"Three Days to 40"
And I am letting go a big sigh. It's not a sigh of relief, but more so of frustration as we had YET another car issue today. I was on my way to school and heard a funny whirring sound, then tried to turn left in Red Creek and had to crank on the wheel like I used to on my VW Rabbit in Highschool. Yeah, the vehicle that had no power steering. Ends up that we have a busted hose from our power steering pump, not a major fix, but REALLY. I am about DONE with cars.

"Four Days to 40"

I spent some time today looking back through my blog, and sort of trying to pick out recurrent themes...things that bring me down, things that bring me up and the sort. One thing I have surely learned through this blog is that I love a good Friday. But I have also learned how to prevent the "Sunday Grumpies" getting me down. One method for this is to treat myself well, at all times, but in particular on Sundays. Today, on the way home from groceries, I swung into Mickey D's and picked up a Shamrock Shake.

Now interestingly enough, I only tried a Shamrock Shake for the first time a few years ago. Tim has always loved them and I always shied away. I distinctly know why too. My mom, and possibly my dad as well, didn't really like Shamrock Shakes, and I actually mean this to the point that she pointed out that they were gross each year when they came out. Now I really don't know if this was because she didn't like them, or if it was just to quiet my youthful requesting for one, but nonetheless, it turned out to be a memory ingrained. Tim and I were out and about a few years ago, and he convinced me to try one. Low and behold, it was love at first sip. Lightly minty vanilla....mmmmm...heaven!

You know, to stick with the motherly advice here, not always is it bad. Tim's mom used to get him to try new foods by saying "Your taste buds might have grown." I may be on the brink of 40, and a little less that thrilled with some of the changes in my body, but I sure am glad my taste buds have grown, in a lot of ways. I love that, now, I can fully appreciate a Shamrock Shake. I love that I "get" wine and craft beer. I love that I can decadently enjoy a $100 dinner out with my husband every once in a great while, feeling no guilt about it whatsoever. I love that I have come to love brussel sprouts, and fennel, and swiss chard.

You never know when your tastes, not to mention your taste buds just might grown up.

"Five Days to 40"

Kinda feel like we are into the "Final Countdown" (thanks Europe for that one...) of sorts. 5 days to 40, and I intend to make the most of them.

Today was a great day.

Devin went over to his friend Anthony's, and Gwynn, Tim and I went to Downtown Deli in Auburn, and shopping for Devin's birthday, mostly because we also needed to hit the Honda dealer to finish up some business with them. We got home, and I whipped up some yummy chicken casserole and Anthony came here for dinner, so he could join Tim, Dev and Gwynn at the Oswego hockey game.

Of course, savvy planner that I am, that move landed me ALONE in my HOUSE tonight! And I am LOVIN' it! I'm blasting Adele (again), drinking wine, and rearranging my closet with some new hangers I picked up at Marshall's today.

Again, it's the little things...isn't it always...or at least isn't it most of the time? I mean, a well placed big thing is fine now and again too, don't get me wrong, and also you may get your dirty minds out of the gutter:), but the simple pleasures, ahhhh, when you really take them in they sure can take you far!

Onward to 40!

So strange how life ends up with a backdrop soundtrack. Today's was Adele. Wonderful singer. Powerful singer. I will forever connect her new album "21" with today, it seems.

Our day today began with a blizzard like snowfall. Our family did what we always do on a snowed in day; hunkered down, surrendered, and made the most of it. We made waffles, read books, played games, watched a movie, and made cozy food for dinner. Adele has been playing most of the afternoon, thanks to Susan lending me her CD yesterday. "19" was on my iTunes already, and so that has been our background vocal as well.

As the sun began to show itself across the bay, and the boys finally ventured outside for snowblowing and shoveling, Gwynn and I finished up making dinner and getting the table set. Interestingly enough, a "talk" evolved, as they so often do, in those quiet moments when you are side by side doing the everyday things you do as a family. While I won't go into details for the sake of mother/daughter confidence, we can just say it was a Judy moment. I will be going out to buy a few Judy titles for a certain birthday that is coming up, for a certain girl, who, most certainly is growing up into a beautiful, smart, and overall amazing young woman.

Yep, I have been gone for days! Wow! As I have done before, over school vacations and such, I had to get AWAY! This February break we started with a funeral, and then went back down to Lansing for a bit. I consciously disconnected, and took some time out. Still, it feels good to be back blogging...knowing full well that the "end" is near. Thirtysomething, I truly do need to say farewell to you soon.

