That's a Wrap

Our house is now empty, which brings us both relief and sadness. We said our farewells and drove away. Wow. While pulling out I had visions of returning someday with our angsty teenage children (yawning and uninterested), and saying to them,"There...is our first house."

Eli was in good spirits and fell asleep shortly after we left, so we decided to continue on to Annapolis to spend the early evening there, taking pictures of our favorite places and absorbing all that we could before we would have to leave it. We only had to ask about five people to take a picture of us before we got one that we honestly could say looked like we were in Annapolis and not some other random city.

We will see friends tomorrow and hopefully head to DC to sit Eli atop the Washington Monument for a photo op and maybe on Lincoln's head, too. Then, we will pack up our things and plunge into our new and uncertain reality...

Farewell to Goodwood...we're really sad, despite what it looks like...

Irish pub in Annapolis where we spent a merry Easter Sunday in 2005


The new Markethouse where the donuts are to-die-for

We used to live on this street! Ahhhhh...

I worked here...how cool is that?

Finally... a picture that says Annapolis

This used to be the view from our bathroom window

Church Circle, Annapolis

Homeless and Houstonbound

So, I realized earlier today that the last post was, well, a little vague. Sorry about that. Those of you who might not know our travel plans are wondering when all of this nonsense is really going to happen. Right now, we are in a hotel and will be through Sunday. We have a bit more to do in the house before it is completely vacant, but since our beds and most of our other worldly possessions are on a truck headed to Mississippi, we figured a hotel would be a bit more accomodating than four walls and a hard wood floor. We fly to Houston (for good, no turning back, THIS IS IT) on Monday but are hoping to catch up with a few more friends and stop by Annapolis before we go.

Am
currently
very
tired...

Will
write
again
soon...

By the way, why do all hotels have the same wallpaper?

Seaweed and Bubble Wrap and BIG Moving Trucks

Of course, with the move coming up, I'd like to be able to write something all profound and heart-wrenching about how I will miss Maryland terribly, how it just won't be the same with all the evangelicals in Texas, and how we're trading a crisp, breezy Mid-Atlantic autumn for the stark raving mad HEAT of the Southwest. Goodbyes are always hard (for me, at least), so I'll save sad for later. For now, I'm content to make jokes -- like the other night when I told my sister that I, along with our possessions, might need to be swaddled in bubble wrap and marked "Fragile" after the week is all said and done. Allow me to elaborate:

Drudgery:

• Since our house is officially on the market, it has had to be CLEAN 24-7. It occured to me the other day that this is about as freakin' annoying as making sure you have on clean and newish underwear when you leave the house in case you get in an accident or something and have to be stripped of your clothes for medical reasons. Except it's much easier to throw boxers in the wash. Pressure's off now, though. The movers have come, so there's no more STUFF to keep tidy.

• Yeah, so, um, my drudgery column is going to be pretty deficient here because the movers came today (check out the pics) and packed the hell out of our house, and now we are sitting on the floor, surrounded by cardboard and a few random shelves and pieces of furniture. I guess that could be drudgery to some, but it's kinda cool, actually and made us think of our first meal in our first apartment in Maryland atop plastic bins. Okay, I'm moving on from drudgery now. Well, wait...it's raining and the sump pump is doing the death gurgle again. Ah, always more drudgery to be had when you think you're fresh out...
  

Fortune:

• Happy 8 Months to our perfect baby boy! He's actually got a touch of fever today (we think from a flu shot he got Tuesday), which should, I guess, be drudgery, but he's a real trooper, our little kiddo, and charms everyone in his path. There's a random kid in the neighborhood who keeps dropping in, wanting to talk to us, but mostly to Eli. He says his name is Xavier, that he's five, and lives down the street, near the alley, in a white and blue house...but I don't know. This is the same kid who staggered onto our front steps last week, asking to cut our grass (big brother on side walk pushing mower). Today he jumped in front of Shaun's car (while he was driving it up the street...yeah, not funny, I know). Then, this afternoon, he came up on the porch and sat on the swing with Eli and me and we practically had to peel him off as we headed to the neighbors' for dinner. Sad...but entertaining nonetheless.
  
