tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57350602011-08-16T20:04:48.616-07:00<b>Come for the Google search results. Stay for the daily fun.</b>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.comBlogger13061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-15330740266597094862010-07-28T12:44:00.000-07:002010-07-28T13:30:35.853-07:00

My son just turned two and a half. While we do have challenges, for the most part he is a fairly easy baby (well, toddler). Since my husband is an only child and knows how lonely it can be, and I have a brother, we are working on having a second child. And as I say to my son, and that's it.Of course, as you spend most of your 20s trying not to get pregnant, you find it isn't so easy to actively

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-46966900770114729372010-07-08T08:13:00.000-07:002010-07-08T08:27:27.030-07:00

I am sorry. Really sorry. Every single day, I think, I need to write in my blog. But I just can't get motivated. I've learned, though, the best way to plow through writer's block is to barrel right through it.What's been going on:Had a great Fourth of July. Very quiet and low-key -- we're not huge celebrators of this holiday -- but nice and family-oriented. M took some time off this week and we

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-28370813858912547392010-06-07T14:04:00.000-07:002010-06-07T14:16:48.986-07:00

My son is beautiful, brilliant, sweet, funny and just a wonderful kid. But he's another thing, too: Almost 2 and a half. And you know what that means. Lying on the floor when he doesn't want to do something. No his favorite word. Tantrums, tantrums, tantrums. Sobbing his eyes out because I took away the toy he was just standing on (and I told him not to). And so on. You moms know what I mean. I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-87658519263734680142010-05-22T19:34:00.000-07:002010-05-22T19:37:39.610-07:00

I feel stuck.I constantly have blog posts rattling around in my head, but I can't seem to commit them to this blog.I've been unemployed for almost a year, and I still have no idea what I want to do next -- although I am not crazy about the idea of going to work for someone else again.I have probably applied for more than 50 jobs, and I'm not getting any bites, despite revising my resume and

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-84790672026527108412010-05-10T12:53:00.000-07:002010-05-10T13:02:25.873-07:00

On crappy weather days, we sometimes head over to the local mall's play area. Boo loves it muchly, and I enjoy watching him love it muchly. But I find a lot of thoughts go through my head as I stand there watching him and the other kids:Get away from that toy, kiddo. You only want to play with it because my son does.I wonder how many germs are in here? Better grab the antibacterial wipes and hose

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-14911311206661248902010-04-24T20:51:00.000-07:002010-04-24T21:04:09.468-07:00

(RANT MODE ON)I tend to be a pretty nonconfrontational person. I mostly hate fighting, and I don't like to be in explosive emotional situations. So you can imagine how I feel about how people talk to each other (or about each other) on the Internet. (Of course, the nonconfrontational tendencies are exactly why people talk smack on the 'net.)The writer of one of my favorite blogs, Waiterrant, said

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-16112944470437454942010-04-17T08:23:00.000-07:002010-04-17T08:30:28.945-07:00

Yes, I have been away -- so long that BlogHer disabled my ads. Can't blame them. But here's what's been going on:M bought a new building for his business. It's a great property, but it needs work. So we've been busting butt coordinating repairs and decor for a grand opening in the middle of May. I am very excited for him. Time to take the law firm to the next level.The Boo continues to grow like

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-67332295754562602792010-03-10T08:21:00.001-08:002010-03-11T13:13:29.695-08:00

The weather here in New England has been getting progressively better. The snow is melting so fast that when the Boo and I are outside, we can hear the crackling ice. And then there's the mud, which he thinks is wonderful but I am desperately trying to keep out of my house.All this sunshine and warmth, not to mention the pending arrival of spring, has lifted my mood. I am lucky in that I don't

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-36405900514797913922010-03-03T14:43:00.001-08:002010-03-05T11:56:43.704-08:00

What is life like for a SAHM with a 2-year-old? In other words, the answer to the dreaded question: What do you DO all day? Well, I'm going to tell you.Anytime between 7 and 9 a.m.: I hear a little voice yelling, "MAMA! Get up!" I comply and get the little dude up too, changing him out of his (often soaked) jammies and his diaper.Ditto on the time: Make bed with Boo handing me the pillows. Go

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-52956913456782223352010-02-27T07:59:00.000-08:002010-02-27T08:45:03.702-08:00

Since becoming a SAHM, I now know what it's like to be with your child all the time. It's wonderful, and in a lot of ways, he is the center of my world. But let's face it: During the day, there are chores to be done. Showers to be taken. And sometimes, your child is left unsupervised for a minute.My aunt sent me this video about a 15-month-old, Bronson Staker, who was found unconscious in the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-5954436971572428122010-02-16T19:28:00.000-08:002010-02-16T19:35:20.963-08:00

I grew up Catholic but now go to an Episcopal church. Over the past five years, we've become more and more active in our church. It's a really great group of people, and we love our pastor. Plus, it's good for the Boo to have some religion in his life as he grows up. I know as someone who has suffered from depression, spirituality is important to me.Starting recently, I have taken a more expanded

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-21672120563932987372010-02-14T12:08:00.000-08:002010-02-14T12:33:54.640-08:00

