Always Something There to Remind Me.

Archie playing in the guy's back brace. Further proof that everything from the guy's accident has now become cat toys.

Well, kids. I think I'm now the worst blogger ever. I didn't blog last night and tonight, I'm only blogging for a second. Last night I really don't have an excuse except being lazy and tired. Tonight,though? Tonight I blame the guy. We had another wonderful evening of wine and shrimp and pasta and great talks and fun plans for the weekend and, and, and...And now I'm tired and happy and going to bed. Night, night.

Heaven's Never Enough. We Will Never be Fooled

Icicles hanging on my house.

Tonight was a nice evening with the guy...For the most part. He had some bad news and was pretty sad about that...As was I.

But we went to the Dublin and had a drink before we went to Banditos and ate and had another margarita. We called it a night pretty early. I wanted to get up early and try to run in the morning and I'm sure he wanted some time alone to process things and get ready for work tomorrow morning.

...In bad cat news - Archie got his rabies booster shot today. He was a trooper about it, but still managed to poop in his carrier on the ride home....At least he's consistent.

Don't Get Me Wrong, If I'm Looking Kind of Dazzled

A Christmas Jack-O-Lantern I found while I was shoveling snow.

Christmas morning started with shoveling snow. It wasn't super cold out, so I didn't mind. Then I went running and that felt really nice. I cleaned the house a bit while the girls were at a movie with their dad.

I picked up the guy around 5 and came back to my house. He offered to take me and the girls out for sushi and we headed to Oyama after the girls got back from their movie. We had a nice meal and a great talk. It was lovely to be surrounded by my three favorite people, eating my favorite food. I couldn't have asked for a better evening.

The kitten under the tree.

We dropped the girls off at home after dinner and went to the Dublin to meet some friends. It was a nice night. We normally don't go out that late, so it was great to see some of the folks who go out later than we do. I got tired after a certain point and realized it was time to go home. Apparently, I'm old or something....

Another pic of me with my eyes essentially closed. Typical.

I woke up today with a migraine...Which explained why I was so tired last night. I took my meds and took a nap and it went away for the most part. Of course, the meds just make me so stupid and tired, but I'll take that over the pain any day.

I picked up the guy in the afternoon to go swimming. He asked me if I'd let him buy me some cross country skis. He knows I'm uncomfortable with him spending so much money on me. I feel like he pays for more than I do, but he thinks I do more for him. So, he presented his case, and I let him buy me cross country skis. It was so nice of him. We found a pair of last year's models that were way on sale, but couldn't find boots to fit me. We're going to check a few more stores for those. I'm really excited to get to ski whenever it snows.

We had a great swim and a steam, before the guy went to meet his friend Bry to play pool and I left to pick Stinky up from work. I had a nice relaxing evening at home tonight with my girls. Exactly what I needed.

...And May All Your Christmases be White

A pic that Stinky took of her cousin when my girls were down in Ottumwa.

So, hey! Merry Christmas or whatever you like to celebrate! Sorry, I haven't written in a while. Things have been crazy busy in my world.

Sooooo, let's see...Where were we? Oh yeah. I dropped the girls off with my sister on Tuesday night. They had a great time while they were there. The original plan was for me to pick them back up when I came down on Christmas Eve. I had a wonderful Wednesday night with the guy....As usual. Then on Thursday morning I woke up to find that there was a big blizzard coming our way for Friday. Drat!

Instead of a nice leisurely day of last minute shopping, followed by a quaint evening wrapping gifts and watching movies, I ended up running around to a crowded mall and a few other insanely busy stores,throwing all my gifts into bags and driving down to Ottumwa a day early to avoid the storm. By the time I got there I was so frazzled, and stressed and tired and hungry, I could barely enjoy myself. I did get to see all the cousins and I know my girls were happy everyone was there too.

Sadly, all they had was snack food and I was STARVING, plus I wasn't sure what time the snow was supposed to start flying, so we didn't stay very long.

Christmas Eve did turn out pretty nicely for me and the girls after all...Even if it was different than how we normally spend it. I got up and shoveled snow, then Coadster and I ran some errands. I picked up the guy and we had a lunch at the Masala for the Indian food buffet. Very nice.

In the afternoon, the girls and I went to the mall. Not my favorite place, but it makes the girls happy, they had some Christmas money to burn and it was very empty on account of the weather. We then got some groceries, and rented some movies and headed home. We ate popcorn and M and M's and watched movies until Coadster left with her dad to go to church and Stinky fell asleep on the couch. I watched White Christmas (pretty fitting, don't you think?) and at some point, Stinky woke up and I took her place falling asleep on the couch. I feel like we celebrated that day very well, thank you.

A One Horse Town. You Have to Watch What You're Putting Down

The kitten drinking from the faucet.

