The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Linking up with Love Made My Home

Lordy Lou has it been a LOONNNGGG week.  But it's amazingly finally Friday, and I have survived.  I really don't know where to begin, there's just been SO MUCH.  So, we'll start with the good...

1.  I really needed a pick me up last weekend, so I let my hairdresser work her magic and now I have an adorable new "do".  I don't know what happened to me.  I got into a rut and have been stuck there for a couple years.  My hair was often the topic of conversations.  We had a on-going joke that once we started a new year, I would have new hair.  Each start of the school year I would show up with something new and different.  New style, new color, straight, curly, etc.  My philosophy was: "It's hair.  It'll grow back.  If I don't like it, next month I'll change it."  Until I got tired of it short.  Once it started to grow, that's when the rut began to form.  Well, I'm back to it being short and, while it's an adjustment, I'm loving it.  It's cute and sassy, two things that... quite honestly... I'm not really feeling right now.

2.  This week has been bad (that's coming next).  So, I did a little self medicating with this fabulous cheesecake.  It's just one of the little things (along with wine and chocolate) that has helped me cope.

I ate the whole thing.  No regrets.

The Bad....
3.  I have no words.  I almost didn't post today because, well, there haven't been many good days this week.  At all.  My husband's uncle passed away unexpectedly, so hubby went out of town to help deal with his possessions and pay his respects.  The day after the news of his uncle's death, I got a call saying my father's cousin had passed away after having a stroke.  63 years old, married with 3 kids - the youngest being 13.  And then, this morning I went into work to hear that a colleague passed away.  28 years old.  No details, just that she is gone.  All this and the anniversary of my best friend's death.  I am just wrung out.

4.  No more badness... Number 3 was enough.  

The Ugly....
5.  This week was a full moon (GORGEOUS moon!!), combine that with it being the week before Halloween and you have a whole lotta ugly.  I don't often mention my work world.  I NEVER talk about the kids I have in class, nor do I talk about the myriad of things that occur during the day that leave me shaking my head.  I am going to let go and say it out loud... THE CHILDREN HAVE LOST THEIR MINDS.       

Phew.  Thank you.  I needed that.  Next week will be better, right?  (Please don't mention this weekend's changing of the clocks or the upcoming sugar highs that will put my kindergartners into orbit for all of next week.  I know.  Sadly, I know.)

Here's hoping for a good weekend.  That break that I talked about last Friday?  Yeah, any time now would be great.

For anyone who is stopping by, looking for the happiness that Friday usually brings. 

I am sorry for being a downer :(  

Remembering...

On this date, two years ago, my life changed in a way that I never saw coming.  The result is an emptiness that can not be filled; an ache that just doesn't go away.

Missing you, my friend.  Today and every day.

Happy Friday!!

Linking up with Love Made My Home

What I'm Reading:
I NEVER give up on a book.  It's my thing.  Read it... love it or hate it.  Well, it use to be my thing.  I officially, reluctantly, sadly tossed in the towel this week on Demelza by Winston Graham.  I tried.  I REALLY tried.  But it was just a fail for me.  I LOVE the Poldark series that aired this past summer and I can't wait until season 2 to air.  I even resisted starting the books until after seeing the show because usually a book is better for me than any tv show or movie.  Not this time!!  So, I am moving on....

I just started The Girls of Mischief Bay and I am thoroughly enjoying it!!  It's not hurting my brain at all and the characters are easy to relate to.  It's nice to look forward to ending the day with a chapter or two.

What I'm Watching:
I am not a big tv fan, but there are times where something grabs my interest.  Last Christmas, my friend gave me the first season of Call the Midwife.  I was reluctant to watch it; it didn't really seem to be something I would enjoy.  I was so wrong!  What a great story line.  I have watched all of the first season and have moved on to other seasons (thank you Netflix!!)  I am going to be sad when I am all "caught up" and have to wait for the show to begin airing again in "real time".  If you are fan of Downton Abby, all things British, or shows that take place in a "simpler" (but not necessarily easier!) time, you should check it out :)

What I Tried This Week:
Okay... One more thing Pumpkin!  I had stopped at the store to pick up some wine (because, well, yeah.) and there was a bottle of this on the counter:

It just called out to me.  I couldn't help myself.  Best. Decision. This. Week.  When I asked about how it should be served, the guy at the store said to put it over ice.  When I brought it home, my husband suggested that I try it over ice cream.  Mmmmm.  So Good!  I would highly recommend it :)  

What I Need to Complete this Weekend:
SCHOOL WORK.  I am drowning in paper work.  Every day I have tried to pep talk myself into being a productive person after the regular school day is over and every day I have failed in that mission.  Once I straighten out my classroom and get ready for the next day, answer some emails, finish up odds and ends, and hit the road, it's usually 5:30-6:00 before I get home.  Then there's laundry... and dinner..  and dishes... and my own kid's stuff...  and... and... and.  Who wants to sit down and start working again at 9:00?  Not me.  I'm exhausted.  There is just SO MUCH to do.  I would be a happier, more relaxed person if I could just catch up.  *sigh*

What I'm Craving:
Some me time.  A break.  I need a break.  A GUILT FREE break.  Ah, if only.

Have a Happy Weekend, Everyone! 

It’s All About Pumpkin

It's taken me a while to join the pumpkin craze.  I'm not sure why, because I LOVE pumpkin.  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cheesecake.... I could go on and on.  Last year I got into these.... 