It seems like I constantly have a blog post brewing in the back of my mind. I think, I better get to the computer and commit this puppy to memory. Then I get cleaning or mothering or wifing or looking for a job. And my creative half continues to shrivel up.But it's not a day for bitching and moaning. It's a day for love. Yes, it's Valentine's Day, a day that was the bane of my existence when I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-87488402698202847082010-01-30T08:35:00.001-08:002010-03-05T11:59:39.639-08:00

The other night, M and I had to work (I help him with his business). The weather here has been cold but clear, but this particular night, there had been freak snow squalls thst brought the visibility down to near zero and caused several pileups. I was driving home on a desolate, barely lit stretch of the highway. The snow had passed through, but the road was soaked, and the temperature was in

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-19696695549269023902010-01-24T05:09:00.001-08:002010-01-24T20:12:07.739-08:00

I saw this on Postsecret and had to share. I know how much anridepressants have changed my lufe, so this resonated with me. Maybe it does with you, too.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-5692342120139161212010-01-21T19:26:00.001-08:002010-01-24T20:12:40.862-08:00

I have an excellent memory, but I do have a tendency to lose stuff. The other day, I lost a very important piece of paper. I started turning the house upside down.First, I took apart the kitchen hutch. While I was in there, I decided to clean up the drawers. Still no paper.I move on. Maybe it fell behind the couch. I move out the couch and check it out. No paper. While I'm back there, I notice

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-80105196177041826242010-01-17T11:37:00.000-08:002010-01-17T11:56:50.927-08:00

My son just turned 2. That's right, 2. We had a party for him, and of course he got showered with gifts. (I think between Christmas and his birthday, he was getting to the point where he expected there would be gifts every weekend.)The next day, we took him in for his 2-year well-baby checkup. He hates the doctor. HATES. THE. DOCTOR. So I decided to wait to tell him where we were going until

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-40589735414632283292010-01-03T12:07:00.001-08:002010-01-03T12:29:15.235-08:00

The first 10 years of the '00s were a busy time for me. A lot of stuff went down. I:Left four jobs (2000 [layoff], 2001, 2004 and 2009 [layoff]);Filed for unemployment (2001, 2009)Moved twice (in with M in 2000; 2002)Got married (2002) Bought a house (2002)Turned 30 (2003)Saw M's grandmother, grandfather and uncle die (2000, 2001), as well as my uncle (2009) and other loved ones. Went to Italy (

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-72614278930126202902009-12-28T12:03:00.000-08:002010-01-24T20:20:09.013-08:00

At the beginning of 2009, I had a just-1-year-old son and a job. I was looking forward to a Bermuda cruise in May and a new year filled with promise.I got to go on my cruise, and we had a great time. But two months later, in July, I no longer had a job -- a casulty of a mass layoff. While I was traumatized at first, I've now come to see that it was a blessing. Because I end 2009 as a stay-at-home

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-72179919164725608852009-12-23T13:09:00.001-08:002010-01-03T12:30:21.556-08:00

When I was a kid, World News Tonight was a staple in our house. I still distinctly remember the late, great Peter Jennings saying one December 23, "It's the eve of Christmas Eve."And it is again. I type this from my phone, waiting in line at the post office to pick up a package that wouldn't fit in my mailbox. It's for the Boo, from an old friend who lives out of state. I've already been to the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-77818402443026099392009-12-15T18:43:00.000-08:002009-12-15T18:53:19.039-08:00

My son has a wonderful disposition. He is sweet, kind and polite. Except at mealtime. Good God, the child turns into el diablo. He demands things, throws food, throws his milk cup. I get pissed and yell. He gives me an evil smirk and keeps doing it. I wind up feeling like I'm going to cry and totally manipulated (which is the whole point, dontchaknow).We've tried time outs. Then he just asks for

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-73569327426326099982009-12-13T13:52:00.001-08:002010-01-03T12:30:51.339-08:00

We're moving into the home stretch with our Christmas shopping. Tree's up, Christmas cards are sent. All that remains to be done are the baking, a few odds and ends for people and of course, all that wrapping.Every year after Christmas, I go out and scoop up my cards for the next year as well as all my wrapping paper, gift bags, tags, bows, etc. As a result, I have enough wrapping paper in my

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-44801626668589085002009-12-04T11:34:00.001-08:002010-01-24T20:13:35.812-08:00

I'm a real upper, aren't I? But really, I'm just giving the people what they want (in a sense). According to my site stats, the number one way people find this blog is by Googling "how to survive depression." And really, there are so many uplifting Christmas songs. Why not focus on the soul-wrenching, overwrought ones that focus on the flip side of my favorite holiday: That it can be a damn

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-42206220198415847582009-11-28T18:20:00.000-08:002010-01-24T20:15:24.880-08:00

Today is my birthday. I am 36 years old. 36, man. That is seriously crazy. Because that means I am heading toward my late 30s. How can that be? Wasn't it just yesterday I was turning 30 and I was moaning and groaning about that?Now that I have a child, I feel the passage of time. I think about the future and getting old and my son growing up. This birthday is hitting me hard. Because we want

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-10241251571296797582009-11-19T11:38:00.000-08:002009-11-19T11:45:43.480-08:00