But not today.

And today was a wonderful day! Sue came over with the kids and a whole crew went out to ice fish while we talked, and talked, and talked! We started with coffee and banana bread, moved on to chili and wine, and ended with Toasted Coconut cookies! It was just plain wonderful! She and I always joke that we, if we are lucky, have our 7 minutes to talk on any given workday. This year, our classrooms are closer than they have ever been, but it seems we have been more swamped, less able to attain 7 minutes. Today, we banked up a lot of those 7 minutes to carry us through some more of the school year.

One of the days we were down in Lansing, mom and I spent pretty much the entire day talking as well, and it was great! I feel so blessed to have the women I have in my life. An amazing mom, amazing friends, THAT is what life is all about.

"Finally Friday"

And the real Coconut Friday arrives, and with it vacation. How sweet it is!

It was really a great day, too. We went to Tim's uncle Will's funeral in Lansing, and it was a nice time, not to mention the nice weather. It felt positively balmy, which, I think, perhaps, Will had something to do with. Then, Mom suggested that Gwynn stay over since we are just headed down again tomorrow. She was happy to do so, and Tim and I, suddenly kid free, hit Treleaven winery on the way home. We even ended up with an hour or two ALONE, before Devin came home from Bowling Sectionals, which, incidently, were tons of fun. This evening has just been a nice, peaceful, night at home, the three of us.

It was a good day, certainly a good start to vacation, and only the beginning of a WHOLE WEEK with NOTHING to do!

"Topsy Turvy Thursday"
Calling today Coconut Friday...cause I can...cause I am off work tomorrow. Granted it is for Will Schempp's funeral, but what better way to honor Will than with a Coconut Friday. As he was quoted..."Work is a way to fund a good time." Here's to you Will...hope you are boating in the Keys in spirit!

And now we bring you Wacky Wednesday. And Oprah, you are messing with my mind. Today on her show she said this...

"We teach what we most need to learn."

Oprah, I teach 4th grade all day. What does that MEAN? Are you saying I need to learn my math facts????? Come on! Or maybe it is something more.

Do I need to better learn how to work a fart joke into a conversation, because my boys are ALL about a fart joke! Do I need to learn how to keep a messy desk and not have the teacher notice? Do I need to learn how to be quiet in the halls and at appropriate times? (wait - I kinda DO need to learn that as I am the Queen of Blurting Out)

I don't know, but phew, Oprah, you have my head spinning!

Phew. And we have "Tackled Tuesday."

Today's list of crazy included an early morning Inventive Minds meeting for Gwynn, work all day, then County Roll Offs for Devin for bowling and dance tonight for Gwynn. Needless to say it was a leftover kind of night for dinner. We had fish tacos last night, and tonight, while having one, again, I took a look at the bag of tortilla chips that we had indeed reached the bottom of. Family Size.

You know, I used to only buy Family Size when we were having a family gathering. Now, it seems, we are doing family size all the time. I guess it was inevitable. For all practical purposes, we have 4 adult appetites in the house these days. I got a Family pack of pork chops this week, fully intending to cook all of them in order to have a meal, and to have leftovers. I do believe it is certain that the days of the meager, or even reasonable, Price Chopper bill are long gone.

This week, I was talking to a man who was behind me in the grocery line, about the fact that my (almost) teenage son is eating me out of house and home. He told me to enjoy it. I have a photo of Devin at about 18 - 20 months old, standing at the refrigerator with the door open getting at the food. These days, that sight is quite the familiar one again. I ought to take another picture and frame them, side by side, in the side by side.

Now, if I could only find the man who would sympathize with me so much in the grocery line that he would in turn pay my bill. Maybe wishful thinking, but a mom can dream!

I just don't have it in me tonight. We are SO busy this week. The kids have stuff every night, along with haircuts, a meeting with the insurance adjuster for the car on Wednesday, and hey, you can even top it off with a funeral on Friday. Sigh. I do know that vacation in coming though, so tonight's motto...
MADE IT THROUGH MONDAY!
G'nite!

