Mom, A.B.D.

As of October 3, I am now A.B.D. For the uninitiated, it stands for "All But Dissertation," meaning that my only barrier to the Ph.D. is the dissertation. It's a big deal (not as big as the Ph.D., but I'm right on target for my program, and that's a positive thing), and I frequently get asked how I did it with a kid.

First, let me say, I have the most agreeable child in the world. He is very good at entertaining himself so I can write or grade, and he is patient to go to school with me to get errands run. This was a major factor.

Second, I am lucky to live near my parents and J's parents, who stepped up with alarming frequency to provide me with both study time, time to teach, and date nights. My mother-in-law was a constant saving grace because she watched E almost every day that I went to school. I seldom had to ask for help, because those around me knew what was involved and stepped up.

Still, getting it all done to this point (with or without children) wasn't easy, so here are some tips:

1. Get and Stay Organized: To me, this is the key to all success. I'm a huge fan of a good planner, a sturdy binder, and lots of lists. Use what works for you. I can talk for days about my Moleskin weekly planner and monthly planner and how I would be lost without them. But if your phone calendar works better, by all means, use that. If you have little hands around, keep this stuff out of their reach. Don't risk it.

2. Do YOUR Best: It's very easy to get competitive in graduate school. In my program, it's not worth it because we are all studying diverse topics. My friend's dissertation about women of science is in no way competing with my dissertation on corporate media. So, I just had to concentrate on doing my best work, not THE best work. It resulted in success for me because I was just confident in my abilities to perform quality scholarship.

3. Just Get It Done: It's easy to have flexibility in the timeline of a graduate program. Barring serious issues (illness, death, etc.), try to stick to the fastest timeline. The longer you take, the more money you lose, either in tuition or lost employment. It's easy to say, I'll just take one class this semester, but if you can handle two, by all means, get it done.

4. Be Proactive: Have a back-up plan for everything. Save your work to Google Docs or a flash drive every day that you write. Have a babysitter on call (or a way to take your kid to school with you if you are able). Don't wait to register for classes, because if you can't get the ones you need, you need to set up an independent study or readings course. Do not leave things to chance.

Now I'm continuing work on the dissertation, which is going well. I have numerous chapters in process, and I hope to be done in a year or so. I'll try to take my own advice.

- M.

Ap-parent.

See what I did there?

Actual blue sky from this summer.  

This week marks the slow transition back into the school year, although at this level, we don't really get the summer "off."  Granted, I don't go to work, but I had a new course prep, dissertation research, and a summer class.  Yesterday was my third graduate assistant orientation at school.  It really made me realize how long I've been at this campus, and how much financial assistance they have provided me.  A few new things, but more or less the drill is the same.  I got to meet some of the new assistants, as well as reconnect with some of the rising Ph.D. students who were previously Masters students.

Drawing with chalk in the backyard.

Considering how long the university summer is, I assumed things would pretty much be in order by now.  We are moving offices, thanks to some new faculty, and changing how we dole out assistant hours to some of the faculty (to prevent having a lot of unaccounted for hours at the end of the semester).  Well, neither new thing was sorted out.  The old tenants of our new offices are still there (school starts in less than a week) and the new hours weren't figured out either.  I really wanted to be able to provide E's sitters with some concrete hours, but seeing as I'm the only parent in the G.A. group, I'm not shocked this wasn't considered.  I don't pull the parent card much, but I will in this situation.  I need to have consistent hours that mesh with the schedules of my sitters.  I'm actually not concerned about that, but I have already determined that I will bring Elliott into the fray if necessary.

Garden Update: Our sunflowers bloomed, the cherry tomatoes are still producing, and I'm super disappointed by the beefsteak plant.  Perhaps it got too much water this summer (it has been really wet in our neck of the woods), but it has about 5 GIANT tomatoes that have not yet ripened.  Next year might only see cherry tomatoes in the garden.

Our sunflower attracted a bee.

Jason and I caught summer colds this weekend, so my productivity has been down.  I have to miss the last week of summer dance, and I hope I can just get the necessary things done by next Monday!

