Lots has happened in the last week. Some I can blog about, some I can not. Anny has already blogged about our visitors HERE, and all that I would add is that it was very nice to have them with us. (Editors note, though: I'm proud of Anny using links! She's learning quickly.)
I always forget how hard it is to take a few days off and follow it up by actually going to work for a day! Our whacky schedule has me off again at the end of this week and the beginning of next, so it's even more weird! Luckily not too much work piles up for me when I'm gone during the summer. I keep tabs on email just in case, but voicemail it out of the question. My office knows that they can get me by cell if they need something, but are always respectful of my time away.
The highlight of my time away was just plain old hanging out with the family. We had granduer ideas of going downtown and packing our schedule, but really just hung out a lot. I finally inflated Abby's little pool and used it as a great tool to wear her down a little each day so that bed time was easier for us all. :o)
Oh yeah, and we had a bunch of green beans from our garden with dinner one night!! We have a cucumber that's close and a bunch of flowers on our squash plants. I think our peppers got planted too late and might e useless this year. Oh well.
What have you been up to for the last week?
July 15, 2008
July 07, 2008
My Thoughts, Bottled and Packaged for You
Anny asked me yesterday, very honestly:
"Do you just sit around and think this stuff up all day?"
She knows better! I was with her all day! There was very little "just sitting around" on Saturday when we helped to host a surprise birthday party for our friend Charlene. We did the farmers market, breakfast, and some cleaning house before leaving at 10:30 ish to get to their house. The only time for thinking was in the car, when we were talking.
(insert joke about Rob choosing between thinking and talking, and rarely doing both at the same time.)
So, what was she so baffled about? A picture concept in my head*.
As I've taken up the Project 365 Challenge over on our Flickr account (HERE). Project 365 is where you take a picture a day for a year. In our case, we're taking our 365 days of pictures of Abby. We have missed a couple of days already, but have made up for it in other days. Our project is the 365 days between Abby's First Birthday and her Second.
The real reason that I began the project is that I want to take better pictures of Abby, not just more pictures. (If I kept all of the pictures that I have taken in the last 13 months, there would be no room for any more on the three computers in our house) I was tired of taking the same picture over and over. Right now, Abby is still gaining toys like it's going out of style, but she's also gaining personality and style.
I've got a ton of ideas from other people, and scenes that are in my head for pictures of Abby. She's always game for a camera and I'm always game to take pictures. We're perfect for each other.
Feel free to pop by Abby's Project 365 anytime. I'll link to it on the sidebar starting today.
*The particular picture-idea I had just come up with was using all of her foam bath-time letters for a picture of "alphabet soup." I'll do it one evening when I think about it. My proble is that I think of them at odd times when I can't follow through....
"Do you just sit around and think this stuff up all day?"
She knows better! I was with her all day! There was very little "just sitting around" on Saturday when we helped to host a surprise birthday party for our friend Charlene. We did the farmers market, breakfast, and some cleaning house before leaving at 10:30 ish to get to their house. The only time for thinking was in the car, when we were talking.
(insert joke about Rob choosing between thinking and talking, and rarely doing both at the same time.)
So, what was she so baffled about? A picture concept in my head*.
As I've taken up the Project 365 Challenge over on our Flickr account (HERE). Project 365 is where you take a picture a day for a year. In our case, we're taking our 365 days of pictures of Abby. We have missed a couple of days already, but have made up for it in other days. Our project is the 365 days between Abby's First Birthday and her Second.
The real reason that I began the project is that I want to take better pictures of Abby, not just more pictures. (If I kept all of the pictures that I have taken in the last 13 months, there would be no room for any more on the three computers in our house) I was tired of taking the same picture over and over. Right now, Abby is still gaining toys like it's going out of style, but she's also gaining personality and style.
I've got a ton of ideas from other people, and scenes that are in my head for pictures of Abby. She's always game for a camera and I'm always game to take pictures. We're perfect for each other.
Feel free to pop by Abby's Project 365 anytime. I'll link to it on the sidebar starting today.
*The particular picture-idea I had just come up with was using all of her foam bath-time letters for a picture of "alphabet soup." I'll do it one evening when I think about it. My proble is that I think of them at odd times when I can't follow through....
June 29, 2008
I Like Blogger
I have to admit that I love some of the new Blogger features. (Still in Draft)
I would have to say that the feature I like the most is future-dating posts. I can blog
at work
Have you tried Blogger in Draft yet? You liking any of the features more than others? Anything you just hate?