  

• As an early anniversary gift, my hubby babysat the tyke yesterday while I went to the Elizabeth Arden Salon to have a few hours of relaxation. Yeah, not the most opportune time (or maybe it was), but the appointment was made far in advance, unable to be cancelled without paying more $$, so I went, okay. And I got wrapped...in seaweed. But not really like a fruit roll-up or anything, even though that's what I envisioned. When I was done, my "technician" gave me a checklist of things I should do to extend the detox, like eating light and avoiding stress for the rest of the evening. So I stopped at McDonald's on the way home, got a Quarter Pounder with cheese and fries and then stayed up with the hub 'til at least one, organizing the house for the movers. Sorry, no pictures of that...
  

Ah, well, did I mention we are almost all packed up, and it's crazy weird that people have so many material possessions. And that we hire BIG trucks to move them to storage houses in Mississippi. Yeah, Mississippi. I hope I don't need my blender or anything because that would be a hike.

The Countdown Begins

A few photos from the weekend. We are preparing to spend our last week in Maryland :-( Will update with more details soon.

Check out my denim

Lotion, anyone?

Fun times with J & B

Our super cool neighbors :-)

Baby buddies

Alas, my love...parting is such sweet sorrow

Grey Area

Okay, so if you're not a fan, you won't enjoy or get this blog. But I know Sarah was watching tonight's premiere of Grey's Anatomy, so this blog's for you! How TOTALLY AWESOME is a great TV drama with hot actors and a GREAT script? It's especially awesome when the kiddo is in bed and you can sit on the couch with your hub, enjoy a glass of wine, and absorb a season premiere you've been itching for ALL SUMMER LONG. Okay, I admit, I checked thesaurus.com for an adjective to replace my second awesome (because using the same word twice just doesn't achieve the depth to which I am STOKED about this show) and learned that a synonym is zero cool. So, in my best teenage-valley-girl-prep-whatever accent, "This show is ZERO COOL." And I'm trying to watch the show that followed (Six Degrees) but can't concentrate because (a) I'm writing this blog but (b) am really just still trying to absorb the greatness that is...Grey's Anatomy. Okay, so maybe I'm waxing nostalgic because I used to want to be a doctor. Nah, it's just the hot docs. McDreamy has come a long way since his grass-cutting days in Can't Buy Me Love...

Rockin' Hot Docs on Thursdays

Binkie Buddies

This almost speaks for itself, but I feel I must add that my hubby's bib says, "My Little Mr. Fix It."

P. S. Am watching Dancing With the Stars and having some serious body envy. I mean, REALLY, who looks like that?

Bungalow For Sale

Okay, so I realize that waxing poetic about a box of crackers is, well, in a word, bizarro, and that you were perhaps whispering "unfit mother" through your computer screen after reading my last blog. I also recognize that, for those of you keeping up, I have been schizo template-changer lady lately. I was trying to add a photo album (called a Flickr badge) to the side of my screen, which I succeeded in doing but only in a template I didn't want to use. I will spare you the rest of the details, but I may have yet a different one by tomorrow. You're holding your breath, I'm sure.

In other news, we still have a house for sale. Yes, maybe we could hire one of those baseball-game hot-dog vendors to walk up and down the street shouting, "Bungalow...bungalow for sale." Just a thought. So far, we've had one walk through in a week and are hoping our open house this weekend is a smashing success. I should probably consider removing the dead mum from the front porch.

Speaking of dead mums, I think I need to be watered (or wined). It's been a long day and I've just called my brother to wish him happy birthday, and now I think I will crawl up to bed...crap...I just remembered I stripped the sheets off our bed after Eli watered them this morning. Nothing is ever REALLY simple, is it?

P. S. Countdown to Grey's Anatomy Season Premiere: 47 hours 8 minutes.

There she goes again with that camera...

I said NO pictures today...!!!!!!!!

Little piggies in the grass

A taste of green

Blog Fodder

I wasn't going to blog tonight, but I just couldn't resist. There's material everywhere, and it's a pity to let it go at the end of a day. Consider the back of a cracker box, which reads:

Entertaining Cracker Quartet Collection

Pepperidge Farm Entertaining Crackers turn an everyday occasion into something special. Their rich taste and crispy textures perfectly complement your favorite cheese, dip, or fresh topping. Have them on hand for when your family and friends stop by -- their attractive shapes and delicious flavors are always impressive. They're so tasty you can even enjoy them right out of the box.