Before my cold showed up, I did go to the Mt. Grenta Outdoor Art Show again.  As always, it was a really fun time, and I actually bought a hand-made item this year (not a t-shirt or souvenir like years past).  It's a ceramic yarn bowl, which prevents your yarn from falling all over the place while you use it.  It sounds ridiculous, but using it keeps things orderly and untangled.  I would love to vacation at Mt. Gretna someday; it's almost like being transported back in time.

"Under the trees at Old Chataqua"

One of the adorable homes.

Inside the Jigger Shop, the delicious ice cream place.

A perennial favorite home to look at.

Beautiful flower from house above.

Metal and glasswork flower.  Just a taste of the pieces at the show.

Stained glass lamp in the Jigger Shop.

Big Blog News!

I'm officially a regular contributor to Early Mama, a blog that focuses on younger mothers in a world where a twenty-something mom is less common than ever.  My area of "expertise" is going to be student-parenting (it's kind of the only way I've ever known parenting), so stay tuned for all kinds of perspectives on that topic.  Michelle, the mama of the Early Mamas, has recruited some fascinating ladies to write for the blog, so please check it out more often than when I post.

Here is my first post, on getting ready to go back to school.

- M.

Modern Happiness.

“The only time you should look in your neighbor's bowl is to make sure that they have enough. You don't look in your neighbor's bowl to see if you have as much as them.” - Louis C.K.

"Comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt

These two quotes have been tumbling around in my brain a lot lately.  Despite all that I have, it seems easy to get sucked into a vortex of envy and loathing when one looks over the fence and sees all that green grass.  The Internet makes this easier than ever before.  Historically, there were always ways to tell what class a person was or what one suspected they had going on in their lives.  For a very long time, it was how one dressed.  This changed in the industrial age when ready-to-wear clothing made it affordable for everyone to dress like the class they wanted to be.  So, we had to find new ways to make each other feel inferior.  Cars, houses, appliances...I think the idea is clear.  Still, in the United States, we have deemed ourselves a "class-less society," which is laughable.  We all consider ourselves middle-class.  No one wants to be lower-class (whatever that means), but no one wants to be elite either.  

Thanks to the Internet, we can more easily see the things people have, partly because they spend time posting them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  So-and-so bought a house; him-and-her are having another baby; this-and-that are getting a promotion.  Suddenly you're sad because those people are doing the things you wish you could do.  Oof.  It's the worst.  It's probably weird of me to admit it, but from discussions with my friends, I know I'm not alone.  

But I have a full fridge (of weird food; it's been a strange meal week here), I have a car that runs and lets me listen to music on my commute, and I have a healthy family who makes me really happy.  I have a house to protect me when it rains, and it has enough space to let me grow tomatoes.  In short, I'm a really lucky person.  Why do I let the joys of other become my insecurities?  

I've made a promise to myself concerning self-improvement, as of late.  Most goals are tangible: get in shape; eat well; crochet; write 1000 words a day.  However, a few are mental, and most people will never notice they occurred, which is fine.  The above quotes pretty much sum it all up.  Be happy with the wonderful life I have and ensure that I'm doing what I can to lift others up.  Teaching helps me do that.  I do a little charity here and there.  I think my happiness will increase if I keep all this in mind.

I hope you enjoyed this little philosophical side-bar.   I'll get back to talking about crochet, gardening, and E in due time.

Buzzing Around

I like schedules, especially, oddly enough, ones that other people dictate.  I can negotiate with myself to the point of getting nothing done, but if something outside myself is riding on getting a task completed, I'm motivated.  I like having solid deadlines.

This personality trait is something I'm trying to overcome.  I need to be more of a self-starter in my home life.  At school?  Well, graduation is my deadline and the sooner that happens, the sooner I get my life back.

I made a chore schedule (today was laundry day!), and Jason and I meal plan each weekend so we avoid getting lazy and eating out.  The only reason I've eaten out in the last week is because I went to Tyson's Corner with my parents and sister on Sunday.  As a couple, we probably won't eat out until possibly Saturday since we are going out of town.  However, we're going to a picnic, so we may not need to.