As you've probably read in my 100 things about me, I am a short girl. I stand 4' 11". I finally fessed up to my actual height when I renewed my license, since it had said 5 feet even. But as I get older, I am becoming more accepting of myself, warts and all.Except I don't think my height is a wart. I think it's one of the things that makes me who I am and not someone else. Still, sometimes in my

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-40597139325413118332009-11-14T08:41:00.001-08:002010-01-03T12:31:15.790-08:00

It's a rainy, crappy day here in Massachusetts as we shoulder the dregs of Hurricane Ida. It's the kind of day where you can easily drink a whole pot of coffee trying to keep warm. I like coffee, but I really love tea. I've already had a cup of both today.When I open my cabinet where I keep my mugs, it's like a walk down memory lane. There's my Syracuse mug, which I bought one fall day on campus.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-68561236138198864252009-11-11T11:28:00.000-08:002009-11-11T11:33:45.191-08:00

It's been four months since I got laid off, and I still don't have a job. But yet I do. Taking care of my son and house is keeping me busier than a full-time job, and the hours are a little crazier. Since I'm technically not working (although I am; just not for a paycheck) I decided to try to do NaNoWriMo this year. I'm steaming along and where I should be, although I seriously have to kick

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-6553101624041976382009-10-28T19:23:00.001-07:002010-01-03T12:32:33.159-08:00

I've always maintained that the sleep deprivation is one of the hardest parts of parenthood. I personally need a lot of sleep. I soldiered through the nighttime feedings, napping during the day (sleep when the baby sleeps, dontchaknow) and generally living like a zombie. Until that fateful nine-month checkup, when I asked Boo's pediatrician about middle-of-the-night feedings.She looked at me like

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-88436557493081818932009-10-27T18:40:00.000-07:002009-10-27T18:52:33.200-07:00

When I was a kid, I used to really love horror movies. One of my best friends and I would rent 'em from the video store (remember those?) after school. Really gross stuff, too, like supposed snuff films. They used to scare the shit out of me, and I loved it. I also used to obsessively read Stephen King, flipping through the pages with a flashlight under the covers until there was no hope of me

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-19536847070790252372009-10-16T11:43:00.001-07:002010-01-03T12:33:02.048-08:00

You're sitting in Panera when a kid starts to choke, and your head whips around so fast people think it's your kid.You see a kid throwing a fit in a public place, and instead of thinking, "shut that kid up," you think, "those poor parents."You tell speeders on your street to slow the hell down (even though you used to be a notorious speed demon).You run to hold the door for another mom struggling

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-33272295274603792202009-10-10T09:34:00.000-07:002009-10-10T09:41:47.398-07:00

Ten years ago, I was living in Waltham. I had just moved into a new one-bedroom apartment on Trapelo Road and was settling in. For a few weeks, I had been chatting on the phone with this guy. He seemed really nice. And on October 10, we were going to hang out.That day changed my life. That man was, as you've probably figured out, M, and less than two years later, he was my husband. Ten years

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-10774496668952961512009-10-04T08:59:00.000-07:002009-10-04T09:05:55.269-07:00

As of Tuesday, I will have been out of work for three months. I have submitted probably a hundred resumes, made calls, etc. And mostly, I've been met by dead silence -- the black hole. The only responses I've gotten have been a request for an interview -- which I went on, it went well, and I was summarily rejected via letter -- and an interested email about another job. When I followed up, the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-61592819098641708462009-09-26T05:55:00.001-07:002010-01-03T12:33:21.098-08:00

M and I have built a great life together, based largely on routine. If it's Wednesday, it's trash day. Friday means family dinner night. Sunday means the paper and church. And so on.But last night, we mixed it up. Boo went to see his grandparents, M went to a party, and I went back to my hometown to hang out with some high school friends. It was a late night, full of laughter and memories and

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-23794558350266909142009-09-18T11:28:00.001-07:002010-01-03T12:33:41.948-08:00

On Sunday night, my uncle passed away suddenly. He was 59 years old and leaves behind a heartbroken wife of 37 years and three devastated daughters, my cousins who I grew up with. I spent a good chunk of this week in Tampa attending the services. Not an easy week for anyone. It's been said until it's become a cliche, but hold tight to your loved ones. Nothing, not even your next breath, is

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-80707230413541941872009-09-10T20:22:00.001-07:002010-01-03T12:34:00.888-08:00

Eight years tomorrow since the 9/11 attacks. As I do every year, in honor of those who died and those who survived it, I am staying silent for the day. God bless America.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-70658378299597607752009-09-05T07:59:00.000-07:002009-09-05T08:08:04.008-07:00

I am a native New Englander. I was born and raised less than 10 miles north of Boston, and I've lived here all my life, except for two years in Syracuse for school (New England west, IMHO). Therefore, I have a New England mentality. I distrust strangers, warm on the inside and a bit brittle and cold on the outside with them. I believe in pulling myself up by my bootstraps and that anything worth

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-56945247600795043702009-08-28T18:38:00.000-07:002009-08-28T19:03:50.357-07:00

7 a.m. Wake up to the sound of a baby chattering. Listen to him babble until he stands up in his crib and asks for milk.7:30 a.m. Get said baby and change his bum. Bring him into my bed to watch "tt."7:30-8:30 a.m. Watch assorted PBS favorites, including Curious George, Sid the Science Kid and Super Why.8:30 a.m. Go downstairs and get boy some milk and breakfast.9 a.m. Bathtime. Wrap the cutie up

