getting through

The other night Andy came into our room to find me singing along to this video in the dark.


Before that, I had sung along to these:






And laughed through this:


The next day I popped "Center Stage" into the DVD player and moved my shoulders and hips along to the music, remembering the times I stood in front of the TV in my parent's bedroom as a teenager, mimicking as many moves in this scene as I was physically able:



Let me tell you a theory I have: watching "Band of Brothers" will make you want to watch at least one other movie or show (if not five), because you'll recognize an actor and then think of something else they've been in. It is truly impossible for someone like me, who has a rolodex of actors in her mind, to watch "Band of Brothers" without shouting "ah! that's so and so from such and such" every five minutes. (I couldn't believe Andy put up with this, but he did.) The first time I saw "Band of Brothers" was in 2009, and I could hardly pay attention to anyone else because I was freaked out that I recognized Lieutenant Speirs as Rufus from Gossip Girl. Come on! That is upsetting (for several reasons... including the simple fact that I know who is on Gossip Girl). This time around I was able to focus on recognizing everyone else, including the actor who plays Private Webster (and Jim in "Center Stage"), James McAvoy and a verrrrry skinny Tom Hardy.

In between watching clips from musicals and blowing Andy's mind with actor references, I've been reading "Wild" for book club and eating fruit snacks and talking to the dog. I water flower arrangements and move them around to different tables and rooms. I read cards with heartbreakingly sweet messages and occasionally rip open a package (one of which held an entire pound cake). I look at pictures of John. I accuse of Andy of making me laugh too hard. I get through each day, hour by hour... sometimes laughing, sometimes singing, sometimes arguing, sometimes crying.

Sometimes writing silly, jumbled up blog posts.

what makes me happy right now

Sunday was a beautiful day. The sun was warm, the breeze was cool but not chilly... it was just perfect. After church I had to blitz the main floor before a friend came over while Andy was outside putting down new mulch. I kept looking at him outside and wishing I was out there with him.  A few hours later, once my guest had come and gone and Andy had finished his work, we returned our Redbox by walking to the gas station instead of driving there. We walked hand in hand and talked about how proud we were of each other for working so hard. I voiced my surprise that he was willing to go on a long walk after toting heavy bags of mulch around, and he said, "I know you've been wanting to go outside all day." :) Is there anything sweeter than when your spouse makes a sacrifice for you? It was a small part of our day, but that walk made me so happy. Walks do the mind and body good. Just don't tell the dog that we took a walk without her.

This morning I was supposed to get up at 6:10 to leave the house at 6:35 for Bible study at 6:45. Instead, I woke up at 6:25. Whoops. I brushed my teeth, threw on yesterday's clothes and dashed out the door... right into pouring down rain. Gah! It was worth it, though, just like it's worth waking up every Tuesday morning. Great women, great discussion, sweet encouragement. Plus, decaf coffee with a splash of half and half. YES, PLEASE. (Aaaand a cheese danish, because I've been eyeing them for weeks and haven't gotten one til today. Worth it.)

I mentioned last week that I'm starting to be more productive at home instead of a permanent blob on the couch. Well, I've been blobbish today, but I'll chalk that up to my 6:25 wake-up and the lack of a nap. Anywho, last night I made spaghetti squash au gratin to go with our leftover eggplant with turkey bolognese. Having a nice dinner made and having a tidy house main floor was so, so nice. Happy suzy homemaker.

I'm getting a pedicure and a burger some time this week.
Happy me.

What seemingly small thing is making you happy right now?

this is how I felt about my cheese danish

little pleasures

I tried to write a monthly "little pleasures" post ages ago, and failed. Just like my attempt to keep up with every monthly or weekly series I've ever started on this blog. fail fail fail.

I'm not bringing little pleasures back for the long haul, but I did want to share some things that have been putting a smile on my hormone-riddled face. I don't want to look back on this time as being completely miserable, because there have been lots of laughs and cozy naps and hours spent watching the snow fall. 

Puppy antics

Casey knows how to high-five, so I asked her to high-five me if I'm having a boy. She looked away. Then I said, "high-five if it's girl," and she promptly obeyed. Goofy dog! Also, she moaned during an entire episode of The Office — the one where Pam has her baby. Casey did not like it when the baby cried. Last night she moaned dramatically when Andy started talking to my belly. Apparently the jealousy has already begun.

Husband antics

The other day Andy started laughing and pointed to my sweatshirt. "That's the most pregnant you've ever looked," he said. I glanced down and realized my Dove Bar must have rubbed up against the top of my sweatshirt. Chocolate everywhere. It was also all over my face and I had no idea. 

