Today is the last day of January. Woohoo! We've made it one month into the new year. How's everyone doing with their resolutions? Not well? Good, I'm in great company.
I haven't totally sucked it up. I have made strides and I hope this momentum continues. So, for the update:
1. Work on debt- we've made some improvements in this area. We are not able to do as much as we would like, but we did not get to where we are overnight and it will not be fixed overnight, as much as I would like for that magic wand or genie in a bottle to appear and make it so.
2. Cook at home- we're getting there. Jeff and I have tried a few new recipes- chicken margherite, chicken taco soup- but we could have done better. I could give excuses, but for the most part, we were probably just lazy.
3. Eat healthier- let's put it this way: the guy who works the window at Chick-Fil-A on weekday mornings still knows how many Sweet and Lows I need for my tea and coffee. But wait! I bought bagels and granola at Fresh Market tonight, which will not only save me money from not going to Chick-Fil-A (see #1), but will also help me to reach this 3rd goal. And, if anyone has any decent breakfast recipes that will keep me full from 7am-11am, please pass them along. 4:45am wake up calls to work out before being at work at 6:45am make good, healthy, and easy breakfasts difficult.
4. Take time for the small things- oddly enough, this is probably where I've been most successful. Going to Bikram yoga with Leigh got me over the initial fear of trying yoga. Ever since, I've been going to the yoga studio Jeff's aunt works at and I love it. I'm hooked and have been going 3-4 times a week. I get a sense of accomplishment each time I go and it's also allowed me to enjoy time with Cooper and Jeff more, relax a little, and get more stuff done in general.
We'll continue to work on these goals during February. I had also said I wanted to explore the Greenline and new restaurants in town. It has been nasty cold for the most part, so the Greenline is out and new restaurants...well, we'll get there.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
15 Month Update
Cooper turned 15 months old January 12th and, while I realize I say this all the time, he's growing and changing so much.
Some of his newest tricks include:
*Making a surprised face when he does something he knows he shouldn't, such as setting off the car alarm when he's playing with our keys
*Saying "thank you" when he is given something (okay, so it's not really "thank you", but it sounds like it and we know what he's talking about...proud parents!)
*Getting into ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, including, but not limited to: chewing on his baptism candle (which was promptly moved to a higher location), taking picture frames from our accent tables and putting them on the floor, and taking things out of the garbage can so he can throw them away again
*Using his play remote to try to change the channel or his play cell phone to text (modeling behavior much?)
*Running to me and Jeff to give us hugs in the mornings
*Knows where his nose and ears are and will point to them when asked
*Can identify Mama, Dadda, Grandmama, Pops, YaYa, Uncle Kyle, Nana, and Hondo in pictures
*Can slide off the side of the couch and our bed on his belly
*Gives Avery her toys and treats. They play so well together.
*Brings us books to read. He only sticks around for a page or two at a time, but gets upset if you stop reading. So, we basically follow him around the house reading to him while he plays. Honestly, I don't care. I feel like it's better for him to hear us reading in whatever capacity we can.
I will admit that we are the over-cautious first time parents, so we haven't been the best at trying out new foods. Some of Cooper's current favorite are chicken nuggets, Cheez-Its, animal crackers, and he's still very into anything with carbs. Mrs. Lara actually gave him some of a veggie burger the other day and it was a hit. Don't know where that came from- definitely not his parents. :) We're having trouble with whole milk. He's just not a fan, so getting his allotment of dairy is becoming a challenge.
He had his 15 month check-up yesterday, complete with 3 shots and his first finger prick. The best lesson taken away from yesterday's visit? Our kid is a bleeder, just like his mother. It took him no time at all to yank the bandaid off his finger from the blood test and it gushed all over my hand. Oh well...after the 3rd attempt at keeping a bandaid on his finger, his attention was diverted to getting shots. There are few things worse than those screams and cries where babies hold their breath, but thankfully, that part doesn't last long.
We're on our toes constantly, but Cooper brings us so joy, love, anxiety, lack of patience...I mean, excitement, hilarity, and pride!
Some of his newest tricks include:
*Making a surprised face when he does something he knows he shouldn't, such as setting off the car alarm when he's playing with our keys
*Saying "thank you" when he is given something (okay, so it's not really "thank you", but it sounds like it and we know what he's talking about...proud parents!)
