Snapshot

Hey y'all. I've been struck by a mighty case of blogger's block, so when that happens I run a feature called 'Snapshot' which is basically just a run down of what we're up to these days. I'm not promising anything insightful or funny or even blog-worthy. Nope, this is purely a filler post just to keep things moving along until I get inspired again. Here you go:

Reading: The Yellow Birds by: Kevin Powers 

It’s a bit Tim O'brien-esque in that it’s a novel pertaining to a solider’s experience. It’s not really plot driven, but instead delves more into the psychological implications of warfare and what happens when soldiers return home. It’s full of some beautiful prose, though sometimes gets a bit slow and wordy for my tastes. 

Watching:We just finished watching Season 2 of Homeland.

So basically all of my entertainment sources lately are dealing with war and terrorism. Not my usual cuppa tea, but Homeland is seriously thrilling! I'm kind of sad we finsished it up last night because season 3 isn't out on DVD yet. Any suggestions for what we should watch next? What are you into these days?

 

Listening to: Justin Nozuka. 

He’s like an acoustic singer/song-writer Justin Timberlake with a slightly Hawaiian vibe. Also, I’m really into Passenger right now (who isn't?). 

Very David Gray meets Ed Sheeran. And occasionally when I need an energy-boost, I listen to the N’Sync station on Pandora.Trust me when I say it's pure awesome-ness. 

Loathing: The fact that my baby wakes up at 6 AM. I’m trying to be grateful for the fact that he’s (mostly) sleeping 11 straight hours but oh what I would give for just one more hour in the morning!

 

Loving: Cool mornings. 

The San Ramon Valley can get quite hot during the day but the mornings are always crisp and cool, and perfect for an early morning run. What else are you gonna do when your baby wakes up at the crack of dawn?

Missing: Scotland. 

California is just as pretty but there is just something about the light and the air in Scotland that is truly magical. I miss breathing in that air and walking through those forests and looking out over those mountains. 

Craving: Ice Cream. Particularly Slow Churned Dreyer’s Mint Cookie Crunch. 

Wowza. So good.

Praying: For patience. Especially at 6 o’clock in the morning.

Studying: Fodor’s Northern California. 

It’s unbelievable how many amazing sights and experiences are surrounding us here in San Ramon. We just planned our first vacay and narrowing down our options was darn near impossible!

Learning: To use my new Ninja food processor. My days of shredding carrots and chopping celery are behind me. I’m also enjoying making yummy green smoothies and experimenting with baby food. It is hours of fun.

Snacking: Ritz crackers and Pepper jack cheese. Every. single. day.  

Planning: Our first post-baby vacation to Monterrey Bay. Dogs and Cottage are booked and all that’s left is finalizing our itinerary. Just a few things on the list: 17 mile drive, The Monterrey Bay Aquarium, and Pebble Beach.

Photo source

Dreaming: Of Hawaii. 

We’re committed to spending our stint in San Ramon exploring Northern Cali and the Pacific Northwest, but recently I can’t get Hawaii off of my mind. I’ve never been a beach person, but with a baby, I just feel like beach resort is the way to go for vacationing. How I’d love to spend our days lounging by the pool or on the beach with our little man… 

Well that's about all I have to say for today. What have you been up to? Any great reads, recipes, or vacations recently in your life?