Currently...linking up vol.11

Starting..... a new job on Monday. 

Thinking..... I probably won't talk about work/job stuff here on the blog.  I did before because we owned the business, but now I will be working for a company and just feel like that should remain separate to my blog life.

Celebrating..... that I have a job.

Mourning..... my mini vacation from employment.  I had two full months off from working.  I didn't get nearly as much accomplished around the house that I intended to do. 

Recuperating..... I have been sick on & off throughout January and February ... stupid mono/glandular fever ... who gets this at my age?!  Then, this week, a stomach bug hit me.  I lost 4 pounds, but that's not the way I would choose to lose weight.  (I'm sure I'll gain it back as soon as I eat something.)

Feeling.....  the temptation to watch Real Housewives of Sydney.  I gave up watching all RH series years ago.  I used to watch OC, NY, NJ regularly and dabbled with (as in, I think I've seen one episode of each) ATL, BH, and Melbourne...but somewhere along the way, they lost me.  The Sydney installment has hit the airwaves this week (I think), and the marketing machine is pushing it hard.  I'm tempted.  I might watch one episode then say "nope, not for me" like I did others.  I do not fault anyone for watching these.  Watch what you want.  I don't judge.

Watching.....  Big Little Lies.  So, if you know me, you know I'm not much of a TV gal, but I'm making an effort with Big Little Lies.  Don't worry.  No spoilers from me.  I commented to Kerri how intense and twisted Celeste & Perry's (Nicole Kidman & Alexander Skarsgard) relatationship is? I seriously couldn’t watch the “make up” scene in the closet because I was so disturbed. AND, I’ve read the book, so I know all about the relationship! I think that means that they are acting the shit out of those roles. 

Sharing.....  this post of mine from earlier this week because I don't want any book lovin' bloggers to miss out!  (psssst:  free books!)

Encouraging.....  you to participate in "twelve things to celebrate in march: a scavenger hunt" by quirky pickings; you don't have to do all the things, you don't have to do them in order or on the exact date listed, just do something fun/different/creative that often involves putting a little good out there in the world.

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Currently.....linking up vol.10

Laughing.....  at the fact that my guy (who cares very little about sports) knows Tom Brady only because he's married to Gisele. Not for his sports prowess or accomplishments.  Makes me laugh because that is what most often happens to women.  This time, it's "Gisele" who is known and Tom Brady is just her "trophy husband".

Admitting.....  I may be late to the party, but I might have developed a LuLaRoe addiction.  You see, when I first heard of LLR, I discovered it is one of those new(ish) phenomenons that is only based in America so far.  You can't make purchases without an American shipping & billing address, so I just shrugged my shoulders and moved along.  My girlfriend who visited from Texas gifted me a pair for Christmas.  Then, my cousin hosted a pop-up party, and since she's family, she was willing to arrange shipping my purchases to me.  Now, I've looked into it more, I want allllll the adorable & cute stuff (hello, prints with cassette tapes or kitty cats or lipsticks or sugar skulls....)

Applauding.....  the movie, Lion.  Have you seen it?  You should.  There is so much ugliness in the world, but there are some extraordinary stories as well, and this is one of them.  I read the book "A Long Way Home" by Saroo Brierley, and this movie was an excellent film adaptation.  Dev Patel is tremendous, and the little boy who plays a young Saroo was too. The stark contrast between the two locations on film creates some amazing scenes in the cinematography.  Tears were shed, and my heart was so full when I left the cinema.  I get goosebumps even from watching this trailer:

Planning.....  on my next movie to see being Hidden Figures.  That looks like an amazing, based-on-a-true-story movie as well.

Walking.....  I am in the worst rut as far as lack of exercise and physical activity.  I gotta start back up somewhere, somehow, so I've started walking.  I have an app that tells me how far, for how long, and how much energy I've burned.  It's a start, and I'm glad I'm doing something, anything, to get myself moving again.

Reading.....  Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Badani; review to come next Tuesday on "Show Us Your Books" day.

Acknowledging.... that I haven't mentioned one thing political in this post or what I think about the state of America since the new President has taken office.  I've got 2 different posts in draft concerning those topics and feelings, and I am just finding it oh-so-difficult to articulate. 

Appreciating.....  this response from the President of my university, where I graduated, regarding one of the Executive Orders.

Contemplating.....  I'm in the midst of job hunting.  So, I'm contemplating my security settings on social media.  I'm not private on Instagram or twitter, and bloglovin' automatically posts a link on twitter to my blog every time I publish a new post.  Should I be set to private on these sites?  I don't feel like I have anything to hide, but is there a certain aspect of our private life that we should keep private from potential employers?  I suppose if they search hard enough, they'll see me ask this question too.

