Wow, I've managed to keep a theme for two whole posts. This is 2009 in review, from an entertainment perspective...
Movies:
The Spirit
Boondock Saints*
Hellboy II
Oceans Twelve
Th Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Dr. T & the Women
Defiance
Born into Brothels*
Thank You for Smoking*
Lakeview Terrace
The Fall*
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Ghost Town*
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Neverwas
Stargate
Erin Brockovich*
Coraline
Two for the Road
Love and Basketball*
Get Smart
The Hoax
Watchmen*
Pinapple Express
Role Models*
Akeelah and the Bee*
Let the Right One In*
The Professional*
Slumdog Millionaire*
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
To Die For
Angels & Insects
Star Trek*
Inventing the Abbotts
Angels and Demons
Three to Tango
Terminator: Salvation
Capote
He's Just Not That Into You*
Outlander
The Proposal*
Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen
Surfer, Dude
Waltz with Bashir*
Public Enemies
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*
Taken*
Valkyrie*
Volver*
Repo: The Genetic Opera
Transporter 3*
Lovers of the Arctic Circle
Push
District 9*
GI Joe
Appaloosa
Knowing*
Au Revoir, les Enfants*
Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
Inglourious Basterds*
Redbelt*
9
Jane Austen Book Club
The Greatest Game Ever Played
Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
That Thing You Do
Tsotsi*
I Love You, Man
New in Town
Defending Your Life
The Hunger
24 Hour Party People
The Other Boleyn Girl
Idiocracy
Twilight Saga: New Moon
No Country for Old Men*
The Visitor*
Up*
Saving Grace*
American Splendor
Bride & Prejudice
Persepolis
Travel:
Raleigh/Durham, NC
Tarpon Springs, FL
Chicago, IL
Charleston/Mt. Pleasant, SC - July
Charleston/Mt. Pleasant, SC - December
Books:
Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia-Marquez
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen*
The Historian
The Time Traveler's Wife
Your Pregnancy, Week by Week*
What to Expect When You're Expecting
The Happiest Baby on the Block
To Have and Have Not, Ernest Hemingway*
The Politically Incorrect Guide to the South
Live Music:
Reckless Kelly, Variety Playhouse, Atlanta
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Atlanta - Gilbert Varga Conducting
Zoltan Kodaly - Dances of Galanta
Jean Sibelius - Concerto for Violin & Orch. in D. Minor, Opus 47
Leonidas Karakos, Violin
Johannes Brahms - Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Opus 73
George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars, Variety Playhouse, Atlanta
Dave Matthews Band, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Alpharetta
Avett Brothers, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Alpharetta (opening for DMB)
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Alpharetta
Rossi - Barber of Seville
Orff - Carmina Burana
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Alpharetta
July 4 Celebration
Reckless Kelly, The Peachtree Tavern, Atlanta
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, The Tabernacle, Atlanta
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, North Charleston Performing Arts Center, Charleston
Cool Stuff:
Learned to ride and got motorcycle license
(less than two weeks before finding out I was pregnant)
Um, well, had a baby boy
*indicates a favorite movie or book.
Noticably absent are CDs purchased. I forgot to keep track of those this year, and bought a LOT at the used CD store (I think I may have done separate posts). So starting in 2010, I'll keep track of that, too. I expect it to be a shorter list in the future, though, but we'll see.
I did get the new Dave Matthews CD, Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King, and it is amazing. Just off the top of my head, that would be my favorite CD of the year. Oh, I also got the new Lyle Lovett, Natural Forces, but DMB is still my favorite this year.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
J's Three Month Letter
December 29, 2009
Dear J,
Today is my second day back at work, and I miss your smile so much during the day. I even miss your frown, your pouty bottom lip, and your cries. But it hasn’t been as hard as I thought it would be. I know that you are waiting for me when I get home, and that makes my time away from you OK. I think it also helps that I know you’re home with your daddy this week. That’s a nice way to ease into this new arrangement.
Next week you start daycare, and I know they are going to take great care of you. It’s going to be hard, too, but here’s the way I figure it: we are simply loaning you to them three days a week. You are such an amazing little being that it’s our obligation to share you with the world, and, right now, the part of the world we will share you with is the group of people at Brookside Academy. Your daddy thinks that they should actually be paying us for the privilege of spending time with you each day.
You smile all the time now, and your laugh is hilarious, because you can’t quite laugh yet. You just do this big inhale thing, and the breath gets caught in your throat. You even chatter a bit now, especially when you’re hungry. You just babble on (loudly) until that bottle arrives.
You sit up pretty well with the help of your new Bumbo seat, and you’re loving the bouncy seat with its little animals that dangle from above and make noise when you shake them. Christmas was nice, but not overkill, since you’re a bit too young to understand it all anyway. You got some cute clothes, a couple toys, a Peanuts book, and your Great Aunt Becky sent a sign that we’ll hang in your room:
Boy: (noun), a noise with dirt on it
I’m so excited for the days when that is really true, but for now, I’m enjoying every minute of right now – because it’s already flying by.
Love,
Mom
Dear J,
Today is my second day back at work, and I miss your smile so much during the day. I even miss your frown, your pouty bottom lip, and your cries. But it hasn’t been as hard as I thought it would be. I know that you are waiting for me when I get home, and that makes my time away from you OK. I think it also helps that I know you’re home with your daddy this week. That’s a nice way to ease into this new arrangement.
Next week you start daycare, and I know they are going to take great care of you. It’s going to be hard, too, but here’s the way I figure it: we are simply loaning you to them three days a week. You are such an amazing little being that it’s our obligation to share you with the world, and, right now, the part of the world we will share you with is the group of people at Brookside Academy. Your daddy thinks that they should actually be paying us for the privilege of spending time with you each day.
You smile all the time now, and your laugh is hilarious, because you can’t quite laugh yet. You just do this big inhale thing, and the breath gets caught in your throat. You even chatter a bit now, especially when you’re hungry. You just babble on (loudly) until that bottle arrives.
