Sketchbook

I've had many, many sketchbooks in my life.  For some time I fancied myself some kind of artist or designer.  I even started a graduate program in stage design (costumes specifically).  When I quit that grad program for a variety of reasons I pretty much quit on art and design as well.  I continued to like art and design, but I stopped producing any myself.

Over the years I've had different fantasies about getting a new drafting table to work on, about different types of projects I'd like to try and even the feeling of spending time creating.  I haven't actually done much of anything in the past 18 years though.

I don't know if I'm any good or if I just like doing it, but I feel like it is finally time I got back to doing something.  I've decided to start small with a really small sketchbook and a couple of pencils -- one hard, and one soft.  I'd like to say I'd spend time on one sketch a day, but given my current schedule I think that would be setting myself up for failure so I am going to try for one sketch a week.  I'm even going to post the sketch here and that will be doubly good.

The first sketch I'm posting is actually from this past summer.  It is an idea I had to paint on our back fence.    I had hoped to translate it into actual paint on the fence, but my ridiculous health issues and a new job got in the way so I put it on hold.  However, I am really going to try to get it done this summer as I think it will look really cool.  I plan to sketch it a few more times with some actual fence so it will be more clear on how it lays out, but this is my first draft.

I know it doesn't look like much, but I am a little rusty. More next week.

Watching TV

I simply cannot stand kid's television. I don't know what it is and I never thought I'd be this way, but when Zoe is watching her shows (see: iCarly, MadTV, Victorious, etc.) I am literally repelled from the room. Sitting down to watch TV together is something we rarely do.

Both my mother and Rob seem to have a much greater tolerance than I do. They can actually sit in the room. They might be reading or something else, but I can't even think when faced with those shows.

In a way, it's good. I do a lot of reading, writing or other things that need doing while Zoe watches TV. Also I am always sure Zoe goes to bed on time because I can't wait for her TV time to be over.

As a result of this I have often felt like I don't get to watch anything I want to watch. Like it is off limits to me. That's probably not entirely true, but that's how it feels. So finally a few weeks ago when my birthday was approaching I decided that what I wanted was my own TV.

I have to say it was one of the best self-indulgent things I've done. I haven't spent much more time watching tv than I did before, but now when I do, it is almost like a spa treatment. I get into bed and watch what I want watch when I want to watch it. (Then I usually fall asleep about 10 minutes later.)

It's the little things.



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Tuesday Shoesday: New Kicks for Zoe

The other day Zoe said to me, "Mom, a bunch of kids at school have these sneakers I really like."  Then she paused and said quite sheepishly, "Can I get a pair?"  As if she was afraid to ask.  She should know that I recognize the importance of the right pair of shoes.  I was a little disappointed in her at that moment, but I got over it and I said of course she could have the cool sneakers.

But first she had to find out who made them and where to get them.  The next day she came home and reported they were made by Reebok, called Zigtech and were available at the mall.  They look like this:

The next weekend we headed to the mall and went to Kid's Foot Locker.  They had the sneakers, but not the color Zoe wanted.  We tried a few other places, but she was unwilling to settle.

That night when we got home I looked online and discovered that Reebok let's you customize this kind of sneaker.  The possibilities and design combinations were endless.  I was so excited to show this to Zoe since then she could pick out exactly what she wanted.  She eagerly sat down at the computer and started designing her perfect shoe.

About an hour later she gave up in frustration.  She could not figure out what she wanted.  I tried to help, but I just wasn't helpful as is often the case with Mom and clothes.  I even suggested she try Nike's version of customized shoes.  That was equally frustrating.  Finally, Zoe could take no more and declared that she no longer wanted sneakers and that we were to just forget it.  It was a shame, because there are some great, creative possibilities with being able to design your own, but I guess ultimately, there were just too many choices.

The next morning I happened to get an email from J Crew advertising some stuff from their kids' line and the email included a really cute, classic pair of Adidas sneakers for kids.  They just screamed Zoe to me.  I showed them to her and she fell in love instantly.  We are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of these:

In the end I have to say I am proud that Zoe recognized the importance of not only cool, but classic.