Awaiting.....  correction:  Eagerly awaiting..... my next trip back to Texas which is booked!  Niece 2 graduates high school late May, so I'm going home for that.  Then, for her graduation gift, my mom is taking my niece to San Francisco in early June and letting my sister-in-law (niece 2's mother) and me tag along.  Pretty excited about this!

Asking.....  for any San Francisco suggestions that you categorize as a "must do", "must see", or "must eat".  We've got a list of things already with many, many options...but, of course, I enjoy blogger suggestions!

Anticipating.....  meeting bloggers in real life.  I know jenn IRL because we were in the same homeroom together our 9-12 grade years, so she's a friend who knew me pre-blog years.  And, I enjoy reading about friendships forged through blogging that turn into seeing each other in person friendships.  Rachel moves here in a few months, and we are already planning to catch up for tea, and Kristen comes for a visit in June!  I get to have one of those "blates" I've been reading about.  Yay!

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Currently...linking up vol.9

Counting.....  down the days until our shop closes.  I'm sure I'll write a post of my mixed bag of emotions about being a small business owner closing our store and tackling new adventures in the future.

Feeling..... the Christmas spirit a little more this year.  I think it's a combination of knowing that I won't be working Christmas Eve for the first time in years and having friends coming to visit from Texas.  It's got me all the more excited this year.

Doubting..... that my tree is going to make it this year.  It's not even December and branches are bent with ornaments falling off.  "Why?" you may ask.  Because out of our 3 cats, one considers himself an expert tree-climber...or he wants to be one of the decorations.

Planning.....  fun stuff for my friend that is visiting.  She and her 11 year old son will be here Christmas through New Year's.  Their excitement for this trip is contagious.  We're going to the beach, to the zoo, camping surrounded by Australian wildlife and more!

Appreciating.....  how sweet my stepkid can be.  We've been talking a lot about my friend and her son visiting and the fun things we have planned.  He asked me "what are you the most excited for?", and my reply was "all of it!"  I asked him the same, and his reply was "I'm just excited to meet them."  How sweet is that?

Applauding..... my husband.  While buying a coffee this week, he witnessed this lunatic of a woman spewing racial rants to people.  She had a Chinese girl in tears.  She told an Indian man to "go back where (he) came from" and that he stinks.  She told the Chinese coffee shop he also "should go back" where he came from.  When my husband confronted her, she called him a "nazi" and to mind his own business.  The coffee shop owner and my husband both called security, so as she was leaving and throwing out more racist vomit, my husband followed her until security caught up with her.  Oh, and by the way, this ain't her first visit into the land of being a disgusting racist and menace to society.  She's even on youtube for it.

Wondering..... what is wrong with people??

Moving..... to a happier topic:  How is it that I've never heard about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?  An organization supported by one of my favorite people (DOLLY!) giving books to children?!?  What's not to love?  Jana mentions it (or has a link to it) in this post.  Oh, and by the way, if you haven't read Jana's post, you should.  The initiative "delivers a quality, age-appropriate book once a month direct to children at home from birth to 5 years old in targeted communities. Our vision is that all children start school ready to read and learn so that they can succeed in life."  There are programs in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US.  Take all my money.

Promoting..... my book challenge: Book Challenge by Erin - you can check out our facebook group where most of the activity goes down or this page on my blog.  Categories are announced December 1st, as in tomorrow (if you're in my part of the world).  That's why this post is going live today.  What a great way to kick off 2017 - reading books!  Won't you join us?

Reading.....  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein...just started it last night.  I'm pretty sure I'll like it based on those that have recommended it to me.

Listening..... to my personal mix of Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, and Butch Walker.  I dumped all other songs from my ipod shuffle at the moment and have just been listening to these faves for the last week while I'm commuting. 

Learning..... where bears live in North America.  Why?  Because Steph mentioned seeing bear poop, and I know Steph lives in Pennsylvania, and I had no idea bears lived there.  Then, I found this map and learned there are even bears in Florida?  And Louisiana?  Am I the only one that didn't know these things?  Yep, I'm feeling pretty dumb right about now.  See how educational blogging can be?