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-62543760648980886842009-08-21T18:18:00.001-07:002010-01-03T12:34:30.238-08:00

I am still here. Just hanging out and enjoying my pool, my Boo and my time off. And seriously not enjoying having a crown put in that is taking forever. Back to posting something of substance soon.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-71477047231547983002009-08-11T10:59:00.000-07:002009-08-11T11:01:50.119-07:00

Super Wal-Mart a mile away (let the haters hate, but it sure is convenient)Direct depositMy MIL as babysitterBoo's sweet dispositionMy HE washer and dryer

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-61473618686607679332009-08-09T18:53:00.000-07:002009-08-09T18:58:24.427-07:00

Despite my postpartum depression issues and sometimes sense of isolation, I have not yet joined a mother's group. It's just not happened for me, although it's been in the back of my mind to do. Then I read about a local group and decided to check it out. And since I am now a SAHM, I'm thinking it might be a good idea.So now I am considering joining said group, not only for Boo's socialization

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-16546554810614621452009-08-05T18:02:00.001-07:002009-08-09T18:59:46.297-07:00

Since I have some time off, I've been thinking I ought to write, if not a book then at least some short stories. But honestly, I don't know what to write about. I've been lucky enough to live a pretty ordinary life. I could write about being a mom, but it's been done to death. I could write about my struggles with anxiety and depression, but then we get into how much do I want to reveal. Or I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-71432748651321381442009-07-31T08:57:00.000-07:002009-07-31T09:00:25.987-07:00

Any Leominsterites know? Went by Monday and a sign said it was closed as of then. Another local casualty. They were only open six months. Boo and I used to like to go there for their good drinks (and free Wi-Fi).

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-35142738721483148002009-07-29T09:39:00.000-07:002009-07-29T09:51:42.237-07:00

So yes, I am still without a job. As I've mentioned, this layoff is a lot easier than the previous one for a multitude of reasons, the biggest being my son. He is a joy and great company. He's smart (I'm not the only one who thinks so -- doc couldn't believe he knows more than 50 words at 18 months), sweet and really fun. I am starting to see the appeal of the SAHM life. And quite frankly, I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-22896622759863428352009-07-21T08:40:00.000-07:002009-07-21T08:46:18.894-07:00

ReadingEnjoying my sonHelping M with his businessPlanning my next moveStay tuned.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-53824402083473982442009-07-14T12:44:00.000-07:002010-01-24T20:20:36.626-08:00

The heart forgives, the heart forgetsBut what will I do now with all this time?Getting laid off is kind of like a breakup. You had a relationship, and it's been severed. You need to find a new relationship (i.e., job) but you need to process the loss of the old one. And that's basically what I am doing. I have my resume together. I've applied for at least 10 jobs in the last week. I've made a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-79666798915115683012009-07-09T09:41:00.001-07:002009-07-09T09:43:34.376-07:00

The last time I was laid off was April of 2000. I have been very, very lucky. And this time, I have it a lot easier:I own a home and am married so I have someone else to lean on.I have the Boo, who is terrific company.I have an excuse not to work (SAHM, at least for now).It's summertime. I'm in a much better frame of mind about it. I was at my place for almost five years, so I got really great

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-60833922128099904812009-07-06T14:28:00.000-07:002010-01-24T20:21:05.896-08:00

First Ed McMahon.Then Farrah Fawcett.Then Michael Jackson.Then Billy Mays.Now my job.Yes, it's true: I got laid off. I honestly am not surprised so there's no shock, but I'm still processing it. I get severance and unemployment. I will be OK. But this is a cruel summer.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-90110666503779248692009-07-02T11:23:00.001-07:002009-07-02T11:28:39.542-07:00

We're about to enter one of the biggest weekends of the summer, the one surrounding the Fourth of July. My grandmother always says that after the Fourth, the summer is all over. It always pissed me off, but this year, the summer has not even begun. Yes, we've had rain rain rain, but I'm not going to complain about it -- it is what it is.This year, in honor of Independence Day, I vow to work to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-85306183123406511272009-06-30T09:31:00.000-07:002009-06-30T10:11:04.203-07:00

With all this rain, M and I were thinking about the songs that mention it. Here are the 20 we came up with:Singin' in the Rain -- Gene KelleyBlame It on the Rain -- Milli Vanilli (sort of)Rain -- MadonnaLet It Rain -- Amanda Marshall (one of my favorite songs)I'm Only Happy When It Rains -- GarbageThe Rain Song -- Led ZeppelinI Wish It Would Rain Down -- Phil Collins Rain -- The BeatlesRaindrops

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-16639137597397371102009-06-26T07:00:00.001-07:002009-06-26T07:10:32.407-07:00

"Beat it, no one likes to be defeated...""If you're thinking of being my baby, it don't matter if you're black or white...""And my momma always told me, be careful who you love, be careful what you do, because the lies become the truth...""And if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change..."So much has been said about Michael, especially well-written in

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-70888962289461897132009-06-24T17:11:00.000-07:002009-06-24T17:23:37.316-07:00

So I admit: I had never heard of Jon and Kate Plus 8 until all the tabloid headlines. I'm not a big TV person, and the only thing I ever watched on TLC was Trading Spaces and maybe a few epis of What Not to Wear. But since they've become such a pop culture phenom, I figgered I better tune in. I checked out the season premiere and found it boring except for the drama. I hadn't watched it since,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-63219745555373329732009-06-19T10:50:00.001-07:002009-06-19T10:50:54.455-07:00

Found this cool app where you can mark off the states you've been to on a map. I've been to 19 states, mostly on business, but still. Check it out.visited 19 states (38%)Create your own visited map of The United States or vertaling nederlands duits?