Well, kids. This will be quick. I'm going to bed early, so I can get up and swim before work. Then after work, I'm giving plasma and driving the girls down to Brighton to meet my sister. My girls will stay with her for a few days and I'll pick them back up when I go down for Christmas Eve. It should be a long day tomorrow....

Now It's Easy When You Don't Know Better

The most hideous ornament ever made...By Coadster when she was in kindergarten.

So, my. What a weekend. Friday was very nice with the guy...But they all are with him.

Saturday we went To G.'s house and got her bike put on a trainer so she can ride inside during the Winter. I ran outside and that was nice too. The guy and I went to the Dublin and had some drinks while the guy played pool with our friends, Paco and Heather. We went to the Bluebird Diner for dinner and had some great seafood pastas and wine. I dropped the guy off at his place and went home and tried to watch The Messenger. It seemed really good, but I was too tired and fell asleep about a half hour into it.

Today was a great and hectic day. Coadster's boyfriend came to visit. He's really kind of awesome and funny. He helped Coadster and I get our Christmas tree. I ran outside again and I needed it. Then the guy asked me if I wanted to go to the University rec services building and swim with him. Of course, I did. It was such a wonderful afternoon. We swam laps and he helped me with my breathing and with doing certain strokes. It was a 50 meter pool and it was the first time I've ever been able to swim the whole way without stopping to do the side stroke because I couldn't get enough air. After we were done swimming laps, we kept alternating between the sauna and steam room and talking about everything we could think of. I think we were there for 2 1/2 hours.

I got home and got some things ready. My friend K. came over and we ate leftover veggie lasagna and bread and roasted garlic. Then we decorated the tree and had a wonderful talk and she got to meet Archie.

I don't think it's possible to ask for a better Sunday in December.

I Wish I Had My Way. Cuz Everday Would be a Friday

Here is my ninja kitten.

Hey, Coadster's home! She got back in the afternoon. I picked her up from her dad's house on my way home from work and deposited her at the mall before I went to give plasma. We had a good talk this evening before she got a little cranky. I know other parents have commented on the phenomenon too, but sometimes when Coadster gets home from college she can be a bit cantankerous. It's almost like she thinks we should stop everything and cater to her or something...And things have changed since it's just Stinky and I at home now and that bothers her too. It usually takes her a day or two to calm down and just deal with things as they are. So, I'll just brace myself.

And anyway, it's the weekend. Hooray! Tomorrow night Stinky has her youth group sleepover. It was her idea and she planned most of it, so she is very excited about it. Coadster is going to stay with her dad and watch the Oceans 11/12/13 movies with her dad. Me? I'm going to pick up the guy after work and stick the veggie lasagna I made tonight into the oven, roast some garlic, make a salad, crack open a bottle of wine and let the relaxing begin. Ahhhhh.

Saturday? I'm not really sure about. I haven't made any plans. I proposed something to the guy, but he hasn't gotten back to me yet. So, at this point...I guess I'll have to let you know what happens later.

How about you all? Will you be relaxing or playing it by ear this weekend?

Looks Like Mornin' In Your Eyes

An Amish parking lot.

Soooo. Today was nice. I went home during the Christmas party to torture the kitten...But as those things go, the kitten ended up torturing me. Bad cat. It was nice to tidy up the house and just be out of the office.

I picked up the guy and he said his first day back went well. He was tired and his back was a little sore, but that was to be expected and I think he's glad to be back.

We got back to my place and I finished making the spicy peanut noodles and the green salad and heated up the cashew ginger carrot soup. It was all nice and healthy food fare. We each just had one cocktail since I want to get up early and run tomorrow and the guy has to get up to go to work now.

Okay. Speaking of getting up early...I need to hit the hay. Night night.

Don't Be a Hard Rock When You Really Are a Gem

Here is a window painted on a building next to a bricked-up door. Weird.

Man, it just feels like all I do is drive around all night after work sometimes. I gave plasma tonight and got gas and then stopped at the store, just in time to hang out with Stinky for her break. It was all fine, but I can't wait until tomorrow night, when I can just hang out at home with the guy most of the night.

Speaking of the guy...He goes back for the first time since the accident tomorrow. I know there's a part of him who would like a little more time now that he can finally do stuff, but there's also another part who will be happy to get back in the swing of things and I'm sure the steady income will be nice as well.

For me? Tomorrow is my work Christmas party. We get an hour and half in the middle of the day. The party isn't mandatory, so I think I'll just go home for a bit and harass the kitten and relax. I think it will be so much better for my morale NOT to go to the party.

Everybody Here is Out of Sight

Stinky and one of her friends.

