A Regency Life in the 21st Century: August 2006

31 August 2006

13 Things about My Week

13 Cool Things About My Week

1. My daughter & I saw WICKED in Chicago last night!

2. She was able to get autographs from the lead actresses!

3.We bought a stroller for the baby

4. My daughter starts 7th grade tomorrow.

5. Did I mention we saw WICKED?

6. Hubby & I spent some real quality time together.

7. Kidlet & I spent real quality time together.

8. Was able to reconnect with an old friend.

9. I'm gong to go maternity clothes shopping

10. I am have submitted writing samples to the newspaper

to apply as a columnist (as a theatre critic)

11. Friends are coming to visit from out of state this weekend

12. I'm going to perform at the Bristol Renaissance Faire this weekend

13. I have some really cool people reading my blog!

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30 August 2006

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

The challenge, as defined by Nif by way of FrancyPants:

Make a list of what you did and will do, thoughts you had, literal or not, funny or serious, a written snippet of your life. Link it back to me. If so motivated, eventually make a scrapbooking page of it.

Yesterday
I was pregnancy lazy.
I enjoyed listening to the kids playing outside on their last days before school.
I cuddled and snuggled until late with the hubby.

Today
Scheduled classes for people.
Made a sweet card to leave for the hubby.
Going with the kidlet to see WICKED in Chicago!

Tomorrow
Checking to make sure kidlet has everything need to start school Friday.
Cook Pad Thai for dinner
Run lines with the hubby for Pride & Prejudice

29 August 2006

1000 years of battle

Last night hubby & I watched a really excellent film "The Kingdom of Heaven". I highly recommend it. Besides the fact it stars Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson, and Jeremy Irons, its a truly well made epic. Yes, I would classify it into the Epic catagory. Set in 1100, the story addresses the battles raging between the Christians and Muslims in Jeruselum, the Knights Templar, honour, courage, and strength. It addresses the differences between faith and religion. And exposes the sick, sad truth that 900 years later, we are still waging the very same war. The most profound speech in the movie happens when Orlando Bloom's character declares to the people of Jeruselum the land once belonged to the Jews, then the Christians, and if the Muslums take it, does anyone have a greater right to the land than anyone else? Is any one temple or mosque more holy of a building for worshipping God? Is it any truer today? War wages in the middle east for ego and land. I saw so much of our own political administration, as well as others, echoed in this story, and was saddened by humanity for it, for I fear Peace is something that indeed will only be achieved in the true Kingdom of Heaven. Rent the film, I dare you to not be inpacted my it.

24 August 2006

13 to Drool Over

13 Sexiest Male Celebrities...according to me

(Warning, I have a quirky taste in guys)

Today is a dreary, rainy day and what better way to brighten it

than with a little chocolate & pretty things to look at?

(I apologize, Blogger isn't uploading my pictures...maybe later.)

1. Christian Bale (from Newsies to Batman, he's always sexy to me)

2. Alan Rickman (yep, even as Snape!)

3. Alan Cumming (on stage or screen)

4. Liam Neeson (sexiest role ever...Rob Roy)

5. Joseph Fiennes (better than his brother anyday)

6. Johnny Depp (how could I not include him?

Have longed for him ever since 21 Jump Street!)

7. David Bowie (just gets better with age)

8. Brendon Fraser (goofy, but hot)

9. Kevin Kline (if for nothing but Pirates of Penzance alone!)

10. Simon leBon (my DuranDuran hottie)

11. Kenneth Branagh (any man who can make Shakespeare that hot gets my vote)

12. Pierce Brosnon (come on, he's Bond!)

13. Colin Firth (sexy, sexy in any time period)

23 August 2006

Thank yous

Recently I've read alot of blogs that have made me feel sorry for the author because of a tragedy that is far too common in our day and age...the inconsideration of a spouse. Now, don't get me wrong, we all have our days, but blogs like this one shake me up and make me realize how wrong it is for us to be unappreciated by those we love the most. I see this as an unfortunate epidemic of a modern society that is so "me-me-me" oriented. We sometimes forget to be thankful of those little daily tasks. It isn't always easy to get up every day, deal with the kids, clean the house, run the errands, and remain cheerful. It also isn't always easy to get up, go to a stressful job, deal with traffic, and pay bills. We take it all for granted, and in doing so fail to say thank you...and mean it.

I had my own experiences of feeling unappreciated in the past, and with that, not appreciating the other person, as well. With my new marriage I vowed to not let that happen. It takes effort but the rewards are great. It doesn't always come naturally, and we all need validation in different ways. Through Divine grace, my husband was introduced by a (male) co-worker to the book "Love Languages". I cannot recommend this book enough. We have come to realize that there are 5 languages through which everyone finds their validation and sense of being appreciated. My husband's is Acts of Service. When I do the laundry and help out with chores, he feels loved. This is crazy to me...to me they are simply chores that everyone hates. To him they are signs that I care enough to give him a clean home...and he thanks me for it. He appreciates me for doing what I consider meaningly tasks you just have to do. Me, my main language is Acts of Time. I feel loved and appreciated when he makes the time to be with me. Whether its watching a movie or taking a walk, I feel the time he takes out of his day for me matter. And I thank him for it.