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-21296755412219637832009-06-19T06:12:00.000-07:002009-06-19T06:31:55.935-07:00

Yeah, it's rainy and gross, and I'm feeling a bit lazy. Here are some links that made me laugh this week.The video for Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is really messed up. Here's a literal video version that made me laugh out loud. My favorite line: "What the effing crap/That angel just felt me up."And on a similar note, does ANYONE know what Eddie Vedder is saying in Yellow Ledbetter

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-82003279517089122812009-06-12T06:42:00.000-07:002009-06-12T06:46:12.587-07:00

Yes, I know there were some old n' crusties on there. It's amazing to me how many people start blogs and, like the ham radio or playing guitar, abandon them. You won't get rid of me that easily. In the meantime, if you want your blog added to my blogroll,shoot me an e.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-69456287828012986402009-06-11T07:43:00.000-07:002009-06-11T07:54:24.091-07:00

I am a very spiritual person without (I hope) being overly religious. I do go to church, but I feel free to skip a week here and there. I say bad words. I have sex. I can be hedonistic, and I try to enjoy my life. But I do feel connected to a higher power.That came into deep focus for me yesterday. I live in a colonial, with a very steep staircase between the floors. With the little guy busily

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-63042661644322624182009-06-02T08:56:00.000-07:002009-06-02T09:01:58.818-07:00

At this time, I was getting ready to get married. The weather was similar. The time of year was the same. But a lot has changed in seven years:We sold our condo and bought a house.M got sick, then he got better.I got sick, then I got better.We went to Italy.We went on three cruises.We switched jobs (the same week).We went on numerous nature rides and weekends away.We thought we were infertile.We

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-83171669152568004092009-05-28T14:15:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:23:02.695-07:00

At Casa Christine, we have reached the age of mimicry. Whatever I say, Boo mimics. Even if he can't say it, he imitates the syllables and the way it sounds. This can be a problem when you have a serious case of potty mouth like I do. So M and I have had to learn not to cuss. I will say it makes you think more about what you say and how it will sound coming out of a 16-month-old's mouth. Instead

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-5268703853289747422009-05-23T10:53:00.000-07:002009-05-23T10:56:26.098-07:00

I'm back from vacation. I will recap my cruise to Bermuda in another post. But first, let me reflect on the sadness that is the B's and C's both being eliminated from the playoffs within a few days of each other. A moment of silence. Now, let's move on to the Sox. I'm mad at Tom Brady for being such an ignorant heel to Bridget, so the Sox are all I have for now.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-27606477885362650112009-05-21T08:46:00.000-07:002010-01-03T12:34:58.853-08:00

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-3104191917242067142009-05-14T05:57:00.000-07:002009-05-14T05:59:26.683-07:00

My son (and husband) bought me an iPhone for Mother's Day. I love it. It rocks. I've been downloading free apps like crazy. I am missing coffee like mad -- had a RAST test at my allergist to see if I truly am allergic to it. So I wonder, is there an app for coffee addiction (or withdrawal)?

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-7720703640524585212009-05-13T09:57:00.000-07:002009-05-13T10:08:40.102-07:00

I was riding up on the elevator this morning with two guys. They were having an animated conversation about baseball. One of the guys was acting out a baseball swing, and the other guy was listening intently. Then they ran out of things to say and rode up the rest of the way in silence.I'm no cultural anthropologist, but I totally see how sports is conversational currency to men. It's something

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-43640534749819671842009-05-07T07:35:00.000-07:002009-05-07T07:46:10.399-07:00

Toddler whack their heads a lot. This I know. But when it happens to your kid, especially the first time, it's freaking terrifying. Case in point: Boo's latest thing is to lean up against the door connecting the garage to the house, banging on it and waiting for us to come home. I came running into the house on Tuesday, trying to get a move on since M had a meeting and we still needed to eat

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-71704827477516700482009-04-30T14:14:00.000-07:002009-04-30T14:22:16.618-07:00

It's open. We went there yesterday. Such a beautiful place. My mom came to visit, and we walked all over the paths. Boo thought he was such a big boy, holding Nana's hand. And he loved the swing. If you're local, check it out -- they did a great job cleaning it up.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-78326725240974944472009-04-24T15:03:00.001-07:002009-04-24T15:03:45.859-07:00

Temps around here are supposed to be in the 80s. I cannot wait to enjoy them! Whatever you do, have a good one.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-15002338625642896752009-04-23T12:58:00.000-07:002009-04-23T13:13:35.205-07:00

