One thing I love about this blog is there there are only four of you who might ever read it. It's freeing. I can write whatever I like.

When things were dark in my first marriage I felt such  pressure to keep everything in and not to let anyone know what was going on. It was as if, others knew, then I would have to admit to myself that I was being abused. Admitting it myself was even harder that enduring the abuse. Admitting that I allowed myself to become a victim-I never thought I could be that type of person.

 One of the many things I took away from that time period was the keeping things in. I no longer leap into the fray, expose myself to people I don't already have a trusting relationship with. I've learned not to put myself out there. My close friends could tell you that I used to be this loudish, awkwardly hilarious, ready for an adventure type of woman. Now, I sit at home and everything has to be planned.

I would like to change that.

That's going to be my goal for 2012. I want to open myself up to people and experiences again. I think it's important to teach this baby to be fearless in the face of life. If you don't try, how will you ever live?

So that is my goal. The baby should be here in May and I will have three month of FMLA. Instead of sitting at home every day with baby I'm MAKING a choice to get out there and DO.

It's Friday

A long, cold, snowy day stretches in front of me and (unsurprisingly) all I want to do is nap. Curl up beneath my down comforter and snooze the hours away.

Part of it is pregnancy, part is that I hate being cold and the rest...is seasonal affective disorder. Which is lame. Especially since I'm banned from all prescribed substances that might help.

It's going to be a busy weekend  at Casa by the Road.

Friday- We are celebrating an early birthday tonight for my niece who will turn two after her mom returns to Afghanistan which happens on Sunday. Lil Bit pulled an early leave slip and has spent the last two weeks bonding with her baby and husband and eating at all of her fav. food spots). It's going to be very difficult and emotional for all of us when she gets back on that plane. We won't see her again for another 9 months.


Saturday-  Library Book Sale! Happens twice a year and should be considered a holiday. Rooms and rooms FULL of books! Books for sale at a very reasonable price. On Sunday everything is 50% off. *swoon* Then it's off to a pre-natal swim class where my ass will be floated to me and then a big family dinner to say goodbye to Lil Bit.

Sunday - Seeing Lil Bit off at the airport at 6 a.m., making plans with my little, baking a plum cake and then a massive nap to make up for skipping Fri/Sat's naps. Also picking out new carpet for the nursery and our bedroom.

 I sure do live a boring life.

In Recovery

Whew...still in recovery from Tuesday. Got home from work Wednesday and went straight to bed and it's been like that since. Looks like I'm losing the battle as I picked up the family's cold.

They say "fish and house guests stink after three days" I totally agree, especially when they leave you with a summer cold. I actually had a nice time visiting with R. After his trip to the ER he might never come back to visit.

 My boss decided to reward those of us who came into work prior to the long weekend.

Lookie what I got!

Yea I got no idea what it is either.



 Japanese soda pop that's lychee flavored. It also has operating instructions.

 1. Remove seal from top

2. Detach the plunger from the center of the cap

3. Place the plunger on top of the bottle

4. Press down firmly with the base of your palm to release the marble

5. Throw away the seal cap and plunger

6. Have fun drinking!

 Entirely complicated and strangely tasty.  Who knew!?



Lychee Tree

On to my play list!

Besoin De Rien- The Hellboys - French Rock/punk- I came across this band via author Stephanie Perkins

It Takes Two- Rob Base &DJ EZ Rock - I totally thought up until this moment that one of the rappers  was  Marky Mark.  Whoops!

Hey Ya! - OutKast- Know for being the front runners of the Southern hip hop movement. Sued by Rosa Parks in 1999.

Crazy Beautiful Child - Anne McCue- Australian and great in concert.

Addicted To Love - Robert Palmer

 Ænima - Tool - Buell Theatre, Denver, CO May 10, 2006- One of craziest nights of my life. Sometimes all you need is a little Tool to get your through the day...or rush hour.