So, tonight we deviated from our normal Monday night shenanigans. Instead of Mexican food, we decided to eat appetizers at Graze. The guy made plans to meet his friend Bry to play pool at a billiards club across the way at 7. So, we decided to go there, where it was handy, due to the time constraints. It was just as nice. I went over and watched the boys play pool for a bit. I don't really know how to play myself, but the guy said he'd be happy to teach me some night. Sweet!

I left the boys to their own devices and went to pick up Stinky from work about 9. I texted her to let her know I was in the parking lot and didn't hear back from her. I walked into the store and found her with a full shopping cart. She said some jackass tried to steal a bunch of stuff and got caught and she was assigned the task of putting it all back. She still had so much to do, so I told her I'd help her to make it go faster. It always feels kind of personal and voyeuristic going through somebody's groceries....Especially when what they tried to steal was so weird. There was organic breast milk tea (?), about 10 cans of Dinty Moore stew, a six pack of Heineken, latex gloves, lube, berry flavored condoms and a big pack of diapers. Stinky was a little grossed-out by it all, but I told her we definitely couldn't begrudge them the condoms. As far as I'm concerned, anyone with that kind of grocery list, probably shouldn't be procreating again anytime soon.

And When I Look in My Window. So Many Different People to Be

The guy is very brave to be wearing the cat as a hat.

Another weekend down...And it was a good one too. Friday night I picked up the guy and we had a lovely evening of food and drinks and great talks, I just never get tired of our nights together.

The guy and I at the wine beer/wine tasting party.

Saturday was nice...Except for the weather...Or really more the threat of bad weather that never actually materialized. I got Stinky to work and had a bit of time to myself before I picked up the guy and we headed to the hipster craft fair. We really just did a drive-by there and said hi to a few folks we knew who were selling their wares.

We headed back downtown and went to John's Grocery to pick up some fun beer to take the tasting party later. After that we went across the street to the Bluebird Diner. It has really nice ambiance and they were playing the Charlie Brown Christmas album and we got sandwiches and soup and it was all very lovely. We had some time to kill before the party, so we went back and did some hanging out at my place. The thing about dating, is that it's nice and fun and stuff, but you rarely get to hang out with the person in their regular environment. So, it was nice to just chill at my place and read and rest or whatever, and our time wasn't quite so short and structured. I always think it's important to find someone you can just be quiet and mellow with as well.

The party was great. A lot of people bowed-out because of the weather threat, but that almost made it better. There were enough people to make it fun, but not so many that it was overwhelming. The guy won the beer tasting with his raspberry flavored beer. We had good snacks and got to meet a few new people. It was a great way to spend a cold, snowy Saturday night.

Sharing the Things We Know and Love With Those of My Kind

The guy trying to calm down the cat.

Weeellll. last night got away from me in a very good way, and I didn't get around to blogging. I'd like to say I'm sorry, but I'm not.

...And now, looking forward to the weekend. Tomorrow night, Stinky is going to a party with some friends. I'm picking the guy up after work and we'll eat dinner and relax and have the house to ourselves...Well, I guess we still have Archie to contend with, but that can be fun too, when we get to torture him.

The cat calming down the guy.

There is a lot going on for Saturday. Stinky will work most of the day, and the guy and I are planning on going to What a Load of Craft at the fairgrounds. It's kind of like a hipster craft show. I'm not sure how long we'll stay, but we'll definitely check out the spectacle. After that, we'll either have a late lunch or early dinner. Then we'll head to my friend E.'s house for her holiday beer and wine tasting party. Of course, because we live in Iowa, there could be quite a bit of snow flying on Saturday too, but I'm pretty good at working around that. I have to. I'm a Midwesterner.

So, how about you all? Are you all having so much fun that you're unapologetically not blogging or dashing through the snow this weekend?

Did I See You Walking With the Boys, Though It Was Not Hand in Hand

My, um, lovely daughters at the Iowa/Ohio State game a few weeks ago.

Well, kids. That darn cat (starring Dean Jones and Archibald Leach) knocked my computer tower over the other day and jarred something loose rendering my computer unusable. Bad, bad kitty. I was a little freaked out, since my computer is very new, but my friend Bronson volunteered to stop by after work and check it out for me. It turned out that it was just something that he had to recharge and get running again and took him 5 minutes. Thank god, for good friends with great skillz and for quick and easy fixes.

Coadster getting sheared to donate her hair to Locks of Love.

Now, I will take my leave and try to sleep. In other cat news...I think I figured out what the face pouncing while I'm sleeping is all about. Archie just wants me to open my eyes. I've been kicking him out of my room when he face pounces, so he's trying to be more careful about it. Now, he will just gently touch my eyes with his paw, and if that doesn't work he will lick my eyelids. Really. I can't even describe to you how weird that feels. Still, I guess it's better than the face pounce. Kitten steps.