I have really done a great deal this year to reign in my Sunday Grumpies, and while Sunday will never be my favorite day of the week, we are having a much better relationship as of late. Today was a great day. Spent the morning snuggled with my family in the snowed in house, drinking my coffee and watching CBS Sunday morning, which, after a segment on him, segued into a Herb Alpert music fest. Finally, it was time to get moving, and I stopped in to see Sue at her new house, and left Gwynn there to play while I got groceries. This evening started with a wonderful dinner, where I even tried a new veggie, swiss chard. Now, we're finishing up with The Grammy's, dessert, and wine. Yeah, Sunday was pretty OK this week, and soon, we'll be on vacation. Then, everyday will be like Sunday...well, maybe I'd rather every day were like Friday, but still, you get the point. Welcome new week, bring it on!

"Saturday's Randomness"

It is odd, but the graphic that I use for all of these Saturday posts, is still, after nearly a year, listed in my Desktop menu as Unknown. And each Saturday I have to think...now what is the Saturday blog graphic? Same goes for Coconut Friday, which is some long number. Did I do this to myself all year to keep my mind fresh, or am I just too lazy even to rename a file?

Today was weird. Tim's uncle died, so we got some news on that. It just felt surreal. Then, also, we found out his grandma went into the hospital. Paired with all the car crap we've been going through, and the breakneck pace that life feels like it travels at these days...well...it just was an odd energy day.

I rearranged the counter top in the kitchen since the tank of fish is (finally) completely done and gone. I will probably be reaching for the toaster and cutting boards in their old places until spring.

Did some planning and preparing today for a "Girl's Sleepover" party for MY 40th birthday...can't wait. Nancy better get her butt on board:)

A pile of magazines, a glass of wine, and my Cymbalta blanket, tonight, were far better than the Oswego hockey game. (Shhhh, don't tell Tim!) We intended to go, but with the odd energy of the day, and then the lake effect and blowing all day, it just seemed less than appealing. And you know, it was just fine to be HOME.

Ahhhhh...we made it to another Coconut Friday. It was a long week, but ended in a good day...a double pizza day. Back in Elementary School in Endicott we had these wonderful Italian ladies who cooked in our cafeteria. They made a mean pizza, and served it with tossed salad, a half an orange, a homemade peanut butter cookie, and chocolate milk, each and every Friday. The Fridays that my family also had pizza for dinner were the best. Today, we had pizza (from Sheila's...not the cafeteria...) for lunch in honor of Andy's birthday, and pizza at home too. A double pizza day! Now, as the kids head to bed, I am going to make myself a "Vacation" for dessert, and attempt to have some adult interaction with my husband before we both fall dead asleep. We'll see how that goes, but no matter what, it is Friday, and it is good.

So, just when I was starting to lose it, thinking the week was shot, and heading towards the downward spiral of "when does a girl get a break?" the universe helped me out. They were little things for sure, but it is, truly, the little things isn't it? Do we not learn that, more and more, as we age?

We started the day with a two hour delay. There was a meanacing band of lake effect snow that was headed our way and would have been a bear exactly at bus time. Two good things came of this. The band never really became a problem, so not only did I get to stay home and drink my coffee in my jammies, but I was also able to go out to my car, start it up, wipe the snow off with merely my wipers, and drive, through brilliant sunshine, to work.

Then, after school, Devin had a bowling match, and Tim took Gwynn to it while I stayed home. Blessed peace and quiet. Threw in some laundry, "opened" and chopped for dinner (can we say beans and franks...seriously...I am NOT a domestic goddess every night), and poured myself a glass of red. Yeah. Just sat around and did nothing and boy, did it feel great!

So, I suppose I can now make it to the weekend. Then it is just one more week to go until February break! And less than one more week, after that, of 39, for me.

...cracking a bumper all to hell on a Tuesday...wardrobe malfunctions on a Wednesday. Will the fun never end? Who has time to blog with that much excitement going on?

Yeah, after my stellar day yesterday, of driving home through a white out and then hitting the ice banks flanking the driveway on the way in, I decided to rock the sweater dress and boots today, for a mood booster. All I got was static and a hole in my stockings. I got over the hole, and the static was abated with some Static Guard, but none the less, I am just in a PISSY mood.

WHERE is my good luck that the Year of the Metal Rabbit promised me?
WHERE is my 2011 good Pisces Mojo?

I am NOT in a good place.

Well, I promised to blog about what I am reading, and I did just finish Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons, which was a really good book. It spanned the lives of a bookgroup over the course of 40 years. It was actually our bookgroup selection, and we have been together for about 12 or so years, so it was a fun one. You could see bits and pieces of our members in the story's members too.