Maybe it's that I've had some wine on a Saturday night with my husband next to me strumming seafaring shanties on the guitar, but I find this wildly entertaining, more so than the potential of the crackers themselves to "entertain." I wonder if I could get a job writing these epicurian sketches? If so, it might go something like this:

Confessions of a Cracker (A.K.A. Bad Cracker Poetry)

'Tis a pity to be so square
Or seem so one-dimensional;
I am much more than a palette for cheese
Or pâté or liverwurst.

Although I am relegated to reside in a box,
My origins are as varied as my textures,
From England comes the "English Water,"
Which, regrettably, some may admit, is kind of dry.

I am more than a cookie
Because I have salt,
I am a floured phoenix,
Rising from the silver tray upon which I am offered up
At a dinner party of fools.

Ah, the beauty (and mercy) of free verse. I was also going to blog about my haircut today at a way-too-hip salon that played (or blared, rather) "The Humpty Dance," as Jane, dressed in black, chopped my locks, but I am weary of this blog and must retire to the pillowtop until 'morrow.

The babe is dreaming and mom and dad must do the same.

Sorry, no pictures tonight...

Thoreau Didn't Own a Pillowtop

Our child is sleeping. This is the only thing peaceful about this moment. And a stinkin' (insert other choice expletives) basement sink is to blame. Those of you who are acquainted with my last post know of which basement sink I speak (or write, rather). After putting Eli down to sleep, I made my way to the kitchen to meet a sink of dirty dishes bearing my name. As the water (and my thoughts) rushed, I was startled by an alarming "JENNNNNNNNNNNNNNN" from the depths of the basement. I insantly flew down the steps to find my plumber/husband clutching a piece of the drain pipe, and "son-of-a-beeping" and "mother-beeping" and grumbling about the sump pump and a T-pipe...and there was water EVERYWHERE. I think at this time -- about an hour later -- the problem is fixed, though I haven't inquired about details. Did I mention our house is on the market, and open to potential buyers, leaky basement sinks and all? Check out some very hot photos of our place here: http://homes.longandfoster.com/Real-Estate/PropertyDetails.aspx?MlsCompanyID=2&MlsNumber=BA6185118. And, as of today -- a day after the one-year anniversary of our closing on this, our first home -- a "For Sale" sign occupies a small yet significant patch of grass on our front lawn (tissues, please..).

Okay, I'm trying to think of a snazzy segue into my next paragraph, but the segue fairies have chosen not to visit me today, and I desperately need a shower, so this blog needs to be done in the next 5 minutes. So I'm abandoning creativity in exchange for a shower and my bed. I know...I will NEVER be a serious writer with this kind of attitude, but I bet Thoreau didn't have a pillowtop mattress either. He's also turning over in his grave right now because I'm about to use bullet points to finish this godforsaken, why-did-I-even-blog-tonight blog. Here are a few of today's mentionables:

• Reheated same cup of coffee at least three times, and by 5 pm, still had not managed to finish it.


• Called to schedule Saturday haircut in attempt to stop feeling like frumpy mom.
• Received e-mail from University of Maryland, welcoming me to the 2006-07 school year. I guess I should tell them they may want to fire whatever student worker is smoking pot in the Office of Records and Registration.
• Discovered cave-dwelling ZIT about to break the surface of the left-hand side of my nose. Newsflash for the gods of the hell called Puberty: I'm 29 and fresh out of Clearasil.


• Watched Eli play with boats and duck and splash around in tub, marveling at how such simple things are so entertaining to little ones. Who knew plastic could be so effective?


• Dressed Eli in new Astronaut pajamas, which say "Zoom," "Fast," and "Around the World" and depict rocket ships, flying saucers, and UFOs (literally unidentified objects that I now am thinking might be planets, but one can't be certain.) Anyhow, they're very cute PJs, and he is even cuter in them (I've attached a photo). I wonder if they come in adult sizes?
• Sang to and cuddled with kid before putting him down to sleep. Life is good...
• Looked in on sleeping kid...Life is REALLY good...


• And now, am sitting on couch, watching The Bernie Mac Show with husband, eating too many M & Ms and wishing that I was Barbara Eden in "I Dream of Jeannie" and that with a swift pop of my head, I would be showered, in bed, and dreaming of basement sinks that actually WORK!

