bell
53. Someone has always been asking: “Was Iraq worth a war?”
54. Most communities have always had a mega-church.
55. Natalie Cole has always been singing with her father.
56. The status of gays in the military has always been a topic of political debate.
57. Elizabeth Taylor has always reeked of White Diamonds.
58. There has always been a Planet Hollywood.
59. For one reason or another, California’s future has always been in doubt.
60. Agent Starling has always feared the Silence of the Lambs.
61. “Womyn” and “waitperson” have always been in the dictionary.
62. Members of Congress have always had to keep their checkbooks balanced since the closing of the House Bank.
63. There has always been a computer in the Oval Office.
64. CDs have never been sold in cardboard packaging.
65. Avon has always been “calling” in a catalog.
66. NATO has always been looking for a role.
67. Two Koreas have always been members of the UN.
68. Official racial classifications in South Africa have always been outlawed.
69. The NBC Today Show has always been seen on weekends.
70. Vice presidents of the United States have always had real power.
71. Conflict in Northern Ireland has always been slowly winding down.
72. Migration of once independent media like radio, TV, videos and compact discs to the computer has never amazed them.
73. Nobody has ever responded to “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”
74. Congress could never give itself a mid-term raise.
75. There has always been blue Jell-O.

There's a Spider on Your Head!

Nothing like an obscure movie quote from a movie I feel like no one has ever seen. Anyway, last night, there was a spider in the car. I just made it home. We had a deal, the spider and I. He stayed on his side of the car, and I stayed, well, driving on the road. Then, he came closer, but he stayed on the dashboard. Then, he disappeared. This morning, I was hoping he exited the vehicle. Then, a few miles from home, he pops up dangerously close. Let's just fast forward through a bit of screaming and poor driving. I pulled the car over to the side of the highway (so I could stop screaming and driving poorly) and opened the car door. He walked into the hinge where the door opens, and I shut the door. Thinking I killed him, I drove the rest of the way to work safely. Then, I get to work and didn't want to open the door to a dead spider. I opened the door slowly, and I didn't see a body. I didn't see a body! This means that this stupid, indestructible spider could still be in the car! I think I'll walk home.

Character Crushes 2 - Bad Boy Edition

I know, it seems like a Sexy Tuesday, and I suppose it is, but it's more than eye candy. I tried to find photos of the actors either as their characters or in a photo that represents their character well. Above is a screen shot from the television show and below is a photo that represents the character's good taste and surly demeanor. Either way, this post is different than just yumminess. There's a point to this post. A while ago, I talked about character crushes where I love an actor in a role but not in a wide, sweeping way. I mean, there are actors in which I will watch and love him in anything. Sometimes, however, I like an actor as a particular character. Something about the character and the actor together that sends the tinglies down my spine and no other role for him will compare. Now, I can't say that's a certainty with these two actors, but they do have stand out roles for me. Time will tell if they can break free of the roles they play(ed). First is my current crush, Alexander Skarsgard. I apologize for not knowing how to do the little circle over his second "a" in his last name. I'm obviously not Swedish enough to figure out how to make that happen. Anyway, I'm not the biggest True Blood fan, but I think Eric is a fantastic character - so tricky and evil. During the last few episodes, he's been a highlight for me showing there's a few more layers in Eric than originally thought. Plus, last week's episode had a little more of Eric than we usually see. I have seen Alexander Skarsgard in a couple of episodes of Generation Kill, but I never finished the series. Maybe that's motivation to go back and view the miniseries.

After True blood was over, Logo was showing the Queer as Folk series finale. Through various seasons of the show, I fell in love with all the characters. Brian Kinney stole the show, but it wasn't until the later years that I climbed aboard the bandwagon. Something about the damaged souls who want to be better but turns to being a complete jerk as a defense mechanism. As a fictional character, that makes for great entertainment. I don't know if I'd have the patience in real life to redeem such a character, but it's nice being on the outside. I've actually seen Gale Harold in a few other projects - gave Vanished a shot (though gave up) and caught his episodes of Grey's Anatomy but a man is not as sexy with a giant swatstika on his body. I haven't caught him on Desperate Housewives, but I have to draw the obsession line somewhere.

So, maybe I'm changing. I never liked the bad boy before or the Alpha Males. I guess there are exceptions to every rule. Anyone else have any bad boy recommendations out there to feed into my newfound type?

Weekend Update

On Friday, we had Father-in-Law and Brother-in-Law over for some football. On Saturday, Husband woke up with Little Miss, fed her breakfast and then went golfing. Little Miss and I hung out for a little while. Then, a friend came over. We all went to the playground for a little bit. Then, we went home so Little Miss could nap while we watched Yes Man which I enjoyed quite a bit. Fun Saturday rental.