I bought them because the name cracked me up!

I can't find them this year because they have been sold out.. Every. Single. Time. I have gone into the store.  If you haven't had them yet and you can find them, try them.  You're welcome.

Then there is this delightful addition to all things fall...

Limited Addition?  Aw, come on!

I stumbled upon them in the grocery store just as they were being put on the shelf.  I've been able to snag a couple of boxes since then, but now?  Either other people have discovered that pumpkin goodness can be had in a breakfast cereal and are buying them up, or.... the "season" for them has sadly come to an end.  I haven't given up yet.. I hope to score at least one more box!!

Then there's this...

Who knew?!

I FINALLY tried pumpkin pancakes and I have a new love.  I actually made them for lunch this weekend.  They are my new favorite pancake and I see myself making them lots this winter.  So, that brings me to my final pumpkin "thing".  Pumpkin coffee...

Girlie: "What?  It's good!"

I tried it.  I can officially say that I am not a huge fan.  It looks all yummy and creamy, but meh.  Overall, I am not a flavored coffee fan.  I guess, in place of dessert, I may choose this... if I were full and couldn't possibly eat a piece of pie.  

What about you... Is pumpkin a Yes? or a No?

Parents' Weekend Recap

Linking up with Love Made My Home

Last weekend was a busy one.  It was parents' weekend at Girlie's college, so I got to spend the weekend with her :)  It was so nice being away from home... Someone made my bed for me everyday, I didn't have to cook or clean up, and there was no pressure to clean, vacuum, or whatever other mundane things I usually do over the weekend.  There were a few places she wanted to go, so I taxied us around to see the different sights.  A quick recap of the weekend...

1. Insomnia Cookies.  Yum!! This place is open from 12 noon until about 3am (hence, Insomnia Cookies).  The cookies were fresh from the oven and absolutely delicious.  The one on the left is s'mores, the one on the right is m&m.  They even deliver!  I may have to check that out for when Girlie has exams.  She and her roommates will love me forever!

So Good!

2.  Since we were in the neighborhood, we visited Yale's Art Gallery.  What a great experience.  They have a little bit of everything and it was totally worth stopping by.

  

 Here are two of my favorites! (There were many favorites...I could go on and on!)

Lane in Voyer d'Argenson Park at Asnières by Van Gough

The Ballet Rehearsal by Degas

3.  Hiking on Mt. Carmel at Sleeping Giant State Park.  We aren't doing fall well, at least not in our part of the state.  Everything is just sorta brown.  While many trees are still green, those leaves that have turned aren't very vivid this year.  I was excited to see pops of color everywhere we looked.  The scenery was beautiful! 

Ah, New England.  Just love the changes in the seasons.

4.  Dessert for Breakfast?  Why not?  Doesn't this look decadent?  We ended my stay with breakfast and this is what Girlie decided to have!  I was a little jealous totally coveting her food and wanted to switch plates with her!

Next time.  There will be a next time!

5.  Back to the real world.  When I got home, I decided to add a few fall touches around the house.  I love this little Fall Angel.  She's one of my favorite decorations for this season.  Someone very creative made her out of tiny flower pots.  So cute :)

Happy Fall!!

Finally Friday!

Linking up with Love Made My Home

It's hard to believe it's Friday, and OCTOBER, already!  I figure I should wrap up my week with a Five on Friday post.  There have been many things to smile about this week.  It's the little things that get me through!

1.  My husband and I go out for breakfast most Sunday mornings.  This week, this little gem was parked at the restaurant.  I LOVE antique cars.  They have such personality!

2.  All things domestic... I don't cook.  Pretty much ever.  That being said, the fall changes are making me crave some yummy, apple goodness. I like having a snack before going to bed and this hit the spot!  I may actually have to make more (I have to be careful here.  I don't want anyone in my family thinking this is going to become a habit!)

Apple Crisp... A Fall Necessity!

3.  Being the mom... Every once and a while I am forced to do things that really make me cringe.  Sewing is definitely one of those things.  I sew less than I cook.  This week, I had to do the grown up thing and hem Bubba's pants for his culinary class.  I am happy to say that the end result was successful!  The pant legs are the same length and they are neither too short, nor too long.  Yay, me (it's nothing short of a miracle!)

Not my forte!

4.  I love taking pictures, especially when trying to push the limits of my understanding of my fancy camera.  I love taking pictures of the moon, especially when something cool is going on "up there".  I am SO envious of the great shots people are putting up of the Lunar Eclipse that occurred Sunday night.  These two shots were a couple of my "best". 

Right before the eclipse started

Blood Moon

I worked hard for the Blood Moon picture.  It's definitely not as high quality as I would like, but it was not an easy shot to get.  There was much trial and error, but I am excited to have anything at all (most of the shots came out black, not a moon or star in sight!... very frustrating!)  

5. On the theme of "all things fall", I picked up some new scenty things from Bath and Body.  Mmmm, I love new fragrances!  I got a new "wallflower" too, because why not?  My new favorites of the moment are these:

 

The grapes are cute at night... it doubles as a night light :) 

So, I guess I made it through another week.  Looking forward to a busy weekend.  I'd like to get my house a little more in order.  We'll see.  Sometimes that's just a dream that never becomes a reality.  Have a happy weekend!