*Getting into ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, including, but not limited to: chewing on his baptism candle (which was promptly moved to a higher location), taking picture frames from our accent tables and putting them on the floor, and taking things out of the garbage can so he can throw them away again
*Using his play remote to try to change the channel or his play cell phone to text (modeling behavior much?)
*Running to me and Jeff to give us hugs in the mornings
*Knows where his nose and ears are and will point to them when asked
*Can identify Mama, Dadda, Grandmama, Pops, YaYa, Uncle Kyle, Nana, and Hondo in pictures
*Can slide off the side of the couch and our bed on his belly
*Gives Avery her toys and treats. They play so well together.
*Brings us books to read. He only sticks around for a page or two at a time, but gets upset if you stop reading. So, we basically follow him around the house reading to him while he plays. Honestly, I don't care. I feel like it's better for him to hear us reading in whatever capacity we can.
I will admit that we are the over-cautious first time parents, so we haven't been the best at trying out new foods. Some of Cooper's current favorite are chicken nuggets, Cheez-Its, animal crackers, and he's still very into anything with carbs. Mrs. Lara actually gave him some of a veggie burger the other day and it was a hit. Don't know where that came from- definitely not his parents. :) We're having trouble with whole milk. He's just not a fan, so getting his allotment of dairy is becoming a challenge.
He had his 15 month check-up yesterday, complete with 3 shots and his first finger prick. The best lesson taken away from yesterday's visit? Our kid is a bleeder, just like his mother. It took him no time at all to yank the bandaid off his finger from the blood test and it gushed all over my hand. Oh well...after the 3rd attempt at keeping a bandaid on his finger, his attention was diverted to getting shots. There are few things worse than those screams and cries where babies hold their breath, but thankfully, that part doesn't last long.
We're on our toes constantly, but Cooper brings us so joy, love, anxiety, lack of patience...I mean, excitement, hilarity, and pride!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What's on Your iPod?
Random thoughts from the Radford household as I watch "Glee" and am reminded of the songs I *need* to download for my iPod...what's on your playlist?
I've got a little of everything from showtunes to the cheesiest of 80s love songs to current stuff. When I hit shuffle, these were the first 10 songs that came up:
1. "New Favorite" by Alison Krauss and Union Station
2. "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga
3. "Stay Fly" by Three Six Mafia
4. "You've Got It (The Right Stuff)" by New Kids on the Block
5. "1979" by Smashing Pumpkins
6. "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama
7. "Funplex" by The B52s
8. "Seether" by Veruca Salt
9. "Beg, Steal, or Borrow" by Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
10. "Well, Well, Well" by Duffy
I'll hear something in the car, on TV, or in a movie and know I want to download it. When I finally remember to download songs, I forget what I've heard. Surely "There's an app for that." but that would require me knowing how to work my phone to do more than make phone calls, text, take pictures, and check Facebook. Maybe that will be my summer project.
What? Too early to be thinking about summer?
I've got a little of everything from showtunes to the cheesiest of 80s love songs to current stuff. When I hit shuffle, these were the first 10 songs that came up:
1. "New Favorite" by Alison Krauss and Union Station
2. "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga
3. "Stay Fly" by Three Six Mafia
4. "You've Got It (The Right Stuff)" by New Kids on the Block
5. "1979" by Smashing Pumpkins
6. "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama
7. "Funplex" by The B52s
8. "Seether" by Veruca Salt
9. "Beg, Steal, or Borrow" by Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
10. "Well, Well, Well" by Duffy
I'll hear something in the car, on TV, or in a movie and know I want to download it. When I finally remember to download songs, I forget what I've heard. Surely "There's an app for that." but that would require me knowing how to work my phone to do more than make phone calls, text, take pictures, and check Facebook. Maybe that will be my summer project.
What? Too early to be thinking about summer?
Monday, January 17, 2011
Everybody's Working for the Weekend!
How was your weekend? We had a great one and it was even a little warmer than last weekend, so we were able to get out and do more.
Saturday, we took my car for an oil change, then ran errands. We came home, had breakfast, then Jeff and I caught up on DVRed shows while Cooper napped. We had lunch once Cooper woke up, then Jeff and Tori came to visit! Tori's birthday was last Thursday, so she and I went for pedicures while the boys hung out. I think Cooper had a lot of fun showing them his tricks.
