Tragic Sandwich

Category: House and Home

  • Now and Then: A List

    list

    So I came across the term “Listicles” as I was reading Life Ever Since. And I’ve got to be honest–I’m not sure I can say that without giggling. Yes, I am a teenager.

    But it turns out that’s actually relevant, because this week’s Listicle is “10 Ways I’m the Same As (Or Different From) My Younger Self.” And since I feel like reflection comes up a lot in my blogging, it seems like a natural fit. So here goes:

    1) Same: I have a really boring wardrobe. It’s not very large, and it’s almost all solids. And twinsets. In high school I wore button-down shirts and jeans. My school didn’t have a uniform, but apparently I did.

    2) Same: I almost never wear makeup. My mother would send me back to add blush, not wipe it off. And she didn’t wear much makeup herself.

    3) Different: I used to try really hard to have curly hair. I used to set my hair with hot rollers before bed and again in the morning. I have no idea why I did this before bed. Later, I got a series of bad perms. Now I pretty much let my hair do what it does.

    4) Same: I read every chance I get. During my freshman year of high school, I went to the school library three times a day. And my iTouch and Kindle app mean that I can carry a dozen books around and not feel the weight.

    5) Different: I’ve figured out that I’m happier staying at home the vast majority of evenings. I used to feel that I ought to be making a bigger effort to get out; now I’m happy for an evening out, whether it’s Date Night or the three of us, but I don’t feel that I’m supposed be enjoying myself in a particular way, whether or not it’s what I personally want to do.

    6) Different: I am much more liberal than I was when I was young. I think that it comes primarily from a greater understanding of human frailty–we all have our weak points and make bad decisions, and I’m much more sympathetic to that than I used to be. Maybe because I’ve discovered more of my own weaknesses.

    7) Same: I hate eggplant and okra. And brussels sprouts. That recipe you have that will convert me? It won’t. I’ve tried them enough to make this decision as an adult. I continue to not like sardines as well, no matter how calcium-rich they are.

    8) Different: I love blueberries and cherries, neither of which I liked when I was younger.

    9) Different: I spend a lot more time outdoors. I will always be fair-skinned, but I look at my wedding pictures and am struck by how pale I looked. On our honeymoon in Hawaii, I looked in the mirror one day and said, “Oh, that’s right. I freckle.”

    10) Same: I have trouble coming up with a set number of entries for lists like this.

    Photo by Cathdew, via Flickr.

  • Leaf Bag List: My Fall Goals

    Just before summer began, I was inspired to create a “Sand Pail List.” I didn’t fulfill all of my summer goals, but that’s okay–Fall offers new opportunities!

    Leaf Bag List - JPG

    So what do I want to do this Fall? Hmm . . .

    Cooking
    This goes back on the list. I’ve had urges to bake pumpkin bread and make casseroles, but with temperatures over 100 lately, it’s just been too hot. Oooh, potato-cheese soup! But again with the too hot.

    Closet Cleanout
    Mine and Baguette’s. I need to update my work wardrobe, and there’s just no way she’s going to wear those 12M dresses from two years ago.

    Photography
    I want to learn to use the DSLR, and Mr. Sandwich has provided me with a book that is really informative and clear. I just need to do it.

    Scanning
    I want to scan old photos to share with family and friends. I have so many, and there’s no reason other people shouldn’t have them, too.

    Crafts
    I’m not a crafty person by nature, and that’s fine. But I’ve wanted to make a button wreath for years, and there’s no reason I shouldn’t do that this fall.

    So as we begin a new season, what’s on your Leaf Bag List?

    If you want to use the Leaf Bag List icon, feel free! You can find it on Flickr.

  • How Was Your Weekend?

    Ours started a day early, kind of. On Friday, Baguette’s cast came off (huzzah!). What was her response to this development?

    Sock all gone. I got a foot!

    At the moment she walks with that foot turned out, and she still has a bit of a peg-leg pirate walk, but she’s rapidly getting back to her normal gait–and activity.

    Since she’s Baguette, that activity includes not sleeping. We were up at midnight, driving around Los Angeles and environs at midnight. (You think I’m kidding? I’m not. We’re talking at least 20 miles of driving, and not all of it in town.)

    Since we’re the Sandwiches, Saturday did not mean sleeping in early. Quite the opposite: we got up at 3:30, because Mr. Sandwich was entered in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. He did quite well, finishing in the top 1/3 of his age division, and Baguette got to spend the morning on the beach. Let me tell you, this is one fearless toddler. And that means that when you’re her parent, and she won’t stop rushing toward the waves, you are definitely not fearless.

    An early morning and extensive beach time did not mean that she had a good nap. No, she slept for about 30 minutes and then was awake for the entire afternoon.

    Awake and tantrum-y.