Now, I am reading Farmer Boy. Yep, the part of the Little House series that I refused to read as a girl because it was about some smelly boy. I had no need to read it, and I had the support not to read it as a charter and creating member of our own "Laura Ingalls Wilder Fan Club." The bylaws were quite specific, and did in fact address Farmer Boy.

1. You had to like Laura

2. You had to try to braid your hair...which was tough in my 70's pixie cut, but I would pull a turtle neck up on my head and the arms dangling down my back would give me that "braids feel."

3. You had to like her dog Jack...of course I would have liked ANY dog, I was so desperate for one in my suburban existence.

and finally...

4. You had to read all of her books, with the exception of Farmer Boy of course since it wasn't about Laura anyways.

Well, at that time in my life, that bias made sense, but now, raising my own son, and teaching a boisterous bevy of boys in my 4th grade class, I am loving it. Even more so, I am, quite seriously, embarassed that as a veteran teacher I have never read this book. It is a wonderful snapshot of early America, and as a fourth grade teacher, for goodness sake, the book is SET here in UPSTATE NY! It is a fabulous teaching tool! OK, so true confessions are over. I am making amends. I am cozying up with this book, and seriously considering re-reading the whole Little House series. I bought a boxed set for Gwynn for her 10th birthday. I hope she loves them as much as I did. It is good and comforting to think of how much I still love Laura. And now, I am satisfied as I have the dog, and my daughter can wear the braids.

...ummm, yeah. No time to blog on my husband's favorite holiday SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! Steelers vs Packers. Packers won. But more importantly, we made loaded baked potatoes and roasted garlic soup. Yum!

"Saturday's Randomness"

Today started with my kids and hubby making me breakfast in bed, and ended with Gwynn and Tim making a Chinese feast in honor of Chinese New Year. I love that my whole family cooks!

Groceries were more fun in a new car.

I am not above boxed wine...picked up a red and a white today. I had this feeling like it was "time" for my "no drinking during the week" diet, then I realized I am turning 40 in less than a month. Maybe later this spring, but for now, I am stocked up.

Felt a little "off" all day. Period crampy. I never had cramps as a teen or young adult, but since childbirth, my period is just a different and unpredictable thing. I mean, it is on time, but I just never know if it'll be a "no big deal" month or a month where I have a day or two I'd rather spend in bed. My Chinese fortune read, "If it seems fates are against you today, they probably are." Nuff said.

Have begun shopping for the Valentine's Day/Birthday season. Both kids have given me their "birthday lists." Devin's really is hysterical and I should post it here. He has a knack for snarky humor...wonder where he got that. I think tomorrow I will write MY birthday list and give it to them!

I also am going to warn my BFF's Kath, Nancy, Shan, and Jeanne, that tomorrow they will be receiving the "Road Map on our Journey to 40" message from me. Be afraid, be very afraid! Love you all!

My "something to celebrate" tonight was dinner out at Press Box, and a great little shopping excursion to JCPenney's, in Oswego. No, it really doesn't take a whole lot to please me. Really. I haven't really been out to JCP in a while, and I was JUST saying to Sue today that I really have no need to buy any more winter clothes, but, isn't that always when it happens? You find great stuff, cheap, that fits.
I have been wanting a sweater dress...check.
And a bright pink scarf...check.
Then there was an un-needed but cute grey sweater...check.
And finally, a stripey sweater dress for Gwynn...check.
Add to all that a $10 return, and a $10 off coupon.
Yep, it was another night they pretty much paid me to shop.
Coconut Friday for sure...in fact, I think I may just go mix myself a drink with some Coconut Rum!
Happy Friday All!

I am not one to totally buy into astrology, but I am not one to dismiss it either. Today, as work, Tim sent me my Year Outlook as we enter the Chinese Year of the Metal Rabbit. We follow all things Chinese pretty closely in our home, as Gwynn is obsessed with Asian culture. This year, the year that I am heading into my 40's, is, apparently, is MY year.

PIG
Pig Outlook for 2011
Pig
1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Pig Overview

You have the privilege of being the luckiest animal during the Year of the Metal Rabbit. It's about time! Last year might have been a bit hectic. However, all that planning and patience has finally paid off. You deserve the break, Pig. Short of multimillion dollar lottery winnings and total world domination, 2011 should bring many things to be thankful for. I'll bet you're nice and settled in a fulfilling career, a satisfied relationship, and a happy home. If not, those things are probably on their way. Remember to share you successes with the ones you love. Keep striving for inner balance and self-acceptance. Internalize the goodness around you and know you deserve it.

