something new for 2010

I've started a new blog, for 2010.  I'm on a bit of a creative challenge for myself, and decided that a new blog for that endeavor would be appropriate.  So here is the link, if you wish to follow along. www.2010creative.blogspot.com

I'm hoping to keep it a bit more up to date than this poor, neglected blog has been of late.

Happy New Year!

Saturdays

In general, I think I have a tendency towards being slightly agoraphobic. I've never been a fan of being outside without having a real reason. Particularly just "going for a walk". I liked a destination, and even that wasn't always my main motivation to get out. I have spent periods of my life where I would consciously avoid the "outside world" for stretches of time.

There is no more time where that is apparent than on Saturday. For years, Saturday has been the lamest day on our family calendar. The hubby has been busy on Saturdays as long as we've had children, it's never been much of a "family day" here. There is often so little to do, so few places to go, and I'm much more content to stick around in the house, in my own small world. When the kids were tinier, it was because going places with more than one small one was just *not* something I cared to do. Now, it's just as pleasant to stay home.

Some days, I think that makes me a lousy mom. I should be motivated to take the kids for walks and to the park. At the same time, they love playing in the yard. It's not like I keep them cooped up in the house. Just that we tend to stick close to home on Saturdays. However, if we go out somewhere, we always enjoy it and have fun.

I wonder how I can get over this tendency.

Optimism...

I took this photo today, while on a "feeder highway". I liked the way it looked, and how it kind of captures where I'm feeling these days.

I'm feeling really good right now, and most of that is from external feedback. I know that I shouldn't base my worth on what others say, but this feedback was so validating. First, a woman from our church brought me a flowering plant, to thank me for all that I do in the church. She said that she knows not everyone sees what I do, but that she does, and she's thankful for all that I do. That made my week.

Then, the other night, I was out for drinks with some girlfriends. Got to talking to one of the women about a subject that we are both pretty passionate about...and the conversation just really took off. I shared with her an idea or two that I have, and she was really encouraging of both my ideas, and my vision. Encouraging of what potential she sees in me, and that I need to explore. Which is exactly the thing I've been feeling I need to *do* something with, but have been hesitating and holding back.

Being encouraged in what I'm doing, and what I could be doing....that is just so validating, uplifting AND motivating.

I need to stretch myself and explore the possibilities.

mature cheese

It's been a long time since I've posted here. I've been busy with life, I guess. It happens :)

So, the title of this post might need some 'splaining. My mom was up this weekend for a visit. We were sitting at the table over supper and talking, the kids had all gotten down and were off playing. Mom asks if the kids like "mature cheese", meaning a sharp cheddar (which they do). Then DH, mom and I all started laughing at the term "mature cheese"...and pondered what "mature cheese" might look like. The hubby's response?

Mature cheese doesn't giggle when you cut it.

you can't fool me, yogurt

I love yogurt. The more natural, real, the better. I love my homemade crockpot yogurt (even if nobody else in the house does). I really enjoy yogurt.

Which is why I'm so disappointed. Did the yogurt makers really think we were that stupid? That slow? That they thought they could sneak it by us?

The "big" containers of yogurt are now pretty much universally 100 grams smaller. Sure, many of them have fancy new "fridge door friendly" packages. Still.

Yogurt, did you really think we were that slow, that we wouldn't notice?

I'm watching you, dairy, my eyes are open.

something I'd like to do

Today, yes today, it's snowing. It's been an icky day weather-wise and my only inclination has been to do...next to nothing. Which is pretty much how I spent my day with the kids. They played, we read books, I kept the music flowing as needed, fed them, baked bread, folded some laundry, and played on ebay.

Maybe it's the out of season weather. Maybe it's that I'm feeling like a change. Whatever it is, I've got an idea in my head. I want to check out of everyday life for a stretch, take the kids and RV our way across North America. Just imagine the education our children would get, seeing so many parts of the continent. Getting to experience geography, culture, travel....all while traveling like turtles with our home on our backs.

I'm not thinking in the next 6 months or anything, but rather in a couple of years. When all three kids are school age, probably all reading, and ready to handle a bit more adventure it would be more feasible. With the right RV, and vehicle to tow it (which we don't currently have), it could be totally possible. Even if we managed to work out a 6-12 month leave from work for the hubby, and some careful financial planning, this could happen. I have dreams of driving through places we've never seen, taking pictures of the kids on both coasts, and everywhere in between. The learning experience would be invaluable for us all. It could be life changing.

The problem is that the hubby thinks I'm kind of crazy.

I admit it

I am not, nor never was a fan of boy bands. I am generally not a huge pop music fan. I tend to not like the overly likable celebrities.

But Justin Timberlake? Whole 'nother kettle of fish. I think it's the cute guy tied up with enough self confidence to be able to be self-depreciating and able to laugh at himself. Watched SNL last night with him hosting (while DH hung out in the basement watching the hockey game) and laughed. A lot. I have a bit of a celebrity crush, I think.

I can admit it. Who is your celebrity crush? You know you have one.