So Tuesday M made us some of the nice Kona coffee I had picked up at BJs. As I was sipping it on the way in, I started to get itchy. All over. Including my tongue. So I stopped at a red light and dumped that delicious, delicious drink into the street.All day, I felt wheezy and funny. So I decided to stop and get a 50-cent iced coffee. It happened again, and this time I almost broke out in hives.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-62469693704377189082009-04-20T13:40:00.000-07:002009-04-20T13:45:54.329-07:00

I don't work Mondays and Wednesdays. That may sound relaxing to you if you work full-time, but in some ways my schedule is more crazy on my days off. I always hope for time to relax, but there are errands to do, a house to clean and a baby to chase. For example, today I:Gave Boo a bath Washed all the floors Cleaned both bathrooms and the kitchenRan the dishwasherCleaned out the disposalDid wash

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-47984618728912006312009-04-15T09:26:00.000-07:002009-04-15T09:36:26.174-07:00

I've had a case of the Mondays that's been lasting all week. Work is kicking my ample ass, Boo is getting more active and I'm so damn tired -- doc wants me to start taking iron pills for possible mild anemia. But enough bitching. Let's get to la vida Christine:Easter: Was great. Much too much candy. I have been eating it for breakfast, dinner and snacks, and in a related story, I can't fit into

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-82740520689283373512009-03-31T11:55:00.000-07:002009-03-31T11:57:16.794-07:00

Boo started in the toddler room today. He is on the meal plan. He sleeps on a mat. I no longer have to remove my shoes when I enter the room. This is very screwed up. My son cannot be almost 15 months old and have his first shoes, can he? When they said it goes by fast, they weren't kidding. He's still my snuggle bunny.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-13461229482769840512009-03-20T13:59:00.000-07:002009-03-20T14:03:05.542-07:00

I was perpetually late for school as a kid. It was bad. I even got suspended because of it. I still have dreams about missing homeroom and being lost all day. But when I read this article about a school letting kids sleep in, it made me want to move to Britain. Boo seems to like his sleep as much as I did and still do.Have a good weekend, everyone. Hopefully mine will include some sleeping in.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-54545954945474541982009-03-17T10:18:00.001-07:002009-03-17T10:20:20.837-07:00

I am not Irish. I am about as Italian as the boot. And I found this video on YouTube (language alert) that sums up how my people communicate -- with their hands, a lot of profanity and very emphatically. Happy St. Patrick's Day to my Irish friends, but viva Italia!

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-39444297906428657392009-03-13T10:20:00.000-07:002009-03-13T10:23:12.437-07:00

Everyone is talking about Jon Stewart handing Jim Cramer's ass to him. I just watched it. Check it out -- Jon, you are a god. Jim is reduced to a stammering idiot. Although to be fair, it's not entirely his fault.Good weekend, all.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-10267277732468061442009-03-10T09:25:00.001-07:002009-03-10T09:29:08.579-07:00

Yes, I am a Mariah fan. You have to be to like Crybaby.So my son does not like being dropped off at daycare anymore. He clings to my arm and cries. It's sad. I try to make my comings and goings as non-momentous as possible, but he still has a meltdown when I drop him off. It's hard on me, too. Any ideas, other moms?

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-67161152564979803822009-03-03T17:40:00.000-08:002009-03-03T17:44:49.813-08:00

When I was in high school, I used to work as a page at the Melrose Public Library. A page puts the books back on the shelves when they are returned. Being the raging nerd that I am, I often would wind up reading the books I was supposed to be putting away. I found all kinds of places to hide in that library, curled up with a good book and getting paid for it. Now it can be told.I recently

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-55238561066116576902009-02-26T07:50:00.000-08:002009-02-26T07:57:02.595-08:00

Inspired by Dan at Steel Kaleidoscopes and that I'm in a seriously whiny mood:What Winter Means to MeMailbox sticking out of snowbankBrown lawn exposed and receding with snowfallWind whipping my hair into knotsDry skin and lots of lotionSicknesses, one, two, three -- can't go to daycareSnowstorm coming -- cancel plansBUTSnowglobe outside and Boo's wonderBarking dog next door can't stand the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-52912665298957102912009-02-24T10:44:00.000-08:002009-02-24T10:52:37.398-08:00

In general, I tend to be a fiery person. I have a temper. I mouth off. I get furious. And then I don't even remember what I was mad about. So when I read this article in Parenting about women who get mad at their husbands and why, boy, did it resonate with me. The lead basically states how I feel about M:My husband and I just celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. I'd say we havea great

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-8340803772730946772009-02-19T12:35:00.000-08:002009-02-19T12:46:37.755-08:00

Now, I realize that Richard Marx is about as uncool as you can get. But I love him. And the song Now and Forever is one of the most amazing love songs I've ever heard. Just consider the lyrics:Whenever I'm wearyFrom the battles that rage in my headYou make sense of madnessWhen my sanity hangs by a threadI lose my wayBut still you seem to understandNow and foreverI will be your manWhen Boo was a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-37634188501783124042009-02-15T18:02:00.000-08:002009-02-15T18:17:45.874-08:00

M and I are going on our tenth year together. We still adore each other, sure, but our idea of romance has become more M bringing the laundry upstairs for me or making pancakes and coffee on a lazy Sunday afternoon than a dozen roses or box of chocolates. But for this Valentine's Day, we decided we needed some couple time, so we went on the brunch cruise on the Odyssey out of Boston.I wasn't sure