This morning he sang "Payphone" to the dog. "You're at a payphone trying to call home but your paws can't hit the keys...so you called China then started barking because you don't like Chinese."

Movies

We used to watch movies all the time, but then we got hooked on television series. We're running out of things to watch on Netflix (any ideas?) so we recently popped in "Juno" and "The Princess Bride." It was interesting to start "House of Cards" after seeing young Robin Wright Penn. (We haven't finished "House of Cards," so don't give anything away!) 

Maternity clothes

I've ordered a few maternity items from Gap and Old Navy, but I found some great loose non-maternity tops at LOFT and TJMaxx while I was out shopping on Sunday. I felt pretty ridiculous stuffing my sweatshirt under tops in the dressing room, though! My favorite non-maternity shirt might be the "Stars Wars" tee I found in the men's clearance section of Target. It's so soft... I have a feeling I might be living in it soon! I'm also pretty psyched that the two clothing items I purchased for the Uganda trip are perfect for my growing belly. One is a maternity tank top that I bought b/c of it's high neck, and the other is a soft maxi skirt. 

Uganda pics

The team I was supposed to be on has arrived home from Uganda and I've really enjoyed looking through the pics they've put on Facebook, along with ones posted by the American girls that live there. 

the lovely Zion Project girls (pic by Jenny Childs)

happy things

It's only Tuesday and I'm already having one of those week's where I feel like the water is rising and threatening to pull me under. But I think that's just me allowing myself to be overwhelmed, and I don't want to do that anymore. So how 'bout a little fun up in herr?

these goodies oughta do the trick:

so many little pleasures, where to even begin?!

1) I am so, SO happy with my Imani necklace. It's bright and cheery and pops against the different shirts I've worn it with.

2) Parmesan-crusted tilapia - I added sliced almonds. Yummm. I served it w/ Chinese-style green beans (can't find the recipe online but it's in a Bon Apetit cookbook), but that's only b/c I was craving them.... normally I wouldn't pair parmesan tilapia w/ an Asian side dish.

Marcus Nisson

3. cheap dresses. I got a maroon dress from Ross for $9.99 that I plan on wearing to work and maybe my brother's rehearsal dinner. The picture of this dress I bought today is AWFUL but I promise, it's so so so cute on. trust me. I like this one too (didn't see it in the store) - but I don't really need another black dress. Tempting, though....

4. new nail polish - I got watermelon, even though I want ALL of them.

5. a new movie to look forward to

6. a wonderful blog post on marriage

7. a brand new baby - Andy and I got to see our friends Simone and Dan's baby boy tonight. Nathaniel David is itty bitty perfection.

December's little pleasures

1. Ornaments- I started the tradition of buying an ornament each time we travel or go somewhere special. I have one to commemorate our engagement, several from our honeymoon, my travels with Laurel, etc. etc. Of course, sometimes I buy them simply because they are pretty. I do have a few corny ornaments but I like to keep the tree classy. Here's one of my recent buys from Pier 1.

2. Casey in the snow- how could you not love this face?

3. Christmas parties- Read about ours here.

Party at the West View house (where I lived junior year)
there were 12 of us and 11 of us are spooning.
the loner is my friend Kristen, who isn't much a of a snuggler
(but really it should be Amy b/c she complains about it more)

annual Shiloh party
this was junior year again...eww my braces!!
I was trying to look like a candy cane in my
Goodwill jumpsuit...womp womp.

4. Presents under the tree- all of Andy's presents are wrapped and under the tree but he hasn't bought me a single gift! My fault- I totally failed to produce a Christmas list for him this year. Normally I have a list a mile long. I think I'll ask him to get me a couple presents to unwrap and then shop together for the rest of my gifts. Here is something I found today that I'm going to ask for:

earthenware elephant from Z gallerie

5. Extra snuggles- Andy has had extra time off this month because his personal days expire at the end of the year. We've been staying up til the wee hours of the morning watching 24 and then crashing on our new flannel sheets. Snuggles are the greatest.

October's little pleasures

I may have missed the month of September, but my little pleasures list isn't going anywhere.
Here are my picks for October:

Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds 100 calorie pack
I keep a pack in my purse and the rest in the freezer. I love that I'm getting my chocolate fix and a dose of healthy fats at the same time.

Slatkin & Co. candles (Current favs are Leaves and Pumpkin Patch)
These candles fill up my house with amazing fall scents even when they aren't lit! For $5, these would be a great hostess gift for whoever is hosting your Thanksgiving dinner.

