1. Hallelujah! We have finally reached that "magical mark": end of first trimester is here, people. I put magical in quotations because, let's face it, there's no clean line of demarcation between the trimesters. First trimester symptoms can linger long into your second, and even third, and sometimes the aches, pains, and discomforts come far earlier than the magical date ushering in that last term. Still, it feels really good to have passed a significant milestone. This pregnancy seems to be just inching itself along. I had thought Eliza's first trimester had been long. Nothing doing. Miserable? Yes. Was I ready for all the sickness to go away? Um, yup. But this one is just simply dragging it's feet. If I were to choose a time for it to do so, it would be this next trimester, typically your most comfortable. Now, just watch time start to fly. Until July, that is.
2. We are currently trying to encourage Simon to stand and start walking. Actively encourage. I can hear some of you out there: "Wait, do you really want to encourage greater mobility?" If it means that less constant contact with the floor/ground means he'll be putting less stuff in his mouth, absolutely. If it means more independence and less for me to carry on a constant basis, definitely. If it means my baby no longer being my baby, well, no, actually. However, Someone is going to usurp that position in about six months, anyways, so I might as well face the music. So far he will not consciously stand on his own. Instead he slowly drops to the ground. More and more, though, we have caught him unconsciously standing without support: he lets go to hold onto a toy with boy hands; he reaches for something a little farther out of his reach and will let go to step closer. It's rare, but it's a joy to watch, even to see his surprised expression when he realizes he's on his own. The thing we have to watch now is that he's a climber...
3. Eliza has developed a new favorite pastime: making Mom play a variety of music videos from Disney (especially our beloved Phineas and Ferb) so she can dance. She's not as interested if we simply put on Pandora or play CDs, though I hope to change her mind eventually. It's fun to watch her boogie. She's got more hip action than most of the contestants on Dancing with the Stars. She's especially interested in trying to mimic the dancing on the video, which produces some very interesting moves. If most of this didn't happen with her in just a diaper (her favorite mode of dress these days), I'd consider posting it. But I prefer my children to be modestly dressed when featured on the internet. Alas, you'll have to take my word for it.
4. Garden plans are beginning. It's about the only thing that makes me excited for the coming summer: fresh produce. I need to find a good salsa recipe. We unexpectedly got a bunch of fresh tomatoes and I made some salsa. I didn't really care for it. Far too much like pico de gallo. I jarred it and stuck it in the freezer to wait while I ruminate on how to improve it. And the search goes on for a salsa recipe we like. I'm also stockpiling recipes for other garden produce. I'm a little intimidated about the prospect of a baby during the middle of canning season, but we'll make due. I might be calling in reinforcements. My biggest hope for the garden this summer is that our pumpkins will survive this year. I so badly want to make my own pumpkin puree and pumpkin butter! We shall see.
5. Today is my half-birthday. According to Nick, he's never heard of anyone referring to their half-birthdays. I know people who actually celebrate them in small ways. It was always just an anecdote for conversation in my family. We might sing "A very merry half-birthday" to the Un-Birthday Song from the animated Disney's Alice in Wonderland. Maybe. It's got me thinking about marking the kids' half-birthdays somehow. Perhaps an ice cream cone. Or a new book. Something small, no parties. It's just a fun way of saying, "It's been half a year already! Look at how much you've grown!" We'll see. A very merry half-birthday to me.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Friday Quick 5
1. Along with first trimester exhaustion, my days have been overshadowed for some time by a very draining cold. I didn't feel too terrible, other than constant congestion and on brief night of throat pain; it just took what little energy I had and threw it out the door. I could barely move from room to room, change diapers, feed children, or do the things I needed to do to make sure my kids were clean and taken care of. It also meant the house has gone completely neglected, again. So the past few days have been catch-up, where my energy level has been slightly higher. Next week marks the official end of this trimester and I'm praying (and praying and praying) that my energy will be restored soon after.
2. I have a friend who keeps a running list of the crazy/hilarious/surprising things her daughter says, as well as things she thought she'd never hear herself say (such as "Don't lick your shoe" and "Don't put your hair in the light socket"). I've thought of keeping a running list of things about parenting I never expected. They may not be surprising or revolutionary, but they definitely have taken me off guard. It might start something like this:
3. Despite the haters out there, I have to admit I was pretty excited to see winter come this week! Our official first snow on Feb. 13, all-time record for latest ever first snow in Topeka. A little sad, if you ask me, and seems to be on track to be the only one. For two beautiful days it was wonderful to look out my window and see the white stuff blanketing the neighborhood. I only regret that I didn't feel well enough to bundle the kids up and go out and play in it. Thankfully, Eliza was content to sit on the bench before our front window, look out, and say, "Look, snow! Snow outside!"
4. I had thought after the holidays that I would clear my schedule a bit. I've failed at that. Instead, Nick and I signed up for a training course through our church in urban ministry, I am hopefully teaching a few times at the Forum (a small group for high school/college age kids that does some training of its own), and we are joining a couples small group at the end of the month, on top of my regular schedule. Not to mention there's a new baby coming. I would love to look forward to spring and think that maybe my schedule will clear and I'll experience some relative freedom and relaxed moments over the summer, to take a lazy-summer approach. But I laugh at myself a little there. I just don't seem capable of doing that. I feel almost certain I will come up with something else to do.