Football Birthday

Last weekend I celebrated my 41st birthday. After last year's 40th fete, I didn't want much hoopla, just a quiet day with my family and some good cake.  It happened that the Giants' playoff game fell right on my birthday so I invited my family over for a football birthday party.  Not a typical birthday celebration for me, but in recent years I've gone from a half-hearted football fan to a full on fan so it seemed like a fun way to spend the afternoon.  As it turned out the game was super-exciting and ended in a win for the Giants so my birthday was complete.  The cake was delicious too, which really sealed it.

Rob, being the kind of guy he is, found this birthday card that he helped along to perfection:

Zoe Bryant?

Mom bragging alert!

Highlight from Zoe's 2nd ever basketball game. I can't quite explain it, but watching these basketball games is so much fun! I have a smile on my face the entire time. Hopefully these 30 seconds will make you smile too.

Feats of Motherhood

Yesterday I was in an all day meeting with a vendor we are doing a lot of work with.  The meeting was largely focussed on alleviating the various areas of dissatisfaction on our part, as the client.  It wasn't a relaxed day and it certainly wasn't easy for either us or them.  That being said we did get through the day and reached what I hope will be accord.

When we were wrapping up around 7pm the woman who was leading things from the vendor side, who was the picture of confidence, intelligence and diligence all day, said she was going home to crash because she had been up all night with her daughter who had croup.  Not only had she been up all night, she had been at the emergency room all night.  Honestly, I never would have guessed.  I can only imagine how completely shattered she felt, but she never let it slip during the course of our very long day.

This morning as I was juggling an 8am webex/conference call  and getting Zoe up, ready for school, and out to the bus stop (hardly comparable to a night spent in the ER) I was reminded of her and all of the times I have simultaneously juggled motherhood and work.  Good to be reminded that I am far from alone in this juggling act.

This was my view leaving Brooklyn last night after my all day meeting.  

New Year, New Look

So, I decided it was time for a blog makeover.  Not sure I am 100% satisfied with the result thus far especially because I think the new look has been heavily influenced by my latest project.  Here's a snag of that project:

See any resemblance?  Yup, I'll have to keep working on that.


Speaking of the new year I never did my usual end of year wrap up or resolutions for the new year...

2011 Wrap up:

• I have to say that 2011 kicked my ass.  It was tough year from start to finish.  It wasn't all bad, but it wasn't easy.  
• The weather played a surprisingly big role in the year.  From snow storms, to heat waves, to hurricanes, they were all memorable, but nothing I'd like to relive any time soon.  
• I listened to an awful lot of audio books.  18 out of the 67 books I have listed as "read" were actually "listened."  Reasons for that are 1) I started listening to audiobooks while I work out and 2) my new job included a new commute
• Starting a new job is really tough and really consuming, but finding a job where you are both treated with respect and like what you're doing is amazing.  I completely forgot what that felt like and I am so glad I got it back.  
• Several times over the course of the year I was reminded to be grateful for all that I have in my life.  Despite my petty complaints, I know I am a lucky person.
• And lastly, Zoe grew up so much this year.  She's not completely different and in many ways she's still and will always be my baby, but she's getting so mature.  It makes me proud and breaks my heart.

I have decided I am not making specific resolutions for 2012.  I am simply wishing for a quiet year where the scale is more tipped towards happiness for myself and those I care about. 

What's with the toothpaste

After my last post, I decided it was best I keep my whining about the holidays to myself.  Now that Christmas is all unwrapped and there is very little on tap for New Year's, I can move on to other kinds of whining.

I've compiled a list of complaints/questions regarding toothpaste.  It may seem silly, but I encounter the tube at least 2 times per day and what I see drives me crazy.

• What is with the toothpaste and why are women the only people capable of using a tube of toothpaste without turning it into a disgusting mess in some way?  (Grown women only because Zoe is as much of a culprit here as Rob.)  
• Seriously, how very hard it is to squeeze the tube from the bottom?  
• And can you not yet judge the force of squeeze you'll need to get the toothpaste out without also getting it all over the top of the tube?  
• And one more question, is it really so hard to rinse the toothpaste residue from the sink when you're done brushing your teeth?

Any insight here would extremely helpful.  And please don't tell me I am OCD.  I have lived with other women and I know they do not behave like this with toothpaste.  

Maybe I need some more post-holiday rest?

< whine >

I want to enjoy the holidays, I really do.  But there is just so much to do and think about and spend.

I just keep fantasizing about the day after when I may finally get to rest and possibly be left alone for 4 or more hours with nothing to buy, wrap, cook or prepare in any way.