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-83049807881071712162009-02-10T06:47:00.000-08:002009-02-10T06:58:12.046-08:00

I think I say that to Boo 100 times a day. He's going through a phase where he thinks the world is his smorgasbord. Everything, and I do mean everything, goes in that mouth. I find myself sweeping his mouth after I see him put something in there but didn't see what it was. It's driving me nuts. And this morning, I was walking past daycare when I caught him putting a piece of glue in his mouth. I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-75867853136556420092009-02-06T15:16:00.000-08:002010-01-24T20:28:49.533-08:00

I haven't been in the office since Monday because my son has had one of the lovely viruses going around. You moms know what I'm talking about: seven to 10 days, got to run its course. He's been running fevers and feeling like ass. He's also not eating great, which is unlike my moose son. He started getting sick Saturday, and only now does he feel better. Poor Boo.Have a good weekend. I'm praying

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-1404501617616018662009-02-02T08:34:00.000-08:002009-02-02T08:48:13.260-08:00

My parentals came over yesterday to see me and M The Boo, and we made a bunch of picky food to hang out and watch TV. Since it's my dad's birthday in a few weeks and I'm not sure I'm going to see him, I decided to venture back into the kitchen after being dethroned by M and made a cake. But not just any cake. My parents' 38th anniversary is coming up, as is Valentine's Day (which, after some

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-15674121552534981872009-01-30T13:31:00.001-08:002009-01-30T13:34:58.940-08:00

This octuplet lady is blowing my mind. Seriously. Blowing. My. Mind. It's coming out that she had six kids and then went through fertility treatments that made her pregnant with what they thought were seven babies (surprise! an eighth popped out). She refused to selectively abort, which I don't agree with but respect, and now she has a freaking litter. Those babies only weigh a pound or two each.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-36445073709662267702009-01-23T08:11:00.000-08:002009-01-23T08:13:40.775-08:00

I am a serious moon junkie. Where I live, the skies are wide open, and M and I often moongaze. He tells me my facial expression turns, softens and my eyes glow when I see the moon. There's something about it that really draws me. I can't explain it. I'm just glad I live out in the country so I can see it more clearly. It's spectacular.Good weekend, all. Few plans, and for that I'm happy.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-73103759055424671202009-01-22T12:24:00.001-08:002009-01-22T12:39:40.714-08:00

When M and I first bought our house in late 2002, we were so anxious to make it a home that a month after settling in, we adopted a dog named Oreo. She was so called because she was black and white, a mix of boxer and Lab. She had a black body with sandy fur interspersed and a big, square boxer jaw. She was pretty and smart, and we (especially M) adored her.About three days after we got her, I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-3555816550946803112009-01-22T06:28:00.000-08:002009-01-22T06:46:30.507-08:00

I am perpetually late. It's not that I'm lazy; it's that I am a poor judge of time. I also try to cram too much in, and I'm always, rushing, rushing, rushing. As I was this morning, when I didn't feel like getting out of bed and told M to take the first shower. Which gave me 20 minutes to shower, get dressed and get out the door (M took care of getting the Boo up). Right. So I always say to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-20992215160534259662009-01-20T09:55:00.001-08:002009-01-20T09:56:12.510-08:00

It's finally 1/20, Bush's last day, and as of about an hour ago, we officially have President Obama. Good-bye Bush! Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-70596423976534356832009-01-20T07:16:00.000-08:002009-01-20T07:58:06.890-08:00

I've got "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder stuck in my head so I thought I'd get the lyric in my headline.We got the tree down. And the house is now decorated for Valentine's Day. Boo is loving the decorations and getting closer and closer to walking every day. Lord help me.So as for me: I spent yesterday getting an endoscopy. Background: I've been having heartburn and digestive problems for

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-24398397769896856072009-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:002009-01-16T08:03:13.901-08:00

You know what I'm going to blog about, don't you?Yes, the insane, bone-crunching, skin-drying, spirit-sapping COLD.When I went into my garage this morning and started Ye Olde Camry, it was 19 degrees, according to the dash. The garage is attached to the house, and on days like this, I am happy for that fact.As I pulled out, the temperature dropped. And dropped again. By the time I got a mile from

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-84710955634289324432009-01-15T10:32:00.000-08:002009-01-15T10:35:42.211-08:00

The Christmas decorations are down, and the presents are put away. What's the next major holiday? Well, for us Christians it's Easter. But that's in April, which in this frigid state seems a million years away.So I've been doing some hardcore Valentine's Day decorating. What I've found is it's difficult to find V-day stuff. I went to TJ Maxx yesterday and found some, but Wal-Mart doesn't carry it

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-47739504495053361592009-01-13T13:08:00.000-08:002009-01-13T13:18:20.519-08:00

My mom gave me a Target gift certificate for Christmas. I was dying to use it, so Boo and I headed over there yesterday on my day off. Here's what I got for my money, baby:Two V-neck shirts, one in green and one in purple70s Roller Disco, a Target exclusive compilation (LOVE IT)A compilation of 40 number-one hits from the 80s (LOVE THAT TOO -- I am so old that I remember when a lot of the songs

