Saturday, July 30, 2011

New Reads:


For about a week now, I've been reading "Gone to Soldiers" by Marge Piercy. I was originally drawn to the novel by the plot summary but I won't lie, the fact that I am know in certain circles (the Order) as Marge did factor into my decision to pick up this book. I figured anything written by any Marge has to be decent. She is my homonym, if you will. I owed her this much.

I'm only about a third of the way through but it's actually very good -- as if I would expect anything less from anyone named Marge.

From the inside cover:

"With this magnificent epic of World War II, Marge Piercy moves into territory that has long been the exclusive province of such writers as Norman Mailer, James Jones, and Herman Wouk. Never before has a leading woman writer written with such authority about the cataclysmic events and passions of war. Sweeping across the globe from the United States to Europe, from the North African campaign to New Zealand, from Japan to Palestine, Gone to Soldiers brilliantly re-creates the atmosphere of the war-time capitals: the sexual abandon, the luxury and deprivation, the terror and excitement. 
Gone to Soldiers interweaves the stories of ten remarkable characters: Louise Kahan, a New York divorcee and writer of romance novels turned war correspondent... her ex-husband Oscar, a man who cannot let go of women, involved in intelligence for the OSS... Daniel Balaban, late of Shanghai and the Bronx, whose mission is to crack the Japanese codes... Bernice Coates, who escapes life as a servant to her father to fly fighters as a Women's Airforce Service Pilot... her brother Jeff, a painter who parachutes into Nazi-occupied France to fight with the Resistance... Zachary Barrington Taylor, for whom war is the most exciting game, and seduction a close second... Jacqueline Levy-Monot, who leads Jewish children over the Pyrenees to safety and fights valiantly with the marquis... her sister Naomi, a troubled adolescent discovering her identity in a tangle of sex and racial violence... their cousin Ruthie Siegal, a touching young woman who tries to keep her love for Murray, a Marine in the Pacific war, while working on an assembly line in Detroit... These are just some of the characters who wage memorable and passionate public and private battles, as war casts them into their ultimate dreams and nightmares, daring them to act out their brightest and darkest fantasies. 
Evoking the brutalities endured by those struggling to survive, in foxholes, in the camps, on the home front, or with partisans, Gone to Soldiers is a shattering and unforgettable reading experience."

The stories are good. But as expected, sometimes sad. And very hard to read. I like to breeze through the books I read but am finding it extremely difficult to do with this novel. It's slow going. And with 700 pages, it's not an easy task. I don't like to start another book until I've finished with the one I've already committed to, but I have a feeling that is what's going to happen with this one. I'll polish off a few lighter reads at the same time, but I'll keep coming back until it's done. I owe that much to my dear friend Marge.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Sleep talking:

[via l-i-o-n-s.tumblr.com]


I fear that Andrew's sleep talking has taken a very creepy turn.

Last night, we went to sleep like normal. Everything was fine. And then I wake up, in the middle of the night, to Andrew sitting over me, looking down at me, rubbing my face, and grinning like a crazy person. 

I said, "What? What's wrong?"

And he said, "Our dungeons ran into each other."

Super ridiculous. And super creepy.

Tonight I'm sleeping with a weapon.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Big news:

So, over a month ago, my friend Kat (of the Order fame) invited us over to check out pictures from their European vacation. And she made this video:



I was completely stunned after watching it. I thought it was a joke! But after it had a chance to sink in, I've had time to process and I am so unbelievably happy for them and excited to meet the first official junior member of the Order. And I'm glad that the word is out now because I've been in suspense ever since she told us.

They just found out today that it's a boy (just like they thought) and so far, everything's great. Can't wait for that little boy to hurry up and get here so he can meet all his aunts!

So head on over to Kat's blog and give her a congratulatory shout out!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Tillie's Bed Adventures:

This weekend we (read: I) played the homemaker in a major way: I baked scones and granola, did laundry, and sewed on A's quilt (almost done!). I've got some details to share with you but until then, check out this video of what we have to deal with when Tillie gets crazy:

Thursday, July 21, 2011

JewelMint:

My most recent purchase from JewelMint is the For Keeps bracelet. So cute. And as like any other JewelMint piece, it's really nice quality. You're probably sick of me saying this, but JewelMint really is amazing. Great pieces at great prices. And free shipping. Check it out. I'm serious. It's members-only, but a membership is free. Click here to sign up!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Here I am:

I've been around, just not on here. I went to a funeral in Texas with my dad yesterday (we drove there and back, over 10 hours, in one day) and even though I tried to catch up on my sleep last night, I was still feeling it all day today. Felt a bit like a zombie at work this afternoon. So I'm going to call it a night early. But before I do, I just thought I'd share a few things that I've found from around the internet:

[from here]




Can't exactly remember where that last picture is from, but isn't it amazing?! A house made of trailers. A redneck mansion, if you will. I want to go to there.

After I bounce back a little from the craziness that has been the first half of this week, I'll be back here to share more including a concert, some recent purchases, my latest read, and some really big news!

Oh and my foot is better. The doctor diagnosed it as plantar fasciitis caused by walking long distances in shoes that did not offer enough arch support. He gave me some anti-inflammatory medication and that, in combination with wearing better shoes, has really helped. I've actually been able to put weight back on my foot. And walking is no longer an issue. So hopefully in the next week or so I'll be back to running, swimming, and riding my bike. 

And check out these shoes:


I know it's a little too early to be thinking of cold weather footwear (it was almost 100 degrees today) but these Frye boots are amazing and at $348, more than a little expensive. But maybe if I start saving now, by the time it gets cold, they can be mine. I've been after a pair of boots like this for a few years now and I figure at this point, I deserve them. Maybe Piperlime will have a deal sometime soon.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Harry Potter weekend:


Happy Harry Potter Finale Day! I'm not going to lie, I'm a little sad about it. But also really excited. I have been waiting for this for such a long time.

