I don’t even always realize it unless it’s pointed out to me – by a mistake, by overlooking something, by seeing things slip away. But by that time it’s almost always too late to do anything about it.

When I’m on my A game, and I mostly am, I am better than most people at whatever it is I’m doing – being a nurse, mothering, being a good wife, housekeeping. But when I am off, people notice.

I set my self-expectations too high. And consequently, the people around me share them of me. I found this is a bad thing.

So I try to take it easy on myself. When I make a mistake, I forgive myself instead of stewing too long about it. Well, at least I’m working on that.

Now I just have to get everyone else to take it a little easier on me too. Or maybe I should just not take criticism so hard. Whatever.

Just one more thing to work on.

I want to have my living room and breakfast room painted eggplant. Deep, dark purple. Not burgundy, not brown, not navy. Certainly not beige.

Eggplant. Aubergine.
I know it would look beautiful and elegant. Regal even.

Now the tough part – convincing Bill that this is a wonderful idea.

I love being a nurse. I love being a wife. A daughter, sister. A friend.

But I am truly lucky to be a mom.
I get to watch my children succeed on a daily basis.
I get to be the first to see important things they do.
I get to listen to them and figure out how their minds work.
I get to just watch and shake my head when they do things that amaze me.
I get to be the one who gives the hugs when they need them.
I get to kiss my kids any time I want to.

And sometimes, if I’m really, really lucky, I get them to kiss me.
Yeah.

He walked with O’Baby and me to pick Bubba up from school. And made it.

He made wise food choices all day, resisting unhealthy snacks.

He cracked open a diabetic cookbook, and even read a little of it.

He tried new things.

He went to the casino.

Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

Today, he wore his Wimpy Kid t-shirt to school, and made me put a tattoo on his forearm. And he brought the book to school to read during downtime.

It just warms my heart, seeing him so excited to read! I only wish there were more books or authors he got that excited about. It’ll be a while before another new Wimpy Kid book comes out. We’ll find something, I’m sure.

I love to read, as you know. The bookstore is my favorite place to go and hang out when I get a little me time. So, although the K1ndle is now only (!) $259, I think I will stick to the real thing. My mom just gave me a whole shopping bag full of books she’s read, so I’m set for a while. I think I’ll make a list of the books I really want to read, since there are so many coming out lately. If I walk into a bookstore without a list, I will just buy whatever book has the catchiest blurb or the most creative illustration on the cover. I am a sucker for a cool bookcover.

And since the holidays are coming up, I have already warned Hubby that I will be buying many many magazines. They all have such cool craft ideas (as if I ever make anything), and wonderful recipes to try. I am unfortunately also a sucker for a holiday magazine.

Bookstore gift certificates: the best gift idea ever.