I hate being this way.  Gifts and parties are supposed to be fun.  So when did it get so exhausting?

< /whine >

Letter to Santa

This year's letter from "been good all year (almost)" Zoe, now on it's way to the North Pole.

Its the most craziest time of the year

Not much blogging from me these days.  Seems like there has barely been time to breath since the week before Thanksgiving.  OK, I did some breathing during the week of Thanksgiving because we were on vacation, but I didn't blog then although I probably should have.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here are a few thousand words from our Dallas road trip vacation:

from The Peeps Store in National Harbor, MD
Yes, we went out of our way to go and it was worth it!

Ashton demonstrating the proper way to drink martinis

Zoe and Samantha playing DJ Hero

Zoe looking gorgeous as photographed by the uber-talented Ashton

And the stars of the Dallas show -- Karen and the newest Mr. Smith (Scott)

Zoe Writes About Me

Zoe had a writing assignment where she had to write about someone close to her and she chose to write about me! She decided to type her final version into the computer so I don't have it in her handwriting, but this is still great.  I love it...

My mom

In my book my mom is the best thing since peanut butter. She is my role model. She has taught me many life lessons. She is always there for me and has never made me sad, angry, or forgotten. She says she loves me everyday and I always say the same thing back. She fills me heart and makes me smile almost everyday. My mom is always there for me. She always makes me happy before she is. My mom is one of the best people in my life and I am lucky to have her. 

I have and always will be my mom’s little girl. She has told me she loves me more times then the earth has trees. She loves me and I love her. I always will. She gives me hope and she gives me confidence. My mom is one of a kind and I don’t think anyone could even be like her.

My mom loves me. I love her. She has friends that love her too. My mom is my mom is my mom and that is not why I love her. I love her because she is a nice wonderful person. My mom is one person and if that person is her then I’ll be happy.

Working from home vs. Working at work

I've been at my new job for about 10 weeks now.  Things are going well and I am very glad I made the move.   I was nervous about adjusting back to work in an office, but that hasn't been too difficult.  However, I have made some observations about the differences (some good, some not) which I will share with you now.

1. When you are in the office no one expects you to simultaneously work at your job and do housework or errands.  
2. When you are in the office most of the week you have to set aside time on the weekend for getting the laundry done.
3. When you are in the office it is not unusual to spend 15 minutes or more just chatting with your co-workers about this and that.  You can actually spend time getting to know each other.
4. When you are in the office your co-workers can interrupt your work any time they step up to your desk or into your office.
5. When you are in the office all day you can sometimes come home to find someone else preparing dinner and that is a wonderful thing.
6. When you are in the office all day you cannot run out to the supermarket at lunchtime and get the [fill in ingredient] you need for the dinner you'd planned.
7. When you are in the office and have a meeting in a conference room it can be just as hard to concentrate as when you're on the phone at home.
8. When you are in the office and have conference calls all day you can't help thinking you could have stayed home for that.
9. When you are in the office (at least in my office) people do look at you funny if you wear jeans.  
10. When you are in the office no one looks at you funny if you are wearing fabulous high heels and you are likely to be complimented.  

Halloween 2011: A Pictorial

We started the night with Guacamoldy and Chips.

The dinner menu included Monster Meatloaf and the ever-popular Mummy Hot Dogs:

The costumes were put on. I never got a good shot of Zoe as a Bumble Bee. I think this is the best one:

Trick-or-Treating and Halloween Decoration Admiring began promptly at 6:30.  This was the best jack-o-lantern.



















Finally the nigth was topped off with Tombcakes (because yes, in addition to candy, you need dessert).

Book Review: Fathermucker

I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.

Fathermucker is an interesting, sarcastic, humorous, and slightly depressing look at both modern fatherhood and modern parenting. Josh, our hero, is a stay-at-home Dad, or as he calls it a SAHD and the book tells the story of one tumultuous day in his life with two young children.

The story starts a little unevenly, but by halfway through it picks up steam and the tale that unfolds is one I think both modern mothers and fathers can relate to. I enjoyed the Dad's point of view as much as I enjoyed seeing a man struggle with raising young kids while keeping a marriage intact just as many women I know, myself included have.

Overall this is a thoughtful and enjoyable book that I think any parent can appreciate.

