Honey, I'm Home!

I'm very excited, because starting this week, Kevin will be working from home more often. We're not sure how long he'll be home each month, but anything is better than his schedule over the last few years. Right now, it looks like he might be able to swing three weeks at home while on this project, and one week on the road. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this scenario. 

Here are the pros and cons of a traveling husband:

Pro: I can get school work done at home each night without feeling guilty; I don't have to worry about cooking dinner every night; I can watch what I want on TV; I can sit in silence after a hectic day at school...not talking to anyone; airline miles and hotel points for fun getaways.

Con: I can only stay at school for a limited time each day because Tobi is at home waiting to be let out; I can get bored and restless at home by myself; we have to pack all of our quality time into two days and three nights; we split our limited quality time between ourselves, friends, and family; I have to sleep by myself; when it snows, I have to do all the shoveling by myself; Kevin's flights are so unpredictable in the winter.

I know that Kevin is a bit less excited than I am to have him home, since he'll be cooped up in the house each day, but in the end, it will be nice to see each other for more than 72 hours each week!

Conversation Hearts...How Times Have Changed

Have you ever had the type of day where just when you solve one problem (and pat yourself on the back for avoiding disaster), another springs up? That's the kind of day I had today at work. 

To remedy my rough day, I'm popping Conversation Hearts like it's my job. Reading those little hearts are so nostalgic. It takes me back to a time when I knew nothing of phrases like "International Baccalaureate", "annual yearly progress", "data team meetings", and much more. Instead, my biggest concern was which Valentine to give to which classmate. (You wanted to give the BEST and BIGGEST one to the guy you liked, but opted for the more generic one in the pack for the guy you didn't want to "lead on".)

I don't know if you've read any Conversation Hearts lately, but I highly recommend it. I remember when they said stuff like, "Kiss Me", "You Rock", or the ever popular, "Be Mine". Now, I'm reading things like, "Text Me", "LOL", "U Go Girl", and "Got Love?" It's interesting that little things like Conversation Hearts reflect how times have changed! Twenty years ago, I don't think any of those would have made sense to me, and now it's the norm. Just conversation hearts food for thought!

I don't know if anyone will respond, but I'll throw it out there. What is your favorite Conversation Heart saying??

What Dentists Don't Tell You About Flossing

It could pop your fillings out. That's right, this morning I "flossed" my filling out. Two things bother me about this. First, I was just at the dentist last Thursday for a cleaning. My dentist told me my teeth looked great, which is a big deal for me, since I am the Cavity Queen. Apparently, my teeth did not appreciate the compliment, and unfortunately, I had to make an impromptu visit to the dentist for a "re-fill". The second thing that bothers me is I didn't even lose my filling by doing anything fun, like eating gooey and delicious candy! That might have been worth the shots in the mouth, numb right side of my face, and drool dripping down my chin. Did I mention I went back to school to finish the day out with my paralyzed face???

My advice to you? Flossing could be dangerous to your teeth! :)

Five Easy Steps

Well, I did it. I started a Book Club. We haven't officially met, but we have our first meeting set up...or announced, at least. At first, I didn't want to be "in charge" of something else, but it was WAY easier than I thought. Plus, this is something I'm doing for fun, and the idea of organizing a way for my girlfriends to get together was a huge motivating factor. Here are my five easy steps to starting a book club.

Step #1 - Do some research. I used this website. It gave me tips on how to set expectations and choose books, among other things. 

Step #2 - Check for interest. I put a status up on Facebook, since I knew that was the best way to reach the most people. I got PLENTY of interest. (I almost wish I would have checked earlier, since I've been toying with this idea for about a year!)

Step #3 - Contact interested parties. I let my friends know what my ideas were for the book club, like the types of books we'd read, when and where we'd meet, regularity of meetings, how we'd pick books, etc. 

Step #4 - Create a communication forum. Whether it's Facebook messages, e-mails, or putting a Book Club page on your blog, a la Me, I think it's important to find a way to get information regarding chosen books and meetings. It also provides an easy way for members to RSVP for meetings! (Hint, hint, ladies! :))

Step #5 - Choose your first book and READ. Obviously, this is the most important part of the whole thing, well, besides actually showing up to the meeting!

I am extremely excited to get together for our first meeting in February!

My (limited) Search for a Book Club

My friend Julie recently started a blog where she discusses different books she and her book club are reading. This has inspired me to look into joining a book club. My first task was to search for one through readerscircle.org. Not that I'm shocked, but there are no book clubs registered on that site in my area. 

I know that I don't want to start a book club, because the last thing I need right now is the stress of being "in charge" of something else. I just want to be a part of one. Is there anyone out there who is interested in starting a book club in the Indianapolis area??? For now, I'll put the search on hold...but my resolution for this year is to join a book club.

The Rest of Break in a Nutshell

Obviously, my Winter Break got away from me. We were so busy, I forgot to post! Because I am a notoriously bad photographer, my pictures are limited.

In Cincinnati, we began with a nice family dinner at Ben & Erin's house, where Eli got to show off all of his new words and toys. The following evening we had Christmas Eve dinner at a yummy Thai restaurant, Bangkok Bistro. On Christmas, we usually go see a movie, but because Eli is here, we started a new tradition and watched a movie on HBO instead. That way, he could nap and we could all be together and watch. That evening, tons of family came over to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday...yep...it's on Christmas Day! It was wonderful to catch up with everyone. I don't think we'd seen Aunt Karen and Uncle Mike since last January! The next night, we were able to have a nice sushi dinner with Ben  Erin...no Eli. I don't think we had every gone on a double date with them. It definitely needs repeating! Finally, on the day we left, we went downtown and had Cajun food at J. Gumbo's. It was good, but all my Indianapolis people should know that their etouffee has got NOTHING on Yats! Tobi was sad to leave, since he gets to sleep on the beds at Kevin's parents house!

Since we've been back at home, I've focused part (and in some cases, a lot) of everyday on preparing for school. I thought I'd be more upset to be going back to school, but I'm just itching for some order to my days. I guess I don't do well operating on my own schedule. 

On New Years Eve, we went to the annual party at Andy and Allison's house. This party was one for the books! I can't divulge too much information...otherwise people may be upset with me, but there were MANY memorable moments. We love spending time with our old and new friends while we ring in the New Year.

That about sums up my break. It's back to my regular schedule, and Kevin hops on a plane again on Tuesday. Hopefully, I'll be better about blogging. I'm wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2011, filled with many great things!