Currently.

photo by Emily Snitzer - more to come later this week. Edited with the Afterglow app on my iPhone.

Have you checked it out yet? Loving it!

Watching: I'm currently super into a few shows, the first being Revenge. Another one of those programs I heard a ton about from a million people but never watched for one reason or another. I think most of all it just looked super cheesy- and not like I'm above super cheesy shows (hello Footballers' Wives, hello Make It Or Break It, hello...should I go on?) but this just looked kind of dumb. Well surprise, surprise it's actually really amazing, with good acting and great writing. I'm totally sucked in and have gotten a few of my friends addicted in the past couple of weeks too. I'm also loving Nashville so, so much. It might be my favorite new show this year. Have you seen it yet? It's superb and the music just gets me every time. Plus, you can't go wrong with Connie Britton. And the final show I'm loving (besides Bravo's premiere week this week- YES!) is X Factor. I am loving a few of the contestants- Beatrice Miller, Tate (country singer), and a couple more. I'm so curious to see what happens this week. On a related note, I sometimes forget how silly I sound when I talk about television so seriously, so thank you to you non-television loving people for bearing with me while I go on and on (and on!).

Listening to: lots of country and lots of the Cloud Atlas soundtrack. Do yourself a favor and listen to the last song on the soundtrack- but be warned it might make you cry like it does me! I still need to see the movie, but in the meantime the music is making my day and become my own little soundtrack to blogging. As far as country I've been loving Luke Bryan's Tailgates and Tanlines, and I've been listening to a lot of Dixie Chicks too (much to Hank's disgust, haha). I've also had the new Broadway Calls and The Swellers on heavy rotation. 

Planning: Disneyland! Have any of you gone with a 2-year old? We're planning our first trip with Henry for February or March and I've never been with a little one. I have a lot of research to do, but I'm curious about what rides he'll be able to go on at his age (about 2 1/2), which ones you'd recommend from experience, and any other bits of wisdom you'd like to send our way! I'm sure I'll write a post once it gets closer but any early-planning info would be awesome.

Thinking about: the election today. I have so many thoughts, some of which I really have to stop myself from sharing for fear of offending some of my closest friends. I am voting for Obama for a million reasons, including but not limited to women having rights to their own bodies and equal rights for all. It's hard to verbalize just how disappointed I feel that Romney's stance on so many things could even be accepted by the nation I live in, but I know that everyone has their own viewpoints and is entitled to them. And unfortunately it's close to impossible to even try to change their minds, especially when those beliefs are so deeply rooted in religion. Just as no one could ever convince me that being gay is "wrong," I doubt I could ever convince someone of the opposite. And that upsets me, but I really try and remind myself that as much as I think I am right, they think they are right too. Ugh, it's hard. I accept my friends and their views no matter what though, and I know that it's okay to feel differently about things. But I will say this: I am so, so scared for womankind (and humankind) if Romney is elected. I do not pray but I am crossing my fingers and toes that our President is elected another term to finish what he started (cleaning up).

Looking forward to: this weekend! I'm heading up to Flagstaff for a little college girls reunion. It's been years since we've all been in the same place at the same time, and since no one is getting married, pregnant, or experiencing any of the other huge life events that have been happening on the regular since we last saw each other, we are good to go! Hank was sweet enough to plan a "guys weekend" for himself and Henry, and I'm grateful I'm able to go and spend a couple days with my sorority sisters and girlfriends where it all began.

Reading: I've been a reading machine lately. Currently reading Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin and loving it. I'm also about to finally start Gone Girl, although I'm a little nervous because I've heard it's a little intense! I'll keep you posted. Oh, and how could I forget Goodnight Construction Site? We've been reading that one a million times a night thanks to a little guy by the name of Henry (or Hennison, Henny, Henson, or any of the other million silly nicknames we've given him).

Making me happy: visiting my sis and Abe in their beautiful new home this past weekend, quality time with my parents, texts with Amber Joy that make me laugh out loud at my phone, getting excited about all of the holiday fun coming our way, the box full of something awesome for Henry's party that arrived yesterday, exciting blog stuff, making new friends, continuing to stay in the positive when it comes to negative online stuff, Henry and that contagious smile of his, turkey and provolone sandwiches, new flats that fit like an absolute dream (more on them later this week), and a fun date night Saturday with Hank that ended with frozen yogurt and fits of laughter.