And WHY am I eating M & Ms (see "ever-expanding arse" lamentations in 9/11 post)???!!!???

Because I can...

Basement Sinks and a Hint of the Mystical

As I sit here on top of a rolled-up yoga mat that is ready to be boxed up, lamenting the state of my ever-expanding arse and our amazing race to pretty up our house before it goes to market (like the little piggies), I remind myself that today is 9/11, and my selfish woes are nothing compared to the heavy hearts of those mourning the loss of loved ones five years ago today. So, I'm going to shut my trap and be thankful for all the good things in my life...but, man, am I exhausted from a day of non-stop, clean-this, clean-that, feed-child, play-with-child, stand-on-my-head-to-appease-disgruntled-child, clean-this, clean-that...collapse, onto the rolled-up yoga mat, on top of the futon, in the basement, where I came to be near my husband who is still CLEANING. I was cleaning but had to take a blog-break for an attempt at sanity -- in a wine glass and on a laptop.

So much to say and so little zest left to do so. Today, we learned about our options for temporary housing in Houston. As I read the description of one of the properties, I knew instantly it would make tonight's blog:

"Enchanted by whispers of life from across the seas, Bala Woods offers a rich environment with hints of the mystical. Exceptional location and amenities such as direct-entry garages present uncommon convenience and elegance. Jewel tones lend excitement, while soft breezes carry scents of cinnamon and tangerine. Claim the mystery of the exotic Spice Islands. In this special place, residences are exceptional . . . and fascinating opportunities are yours, each precious day."

Who knew the "mystery of the exotic" resided in the lone star state of the U. S. of A? On so many levels, I am instantly intrigued (and frightened). Of particular interest to me is the opportunity to interact with "hints of the mystical" and, of course, to use the "direct-entry garage." Lastly, as if a 7-month-old didn't afford enough stimulating (albeit odd) aromas to be sniffed, if we chose the Bala Woods, I could ALSO have scents of cinnamon and tangerine mixed in with the day's poop and pears. I'm a lucky woman.

I have now ascended from the basement into the living room, where I am sitting on my still ever-expanding arse, watching the news with my husband, who has stopped CLEANING because he cut his finger, trying to fix the freakin' sink in our beastly basement bathroom (well, it's not REALLY a bathroom, even though it was sold to us as a functioning bathroom...yeah, I'll bitch more about that in my next blog). Ah, deep breaths...where's that damn yoga mat when I need it? I think I have an ulcer...

Cute Kid Pic #1

Cuter Kid Pic #2

Cutest Kid Pic #3

P.S. LOVE this kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.S. Blogger SUCKS at formatting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"It is what it is..."

This has become a mantra for Shaun and me over the past couple of weeks as we prepare to put our house on the market. Of course, there are a ton of things we could do to make it more appealing, but we have only a short while to go, and we don't want to spend all of our time left in Maryland working on the house that we are leaving. Anyway, it's in great shape already, so anytime we "discuss" doing something else, we look at each other and almost in sync repeat, with a familiar tone of resignation, "It is what it is..." It's a great slogan for life, actually. We just go, go, go, always trying to climb and please, but we are who we are...and it is what it is. Easier said than done, however. Okay, so that's my profundity for tonight. It's late, I've had my chardonnay, and it's time to dream (or pass out, rather, from total fatigue). Here are a few new photos of Eli I took today...

What the Blog?????

Well, I knew keeping up with this blogging thing would be difficult, but I am determined to do it, even if I just post pictures. So, here's a sell-out blog of some of our favorite summer pics.

We are gearing up for a move to Houston at the end of this month. For those of you who don't yet know, it's official: Shaun formally accepted with ABS last week and gave notice to Proteus. So, we are one step closer to becoming Houstonians. It has all happened very fast, but we are excited nonetheless. I'll post more details as we have them. For now, we are planning to live in temporary housing (a furnished apartment probably in Kingwood) for up to 30 days while we house hunt. Our Baltimore house will probably go on the market next week. Cross your fingers we get a buyer...soon!

Hope all is well with everyone. Happy belated Labor Day. Hope you enjoyed a labor-free day. Will blog again soon, hopefully more creatively :-)

Eli, during a walk to see our sunflowers

The three of us at Belvedere Square Summer Sounds Concert

Eli, swinging on the porch with Mom and Dad

Eli and Eva

Eli's First Sail