5. Do you know, I still have a hard time believing I'm pregnant? I had my first appointment, thrilled to the sound of that little heartbeat, and even with exhaustion wearing me down every. single. day. I just don't think I'm pregnant. Even with trying to think of boy names (I already have the girl's), I still sometimes it's hypothetical. Even though the fit of my clothes is starting to change, I just feel like I'm gaining weight back, not that a little person is growing in there. Even with Eliza now nearly every day mentioning the baby in somebody's tummy (if Mommy has one, everybody does), it seems like just a cute little gain. I'm ready for some kicks, people. I'm ready for some movement. Let me feel that little guy/gal wrestling around in there and figuring out the movement of legs and arms. I'm ready for this to get real. But I know, when it does, I will likely go into list making mode, planning mode, and then chafe when plans can't go forward for one reason or another. Still, there's something very special when the baby, and not just your hormones, says, "Hey, I'm in here."
2. I have a friend who keeps a running list of the crazy/hilarious/surprising things her daughter says, as well as things she thought she'd never hear herself say (such as "Don't lick your shoe" and "Don't put your hair in the light socket"). I've thought of keeping a running list of things about parenting I never expected. They may not be surprising or revolutionary, but they definitely have taken me off guard. It might start something like this:
- to find our humidifier suddenly quit working because some little hand had stuffed their baby spoon down the spout for the steam, plugging the mechanism inside.
- to learn to discern which of your kids has a poopy diaper just by smell
- that instead of freaking out when your 10-month old learns to crawl up into his sister's mini rocking chair and stands up on the seat rocking back and forth, you're taking pictures and sending them to your husband (you are sitting right next to him, after all)
- that a please-and-thank-you day from your two year old is headline worthy
3. Despite the haters out there, I have to admit I was pretty excited to see winter come this week! Our official first snow on Feb. 13, all-time record for latest ever first snow in Topeka. A little sad, if you ask me, and seems to be on track to be the only one. For two beautiful days it was wonderful to look out my window and see the white stuff blanketing the neighborhood. I only regret that I didn't feel well enough to bundle the kids up and go out and play in it. Thankfully, Eliza was content to sit on the bench before our front window, look out, and say, "Look, snow! Snow outside!"
4. I had thought after the holidays that I would clear my schedule a bit. I've failed at that. Instead, Nick and I signed up for a training course through our church in urban ministry, I am hopefully teaching a few times at the Forum (a small group for high school/college age kids that does some training of its own), and we are joining a couples small group at the end of the month, on top of my regular schedule. Not to mention there's a new baby coming. I would love to look forward to spring and think that maybe my schedule will clear and I'll experience some relative freedom and relaxed moments over the summer, to take a lazy-summer approach. But I laugh at myself a little there. I just don't seem capable of doing that. I feel almost certain I will come up with something else to do.
5. Do you know, I still have a hard time believing I'm pregnant? I had my first appointment, thrilled to the sound of that little heartbeat, and even with exhaustion wearing me down every. single. day. I just don't think I'm pregnant. Even with trying to think of boy names (I already have the girl's), I still sometimes it's hypothetical. Even though the fit of my clothes is starting to change, I just feel like I'm gaining weight back, not that a little person is growing in there. Even with Eliza now nearly every day mentioning the baby in somebody's tummy (if Mommy has one, everybody does), it seems like just a cute little gain. I'm ready for some kicks, people. I'm ready for some movement. Let me feel that little guy/gal wrestling around in there and figuring out the movement of legs and arms. I'm ready for this to get real. But I know, when it does, I will likely go into list making mode, planning mode, and then chafe when plans can't go forward for one reason or another. Still, there's something very special when the baby, and not just your hormones, says, "Hey, I'm in here."
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Big News on the Quick 5
1. It's been hard to write the Quick 5 lately. Nothing I had to say was quite as important or as interesting as what I wasn't saying. But now, we're ready to make the announcement. If you need a clue, I refer you to the picture.
That's right! We are expecting again. And we are excited! The next addition of our family is due to make his/her appearance on my birthday towards the end of August.
2. This puts us at about 11 weeks along. As the picture says, we've been told our baby is the size of a fig currently. Whether or not that is true, he/she seems to be a healthy little one! We have already had our first prenatal check-up, and everything seems to progressing just as it should be. I got to hear the heartbeat, and it is healthy and strong! In fact, as soon as the doppler touched my tummy, you could hear that sweet little heart thumping away!
3. We learned the news for ourselves on Christmas Eve. We had suspected that it might be the case for a little while, but finally decided to find out so we wouldn't have to wonder through holidays. Christmas was a fun time, sharing the news with both sides of the family. Both sets of grandparents are thrilled! We wanted to keep the information to ourselves for just a bit, telling only family and a few friends. But now, we're ready to come out and say, "We're pregnant!"