We are all taught The Golden Rule as children, yet often fail at it as adults. We need to recognize the little things the people in our lives do have value, and regularly thank them for doing them.

18 August 2006

The Past

An old friend who, for lack of better description, elected to remove himself from my life a couple of years ago, has been haunting my dreams.

I'd like to blame it on crazy pregnancy hormones, but the truth of the matter is, I think its something more. Last night we were mutually performing a renaissance event at some estate in which he played Sir Philip Sidney (a character he has never portrayed let me state) and I alternated between being a noble and a servant. In the scenario his (Philip's) family were plotting to kill him, and I (as the servant character) had to warn him because he had been a secret lover of mine. (In real life, said ex-friend is gay, though we used to perform together at renaissance faires...where he played straight characters.) Anyway, after the event we had a chance to sit down and talk and catch up on things. His boyfriend and another female roommate ex-friend (who apparently hate me too) were there as well, though peripherally.

I realize I'm still having lingering needs to make amends in this relationship, but the truth is, he has refused to communicate with me for 2 years now. I don't believe that will change. Other mutual friends have brought my name up in conversations with him, but no one (from what I've been told) have ever brought the situation up to find out the whys behind it all. I guess I'll just go on wondering exactly what ended our friendship, hoping his life is a great one, and having him haunt my dreams.

I'm curious if anyone else has had similar things happen in their life?

17 August 2006

13 Crazy Things about Me

13 Crazy Things about Me...Kimba

1. I hate socks in the summer.

(I blame it on growing up on a lake. With or without shoes, I simply can't abide by them.)

2. I love chocolate.

(Ok, maybe that isn't crazy, but seriously, I'll forgo most things just for a piece of good chocolate. Preferably an English Yorkie bar or Austrian Mozart)

3. I hate American swill..er...beers. I love British beers.

(Granted, now that I'm preggo I can't have any.)

4. I loathe, detest, passionately hate American football & baseball.

(The great American pasttimes, my butt! Give me hockey or cricket anyday!)

5. I hate being short.

(At 5', clothes never fit right...and I'm married to a 6'3" giant.)

6. I adore Halloween.

(My favourite day of the year! How can you not like a day that give you permission to dress in costume and people give you candy?!)

7. I hate cutesy holiday decorations.

(Halloween should be spooky. Christmas should be lovely or spiritual. Not cute.)

8. I have to have icy cold milk in the morning.

(Other people must start their day with coffee, I need milk. 1% preferred.)

9. Coke good. Pepsi bad.

(Need I really say more?)

10. I am Project Runway addict.

(Ever since the first season. Come Wednesday night the world stops

for an hour while hubby & I both watch, comment, and judge.)

11. I'm a theatre snob.

(We are trying to decide which season tickets to buy this year,

and I realized just how critical I am.)

12. I love reading blogs.

(I've grown to love reading about the lives of complete strangers...and friends.)

13. Sex makes me laugh.

(Perhaps I didn't need to share this,

but I can't tell you how often my husband and I end up cracking up.)

16 August 2006

12 weeks and growing

I had my ultrasound yesterday! The baby is right on schedule sizewise, the heartbeat sounded great & strong, and so far so good! (Yes, huge relief!) Hubby & I were very excited. When the tech went to take the picture, baby turned directly toward the camera and gave a thumbs up! Way to go kid! (Of course in an ultrasound he/she looks more like an alien than a human, but we're hopeful.)

The only downside, at least in my husband's eyes, is the doctor's announcement that since I had once C-section, I'll be having another, so plan for a late February baby. I'm a little suprised at that clear cut decision, without the consideration of a VBAC, and hubby is very upset about it. However, I know I came through the first C-section so easily I'm a little relieved to know I won't have to experience labor pains. Still, is this a little bit of a rash decision on the doctors part? Opinions?

12 August 2006

My Kidlet

Well the kidlet is back home and I can't express well enough how glad I am to have her here. The summer apart was good for both of us. We both appreciate each other more right now. And she's learned a few things as well. She a little more mature. A little wiser. She has learned that I do need her, and that means helping out around the house. This used to be a fighting issue, but now she does it without complaint. She takes pride is her weight loss, her cool new clothes, and the personal rewards of taking care of her things. I don't know if it will last, I certainly hope so. But for now, it puts a big smile on my face to see her feeling good about herself and her family. She's excited about the new baby (and secretly hoping for a little sis), and seeing her friends again. She starts 7th grade in a few weeks, and my little girl is growing up. And for today, I loving the hugs.

10 August 2006

Family Vacation

We've just returned from a few days spent in the greater Detroit area of Michigan, having a brief family vacation that turned out simply to be a great time! After a long & tedious drive Saturday night, we picked up the kidlet from her father's place Sunday morning. It was great to see her after 2 months away! Of course she'd grown (she's now about 2 inches taller than I am...she's 12) but slimmed down alot too. There is no little girl when you look at her anymore, but that's ok because I can see she's also maturing into a lovely young lady, and for that I'm proud.