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-54801411870526620912009-01-06T06:40:00.000-08:002009-01-06T06:44:09.050-08:00

My son is one year old today. A year. This time last year, I was in hard labor with him. Amazing.To my precious Boo: You have been the most amazing, rewarding, challenging and humbling achievement of my 35 years. I am so proud of you. I (and your father) love you so much. Happy birthday, and many more.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-3444440074375347302009-01-01T07:08:00.000-08:002009-01-01T07:22:06.222-08:00

M and I went back and forth about what to do for New Year's Eve. After all, last year we stayed home out of necessity -- I was six days away from giving birth and big as a house. My OB had put the kibosh on unnecessary trips, so that meant a December 31 with a bottle of sparkling grape juice, a fire in the fireplace and me falling asleep at 10 p.m. So this year, I put our New Year's plans in M's

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-50031867126662559382008-12-30T06:36:00.000-08:002008-12-30T06:41:01.167-08:00

Yes, I know. I have disappeared. Santa did not bring me a new computer, alas, so my posting from home has been limited. Not to mention the computer room isn't really a place for the Boo to hang out, so I have to wait until he's napping, and there's lots of other things to do.Like clean up from our first Christmas as a family. Holy crap, Boo got a lot of stuff. My living room is overrun. It was an

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-29336071522482196212008-12-23T06:12:00.000-08:002008-12-23T06:18:55.350-08:00

I love Christmas. I love Santa. I love presents. I love decorating for the holidays. (Although it makes me, as Avery said in Jerry Maguire, one of those people who starts decorating for Christmas a month before.) So I wanted my son to love it all as much as I do, especially the big guy who brings presents. So I took him to the mall a few weeks ago to meet Santa.He freaked out.Now, Santa is pretty

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-69144444817411864402008-12-19T05:43:00.000-08:002008-12-19T05:51:20.734-08:00

Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lone-ly time. (Well, for you, without a post from me. At least I hope not.)I've been busy, to say the least. Work has been balls-to-the-wall nuts. We got power back Monday, but then it was a matter of playing catchup with the laundry, cleaning, etc., since we went to my parents' in Melrose while we didn't have power for four days. No power= no heat, and

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-83967570506820785772008-12-13T16:50:00.000-08:002008-12-13T17:18:05.572-08:00

You've probably heard on the news that North Central Massachusetts has no power. Well, we're in that story. There's no power in my neck of the woods, which means no heat. Trees are split up and down my street, including huge branches in my yard. I'm borrowing an Internet connection to write this. More later.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-21727998851116078362008-12-05T07:18:00.000-08:002008-12-05T07:25:40.160-08:00

I wrote a prize-winning post on my birthday. I tried to post it from the freaking Commodore 64 we have at home. And it never showed up on the site. Yow. I just realized I have not posted in two weeks.Maybe it's my newly old brain (I just had a very major birthday; my age now rhymes with dirty jive).Maybe it's the fact I've had a raging sinus infection, complete with multicolored snot (I know, you

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-10918940351688923892008-11-21T06:57:00.000-08:002008-11-21T06:58:20.870-08:00

As of tomorrow, I will have been in my house for six years. We have some great neighbors and one bad one. So I ask you, who are the people in your neighborhood?Good weekend. Laying low and getting ready for a week off.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-81429217908778325242008-11-14T11:20:00.001-08:002008-11-14T11:28:50.877-08:00

Watched this show about sex myths with Dr. Drew (love him) on the Discovery Channel. Some interesting findings:1) Sperm can live in a woman's body for up to three days. So while you think pregnancy occurs during sex, it can occur up to three days after intercourse.2) Not all sperm are created equal. Leading the charge are warrior sperm, which destroy any sperm left from another partner. So if Guy

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-9364297154338512472008-11-13T12:07:00.000-08:002008-11-13T12:10:31.782-08:00

Yesterday I was out doing errands (can I just say how much Marshalls rocks?) and decided to hit the drive-through at our local Starbucks. I pull up to the speaker and ask for my light pumpkin spice frappucino, and then I ask if they have any toffee almond bars. I know they are horrible for you, but I am addicted to them.Counter girl: Well, ummm, we are, umm, out of them.Me: Oh yeah?Counter girl:

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-49687765505379866972008-11-11T09:30:00.000-08:002008-11-11T09:40:03.745-08:00

Been a busy bee, although I am getting over a bad cold:Stripped my entire bed down to the mattress and washed everything in hot water to kill all the germs. Did obscene amounts of other laundry. How does a 20-pound person make so much laundry? Thank goodness for the HE machine.Cleaned the bathrooms and vacuumed. Raked the entire front yard (and then realized I didn't have enough bags for that

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735060.post-10887106402847090742008-11-07T09:59:00.000-08:002010-01-24T20:30:04.715-08:00

Just found this old-school clip on YouTube of Mariah Carey singing Hero. It's a schmaltzy song, but she hits it out of the park, and the song has a lot of personal meaning for me. I remember watching this when it was on her Thanksgiving special and just getting goosebumps. Fifteen years later, I still do. She is just pure vocal talent.Have a great weekend, everyone. We have a family obligation

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06784439635697216521noreply@blogger.com0