12): Resolutions & Downton Edition

By bobbi
January 13, 2012
No Comments

– 1 –

I’ve been reading a lot on other blogs about resolutions. I hate resolutions because I’ll do well for a day or two then go right back to where I started. Instead, I have a couple of work-in-process projects. I’ve been working on two areas specifically last year. One was to get my house more organized. For those who know me or have been reading my blog, you also know that my three sisters are neat and organized and I’m the one most likely to appears on “Hoarders: Buried Alive.” Okay, maybe I’m not that bad but I could appear on the show “My Desk Is Covered with So Much Junk I Can’t See My Computer Monitor” as seen here. That is why I started Operation Clean & Organize. I haven’t done much since autumn with all the holiday busyness but things have settled down now and I can refocus.

– 2 –

The second work-in-progress is to eat healthier and move more. (Do you ever watch Good Luck Charlie on Disney? As the overweight Bob Duncan was told – “Less bacon and more shakin!”) I already joined Weight Watchers and I’ve lost the baby weight but, again, once the holidays came everything stalled. I stopped keeping track. I kept what I lost off but I haven’t made any progress on the still long road ahead. So that, too, must be refocused.

UPDATE: For info on Bob Duncan’s weight loss, read this post.

– 3 –

The last two are more mini-goals than projects. And they are more “fun.” The first – don’t be afraid to try some “feminine touches” in how I dress. When I was younger my favorite colors were navy blue, army green and burgundy. I wore either converse of doc martins. However, as I’ve gotten older, I have finally let go of that more “tomboy” mentality. I still hate wearing dresses or skirts and run from any shoe that has a heel more than ½ an inch but I can now say my favorite colors are red, orange and yellow – bright and happy colors. I like wearing pink and buying things that are less boyish and more cute. I think I have also been influenced by Betty Beguiles and have learned to better embrace the feminine side of myself. For example, when I see my sisters wearing pretty flowers in their hair or a really pretty accessory I think to myself – that looks great on them but I couldn’t wear it. Well, Bobbi, why not? So I experimented with little things. For Christmas I wore a flower clip in my hair. I also love headbands so I wore this crocheted one I found that had a pretty crocheted flower on it.

I liked it and no one laughed at me. (Do we ever get over those negative junior high feelings that sometimes creep up on us?) And who knows, in the future I may even be blogging about the day I wore one of those cute dresses I pinned on Pinterest. After all, I do believe in miracles.

– 4 –

The other mini-goal is to watch a little less TV. Having cable TV and a DVR, I can pretty much record whatever I want and just watch it later, especially when I am up with the baby. However, it has gotten a bit out of hand. I have had to delete some shows that have just become time wasters. (Sorry, Mom, if I can’t discuss the latest person voted off Biggest Loser or why I voted for so-and-so on American Idol.) I will still watch favorites with Brian in the evening and I will certainly still obsess over Downton Abbey (See, Mom, we can still discuss how much we can’t stand Vera Bates and how we long for Mary and Matthew to finally get together.) but paring down on TV in general will give me more time to read a few of those books I wanted to get into and read some of the mom blogs I’ve wanted to follow.

– 5 –

Speaking of reading more, I have already started reading more on my new Kindle Fire. Yes, as I mentioned in last week’s quick takes, I finally decided to use my Christmas money to buy one and I don’t regret it! I love my iphone but reading on the kindle is so much easier. Plus, I can also read my magazines (did you see that the National Catholic Register is available on the Kindle?) and my Google Reader is a lot easier than on my phone. It is perfect for the evenings when I am trying to get the baby to sleep and have extra time to myself.

– 6 –

And speaking of mom blogs, I first came across By Sun and Candlelight when I was reading a post about Downton Abbey. (Great comments in the com box. btw!) I started browsing around and I am really enjoying Dawn’s posts. You should check it out.

– 7 –

Lastly, Dawn (from above) also mentioned that she got the book The World of Downton Abbey for her birthday. I browsed through the pages they had on Amazon and it looks so pretty and informative. It’s the kind of book a Downton geek would love. (It is available on Kindle but a book like that, you have to hold it in your hands and feel the paper.)

And I do happen to have a few dollars of my Christmas money left…and it is burning a hole in my pocket…and who wants to bet that for next week’s {pretty, happy, funny, real} you are going to see a photo of that book sitting on my desk. I’m just saying… 😉

LOL! Have a great weekend!
xoxo,
b.

