I have never understood the old adage that you shouldn’t ever discuss politics or religion. That’s because, growing up, politics and religion seemed to be the only two things my family did discuss.
I come from a big family. My mom’s the fourth of six kids and there are 18 first cousins. My mom and her siblings scattered after college but they all came home to my grandparents’ at least once--and often twice--a year. We'd cram into their modest house and sleep on beds, cots, the couch, floor and even, at times, someone was relegated to my grandfather’s old recliner. And the heart of their house was the dining room table. That’s where the action happened. Late into the night discussions of every topic on earth, but always either starting at or coming around to—you guessed it—politics and religion.
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Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Favorite Things Friday: Cibu Shampoo
Once upon a time, I had incredibly thick hair and lots of it. Then, sometime in the past ten years my thick hair turned into thin hair. I still have lots of hair (as every stylist I've ever been to points out!) but it is rather thin. Well, actually I guess the accurate description is fine. I now have fine hair, a fact that I can not really come to grips with. And so I have several tricks up my sleeve to mask my fine hair. Chief among them is using Shang High shampoo and conditioner by Cibu.I'm featuring this shampoo as my Favorite Things Friday today because it totally rocks! I can truly feel the difference if I try to use another shampoo, even a volumizing one, instead of Shang High: my hair ends up flat and limp. Shang High (combined with mousse and hairspray) keeps my hair looking full and thick.
(Oh, and it is often on sale at my salon in the bulk size shampoo and conditioner for $20 which is much, much cheaper than buying the small bottle shown at left!)
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Conversation
One of the most amazing things to me about Lucas getting older is that we actually talk. As in, we have lovely little conversations. Yesterday after he woke up from his nap, he stumbled down the stairs to find me on the couch (taking a bit of a snooze myself, I'll admit!). He climbed right up to sit on me and asked what adventure we were going on today. We had a wonderful conversation about places to go and things to do. Comparing different parks, remembering the "airplane museum" and deciding what to do.
Now, he is only 3 1/2 so we have plenty of frustrating conversations and temper tantrums, too. But, it does seem that the calm and rational talks seem to be occurring more and more often. I truly savor each one. Not only is my baby growing up, but his mind works in the most incredible way and I love learning more about how he thinks.
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Now, he is only 3 1/2 so we have plenty of frustrating conversations and temper tantrums, too. But, it does seem that the calm and rational talks seem to be occurring more and more often. I truly savor each one. Not only is my baby growing up, but his mind works in the most incredible way and I love learning more about how he thinks.
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Miscellaneous
I realize I am getting precariously close to a situation of "she doth protest too much" but although I really don't mind getting older, I, nonetheless, would like to clarify that I turned 32 last week, not 33. Wednesday was the start of my 33rd year and at the end of my 33rd year of life--on June 3, 2010--I will turn 33. Just like you begin your first year of life the day you are born but end your first year of life by turning one.
After reading the horrible review The Washington Post gave Founding Farmers restaurant, Abel and I really should have changed the reservation for my birthday lunch on Thursday. But, we'd both been there before and had enjoyed it. After our meal, however, I will repeat: we really should have changed the reservation. It was very, very meh. At least the company was great.
Lucas is going to do a little one week, one hour a day soccer camp in two weeks. We bought him socks with shin guards in them yesterday afternoon. He put them on before bed last night is still wearing them. Something tells me he is going to be wearing them for most of the summer. It is freaking adorable.
Let's say you wanted to cook a few chicken breasts for the sole purpose of using them to make chicken salad. How would you cook them?
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After reading the horrible review The Washington Post gave Founding Farmers restaurant, Abel and I really should have changed the reservation for my birthday lunch on Thursday. But, we'd both been there before and had enjoyed it. After our meal, however, I will repeat: we really should have changed the reservation. It was very, very meh. At least the company was great.
*****************
Lucas is going to do a little one week, one hour a day soccer camp in two weeks. We bought him socks with shin guards in them yesterday afternoon. He put them on before bed last night is still wearing them. Something tells me he is going to be wearing them for most of the summer. It is freaking adorable.
***************
Let's say you wanted to cook a few chicken breasts for the sole purpose of using them to make chicken salad. How would you cook them?
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Sorry for a lack of Favorite Things Friday this past week. I promise it will be back this week!
Original post by Smiling Mama.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
I can't think of a better way to have begun my 33rd year than my two favorite boys singing "Happy Birthday Mama Lou!" to me this morning. I certainly don't mind getting older, but I have to say that 32 sounds quite old to me. In my head I'm only 28. I mean, by 32 a person is a real, true grown-up, aren't they? Even though I have all the trappings of being a grown up--a husband, a mortgage, a 3 year old son--and I drive a mini van for goodness sakes--I certainly don't feel like one.