I have a list of things that I would like to get done before my summer class starts in a few weeks, and I made a lot of progress in the last week:

 - Started all of my commissions.
 - Started Elliott's crochet blanket for his big kid bed (for whenever that move happens...we're not messing with a good thing)
 - Purchased supplies for some DIY projects
 - Created meal planning cards (grocery list on the front, procedure on the back).
 - Cleaned out my closet and donated items (my sister benefitted with TWO dresses from White House Black Market).
 - Worked on school work

Nothing really completed, but I have finished the last few days feeling that the day was well used.

This isn't a recipe blog...but:

Tonight I made a crock-pot dinner (Chicken Lime Tacos) and a yummy dessert.

Chicken Lime Tacos

Ingredients:
 - 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
 - 3 T. lime juice
 - 1 T. chili powder
 - 1 c. frozen corn (or canned)
 - 1 c. salsa
 - tortillas
 - (optional): tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, cheese, sour cream

Procedure:
1. Place chicken, lime juice, and chili powder in slow cooker on low for 6 hours.
2. Shred chicken and stir.
3. Add corn and salsa.  Let heat through.
4. Top with deliciousness and serve.

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients:
 - 1 medium can of black beans
 - Water
 - Brownie mix

Procedure:
1. Drain black beans and rinse both beans and can.  Preset oven to 350 (or what your mix recommends)
2. Replace beans into can.
3. Fill can with water (with the beans inside).
4. In a processor, bullet, or blender, puree beans and water.
5. Mix in with brownie mix.  Do not use oil or eggs!
6. Pour into pan (I used a 8" x 8")
7. Bake for time recommended for pan size (mine took about 40 minutes).
8.  Let cool and enjoy!

I also put some sprinkles on, but that's because the blog I got the recipe from showed the brownies with sprinkles and it looked so good.  These are very fudgey and dense, so be aware.  They are REALLY good with ice cream (kind of like Dairy Queen's Oreo Brownie Earthquake).

Have a lovely week, and see you back here soon!

- M.

So Fresh and So Clean Clean

I love beginnings.  I have a passion for starting projects I don't always finish.  I love the first day of the semester, the first day of a season, the first day of the year.  It's permission on a cyclical basis from the universe to begin again.  Yes, one can re-start anytime, but I usually need a breath of a break to reset and re-charge.

I spent the last hour or so getting my new planner ready (yay!), prepping for my class, and creating some resolutions and goals for the new year.

2013 Resolutions and Goals:
1. Know my limits: I tend to bite off far more than I can chew, as it were.  My research always needs more focus, my craft projects are quite ambitious, and I get frustrated when I realize it.  2013 will be the year of doing great things, but I will know what I should and can take on.  If you don't understand what I mean, look at my 2012 resolutions (oh boy).

2. Get back into "fighting form": I said this last year too, and I did lose a couple of pounds.  That said, I want to be healthy, which I am not.  I want to include cleaner eating, more water, and more exercise into my life.  I think a healthy body will beget a healthy mind and happy life.  I will do my best to embody that this year.

3. Finish What I Start: Along with #1, I will begin ambitious projects, or even small projects, and never finish them.  I have a drawer or two filled with unfinished crochet projects.  My Goodreads account has a bookshelf called "on-hold."  The best of my intentions are often shouted down by my lazier demons.  I hope to have 2013 end with only new projects that did not exist in 2012.

4. Less internet, more real life: I'm constantly tempted by the internet.  I'm "online" far more than my blog updates would suggest.  I want to be more deliberate with my internet use (get on with a purpose, and get back off), while also engaging far more in real life.  Less looking at Pinterest and more living it.  Little adventures will be had.

5. Get organized and stay organized: My readers know I love to organize.  Do I stay organized?  No.  I always feel better when things are organized, so it seems prudent to follow through.