I would have to say that the feature I like the most is future-dating posts. I can blog
at work
Have you tried Blogger in Draft yet? You liking any of the features more than others? Anything you just hate?
June 28, 2008
I Think I'm Pregnant
FOR THE RECORD: This is no announcement about any actual impending birth. (I find that I have to be careful now that Abby has crested the 12 month mark....)
Over the last couple of weeks I have had an intersting feeling. I've been feeling like I'm pregnant! Most things can be "explained away" but when things add up it's a bit weird.
Examples:
I have had a bit of the swollen feet/ankles this week. (thank you kidneys)
I have been craving pickles. A LOT. (I blame the cookout season, but that's lame)
My balance is off. (hence the post about my ankle sprain on last Sunday)
I can not seem to get enough sleep. (this might be caused by a certain toddler that will remain nameless)
I used to always joke with Anny about the fact that when she was pregnant, the only thing she would go through that I did not was the actual birth part of having a baby. There are some days that I believe that to be completely true.
Don't expect to see me on Oprah any time soon, but I thought I would do a kidney update, and this is what my kidneys are feeling like lately.
Over the last couple of weeks I have had an intersting feeling. I've been feeling like I'm pregnant! Most things can be "explained away" but when things add up it's a bit weird.
Examples:
I have had a bit of the swollen feet/ankles this week. (thank you kidneys)
I have been craving pickles. A LOT. (I blame the cookout season, but that's lame)
My balance is off. (hence the post about my ankle sprain on last Sunday)
I can not seem to get enough sleep. (this might be caused by a certain toddler that will remain nameless)
I used to always joke with Anny about the fact that when she was pregnant, the only thing she would go through that I did not was the actual birth part of having a baby. There are some days that I believe that to be completely true.
Don't expect to see me on Oprah any time soon, but I thought I would do a kidney update, and this is what my kidneys are feeling like lately.
June 27, 2008
16/365 Our First Harvest
16/365 Our First Harvest
Originally uploaded by armonroe
We have a small garden in our backyard this summer, and yesterday we managed to have our first harvest! Four green beans! The great news is that Abby loves green beans, so tonight she will eat the fruits of her labor.
Hooray for homegrown food!
June 25, 2008
June 24, 2008
Annnnnd POP!
On Sunday we went to church, as is the norm, and stayed for the picnic. The picnic was nice. We got to chat it up with a couple that has just added a second child to their clan, and she's quite a cutie. We like them, but never seem to get together outside of church. Must work on that, but that's another post for another day. Today's post is about what happened on our way out.
Pop.
Okay, more like POP!
As I was gathering our scraps to put in the trash can (one napkin and a bunch of fruit that our lovely daughter threw on the dirty ground) I stood up. I thought it was natural - the trash can is over there, I am here, I need to walk over there, I should stand up. Unfortunately, Abby had the same idea, that she should get up quickly.
Since I was planning to walk, and indeed making movements toward that same direction that Abby was lunging, I changed direction quickly and rolled my ankle over a tree root. I heard the aforementioned POP! and got a little woozy. (Anny later said that I lost all of the color in my face.) I laid on the ground a bit to get the sky to stop wobbling so much while at the same time talking with Eric (the dad of the family spoken of earlier) and generally trying to act like nothing happened.
While Anny went inside to get ice, I determined that I was fine. On the way home I was spoken to like a child, which is honestly the best thing in such a situation. I eliminated the ER from contention because it was not swollen, but that was not really making Anny happy. Our final verdict (mine) was to go home and ice my ankle.
And so I did. For five hours.
Having been to emergency rooms in various states around the country, I have learned a few things.
If you want great care, go to a remote place! (Casper, WY)
If you want fast care, don't go on a weekend - unless you're bleeding.
Some hospital systems do things right, some don't. (right is in Metro Pittsburgh, PA)
It's never going to be pleasant, so just grin and bear it.
Needless to say, we waited until Monday.
We headed a bit out of our way early Monday morning, but were in and out of the ER in about an hour and a half. (GO Howard General!) The staff was very friendly, and mostly helpful, or so I thought. I got to explain over and over, though, that I could not take Advil because of my kidneys, but it appears that "nephritis" gets buried in all of the paperwork of a chart. (BAD thing!)