Pig Rating

82% (12 favorable months)

Pig Career

The world is your brunch buffet. Have you tried everything yet? Feel free to feast on all the flavors you can this year when it comes to your professional life. Perhaps you'll finally make strides in the work you've always wanted to do. Lifelong dreams can be realized this year so reach for yours with confidence. Have you written the next great American novel? Discovered a cure for cancer? Composed a symphony? Don't be surprised if your efforts are greatly rewarded. You've waited a long time for this. Enjoy the well-deserved recognition.

Pig Relationships

You might feel like you finally know the meaning of domestic bliss in 2011. You and the Rabbit are of the same affinity group, Rabbit-Goat-Pig, so relationships will probably be harmonious this year. Marriage, moving in together, or babies could be part of the equation. Are you ready? Make sure you've worked out all the kinks in your relationship before you set things in stone. If you're single, you might meet a special someone with lasting potential this year. Relationships started now could be very favorable, so be prepared to mingle.

Pig Health

With all the excitement going on, don't forget to take care of your health this year. If you're a typical Pig, you might be tempted to overindulge, especially in celebration of good things. This could wreak havoc on your digestive system, to be good to your body. Nurture it with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and vitamins. Eat organic whenever possible. Drink plenty of water. You'll need strength and stamina to get through this year. Make sure you don't tax your system by having too good of a time!

Pig Wealth

Your hard work during the year of the Tiger should bring money your way in 2011. There will be several occurrences of Triple Metal days -- where the element of the year, month, and day all match. Since Metal is the element most closely affiliated with wealth, you might see your bank account get a boost. Not only that, a few Triple Rabbit days could be favorable for you since you're in the same affinity group as this year's animal. Make a list of things you want to buy, do, or see that will cost money. Figure out how many things are feasible and put away the money now. There should be enough to go around.



...and equally wonderful was my yearly outlook as a Pisces...


PISCES
Year 2011 Overview

Don't stop believing, Pisces! This year is nothing short of miraculous, filled with all-things sublime. Take advantage of lucky Jupiter's final hurrah in your sign at the start of the year. If you've been procrastinating on turning your visions into a goldmine, January is your time to bust a serious move and catch the amazing non-stop momentum of 2011. There's no spacing out, hiding home or escaping from reality. Things are just too good to miss! Speaking of missing, don't miss the boat Pisces; Jupiter only enters your sign once every 12 years.

That said, you do have the auspicious advent of another awesome planetary boon when your planetary ruler, Neptune enters Pisces in April. For the next 14 years, your super-sensitivity and matchless compassion serve you well. You'll feel like you're in your own element rather than your usual fish out of water feeling. The world will join with you in feeling the suffering of the world. Your dreams and imaginative powers are nothing to be taken lightly. Divine messages, synchronicity and channeling the gods become a daily experience between April and August, and then again in 2012 to stay.

Despite your consistent protesting over the ills of materialism and that money is the root of all evil -- you may be seriously changing your tune as money seems to be falling from the sky this spring. With six planets lining up in your money sector on May 1, it's time to make some serious bank -- ready or not.

Positivity abounds, and life is mine for the taking, apparently. 40, bring it, I am ready!

I want to take a moment to thank Mr. Sholes for my wake up call this morning...the wake up call that said..."Cheryl, no real need to come to work today. It's awfully snowy and particularly icy and cold out there today. How about you snuggle back down next to your hubby and go back to sleep." God I love those calls! And to think it happened on the day that just happens to be a month away from my birthday to boot! I am going to try to find something to celebrate each and every day for the next month as I make my grand entrance into my 40's. Today, it most certainly was the snowday, and snuggling with my family, cleaning, and cooking, and blasting Broadway music, and baking, and playing games, and reading. It really was a wonderful day! Again, thank you Mr. Sholes.

Last night I had a nearly two hour talk with Dev, and had to promise not to blog about it. Tonight it was a nearly two hour date with my husband, and I will spare my blog the details;)

Devin was at a bowling match out in Lyons. It was only on the way home from dropping Gwynn at dance class that I realized we'd have some time alone.

It was, truly, a moment of chaotic scheduling synergy.

May the luck that brought that our way bring us a snow day tomorrow as well. Fingers crossed, pencil in the freezer, and jammies on inside out for sure!

G-nite!