Operation Clean & Organize: Vol 5 – My Desk

By bobbi
January 12, 2012
2 Comments

**Taming the procrastinating, ADD, mess cat within me.**

The other day I looked into Bella’s room to make sure she was doing her homework. I saw her kneeling on the floor using her chair as a table top. I wondered why she wasn’t using her desk until I took a look at it. It was so messy there was no room to write. She said she just cleaned it last week and doesn’t know why it was so messy again. I told her that she can’t just clean it once. She had to straighten it out every day so things don’t accumulate and look like a disaster area. She agreed and started cleaning.
I then walked over to my desk to check something online and ate my own words since my once clean desk looked something like this.

My desk area is my little sanctuary/work center but more often than not I cannot even see the surface of it beneath all the mess. I am trying to make it a habit to take a few minutes each evening and put away the stuff that always accumulates there over the course of the day.
Since I always have numerous piles of papers or projects that I am working on I bought these pretty file folders at Barnes and Nobles to sort and label the piles.

For Christmas I received this cute file folder that I wanted. I keep all our important papers and documents in it. I told Brian that if there is a fire in the house grab the kids first then grab the file. (Which makes me think, what if there is a fire while we are gone? Maybe I should scan those papers and store them online?)

I use these matching mesh pouches to hold pens, stickers/envelope seals and other desk supplies.

So my desk is once again pretty and every night (hopefully) Bella and I will be making sure our desk areas are kept that way.

{pretty, happy, funny, real} – vol 19

By bobbi
January 12, 2012
3 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

I’m not sure if I’d call him “pretty” but Matthew is darn cute and he is 9 months old today! (Photo courtesy of my sister JC. 😉

{happy}

This weekend Andrew attended a birthday party that was held at a fire station. He got a kick out of the fire truck’s tires being so tall.

He was even more excited when he got a turn shooting the fire house into the street. (Free car washes for unsuspected cars driving by. LOL)

{funny}

Matthew was having fun squirming his way into the bar stool.

However, the fun ended when he couldn’t figure how to get out of there!

{real}

Back to the fire station..they were showing us how high their ladder went. One of the firefighters started climbing…

…and climbing…

…until he finally made it to the very top. I was dizzy just looking at him. Those guys are amazing!!
Lots of love to all our firefighters!! 🙂

TV Talk: My Downton Abbey 2, Episode 1 Twitter Feed

By bobbi
January 10, 2012
No Comments

Since I didn’t get to see the new Downton Abbey until last night, I missed the Twitter party on Sunday night. Yet, I had plenty to say when I did watch it so here is my unpublished twitter feed while watching Downton Abbey. Feel free to share your thoughts!

BTW, if you missed the show you can watch it online here.

UPDATE: Brian just got home from work. He was talking to a coworker from the UK. She has already seen the entire season. She said there is even more drama and turmoil coming and that Vera Bates gets even nastier. After this season there is/was a Downton Abbey Christmas special that wrapped up many of Season 2’s conflicts, yet leads into new stories in the upcoming Season 3. Something to look forward to!

*********************

The kids are asleep. The lights are dimmed. I am so ready for Downton Abbey! #DowntonPBS

Laura Linney looks as excited as we are.

How did anyone make it out of there alive? #war

That’s why we love Downton, Michael. “Seems like another world.” (Yet, we can always relate to the human nature.)

Ethel is a cheeky little thing.

The best lines are always from Lady Dowager. #whatisaweekend?

Brian, “What kind of name is Lavinia??” #villianousname

Dearest, Sybil. I just want to hug you.

No one eavesdrops like O’Brien.

Wow, I wasn’t expecting Cousin Isobel and Lady Dowager to be agreeing on something.

Aw, Bates. I’ve loved your character in the last three movies/series I’ve seen you in. (Downton, North & South and LarkRise to Candleford.)

Will those two sisters ever stop being nasty to each other?

Poor Mary. Nothing like regret.

Of course Lavinia looks sweet but we’ll not stop wishing Mary and Matthew come to their senses.

Poor William. He needs a hug too.

Lord Grantham/Papa always seems to be the last to know.

Oh, no! Mrs. Vera Bates is in the picture now? I thought she was dead or long divorced. Noooo! The writing is on thewall…

BTW, Bates, what kind of proposal was that?

How many times have I said that to Brian, “I’d give you a smack if I didn’t want to kiss you so much.”

Oh, no an Anna/Bates kiss to tug at our hearts before it is broken.

Quotable: “My my. You are very well placed if you are ever in trouble with the law.”

O’Brien the Cat has a new mouse to tease.