6. Be more interactive with Elliott: I spend a lot of time just one-on-one with E.  However, aside from certain activities, I feel like I could have more of a dialogue with him during his activities.  We could go to the park more.  Take more walks (hello, #2).  I may even sign him up for a local kids gym so he can get some real energy out during the winter.

7. Keep as tidy a home as possible: I actually enjoy cleaning, but I place it low on my list of priorities.  This break proved to me that I can get more done than I think, even with Elliott under foot.  Certain chores will still go un-done, but I want to keep on top of a few basic tasks.

8. Be smarter with money: I don't splurge or buy a lot of clothing or buy almost anything full price.  However, I spend a little here, a little there, and it adds up!  A lot of my money goes to food at school (which is really overpriced), so by packing lunches and dinners at home (for #2), I'll save money.  I want to clip more coupons and shop smarter.  I already started doing this with my school books.  I price compared across a few different platforms, and I'm going to save probably $200. ***Update: I ended up saving between 400 and 500 dollars by comparing prices.  Someone should have a website that is just book prices compared.***

8 resolutions might seem ambitious, but these are actually just general mindset adjustments that I've needed to make for a while.  I have realistic plans to achieve each one, and many of them will help with others.  I've read and heard that to make resolutions stick, you have to make yourself accountable, and that's what I'm doing here.

I'll add and update throughout the year, but you can find the short list on the shortcut bar above.

- M.

Two Weeks.

When I was pregnant, I really considered everything that went into my body.  I drank a lot of water, ate more green leafy veggies and protein, and exercised.  I got out of the habit of exercising during those 6 weeks of rest after giving birth, and although I've tried to get back on the exercise train, it hasn't become a real habit.  I drink more water than pre-pregnancy, but not near enough.  My diet is a joke.  It's difficult to eat well on our campus...very difficult...and very expensive.

I saw this list of things to try for two weeks.  You add another one each day, and they are real baby steps on the path to living healthier.  I figure I'll give it a try and report back here periodically.

Day 1: Have a piece of fruit (12/10)

Day 2: Drink 1.5 L of water (12/11)

Day 3: Regulate your meals (12/12) - My 27th birthday!

Day 4: Make a healthy meal / snack choice (12/13)

Day 5: Go for a gentle walk (12/14)

Day 6: Throw a compliment at someone (12/15)

Day 7: Drink 2 L of water (12/16)

Day 8: Get up earlier (12/17)

Day 9: Make another healthy meal choice (12/18)

Day 10: Do a plank (12/19)

Day 11: Spend 10 minutes gently stretching (12/20)

Day 12: Have a portion of green veggies (12/21)

Day 13: Substitute an unhealthy snack (12/22)

Day 14: Powerwalk (12/23)

That takes us right up to Christmas Eve.  Those two days are BUSY BUSY BUSY, so I'm not going to try fitting in anything specific.  It'll be challenge enough to keep things regular enough for Mr. E.

Finally, I have exciting news: I'm making my debut as a guest contributor to Early Mama this week!  I wrote about making spaces at home, work, and school for the student mom.  My articles there will be primarily for early moms / students, particularly graduate students, which is a very underserved group.  I know not all of my readers fall into either category, but I hope to drop some general wisdom for graduate students and younger moms alike.  I'll be sure to link up when the article appears (probably Tuesday or Wednesday).  

I'm also turning 27 this week, so there's that.  

- M.

Favorite Blogs.

I'm not the most active blogger (ha!), but I visit my blog everyday to check for comments to moderate and to read my favorite blogs.  There are certain ladies who I want to hear from every single day.  I'm always disappointed when they don't post (which considering my track record is quite hypocritical).  Since I love these ladies' blogs so much, I figured I should pass them along.

*These are people I don't know personally.  I check my friends blogs everyday too, because they are my friends.*

Clover Lane: This mom of 5 (almost 6) has one motto: simple = happiness.  She is the home of hte 40 Day, 40 Bags challenge, as well as a number of great and practical ideas.  She is sending one off to college in a few weeks...just a few days after she is due with number 6!  Her posts are going to get sparse so she can spend time with this new little one, but she has an archive filled with great advice and stories.