4. How have I been feeling? Exhausted! With Eliza, the morning sickness had been horrible; many days I couldn't move from a face-down position on the couch. With Simon, it had been nearly non-existent. This time around, exhaustion is the main deterrent to a normal day, but the more exhausted I am, the more prone I am to nausea. Things have been getting better by small degrees the past few weeks, though, and I am seeing the light at the end of the first trimester tunnel approaching!
5. Are we hoping for a boy or a girl? Well, we have one of each, so there's not pressure either way! I'd like to have another girl (I have the name picked out, not to mention using up all those girl clothes I'm saving!), but we definitely won't complain if it's another little boy. We feel so blessed just to have another member to join our family, our prayer is simply that he/she will be happy and healthy and that we will be good parents. We do, though, intend to find out what we're having. As with the other two, we appreciate the opportunity to name the baby in anticipation of his/her arrival and to prepare for that special little person. As I said, we have a name for a girl, but I doubt we will have much difficulty thinking of a boy one should the need arise. Just seven to nine or so more weeks to go until we find out!
*Bonus (as I foresee some people asking): This baby and Simon will be about 16 months apart. That puts each of our kids spaced just a little under 1.5 years apart. When #3 is born, we will actually have three under 3 for a short time! A little intimidating? Yes! But we look forward to watching the kids grow up together so close in age. Eliza is already such a good little helper, I foresee that when the adjustment period is over, that she will be a big help as the Big Sister.
That's right! We are expecting again. And we are excited! The next addition of our family is due to make his/her appearance on my birthday towards the end of August.
2. This puts us at about 11 weeks along. As the picture says, we've been told our baby is the size of a fig currently. Whether or not that is true, he/she seems to be a healthy little one! We have already had our first prenatal check-up, and everything seems to progressing just as it should be. I got to hear the heartbeat, and it is healthy and strong! In fact, as soon as the doppler touched my tummy, you could hear that sweet little heart thumping away!
3. We learned the news for ourselves on Christmas Eve. We had suspected that it might be the case for a little while, but finally decided to find out so we wouldn't have to wonder through holidays. Christmas was a fun time, sharing the news with both sides of the family. Both sets of grandparents are thrilled! We wanted to keep the information to ourselves for just a bit, telling only family and a few friends. But now, we're ready to come out and say, "We're pregnant!"
4. How have I been feeling? Exhausted! With Eliza, the morning sickness had been horrible; many days I couldn't move from a face-down position on the couch. With Simon, it had been nearly non-existent. This time around, exhaustion is the main deterrent to a normal day, but the more exhausted I am, the more prone I am to nausea. Things have been getting better by small degrees the past few weeks, though, and I am seeing the light at the end of the first trimester tunnel approaching!
5. Are we hoping for a boy or a girl? Well, we have one of each, so there's not pressure either way! I'd like to have another girl (I have the name picked out, not to mention using up all those girl clothes I'm saving!), but we definitely won't complain if it's another little boy. We feel so blessed just to have another member to join our family, our prayer is simply that he/she will be happy and healthy and that we will be good parents. We do, though, intend to find out what we're having. As with the other two, we appreciate the opportunity to name the baby in anticipation of his/her arrival and to prepare for that special little person. As I said, we have a name for a girl, but I doubt we will have much difficulty thinking of a boy one should the need arise. Just seven to nine or so more weeks to go until we find out!
*Bonus (as I foresee some people asking): This baby and Simon will be about 16 months apart. That puts each of our kids spaced just a little under 1.5 years apart. When #3 is born, we will actually have three under 3 for a short time! A little intimidating? Yes! But we look forward to watching the kids grow up together so close in age. Eliza is already such a good little helper, I foresee that when the adjustment period is over, that she will be a big help as the Big Sister.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The lasagna project
I have aspirations. I have dreams: of a truly homemade lasagna.
Lasagna is one of my husband's all-time favorite dishes. I discovered this our first Valentine's together when we were still dating. It was clear that Valentine's was not a holiday on my man's radar: his plans were to go to the high school guy's small group. Rather taken aback, I confirmed with him that he had no plans for us to spend the evening together. To his credit, he took a completely different tack and invited me over for a movie. I know, though, that there would be no flowers, no chocolates, no sweet little something to tell me how smitten he was. In fact, I think we ended up watching a rough-and-tumble action flick rather than a romantic comedy to nurture those budding romantic feelings between us.
Despite my suitor's lack of romantic leanings, I wanted to give him something. I had spent many, many Valentine's as part of the Black Hear Club. Yes, as a joke my friends would hang black construction paper hearts in their college dorm room and sing, "I am an Island," and I always joined in. We called the holiday Single's Awareness Day like so many others have. This was my first Valentine's as a couple, and I wanted to do something for this man I already knew I wanted to marry. So I made him lasagna. He ate practically the whole thing during our movie!
