Something For the Computer Geek

So I'm at my mom's house and they have these coasters.  They're pretty simple, just a cut out circle of flat motherboard with some cork added to the bottom.  It got me googling and I found this site:  Motherboard Gifts & More.  Basically, they've recycled motherboards and use them to create a unique look and products, such as these coasters (which, although pricy, look better that the ones my mom and her boyfriend own).  I admit, most of their merchandise isn't my style (nor would I consider it aesthetically pleasing, but the idea is definitely pretty neat.

Nothing Like Chocolate

I've been visiting my mother for the past week. It's been a mostly relaxing time and Beanette is loving the "nature" out here. She sees deer every day and lots of squirrels and birds. Thankfully, she's managed to miss seeing the dead frogs and skunks that are lying dead/run over on the road.

But, as always, I'm just about ready to get back to my life and put some distance between me and my mother again. 

My mother is one of those people I can only stand in small doses.

In other words, she's nothing like chocolate. Because I could eat chocolate just about every day.

Maybe there are just some things I'm not "over" from my childhood.  Or maybe it's because she is convinced that her way is always the right way.  I have no doubt that she loves me and would do just about anything for me, but if I had a choice, I would keep the physical distance between us.  It's better for my sanity.

I finished an interesting book the other day: World of Shell and Bone. Four stars. It reminded me a little of Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale." I enjoyed the plot and the writing style, but I have to admit that I would have liked a little more background/detail on some of the characters, particularly Shale. Here's to hoping the sequel is just as good!

On Vacation :)

I'm taking a short hiatus to visit my mother in California.  As you might know, I'm part of a GREAT group of babywearers in Colorado Springs.  If you have a chance, check out our blog:  Colorado Springs Babywearers!

Beanette, Turning Two.

We had my daughter's birthday party yesterday.  (Her birthday is on the 15th.)  Time really sneaks up on you.  I did the math again. Two years down, 16 more until she is an adult.  It scares me.  1/9th of her childhood is already gone.  Or 1/6 if I don't count the teenage years.

I don't like thinking about it.  Someday she will be big.  And will she think of me the way I think of my mother now?  There was a time when I, too, must have considered my mother a huge part of my world, the way my daughter views me.  It's such a shame to think that she will never remember this part of her life, that I am the only one who  will remember our time together.  She won't remember the way she looked at me with those big brown eyes while she nursed, her eyes flickering over my face, studying me.  She won't remember sticking her toes out for a kiss, or pointing to her belly, demanding another one.

Memories so precious.  Memories that only I will have.

Goals.

I'm two years into motherhood and sometimes I miss the person I used to be. But there is also some value in who I've become.  So it's time to put a little of this and a little of that together.  It's time for some changes.

• I want to write more and I want to write constructively. I want to start blogging again.  I want my words to count.  I want to be publishable.  
• I want to make playtime with my daughter count.  I want to sit on the floor more.  I want to stop saying "in two minutes," knowing I really mean 10; I want to push aside housework on occasion to play with her.  
• I want to walk more.  I want to stop the excuses.  I like to walk, but I don't do it as much anymore because it's cold.  Or because I'm lazy.  Or because I'm nervous that Beanette will cry halfway through and I'll have to turn around.  
• I want to dress up more.  I want to do my hair and my make-up more often.  I need to make more of an effort to get dressed earlier in the day.  I want to pretty myself up.
• I want to take more pictures...of myself.  I want more of a record of who I am at this time, for Beanette.  I want her to be able to look at pictures and be able to see the love I have for her.  

I guess you could call them New Year's Resolutions.