    But eventually even her strength of will could not overcome her exhaustion, and at 6:30 p.m. (6:30!)she passed out on my lap. We carefully moved her into the bed and settled in for a night of streaming video. That’s right, it was Date Night, Sandwich Edition. What did we watch? Captain America, of course (Avengers not being available yet, and both of us feeling that Thor would be ruined–ruined, I tell you!–by the presence of Natalie Portman). Now, Cap has never been my favorite superhero, and I had some issues with the movie–but it was fun, and we really enjoyed the chance to curl up on the couch and watch something of our own choosing while endlessly petting the dog’s stomach (Wicket is indifferent to TV as long as she is getting petted).

    We made it to bed at about 11, which meant that when Baguette woke up at 3:30, I really, really hoped we’d be able to get her back to sleep. We couldn’t. But that’s okay, because we would have been getting up too soon anyhow: shortly after 5, I left for the ER, where it was determined that yes, I had another kidney stone.

    Some Dilaudid and several hours of fitful sleep later, Mr. Sandwich and Baguette arrived to pick me up. We went out for breakfast and picked up some groceries, and then went home so that Baguette and I could nap. Which we both did, successfully. Our evening was low-key, and we made it to bed at about 9. Everyone slept through the night, and Baguette woke up on her own at 6, which (combined with the night before) tells me that, barring teething or broken legs, her tendency is to sleep for 9 hours at night.

    Meanwhile, I’m still tired. You?

    Captain America Shield

    Photo by abuckingham, via Flickr.

  • 5 Things I Found While I Was Looking Around

    5

    10 awe-inspiring American castles     on Yahoo Travel

    I think Boldt Castle may be my favorite, if just for the setting. You?

    DIY Natural Room Scents on The Yummy Life

    I may try that Lemon, Rosemary, and Vanilla scent this weekend. (Also, I love finding other people who use Penzeys spices!)

    The Many Looks of Spiderman Over the Past 50 Years on Mashable

    When I was single, my online dating profile headline was “MJ Watson Seeks Peter Parker; No Green Goblins Need Apply.” So (a) I’m a geek girl, and (b) I like this.

    10 World Map Decorating Ideas on Jetpac

    Someday, when I redecorate my “office,” I’m going to have to refer to this. Love!

    Day 33 on Humor Train

    Jason Bourne. [snorts] Amateur.

    Photo by Judy **, via Flickr.

  • Why Our House Is a Disaster – Weekday Edition

    caution tape

    We’re refinancing, and on a recent Friday, we had a visit from an appraiser. The house was not even remotely clean, although I did set my alarm for 5 a.m. so that I’d have time to at least straighten up the living room (read: put things in stacks). Instead, I was so exhausted that I just kept hitting the snooze button. Sorry, appraiser.

    Mr. Sandwich and I are constantly evaluating the way we spend our time, particularly on weeknights, so that we can finish everything we need to and be ready for the next morning, while still getting Baguette to bed. What does that look like right now?

    5:30 a.m.
    Get up, wash face and brush teeth, unload dishwasher, wash any dishes in sink and put in drain rack to dry, give dog her medicine, open dog door, take one egg out of the refrigerator, put skillet on burner (which is not yet turned on). If it’s a day when we send lunch for Baguette, prep thermos with hot water.

    5:48 a.m.
    Finish bathroom routine. Shower if I’m lucky.

    5:53 a.m.
    Go back to bed to keep Baguette from rolling out; Mr. Sandwich gets up, gets dressed, and leaves for work.

    6:20 a.m.
    Get up, counting on Baguette to not roll out; get dressed, pull her pre-selected clothes/socks/shoes off of the shelf, get diaper and wipes and put them with her clothes, scramble and cook egg, heat up food to go in thermos, put egg in portable container, put food in thermos, assemble her lunch bag, put her breakfast in her tote bag along with anything else needed that day (set out the night before). Put yogurt and granola in my lunch bag if set up the night before; otherwise plan to buy breakfast at work. Feed dog. Make sure back door is locked, cabinets are latched, stove is off, and refrigator is closed.

    6:40 a.m.
    Unplug anything that has been charging overnight and put in handbag. Go back to bedroom and change Baguette’s diaper. Put her pajamas in the hamper and dress her for the day. Comb her hair. After she lies back down, sit her up and comb her hair again.

    6:50 a.m.
    Make Baguette stand up and walk to front door. Pet dog goodbye. Pick up bags, lock door, coax Baguette down steps, put her and bags in car.

    6:55 a.m.
    Arrive at day care. Get Baguette and her bags out of car, sign her in, drop off tuition or hot lunch money or other paperwork as needed, and walk her to classroom.