Since then, making lasagna for Nick has always held a special place in my heart. I still remember the enjoyment on his face as he partook of that humble half pan of lasagna; I like to recreate it. I keep the dish a special occasion one so that it is truly special, not an every day meal like pizza or rice and beans or soup is around here. In fact, I am making it again this coming Valentine's. (The intention had been to make it for his birthday as a treat, however we ended up having lasagna twice in the week preceding with each side of our families.)
For this lasagna, I want to make something truly special. Part of my goals for our health and diet this year is to move more and more away from processed food and to have good, homemade fare. It does require an upswing in some of my skills, and I think it's good for me. For Nick's favorite dish, this means a number of new experiences. For one, I will be using homemade ricotta. Did you know that you can make homemade ricotta? I've been going on a bit about it on facebook, and let me tell you, it's worth the hype. I made my first batch yesterday (rather small, just over a half pint yield), and it was everything I'd hoped it would be: flavorful, creamy, and not grainy like storebought. Storebough, if you'll forgive me, is has all the flavor of a cardboard box next to this stuff. Homemade? The word luscious comes to mind. I have already eaten the entire batch, stirred with a little homemade marmalade. Today, I buy more milk and will be making some more! I truly can't wait to stir in grated parmesan and some herbs into this cheese for the lasagna.
I also want to use fresh pasta. I'd read once that lasagna is good, but lasagna made with fresh pasta is divine. I want to test that theory. We have a pasta roller for our kitchen aid, and I am going to make our lasagna noodles. I also intend to work on a bolognese sauce using my own red sauce recipe that Nick likes so much.
My only fear is that my expectations will be too high: perhaps it won't be as "divine" as I hope? Perhaps the inherent joys and beauties of these homemade efforts will be lost? I kind of doubt it; I hope not. I have some time to recipe test the meat sauce and to perfect my pasta. I'll keep you abreast of developments. Be watching shortly after Valentine's to know how the lasagna turned out.
Lasagna is one of my husband's all-time favorite dishes. I discovered this our first Valentine's together when we were still dating. It was clear that Valentine's was not a holiday on my man's radar: his plans were to go to the high school guy's small group. Rather taken aback, I confirmed with him that he had no plans for us to spend the evening together. To his credit, he took a completely different tack and invited me over for a movie. I know, though, that there would be no flowers, no chocolates, no sweet little something to tell me how smitten he was. In fact, I think we ended up watching a rough-and-tumble action flick rather than a romantic comedy to nurture those budding romantic feelings between us.
Despite my suitor's lack of romantic leanings, I wanted to give him something. I had spent many, many Valentine's as part of the Black Hear Club. Yes, as a joke my friends would hang black construction paper hearts in their college dorm room and sing, "I am an Island," and I always joined in. We called the holiday Single's Awareness Day like so many others have. This was my first Valentine's as a couple, and I wanted to do something for this man I already knew I wanted to marry. So I made him lasagna. He ate practically the whole thing during our movie!
Since then, making lasagna for Nick has always held a special place in my heart. I still remember the enjoyment on his face as he partook of that humble half pan of lasagna; I like to recreate it. I keep the dish a special occasion one so that it is truly special, not an every day meal like pizza or rice and beans or soup is around here. In fact, I am making it again this coming Valentine's. (The intention had been to make it for his birthday as a treat, however we ended up having lasagna twice in the week preceding with each side of our families.)
For this lasagna, I want to make something truly special. Part of my goals for our health and diet this year is to move more and more away from processed food and to have good, homemade fare. It does require an upswing in some of my skills, and I think it's good for me. For Nick's favorite dish, this means a number of new experiences. For one, I will be using homemade ricotta. Did you know that you can make homemade ricotta? I've been going on a bit about it on facebook, and let me tell you, it's worth the hype. I made my first batch yesterday (rather small, just over a half pint yield), and it was everything I'd hoped it would be: flavorful, creamy, and not grainy like storebought. Storebough, if you'll forgive me, is has all the flavor of a cardboard box next to this stuff. Homemade? The word luscious comes to mind. I have already eaten the entire batch, stirred with a little homemade marmalade. Today, I buy more milk and will be making some more! I truly can't wait to stir in grated parmesan and some herbs into this cheese for the lasagna.
I also want to use fresh pasta. I'd read once that lasagna is good, but lasagna made with fresh pasta is divine. I want to test that theory. We have a pasta roller for our kitchen aid, and I am going to make our lasagna noodles. I also intend to work on a bolognese sauce using my own red sauce recipe that Nick likes so much.
My only fear is that my expectations will be too high: perhaps it won't be as "divine" as I hope? Perhaps the inherent joys and beauties of these homemade efforts will be lost? I kind of doubt it; I hope not. I have some time to recipe test the meat sauce and to perfect my pasta. I'll keep you abreast of developments. Be watching shortly after Valentine's to know how the lasagna turned out.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Booking It 2012 with Life as MOM
For 2012, I am loosely participating in an online book club hosted by Life as MOM. While I'm not reading her program, my reading list for the year was inspired by it as well as some of my selections from her readings. You can check out her reading program as well as the posts and selections of other bloggers participating in the club here.