On Sunday, I woke up with Little Miss. We had a lot of fun. She was in such a good mood this past weekend. Then, Husband went grocery shopping while I got ready. Early afternoon, I met a friend to see The Time Traveler's Wife. We both really liked it (despite mixed reviews). I really don't remember a lot of the book which was done purposefully and always helps when I see adaptations. Then, I went home, played with Little Miss who was being very silly from her cookie sugar high. I gave her a bath. She went to bed and then Husband and I had a nice dinner while we watched the Season Three premiere of Mad Men. Nice quiet weekend.

Cats Really Are Smart!

A cat earned his high school diploma. Seriously! Well, sort of. During a test, the cat's owner filled out the online application for his cat to earn his online high school diploma (which is not to be confused with the GED). He submitted an essay in the cat's point of view. Then, the cat received his diploma. Wow, Little Miss has no excuse now for not getting her degree. Of course, she, like the tester's children, will have to earn it the old-fashioned way and not online.

Weekend Update - Are You Ready for Some Football?

Mini Weekend Update! Are you ready for some football? Little Miss is! Tonight, Father-in-Law and Brother-in-Law came over for some pizza and preseason football. Little Miss loved entertaining them and, of course, loved the extra adoration and attention. She showed off all her toys, threw the football around, and just ran around. She even asked to go to bed! Of course, once in bed, she changed her mind, but she settled down relatively quick at least. Photos are of Little Miss in her New York Jets t-shirt (above with Uncle Scott's football and below with Daddy's hat).

Sexy Friday

This one was a long time coming. Both actors have been requested, but it never seemed right or I couldn't find a good photo. So, first, it's finally time for Nathan Fillion. He's fantastic in everything he does, most recently Castle. He played a great foil to the title character in Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Many know him from Firefly, but I have to admit to falling for him in One Life to Live and Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place. His counterpart this week is Christina Hendricks from Mad Men. I bring up the show because Season Three premieres on Sunday on AMC. She also made appearances on Firefly with Nathan Fillion. They both have waited patiently to be on a list on which they both so rightly belong. I'm sure their lives are complete now.

Can I Have Some Cheese with my Whine?

Today, at lunch, I decided to run quickly to the grocery store and pick up a salad at the salad bar. It's quick and only costs $2.20 (well, $3.20 because I always get the $1 single-serving ice cream). As soon as I pay and am about to leave, a light goes on in my head, and I know that I left my car key in the car. I check my pockets, but I just know. So, the store manager says I can use the phone (as my cell phone is keeping my car key company) while his colleague tells me that, if I leave my car, the store will tow it. My original plan was to just take a cab back to work and have Husband come towards the end of the day with the spare key, and I'd drive him home. So, now, the alternate plan was have Husband drop everything and bring the spare key while I just sit by the car until he gets there. So, I call Husband, give him the good news, and hang out. I eat my ice cream first and then my salad and wait. As luck goes, the moment I popped into Starbucks to use the restroom and get a Tall Shaken Passion Tea Lemonade lightly sweetened, Husband shows up. I drive him back to the Metro and head back to work (I also used the grocery store phone to call work so they knew the deal, and I was pretty close in estimating what time I would be back to work). I swear, I'm living a week full of Mondays.

Little Miss Pancake

Husband makes pancakes often. They're pretty good - light and fluffy. They're also a little bigger than silver dollar size, the perfect size for little hands. On the weekends, we'll feed Little Miss pancakes on a plate with syrup, but during the week, she's taken to getting them out of the fridge and eating them cold. They make her very happy. I couldn't get the grin that she usually has while eating, but this is her eating her pancake this morning:

Playtime!

Little Miss has likes to play! She loves building with blocks and playing with her toys with their intended use. Most of her toys are hand-me-downs from Nephew or family friends, but some of the toys were given to her for Christmas or her birthday. Earlier in the week, she was so amused by her ball popper. Last night and this morning, it was all blocks. She has a block table and a container of blocks. She mostly stacks the the blocks very tall, knocks them down and then starts all over again. This will keep her occupied for a really long time. She gets so focused. It's very cute. Every so often, she'll take a break, kiss the little girl, little boy or dog that came with the block set and resume building (you can see her kissing in the above photo).

Yesterday, Husband was making breakfast for her, and Little Miss was all over him. So, he asked her to go play with her blocks and watch tv while he made breakfast. She turned around and did. Now, I'm not delusional to think she'll follow all our instructions, but it's nice to see communication happening! It's also nice to see Little Miss playing with toys instead of just randomly throwing them and also being so interested in something.