Design Mom: She is the queen of mom blogs, in my opinion.  Also a mother of 6 (what a trend), she and her family have lived in France for hte last 18 months.  She always has neat ideas, giveaways, and projects.  Her family has even created a web series called "Olive Us," which shows the kids doing various projects.  They are all adorable characters, and it's so much fun to see these siblings getting along and working together.

MODG: Totally irreverent mom-blog who hails from the Philly area.  She's expecting #2, and she is a lot more open about the imperfections of parenting and life.  She revels in them.  She's a breath of fresh air among the mom blogs who see themselves as beacons of perfect parenting (which I avoid).

Early Mama: I've actually been featured on this blog, but I volunteered because I believe in her mission of bringing together women who have decided to pursue marriage, parenting, and life at an age that is being considered "earlier."  People see me as an "early mom," despite the fact that I was older than my mother had been when I got married and about the same age when I had my first child.  It's a great support system.

You Go Girl!: This is a new favorite.  She doesn't post as often as I wish, but it's because she's working on all kinds of different craft projects and tutorials.  She is also a mom of 5 girls (which includes a set of triplets), all of whom are teenagers.  I'm really enjoying reading her archives right now, and I plan on making some "posh pillowcases" soon.

Check these out the next time you lack quality blog material to read.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

They are always available in the side links marked "Inspiration."

- M.

Mischief Managed.

With the new house, graduate school, and life in general, we came to the realization that we need to be better organized when it comes to schedules and keeping the house in order (read: livable for child and cat).  So, I investigated what goes into a House Management Binder.  I had seen them on Pinterest, but I wanted to know more.

Basically, there is no one-size-fits-all binder.  I looked at about 10 different styles and suggestions and found what might work for us.  It will also be a perpetual work in progress.  Right now, I'm getting ready for school and teaching for the fall.  In a few years, it will be Mr. Elliott who is attending school.  Things will change, our life is always in flux, so I made sure it was going to be a fluid organizer.  The suggestion here is just that: a suggestion.  Check out how others do it and perhaps you'll find that perfect set-up.

First, and this seems universal, you need a 3-ring binder.  I got a Martha Stewart one from Avery, which is sturdy and sophisticated:

I have it in the blue.

I'm using my favorite dividers (What is wrong with me?  Who has a favorite divider?!), which are Avery Style Edge Insertables, which even come with printable labels!  Woo-hoo!

Aside from that, I'm using print-ables from all over the internet.  I'll post those in the House = Home tab soon.

My sections are this:

(Not inside the other dividers)
 - Post-it Project Dock (I'll explain at a later date)
 - Daily Docket

Dividers:
 - Calendar: Schedules, week-at-a-glance, and anything else that is need to know about our day.
 - Finances: Budget sheets, bill checklists, and reference material (copies of important financial docs, car stuff, etc.)
 - Cleaning: Weekly cleaning checklist, as well as items for daily and monthly consideration.
 - Food: Meal planning worksheets, grocery lists (reusable), recipes for the week, and take-out menus.
 - Health: Health records and paperwork for every member of the family, including Barney.  Also, insurance info.
 - School: Paperwork I'd need to quickly reference about Penn State.  Later, I expect that this will be used for school items for Elliott.
 - Planning: Party planning worksheets, trip planning, holiday planning...you get it.
 - Reference: Phone numbers, birthdays / anniversaries, periodic table, measurements...all that stuff.

I'll go into more detail once I have more detail to give!  We'll also have house updates soon...you know, once we actually move in.

- M & J.

Working Mamas.

I only partially consider myself a member of the population of working moms.  I'm lucky enough to have a job that allows me a flexible schedule so my son never has to attend day care.  My husband takes care of him while I'm at work, and then we switch off.  I only went to my workplace 4 days a week, about 5 hours a day.  Right now, I'm on a very short break between Spring and Summer session 1.  Still, I'm pretty lucky that my needs were accomodated.  When I was nursing, I had office hours and very short days.  When I was pregnant, I organized my appointments around my work schedule.  My boss was very kind to hold my place for the spring, and when I decided I wanted to come back earlier, he was able to give me some classes.