For the month of January, I had chosen to read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Unfortunately, I have not yet read enough of the book to really talk about it yet. I obtained my copy from the library later than I had hoped. As well, I was trying to finish Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff before it had to be returned. I have at least finished the biography on Cleopatra and would like to talk a little bit about that before I share my first impressions on The Happiness Project.
I picked up Cleopatra close to Christmas last month after seeing it on a recommended biography list. I enjoy reading biographies from time to time, and it had been awhile since I'd picked one up. Some of my favorites are on famous (or rather infamous) medieval British queens by Alison Weir. While I'd never been particularly interested in Cleopatra, who had always rather seemed melodramatic, an assumption supported by Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal, the recommendations I read online, mostly focusing on Schiff's excellent writing, expert storytelling and fresh perspective, convinced me to give it a go.
Schiff makes a very pointed effort to portray Cleopatra in a very different light than she is normally portrayed. From the beginning she points out that the last Egyptian queen's story is told through the eyes of male historians, all Roman, who were opposed to the type of woman Cleopatra was likely to be. Roman's prefer their women to be the ancient equivalent of the barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen adage: obedient, content to remain in the background, a support to her husband, and certainly not equal to a man. Should a woman have any competency beyond running a household, any persuasive ability, any considerable intellectual prowess, or authority of her own, then she was clearly wanton and practicing magic. Cleopatra, who was well-educated, erudite, and clever, by her own personality went against the Roman grain. According to Schiff, Romans found royalty itself repugnant, and that Cleopatra was both female and royal merely cemented her as an infamous woman. This is the woman the Roman historians portray: a cautionary morality tale. Instead, according to Schiff, it is more likely that Cleopatra was intelligent, persuasive, a competent ruler, well-loved by her people, and cool-headed, able to win allies and compatriots, deeply resourceful. Contrast Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal (think petulant, manipulative seductress) with a capable woman who made the most of her opportunities.
Schiff certainly spins a new light on several Cleopatra legends. (Her appearance before Julius Caesar from within a carpet? Yeah, not likely so steamy or so attractive: she was likely carried in that rug across a swamp and through a teeming metropolis. She was likely sweaty and disheveled.) A wanton woman? Though she was never married to anyone other than her brothers (strictly political marriage, and considering their ages and their bitter rivalries, never consummated), she seemed to be monogomous: there is no evidence that she was ever involved with anyone than Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, both affairs years in duration and several years apart from each other. Despite the debacle of Actium, for decades she ruled Egypt well, coming through famines and hardships while still providing for her people and maintaining wealth.
By the end of the biography, Schiff takes such great care to list alternative readings of the history to the motives prescribed by Cleopatra's Roman chroniclers, that you begin to wonder where the credence truly lies. During the recounting of Actium, the efforts are almost belabored. There is no doubt that despite Cleopatra's more-than-able reign over Egypt, her last year(s) with Antony showed a great deal of poor judgement. Actium can be nothing less than a debacle. Still, Schiff's case for Cleopatra is compelling. I found myself often thinking, "Really? Oh, really?" throughout the account and desiring even to look up biographies on Antony and especially Octavian, a.k.a. Caesar Augustus, feeling I had not previously known or understood either man at all. (On a side note, a cousin has sent me a copy of Plutarch's Parallel Lives, and I can't wait to read it in more depth, as Plutarch is one historian responsible for the account of Cleopatra and Antony).
As for The Happiness Project, I am only a few chapters in. I confess to finding her long explanation of the formation of her project, from research to philosophicalrambling definition, to be a bit tedious. As well as her constant dependence on psychological research a little "know-it-all". I also struggle with how much I disagree with some of the philosophical statements she pins her project on. (Happiness is not the purpose of humanity or human existence. My faith squarely lays that in worship at my God's feet, from which a great deal of joy can be derived.) However, already she has supplied some excellent ideas. For one, I liked her gradual approach to adopting resolutions or changes: pick a few for one month, work on those, and then add a few more the next month. Theorectically, by the end of the year, you would have accomplished a great deal of change without overwhelming yourself with too much at once. Already, I've been looking at my own resolutions trying to see how they can be spread out over time for better chances of success.
Granted, again, I'm only chapters in. Who knows, by the end of the book, I may be a huge fan. For now, I have reservations. I hate to say this, as I feel I'm judging before I really know the whole. But that is the honest reaction at this time. I'm not giving up on it, though. Next month, I still hope to have The Well-Trained Mind read and ready to discuss (though I am beginning to be concerned that I may not get it in time, as I will be getting it from the library; I've been on hold for a copy for nearly two months now). I also intend to finish The Happiness Project and finish the review then. Plus, perhaps I'll have a little Plutarch for you as well. (Smiley face could be inserted here....)
Anyone read anything worth talking about lately?
For the month of January, I had chosen to read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Unfortunately, I have not yet read enough of the book to really talk about it yet. I obtained my copy from the library later than I had hoped. As well, I was trying to finish Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff before it had to be returned. I have at least finished the biography on Cleopatra and would like to talk a little bit about that before I share my first impressions on The Happiness Project.