Source

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Currently... linking up vol.8

Laughing..... at myself.  Tuesday, it was "Melbourne Cup Day" here in Australia.  Think the Kentucky Derby on steroids.  They call it "the race that stops the nation."  Women wear pretty spring dresses and fascinators (sp?) in their hair.  What are fascinators you ask?  Pretty hats with flowers or feathers.  Offices throw parties for their staff.  Pubs are busy with fanfare all afternoon.  I show up to work and notice all the lovely ladies dressed up today.  What was I wearing?  A black shirt, black pinstripe pants, black flats, and my hair in a clip...the most UN-Melbourne Cup Day attire possible.  I bought a flower and threw that in my hair.  Best I could do.

Admiring..... this cover of People magazine. I've made some lousy choices with men in my life, but when I picked my lifetime celebrity crush, I did well. This man just keeps getting better and better.

Appreciating..... that Ericka thought of me when she saw the People story. We Jovi girls stick together. 

Tallying..... all the books read for Book Challenge by Erin 5.0.  After 4 months, we wrapped up at the end of October.  Hosting this book challenge brings me a lot of joy, and I love being a part of community that encourages each other to read.  Next one will be held January 1, 2017 - April 30, 2017 with categories announced December 1st!

Participating..... in other book challenges too:  Semi-Charmed Winter Book Challenge, Aussie Author Challenge, Around the World in 80 Books, USA Reading Roadtrip; Yep.  I love a good book challenge. 

Finding.....  new books to read.  Goodreads announced nominees for Goodreads Choice Awards 2016.  I blew up my "to read" list (as if it wasn't ridiculously long already) looking at all the books nominated.

Reading.....  I Hear the Sirens in the Street by Adrian McKinty.

Watching.....  movies for the fall film challenge; Okay.  Let's be honest.  I'm not watching many.  I'm pretty sure I've watched the least amount of movies in this challenge than I've ever watched before, but I've watched a few.  One that I watched was Pride & Prejudice.  I'd never read the book, and I'd never seen the movie.  I finally watched the movie, and yes, it was lovely.  Damn, that last scene between Kiera Knightly and Donald Sutherland is acted to perfection.

Looking.....  forward to cracking open a bottle of wine that a customer gave us this week to thank us for years of good customer service.  How nice is that? 

Wearing..... a headband.  You see, I have this super stylish friend that I've known for almost 30 years.  He's also super sarcastic (one of the reasons that we are friends.)  He shared a pic of Sandy in Grease singing "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and said that he was going to bring headbands back into fashion.  I replied that I still wear them as I'm not one to follow "what's it" and "what's out" kind of rules.  So, yea, I busted out a headband this week :)

Needing..... to read some blogs.  I'm usually pretty good with devoting a little bit of time everyday to this wacky world of the blogosphere, but I feel like I've gotten behind lately.  I'm sure no one has noticed.  I'm the one who has noticed.   

Announcing..... a new email for the blog; it's now texerin-in-sydneyland@hotmail.com

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking up with  Kristin:

Currently... linking up about Stuff and Things vol.7

Celebrating.....  my partner visa being granted.  I already plastered this on other forms of social media, but I'm pretty happy/relieved with this behind us.  It took 19 months from application submittal with documents (so many attachments that I had to receive permission to send more), pictures, legal declarations of proof of relationship, fingerprinting with an FBI check and AFP (Australian Federal Police) check, medical physicals, lots of money (because this process ain't cheap), headaches, anxiety, and worry.  Now, I wait another 6 months to submit my request for "permanent residency".

Wearing..... this new super comfortable shirt dress.  I love spring clothes!

Having..... such a bad hair day, it doesn't even look good in a knot.  Not that it ever looks "good" in a knot, but, you know what I mean.

Trying.... to read people's messy handwriting.  Customers are offering/asking to subscribe for our customer database at work.  Wouldn't you think that you'd write as clearly as possible your email address if you want someone else to be able to read it?

Thinking..... of ways that I can participate in this "Back to Blogging Non-challenge Challenge" hosted by Alyssa.

Participating..... in the Great Pumpkin Swap.  Are you?  There's still time to sign up if you do it now!

Attempting..... to finish the bonus round of my book challenge, Book Challenge by Erin.  This is the final month of the challenge, and I've never actually finished the "bonus round".  I get distracted by other books I want to read, which is totally fine, but I want to finish the bonus round one of these times.  I've got four books needed to be read to finish.  Totally doable.  I've got all of them on reserve at the library (or sitting on my floor waiting to be read):  Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart, The Island by Victoria Hislop, Baby Doll by Hollie Overton, and Heidi by Johanna Spyri. 

Liking..... that the books I need to read are a mix of genres, because those of you who follow my reading habits know that I like to mix it up. 

