Oh there you are!
I’m back! The trip was great and I have every intention of getting to it. There will be more pictures than you can stand (meeting family! the pumpkin patch! first airplane rides!), I promise.
But first.
I decided against my better judgement to sign up for NaBloPoMo again. I managed to make it all the way through last year and even won a prize. I don’t have high hopes this year though. I’ve not been a very good blogger lately, even before I left for Oregon. I just think the only way to get back on track is forcing myself to post everyday for a month. We’ll see how I do.
Now on to better things. Yesterday was Halloween! Technically, righthisveryminute it’s still Halloween, but by the time I finish this post, it will be tomorrow. Works well for my first NaBloPoMo post. Eliana dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood. We didn’t go trick-or-treating this year. I want to wait until she can actually say trick-or-treat before we start that. We did decorate the front of the house and hand out candy.
Eliana kept trying to run all over the place and steal candy. She managed to snag some chocolate and ate half of it before we noticed. And I gave her a lollypop since it is Halloween.
Please don’t mind the hair. She has a lazy mother.
I was disappointed in the turn out this year. Last year we had a ton of kids come by. I bought a lot of candy to get ready for the same this year and nothing. Well, not nothing. But I do have about 3 unopened bags of candy and half a bowl left. What the hell am i supposed to do with all of it? I figured with it being a Friday, we’d get even more people. Was there a huge, kick-ass party I wasn’t invited to? And who wants some chocolate?
How cute is this face!?
Ok Bye!
I’m in the middle of packing and losing my mind. We’re off to Oregon tomorrow to visit family. It will be Eliana’s first plane ride and I am FREAKING OUT, MAN. I have the portable DVD player (even though she doesn’t usually get to watch TV, but this is different! I have to prevent crying and screaming and Sesame Street and Chalie Brown will help!), books, toys, and a ton of snacks. I think I’m pretty prepared on that front. Tony will be with us, so at least I’ll have help. I’m still nervous about the whole thing though.
So if you’re on a plane tomorrow and there’s a screaming toddler and a crazy lady pulling her hair out, give her some chocolate.
I can just give buttons and coal, right?
I am fully aware that know one is ready to talk about this. Hell, I even do a double-take when I walk into a store these days. But I need assistance. The kind only you can provide.
December is 2 months away and I’m starting my Christmas shopping. I made out my list tonight and I’ve already crossed off a couple names. Mostly because my sisters and I have decided to only buy for the kiddies this year and I already have something in the works for the new baby (who may or may not be here by Christmas). And really, the parents and siblings and such are not my problem. My problem is the OTHER.
We’ll be driving to Alabama to spend Christmas with my dad, step-mom, brother, sister-in-law, nephews and a whole gaggle (did I just make that up? If I did, I’m awesome. If I didn’t, I’m still awesome. I’m keeping it.) of extended family that I honestly don’t really know well. The last time I saw these people was in 2002. And even before that we were never close. They’re my step-mom’s family and as much as she wishes otherwise, I don’t know them.
There are aunts, cousins, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and did I mention cousins? I’m not even joking there are a ton of people. I mentioned to my step-mother that I’m not looking forward to the shopping because A.) I don’t want to spend a gazillion dollars when I’m already driving up there and back and B.) I don’t know these people and therefore, don’t know what to get them. She said she just buys for the kids, but there are AT LEAST 20 of those and I don’t know them either. I can’t even give gender and ages.
So I know I’d feel weird showing up without presents, so that’s not an option. Now what do I bring? I am not at all crafty, so making stuff is out. I don’t want to spend a ton of money. And I don’t know these people. I was thinking of maybe just getting like a board game for each family and calling it good. (If you choose this option, list some board games that work for all ages please thank you!) There’s always the gift card option, but that could add up and do I do it individually? Not to mention I’m not a fan of giving gift cards and/or money. It just seems so impersonal (yes, I realize this is a bizarre concern given the NOT KNOWING THESE PEOPLE.)
So please help me spend money but not too much money ok thank you!
Hey Mr. Dj…Mrs. Dj?
When Tony and I were dating and engaged and maybe the first however long in our marriage, I controlled the radio. If we were in the car together, I always got to pick the station. I’m sure Tony wasn’t thrilled with our arrangement, but that’s just how it was in those days. I don’t know why. It just was. Stop asking.
Nowadays, I don’t care what’s playing. Tony can listen to whatever he wants and I never change it. i just don’t have an opinion on the matter. In fact, if I want a change at all, it’s to turn it completely off for some peace and quiet. I don’t know why things are different now or when they changed.
Who plays DJ in your relationship? Is it all you? All the other person? 50/50? Do you take turns or do you just happen to listen to the same stuff? Do you hate listening to the other person’s music? Or are you like me and just don’t care? I’ve been wondering how other people do it.