I picked up Cleopatra close to Christmas last month after seeing it on a recommended biography list. I enjoy reading biographies from time to time, and it had been awhile since I'd picked one up. Some of my favorites are on famous (or rather infamous) medieval British queens by Alison Weir. While I'd never been particularly interested in Cleopatra, who had always rather seemed melodramatic, an assumption supported by Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal, the recommendations I read online, mostly focusing on Schiff's excellent writing, expert storytelling and fresh perspective, convinced me to give it a go.
Schiff makes a very pointed effort to portray Cleopatra in a very different light than she is normally portrayed. From the beginning she points out that the last Egyptian queen's story is told through the eyes of male historians, all Roman, who were opposed to the type of woman Cleopatra was likely to be. Roman's prefer their women to be the ancient equivalent of the barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen adage: obedient, content to remain in the background, a support to her husband, and certainly not equal to a man. Should a woman have any competency beyond running a household, any persuasive ability, any considerable intellectual prowess, or authority of her own, then she was clearly wanton and practicing magic. Cleopatra, who was well-educated, erudite, and clever, by her own personality went against the Roman grain. According to Schiff, Romans found royalty itself repugnant, and that Cleopatra was both female and royal merely cemented her as an infamous woman. This is the woman the Roman historians portray: a cautionary morality tale. Instead, according to Schiff, it is more likely that Cleopatra was intelligent, persuasive, a competent ruler, well-loved by her people, and cool-headed, able to win allies and compatriots, deeply resourceful. Contrast Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal (think petulant, manipulative seductress) with a capable woman who made the most of her opportunities.
Schiff certainly spins a new light on several Cleopatra legends. (Her appearance before Julius Caesar from within a carpet? Yeah, not likely so steamy or so attractive: she was likely carried in that rug across a swamp and through a teeming metropolis. She was likely sweaty and disheveled.) A wanton woman? Though she was never married to anyone other than her brothers (strictly political marriage, and considering their ages and their bitter rivalries, never consummated), she seemed to be monogomous: there is no evidence that she was ever involved with anyone than Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, both affairs years in duration and several years apart from each other. Despite the debacle of Actium, for decades she ruled Egypt well, coming through famines and hardships while still providing for her people and maintaining wealth.
By the end of the biography, Schiff takes such great care to list alternative readings of the history to the motives prescribed by Cleopatra's Roman chroniclers, that you begin to wonder where the credence truly lies. During the recounting of Actium, the efforts are almost belabored. There is no doubt that despite Cleopatra's more-than-able reign over Egypt, her last year(s) with Antony showed a great deal of poor judgement. Actium can be nothing less than a debacle. Still, Schiff's case for Cleopatra is compelling. I found myself often thinking, "Really? Oh, really?" throughout the account and desiring even to look up biographies on Antony and especially Octavian, a.k.a. Caesar Augustus, feeling I had not previously known or understood either man at all. (On a side note, a cousin has sent me a copy of Plutarch's Parallel Lives, and I can't wait to read it in more depth, as Plutarch is one historian responsible for the account of Cleopatra and Antony).
As for The Happiness Project, I am only a few chapters in. I confess to finding her long explanation of the formation of her project, from research to philosophical
Granted, again, I'm only chapters in. Who knows, by the end of the book, I may be a huge fan. For now, I have reservations. I hate to say this, as I feel I'm judging before I really know the whole. But that is the honest reaction at this time. I'm not giving up on it, though. Next month, I still hope to have The Well-Trained Mind read and ready to discuss (though I am beginning to be concerned that I may not get it in time, as I will be getting it from the library; I've been on hold for a copy for nearly two months now). I also intend to finish The Happiness Project and finish the review then. Plus, perhaps I'll have a little Plutarch for you as well. (Smiley face could be inserted here....)
Anyone read anything worth talking about lately?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Friday Quick 5
What a week! Let's just get on to the Quick 5, shall we?
1. I mentioned at the beginning of the week that we took a trip to Colorado and our engine seized on the way. We were actually 40 minutes from Nick's parents house when we were waylaid on the roadside. It overshadowed our trip, a little bit, with the concern over paying for the engine. We have an emergency fund tucked away for times such as these, but we foresaw that it would possibly drain that fund, which we would then have to try to save up over the next few months. Praise be to the Lord of All, we have been blessed generously! We have barely had to dip into that fund due to some very generous gifts from some very wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. I can't say "Thank you" enough to these individuals as well as to our parents, who have given generously to us as well. We are hoping the Trooper will be up and running again soon, which will be a boon to us since the Jimmy is a semi-reliable car at the moment.
2. Nick and I are currently going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University on our own right now. We have borrowed the cds and are listening to them. We are determined to do what we can to reduce our bills and utilities and trying to pay off debts. The rest will be tightening our belts are far as they can go. I am looking at ways to make our grocery bill stretch even further, from using coupons to even considering making rice and beans (a very economical meal) twice a week. Thankfully, Nick doesn't seem to have many whims meal-wise and doesn't bore with leftovers the way I sometimes do; just no onions or peppers, please, and he's fine. We hope the debt-snowball will pay off quickly. Doing away with medical bills and school loans will hopefully free up capital to put us on a firmer financial standing, and hopefully enable us to buy this house.
