AMT: Cold Temps, Cold Drinks and Other Stuff

Again it is time for Answer Me This! The hottest new game show link-up where you can find your bloggy soulmate or just read about how vastly different we all are. Unless you're talking about favorite fictional characters, then there's a 96% chance you like Pa Ingalls or Atticus Finch. Regardless, it's fun to see how people compare and hear funny stories of people's pasts. 

Let's all give Kendra a big ol' round of applause for hosting and giving us all things to do. 

1. At what temperature do you keep the thermostat set? Summer, winter, day, night?

Summer: Somewhere where I am comfortable. Usually around 70 because we have an old house and the upstairs is still pretty hot. 

Winter: 68 

I don't like being hot. And the heating in winter is still significantly more expensive than cooling our house is. True story. 

2. What is your favorite frozen beverage?

Like a frozen margarita? I don't really know what constitutes a frozen beverage as I can only think of slushies, daiquiris, and frozen margaritas and even margaritas and daiquiris are slushies with booze in them. I really like frozen strawberry margaritas. My first post-partum adult beverage was those frozen strawberry margaritas up there when my baby was 5 months old. 

I also really like the blue Icees. (Not red.) And since I drink approximately 6 times a year, I guess we'll go with Blue Icees. And I can't even remember when I last had one of those so clearly frozen beverages are high up on my list. LOL! I don't even put ice in my fountain pop or keep ice made at home. 

3. Where do you keep your keys?

In a little basket on the "stuff" counter. I feel like most people have a "stuff" counter, sort of the dumping ground area for papers, keys, pens etc. Funny enough I am on a decluttering quest that has not been inspired by the tidying book and my Friday night was so exciting that I spent it cleaning out the little key basket, the bigger pens/scissors basket and sorted through what papers were currently living there. 

4. Have you ever really been lost?

I have a pretty good sense of direction. And I am really good in a crisis. So no. And if I was I wouldn't have admitted it to myself. 

5. What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?

I think it was Mockingjay Pt. 1. Funny story, we had every intention of seeing a movie last night but the only options that started anywhere near the time we got there were Magic Mike XXL or Inside Out. I don't do Pixar. And I haven't seen the first Magic Mike so neither were viable options. 

7QT: A Major Mishmash

Since everyone is all off at Edel and apparently there isn't even going to be one in 2016?! I am guessing no quick takes this week. But #sorrynotsorry I'm, still going to because this format works for me. Aha. Bonnie is hosting. Cool beans. Hi Bonnie! Thanks! (And congrats!)

one. Have you seen the "controversy?" Apparently, one of the Minion McDonald's toys says a swear. As it happens, we love Minions in this house. And also as it happens, we have set out to collect the toys and have people in 3 different states trying to help. We only have 2 and one of them happen to be "Caveman Minion" the offender.

And I agree with McDonalds. Calm the heck down. First of all, it comes with a script of what they're saying so if one looked at the package insert they'd know perfectly darn well. If anything, I disagreed that Caveman Minion was saying "Para La Bukay" because it sounds way more gibberishy than that. It wasn't until I read the article about the sort of offensive Minion that "hahaha" turned into anything but "hahaha" and even then, it's a stretch. I played it for both Husband and my mom to see if they could tell what it was saying (they hadn't read the article) and neither one of them got it.

Whole lot of fake controversy if I've ever seen it.

two. In related news Minions is now in theaters and we are planning on taking C as his first movie theater experience. But we are also waiting a few weeks and going to the first show of the day kind of thing. I think he'll really dig it.

three. You most likely haven't heard about Patti Lupone grabbing an audience member's phone during her show on Broadway because that isn't the news that you read. But I think it's hilarious. Also you probably didn't hear about the audience member who WALKED ON STAGE to plug his phone in to charge in the set's fake outlet during "Hand to God." Holy moly you guys, I laughed so hard I snorted, then cried a little for humanity that people that dumb can afford to go see a show in New York while it is wholly more impractical for me. (The whole Midwest thing means any $100 ticket also involves a hotel room and airline ticket and other expensive add ons like that.)

four. My kids are currently playing Cat and Mouse around the coffee table. Because C's bowl of dry Cheerios is that much better than the one M has. M is cruising right behind him and getting very angry. It is kind of funny. I'm surprised they're not getting dizzy because they keep going around and around.

five. You know, up above I expressed my shock that there will be no Edel 2016 but I think...I think that's okay. Not that I'm sure a weekend getaway with the blogging elite isn't super but even as much as I think it'd be fun, I really haven't had a great desire to actually go. I think, and this is my true confession here, that Jennifer and Hallie put too many eggs in their baskets and became less relateable. I'm sure their book deals are profitable for them. As is a radio show. Good for them!! But since their blogs have all but died they've become a lot less real to me. Though there are definitely some attendees I'd love to hang out with not going to lie.

six. I am still missing something incredibly important to me. I have been asking St. Anthony for help since Wednesday night now and also a litany of others who may help. Gah. I am heart sick. I fell asleep last night just repeating over and over again "I will find it tomorrow."

seven. This just may be the best song I have ever heard.