After Jeff and Tori left, we drove around town for a while, but we were all tired and turned in early. Sunday morning, I went to church, then Jeff, Cooper and I went to brunch at Trolley Stop Market. This restaurant opened early in the summer and serves all local products on their menu. Is it weird to say I had some wonderful cheese grits there? Yes, well, they are very good- better than Brother Juniper's, I'm sorry to say. Trolley Stop also sells produce, meats, granola, jewelry, artwork, and lots of other great, locally produced, items. When the Memphis Farmer's Market isn't in season, this is where you can buy all the vendors' merchandise.
Me and Cooper checking out the organic meat and poultry, as if either one of us knows what to do with it.
Jeff and Cooper hanging out, waiting for brunch.
After brunch, we hung out around the house, napped, caught up on DVR, then headed to Nana and Hondo's for dinner. Cooper spent the night with them so I could go to yoga class this morning. While I really liked the hot yoga class I went to, I am going to the place Jeff's aunt Susan works at instead. The people are much nicer, the facility is cleaner, and I feel much better. Today was my 3rd yoga class overall and I think I'm hooked.
Once I picked Cooper up, we came home, played, and waited for Jeff to get off work. We were able to spend some time together before it was Cooper's bedtime.
Hope you and your family enjoyed the long weekend!
Saturday, we took my car for an oil change, then ran errands. We came home, had breakfast, then Jeff and I caught up on DVRed shows while Cooper napped. We had lunch once Cooper woke up, then Jeff and Tori came to visit! Tori's birthday was last Thursday, so she and I went for pedicures while the boys hung out. I think Cooper had a lot of fun showing them his tricks.
After Jeff and Tori left, we drove around town for a while, but we were all tired and turned in early. Sunday morning, I went to church, then Jeff, Cooper and I went to brunch at Trolley Stop Market. This restaurant opened early in the summer and serves all local products on their menu. Is it weird to say I had some wonderful cheese grits there? Yes, well, they are very good- better than Brother Juniper's, I'm sorry to say. Trolley Stop also sells produce, meats, granola, jewelry, artwork, and lots of other great, locally produced, items. When the Memphis Farmer's Market isn't in season, this is where you can buy all the vendors' merchandise.
Me and Cooper checking out the organic meat and poultry, as if either one of us knows what to do with it.
Jeff and Cooper hanging out, waiting for brunch.
After brunch, we hung out around the house, napped, caught up on DVR, then headed to Nana and Hondo's for dinner. Cooper spent the night with them so I could go to yoga class this morning. While I really liked the hot yoga class I went to, I am going to the place Jeff's aunt Susan works at instead. The people are much nicer, the facility is cleaner, and I feel much better. Today was my 3rd yoga class overall and I think I'm hooked.
Once I picked Cooper up, we came home, played, and waited for Jeff to get off work. We were able to spend some time together before it was Cooper's bedtime.
Hope you and your family enjoyed the long weekend!
Hits and Misses of the Golden Globes
In full disclosure, I am in the process of watching the Golden Globes. I knew I wouldn't be able to stay awake through the entire ceremony, so I'm speeding through the commercials.
However, that hasn't stopped me from seeing all the fashion hits and misses of the night. There were definitely a lot of trends- sleeves, backless dresses, jewel tones- and I have a lot of favorites.
Claire Danes- love her entire look; probably my favorite of the night. The dress is amazing, her hair and make-up are perfect, and her jewelry was just enough to highlight the look.
Olivia Wilde- I am a big fan of sparkles and big ball gowns when done correctly and in my opinion, this was done correctly. Like Claire Danes, her whole look came together really well.
Jenna Ushkowitz- beautiful blue color, beaded belt, ruffles- so pretty!
Christina Hendricks- the color is amazing on her and the ruffles are AH-MAZING!
Emma Stone- at first, I didn't like her dress. I'm not a huge fan of sleeves with formal gowns, but then you see the back (or lack thereof), and it completely changed my opinion. It was so classy, yet understated. I'm not a fan of her hair color (fellow redheads need to stick together), but I think the blonde looks better with this dress than the red would.
Kyra Sedgwick- I thought her dress was beautiful. The color wasn't your typical formal dress color, but it worked with the ruffles and flowiness of the dress. Perfect!
Anne Hathaway- I normally love her dress choices, but this one was a miss. I think the shoulder padding, sleeves, and weird beading completely threw the whole dress off.