You sit up pretty well with the help of your new Bumbo seat, and you’re loving the bouncy seat with its little animals that dangle from above and make noise when you shake them. Christmas was nice, but not overkill, since you’re a bit too young to understand it all anyway. You got some cute clothes, a couple toys, a Peanuts book, and your Great Aunt Becky sent a sign that we’ll hang in your room:
Boy: (noun), a noise with dirt on it
I’m so excited for the days when that is really true, but for now, I’m enjoying every minute of right now – because it’s already flying by.
Love,
Mom
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Two Months (already?)
December 2, 2009
Dear J,
You’re napping, and I’m just going to ignore laundry, dirty bottles, the mail, and packing for a few minutes, so that I can write you this letter. It’s a week late, but that’s the way things go these days. You’re two months and one week old today, and it’s strange to say, but the time has both flown and crawled by.
You went to the doctor last week, and you were less than an ounce shy of 13 pounds. It seems that it takes most children four months or more to get to that weight, so I must say – well done! The doctor said to just keep doing what we’re doing. Everything looks good.
You’ve been doing the cutest things, too. For about a week or two, anytime you sneezed or coughed, when you were done, you would coo while you exhaled. The description doesn’t do it justice; it was just about the cutest thing I’ve seen. You’re really smiling all the time now, and you have even started laughing. Most of the time the laugh is silent, but sometimes there’s even an audible chuckle in there.
You love your activity mat, but not when you’re on your tummy. I’ve discovered that rolling you onto your tummy is the best way to turn you from smiling to red, wrinkle-faced screaming in three seconds flat.
A friend at work told me something that her friend told her, and I have to put it here because it’s absolutely the truth. As a parent, you think you’ve just seen the coolest or cutest or most wonderful thing, but the next day, there will be something even better. The best thing about having children is that every day is better than the day before.
Then it was Thanksgiving, which has taken on a whole new meaning now that you’re in our lives. Frankly, it’s not just Thanksgiving, it’s pretty much everything, but Thanksgiving was a great time to reflect on your place with us. That’s understating it. You are our lives now; everything is reflected in or upon you somehow, and it’s a beautiful feeling. The joy you bring is immeasurable.
It seems that you’re already waking up from your nap, so I’ve got to run. I love you, and can’t wait for what tomorrow brings – Charleston and your first road trip, as a matter of fact.
Love,
Mom
Dear J,
You’re napping, and I’m just going to ignore laundry, dirty bottles, the mail, and packing for a few minutes, so that I can write you this letter. It’s a week late, but that’s the way things go these days. You’re two months and one week old today, and it’s strange to say, but the time has both flown and crawled by.
You went to the doctor last week, and you were less than an ounce shy of 13 pounds. It seems that it takes most children four months or more to get to that weight, so I must say – well done! The doctor said to just keep doing what we’re doing. Everything looks good.
You’ve been doing the cutest things, too. For about a week or two, anytime you sneezed or coughed, when you were done, you would coo while you exhaled. The description doesn’t do it justice; it was just about the cutest thing I’ve seen. You’re really smiling all the time now, and you have even started laughing. Most of the time the laugh is silent, but sometimes there’s even an audible chuckle in there.
You love your activity mat, but not when you’re on your tummy. I’ve discovered that rolling you onto your tummy is the best way to turn you from smiling to red, wrinkle-faced screaming in three seconds flat.
A friend at work told me something that her friend told her, and I have to put it here because it’s absolutely the truth. As a parent, you think you’ve just seen the coolest or cutest or most wonderful thing, but the next day, there will be something even better. The best thing about having children is that every day is better than the day before.
Then it was Thanksgiving, which has taken on a whole new meaning now that you’re in our lives. Frankly, it’s not just Thanksgiving, it’s pretty much everything, but Thanksgiving was a great time to reflect on your place with us. That’s understating it. You are our lives now; everything is reflected in or upon you somehow, and it’s a beautiful feeling. The joy you bring is immeasurable.
It seems that you’re already waking up from your nap, so I’ve got to run. I love you, and can’t wait for what tomorrow brings – Charleston and your first road trip, as a matter of fact.
Love,
Mom
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time for an update
There is of course tons to update, but not much time to do it. I hope to have a more detailed "J" post next week when he's two months old, but for now, I will just say that last night's Lyle Lovett show at the Tabernacle was amazing. I'm not sure I can see him at Chastain again and enjoy it. The sound at the Tabernacle is just so amazing that I'm now completely spoiled.
It was interesting, because even though his "Large Band" was with him, there were no horns, so the show was decidedly more mellow than usual. The few songs they played that usually have horns were arranged with strings playing the horn parts instead - which was different, but really fantastic.
A favorite lyric from one of his new songs, Natural Forces:
And now as I sit here safe at home
With a cold Coors Light and the TV on
All the sacrifice and death and war
Lord I pray that I'm worth fighting for
It was interesting, because even though his "Large Band" was with him, there were no horns, so the show was decidedly more mellow than usual. The few songs they played that usually have horns were arranged with strings playing the horn parts instead - which was different, but really fantastic.
A favorite lyric from one of his new songs, Natural Forces:
And now as I sit here safe at home
With a cold Coors Light and the TV on
All the sacrifice and death and war
Lord I pray that I'm worth fighting for
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Four Weeks
Hey Little Man,
Today you are four weeks old, and you are beautiful. You've been beautiful since the day you were born, but you manage to get more precious every day. I don't understand it, but it's fantastic.
I completely understand now how parents spoil their children by not being able to say "no" to them. All I want is for you to have everything you want in life.
I don't think these entries will be very long, but there are times when I have to write what I'm thinking. And today is one of those days.
A few minutes ago, I looked at you lying in your Nana's arms, and I was absolutely overcome with love for you. You are the most wonderful thing in the world.
Love,
Mom
Today you are four weeks old, and you are beautiful. You've been beautiful since the day you were born, but you manage to get more precious every day. I don't understand it, but it's fantastic.