The diagnosis was a "good sprain" of my left ankle. I was given crutches and a good ankle brace, which it turns out the nurse put on backwards and just wrong. Lucky for me, my brother just hurt his ankle last month and was able to get me figured out on Monday evening. I went to work today but made sure my foot was propped up. I was sure to leave a little early to get ice on it and try to beat the traffic a bit.
The hardest thing is that I'm having to play too hesitantly with Abby. Anny has been in charge of baths, which I one of my jobs, and it kills me. I know that in a few more days it will be back to fine and I'll be back to my normal roughhousing with the kid, but she does not get it. Oh well.
Pop.
Okay, more like POP!
As I was gathering our scraps to put in the trash can (one napkin and a bunch of fruit that our lovely daughter threw on the dirty ground) I stood up. I thought it was natural - the trash can is over there, I am here, I need to walk over there, I should stand up. Unfortunately, Abby had the same idea, that she should get up quickly.
Since I was planning to walk, and indeed making movements toward that same direction that Abby was lunging, I changed direction quickly and rolled my ankle over a tree root. I heard the aforementioned POP! and got a little woozy. (Anny later said that I lost all of the color in my face.) I laid on the ground a bit to get the sky to stop wobbling so much while at the same time talking with Eric (the dad of the family spoken of earlier) and generally trying to act like nothing happened.
While Anny went inside to get ice, I determined that I was fine. On the way home I was spoken to like a child, which is honestly the best thing in such a situation. I eliminated the ER from contention because it was not swollen, but that was not really making Anny happy. Our final verdict (mine) was to go home and ice my ankle.
And so I did. For five hours.
Having been to emergency rooms in various states around the country, I have learned a few things.
If you want great care, go to a remote place! (Casper, WY)
If you want fast care, don't go on a weekend - unless you're bleeding.
Some hospital systems do things right, some don't. (right is in Metro Pittsburgh, PA)
It's never going to be pleasant, so just grin and bear it.
Needless to say, we waited until Monday.
We headed a bit out of our way early Monday morning, but were in and out of the ER in about an hour and a half. (GO Howard General!) The staff was very friendly, and mostly helpful, or so I thought. I got to explain over and over, though, that I could not take Advil because of my kidneys, but it appears that "nephritis" gets buried in all of the paperwork of a chart. (BAD thing!)
The diagnosis was a "good sprain" of my left ankle. I was given crutches and a good ankle brace, which it turns out the nurse put on backwards and just wrong. Lucky for me, my brother just hurt his ankle last month and was able to get me figured out on Monday evening. I went to work today but made sure my foot was propped up. I was sure to leave a little early to get ice on it and try to beat the traffic a bit.
The hardest thing is that I'm having to play too hesitantly with Abby. Anny has been in charge of baths, which I one of my jobs, and it kills me. I know that in a few more days it will be back to fine and I'll be back to my normal roughhousing with the kid, but she does not get it. Oh well.
June 20, 2008
Abby Getting Some Web Attention!
We put the best-of-the-best pictures up on our Flickr page (HERE) and on occasion I tag a couple to the ParentDish group. Well, turns out they really liked on this week!
Click HERE for the ParentDish post of our little girl! Since she was chosen for a picture-of-the-day she is eligible for the picture-of-the-month!
Click HERE for the ParentDish post of our little girl! Since she was chosen for a picture-of-the-day she is eligible for the picture-of-the-month!
Married to a Institution Teacher
(Sorry for the silly title, I've been jealous of the strikethrough abuse over at Stark Raving Dads for a while and had to use it myself!)
The Summer officially begins tomorrow, but that is only according to the sun. According to our society it begins on Memorial Day, which is fine with me. According to my household, Summer began on Tuesday.
Summer is a different time of year, almost a different life, than the other nine months when you're in a relationship with a teacher. While your schedule stays the same they are able to sleep in and stay up late. They are able to lounge all day, or take a jaunt to have lunch with friends. You are stuck. In the same old grind. All. Day. Long.
There are many other things that are signs that the season has changed.
My office phone rings. Often.
When school is in session, Anny and I do not speak from the time she leaves for work until she is in the car on her way home. It's a bit weird, mostly because it ends up that I talk to my friend Bryan more than I talk to my wife some weeks. During the summer, though, I receive random calls throughout the entire day. First day out I got three. Thursday I received at least twice that many.
Things at home are relaxed.
With all of the extra time on her hands, Anny is much more relaxed in the evenings and that makes for a better day all around. It might have to do with the fact that there's more free time, but so far thissummer week I believe that it is the extra mommy-daughter time. I love that they get this time together, but I'm honestly jealous.