    7:02 a.m. If I’m lucky.
    Leave day care. Drive to bus stop. Park car, run across street, hope to catch bus. If I do, hope to get seat. If I don’t, drive to work. It’s an hour either way.

    8:05 a.m.
    Enter building. Buy breakfast and coffee, or just coffee if I managed to pack my own breakfast (lunch is even less likely). Go upstairs and work.

    5:00 p.m. Unless I have to work late.
    Leave building. Walk to bus stop. Catch bus home.*

    6:00 p.m. Unless traffic is worse than usual.
    Exit bus. Get in car and drive home.

    6:07 p.m.
    Arrive home. Pet dog hello. Change clothes. Put away any dishes in drain rack. Pour milk into straw cups for evening and next day.

    6:12 p.m.
    Mr. Sandwich brings Baguette home. Feed Baguette as much fruit and/or Goldfish as she will eat.

    6:25 p.m.
    Take Baguette and dog for walk around the block (1/2-mile distance). Discuss day. Encourage Baguette to walk, but carry her for intermittent stretches. Let her run back and forth when the impulse strikes her.

    7:10 p.m.
    Return home. Pull together some semblance of dinner for Baguette while Mr. Sandwich helps her play with the hose (it’s hot out). Start her bath.

    7:20 p.m.
    Change Baguette’s wet clothes and feed her.

    7:50 p.m.
    Mr. Sandwich gives Baguette her bath. Set out her pajamas and nighttime diaper, take dog out, feed dog, close dog door, wash dishes from her dinner, empty her lunch bag and clean containers, straw cups, and thermos, probably wash the skillet from that morning.

    8:05 p.m.
    Dry Baguette off, put her in nighttime diaper and pajamas, let her watch Sesame Street. Continue to prep for next day, gathering any paperwork or materials needed for day care. Eat tortilla with peanut butter (if lucky).

    9:10 p.m.
    Go to bed. All of us, because otherwise Baguette won’t. (Note: That’s “go to bed,” not “go to sleep.” There’s no telling how long that could take.)

    What’s missing from this picture?

    *This is when Mr. Sandwich does as much laundry as humanly possible in 50 minutes. Neither one of us has time to fold it or put it away.

    Photo by skyloader, via Flickr.

  • Liebster Award, Round 2

    Karen at Dinosaur Superhero Mommy has kindly nominated me for the Liebster Award.

    Now I have to admit that this award has been extended to me before. But it doesn’t look like I followed the rules, which say that I should:

    • Share 11 random facts about myself.
    • Nominate 11 other bloggers.
    • Answer 11 questions about myself.
    • Ask 11 questions of my nominees.

    Eleven facts:

    1) I only ate chicken twice while I was pregnant with Baguette, because it grossed me out.
    2) I don’t like carbonated drinks.
    3) My passport expired a few years ago, and I feel really weird about that because until then, I’d had a valid passport since I was 10.
    4) I was unsure about whether I wanted a dog until we adopted Wicket, and now I never want to be without one again.
    5) I have known Mr. Sandwich since college, but we didn’t start dating until 11 years after I graduated.
    6) Oregano gives me heartburn.
    7) My younger brother used to tell people we were twins. I would follow up with, “But he’s three years behind me in school.”
    8) I think there are places everyone should visit to get perspective. Those places include L.A.’s Skid Row, and Dachau.
    9) I would really like to write a book.
    10) I used to pretend to be a baseball fan so that I wouldn’t have to talk about football.
    11) I am tired of being asked to fix other people’s writing problems at the last minute. Bring me in earlier, or leave me alone.

    Eleven answers:

    1) What would you do first if you won a million dollars? So many thoughts. Well, I’d pay off our mortgage and my brother’s.
    2) What is your favorite room in your home? The living room. I love, love, love the paint color, and it’s where we keep the TV and toys. We do a lot of living in there.
    3) What did you want to be when you were a little kid? A lion.
    4) What is your favorite book to read to your child(ren) It doesn’t matter. We read what she wants us to read.
    5) What is your favorite color? Blue
    6) Which kid’s show do you wish was cancelled? We don’t have a lot of exposure yet, but it’s pretty easy for me to pick “Caillou.”
    7) What is your favorite holiday? Labor Day, because it’s the one that’s coming up next.
    8) What is the most expensive gift you have given someone? Probably the watch that my brother and I gave my dad for his 75th birthday, but I’m not sure.
    9) Are you a good dancer? Depends on the kind of dancing. Going to a club? No. Ballroom/swing? Okay. Ballet? Not bad when I was a kid, but 30 years later I’m probably not very good.
    10) How many kids did you think you would have as a child? Two.
    11) What do you look forward to most about fall? I live in L.A. We don’t do fall here.