Loafer Loveliness

I guess I should save this for Tuesday, but who can wait? 

Back in July I blogged about the gorgeous penny loafers from Tory Burch.  But in all honesty, they were a bit out of my price range so I never got them ... until today when they were on SALE!  I felt I had to share such good news. 

I am happy to report that these beautiful red loafers are on their way to me as I type.  Joy!

Check out Heather!

So exciting!  My friend Heather is in a TV commercial for Kettle Chips:



How awesome is that!!

12 Years Ago Today...

...I married the love of my life.

Lucky me.  Yes, of course, Rob is lucky to have me, but it really goes both ways.  I'm not sure I really understood feeling loved until Rob and I got together.  I can't imagine having faced parenthood and so many things without him by my side.

Happy Anniversary my love.

Halloween Costumes Update

So we went to the party store to look at costumes.  (I always feel guilty just buying costumes since I, of all people, former costume designer, should really make her costumes, but I can't do everything.)  The costume we went looking for was that of Mixed Martial Arts fighter.  I didn't have much hope, but I did think we could find a boxer's costume or some accessories that we could use.  The closest thing available was this:

But I think this might be a little too, um, sexy for a 9 year-old.  

There were a lot of other great costume ideas at the party store.  I made a ton of suggestions.  All of them were shot down.  Including this Athena costume which I thought we could easily turn into an Artemis costume:

But Zoe wanted no part of it.  She's convinced no one will know who she is supposed to be if she wears it and I think she despises the idea of wearing a dress.  Sigh.

Somehow Zoe was ultimately taken in by a set of bumble bee wings and so that is her costume, bumble bee.  It is kind of disappointing in a way that doesn't make sense.  I mean, it is her costume so she should be happy with it and that should be enough for me, right?  Yeah, right.

I'm still thinking of ordering the Athena costume, just in case she changes her mind.  Sigh.

I Don't Know How She Does It

A couple of weeks ago I went to see the movie I Don’t Know How She Does It, the movie based on the book of the same name by Allison Pearson. It was cute, somewhat trite, yet entirely perfect for a girls’ night out. Despite it’s forgetability, something about it stuck with me, some voice in my head said something wasn’t quite right. I listened to the audiobook of this title when it first came out in the U.S. sometime in 2003 and I haven’t carried the best impression of the book with me. If you had asked I would have said it was just an OK book, but I couldn’t tell you why exactly. After seeing the movie, I was pretty sure the moviemakers had either missed something or not quite gotten the story right. No surprise in that happening in a movie adaptation, but I couldn’t remember the book well enough to recall the problem.


Luckily Audible saves your purchased library for all time so I was able to download the book and give it another listen and alas I was able to discover what was missing. In the book (SPOILER ALERT) Momo, Kate’s (the protagonist) protégé, is subjected to sexual harassment in a particular nasty way. The slimy Chris Bunce (played right on target by Seth Meyers in the movie) puts her head on pictures of naked women performing lewd acts. This spurs Kate into action setting up the evil Bunce to get fired and then resigning herself (this does not occur at all in the movie and Kate does not resign). Second, her husband actually leaves her, instead of just implying that he might.

Lastly, and most important, the overarching message of the book seems to be that working too hard and succeeding is not a good thing for a woman – or at least not for her family. Kate and all the other likeable women characters eventually end up either as stay-at-home Moms or working at much less demanding (high-paying) careers. Kate, smart, powerful, highly paid woman, gives up her job so her husband doesn’t leave her and so her kids don’t hate her. This is what brings happiness to husbands and children.

The movie, on the other hands, ends on a note that says women can do it all (except an affair, of course, even if it is Pierce Brosnan), it is just a careful balancing act. I guess I subscribe more with that version of reality for obvious reasons.

In reality I suppose both conclusions are true, depending on who you ask and when. In this current economic climate, I don’t think a story about a woman giving up a high-paying job to spend more time at home would go over well since most don’t even have an option. And while I know for a fact that most stay-at-home moms actually work much harder than I do, I don’t think that staying at home necessarily makes a better mother as the book seems to imply. That’s my gamble, anyway.

At least now I know why my recollection of the book was iffy and I have a new appreciation for the movie rendition.

The one good thing that the book and movie share is how annoying that statement really is, "I don't know how you do it."  I do know.  It's not magic, it's not really anything special.  It's just living.