Things in my head are mixed.
Again, I'm jealous of the extra time that the girls get to spend together. I might have to steal Abby to myself one of these weekend days and send Anny packing.
The hours during the school year are penance for the summers free. Do not ever tell a teacher that they have it easy because they have the summer off. With the amount of stress and (sometimes) horror of teaching, this is well earned.
But I wish it was my schedule too....
The Summer officially begins tomorrow, but that is only according to the sun. According to our society it begins on Memorial Day, which is fine with me. According to my household, Summer began on Tuesday.
Summer is a different time of year, almost a different life, than the other nine months when you're in a relationship with a teacher. While your schedule stays the same they are able to sleep in and stay up late. They are able to lounge all day, or take a jaunt to have lunch with friends. You are stuck. In the same old grind. All. Day. Long.
There are many other things that are signs that the season has changed.
My office phone rings. Often.
When school is in session, Anny and I do not speak from the time she leaves for work until she is in the car on her way home. It's a bit weird, mostly because it ends up that I talk to my friend Bryan more than I talk to my wife some weeks. During the summer, though, I receive random calls throughout the entire day. First day out I got three. Thursday I received at least twice that many.
Things at home are relaxed.
With all of the extra time on her hands, Anny is much more relaxed in the evenings and that makes for a better day all around. It might have to do with the fact that there's more free time, but so far this
Things in my head are mixed.
Again, I'm jealous of the extra time that the girls get to spend together. I might have to steal Abby to myself one of these weekend days and send Anny packing.
The hours during the school year are penance for the summers free. Do not ever tell a teacher that they have it easy because they have the summer off. With the amount of stress and (sometimes) horror of teaching, this is well earned.
But I wish it was my schedule too....
June 18, 2008
5 Things Meme
Amy at PrettyBabies tagged me for a Meme...
5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
Attending Community College
Reconnecting with Dave H
Dating a good friend, whom I'm glad to say is still a good friend.
Working retail, and loving it!
Watching the Capitals play in the Stanley Cup Finals (the only time they have)
5 things on my to do list:
Clean the attic
Get enough together for this weekend's yard sale to make it worth our time
Leave work early to hang out with my ladies.....
Cut my neighbors grass as a repayment for when he cut mine a few weeks back
Remember to water the garden daily
5 favorite snacks/food:
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5 things I would do if I was a billionaire:
Tear down and re-build my home church
Build/Buy a compound for our extended family somewhere fun
Fund research for MS and Kidney Disease
Buy a matching set of Power Wheels for my kid and her friends
Pay off our debt and the debt of others close to us.
5 bad habits:
Biting my nails (better than it was before)
Crop Dusting my wife
Speeding when there is no need
Cussing around the baby
*Not using a turn signal
(*starred are not bad habits that I have, but they are bad habits that others have)
5 Places I've lived:
San Diego, CA (okay, I was an infant, but I lived there!)
Various North Carolina Cities
Current home
Manassas, VA
Current home (back to, obviously)
Tagging 5 people:
Sorry, folks, I don't tag. If you would like to play along, post it on your blog and comment below!
5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
Attending Community College
Reconnecting with Dave H
Dating a good friend, whom I'm glad to say is still a good friend.
Working retail, and loving it!
Watching the Capitals play in the Stanley Cup Finals (the only time they have)
5 things on my to do list:
Clean the attic
Get enough together for this weekend's yard sale to make it worth our time
Leave work early to hang out with my ladies.....
Cut my neighbors grass as a repayment for when he cut mine a few weeks back
Remember to water the garden daily
5 favorite snacks/food:
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5 things I would do if I was a billionaire:
Tear down and re-build my home church
Build/Buy a compound for our extended family somewhere fun
Fund research for MS and Kidney Disease
Buy a matching set of Power Wheels for my kid and her friends
Pay off our debt and the debt of others close to us.
5 bad habits:
Biting my nails (better than it was before)
Crop Dusting my wife
Speeding when there is no need
Cussing around the baby
*Not using a turn signal
(*starred are not bad habits that I have, but they are bad habits that others have)
5 Places I've lived:
San Diego, CA (okay, I was an infant, but I lived there!)
Various North Carolina Cities
Current home
Manassas, VA
Current home (back to, obviously)
Tagging 5 people:
Sorry, folks, I don't tag. If you would like to play along, post it on your blog and comment below!
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