Dreaming…

I want a three season hedge along my vegetable garden (to separate me from the intrusive neighbors). I’ve thought for years that I want a hedge in there, because it would make it feel a little more private, but I loved my neighbor Marie who used to live there, so the hedge was just an some day dream.  Now I’m thinking someday dream ought to get started sooner. Or I should go ahead and buy my farm. 

Here’s what I want in my hedge:

Wouldn’t that be awesome? Forsythia in early spring. Lilac in late spring. Rose of sharon in the summer. And burning bush for fall. And it would make my garden a little hidden haven… come on, let a girl dream.

Problems

Lately I am having two very strong, very opposing urges: 1) to run away and 2) to curl up and stay home. It’s weird. One minute I’m daydreaming about road trips, mapping out awesome routes that include stopping to see all of my long distance family and friends and all their adorable munchkins. Trying to figure out how I’m going to take the time off to make it happen. Mmmm road trips. 

And at the exact same time, a few weeks ago I had plans to go visit a friend and was super excited for the weekend—and by the time I hit the end of my completely frying week at work, the idea of packing a bag and driving even a few hours away for the weekend made me almost cry. “I just want to be Hhhooommmmeeee!” 

Bizarre.

Sure, we could psychoanalyze me. It’s because my life is too frying. My job is too much. I want to run away from my life. From all of the insanity. And at the same time, I do just want to curl up and be home. I want to read on my couch. I want to sleep in. I want to catch up on projects. I desperately want to deep clean the bathroom and re-grout the tub. I just want to be hommmeee!!!

I know I know, I have problems. And there you have it.

Dear February

Dear February, 

Usually you are my least favorite month of the year. This time, so far, you’ve been shaping up better than usual.  First there was that week of mild, beautiful weather. So nice, in fact, that my crocuses thought it was spring. And then there was today, everything white with snowfall, but the sun was shining. So once again, you’ve outdone yourself. 

And look at me tearing through my February list!!  I am happy to report my progress so far:

• Curtains for bathroom made and hung
• Overnight with the kiddos (they are sleeping upstairs right now)
• Another sewing / crafty project: Just made my nephew Andrew a set of mini- vestments. He loves processing around with his crucifix so I thought it would work well, not to mention the rumors that he’s really into dress up and his dad thinks princess dresses are not exactly ideal for his son.  Anyway, I made him vestments in the four main liturgical colors- now I just have to get them in the mail.
• Walking the dogs- Doing it more often, need to continue to do it. A lot.
• Spending a lot of time working on a special project. Can’t get into details yet, but be assured, I am spending a lot of time on it.
• Haircut done
• Work less… oh. yeah. no progress on that. Still a long way to go in fact, but I am trying.

Take that February!

The February List

• Get a haircut (done)
• Go ice skating
• Host a February party 
• Have a game night 
• Indulge in Catan obsession at the Homestead (a fabulous diversion with the Homies)
• Walking the dogs a lot (for good behavior and personal well being)
• Sew bathroom curtains
• Send birthday cards
• Clean and organize laundry room
• Spend time with my friends
• Have kiddo overnight
• Work less
• Work on special Project
• Get a massage

Vanity of vanities

Okay… now that my eyes don’t look like this, I’ll go out on a limb and show you the really bad one… This was the day after all the coworkers were really worried about me.  This was also the day I broke down and went to urgent care to get it looked at before going to work. Quite a look, huh?

Two days later we were down to this.

And now I’m almost back to normal.

Thank God for steroids.

Weekend Adventures

A couple weeks ago, Jenny Pink and I packed up the CRV and headed to Virginia to visit the Pannings and meet little Charlie for the first time.  On the way, we stopped to see my sister at college and then took her with us for part of the adventure. Excellent. It was a great, low key visit with some very cute munchkins and their awesome parents. Thanks!

And then on the way back, we stopped for Mass and lunch in the ‘burg with the Loves. More cuteness and great company before trekking home. 

There’s nothing like a great weekend adventure- especially with such great company!