Starting with a bang!

I'm feeling depressed and dazzled by all of the day's opportunity for resolve. Dazzled is a little strong but there is something about hanging up a new calendar. A fresh start, another chance to meet those goals, lofty and mundane. I WILL run a 5K! I WILL clean my bathroom before mold grows in the toilet!

Something is telling me, a good place to start is the Christmas tree. Maybe it's the spider who has made his home in its branches. Or, the fact that much of the tree has migrated to the floor.















I've been noticing the 365 Project popping up in various forms all over the internet and can't help but feel the pull. This year, though, I am staying strong, standing fast against inspiration. I only made it 43 days last year and I am still mad at myself.

Instead, I plan to aim low. I do still want to improve my photography and love the photo challenges so, here's to more manageable goals on a monthly basis.

First, I bring you, "A Month of Bumbos". Because nothing says transformation and strength of character like a daily Bumbo shot.

Random bits

Woe is me, the good camera has flown the coop for a couple weeks. It's just me, the point-n-shoot and three cranky boys in various states of SICK. Sadly, I only made it fifty days into my 365 daily picture project. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. Or rather, it wasn't really fun for long which is why it ended.

All is not complete doom and gloom though. I found some inspiration and energy to try out a tutorial I've had bookmarked for a while. Yes, I'm a bit of a plastic-phobe when it comes to food and as impractical and mildly crazy as it appears, I was drawn to these reusable snack containers.

















Not ideal for all snacks, but it's a start. I also fashioned (that is, folded in half and stitched) a couple bread bags out of old dishtowels for storing fresh, homemade (warm) bread. (Inspired by this post) Warning: gets stale quick! Maybe next time I'll wrap the cloth bags in plastic to keep them fresher? Needs tweaking.

While I mentioned it on facebook, I don't think I ever made it official here on my blog, which is where I'm trying to spend more time now. We are expecting a girl in June! The house is filling up with pink. And various shades thereof.















Also getting excited about all the plastic bottle alternatives I'm finding out there. In the past, I've only been able to find these 8 oz glass bottles, but now they are available in 4 oz as well. And, if you don't check out the price tag, these are fun options, both plastic (free of phthalates and free of bisphenol A) and stainless steel.

I know some people are scared by the possibility of a glass bottle breaking but I've found they are pretty tough. Mine have survived many deliberate hurls to the floor. There are protective covers available though.

On my list to try out soon: This well-reviewed chocolate chip recipe.

Homemade pasta with the help of this book which I just may have to keep out of the library forever. It's that good.

"The fog comes on little cat feet"

It wasn't a banana week

Time to turn to an old standby for help.

Using the annual gift card

The only time I can order a Venti, completely guilt-free.

14 days so far and inspiration is already waning. Oh well, I'm going to try to continue. I'll probably just take the daily photo over to flickr and only post them here occasionally. Takes off some of the pressure.

One and a half socks

Size of our baby now--16 weeks

Climbing Mt. Laundry

New pets

Stocking stuffer

Adam

A little bit obsessed with Poladroid of late.

It's what's for lunch

"Some clear joy is coming on some slowest train. Do you hear that it's coming again? "

"Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone"

Out with the old

Our house smelled good today

" A little snow was here and there"

A fresh start

Happy new year! Here's to new inspiration, energy and life for blogging. This spot is becoming pathetic.

Funny how the thought of activities that were once motivating, even compelling, can make my head feel like a cement block. I've attributed this underwater fatigue to pregnancy but it doesn't seem to be getting better. Maybe in a week or two. Is there such a thing as pre-partum depression?

In years past I've noticed various flickr groups dedicated to taking a picture every day for a year. It seems like just the challenge I need right now. Daunting in these winter months when the light is low and we're stuck inside, but potentially satisfying. And no writing necessary. Project 365, here I come.

I did almost give up today, on the first day because I wasn't able to get a picture I was terribly thrilled with. But, the group is not called "Pulitzer Prize Project", so I think I'm good.

I'll probably just stick to pictures for a while because putting words together in a readable fashion feels like swimming with rocks in my pockets. Some bathing apparel has pockets, right? See, can't make sense.