Faded From the Winter

The poor kitten taking a break from being tormented by a squirrel.

So, the weekend is over too soon again. I even had an extra half day and it still seemed too short. It was lovely, though. On Friday I got off work, ran some errands and then did some real running. I got to spend a little time with Stinky before I went to pick up the guy. We headed to Graze and had appetizers and a drink before we went to his work party at the Riverside Casino.

The work party was nice. Of course, I really didn't know anyone there, so I got to just check out the scene from my seat and didn't have to interact too much. I did meet some people, so I can put a face to some of the names the guy mentions...And since the guy goes back to work a week from Wednesday, I'll probably be hearing more about his work peeps very soon. Everyone there was very nice and friendly. There also seemed to be a HUGE difference in the kind of parties you have in the private sector, and the ones I get working for the state.

The squirrel who tormented poor Archie through the glass,

Saturday started out a little snowy, but not too bad. I took my car in and got it Winterized...Just in time apparently. I ran a few more errands before I picked up the guy.

We stopped at the bike and ski shop and picked up a few things to help our friend G., but when we got over to her place, she wasn't feeling well and was out of commission. We went back to my place and I took the clippers to the guy's hair. He is nicely shorn now, so in essence, he has been Winterized as well.

Next stop was the Dublin for a beer and luckily, a lot of fun people stopped down, so I felt like I got a good bit of socializing in. Finally, my appetite got the better of me and we went back to my place and ordered a pizza and actually watched the movie Secretary. Hmmmm. It was interesting and a little different than I had anticipated. Still, Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader were perfectly cast in their roles.

Poor Archie all tuckered out from the torment.

Today I gave myself a Get Out of Jail Free card. I did a few chores, but other than that, I didn't do much else. It was very cold here and I have such a hard time getting out to run when it's that frigid out. I just got a membership for the rec services building, so I'm hoping to swim and work-out there.

Mostly today? I read and tortured the kitten and did some hardcore lounging...And I didn't feel the least bit guilty either. My friend, S. came over to meet the kitten later in the afternoon. She thought he was hideous and awful, just like we do. So, she only doted on him for a little while...Icky, spoiled kitten.

If I Should Fall From Grace With God Where No Doctor Can Relieve Me

Here is a wall full of wine bottles and a bike...In other words - rapture.

Man, Face Book can be so weird sometimes. So, this morning I was running outside in the cold before work. As I turned onto my street, The Pogues' "If I Should Fall From Grace With God" came up on my random playlist. When I got to work, I posted a status update documenting that fact. A little later, a friend of mine who lives in Chicago commented that The Pogues were playing there in March and asked me if I wanted to go with her. Of course, my first instinct was to assume that it wouldn't work for me to go. I really hate driving in Chicago. The guy told me I should go. He has seen The Pogues live and said they put on a great show. As the day went on, I kept thinking about it. I really wanted to go, so I posted that if I could find someone to go with who wanted to drive in the city, I'd try. It wasn't long after, that my friend K. said she'd go with and drive. Sweet! So, it looks like I'm going to see The Pogues in March. How many different kinds of weird and awesome is that?

And now...On to the weekend. Tomorrow I'm only working a half day. I'm going to get a few things done, go on a long run and then around 4:30 I will pick up the guy. We're going to grab some appetizers somewhere before we head to the Riverside Casino where his work Christmas party is being held. I'm really excited to meet his co-workers. Stinky will be babysitting for my friend Eggo. So, it looks like Archie will have the place to himself. If he throws a raucous party while we're going, I'm going to be REALLY pissed.

I think early on Saturday, I'll try to get some crap done around the house. Later in the afternoon, the guy and I will go to G.'s house and help put the guy's studded tires on her bike for her, so she can try and ride as much as possible this Winter. After that, the plan is to maybe get a drink at the Dublin and then forage for food downtown somewhere.

How about you and your'n? Will you be attending an early Christmas party or getting your vehicle of choice ready for the Winter?

As If Everybody Here Would Know Exactly What I Was Talking About

Here is the guy drinking from a bota, but finding it is now dry. Wah!

I guess all I have to do is write a blog post documenting Archie's bad behavior and he straightens right up. He was an absolute angel last night and I actually got some sleep. Nice.

Speaking of nice...Wednesdays have become my new favorite nights. I picked up the guy after work. We got to my place and Stinky was still hanging around. We chatted for a bit before she went to her youth group. The guy and I ate the potato leek soup, some salad, smeared the roasted garlic and baked brie I made all over some sourdough bread and washed it down great wine the guy brought over. It was all so very wonderful.

I'm hoping all the cat torturing the guy did for Archie helps mellow him out and I get another gloriously pounce free night at my house.