I completely understand now how parents spoil their children by not being able to say "no" to them. All I want is for you to have everything you want in life.
I don't think these entries will be very long, but there are times when I have to write what I'm thinking. And today is one of those days.
A few minutes ago, I looked at you lying in your Nana's arms, and I was absolutely overcome with love for you. You are the most wonderful thing in the world.
Love,
Mom
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
J's Birthday Notes
So, my epidural worked like a charm and I was also lucky enough to get it before any real bad contractions started, which allowed me to text friends during labor, and also to keep notes of how it all went down. I didn't keep them in proper grammar, etc, but kind of shorthand. I have at least fixed any spelling mistakes. Here's what happened:
38w6d
Dr. at 9-ish AM
membranes stripped (was 4-5cm last week and 80%, so we're ready to go if we want to)
5-6cm, 80%, -1
sent to hospital
signed in
paperwork
iv with pitocin by 11:20
hungry already - this isn't good but I'll deal with it
a few contractions here and there
one in particular is sharp, but short
one long one, but not painful
11:45 epidural's on its way
midwife here between 12:15 and 12:45 to break water
12:40 epidural done
12:57 water broke on its own
labor without any pain until 8:00
contractions ev 2-3 min. cervix opening and ev looks good - except he's still up hi at -1 and midwife sees that he seems to be sunny-side up with his head turned to the side. she calls doc on call to confirm. he does.
sometime during all this, i start getting itchy all over - like wearing a wool sweater from head to toe. apparently, this is a side effect of the epidural.
at first it's not unbearable, but soon i can't handle it and they give me something in my iv to stop it.
then the nausea kicks in, which i heard about. again, not bad at first, just the feeling of being hung over. but as soon as i mention the word, the hunt for a pan beings.
not a moment too soon either because the need to throw up just comes over me like a wave and i begin.
a couple rounds of it - nothing but water - and the post-puking adrenaline kicks in.
i feel much better,
then they also trhow some zofran into the iv, my old friend from the first few months.
start pushing at 8, but doc and midwife still worried about J's station and ability to come down
push until 8:45 and j decends each time, but then goes right back up to where he started.
his heart rate starts decelerating with the contractions, and I get a fever - 100.7
all of this combined pushes us to a decision to do a c-section - scheduled for 9:20.
time to get the higher epidural dose in from the anesthesiologist and they are ready.
(from here, I wrote the details after he was born)
j's head majorly stuck, requiring two docs to break the suction and get him out.
dave said he could hear it when they broke it, then they got him out
9:48pm, 7lb 11oz, 18 3/4 in
The sewing me up seemed to take an age and a half, and in the meantime, shivers start.
i had also heard about these, but wow. i don't think i've ever felt so out of control of my own body between the temporary paralysis brought on by the epidural and then this shaking that lasted for about 90 min or so after.
it's funny, but the only thing that seemed to make it stop was when they finally laid little j on my chest in the recovery room
it was probably just a coincidence of the timing, but i'm happy to give him credit.
38w6d
Dr. at 9-ish AM
membranes stripped (was 4-5cm last week and 80%, so we're ready to go if we want to)
5-6cm, 80%, -1
sent to hospital
signed in
paperwork
iv with pitocin by 11:20
hungry already - this isn't good but I'll deal with it
a few contractions here and there
one in particular is sharp, but short
one long one, but not painful
11:45 epidural's on its way
midwife here between 12:15 and 12:45 to break water
12:40 epidural done
12:57 water broke on its own
labor without any pain until 8:00
contractions ev 2-3 min. cervix opening and ev looks good - except he's still up hi at -1 and midwife sees that he seems to be sunny-side up with his head turned to the side. she calls doc on call to confirm. he does.
sometime during all this, i start getting itchy all over - like wearing a wool sweater from head to toe. apparently, this is a side effect of the epidural.
at first it's not unbearable, but soon i can't handle it and they give me something in my iv to stop it.
then the nausea kicks in, which i heard about. again, not bad at first, just the feeling of being hung over. but as soon as i mention the word, the hunt for a pan beings.
not a moment too soon either because the need to throw up just comes over me like a wave and i begin.
a couple rounds of it - nothing but water - and the post-puking adrenaline kicks in.
i feel much better,
then they also trhow some zofran into the iv, my old friend from the first few months.
start pushing at 8, but doc and midwife still worried about J's station and ability to come down
push until 8:45 and j decends each time, but then goes right back up to where he started.
his heart rate starts decelerating with the contractions, and I get a fever - 100.7
all of this combined pushes us to a decision to do a c-section - scheduled for 9:20.
time to get the higher epidural dose in from the anesthesiologist and they are ready.
(from here, I wrote the details after he was born)
j's head majorly stuck, requiring two docs to break the suction and get him out.
dave said he could hear it when they broke it, then they got him out
9:48pm, 7lb 11oz, 18 3/4 in
The sewing me up seemed to take an age and a half, and in the meantime, shivers start.
i had also heard about these, but wow. i don't think i've ever felt so out of control of my own body between the temporary paralysis brought on by the epidural and then this shaking that lasted for about 90 min or so after.
it's funny, but the only thing that seemed to make it stop was when they finally laid little j on my chest in the recovery room
it was probably just a coincidence of the timing, but i'm happy to give him credit.
Monday, October 05, 2009
pushing my luck
J's been asleep now for almost three hours, so I'm pushing my luck in trying to get something posted here.
Just wanted to say how wonderful this whole experience has been, in spite of the c-section stuff. That's no fun, but I'd do it again tomorrow if it meant getting another little munchkin like this one. He's just the most wonderful thing in the world.
I could stare at him all day, hold him all day, and kiss him all day. In case you're wondering, my favorite place to kiss is the little valley above his nose - right between his eyes.
Oh, and I kept a little log while the labor stuff was going on, since I didn't feel anything, thanks to the lovely epidural. I may post that in the next few days/weeks, if I get the opportunity.