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my dear friend Megan for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Currently.

Watching: Nashville! I am so excited about this show. I had a feeling I would love it when I first saw the preview and really, what's not to love: country music, Connie Britton from my beloved Friday Night Lights, and what looks like a great storyline? Sold! And thankfully, the premiere did NOT disappoint! I could watch it just for the music alone but one episode in and I'm hooked. Did any of you catch it?

Listening to: I don't know why, but the other day I decided to put on the Amelie soundtrack and I fell back in love with it. It's such nice music to just have on in the background and it's an album I used to listen to pretty frequently. I love that movie and especially love all the music used in it. So I've been listening that, along with TLC's Greatest Hits. Why, I don't know, but I ain't too proud to admit it (or 2 beg, for the record).

Thinking about: so much. I've been thinking a lot- thinking about blogging, about this blog and especially what/how I share. I've been thinking about how strange it is to have people read this space and think they know it all, and then to be able to read about all of these things they apparently know so much about. I've also learned a few lessons in regards to this, but the biggest thing is that I thought all along that speaking up or giving my two cents would help, but it really doesn't. People have their perspective on something (that thing being me and this blog), and nothing I say back to them will change a thing. For example this statement- "I am having the best time on vacation- loving my girlfriends!" read by two different people can mean two very different thing depending on who they are. I've learned that one person may think I am being annoying talking about this "wonderful" vacation, bragging about having a good time, thinking I talk too much about my girlfriends, etc. Someone else may read it just as it is and just how I meant it- that I am having a good time with my friends and I am really excited about it. I need to remember that those who want to read into every little thing will always do just that. No amount of trying to explain where I am coming from or show them my perspective will help them see that I am not this horrible person they think I am, so I just need to stop trying. Lesson learned. And I'll hopefully never bring this up again, but if I do, I give you all permission to tell me to get a life. Deal? And moving onto a totally different and much more important topic, I've been thinking about Henry turning two and how bittersweet it all is. In one hand we have this walking, talking little person, but in the other hand are all these thoughts about my little baby being "all grown up." I think bittersweet is the best way to describe it. I've also been thinking a lot about volunteering. It was a big part of my life in college but sadly haven't made much time for it since, and I really want to get back to it. Last week I looked into volunteering at the library, but their needed hours don't coincide with hours Hank can watch Henry, so I'm going to look around and see what else I can find. I was thinking I will check up at the high school- maybe they need tutors. Do any of you volunteer your time anywhere? I'd love to hear about it.

Loving: this past weekend I got to spend a couple of days with two of my favorite girls. Anita is a long time "real life" friend (how weird does that sound?) and she and I met Andy through the internet (also: how weird does that sound?!). Anyway, over the past couple of years these two girls have become a couple of my closest friends and every once and awhile we try to get together. Anita and I are able to see each other a lot more because we live just about two hours apart, but Andy lives up in the Northwest so we really look forward to our occasional visits. Andy last came out to Arizona for my 30th birthday, and now that she is pregnant and due in the winter, we thought we would plan one more little trip before she gives birth. So...we picked Las Vegas. Great choice for a pregnant gal right? ha. Really though, we picked it because it was a cheap, close enough place to all meet, and all of us love good food (which Vegas has a ton of), so Vegas it was. We had a great time and I especially loved staying up late every night talking. It was wonderful.

Reading: this time I thought I would share a couple of the blogs I've been reading religiously. First up, Small Fry. I posted about them in a previous post but seriously, I love this blog. It's a new project from a few super talented Moms, all about savoring and enjoying moments with your kids. I've already found so much inspiration through them and want everyone I know to read it, Mom or not! The second blog I'm loving is my always-favorite, Katie's Pencil Box. Her blog is chock full of wonderful things, but is especially wonderful right now as she shares all of her pretty Fall photos and adventures. And finally, I've been reading another blog by another Katie (Katy!), and it's just lovely. Katy Verga writes about her family, all of her creative endeavors (she's so talented!), and her beautiful life. Seriously, check it out. I know you'll love her. And speaking of blogs, I deleted the post below after receiving a comment and a couple of very thoughtful emails from readers, in addition to realizing that perhaps some things I found funny last year aren't very "funny" at all. You can still read it in the Hello Giggles archives, but the page here was removed! <3