2011 Paper Source Mini Desk Calendar
This calendar is only the cutest thing ever and the perfect gift for a female friend or family member. With a price tag of $7.95, you might as well by yourself one too!

Nivea Lip Care products
I've already seen several manufacturers coupons this year and plan to stock up on some yummy lip balm for the winter months.

Magazine subscriptions...I love curling up with my Real Simples and Marie Claires this time of year because of the amazing recipes and cute fall fashions. I have already asked for a Good Housekeeping subscription for Christmas. This may seem like a boring thing to give to others, but it's such a fun gift to receive! You could even pair the subscription with something fun and inexpensive, like pairing fashion magazines with a fun scarf, or cooking magazines with a recipe holder or menu planner.

Kissing. A lot.

august: in remembrance

How is it September already? Summer flew by. As wonderful as it was to have sunshine after such a cold winter, I think most of us are ready for breezy t-shirt and jeans weather. Here are my little pleasures from August, without pics because I'm trying to make it short and sweet:

1. the movie Eat Pray Love 
2. our vacation in the Outer Banks
3. my new carmex moisture plus lip balm
4. getting a bag full of clothes from the lovely Katie Stoops (technically this did not happen in August. shh)
5. If You Lived Here by Dana Sachs
6. not buying stuff I don't really need. I don't think I bought anything decorative for the house, any shoes, any pieces of jewelry, any purses...I need to remember to tell Andy this!
7. going back to the gym. not really a pleasure right now, but eventually....

Now, on to September!

july little pleasures

I won't be in town for a week and a half, so I'm dedicating today's post to the little pleasures of the month.

1. Girls Gone Child, one of my favorite blogs, featured this skateboarding video that completely captivated me. There is such delight in watching a skillful person at work (or in this case, play). I took my skateboard to college my freshman year and I miss skating up and down the hall and trying not to hit cars when I went down the hill in front of my dorm.

2. Toy Story 3. I actually haven't seen it yet, but I'm going tomorrow with Andy! We have heard nothing but good things about it.

3. CORN ON THE COB. ohmygoodness. My favorite summer vegetable. I especially love it grilled.

4. Round Ireland With a Fridge by Tony Hawks. This guy hitchhiked around Ireland with a fridge to win a bet. The memoir was a quick read and made me laugh the whole way through. I'm dying to see the movie. I love a good indie flick.

5. 2010 is already halfway over. How are you doing on your New Year's Resolutions? I'm doing terribly on mine. I completely and totally forgot (honestly, I did) that I had written last December about spending $50 a week in groceries. Whoops! Thankfully we haven't been spending much on groceries lately because our schedules have been crazy and we do a LOT of eating whatever we already have in the freezer/pantry. I also didn't finish the diet, walk only a few miles per week, haven't been published this year...yikes. But I have been reading! I read all the time!

So, number 5 sounds like a downer, but here is where the little pleasure is found: we have more time! The year isn't over yet! Here is a revised list of resolutions: continue reading as often as possible, get published, exercise 30 min a day for at least four days/week, make healthful dinners and eat less in the evening, read my Bible daily, practice the fruits of the spirit, eat more local-grown foods and take a vacation with *just* Andy.

June little pleasures

This is the first post of my new monthly "little pleasures" list. Little pleasures are really what The Blog Around the Corner is all about, and I hope you'll be inspired to watch/create/buy/listen/eat/etc. and discover the joy in little things.

1. Warfels chocolates. Katie Stoops gifted me with a lovely 6 piece box of chocolates yesterday and I am loooving every bite. Thanks Katie!

2. This gorgeous planter from Home Depot was also a gift from Katie Stoops. She is one of the most generous people I know. I actually received it in April as a housewarming gift (she planted three adorable succulents in it), but it still gives me so much pleasure, so I had to include it in this lift.

3. Slatkin & Co. Pomegranate Lemonade candle from Bath and Body Works. I got it 50% off (holler) but it smells just as sweet at full price. The candle is in my favorite shade of pink and smells incredible. I've been carrying it around the house with me. True story.

4. Prison Break! Andy and I finished this show on Monday morning. It overtook our life for about a month and a half after we discovered that the complete series is available on Netflix Instant Play. The show is fast-paced, exciting, chilling and at times, humorous. I've come across many people who are wary about how there can be four seasons about a prison break, but don't let the title of the show fool you. There is much more to the show.

5. Lost in the City by Edward P. Jones. I read a feature on Jones in the Washington Post Magazine several months ago and was eager to begin reading his books. Lost in the City is a compilation of short stories that follow varying characters in the African-American neighborhoods of D.C.

let me know if you try/buy any of these pleasures!