Just wanted to say how wonderful this whole experience has been, in spite of the c-section stuff. That's no fun, but I'd do it again tomorrow if it meant getting another little munchkin like this one. He's just the most wonderful thing in the world.
I could stare at him all day, hold him all day, and kiss him all day. In case you're wondering, my favorite place to kiss is the little valley above his nose - right between his eyes.
Oh, and I kept a little log while the labor stuff was going on, since I didn't feel anything, thanks to the lovely epidural. I may post that in the next few days/weeks, if I get the opportunity.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
What may be the last update for a while
The baby's room is almost done - everything in except the changing table. Many people ask us if we have a theme. Clearly, these people don't know us very well. Dave and I aren't really theme people when it comes to decorating - unless that theme is "eclectic." See the pics.
And now we're at the "any day now" phase, officially. We went to the doctor's office on Thursday, and I'm very close, so our midwife told me that if I haven't gone into labor by this Thursday, that she'll admit me and we'll "get things started". She wants me closer to 39 weeks, but doesn't want me to miss my epidural window. So, this time next week, I'll be a mom. Wow.
We're doing our best to enjoy this weekend without plans and without having to think about much else beyond what we want to do next - oh and sleep - since it will be the last weekend where we can do either for quite some time.
And now we're at the "any day now" phase, officially. We went to the doctor's office on Thursday, and I'm very close, so our midwife told me that if I haven't gone into labor by this Thursday, that she'll admit me and we'll "get things started". She wants me closer to 39 weeks, but doesn't want me to miss my epidural window. So, this time next week, I'll be a mom. Wow.
We're doing our best to enjoy this weekend without plans and without having to think about much else beyond what we want to do next - oh and sleep - since it will be the last weekend where we can do either for quite some time.
Monday, August 24, 2009
What an Adventure
Wow, this week has been something to behold. I just don't have the energy to go through all the details, but here's the breakdown.
Garage - finished and wonderful.
The baby shower yesterday was wonderful. I can't believe how many people came in from out of town to help celebrate. And my friends' generosity (of time, love and yes, "stuff") leaves me speechless.
And the biggest event of all - three full days at Northside Hospital last week - due to a strange bout with pneumonia. Monday night after dinner, I began to feel very uncomfortable - achy and such - and then spiked a fever that reached 101.65. The fever broke in the middle of the night, but I still felt awful on Tuesday morning. Thanks to all the publicity about pregnant women and the swine flu, I was a bit nervous and called the doctor. They told me to go to Labor and Delivery. We walked in and were promptly given masks, and then I was treated to a whole host of pokes and prods (at least seven blood draws and an IV). Once various flu strains were ruled out, I was given a chest x-ray and told that I had pneumonia, regardless of there being no cough or congestion of any kind that week or weekend. I would be let go once my white blood count came down.
It did come down by Wednesday night, so I thought I would be going home Thursday, but then J. decided to get in on the act, and throughout Wednesday night/Thursday morning, every couple of hours when I'd have a contraction (something else I didn't realize I was having), his heart rate would drop. This happened three or four times throughout the night (resulting in my being connected not only to an IV and leg compression sleeves, but also a pulse oxymeter, oxygen mask, baby monitor, and contraction monitor - and therefore feeling completely tied down and bordering on a panic attack at midnight). So even though I seemed all mended, the doctors wanted me to stay one more night and make sure he didn't do that again. Thursday passed without incident, and Friday I was told to go home, rest, stay out of the heat and drink tons of water.
Although I do feel much better, I am amazed at how quickly I get tired. Yesterday's shower absolutely wore me out, even though I really just sat around, ate and opened gifts. I had to nap today, too. Thank goodness I had already taken the day off to see my friend safely to the airport. I'm a little nervous about tomorrow - my first day back at work in a week.
Garage - finished and wonderful.
The baby shower yesterday was wonderful. I can't believe how many people came in from out of town to help celebrate. And my friends' generosity (of time, love and yes, "stuff") leaves me speechless.
And the biggest event of all - three full days at Northside Hospital last week - due to a strange bout with pneumonia. Monday night after dinner, I began to feel very uncomfortable - achy and such - and then spiked a fever that reached 101.65. The fever broke in the middle of the night, but I still felt awful on Tuesday morning. Thanks to all the publicity about pregnant women and the swine flu, I was a bit nervous and called the doctor. They told me to go to Labor and Delivery. We walked in and were promptly given masks, and then I was treated to a whole host of pokes and prods (at least seven blood draws and an IV). Once various flu strains were ruled out, I was given a chest x-ray and told that I had pneumonia, regardless of there being no cough or congestion of any kind that week or weekend. I would be let go once my white blood count came down.
It did come down by Wednesday night, so I thought I would be going home Thursday, but then J. decided to get in on the act, and throughout Wednesday night/Thursday morning, every couple of hours when I'd have a contraction (something else I didn't realize I was having), his heart rate would drop. This happened three or four times throughout the night (resulting in my being connected not only to an IV and leg compression sleeves, but also a pulse oxymeter, oxygen mask, baby monitor, and contraction monitor - and therefore feeling completely tied down and bordering on a panic attack at midnight). So even though I seemed all mended, the doctors wanted me to stay one more night and make sure he didn't do that again. Thursday passed without incident, and Friday I was told to go home, rest, stay out of the heat and drink tons of water.
Although I do feel much better, I am amazed at how quickly I get tired. Yesterday's shower absolutely wore me out, even though I really just sat around, ate and opened gifts. I had to nap today, too. Thank goodness I had already taken the day off to see my friend safely to the airport. I'm a little nervous about tomorrow - my first day back at work in a week.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Updates
Well, we're seven weeks out, and the house projects are moving along. We didn't get quite as much done as we had hoped last weekend, though. We've waved the white flag on the garage door installation, and someone will be coming out next week (hopefully) to finish it up for us. It's already amazing, though, because Dave did an incredible job cleaning out the two rooms while I was at my shower last weekend. I'll have more pictures a little later.