My skin however, does feel like an old lady. It is definitely starting to show signs of my age. I've noticed recently that it just isn't as smooth and supple as it always was. In fact, parts of my face are flat out rough. And I'm growing chin hairs. Seriously. I know you can't see them with the naked eye (I've had Abel look) but I can feel them. When I run my fingers across my chin there are often 2-3 course hairs. Obviously I pluck them immediately. But, still. Chin hairs. Ugh.
Let's not focus on that however. Let's focus on my birthday present: an adorable 10" laptop! Just what I've been dreaming of. The perfect portable device to support my internet addiction. It should be arriving via amazon today. I happen to know this because Abel used my amazon account to order it (and therefore I got the confirmation e-mail) and also because he told me on Monday.
So here's to birthday cake for breakfast (yes, the second best way to begin your birthday!), birthday kisses from two adorable boys, and lovely little laptops!
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
My skin however, does feel like an old lady. It is definitely starting to show signs of my age. I've noticed recently that it just isn't as smooth and supple as it always was. In fact, parts of my face are flat out rough. And I'm growing chin hairs. Seriously. I know you can't see them with the naked eye (I've had Abel look) but I can feel them. When I run my fingers across my chin there are often 2-3 course hairs. Obviously I pluck them immediately. But, still. Chin hairs. Ugh.
Let's not focus on that however. Let's focus on my birthday present: an adorable 10" laptop! Just what I've been dreaming of. The perfect portable device to support my internet addiction. It should be arriving via amazon today. I happen to know this because Abel used my amazon account to order it (and therefore I got the confirmation e-mail) and also because he told me on Monday.
So here's to birthday cake for breakfast (yes, the second best way to begin your birthday!), birthday kisses from two adorable boys, and lovely little laptops!
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Lunch at my desk
photo from my phone; please excuse the quality 1/2 head of baby bibb lettuce from this week's CSA share
several spears of CSA share asparagus marinated in a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, S&P and grilled for last night's dinner
a few ounces of grilled chicken leftover from last night's dinner
a handful of pine nuts
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
39 is Divine
The big event that I was working this weekend was Reunion weekend at my alma mater which is also my employer. It was also my 10th Reunion and even though I had very low expectations, I had a really great time catching up with some of my former classmates.
The most incredible part of the entire weekend, though, was meeting and chatting with two ladies from the class of 1939 who were back for their 70th college reunion. Let me say that again: 70th college reunion!
Neither are local. One had traveled--solo!--on the train from Philadelphia and the other came from North Carolina with her daughter. What an inspiration these ladies were. They were so happy to be here, so full of spirit and life. One of the ladies told me about her study abroad experience during her college days. She lived in Paris for a semester! That must have been in 1937 or 1938. Can you imagine? The other brought a souvenir from the 1939 World's Fair, held in New York, which she worked at right after graduation. I told them both that I looked forward to seeing them again in 5 years and both heartily agreed.
One part of the weekend was an alumnae association meeting and the board members were encouraging alumnae to join Facebook as a networking tool. I was sitting behind one of the '39ers and she turned to ask me, "What's Facebook?" I answered that it was a way to connect with other people on the computer. She told me she was currently getting tutored on the computer and that she would join Facebook. I told her that if she did, I'd be her friend!
Something tells me that Facebook is going to be on the top of her agenda in her next tutoring session. I can't wait to see her there and in another 5 years back at our alma mater. If I live that long, I pray that I am as full of vigor as my fellow alumnae from the divine Class of 1939!
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
The most incredible part of the entire weekend, though, was meeting and chatting with two ladies from the class of 1939 who were back for their 70th college reunion. Let me say that again: 70th college reunion!
Neither are local. One had traveled--solo!--on the train from Philadelphia and the other came from North Carolina with her daughter. What an inspiration these ladies were. They were so happy to be here, so full of spirit and life. One of the ladies told me about her study abroad experience during her college days. She lived in Paris for a semester! That must have been in 1937 or 1938. Can you imagine? The other brought a souvenir from the 1939 World's Fair, held in New York, which she worked at right after graduation. I told them both that I looked forward to seeing them again in 5 years and both heartily agreed.
One part of the weekend was an alumnae association meeting and the board members were encouraging alumnae to join Facebook as a networking tool. I was sitting behind one of the '39ers and she turned to ask me, "What's Facebook?" I answered that it was a way to connect with other people on the computer. She told me she was currently getting tutored on the computer and that she would join Facebook. I told her that if she did, I'd be her friend!
Something tells me that Facebook is going to be on the top of her agenda in her next tutoring session. I can't wait to see her there and in another 5 years back at our alma mater. If I live that long, I pray that I am as full of vigor as my fellow alumnae from the divine Class of 1939!
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
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