Making me happy: CrossFit, our trip to the pumpkin patch today (photos soon), falling in complete love with a new author and also rediscovering some old favorites, Lauren and Abe moving into their new home this week, thinking of Lucy being born in just three months, realizations and moving forward in some key things, and all of the Autumn things I love so much: capes and sweaters, boots (this is a new thing for me), hot tea on a cool night, changing leaves in our beautiful town, and long walks with my boys. So, so excited.

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my dear friend Megan for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Currently.

I'm allowed to use these silly mirror photos on Currently posts right? This was on Friday morning, about to head over to Veronica's for a playdate with Henry. Lately I've been gym attire more than normal clothes and I can't complain. :)

***Parenthood spoiler below. If you aren't caught up with the current season skip the first "Watching" section!

Watching: Parenthood. Oh my goodness this season is so emotional and so good! I got into this show last year and I was hooked from episode one. I think it captures family life really well, and does a good job of portraying so many different dynamics. This season hits especially close to home as my Mom is a breast cancer survivor and to see Christina go through it brings back a lot of memories. It's hard to watch at times because I can vividly remember how scary it was, especially in the beginning. My Mom is fully recovered now (she ended up having a double-mastectomy), and although it's been a few years it still feels like yesterday she was telling us about the cancer for the first time. Scary stuff. And on the subject of Parenthood, I am wondering how this will all pan out for Christina. I know it's just a show, but I really hope she's okay. Annnd now I'm done sounding crazy and talking about TV characters as if they're my friends.

Listening to: the same two albums on repeat all weekend. The Weakerthans' Left and Leaving and Blink 182's Cheshire Cat. Random. Most music has been kind of irritating to me lately. Does that ever happen to you? I go through these phases were certain things I always love just aren't appealing at all. That's me right now, with just about everything.

Thinking about: how I feel terrible about something that happened earlier. This afternoon I was having a conversation about Romney with a friend and without thinking I tweeted something to her (in an @ reply) using the word "retarded." Right after I sent it I panicked and tried to erase it on my phone- I don't know why I would choose to use that word, ever. I thought the tweet was gone until I checked in on an internet forum that discusses blogs and saw someone had seen it before I erased it...went to Twitter and realized it actually never erased. You definitely cannot please everyone (especially on that website), but that word is a valid reason to be offended or upset. It's just not nice and shouldn't be in my vocab online or off, period. I already commented there, but I wanted to mention it here too in case you saw it and I offended/upset you. I'm sorry. :(

Trying to figure out: how to deal with Henry's sharing and "mine" issue he had going on today. We had some friends over and one of our buddies brought his little girl who is 3. Henry is usually SO good about sharing, but for some reason today anything that Natalie had, he had to have. He was wanting literally anything she was playing with. This isn't his typical behavior- he plays with lots of different friends throughout the week and is so kind and patient- so I'm not sure if it was just situational (new friend playing with his things), or what, but it was challenging and I am really going to focus on working on it with him this week.

Looking forward to: Henry's birthday party, in a little over a month. This year we are doing a construction/truck theme and I think Henry is going to love it. After his first birthday party was over Hank and I talked about how weird it was to plan a party and kind of go overboard when Henry had no idea about anything. So this year it's awesome to be throwing a party that is actually all about him, and what he loves. The current "thing" in our house are trucks of any kind (especially bulldozers and dump trucks!) so that's what the party is going to consist of! I have some fun ideas up my sleeve and I've also been browsing Pinterest for some inspiration. 

Reading: nothing right now, outside of finishing up Wild. Weird, right? Feel free to suggest the last great book you read in the comments. I'd love to discover something new.

Making me happy: spending extra time with Hank this morning while Henry had grandparent time, totally cleaning out my closet to the bare minimum, signing up to volunteer at the library- I'm so excited about this!, Veronica's benefit for the Arts show that's coming up next month, a mini-trip with Andy and Anita this next week, thinking about my parents in Vegas right now having the best time, Lauren and Abe's new house closing the week after next, and little Lucy getting bigger by the day! So many good thing.