Oh, yes, Matthew. Mary is so pleased to be “friends.”

Anna and Bates are making plans. Anna is blissfully happy. This can only mean one thing. Disaster is right around the corner.

Mary and Matthew, you are breaking my heart.

There it is. The bombshell. And a nasty piece of work she is. #paininthearse

I can physically feel my blood boiling. Why can’t she be thrown on the battlefield in the line of fire?

Mrs. Hughes! You shock me. I thought O’Brien was the master eavesdropper. #nosybodiesunite

No, dearest Anna. Don’t be willing to live in sin with him. Think of Jane Eyre. If it is meant to be it will work out in the end.

Oh, Anna. Your tears have brought me to tears. #heartbreak

Daisy, that’s one way to cheer William up but be careful, little one!

Hmm, Daisy. Was that look saying, “Oh, yes!” or “Oh, no!”?

How do people live in such conditions? #war

Lovely. First Vera. Now Thomas is back.

Quotable, “If I was a gentleman, I wouldn’t want to know.” “But you’re not.” “Fortunately.”

Quotable: “Flattered is a word posh people use when they are getting ready to say no.”

Be patient, Branson. She may come around.

Oh, God. I guess that bullet had his name on it. #irony #war

Poor Papa. I smell another major let down.

And there it is. An honorary position.

Is Lord Grantham ever going to find out about the scandal?

Checking for vapors? Classic, O’Brien.

Edith, don’t be so annoying. Leave Mary to her praying. #pest

I love how the love of a good man can change a selfish heart. I’m rooting for you, Mary.

We’re seeing a whole other side of Thomas. Is he going to be less hateful now? #hopeful

Well, that’s one way to get off the battlefield. Ouch.

Lang seems like a decent chap. I like the look of his eyes. I hope I am not disappointed.

Is Ethel into Lang? I’m not used to O’Brien being nice.

With a single look O’Brien says, “Give it up. Mosley. It’s never going to happen.”

Edith, you never looked so good as you do on that tractor! Good for you.

I guess Thomas isn’t turning over a new leaf. He’s as nasty as ever. #dashedhopes

Don’t even think about it, Ethel.

Why does Sir Richard look so familiar?

“Her uncle and I are old friends…” Oh, no. I smell another scandal.

And the longing glances continue. #maryandmatthew

Dear Carson. Don’t you dare die on us.

Never mind the blasted dress, Edith! #pest

Another showing of O’Brien’s softer side. #newleaf?

Sir Richard…Sir Richard…what do I know you from? I can see you…but it’s hazy in my mind…younger…threatening someone…grabbing her by the wrist…that voice…

I can’t stand it. Must look him up quickly… That’s it. Mr. Preston from Wives and Daughters. Now I can see the scene clearly. #imdb

Is that why you are so nasty, Thomas? Lack of real love?

Sir Richard/Mr. Preston has the same MO. Grabbing a young lady by the wrist and threatening her.

At first I thought the farmers were brother and sister. Then I thought, how sweet. Edith is falling in love with a farmer.

Brian just informed me that he is the sick farmer from Season 1. What? They better stop flirting with each other! #thatsnotyourwife

Oh, no. The poor soldier. Brian wants to know if Thomas gave him the razor as an “act of mercy.” I don’t think so but who knows?

Oh, Sir Richard you are just bursting with romantic notions, aren’t you. I’ve seen more sentimentality from a block of cheese. #dumphim

Branson is getting hopeful again with Sybil.

Mary can’t bring herself to tell Matthew what’s on her heart. A letter, Mary. Pouring out your heart is traditionally done in a letter.

I liked Mr. Molesley in Season 1 but he is like a pesky gnat in Season 2. #shooflyshoo

I guess it’s not only the posh that say “I’m flattered but…” #rejection

Oh, Edith, I finally started liking you and now you are a blasted homewrecker. And you, Mr. Cheeky Pig, your life was not spared so you can cheat on your faithful wife. Zip it up and get back to your house.

Quotable: “What then? Amputation in the dining room? Resuscitation in the pantry?” #ladydowager

Quotable: “Now come and give me a kiss!” “We’ll have none of that!” There are many others that should have been told that!

Daisy, I guess that previous look was “Oh, no.”

Of course you shouldn’t accept him, Mary. He stinks to high heaven. #dumphim

Read between the lines, Edith. “Get your nasty hands off my man.”