We went to see District 9 last night, and it was incredible. It's wonderfully different. I never knew what was going to happen next. It was very moving, which I didn't expect.
We went to see District 9 last night, and it was incredible. It's wonderfully different. I never knew what was going to happen next. It was very moving, which I didn't expect.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
House Project
In preparation for J's arrival, we're doing a bit of a construction project on the house - converting the enclosed garage back into a real garage. Here is the first day of major work.
I'm too ashamed to show many of the before pictures because the old garage and workroom had really become dumping grounds worthy of Clean Sweep or some other TV show. There are a few I'm OK with posting, though.
Before
The "inside" section of the garage. Notice the garage windows on the right. From the front of the house, it still looks like a normal garage.
more on the "inside" section. that wall behind the shelves is coming down.
Virtually empty dumpster at the start of the project. You see, though, we're even throwing out the kitchen sink.
Left side facing the house - this is the "outside" part of the garage. This is the side that can be accessed by the actual garage door.
The doors are wood and more than 20 years old. It's definitely time they were replaced. Insulated steel this time around. Those pictures will come later - hopefully next weekend.
Right side door. This is the one that doesn't actually open and is dry-walled from the inside.
The inside of the outside access section.
During
Back wall of the "outside" section coming out.
Say "hi" to Dave.
Notice that they did actually frame a door in here, but they decided to drywall over it. So we've never had access to the inside of the house from the garage.
One wall out!
Second wall on its way down.
The inside looking out - a view we've never had.
Now we can see the other half of the garage.
After
Second wall gone!
We still need to demo the inside wall on the other side but won't do that until we're ready to install the new door.
Dumpster half-full after only one day!
We still have to go through a lot of the stuff and reorganize/throw away/give away, but we made a huge amount of progress today. Today was demolition day. Tomorrow is either reorganization or replacing one of the doors. We haven't really figured out which yet. And then next weekend is the last of the demolition and final door replacement.
I'm too ashamed to show many of the before pictures because the old garage and workroom had really become dumping grounds worthy of Clean Sweep or some other TV show. There are a few I'm OK with posting, though.
Before
The "inside" section of the garage. Notice the garage windows on the right. From the front of the house, it still looks like a normal garage.
more on the "inside" section. that wall behind the shelves is coming down.
Virtually empty dumpster at the start of the project. You see, though, we're even throwing out the kitchen sink.
Left side facing the house - this is the "outside" part of the garage. This is the side that can be accessed by the actual garage door.
The doors are wood and more than 20 years old. It's definitely time they were replaced. Insulated steel this time around. Those pictures will come later - hopefully next weekend.
Right side door. This is the one that doesn't actually open and is dry-walled from the inside.
The inside of the outside access section.
During
Back wall of the "outside" section coming out.
Say "hi" to Dave.
Notice that they did actually frame a door in here, but they decided to drywall over it. So we've never had access to the inside of the house from the garage.
One wall out!
Second wall on its way down.
The inside looking out - a view we've never had.
Now we can see the other half of the garage.
After
Second wall gone!
We still need to demo the inside wall on the other side but won't do that until we're ready to install the new door.
Dumpster half-full after only one day!
We still have to go through a lot of the stuff and reorganize/throw away/give away, but we made a huge amount of progress today. Today was demolition day. Tomorrow is either reorganization or replacing one of the doors. We haven't really figured out which yet. And then next weekend is the last of the demolition and final door replacement.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Most Recent Visit to CD Warehouse
Today's visit to see my friends at CD Warehouse has produced:
Aerosmith - Pump
I'm not exactly sure why neither of us have this CD now, because we both had it at one time or another. Now we do, again.
Celtic Faire ... what can I really say?
Los Lonely Boys - Los Lonely Boys
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Jingle All the Way
We've got tickets to their December show in Charleston, so I'm curious to see if they'll play any Christmas songs. Either way, it will be a fun (and scary) first road trip with little J.
Melody Gardot - My One and Only Thrill
Dave found her through the iTunes discovery download and saw this one at the store.
John Mayer - Where the Light Is (Live in Los Angeles)
Vince Guaraldi - Oh Good Grief!
Another one of Dave's pics. This is Peanuts music.
Bruce Robison - Wrapped
The Outfield - Diamond Days
This is another one I thought I already had, but apparently not.
Pearl Jam - Ten
Again, Dave and I both had this at one point, but then we didn't, and now we do.
Marc Broussard - Carencro
Aerosmith - Pump
I'm not exactly sure why neither of us have this CD now, because we both had it at one time or another. Now we do, again.
Celtic Faire ... what can I really say?
Los Lonely Boys - Los Lonely Boys
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Jingle All the Way
We've got tickets to their December show in Charleston, so I'm curious to see if they'll play any Christmas songs. Either way, it will be a fun (and scary) first road trip with little J.
Melody Gardot - My One and Only Thrill
Dave found her through the iTunes discovery download and saw this one at the store.
John Mayer - Where the Light Is (Live in Los Angeles)
Vince Guaraldi - Oh Good Grief!
Another one of Dave's pics. This is Peanuts music.
Bruce Robison - Wrapped
The Outfield - Diamond Days
This is another one I thought I already had, but apparently not.
Pearl Jam - Ten
Again, Dave and I both had this at one point, but then we didn't, and now we do.
Marc Broussard - Carencro
Thursday, June 25, 2009
It happens in threes
Yeah, I know the theory is that things happen in threes, particularly deaths. But this week seems to be a more vivid illustration of that than any other I can remember. I mean, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson within days of each other? I just can't believe it.
And I've realized today that Michael Jackson will be to my God-daughter what Elvis has always been for me. Elvis died on my second birthday, and I've never known him as a living entertainer. And she will have the same experience with Michael Jackson. He will only be a legend in her life.
The deaths of these three entertainers, though, really makes me feel like an adult. These three people were incredible stars throughout my childhood. Though they all had fallen pretty far since then (especially Jackson and Fawcett), what each was as part of my youth will never change. Who can forget that poster, Thriller, or "Heeeeeere's Johhny!"?