I am definitely biased because I still love Hanson and have since 6th grade. And they're basically singing about my childhood. Only from a boy perspective. Since they're obviously missing Polly Pockets (the real ones) and other good girl things like that, but still. Nail on the head with this song. And it's catchy. They're going to be on The Today Show on Tuesday and I'm excited to hear how it sounds live. C has been singing it around the house which is adorable as well.

Okay all. Happy Friday!

Ball Pits and Bald Babies

Who lives in Washington DC or nearby? Because I am way jealous of you and want to be you to experience THIS. It's a 10,000 square foot ball pit and I want it. Okay I will settle for the one I'm planning someday but still...I love ball pits. I find them relaxing. My kids obviously feel the same way. We have just a small one but M love love loves it. 

It's so fun watching her experience the world. She is getting into toys and really exploring her surroundings. That is when she can get to the things she wants around her brother. 

She got a Cabbage Patch Doll for Christmas and she just got to open it yesterday. I was bald bald bald until I was like 2. M has WAY more hair now than I did but she still is slightly follicly challenged at this point. I had (have) a bald Cabbage Patch Doll too and it was my favorite thing ever so I am hoping she loves hers for as long as I did. She really likes it so far. 

So did C if you want to know the truth. Luckily for M, since it is in fact her doll, she gets first dibs. There are very few things that he wants of hers so it was a whole new ballgame for us. Usually it's reversed. 

She's starting to be able to stand on her own now. I was in denial for a while there but no, it's true. It's only a matter of time before she is off and running around the room. She is so proud of herself when she manages it. She desperately wants to be able to stand up all on her own without using any furniture or toys but isn't quite that skilled yet. 

I'm going to go hit publish right now before the dance party wakes up little miss napping. You know, normal things. 

WWRT: More Books.

I fell back into reading and I have some more things to tell you about.

Last week I read Judy Blume's In the Unlikely Event. The book follows the actually true story of 3 planes crashing in the town of Elizabeth, NJ and it's effect on the lives of the fictional masses. The main perspective of the story is that of Miri, a 15 year old girl. That surprised me, but didn't all at the same time. This is clearly Judy Blume for adults but it still came from a teenage point of view for most of the book.

The voices in the book become a large chorus, giving the reader snippets from many many people, which can be a little confusing at times but it somehow works out. Blume has this way of writing where you never ever think. You just become immersed in the world and nothing seems out of place or overhanded. I can't say all ends well or that even everything wraps up completely, but when does life ever really do that?

This is the most autobiographical book of Blume's career, as she was the daughter of a dentist in Elizabeth, NJ when all the planes went down. Bottom line: if you like Judy Blume you'll probably like this. If  you don't, you probably will not.

Also this week I read Eyes on You by Kate White. This one was the Big Library Read which is a really interesting idea if you ask me, but this book was just okay.

It was the typical thriller only I thought it was fairly obvious early on who the "bad guy" was. And for that matter, I kept trying to figure out why the main character Robin hadn't figured it out as the first threat left her with a very short list of possibilities. It was a very fast, not particularly thrilling thriller. Apparently Kate White is actually a pretty good writer so I'd be willing to try another book of hers but this was a solid C. 

Linking up with Jessica again for her July WWRW. Because okay. :)

I also knocked out 2.5 of the 7 Harry Potter's for the first Happee Birthdae Harry Book Club. 

But I still have a lot of reading to go! :) Have a great Wednesday!

Potty Training Boot camp

We are rounding out day 2 of potty training boot camp over here. We are doing the whole potty train in 3 days thing and so far I tentatively say it's going well.

He wears a Pull Up for rest and sleep time but has stayed dry and clean for almost 2 full days now. No accidents at all. We're less than an hour to bed time now so I am hopeful.

The only downside is the fact I am sick of sitting on our second floor. (Where our bathroom is.) Today we moved downstairs for a while and it hasn't given us any set backs so tomorrow we'll maybe try being downstairs for more of the day.

Our first scheduled outing is on Wednesday morning so we will see how that goes.

C is kind like "no big deal" about the whole thing, which leads me to believe he was just ready. Surprisingly he has not wanted to wear his Minion big kid underwear but has taken to the plain colored boxer briefs just fine. (And he looks adorable in them.)