Julianne Moore- if the dress was without the puffy and cuffed sleeve, I would have really liked it.
January Jones- as much as I love her on "Mad Men", I don't think this dress looked good on her. Sure, she's got the body for it, but I think her look is old Hollywood glamour and this just doesn't fit the bill. Plus, the fringe is just wrong.
Scarlett Johansson- I just think she looks so...boring. Again with the sleeves, I'm just not a fan.
Tilda Swinton- I can't say much about her dress because it's similar to my bridesmaids' dresses and I love them. However, her coloring, hair color, and the dress just make her look way to washed out.
In another "Just because you have the body, doesn't mean you should wear it" case, Halle Berry. Wrong, just wrong.
And the "Oh my gosh, I didn't recognize you!" winner:
Trent Reznor:
A far cry from this:
And perhaps the train wreck of the night:
Sweet Lord, who let Helena Bonham Carter out of her hotel room looking like that? Yeah, I know, she's eclectic and always has been. This goes past "eclectic" and right into strait jacket territory.
However, that hasn't stopped me from seeing all the fashion hits and misses of the night. There were definitely a lot of trends- sleeves, backless dresses, jewel tones- and I have a lot of favorites.
Claire Danes- love her entire look; probably my favorite of the night. The dress is amazing, her hair and make-up are perfect, and her jewelry was just enough to highlight the look.
Olivia Wilde- I am a big fan of sparkles and big ball gowns when done correctly and in my opinion, this was done correctly. Like Claire Danes, her whole look came together really well.
Jenna Ushkowitz- beautiful blue color, beaded belt, ruffles- so pretty!
Christina Hendricks- the color is amazing on her and the ruffles are AH-MAZING!
Emma Stone- at first, I didn't like her dress. I'm not a huge fan of sleeves with formal gowns, but then you see the back (or lack thereof), and it completely changed my opinion. It was so classy, yet understated. I'm not a fan of her hair color (fellow redheads need to stick together), but I think the blonde looks better with this dress than the red would.
Kyra Sedgwick- I thought her dress was beautiful. The color wasn't your typical formal dress color, but it worked with the ruffles and flowiness of the dress. Perfect!
Anne Hathaway- I normally love her dress choices, but this one was a miss. I think the shoulder padding, sleeves, and weird beading completely threw the whole dress off.
Julianne Moore- if the dress was without the puffy and cuffed sleeve, I would have really liked it.
January Jones- as much as I love her on "Mad Men", I don't think this dress looked good on her. Sure, she's got the body for it, but I think her look is old Hollywood glamour and this just doesn't fit the bill. Plus, the fringe is just wrong.
Scarlett Johansson- I just think she looks so...boring. Again with the sleeves, I'm just not a fan.
Tilda Swinton- I can't say much about her dress because it's similar to my bridesmaids' dresses and I love them. However, her coloring, hair color, and the dress just make her look way to washed out.
In another "Just because you have the body, doesn't mean you should wear it" case, Halle Berry. Wrong, just wrong.
And the "Oh my gosh, I didn't recognize you!" winner:
Trent Reznor:
A far cry from this:
And perhaps the train wreck of the night:
Sweet Lord, who let Helena Bonham Carter out of her hotel room looking like that? Yeah, I know, she's eclectic and always has been. This goes past "eclectic" and right into strait jacket territory.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day 11: Top 11 in 2011
A little late, as usual, but here's what I'm looking forward to in 2011:
1. Watching Cooper grow- it's bittersweet, but I love seeing Cooper grow up and learn new things. I have a feeling that this summer will be filled with lots of chasing, swimming, playing, coloring, and excitement!
2. Making home improvements- I have no clue what we're going to end up doing to the house. We have ideas, but need a lot to make them a reality. And once they're a reality and a few months (but probably closer to years) go by, we can get the heck out of dodge and into what we hope will be a bigger, nicer house.
3. Spring/Summer- I despise winter. It's cold, dreary, and now that the holidays are over, depressing. I love the Spring and Summer when the weather is warmer (making walking outside much more feasible), the flowers are out, and the clothes are much cuter. Jeff brought me pink tulips last night and I can't wait to see them in full bloom around town.
4. St. Pete trip- whatever, you knew it was going to be on the list.
Here's hoping to a fun year!
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