And I've realized today that Michael Jackson will be to my God-daughter what Elvis has always been for me. Elvis died on my second birthday, and I've never known him as a living entertainer. And she will have the same experience with Michael Jackson. He will only be a legend in her life.
The deaths of these three entertainers, though, really makes me feel like an adult. These three people were incredible stars throughout my childhood. Though they all had fallen pretty far since then (especially Jackson and Fawcett), what each was as part of my youth will never change. Who can forget that poster, Thriller, or "Heeeeeere's Johhny!"?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Pet Peeve
"Parent" used as a verb.
I love the idea of being a parent and raising my child. I don't love the idea of parenting my child. It sounds PC and lingo-y. The use of this word as a verb drives me insane.
I love the idea of being a parent and raising my child. I don't love the idea of parenting my child. It sounds PC and lingo-y. The use of this word as a verb drives me insane.
Friday, June 12, 2009
ER
No, nothing bad here. I'm just watching the ER series finale, and remembering exactly why I stopped watching it about 10 years ago. So far, only two of the cases have made me cry.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Another trip to the CD store
has produced:
The Mavericks - Trampoline
Frank Sinatra - In the Wee Small Hours
Jeff Buckley - Grace
Pat Green - Cannonball
Led Zeppelin - In Through the Out Door
Francine Reed - Shades of Blue
Willie Nelson & Friends - Outlaws and Angels
Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack
Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
The Mavericks - Trampoline
Frank Sinatra - In the Wee Small Hours
Jeff Buckley - Grace
Pat Green - Cannonball
Led Zeppelin - In Through the Out Door
Francine Reed - Shades of Blue
Willie Nelson & Friends - Outlaws and Angels
Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack
Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Updates
Well, let's see, the biggest update is that we know now that this little one is a boy. Crazy. Today, at church, I was watching the four year-old classroom, and we had 11 boys and two girls. I can only consider it prep, and I came home totally wiped out!
Yesterday, Dave and I went to the symphony; as usual, we were not disappointed. This was a matinee show featuring Chris Botti and his touring band, backed by the ASO. Every musician on that stage was insanely talented, and watching the drummer was like watching a hummingbird. I've never seen drumsticks move like that. Dave could provide more color, but all I can really say is that it was wonderful.
And then there was dinner. I cannot express how amazing our food was at R. Thomas last night. We have always enjoyed our meals there, but yesterday was exceptional. Dave had the wings, and I had a burger topped bacon and guacamole and home fries on the side. We finished with turtle cheesecake and mango pie. Nothing we ate was less than spectacular.
Yesterday, Dave and I went to the symphony; as usual, we were not disappointed. This was a matinee show featuring Chris Botti and his touring band, backed by the ASO. Every musician on that stage was insanely talented, and watching the drummer was like watching a hummingbird. I've never seen drumsticks move like that. Dave could provide more color, but all I can really say is that it was wonderful.
And then there was dinner. I cannot express how amazing our food was at R. Thomas last night. We have always enjoyed our meals there, but yesterday was exceptional. Dave had the wings, and I had a burger topped bacon and guacamole and home fries on the side. We finished with turtle cheesecake and mango pie. Nothing we ate was less than spectacular.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
New Adventure
Today I embark on a new project: the great closet reorganization. There are a few factors driving this, which all of course, stem from the impending arrival of J. Bella.
First of all, most of the clothes in my closet don't fit anymore, so I have been pulling clothes that do fit from a pile in our spare bedroom. That is not going to work any longer. But, there's a problem. The other two closets are full, so where to put those clothes that don't fit? And finally, one of the other closets that is currently full of my clothes, will be full of J. Bella's clothes in about five months.
I'm sure this will take more than a single day, but today is the day that it begins. Maybe I'll even take some before and after pictures. We shall see.
First of all, most of the clothes in my closet don't fit anymore, so I have been pulling clothes that do fit from a pile in our spare bedroom. That is not going to work any longer. But, there's a problem. The other two closets are full, so where to put those clothes that don't fit? And finally, one of the other closets that is currently full of my clothes, will be full of J. Bella's clothes in about five months.
I'm sure this will take more than a single day, but today is the day that it begins. Maybe I'll even take some before and after pictures. We shall see.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Eh
Not much of an update, but it's been almost a week.
This week's music round-up ...
The woman on Britain's Got Talent who's been making the YouTube and talk TV rounds blew me away, too.
I did a great job with the CD purchase a couple weeks ago. The Mavericks and Alejandro Escavedo CDs are amazing - not a bit of filler in either one. I already knew I that I love the k.d. lang, Pretty in Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Traveling Wilburys CDs. Junior Brown is good, but I haven't listened to the English Beat or Buffy CDs, yet.
Hugh Laurie's version of Georgia on My Mind at the end of House this week was ... I don't even have the words. Heartbreaking?
Off to Chicago for a few days with my best friend and our moms. There is much museum visiting, eating and shopping to be done.
This week's music round-up ...
The woman on Britain's Got Talent who's been making the YouTube and talk TV rounds blew me away, too.
I did a great job with the CD purchase a couple weeks ago. The Mavericks and Alejandro Escavedo CDs are amazing - not a bit of filler in either one. I already knew I that I love the k.d. lang, Pretty in Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Traveling Wilburys CDs. Junior Brown is good, but I haven't listened to the English Beat or Buffy CDs, yet.
Hugh Laurie's version of Georgia on My Mind at the end of House this week was ... I don't even have the words. Heartbreaking?
Off to Chicago for a few days with my best friend and our moms. There is much museum visiting, eating and shopping to be done.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
playlist
This must be a record for blog posts in two days.
I've always known that I want children, and I listen to a lot of music. So, over the years, as I've heard songs that are about being a parent, written for children, or about the lessons we learn in life, I've stored them away in the back of my mind. Then a couple years ago, I started building a "Little One" play list.
