So many things...so little time

I'm sure everyone feels like this from time to time...maybe some more often than others. Lately it seems as though I can't seem to keep facts straight, my to-do list is at least a mile long, dirty laundry is never-ending and the dishes seem to pile up too quickly for my taste (thank God our new house has a dishwasher!!) Now, these challenges I face are nothing new to anyone but coupled with getting up at 4am to get ready for work and still teach dance a few nights each week seems to leave me exhausted. I feel like everything I've taken pride in doing well has been falling to the wayside...I'm not as observant to details at work and I don't feel as prepared for my dance classes as I once was. I believe this is what some would call "over-committed." Yes...that's it. I've stretched myself too thin this year and it has been showing in the quality of work I'm able to do. For an over-achiever and somewhat of a people-pleaser (at least to bosses ;-) this has been a hard pill to swallow...this realization that I'm....dare I say it...human. Yes, I do have limitations and faults. Yes, I do have chinks in my armor. Yes, I do go through slumps and I have bad days (or weeks.) So now, as my second dance studio's school year comes to a close, I need to evaluate my commitments for next year. Thank goodness I have a few months to think about it because as of right now I have no idea what I want to do. Can't I just be independently wealthy and spend my time doing only things that make me feel good? Is that too much to ask?

Ok...now on to the fun stuff. Thanks for letting me vent for a second. Several things/events have happened that I need to post pictures of. I'll caption the pics for you....

First, Madeline and I discovered a snake living in our flowers. Upon it's discovery she asks, "Is it a viper??" God I hope not! She's been talking about wanting a pet snake for ages but now that she's faced with a real one she's started second-guessing herself. Trust me, I'm not disappointed by this!!


Madeline started out sniffing the tulips to see if they smelled but then she discovered that ants like to live inside them. This is her half sniffing/half looking for ants in the tulips. Just so you know, she's not fond of ants...



While setting up our new house, Dan had the pleasure of passing some of his knowledge on to me in the painting department. Having been a professional painter at one time, he's pretty particular about technique. I can't say that I blame him. The first weekend after we painted my arms, back and legs were a bit sore but it's worth it to see the finished product. Madeline wanted to learn to paint, too so we handed over the roller for a quick lesson. Also, here's a picture of the light switch she taped off for us. Not bad for a first-timer!!





Madeline's first dance recital is coming up so we've been practicing with the foam curlers to achieve the best curly do for the stage. She's even slept in these a few times now....not sure I would sleep so well but she doesn't seem to mind.


On my birthday, Dan and I attended a wedding. The maraschino cherries were tasty (I believe they'd been soaking in Southern Comfort) and the first martini afterwards really hit the spot. The three preceding ones managed to do me in later that night. But prior to the upheaval (literally) Dan and I practiced the art of capturing the perfect self-portrait. Someday we'll be among the pros (that would be you, Patrick and Gina.)



For my birthday gift, Dan got us train tickets to Chicago and we saw the musical Wicked at the Oriental Theatre. It was absolutely amazing!!! And sitting in the second row helped a bit, too, although I'm certain there isn't a bad seat in the house. If you ever have the opportunity to catch this show I highly recommend it.



Madeline's 5th birthday was this past weekend. What kid wouldn't want to lick the spoon from the chocolate cake batter??



And last but not least, Madeline experienced her first hair salon visit. Kate was very patient with her (and extremely amused by her) as Madeline has a tendency to look around a lot. Not really a good idea when you're getting your hair cut but everything worked out okay. She asked Kate if she could sit under the dryer. She didn't stay there long because she said it was kinda "freaking" her out. Her words...not mine!!