tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318176322024-03-13T02:04:33.577-04:00No Mother EarthRun ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-10530293566288057482010-03-18T21:43:00.002-04:002010-03-18T21:52:59.989-04:00The Times, They Are A-Changin'I'm growing up! (And out.) I feel like I need a little more space for myself. Have you ever been in a situation where someone asks you your name and, for a millisection, you actually can't remember what it is?? Yeah, that's me right now. So, I'm carving out a little space that's just for me. A space where I can talk about tv, movies, theatre, running and many other fascinating and, no doubt, Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-7000050242933368162010-02-01T19:54:00.004-05:002010-02-01T20:38:23.085-05:00Waiting for BatmanPlanning a birthday party for a 5 year old is no easy feat. Well, maybe it is for some people. No doubt some people do this kind of thing in their sleep, but not me. I stress and I worry. Is there going to be enough food? Are people having a good time? Is the entertainment "cool" enough, but still appropriate for a young five and his younger friends and siblings? I did everything last minute and Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-9228371222777268112010-01-14T23:15:00.004-05:002010-01-14T23:21:51.243-05:00FIVE!Five years ago today, I became a mom.1 year ago today, I became a stay-at-home mom.Through it all, you've been with me. I couldn't have done it without you. That smile is sometimes the only thing that has kept me going. You've got something special, kid.Life is good.Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-34781224778298460632010-01-07T08:28:00.003-05:002010-01-07T08:31:08.475-05:00Mr Earth is the COOLEST!Just look what awesome present was left chillin' for me in the fridge this morning!Truly Mr Earth - you rock my world.Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-78512348309745995582009-11-23T21:07:00.004-05:002009-11-23T21:48:54.478-05:00Down the Rabbit Hole (Reno Day 29)Alternate title: Why IKEA Is A Big, Swedish Pain In My AssOkay, so we're still without a kitchen, excepting for the pseudo-kitchen we've set up in our downstairs bathroom (shudder), and here's a big reason why...I ordered the cabinets back on October 15th. When I did, I had to pick a "delivery date". The order guy explained to me that that is when the cabinets would arrive in the store. In Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-62476671645084363262009-11-03T23:03:00.005-05:002009-11-03T23:21:40.762-05:00TWO!Apparently, I'm all about the pictures these days. I have lost all grasp of coherent communication due to the kitchen reno.Two years ago today, I was planning to go for a run after a week off for some muscle spasm that I was having in my back. Instead, I woke up at 4am and got up to go pee, only to have my water break. Three weeks earlier than expected. The result, however, was way better Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-26705040514907333592009-10-31T23:29:00.005-04:002009-10-31T23:41:12.657-04:00Hallowe'en Triptych Pre-trick-or-treating. Little G's shirt is wet because he threw a fit when I tried to put a costume on him. Once he got used to the idea, though, he really got into the spirit of things. He actually went to more houses than Big C. The Pumpkin. Big C asked me to make a "vampire pumpkin" to match his costume. There was a second pumpkin - a scary ghostie - but the candle broke in the high Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-26108724189792687692009-10-26T22:51:00.004-04:002009-10-26T23:16:30.644-04:00Kitchen Porn (Reno Day 1)Someone, I can't remember who, described posting pictures of your renovation as "kitchen porn". Well, all I can say is, if this is porn then I am doing it wrong.There is nothing - NOTHING - even remotely arousing about these pictures: Ah, yes, I like to pretend that I live in a clutter-free world but that is very, very far from the truth. In my defence, there is very little storage in this Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-62899808548399315962009-10-19T20:11:00.003-04:002009-10-19T21:47:30.033-04:00Totally Bad Ad. Really.I don't know if it's the popularity of Mad Men, or just the fact that I watch far too much tv, but I am fascinated with ads.People spend thousands of dollars, more even, to get a campaign just right. And Donald Draper makes it looks so easy. Flicking off one-liners like they're ashes from