Now, as the birth of my own child approaches - wow that was strange to type out - I'm obviously even more attached to these songs that I've collected over the years.
Without further ado, my Little One play list, so far:
"A Magic Moment" clip from Mad About You
Wonderland ... The American - Angie Aparo
Little Miss Magic - Jimmy Buffett
When You Come Back Down - Nickel Creek
Child, You're the Revolution - Angie Aparo
Never Gonna Fly - Radney Foster
The Cape - Guy Clark
Delaney Talks to Statues - Jimmy Buffett
Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
Lullabye - Ben Folds Five
Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) - Radney Foster
(new addition) It Won't Be Like This for Long - Darius Rucker
(new addition) Bella's Lullaby - Twilight Soundtrack
(and my favorite) The Things We've Handed Down - Marc Cohn
I've always known that I want children, and I listen to a lot of music. So, over the years, as I've heard songs that are about being a parent, written for children, or about the lessons we learn in life, I've stored them away in the back of my mind. Then a couple years ago, I started building a "Little One" play list.
Now, as the birth of my own child approaches - wow that was strange to type out - I'm obviously even more attached to these songs that I've collected over the years.
Without further ado, my Little One play list, so far:
"A Magic Moment" clip from Mad About You
Wonderland ... The American - Angie Aparo
Little Miss Magic - Jimmy Buffett
When You Come Back Down - Nickel Creek
Child, You're the Revolution - Angie Aparo
Never Gonna Fly - Radney Foster
The Cape - Guy Clark
Delaney Talks to Statues - Jimmy Buffett
Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
Lullabye - Ben Folds Five
Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) - Radney Foster
(new addition) It Won't Be Like This for Long - Darius Rucker
(new addition) Bella's Lullaby - Twilight Soundtrack
(and my favorite) The Things We've Handed Down - Marc Cohn
Friday, April 03, 2009
Reckless Kelly
I've just discovered that CMT.com provides embedding code with the videos on their site. So, here is the latest Reckless Kelly single and video - Ragged as the Road. While I really like the song, I have other favorite videos of theirs. The reason I've posted this video in particular, though, is because David Abeyta is playing the Gibson that he played in the Atlanta show - the one that I got to strum on a little at the end of the show.
Oh, and be very scared that I've discovered this ability. Hopefully, I'll find other sites that provide the code, so that you don't only have to suffer through country music.
Oh, and be very scared that I've discovered this ability. Hopefully, I'll find other sites that provide the code, so that you don't only have to suffer through country music.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Left to My Own Devices
I'm eating a delicious filet mignon from Fresh Market, cooked for 30 minutes or so in an iron skillet. Wonderful. The bad part? It's 9:20pm.
Music
I had a fun trip to the CD Warehouse last weekend, while Dave smoked a cigar next door. It's pretty dangerous to leave me in CD Warehouse for more than a hour since that gives me time to go through every single bin. But, then again, it's CD Warehouse, so at least everything's pretty cheap.
So, here's the damage:
Junior Brown - Guit With It
Pretty in Pink Soundtrack
The English Beat - I Just Can't Stop It
The Mavericks - Live in Austin Texas
Traveling Wilburys - Vol. 1
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Alejandro Escovedo - A Man Under the Influence
k.d. lang - Shadowland
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Radio Sunnydale
So, here's the damage:
Junior Brown - Guit With It
Pretty in Pink Soundtrack
The English Beat - I Just Can't Stop It
The Mavericks - Live in Austin Texas
Traveling Wilburys - Vol. 1
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Alejandro Escovedo - A Man Under the Influence
k.d. lang - Shadowland
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Radio Sunnydale
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Wow
It's been a while, huh? Sorry about that. I've been feeling pretty crappy lately, and just never go to the computers at home. Had to do some work stuff today, so the work laptop's on the couch with me. Lazy? Yep.
Went to see Watchmen today and loved it. It's dark. No question about it. Humanity stinks. Even the heros stink. But there are lots of good fights, great effects, and an surprising amount of full frontal male nudity. Somewhat shocking at first. Then you just get used to it.
Went to see Watchmen today and loved it. It's dark. No question about it. Humanity stinks. Even the heros stink. But there are lots of good fights, great effects, and an surprising amount of full frontal male nudity. Somewhat shocking at first. Then you just get used to it.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
pics from the show
Set List - taken upside down, then flipped
Dave Abeyta and Cody Braun
Dave Abeyta
Willy Braun, Cody in the back
Love it Live
There isn't much better in this world that a great live concert. Tonight, Dave and I went to see one of my favorite bands - Reckless Kelly - at the Variety Playhouse. RK is a Texas roadhouse kind of band - equal parts rock and country, along with incredible songwriting.
The show was wonderful, and made me completely forget for two hours that I am sick and exhausted. Dave and I were right up front, in between the lead guitarist and mandolin/violin player.
Set List (if any of you care to look them up or listen):
Ragged as the Road
A Guy Like Me
Seven Nights in Eire
Wild Western Windblown Band
Wicked Twisted Road
Vincent Black Lightning
Stick Around
How was California?
Love in Her Eyes
Wiggles and Ritalin
Nobody's Girl
Vancouver
Hay Say May (Drinking Again)
Baby's Gone Blues
Wandering Eye
American Blood
Cool Rockin' Loretta
Castanets
Encore: Revolution, Crazy Eddie's Last Hurrah
I sang along the whole time, and Dave Abeyta, the guitarist, basically played right over my head for at least 1/4 of the show. At one point, Dave and Willy (the lead singer) both leaned over and played right at me. I almost fainted.
During Crazy Eddie, Dave leaned over, looked at me, and pointed to his guitar. He wanted me to play! I strummed a little, and then he tried to hand me the pick, but I dropped it. I strummed some more, and after that he went on to finish the song. It was soooooo awesome. My Dave, of course, found the pick later.
When they finished, I pointed to the set list, and he nodded. After they left, a roadie came out and gave it to me. So, now it's autographed by the whole band.
