October 12x12

This was one of those months I was really thankful for this 12x12 project. Honestly, if it wasn't my 12x12 day, I would have had a very different day. We were leaving for Boston early the next morning and I still had a million things to do. Work has been maddening the last couple of weeks, so knowing that I wasn't going to be at work for 4 days required me to complete everything on my to do list and leaving early just wasn't the best idea. BUT, because it was my 12x12 I threw caution to the wind, ran around like a maniac and left (albeit it late) to meet my girlfriend and head to the Texas State Fair.

1 halloween decorations adorn our front porch. i need to pick up pumpkins, but because our doorway is full sun ALL DAY LONG they usually only last a week before turning to mush. 2 fletcher corny dogs are classic state fair food. we tried fried pickles this year. they were okay. 3 the crew with the scariest clown around. 4 some friends of ours make a sizable donate to the science museum at the fairgrounds, so when the state fair rolls around they get a parking pass that could only be described as pure gold. no parking hassles. no parking or entrance fees. parking right on the grounds. seriously, PURE GOLD. 5 lulu and her friend maren made up this funny little song and dance. they decided to perform it for us. 6 my morning jolt. 7 of course we bought tickets to see the two headed creatures. we refused to let the kids go on any rides, because that would have been a nightmare, but i think seeing the smallest turtle in the world AND a two headed snake is pretty awesome. 8 adam was post call so he came home early. he was going to go with us, but instead he was a champ, he stayed home and did a couple of the things we needed to do before leaving for boston. we took a photo, because a few weeks ago we were looking through our photo gallery and realized there are a couple of years in our marriage that we didn't take one single photo of just the two of us during the year. 9 we always venture to the livestock barns. i learned a lot about show cows and whatnot. i am slowly realizing i talk to A LOT of strangers and i am completely my father. 10 the bane of my existence. i have to fax forms throughout the day and unfortunately it isn't right next to my desk, so i spend the bulk of the day walking back and forth between my desk and this albatross. 11 the kids always love the "little hands farm" at the fair. they were in the process of digging a hole to plant their seeds. 12 love the texas state ferris wheel.

although it wasn't the best idea it ended up being just what i needed. thankfully my sweet friend forgave me for being 45 minutes late. yikes! whoever said a working mom can do it all is either lying or is far better organized than i am.

I was getting rather sick of my last post.

• I had a dream I deleted my blog last night. I either need to come to terms with it being a mommy blog or delete it all together. I'm just not sure I want to severe my blogging ties. Although I'm a pretty reluctant blogger already.
  

• Ted is in desperate need of a haircut. His hair has moved from the "cool" phase to the "get that kid a haircut" phase. But, doesn't he look 1970's awesome in this photo (this was about a week before he moved out of the "cool" phase).

• I'm very proud of my Christmas card this year. We got lots of sweet phone calls and notes about it. Now the pressure is on for next year! Although my cousin commented "it isn't often you see a firearm incorporated into a Christmas card".
  

• I haven't had a sip of Diet Coke in over a week. In order for me to give it up, I have to completely stop cold turkey. I've noticed that I only really crave it when I'm stressed.

• Adam got me a North Face down vest for Christmas. It has come in handy these last couple of days. We have barely gotten above freezing. My blood is too thin for these kind of temps.

• My hopes have been squashed. I thought I would be able to go with Adam to San Diego (he's taking his oral boards) for a couple of days to see one of our favorite families, but alas, I have no one to watch my kids. I've tried about everything but it seems like the timing stinks. Sometimes it sucks to live so far away from family.
  

FROZEN

There are many things I like that are frozen. Whenever I'm in NYC I always get a Froozzen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity (not a great restaurant, but a great dessert). I quite enjoy ice cream and other frozen delights. However, I do not enjoy frozen weather. Currently we are experiencing RIDICULOUSLY cold weather. Today it got just above freezing. And when I say just above, I mean just. Per weather.com it is now 37 degrees. I realize those of you in chillier states are scoffing at my plight. But, in my defense- 5 days ago it was 78. AND not only do we have freezing conditions, but the cold weather was accompanied with rain. Rain + 25 (temp last night) = ice storm.

The ice storm did not come as a surprise. The weathermen had been threatening it all day. So, last night I lay snuggled in my bed playing solitaire on my iPod and watching mindless dribble. My girlfriend called to tempt me out of my comfort and attend book club.

"No thank you."
"But I'll drive" (earlier in the day, while exercising at the gym, we discussed whether or not book club should be canceled. I thought it should, but she thought the weathermen were being dramatic.. where is Mark Eubank and his white coat when you need him?)
"I'm already in my pjs."
"I'll come and pick you up."
"No thank you."

I refused because of the brewing weather, but also because I'm currently boycotting everything. I'm stewing. Nothing big, but better to be unseen than remembered for a verbal outburst.

1 hour later the rain started. Hard rain and lots of it. I was happy I wasn't coaxed out of my warm bed. Obviously they were not being dramatic.

This morning EVERYTHING was canceled. Adam, the littles and I stayed cozy in bed until just after 9 am. We watched as the local news tried to fill THREE hours worth of airtime (they pre-empted the Today Show) with a compilation of the "Hazards of driving", "Why SUV drivers are dumb when it comes to icy conditions", and "What not to do with ice on the road." We laughed hysterically at the commentary and prayed for it to end. Lulu finally fled, but not because of the TERRIBLE news coverage, rather "hurt feelings" which were a direct result of Adam not letting her sit on him. She was easily coaxed back with the promise of a secret whispered in her ear. (I would have taken a photo, but my toes were cozy.)

Luckily it will only last for a day. Tomorrow it will be 60.