Noooo…it can’t be two hours already. Blast! Now I have to wait another week. Oh, well. Let me know what you think! #downtonwithdrawal

7 Quick Takes – 1/6/2012

By bobbi
January 6, 2012
4 Comments

Hosted by Jen at Conversion Diary.

– 1 –

Happy feast of the Epiphany! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year’s. We have been out of town last week and I am still catching up on unpacking the suitcases and packing up the Christmas décor. I think that is why I am so reluctant to clean everything up…I don’t want to box up my favorite time of the year. (Well, truth be told, I’m actually a procrastinating messcat but the other scenario sounds so much more romantic…)

– 2 –

For Christmas I bought Brian a Kindle Fire. Anyone who knows me also knows that I am always the first one to get an electronic toy and then later Brian joins the bandwagon. However, I wanted to get him something special and being a book lover I thought this would be a nice match. He was very excited and has been using it frequently.

– 3 –

I have been holding off buying one myself because I have been saving up for an ipad instead. However, the more I think about it; maybe I should get myself a laptop – one of those sleek, thin ones that you can carry in your bag. It may make more sense than an ipad. However, it will take me awhile to save up extra money for that so I may just use some gift money I have saved up and get a kindle for me as well. Brian said that I could have his Kindle Fire and he could get one of the basic Kindles since he mostly uses it just for his books. Tempting, but I don’t know. Doesn’t it seem like I am taking back the very gift I gave him? I’ll have to think about it.

– 4 –

Speaking of electronic toys, a few months ago Brian and I both needed to replace our old iphones that weren’t working. We bought the new 4s and I love mine! (Should I admit that I even sleep with it? Hmmm. No, I better not.) I happen to also like the new Siri and I’m always telling her to set up reminders or asking her to read me new texts when I’m busy. I showed Brian how to use Siri and he swears his iphone is defective. He asks her a question and she almost always responds, “I’m sorry. I do not understand what you are saying.” I don’t know if he is speaking too close or talking too robotic but he insists it is not his fault. To prove to him that his phone was fine I used it and asked Siri a number of questions. She always gave me the correct information. So I don’t know what it is. He thinks it’s a conspiracy. You know, the same conspiracy/evil plot that allows things to be hidden from his sight. Yet, when I walk into the room to look for the hidden object it is always right there in plain sight. (Yes, Siri and I have it all worked out.)

– 5 –

The one thing I do not like about the iphone is how delicate it can be in the hands of young ones. I bought a cute decorative case cover for my iphone and I loved the personal touch but it gave no protection whatsoever. If I was the only one using it, that would be fine. However, the kids will often use my phone to play games or watch videos, especially in a long line at the market. (One lady at Costco was amazed because I handed my phone to John-Paul and at the age of two he was able to zip through pages and folders and open up his games. It’s second nature.) So my cute but worthless cover had to be replaced. My brother suggested that I get one of those ToughSkin rugged rubberized tread cases or one of those military grade ones made out of tires but that seemed a bit extreme.

Instead I settled on the Marware SoftGrip Core Case, available in black, white and pink. I like that it has a protective silicone skin, textured dimples on back to minimize impact shock and extra coverage around the display. It makes the phone slightly bulkier and it doesn’t slide easily into my pocket – I have to shove it in because of the silicone traction – but it is sturdy enough to handle the drops it has received so far.

– 6 –

Okay but enough talk about the electronic gadgets. How about a quick take about sewing something crafty and beautiful? (Obviously, not something I did.) My sister-in-law Maria is not only an incredible artist as you can see from this painting she gave us a couple years back…

… but she is also gifted at the sewing machine. Look at some of this handiwork!

She even made her own gift tags, gift bags and bows. And did I ever post what she gave me for my birthday last year?

A card with one of her sketches and matching magnets. So pretty! I’m trying to get her to open her own etsy shop and maybe when she gets over the tough first year of having a newborn, she will. I’ll keep you posted. 😉

– 7 –

I could make my last quick take about the cute aprons my other crafty sister EL made but she may want to post about that herself. Besides, all this sewing talk is depressing me. (I’m getting flashbacks of when I hemmed my pants with duct tape.) So instead I’ll put one last plug for Downton Abbey, Season 2 coming Sunday night. Jen mentioned it on her Quick Takes and I was elated to see others are as smitten as I am. Brian and I will still quote lines from it to each other. (“What is a weekend?” hahahaha! Love it.) Okay, here are some closing photos for all you on Team Mr. Bates & Anna. 😉

Okay that is it for now. I’m meeting up with some local Catholic moms this afternoon – something I’ve been sorely missing! Have a great weekend! xoxo