I Always Root for the Underdog, er, Fish.

Fish vs. Turtle

How awesome is this?! I'm not sure how well the embedding code works, so you can always click here to see it larger. (Updated: OK, if you click on either the photo or the links, another window will come up with the video.) Go, Fish! Just goes to show what parents will do to save their kids, er, eggs.

Weekend Update - So Much To Say

OK, there isn't that much to say, but I wanted to use a Dave Matthews Band song. On Friday, darned if I can remember what we did. As I just found out, we did nothing which made it every easy to forget. I think I may have read a bit of my book because I finished it on Saturday. Onn Saturday, we ran around like crazy people getting ready for the concert. Little Miss was a good girl. We got her all ready for church with the In-Laws. Then, we went to see the Dave Matthews Band. They played a great show (on the link, if it doesn't automatically direct you, click on the August 8th show at Nissan Pavillion). We had a great time with friends.

On Sunday, we woke up luxuriously late. We got ready and ate and then went to the In-Laws' pool for some fun in the sun. Little Miss had fun walking all over the pool area and playing on the steps of the pool. Then, we went home. I gave Little Miss a bath while Husband went to grab food for dinner. Then, Little Miss fell asleep on the couch waiting for her Daddy. However, she woke up a couple of hours later to see him. We watched a little tv and then tried to put her back to bed.

This morning, she's a little under the weather so hopefully it'll pass and just due to too much fun in the sun. We'll keep an eye out.

Eating Like a Big Girl

The past month or so, Little Miss refuses to sit in her high chair. She will, however, sit in a regular chair. So, we've been feeding her in a chair, but the table comes up to her little chin so it makes it difficult for her to feed herself which we would like her to do more often. It's hard for me because it's so much easier to feed her, and my big weakness is being patient at mealtimes. However, last Saturday, I made her high chair into a booster seat and moved it to her kitchen chair. She sat like a big girl (despite little reminders to keep her feet off the table) and fed herself. She uses the fork fairly well with food she can stab, but she, at one point, gives up and uses her fingers which is ok, too. You can also tell she wants me to feed her, but I really wanted her to try. Enjoy!

R.I.P. John Hughes

Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. What we did was wrong, but we think you’re crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us, in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain…and an athlete…and a basket case…a princess…and a criminal. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.” — Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall)

For many, John Hughes defined their childhood. Years later, I still quote his movies constantly. Who doesn't remember watching The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, or Weird Science? Plus, as I read the list of works with which he was associated, I notice he had a part in almost every single one of my favorite movies from the 80's - writing, producing and/or directing. Last week, I had the choice of watching either Sixteen Candles or The Princess Bride. I should have watched Sixteen Candles. (Turns out, I didn't watch either, but that's not the point.) John Hughes hasn't been active in the industry in recent years, but his influence lives on.

I just read this excerpted quote from Judd Nelson and really loved the way he phrased his statement: "...John’s desire for the truth of the spoken word aligned perfectly with his gift for treating young people not as children, but as developing adults..." I think that sums up why he resonates so much with young people.

Sexy Friday

As you may or may not know, G.I. Joe opens this weekend. Among the many actors in the movie, today's Sexy Friday goes to Channing Tatum. It was a tough choice as the movie is chock-full of men and women, most sexy (you have to be at least a little sexy to get away with some of those costumes!). The female counterpart to Mr. Tatum was a tricky one. There was one woman who almost made the cut, but I couldn't find a sexy photo that wasn't blog-friendly. So, because all the stories I read were so nauseatingly romantic, I went with a non-G.I. Joe woman and went with Jenna Dewan, Channing Tatum's wife. I've seen her in a couple of things, but I know her from Step Up in which she starred with her future husband.

R.I.P. Sam

The little koala, Sam, survived the Australian Bush fires only to develop "ovarian cysts associated with chlamydia, an ailment that affects 50 percent of Australia's koala population" and die. Here is one of many articles about this little koala. I remember seeing the above photo while following the wildfire stories. It was a symbol of hope and also showed what animals were doing just to stay alive. The animal first fled the fire on second- and third-degree burned paws and then went against instinct to go up to a human a zillion times her size and drink. That said, I had no idea chlamydia was so common among koalas. Those whores.

Breaking Developments

Just as it was possible we would have either a girl or a boy, it is possible for Little Miss to either be right-handed or left-handed. Husband is left-handed, and I am right-handed. Not that it's a competition. As with all little kids, she has been using both hands to do things. However, lately, she's been using her left-hand to do things more often than her right. She will take a fork with her right hand if you're sitting to her right, but she'll switch it to her left right away. She'll also throw a ball with her left hand. Obviously, it'll work itself out sooner or later. May the best hand win because once we know whether she's right-handed or left-handed, Husband can buy her this.