3. I'm discovering the paradox of toddler-hood with Eliza. One minute she is an absolute delight as she says something new or uses a new skill she's learned or exhibited her developing humor. The next she is a pain in my rear, throwing fits over small things, pushing her brother (whom she really does love) down or forcibly removing his toys from his person, or chewing her daddy out for something she doesn't like (usually discipline for being naughty). As I write this Quick 5 she is singing and dancing, her brother along with her as he bounces on his knees. Precious. She is at once still very young and dependent and growing up and gaining her independence. It's a hard age. For mommy and child. She has begun to tattle on herself: she came running into the kitchen yesterday saying she was sorry and then let me know she had touched my new laptop (a definite no-no). It was difficult to discipline her (she knows she's not to touch the laptop, especially when she has to climb to do it) when she was apologizing and being so honest with me. Again, at once proud of her honesty and frustrated with her naughtiness.
4. We are watching "The Rescuers Down Under." I've decided this is definitely a sad movie: the mom calling out for her missing boy, the authorities handing her his lost backpack... Being a mother gives you a totally new perspective on drama. I never watched Private Practice because as a whole I don't go in for that kind of drama. Now, I categorically refuse to because of the heartwrenching stories about dying and sick children. I would be yanking my children from their beds to hold them after something like that!
5. I've been thinking about my sophomore year of college lately. I remember telling a very dear friend before the school year started that I had a feeling it was going to be an important year: I could feel big things coming. To my mind, at that time, I hoped it meant meeting my husband and maybe getting married at the end of the year (HA!). Instead, I was in a number of car accidents (thankfully, none of them injurious), went to Puerto Rico to do hurricane clean-up, got a new and unexpected college roommate, and my grandmother passed, not particularly in that order. That's a very big year indeed! It follows the adage that you don't always get what you expect. If I had, I wouldn't have met Nick (who wasn't remotely following the Lord at that time), I wouldn't have married him, and my children would be quite different. Of course everything worked out for the best and I couldn't be more grateful. If I'd gotten married then, I would never have gone to Africa. I would never have backpacked through Europe. I would never have spent a year in Alabama with my parents or lived in St. Johns' in Omaha with some of the best roommates I could ever have asked for. I can't imagine my life without these experiences or without Nick and Eliza and Simon. It's good to remember years like that when things don't go as planned. Not everything that happened was good: my grandmother passing was hard and incredibly sad, though I don't worry about where she is now. The car accidents were stressful. Puerto Rico, however, was an amazing (though in many ways difficult) experience. I have hopes and expectations for this year, but if they don't happen? I can trust that the Lord knows best. "The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes His steps." (Prov. 16:9. Look it up, it's good stuff.)
1. I mentioned at the beginning of the week that we took a trip to Colorado and our engine seized on the way. We were actually 40 minutes from Nick's parents house when we were waylaid on the roadside. It overshadowed our trip, a little bit, with the concern over paying for the engine. We have an emergency fund tucked away for times such as these, but we foresaw that it would possibly drain that fund, which we would then have to try to save up over the next few months. Praise be to the Lord of All, we have been blessed generously! We have barely had to dip into that fund due to some very generous gifts from some very wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. I can't say "Thank you" enough to these individuals as well as to our parents, who have given generously to us as well. We are hoping the Trooper will be up and running again soon, which will be a boon to us since the Jimmy is a semi-reliable car at the moment.
2. Nick and I are currently going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University on our own right now. We have borrowed the cds and are listening to them. We are determined to do what we can to reduce our bills and utilities and trying to pay off debts. The rest will be tightening our belts are far as they can go. I am looking at ways to make our grocery bill stretch even further, from using coupons to even considering making rice and beans (a very economical meal) twice a week. Thankfully, Nick doesn't seem to have many whims meal-wise and doesn't bore with leftovers the way I sometimes do; just no onions or peppers, please, and he's fine. We hope the debt-snowball will pay off quickly. Doing away with medical bills and school loans will hopefully free up capital to put us on a firmer financial standing, and hopefully enable us to buy this house.
3. I'm discovering the paradox of toddler-hood with Eliza. One minute she is an absolute delight as she says something new or uses a new skill she's learned or exhibited her developing humor. The next she is a pain in my rear, throwing fits over small things, pushing her brother (whom she really does love) down or forcibly removing his toys from his person, or chewing her daddy out for something she doesn't like (usually discipline for being naughty). As I write this Quick 5 she is singing and dancing, her brother along with her as he bounces on his knees. Precious. She is at once still very young and dependent and growing up and gaining her independence. It's a hard age. For mommy and child. She has begun to tattle on herself: she came running into the kitchen yesterday saying she was sorry and then let me know she had touched my new laptop (a definite no-no). It was difficult to discipline her (she knows she's not to touch the laptop, especially when she has to climb to do it) when she was apologizing and being so honest with me. Again, at once proud of her honesty and frustrated with her naughtiness.