his elegantly smoking cigarette. I don't know how he does it. His underlings come to him with what I Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-78669874491445390852009-10-08T11:56:00.003-04:002009-10-08T12:05:06.828-04:00Six of One, Half a Dozen of AnotherFor the love of all that is holy, I can't make a decision to save my life. We're renovating our kitchen. I've narrowed down the floor to two choices: A) Wild Cherry - leftB) Chesnut - right The Wild Cherry works with the mid-tones of the current American Cherry hardwood. The Chesnut pulls out the deeper red tones. The Cherry looks nicer next to the white cabinets. The Chesnut looks nicer next Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-80007666972254919532009-09-27T21:17:00.003-04:002009-09-27T21:41:02.076-04:00Blah-gg, Blah-gger, Blah-ggingTap, Tap. Anyone still out there? Anyone??As someone who prides themselves on being a multi-tasker, I am shocked to discover that I can't seem to do more than one thing at a time.First, it was getting Big C off to school and all that entails. Holy crap, there's a lot of paperwork. And rules for what we can and can't bring for snack. And more paperwork. And parent meetings where they make you feelRun ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-41771533397080925742009-09-02T22:37:00.006-04:002009-09-04T22:02:29.138-04:00Run, NoMo, Run.The hardest part about running is getting out the door.I've been running for about 11 years now and this is as true now as the first day I put on my sneakers and headed outside. The hardest part is making yourself do it. In fact, it's even harder now that I have two kids. There's always an excuse. I'm too tired. I had a bad day. I could use a nap. I want to sleep in. I don't have the time. I Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-40299119789209682542009-08-24T18:03:00.003-04:002009-08-24T18:21:13.847-04:00Who ya gonna call?Captions I thought of for this picture: Are they giving them away? Some clarification please.I've haven't enjoyed my neighbourhood walk so much in a long time.Somebody sure has a high opinion of himself.I wish I'd seen this sign before I agreed to get married.Mr Earth was slightly intimidated by this sign.If I'd known this was just down the street, we'd have bought a different house.Where the Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-47927183272884840602009-08-20T22:16:00.003-04:002009-08-20T22:51:22.178-04:00Close EncountersWhat a long strange day this has been.It started about 3am, when Big C woke up and decided he couldn't be consoled unless he slept in the "big bed" with me. I don't usually do this, but the boys and I were having a sleepover at my parents house, and what the hell. As long as I got to sleep, I didn't really care. Of course, I didn't. I was awake for an hour afterwards, and then awake every Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-60532608226285479832009-08-10T13:24:00.005-04:002009-08-10T15:26:47.493-04:00Wherein Nomo Discusses a Book Without Reviewing It.So, I finished reading Loving Frank for my book club meeting this week. I'm not going to review it save this: it was a good book, well-written, and I liked it.Wow, I'm smart.What I do want to talk about is the subject of the book. If you haven't read it, the basic premise is as follows: Mamah Cheney is a married woman with two small children. She and her husband, Edwin, hire Frank Lloyd Wright toRun ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-58035055333256966192009-08-03T19:55:00.003-04:002009-08-03T20:25:43.187-04:00Post It ForwardNot too long ago, Mac and Cheese posted about how boring the blogosphere has become lately. Many people aren't posting very often lately, even less are reading, and even less than that are leaving comments. I've noticed a widespread blogging malaise over the past few summers. It gets worse during the BlogHer week, when everyone is off having fun and we sad few remaining can only sniff and Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-43732204250818063552009-07-29T21:09:00.003-04:002009-07-29T21:31:58.364-04:00Beginnings and EndingsToday was Big C's last day of daycare. He's only been going two mornings a week since I officially became a SAHM. He had lots of friends there, and we thought some continuity and some time to focus on Little G exclusively was a good idea. But, it being summer, most of his friends are either on vacation or leaving to go to another daycare pending the start of their school