    Eleven questions:

    1) What was your favorite after-school activity?
    2) What’s one fact or skill you remember learning from your favorite teacher?
    3) What’s the most valuable piece of criticism you’ve ever gotten?
    4) If you could only eat one vegetable for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    5) Who is your favorite fictional character?
    6) What color shoes are you wearing right now?
    7) What is your favorite vacation spot?
    8) What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
    9) What time do you usually eat dinner?
    10) What’s the best moment of your day?
    11) What’s your favorite breakfast food?

    Eleven blogs:*

    Blogging with Mittens
    Katie is a Teacher
    Wandering Scientist

    *”Hey! That’s only three!” Very true. I’ve been working on this post for two days. It’s very long. I figured I’d give everyone a break.

  • Traditions: Blogging, or Happy Anniversary to Me

    Webster Anniversary Cake

    As of today, I have been blogging for seven years. I think that hyperlinked text may be longer than my first blog post. So how has my blogging evolved?

    In fact, (as you may be able to tell from that first post) I started two blogs–one was Cake Batter, and the other was Tragic Sandwich–which I later merged.

    At some point I migrated from Blogger to WordPress, and haven’t looked back. (BTW, the “Tragic Sandwich” blog that’s currently on Blogger? Not me. I should have figured out how to keep that URL.)

    It took me a while, but I did learn how to embed photos.

    Over time, I got better at it.

    What I write about has changed.

    The structure of my posts has changed (I still like this one about disgusting wine, but I would definitely hyperlink it if I were writing it today).

    With more years of marriage (Mr. Sandwich and I had been married for about 14 months when I started blogging), a home purchase, and most importantly the much-desired arrival of Baguette, my life has changed far more than my blogging.

    That said, I am beginning to have an idea that I may be at the point where blogging starts to change my life. Fingers crossed.

    How long have you been blogging? And what’s changed for you?

    Photo by TN Something Special Cakes, via Flickr.

  • 5 Things I Found While I Was Looking Around

    5

    How to Clean Every Room in Your Home with Items You Already Have on lifehacker

    Save time on shopping for cleaning supplies.

    How to Make Horchata on America’s Test Kitchen: The Feed

    Make a delicious drink.

    16 Deep-Fried Recipes on Babble

    Also make some tasty food.

    Book-a-Minute Classics on Rinkworks

    Read a good book summary. Or at least a funny one.

    Coolest Garden Rocking Chair Ever on Handmade Charlotte

    Having cleaned your house, you can sit here while you eat your fried foods and drink your horchata and read your book summaries. And doesn’t that sound like a lovely day?

    Photo by isthisyou, via Flickr.

  • Home, Sweet Home

    Amber Dusick of Crappy Pictures has a very funny post about a series of events contributing to her young son’s decision to become a police officer, or possibly a movie director. I think he should be a movie-directing police officer. Why not? This is America. Anyone can grow up to be anything.

    As she points out:

    We live in Los Angeles, CA. No, this isn’t something we see all the time here. I see famous people more often than I see guns. I have seen police with their guns drawn one other time in my life but that was outside of a Target® in Madison, WI. So there.

    And that’s true. Not the Madison, WI, part. I’ve barely been there. No time to observe anything, much less police activity.

    But this morning, as Mr. Sandwich was leaving for work, I heard helicopters nearby. And one of our friends posted on Facebook that they had been over her neighborhood and woke up her daughter (Baguette’s Bestie). Apparently there had been a police shooting nearby.

    We all live in perfectly nice neighborhoods–not Bel-Air or Brentwood (well, I don’t know where Amber Dusick lives), but good places to raise children. So this definitely is a noteworthy event. And I don’t even see that much police activity. The closest I’ve gotten to a shootout was when we lived in our crappy apartment, and the guy across the street got tazed after taunting the police to shoot him (I guess he really, really didn’t want to turn down his stereo at 6 a.m.)

    Then again, I almost never see famous people. Except Michael Clarke Duncan. I’ve seen him at a Whole Foods and at a restaurant, and they were in very different parts of town. Hmm. Now I wonder if Michael Clarke Duncan is stalking me. Because I do not need to tangle with Omarosa. Yikes. What if Michael Clarke Duncan thinks I’m stalking him? Because, again, I don’t need to tangle with Omarosa.

    But between the lack of police shootings and the lack of celebrity sitings, I’m starting to wonder: Do I really live in L.A.? Because it’s nothing like TV and the movies.

    January09 516

    Photo by Lord Jim, via Flickr.

  • A-Hunting We Will Go

    Mr. Sandwich:Now that we’ve closed off their exits, they’ll be more and more compelled to eat the bait, and the traps will get them.

    Me:That sounds like a plot out of Game of Thrones.

    Mr. Sandwich: Or by Jack Donaghy.

    That’s right. The mouse persists. But I refuse to believe it can outwit us forever. Just, apparently, in the short term.