AMT: The 4th, SPF and other things of interest.

Well it's Sunday again already! Which means 6 more questions at the virtual cocktail party hosted by Kendra. It's a good time, you should probably participate. Unless you don't like to talk about yourself. 

1. How did you celebrate the 4th of July? (Or, for you international types . . . Do anything fun this weekend?)

In pretty darn low-key style. M's new best friend Brynn was born last week and we went to visit as a family so Husband could take newborn pictures for them and C could play with his friends Mason and Owen. 

We had an indoor 'Merica party. Hot dogs, beans, fruit, pasta salad, chips.. all the standards. 

Then because my guy got all bit up yesterday from the many many mosquitoes that apparently are the result of the June Monsoon, we opted to stay in and watch fireworks on TV. But both kids got a glowstick because we're cool like that. 

They were cool to watch regardless. 

2. Do you sunburn easily?

Yes. Pale Polish skin for the win. I do have a meeting with my dermatologist regularly to make sure that I don't have skin cancer. So far I'm good. I like a good SPF 50 these days. 


3. Hot dogs. Yay or nay?

Yay. I like them at ball games and on the grill. I like the Kosher ones and Portillo's. They are a sometimes food for sure but I like 'em. *see our 'Merica party above. I also prefer them with squishy white buns with no nutritional value because the way I see it, go big or go home. 


4. Have you ever personally set off fireworks?

Nope. I did those popper things once but I really don't think those count. 


5. Have you ever jumped off the high dive?

When I was like 12. At a lake beach. Truthfully, I don't even know where a high dive is these days. 


6. Do you do anything weird in your sleep?

I don't think so. I dream but that's not weird. After consulting with Husband he says and I quote, "Not particularly." I do know that I sleep deep and he is in charge of listening for crying babies because there is a very good chance I will sleep through it. 

WWRW! I finally read!

June was a good month for reading. I jumped back in with two feet. It was time to really really get back on track with the reading consistently and so I did. Which means I can link up with Jessica!

My best friend and C's Godmother went to Disney with her family and I was in charge of bringing in her mail. No big deal. She is a teacher librarian by trade so... she had a lot of children's books in her home. In the office area of her house she had a lot of Andrew Clements. I liked Frindle so I thought I'd grab a few and read them.


Things Hoped For

It wasn't until I put the book back on the shelf that I determined that in fact this is a sequel to the book Things Not Seen. Which might have been helpful only I doubt it because while I thought it was pretty ridiculous that this Robert (Bobby from the other book) character knew all about this going invisible thing and claimed it happened to him. It was really really random and not necessary to the plot of the story at all. But it was like Clements was like, "oh crap, this was supposed to be a sequel, I should add that invisible junk back in." A really strange book. Also we never find out if either Gwen or Robert make it into the schools of their choice which just seems wrong since it is the build up of the entire book.

And after knowing that the whole first book is about the invisible thing I have no interest in reading that. Weird. Like trying to be a sci-fi fantasy but not well... skip them. There's even ANOTHER one too, to follow this. Clements just needs to stop.

The Report Card/No Talking

Andrew Clements at his basic level. The man has a formula and it works. Similarly to Frindle, both of these books feature kids as the main characters trying to stick it to the man with some creative plan. The plan backfires and after a heart to heart with a trusted adult everyone is wiser and things go back to relative normal. Super quick reads but enjoyable.

The School Story

Similar to the Andrew Clements formula, but instead of trying to stick it to the man, the plan was just to work the system and get a book published without parents finding out. Enjoyable, though doubtable that a New York publishing house wouldn't be able to tell a book had been written by a twelve-year-old. Fun to read though. This one had a lot of heart. 

So the other part of reading again was beefing up mi library queue and getting on wishlists for books I'd like to read. I am smack dab in the middle of two that I really wanted to write about so expect a secondary linkup in the nearish future.  But I did finish one from this category.  

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

I don't know if I hyped this book up in my head or what, but I was expecting a lot more from it. It was not a bad book by any stretch of the imagination and I definitely continued to read. It follows the 1936 Olympic crew team from Washington and their development as a team. At the same time the book somewhat mirrors the boat's rise to power with the Nazi's rise to power and their propaganda. But after reading In the Garden of the Beast it was kind of a let down.

When you know perfectly darn well what is going to happen it takes phenomenal talent to keep you at the edge of your seat. This book had that in waves but not throughout I'm afraid. It was not a poorly written book and I did find myself invested in Joe Rantz especially. Worth a read but definitely one to get from the library and not spend money on.

Last but not least as it is now July I feel like I should remind the world about this:

If you ever were looking for a chance to join in a Harry Potter book club you're in luck! I am hosting one! It's just 135 pages a day!