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my dear friend Megan for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Currently.

this past weekend: Henry and his ladies celebrating Kyler's 2nd birthday party. We had a blast!

Reading: I just finished The Happiness Project and totally enjoyed it. It gave me so much to think about and I really identified with the author...there were so many parts I feel I could have written myself! I mentioned it in my last Currently post that I had actually tried to read it before but lost interest pretty quickly. This time though, I loved it. I took so much away from it and I'll actually be talking about that in a later post- there's just so much to say! I am also still reading Anna Karenina and started Wild. I LOVE Wild so far. It's wonderfully written, heart-wrenching and sad, and has made me feel so many emotions already just in the first handful of chapters. And let me say, I highly recommend those first few chapters. I don't know about the rest of the book yet, but I'm sure it won't disappoint.

Watching: The X Factor. I am usually not a fan of talent shows- I've never gotten into America Idol or anything like that but the other night I decided to give it a try because my beloved Britney Spears is a judge this season and I fell in love. I'm not too sure how the show works yet since I've only seen the auditions, but so far I am really enjoying it. And let's talk about that cute country singer from Missouri (I think his name was Tate) for a second. What a voice! I can't wait to see the next round.

Listening to: so the other day I found myself listening to an old favorite song "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show thanks to Melissa. I use Spotify (best music app ever) so I started a radio station based on this song and from there I was sent on a beautiful 1990s musical journey. I'm not even too sure how OCMS is even related to many of the artists Spotify picked out for me besides originating in 1998, but I got to listen to so many old, old songs I used to love in middle school and high school. The Cranberries, Bush, Hole, Sublime, Jewel, and so many super cheesy songs that I'm sure many of you 80s babies would love as well. And now this station is all I listen to. Thank you Melissa, thank you Spotify, thank you 1990s for existing.

Thinking about: how excited I am that Hank is considering training for a marathon. Okay. First things first you have to understand that Hank hasn't always been super into working out or fitness. He's always liked to skateboard and play basketball, but nothing too intensive or regular. To live with me though is to at times be annoyed with me because exercising really is my favorite thing to do. And I like everyone in my life to like it too, often to the point of annoying them. What? You don't want to go on a run with me this morning? Okay, I'll go pout until you finally agree to go. It's FUN to be healthy, isn't it?! Come on! Let's go to the gym! It'll be SO romantic! The reason I'm telling you all of this is because it's important to know that for SO LONG I have tried to get Hank excited about exercising. He started seeing a personal trainer in the mornings and liked it, but didn't love it. Then I started at Crossfit, and when I finally coerced him to try it with me I knew I had won the biggest battle because I just knew he would fall in love (I always said the same thing about books to my students- everyone likes to read...you just have to find the right book!). And now, a few months later I have a husband who is doing his own WODs on vacation and asking ME to go on a run. You have no idea how happy this makes me. And it's not like Hank wasn't active, but I always wanted to enjoy and share this part of my life with my partner and finally we are on the same page. Yay! So anyway, Hank has now decided he wants to train for a marathon. Maybe a half first, but definitely run. And I keep thinking about this past spring when we watched my cousin Matt run the Whiskey Row Marathon and how I kept crying like a baby whenever anyone crossed the finish line. Seriously, it was really ridiculous and I can only imagine the waterworks that will happen when Hank finishes. I'm so excited!

Loving: All of you. Maybe that sounds weird but lately I have been SO overwhelmed with so much gratitude for your comments, emails (I am still catching up to reader emails, so if you haven't heard back, please know it's coming), messages, etc. I don't really know how to explain how neat it is to make such a connection through this space but it's neat. Very neat. I feel lucky and thankful to have this space to share with all of you, and I feel even luckier that all of you take time out of your day to read what I write and sometimes take even more time to say hello. So from the bottom of my heart thank you, thank you, thank you. I really appreciate you and wish I could give all of you a big hug.

Looking forward to: Seeing The Gaslight Anthem this Friday night with Erin! My favorite band with one of my favorite girls.