I was surprised to realize just how close we were to the home I grew up in, so we ventured up there so I could show the place to my hubby & daughter. The couple who live there now were out front working in the yard, and were the most gracious people. Not only did they show us around the property but the interior of the house as well. It was an amazing step into my past, though its always hard to see a place change. (Let's just say the interior is alot more boring than when we lived there. The house had once been featured in "Better Homes & Gardens" during my childhood, and now they've done some dulling down of some of the decor & features.) I think they were just as appreciative of being able to hear about what the house used to be like, and learn about the family who lived there. Then it was off to Frankenmuth for shopping, "World Famous Bavarian chicken dinners", and swimming at the hotel. Good tradition.

Monday was a day of history & fun at Greenfield Village. I'd forgotten how much fun that place is. We rode actual Model T automobiles, wandered through Thomas Edison's workhouses and the Wright Brother's bicycle factory where they figured out how man could fly, amongst other great places. From there we had a cookout at the Abrahams, met up with friends...lots of old friends whom I'd not seen, in some cases, in years. It was such fun! We laughed & talked & laughed well into the early morning, and easily could have kept it up all night.

Tuesday's adventure was to take the child to the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum for a full day of science and play, followed by dinner at a favourite restaurant (Boneyard...the best ribs! yum!) Then we stopped by to visit with yet another friend, Kim P., whom I had not seen in over 6 years. She is literally half the person she used to be (having lost somewhere around 170 lbs!) but just as charming & funny.

We anticipated a quiet day before driving back home on Wednesday, but friends had left a couple of things at the cookout so it was a very welcome opportunity to see them again. Our "quick stop" happily turned into lunch, ice cream, and a stop by a very cool tea shop. Kassi & Caleb & their kids are awesome people, and I'm so proud to call them friends! We talked and laughed for another few hours before sadly saying goodbyes and the long trek back home. I was amazed at how easily we caught up on time & life, and how well my new husband was able to blend into the old gang. It made me oh so happy! And my daughter spent hours entertaining (and being entertained by) their 4 year old, proving to me just what a great big sis she is going to be.

Thanks to all of my friends for a great vacation! For those we didn't get to see, next time I hope! And I pray to God it isn't years this time!

03 August 2006

Baby 13

THIRTEEN NAMES WE COULD NAME THE BABY

(I suppose I should state that we've actually already decided on names, which are included in this list. What are your favourites? Can you guess the ones we've chosen?)

Boys first: 1. Simon (I've always had a thing for the lead singer of Duran Duran)

2. Alek

3. We could go with the 100th most popular name from the 1880s - Milton (ok, probably not...though it could be better than the 103rd most popuar - Lester)

4. Adolf (it's a family name)

5. Sebastian (it's German)

6. Raymond (after my father)

Now the Girls: 7. Katrien (again, we like those Germanic names)

8. Emma (the most popular name of 2005. Ok, I'd never actually choose a popular name again!)

9. Amelia (#100 in 1880! #103 of that year? Beulah! ugh!)

10. Saskia (because our last name isn't Polish enough!)

11. Lorelei (so I like the Gilmore Girls)

12. Lizzy (thank you Jane Austen)

or for either: 13. Tad (short for Tadpole, which is what we call the baby right now!)

02 August 2006

Fear

I find myself fearful of something, anything going wrong with this pregnancy to the point of complete anxiety over it. Every time I go to the bathroom I fear seeing blood. Everytime I feel a muscle pull, I'm terrified. Even this heat has me worried. I never worried like this with my first pregnancy. But then I was in my 20s and perhaps I just didn't know to worry? It doesn't help that seemingly every program on television is about complicated deliveries, at risk pregnancies, or babies with problems at birth! I feel like there is a conspiracy out there to put pregnant mothers in a constant state of fear. (Of course I also feel our news tries to keep all Americans in a constant state of fear, but that's a whole different topic.) And those that don't are about these SuperMoms...you know, shows like "Yummy Mummy" or worse "Runway Moms"...these women who look fabulous even during 40 hours of intense labour, only to get up and take care of their 3 other toddlers while cooking a gourmet meal in heels. Today's modern television is only fueling the fears that any mother has , let alone those of a late 30s, slightly overweight starting over mom, but damn it can't I have some reassurance please that everything is going to be ok and that I WILL have a healthy, happy baby carried full term?!

01 August 2006

Avast Ye Matey...

Sunday we travelled the couple of hours north to Green Bay to tour 16 Tall Ships in the harbor there. Let me tell ya, it was awesome! These ships are either actual or recreations of historical ships, one of my favourite being this one here...the Nina. Yep, one of Christopher Columbus' ships. The cool thing is that is was built by the same family that built the original, in the same method. You have to love history like that. Some of the ships had been used during the War of 1812 or earlier, another was a Russian ship that somewhat resembled a Viking longboat.

It has always been a dream of mine, since I was a little girl, to sail the world. To be a part of that kind of adventure still calls to me, and I found myself oh so envious of the crews on each of these ships. Perhaps someday I can actually make it reality, but in the meantime, I'll just have to dream about the High Seas...and Jack Sparrow.