Seriously? Seriously?!

I came across THIS today. You're going to want to click on it to see the photo of the poor, poor puppy. Actually, the puppy is cute. Now, I can't believe someone is getting paid for creating this? Why can't I design a useless product that I can convince people they need? For those who don't want to click on the link, it is a Snuggie but for DOGS. DOGS! Seeing as dogs rarely hang out on the couch upright, I can't imagine them using the Snuggle as people do. To wear as a sweater, I'd have to say that, if your pet needs a sweater, there are much more fashionable ones out there. Suck it up and buy one of those if only to save your pup's dignity.

Tuesday Pick-Me-Up

I know it's not much to view, but turn up the speakers! I dare you not to smile.

Fat Clothes

So, I have this dress from Forever 21. I bought it while I was pregnant. Strangely, a lot of the clothes I wore while I was pregnant were from Forever 21 and not maternity clothes (the empire-style, babydoll dresses were in style). Regardless, I had this one dress (in the photo above) that I liked because it was comfortable. However, I thought it made me look huge in the above photo. I wore a different dress later that night and looked so much better so it's not because I was pregnant. Anyway, because the dress isn't maternity, I could hypothetically wear it now. I didn't wear it last year because it made me feel huge (even though I was smaller than I was pre-baby). However, today, I sucked it up and wore the dress. I still think the print isn't the most flattering, but it's still comfortable and I don't feel as icky as I did the last time I wore it. Weird how clothes carry mental baggage.

Oh, that's J.R. Ward above. She's super tall, and I'm super short. I still wish she just stood up, but it was awesome meeting her. It says something of her popularity since 2007. In Dallas that year, her line was 8-10 people long. This year, it was too long to count. Glad I got my book signed in Dallas!

Weekend Update - Where Did the Weekend Go?

Last Friday was a quiet Friday though it had its highlights. On Saturday, Husband woke up with Little Miss. She ate pancakes for breakfast. Then, I woke up earlier than I wanted, finished a book and joined them. Little Miss ate a big lunch of nuggets and peas. Then, Husband went grocery shopping. We had time for some quick pool time with the In-Laws, trying to squeeze in the last few weekends of the season. In the evening, a friend and I went to dinner at Vapiano. I had only ordered take out before, but it was nice to eat in. We had pizza and chocolate mousse. I'm having leftover pizza again this afternoon and looking forward to it. After we went to The Kennedy Center to see Spring Awakening. We enjoyed the play though I can see how many would not. It was a fun evening.

On Sunday, Husband woke up again with Little Miss (you know, because he's a saint among men), and I did sleep a little late. Then, we got up and ready to hang out at the Parents' house. Sister and Nephew also showed up. Nephew and Little Miss played. Mom grilled. Sister and I made broccoli salad. The photo above is Nephew playing with Mom's weights. The photo below is Nephew and Little Miss in the Parents' shower. Nephew is "washing Little Miss's hair". She is trying to escape. It was a good evening. Then, we went home, Little Miss went to bed, and we just relaxed.

Now, someone tell me how it's Monday already?

It's Getting Hot In Here...

Nothing like the odd so-five-years-ago reference. Last weekend, I put Little Miss to bed. She wasn't sleeping, but she was being quiet so I just sat there dozing in the corner. Then, I notice she's not even trying to go to sleep. So, I get up and her pajamas are around her ankles. I turned on the light and told Husband to come in and look at her. She had this smug, self-satisfied look on her face.

The next morning, we woke up and she was full unclothed and working on her diaper. We've changed her pajamas to a shirt and pants which she has yet to be able to take off, but it's only a matter of time.

I don't have Little Miss stripping on video, but I do have the after-effect. Here is the full view on video:

Books Read in July 2009

1. Whose Child? by Susan Gable
2. The Mummy Plan by Susan Gable
3. Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is Book 1 of the Lone Star Sisters series.)
4. Lip Service by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is Book 2 of the Lone Star Sisters series.)

It was a month of Susans this month. Susan Gable was, I thought, a new-to-me author, but it turns out I read all of her books but these two. I finished the first and then, earlier in the month when I was on vacation, I got to meet her at the RWA Literacy Autographing where she gave me The Mummy Plan (which is the UK version of The Mommy Plan). I really liked that one and it may be my favorite though I liked A Kid to the Rescue a lot. I enjoyed Susan Mallery's books as well. I have the third book in the series en route to me. I'm on a nice light reading kick though The Mummy Plan totally made me cry - it's about kids and organ donation. I have a lot of good books at home and hoping to read more in August. We shall see!