Midweek Musings

Feeling Thankful For:  My safety net.  This week, we were reminded yet again at how fragile this world is.  At times I feel like I’m standing with each foot planted in two very different worlds – on one side is a realistic, cynical world and on the other side, an idealistic, childlike one.  And while one part of me proceeds through this life with caution, not to step on the cracks, I have this safety net there to swallow me up at the end of each day --- my happy place that makes the other side of the world worth the fight.  

Eating:  Tonight, I talked Beau into eating at Applebees.  He detests Applebees about as much as any other restaurant, but every now and then I get a craving for their oriental chicken salad, perfect margarita and their nice, family-friendly atmosphere.  I don’t care what anyone says, there’s something about that place that is inviting.  Plus, kids eat free on Wednesday nights and there’s nothing that makes me happier than being able to order Cruz an Oreo cookie shake and sneak in a couple of spoonfuls myself. 

Watching:  Anybody else subjecting themselves to Fox’s new show, The Following?  If you haven’t been sucked into the ultra creepy vortex of cult worshipping and literary crazed killers, consider yourself lucky.  The show is kind of like a super creepy version of 24, with Kevin Bacon as Jack Bauer, hoping to stop a sort of hot version of Hannibal Lector.  Have you ever sat through a movie and seriously wondered if it was good for your heart rate?  I can feel my stomach turning in knots and watch the clock just waiting for the hour to be over so that I can breathe easy again.  And then it ends and I wish for five more hours to watch.  You know, that kind of show.   

Reading:  One of the great things about having a mom as a librarian is that I always have a long list of books on my wish list.  Finding the time is one thing, but I’ve discovered that when I save twenty or so minutes before bed and read, it does wonders for my mind.  I go to bed relaxed, not thinking about the millions of things I have to do in the morning because I’ve just spent that brain activity on the world within my book.  Right now it’s The Light Between Two Oceans by M.L. Stedman and I’m really enjoying it.  The book recounts the story of a young couple living as lighthouse keepers on Janus Rock, unable to have children of their own when they discover a boat washed up on shore carrying a dead man and a living baby.  The book is wonderfully written and makes you think about circumstance, choice, and the consequences of each.  I

Looking forward to: This weekend.  Since all this April rain has dampened plans to enjoy the early signs of spring outside lately, I’ve got plans to bring springtime inside this weekend.  I want to explore the world of caterpillars and earthworms, dig in some dirt, and plant some seeds.  I want to stomp in rain puddles, dance with umbrellas, and cuddle up with a bowl of buttery popcorn and a good flick. 

Loving:  my new lilac nail polish and blue maxi skirt from Anthro, Cruz’s hair, and the way Beau told me I looked cute yesterday.  Walks outside in sweatshirts and pancakes for supper.  A surprise file of all our wedding photos, watching the wheels turn in my future teachers’ heads as they teach their very first lessons this week, and a much-needed getaway with my mama.