That all being said, most working women aren't so lucky.  The link below takes you to the study that grades states on how they help working moms.  The most interesting, but sadly not surprising, trend is that the states that preach the importance of "family values" and pro-life ideals generally have the worst grades.  We live in an economy where to provide for our families, big or small, both parents generally need to work.  If we want moms to do what is best for their children, we need to support them in the workplace.

The Study

Courtesy of Mother Jones magazine

Something to think about.

- M. and E (who is a lucky little boy)

Frazzled.

Few women want to describe themselves this way, but this is the best word in the English language to illustrate the way I feel.  I'm sure German has a word for my real feelings; my ancestors have a word for everything.  It has been a crazy week paired with outside annoyances.  I feel like I might accidentally sleep through Easter break because I am so exhausted.

So, what have I been up to?  Plenty.

My 40 Days, 40 Bags challenge has taken a back seat this week, but I've continued to make progress.  During last week's summer preview, I got out my summer clothing and sorted through it.  Most still fits me, but a few items went into the charity bag.  I also got rid of 4 pairs of shoes so far.  I'm sure more will get the axe, but 4 are already on their way out of my home.  Jason and I also finally found all of our boxes of books and evaluated which ones needed to go.  We have two boxes and a bag of books to either donate or sell.  When we pack to move, I have to stow my American Studies books separately.  That way, if we're still living with a parent or have things in storage come August (and come funding), I can find the books I need quickly.

I'm still anxiously awaiting notice from Penn State about funding for the fall.  That alone is adding exponentially to my stress levels.

This weekend, I am attending a conference.  I knew this would be stressful, but outside factors have increased that.  A lack of communication and no shortage of disorganization has caused even the most seasoned veteran among us to feel confused about what is expected.  Everyone in our office is stressed, and on top of that, I am trying to write a paper, edit said paper, and create an effective presentation of my material.  Normally, I would just present my research, but they now want everyone to submit a finished work.  I edit my writing within an inch of its life, so I need every possible day.  This, along with the fact that my moderator hasn't communicated with me in any way has just added to my anxiety.  It's overnight too, and I'm bummed about leaving E for the weekend.

Otherwise, I've seen The Hunger Games, which I loved; I went out for a girls' night; and I've been working on a lot of crochet projects when I can to calm my nerves.  I'm designing my first original pattern and building an afghan around it.

Sorry for the absence.  I'll post more once this weekend is over.

- M.

6 Months!

Elliott is 6 months old today!

It was about one year ago that we announced here on the blog that we were having our little peanut, and here he is now, almost 18 pounds (according to our Wii Fit).  Because his last well visit was later, he won't go in for another until he's almost 7 months.  He may go in soon for a quick flu shot though.

We're having a really fun holiday weekend.  I've been crocheting up a storm (post to come) and we've been doing things we enjoy.  Last night, I went out for my friend Em's birthday to a restaurant called Frankford Hall.  It's a beer hall, and it has outdoor seating, fire-pits for smore's, and ping-pong tables.  They also had heat lamps, so sitting outside wasn't so cold.  Tonight we're having a game night with friends, and on Monday, I'm going to Quizzo for the first time in months.  I like to take advantage of Monday nights that Jason doesn't work.  He has a 4-day weekend because of his new schedule, so I'm sure he'll enjoy that.  Tuesdays will be so nice this semester.  In the fall, he had class on Tuesday, so he went into work 3 hours early and came home at the normal time.  He was gone for 12 hours, so I was on my own with Elliott for 12 hours.  Now, I teach my seminar on Tuesdays, so he switched his Fridays off for Tuesdays.  When I come home from class (which I don't go in until noon to teach), he'll be home and we can have a normal night together.  :)

I promise; I will have a craft post at some point this weekend.  I finished 5 projects in the last month, 2 of them being large items.  I also have a number of things on commission to finish.  It's a good thing I love to crochet.