What a night! Some friends of ours are going to the show in Raleigh on Saturday, and I'm so jealous.
The show was wonderful, and made me completely forget for two hours that I am sick and exhausted. Dave and I were right up front, in between the lead guitarist and mandolin/violin player.
Set List (if any of you care to look them up or listen):
Ragged as the Road
A Guy Like Me
Seven Nights in Eire
Wild Western Windblown Band
Wicked Twisted Road
Vincent Black Lightning
Stick Around
How was California?
Love in Her Eyes
Wiggles and Ritalin
Nobody's Girl
Vancouver
Hay Say May (Drinking Again)
Baby's Gone Blues
Wandering Eye
American Blood
Cool Rockin' Loretta
Castanets
Encore: Revolution, Crazy Eddie's Last Hurrah
I sang along the whole time, and Dave Abeyta, the guitarist, basically played right over my head for at least 1/4 of the show. At one point, Dave and Willy (the lead singer) both leaned over and played right at me. I almost fainted.
During Crazy Eddie, Dave leaned over, looked at me, and pointed to his guitar. He wanted me to play! I strummed a little, and then he tried to hand me the pick, but I dropped it. I strummed some more, and after that he went on to finish the song. It was soooooo awesome. My Dave, of course, found the pick later.
When they finished, I pointed to the set list, and he nodded. After they left, a roadie came out and gave it to me. So, now it's autographed by the whole band.
What a night! Some friends of ours are going to the show in Raleigh on Saturday, and I'm so jealous.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A good week
Yep, it's been a good week. I guess we could start counting back when we met the Funkles for dinner on Friday night. It's been since NYE 2007/2008 that we were all together. We had so much fun, and I absolutely don't want to wait that long again.
I finished Love in the Time of Cholera. Meh. It is beautifully written, but I just never cared about the characters. Some quotes are at the bottom of this post, though.
What else?
Oh, I slayed the email beast this week - knocking out the 177 unread messages that were in my inbox on Monday, along with 38 in my action folder, and almost all the ones that were coming in during the week. As of my leaving work today, there were 13 emails in the action folder and zero in the inbox. Woo hoo!
And finally, only one more day of work before we go on vacation for a full week, and a whole new batch of emails populate my computer. But at least I'm not starting out behind.
From the book:
"He was still too young to know that the heart's memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good, and that thanks to this artifice we manage to endure the burden of the past."
"She had barely turned the corner into maturity, free at last of illusions, when she began to detect the disillusionment of never having been what she had dreamed of being when she was young."
I finished Love in the Time of Cholera. Meh. It is beautifully written, but I just never cared about the characters. Some quotes are at the bottom of this post, though.
What else?
Oh, I slayed the email beast this week - knocking out the 177 unread messages that were in my inbox on Monday, along with 38 in my action folder, and almost all the ones that were coming in during the week. As of my leaving work today, there were 13 emails in the action folder and zero in the inbox. Woo hoo!
And finally, only one more day of work before we go on vacation for a full week, and a whole new batch of emails populate my computer. But at least I'm not starting out behind.
From the book:
"He was still too young to know that the heart's memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good, and that thanks to this artifice we manage to endure the burden of the past."
"She had barely turned the corner into maturity, free at last of illusions, when she began to detect the disillusionment of never having been what she had dreamed of being when she was young."
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Just a Spare
A lovely image greeted me this morning when I let Millie in.
The neighbor's tree missed only one board in that particular section of our fence. The wind and rain combined to uproot the thing and drop it right across our back yard. What's amazing is that it missed the swing entirely (thank goodness), and even the chairs escaped damage. We're also very lucky it was that thin little (though tall) poplar, instead of one of the massive pine trees that surround our house.
Honestly, I'm not even sure when this tree came down, though it must have been last night. We didn't hear a thing, but I can't imagine I would have missed that all day yesterday.
We're also lucky that Millie no longer feels the need to wander about, because she was out for a while this morning. I don't look into the back yard when I put her out - just open the door and let her go. It's usually dark, anyway. But when I went to the back door to let her in, there she was running around the yard - and that's when I spotted the tree.
The neighbor's tree missed only one board in that particular section of our fence. The wind and rain combined to uproot the thing and drop it right across our back yard. What's amazing is that it missed the swing entirely (thank goodness), and even the chairs escaped damage. We're also very lucky it was that thin little (though tall) poplar, instead of one of the massive pine trees that surround our house.
Honestly, I'm not even sure when this tree came down, though it must have been last night. We didn't hear a thing, but I can't imagine I would have missed that all day yesterday.
We're also lucky that Millie no longer feels the need to wander about, because she was out for a while this morning. I don't look into the back yard when I put her out - just open the door and let her go. It's usually dark, anyway. But when I went to the back door to let her in, there she was running around the yard - and that's when I spotted the tree.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Goodbye Versatile Video
After 28 years of business, Versatile Video is closing its doors. The owner, Chuck, is retiring. It was a wonderful place to patronize and to work.
Versatile Video was my second "real" job. I started there when I was 16 years old, and worked through high school and even on Christmas, spring break, and summers until I was out of college. It was a fantastic job. An independent video store, we had an amazing array of regular customers. Mr. Jenson comes to mind, mainly. He'd stop by to rent about five movies for the weekend after he'd gotten his peanut butter and 10 loaves of bread to feed the raccoons and possums in his backyard.
VV employees were responsible for my first hangover - because of which I had to call in sick to work. Is that irony?
Versatile Video was my second "real" job. I started there when I was 16 years old, and worked through high school and even on Christmas, spring break, and summers until I was out of college. It was a fantastic job. An independent video store, we had an amazing array of regular customers. Mr. Jenson comes to mind, mainly. He'd stop by to rent about five movies for the weekend after he'd gotten his peanut butter and 10 loaves of bread to feed the raccoons and possums in his backyard.
VV employees were responsible for my first hangover - because of which I had to call in sick to work. Is that irony?
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