4. We are watching "The Rescuers Down Under." I've decided this is definitely a sad movie: the mom calling out for her missing boy, the authorities handing her his lost backpack... Being a mother gives you a totally new perspective on drama. I never watched Private Practice because as a whole I don't go in for that kind of drama. Now, I categorically refuse to because of the heartwrenching stories about dying and sick children. I would be yanking my children from their beds to hold them after something like that!
5. I've been thinking about my sophomore year of college lately. I remember telling a very dear friend before the school year started that I had a feeling it was going to be an important year: I could feel big things coming. To my mind, at that time, I hoped it meant meeting my husband and maybe getting married at the end of the year (HA!). Instead, I was in a number of car accidents (thankfully, none of them injurious), went to Puerto Rico to do hurricane clean-up, got a new and unexpected college roommate, and my grandmother passed, not particularly in that order. That's a very big year indeed! It follows the adage that you don't always get what you expect. If I had, I wouldn't have met Nick (who wasn't remotely following the Lord at that time), I wouldn't have married him, and my children would be quite different. Of course everything worked out for the best and I couldn't be more grateful. If I'd gotten married then, I would never have gone to Africa. I would never have backpacked through Europe. I would never have spent a year in Alabama with my parents or lived in St. Johns' in Omaha with some of the best roommates I could ever have asked for. I can't imagine my life without these experiences or without Nick and Eliza and Simon. It's good to remember years like that when things don't go as planned. Not everything that happened was good: my grandmother passing was hard and incredibly sad, though I don't worry about where she is now. The car accidents were stressful. Puerto Rico, however, was an amazing (though in many ways difficult) experience. I have hopes and expectations for this year, but if they don't happen? I can trust that the Lord knows best. "The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes His steps." (Prov. 16:9. Look it up, it's good stuff.)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
2012 Reading Plan
On Monday, I mentioned as part of a set of personal resolutions I've made a twelve-month reading plan for my own enrichment. I love to read, and I tend to read a lot of fiction. Generally speaking, I simply pick up whatever sounds good/appealing or is recommended at the time. I don't read with purpose or for enrichment very often. This year I wanted to change that. Inspired by Life as MOM's Booking It online book club as well as a very close friend's book club overseas, I decided to read with more direction this year, trying to stretch my wings. The result is the list below.
It is rather conspicuous in its lack of fiction, only four titles out of twelve. Most of these are books I've had an interest in reading but never bothered to seek out, others are ones I've known I should read for sometime but have never tried. Only two am I picking up simply because I've heard other people read them and recommend them.
My hope is not to simply limit my reading to these books. But, seeing how long it is taking me to get through one book at the moment, and how busy this year is promising to be, I might feel good just accomplishing the list. At the end of every month I will blog about that month's selection, as well as any other books I might have read that I feel noteworthy. In fact, the one I am reading at the beginning of this month, a biography, definitely deserves a mention. I'll have to try and finish it to share with you, as well as get a move on The Happiness Project.
January-- The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin
February--The Well-Trained Mind, Susan Wise Bauer
March-- The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery
April--The Dirty Life: on Farming, Food and Love, Kristin Kimball
May--French Women Don't Get Fat, Mireille Guiliano
June--Mary Boleyn, Alison Weir
July--The Confessions of St. Augustine
August--Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson
September--Joy the Baker, Joy Wilson
October--The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield
November-- Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
December-- On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, Andrew Peterson
Life as MOM's posting day and link-up is the 12th of every month. While I am not following her reading plan except in one selection (though I might choose to read more on the side if there is time and availability of material), I do intend to post and link-up then. So, if you're interested in hearing about any of these books, tune in on the 12th of each month!
It is rather conspicuous in its lack of fiction, only four titles out of twelve. Most of these are books I've had an interest in reading but never bothered to seek out, others are ones I've known I should read for sometime but have never tried. Only two am I picking up simply because I've heard other people read them and recommend them.
My hope is not to simply limit my reading to these books. But, seeing how long it is taking me to get through one book at the moment, and how busy this year is promising to be, I might feel good just accomplishing the list. At the end of every month I will blog about that month's selection, as well as any other books I might have read that I feel noteworthy. In fact, the one I am reading at the beginning of this month, a biography, definitely deserves a mention. I'll have to try and finish it to share with you, as well as get a move on The Happiness Project.
January-- The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin
February--The Well-Trained Mind, Susan Wise Bauer
March-- The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery
April--The Dirty Life: on Farming, Food and Love, Kristin Kimball
May--French Women Don't Get Fat, Mireille Guiliano
June--Mary Boleyn, Alison Weir
July--The Confessions of St. Augustine
August--Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson
September--Joy the Baker, Joy Wilson
October--The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield
November-- Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
December-- On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, Andrew Peterson
Life as MOM's posting day and link-up is the 12th of every month. While I am not following her reading plan except in one selection (though I might choose to read more on the side if there is time and availability of material), I do intend to post and link-up then. So, if you're interested in hearing about any of these books, tune in on the 12th of each month!
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