Also, an update on the foot injury: went to the doctor today. Still unsure about what it could be, but he's got me on an anti-inflammatory and crutches for the next 10 days. And if it doesn't improve, the next step is an x-ray and MRI.

Going to my nephew's karate party tonight. He got student of the month so his family and friends are invited to a pizza party in his honor, complete with karate instruction taught by the wonder kid himself.

Have a happy weekend, everyone! Go see Harry Potter!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Las Vegas recap:


We got back from Vegas last night. We had a good time but we are most definitely happy to be home. It was an interesting place to be sure, but now that I've experienced it, I can honestly say that I never want to go back ever again. It just wasn't our kind of place, and here's why:
  • no grass
  • too many people
  • legalized prostitution
  • gambling everywhere you look
We did however really enjoy the view of the mountains all around us. And the clouds. And the food. We don't gamble so in the evenings, we ate. And we ate a lot. Probably too much.

Monday evening, we did a lot of walking around and when we got back to our room, my foot started hurting really badly. By the next morning, I could hardly walk. I'm still having a lot of trouble with it. 

To see more pictures from our trip, head over to our Flickr photostream.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Jackson Hole, WY:

I recently saw some pictures of Jackson Hole, Wyoming on a blog I read, Honestly...WTF. Amazing. I couldn't stop staring at them. And I promptly emailed Andrew a link to the pictures and a declaration that we must visit immediately. And it's a perfect place to travel to with the retro travel trailer that we want to buy and restore. Cause didn't I mention, that's going to be my new hobby.

Don't you want to go? It's beautiful:






All photos via Honestly...WTF and Globetrotter Diaries




Monday, July 11, 2011

ZARA:

I love Zara. Their clothes are beautiful and decently priced. But there are no stores nearby and they don't sell online (hopefully by the fall they will). I just found out that they have a store in Las Vegas, right where our hotel's shuttle will be dropping us off on the strip. (!!!) Now I just need to make sure I leave plenty of room in my carry-on for whatever I may find.

These are a few of their pieces that I am looking for:




Check out more of their stuff at: www.zara.com



Sunday, July 10, 2011

New Reads:


For Christmas, I bought Andrew the new Steve Martin book (cause he's such a huge fan), An Object of Beauty. He read a few pages, got distracted with other things, and never finished. And after I caught up on all my reading, I went searching for something I hadn't read yet. So I picked this up and am almost done with it. It's good -- not something I would have expected from Steve Martin. The subject that is, not the whole being good part.

From the inside cover:

"I am tired, so very tired of thinking about Lacey Yeager, yet I worry that unless I write her story down, and see it bound and tidy on my bookshelf, I will be unable to ever write about anything else.

So writes Daniel Franks, the narrator of the story about a woman he's been unable to let go of for years in the latest novel by bestselling and acclaimed entertainer Steve Martin.

Lacey Yeager is young, captivating, and ambitious enough to take on the notoriously demanding art world of New York City. Groomed at Sotheby's and hungry to keep climbing the social and career ladders put up before her, Lacey charms men and women, old and young, rich and even richer with her charisma and liveliness. Her career sends her zipping all over Manhattan, the East Coast, and even St. Petersburg, and her self-manufactured allure makes the reader wonder if it is not she who is the object of beauty. Her ascension to the highest tiers of New York parallels the soaring heights -- and, at times, the darkest lows -- of the art world and the country from the late 1990s through today. 

With twenty two lush, four-color art reproductions throughout, An Object of Beauty is both a primer on the business of fine art collecting and a close study of the personalities that make it run. With his latest novel Steve Martin once again displays his compassion and keen skills of observation and understanding."

Friday, July 8, 2011

Here we go:

Happy Friday! We enjoyed some provolone and guacamole on bagels for dinner and are planning on doing nothing but packing and relaxing for the rest of the evening.

We're headed to Las Vegas tomorrow for a few days. I'll be around though, checking in from time to time.

Have a great weekend!





Thursday, July 7, 2011

New clothes:

Got these in the mail today from J.Crew for our trip:

My secret to looking awesome? Packing light. Mixing and matching. Not even thinking about a hair dryer. 


Today we got to looking at St. Louis real estate and found some pretty awesome and affordable houses near Lafayette Square and Tower Grove Park. That's the dream -- a future in St. Louis. Just saying.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

It sure feels like a Monday:

Attention Paul Rudd fans:



Hilarious. Just what I needed after the first day back at work after a long weekend.

Just some of my random thoughts from today (thought I'd share):


  1. Walking out into the sunshine after being inside an air conditioned building all day is the best feeling ever. Kind of like when your mouth starts to defrost after eating really ice cream. But all over. 
  2. Was forced to listen to some long forgotten 90's music while on hold today. It was awesome. 
  3. We're contemplating the idea of a St. Louis trip some time this month. Anyone interested?
  4. I love getting packages. Even though I know what's in them, they feel like surprises. 

Friday, July 1, 2011

Happy Weekending:


What are you up to this weekend? We're doing a little shopping; picking up some last minute things before our Vegas trip: new jeans for A, travel toiletries, new makeup from Sephora, and maybe some new sandals (fingers crossed). There will, at some point, be bike riding adventures as well. We don't really have any plans for the 4th, just hanging out enjoying the long weekend. With Popsicles. And watermelon.

I discovered the Pixiwoo channel on Youtube and I cannot stop watching. I've been watching them every night before bed. And last night I had a dream where I spoke with a British accent. I think they are amazing. I've definitely learned a lot from watching them. And now I need these makeup brushes.