year. I thought it Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-54044549384119884402009-07-19T21:57:00.004-04:002009-07-19T22:27:24.400-04:00The Good BookI am extremely, ridiculously lucky in that the good people at Random House send me review copies of some of their books. I don't write a post about every single one of them. Sometimes, I simply don't have time (loved The Lady Elizabeth, but life went crazy..and now the moment has passed). Some don't inspire me (sorry Vassanji, I'm usually a fan, but you lost me on this one). Sometimes, the Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-60921558681615085262009-07-14T13:22:00.002-04:002009-07-14T13:31:44.357-04:00Ironic.Six months ago today, I had to quit my job because we lost daycare for Little G and couldn't find a suitable replacement.Today, six months later, while playing in the park with G, I got an email from a nearby daycare. They have spots for both boys, and what would I like to do? They are close to my house. They walk the older kids to C's school. It comes recommended by a friend whose child Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-42236103531473154792009-07-05T22:25:00.008-04:002009-07-05T22:49:40.914-04:00Family STAY-cation '09I. Am. Exhausted.I need a vacation.Oh, wait. I just had one.Mr Earth took some time off from work coinciding with Canada Day, so that we could do things as a family. We didn't have the money or the energy to go somewhere exotic and new, so we decided to check out all that the Big Smoke has to offer. Well, not all. Not half, really. But a couple of things.Big C was so excited to take Mr Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-36776387536082420062009-06-29T13:15:00.005-04:002009-06-30T13:48:06.734-04:00Two's CompanyBig C spent the weekend at his Nana and Papa's house, so Little G had us all to himself. Sometime in the middle of Saturday, Mr Earth turned to me and said, "Why did we ever think that having one baby is so hard? This is so easy! It's like a vacation!!" I just laughed, because it's true.But here's the thing -- it's not nearly as fun.It's kind of like having a dinner party... (Now c'mon, you know Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-35162655548229747172009-06-18T14:14:00.000-04:002009-06-18T14:14:39.631-04:00Bugaboos Aren't Always the Best(Epic) Stroller Buying Advice from a Parent in the TrenchesI love talking to people who are about to have their first baby. They know their lives are going to be changed forever, but they don't KNOW. You know? It's like watching videos of people who are about to bungee jump, or rappel down a mountain - you want to warn them to take all the precautions, but in the end all you can do is stand back Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-43262259175018544842009-06-04T12:27:00.002-04:002009-06-04T13:31:34.795-04:00The Accidental GardenerNo good can be found under a bush that hasn't been trimmed for seven years.Heh, heh. Who knew gardening could be so dirty..?I don't understand gardeners. On your knees, in the dirt, slaving under a hot sun. Digging and pruning and weeding. At the end, the reward is a nice-looking garden that eventually dies. (Well, at least it does at my house. Just call me The Black Thumb). This does not Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-56082783458981701092009-06-01T13:22:00.003-04:002009-06-01T13:54:02.381-04:00Just another Manic Monday.Wish it were Sunday.Strike that.Wish it were Saturday. Had impromptu dinner party. Parents came over to watch kids for afternoon and stayed for dinner. Cousin and new husband popped over and stayed for dinner. Made full use of fabulous new patio set from Canadian Tire. Much wine was drunk. Am probably still drunk. Felt like real family settling into house instead of wannabes.Saw new Star Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31817632.post-29059058129294603472009-05-26T13:12:00.003-04:002009-05-26T13:42:15.907-04:00Someone should get that kid under control.Oh wait. That would be me.This morning, Little G had not one, but THREE screaming tantrums. One of them in Dufferin Mall. We had been having a good time. We walked around Toys R Us and bought a soccer ball for the park. We were just sitting down to coffee and a snack at Second Cup, and it started. Arms flailing. Legs kicking. Face squashed on the floor, mixing snot and tears with the dirt on the Run ANChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088821030860597465noreply@blogger.com11