Making me happy: this weather, doing freelance editing on an awesome project, planning our college girls reunion that's taking place in November, a new blog design that's finally completed (remember the one I've been talking about for months? I'm so slow in making decisions!), a new tiny local bookstore opening up (that Adie is working at!), planning our first family camping trip, Henry talking SO much, the Hawaii afterglow, the television show Parenthood, and lots of Pink Lady apples.

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my dear friend Megan for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Click here to see previous Currently posts.

Currently.

 a new pretty rug for our laundry and a pair of shoes no blogger has ever had before. ;)

  
Loving: that my sister and Abe will be bringing little Lucy into the world in just a few months (January 9th to be exact). I don't know if I shared yet that they are having a little girl, but they are, and I am so excited. I honestly wouldn't care if Hank and I had all boys, but it makes me even happier to know no matter what I'll always have a sweet little niece named Lucy to do all sorts of girly things with. My sister is going to be the best Mom and I'm really looking forward to seeing her in her new role.

Reading: A couple of books. I started Anna Karenina last week and I'm really enjoying it. It's a book I've been meaning to read forever, but haven't ever gotten around to for a few reasons - one, it's always been a bit intimidating at 1,182 pages...and two, so many other new, shiny books were always more enticing. I am a total sucker a good classic though so I felt it was about time I gave it a try. The second book I'm in the middle of is a book I actually had already started previously and wasn't too into. I don't know what's changed, but now I'm suddenly loving it and finding it much easier to relate to. The book I'm talking about is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. It's incredibly inspiring and I've been devouring chapter after chapter every night before bed. I'm not done yet, but I highly recommend it. I already can't wait to read her next book.

Watching: The new season of Parenthood. Can I tell you how much I love this show? It's another one of those shows everyone and their neighbor said "you've GOT to see it!" and I ignored them (like a fool). Let's not even talk about the fact that my own mother tried to convince me to watch LOST when it first came out and I told her it looked ridiculously dumb. Ugh. So yeah, I held off on ever starting it, and one day during one of Henry's long naps I discovered it on Netflix and became hooked after the first episode. Amazing acting, amazing writing, just overall amazing. If you haven't seen it, you need to.

Thinking about: what a great husband Hank is. I don't talk about him too much in this space (who wants to read about how great someone else's partner is anyway, right?) but every so often I feel like I need to just shout it to the rooftops. To see Hank as a father, and more so as such a present father who finds the joy and positivity in everything, is such a gift. Sometimes I feel like I am a little difficult- I am often moody and prone to overemotional moments- but he loves me all the same and makes me feel so safe being 100% me, 100% of the time. It's truly an amazing thing to be raising Henry with my best friend and I feel very thankful for this love in my life for the past 8 years.

(Slightly) Stressing about: Henry's first long flight as a toddler. This weekend we head out on a 6 hour flight + a flight on a smaller plane and I'm a little nervous about it. We've flown with him before for even longer distances, but he was smaller and it wasn't a big deal at all. This time he has his own seat and it should be quite the adventure. He's only used the iPad once, when I used it in a back of the seat holder and put on Disney movies while we drove to CA. He's never played a game or anything on it (or any device), so I think if we let him do that it might keep him occupied for awhile in a "what the heck is this magical toy?!" kind of amusement. So I ask you, any tips for flying with a toddler? I'm all ears!

Looking forward to: Henry's 2nd birthday! I absolutely love birthdays and I'm excited to host a fun party at our house for him full of toddler friendly food and fun. Last year we had a big 1st celebration and it was fun, but I think this year will be even more fun since it's a lot more about him. 1st birthdays always seem more about the adults, don't they? This year I'm looking to have a low key party- light eats and sweets, and fun goodie bags for the kids. I wish you all could come!

Making me happy: not eating cheese and then eating cheese and having it be the BEST thing in the entire world, making progress in Crossfit, starting Boardwalk Empire with Hank (we have only seen the first episode but we loved it), our visit to our town's little sanctuary zoo today - Henry yelling "HI TIGER!" melted my heart, thinking about baby #2, and my new blog design coming so soon! 

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my dear friend Megan for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Click here to see previous Currently posts.