- J, M, E, & B.

Elliott's First Christmas!

Someone couldn't wait to open presents...6am.

One of the many super cool outfits he got.

We'll wait a few years, but we do love Charlotte's Web

Rock 'n' roll!  

Special gift from Mama.

Jason, Elliott, and Grandma Bebe.

Christmas was wonderful!  A few notes:

1. We got so many wonderful things for Christmas and we are truly blessed to have such wonderful family members.  The highlight of the gifts include: PJ pants that look like acid washed jeans (Jason); Beatles print   and a Vera Bradley laptop case (Megan); and a stuffed aquarium (Elliott).  Again, we loved everything and didn't have to (or want to) exchange a thing.

2. We are exhausted.  Elliott is definitely feeling the rush-around.  We've had plans every day, and even though Elliott hasn't joined us on each one, being left with a babysitter (grandparents), its a disruption to his schedule.  We have all had colds.

3.  Church was weird.  People don't know how to dress for mass anymore.  Casual jeans and hoodies are not acceptable church-wear, even for Saturday vigil.  Nor are hooker heels and too-short dresses.  The homily was REALLY WEIRD.  The theme was "Christmas is for adults only."  Father likened it to fireworks.  It made no sense and I really hope he didn't give it at the 6:30 children's mass.  I'm also still getting used to the changes in the mass's wording, so I felt silly.

- J & M.

Christmas Shopping, How I Loathe Thee.

This weekend, I went out on my first shopping trip of the year.  It was not a pretty sight.

Almost every year, my mom, her sisters (and sister-in-law), and her mother go on what we now call "The Brewer Ladies Shopping Trip."  For years, it let them spend time with each other, go on a little trip, and be kid-free to shop for Christmas.  It changes every year, but the girl cousins usually have to be a certain age to go on the trip.  For a while, it was once you were 21, but this year we included my youngest cousin on the trip (it was a more casual day trip and she's 12 1/2, so we weren't carting around a little kid).  Anyway, it's always a lot of fun to spend the day shopping, eating out, and laughing (we find everything funny).

This year, we went to the PA Christmas and Gift Show, which takes place at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Arena.  The Farm Show is PA's version of the state fair.  Food, a rodeo, and lots of animals and farm / country supplies.  It's a unique experience.  Because January is a quiet time in the life of a farmer, the Farm Show takes place then, and the show is all indoors at the arena.  It's a MASSIVE building.  The PA Christmas and Gift Show is a MASSIVE craft / gift fair.  I was overwhelmed.  I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but I kept my eyes open for more unique gifts, which I found.

We were also grossly unprepared.  We thought by eating a hearty breakfast and getting cash, we'd be in the clear.  In the parking lot, families were hauling out those grocery carts that you use in the city to haul food, giant tote bags, and strollers to the door.  They were in it to win it.  We were just there to look good.  We all had cute outfits on, but we should have worn matching T-shirts and sneakers.  We were a group of 8, and we lost each other constantly in the shuffle.  There were over a thousand vendors.  ONE THOUSAND.  People were leaving with loads of stuff, just to go back in!  I left with a book for Elliott and some soaps (handmade in Bucks County.  I had to go all the way to Harrisburg to find Bucks Country soaps).

We left exhausted.  My mom and aunts say they'll go again next year.  I don't know if I will.

After a late lunch / early dinner, we headed home.  My Aunt Chris had driven Elliott and I to Harrisburg on Friday night, and Grandpa watched E all day.  Jason met my aunt and I at KOP to switch cars, and boy was that a mistake.  I forgot that KOP is a zoo in December.  I'm so glad I'm doing almost all my shopping online.

The day would have probably been easier if Elliott hadn't had some tummy and teething issues the night before, finally falling fast asleep at 4 am.  I was flying solo (well, without Jason), so I was pretty tired in the morning.  It's amazing what you can do if you really want to.  I went to sleep last night at 10pm.  I woke up at 9.  I feel much better.

What shopping traditions, if any, do you have?

- J & M.