Reading.....  well, you'd think that if I really wanted to finish that bonus round, I'd be reading one of those books, am I right?  Well, I'm not.  I'm reading The Dry by Jane Harper because it has received a ton of buzz in Australia, and I was 18th in line when I put my name on library reserve.  My turn for it is now, so I started reading it today.

Watching......  nothing.  I should be watching movies for the fall film challenge, but I'm failing miserably.

Sharing.....  this adorable story about my nephew and his Homecoming date.  They've known each other since they were preschool age.  They used to call each other boyfriend & girlfriend in elementary school.  They've remained close friends all these years and went to Homecoming together this year.  Aren't they just too cute for words?

Loving..... that Niece 2 is so confident, secure, and comfortable that when she wanted to wear a tee shirt, gold skirt, and Converse to her Homecoming dance, that's exactly what she wore.

Planning.....  another consultation with my tattoo artist.  I'm meeting with her this Friday.  Some more new ink coming soon!

Feeling..... anxious and excited about what the future holds for my guy and me.  Last month's link up, I talked about the fact that we are closing our current store at the end of the year.  We've been talking and planning, researching and looking, brainstorming and developing our plans for the future.  Hopefully, only good things to come. 

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking up with  Kristin & Joey:

Currently...linking up vol.6

Reading.....  books for Book Challenge by Erin 5.0 and Semi-Charmed Summer Book Challenge 2016 - I have five books to read this month to complete the #SCSBC16 - 3 of which have been on hold at the library, and I've been patiently waiting.  I am next in line for each of those; all of which I really do want to read.

Watching......  nothing.  I've admitted in this space that I'm not much of a tv watcher.  Oh, it's on a lot in our house, but I don't faithfully watch anything these days.  I know.  Lame.

Listening..... Matchbox 20's She's So Mean ... no shame, I love me some Matchbox 20.  Their songs are just so dang catchy...and kerri mentioned seeing Rob Thomas not too long ago, so I've been on a Matchbox kick ever since. 

Noticing..... that I feel somewhat like a boring loser because answering these prompts are difficult.  I don't seem to have a whole lot of interesting things going on in my life to share. 

Admitting.....  that I had a big cry last week.  As I was scrolling my facebook feed, three friends in a row posted something about missing their father who had passed away (one recently, one was the 2 year anniversary of his death, and one was the 10 year mark).  I immediately sent my dad an email (I knew it was the middle of the night his time) to tell him that I love and appreciate him and am eternally grateful that he's my dad.  Life is short and precious.

Sharing.....  Y'all saw this, right?  Well, if you didn't, read it.  I have a lot of respect for his statement, generosity, and ability to show that you can believe in the power of "AND"...support for both of these causes and organizations is important:  Michael Jordan donating $2 million to help address police-related shootings

Eating..... these Starburst "FaveReds".  Are they good for me?  Absolutely not.  Are they tasty?  You betcha.

Drinking.....  sparkling water

Wearing.....  layers; It's winter in Australia, but honestly, Sydney doesn't get too terribly cold, so I layer...and there's been lots of leggings and boots.  That's pretty much my uniform.

Waiting.....  to hear if I'm going to be selected for a "mindfulness" group at the Australian College of Applied Psychology.  I've discussed here some things that I've done for myself to continue the battle with depression.  I've never participated in a therapy group, but the benefits of mindfulness is something that intrigues me. 

Feeling..... nostalgic.  MTV went to air 35 years ago this week.  I am 100% a product of the MTV generation.  I watched the launch with Video Killed the Radio Star.  I watched the world premiere and "making of" Michael Jackson's Thriller.  I'd come home after school everyday to watch Dial MTV...when people would actually use telephones and landlines to call and request their favorite music videos.  I remember when Def Leppard's Pour Some Sugar on Me bested Motley Crue's Home Sweet Home for the longest #1 spot on the countdown.  I fell in love with my longest love (Jon Bon Jovi) through the video music screen.  I watched the very first Real World filmed in New York "where 7 strangers are picked to live in a house ... to find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real."  Or something like that.

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Currently...linking up vol.5

Announcing.....that June is my birthday month, and to follow the lead of some blogger buddies (Steph & Kristen come to mind as unapologetic birthday month celebrators), I'm going to try to do little things to treat myself kindly this month.

Reading..... The Cartel by Don Winslow...uhm, yea, so, I have a confession to make: I am co-hosting a challenge this month that I'm supposed to be reading ONLY books from my home bookshelf, but I started this library book in May, and I can't quit it now.  So, I'm pretty much failing at my own book challenge at the very beginning.  But, I'm reading a fantastic book, so it's worth it!  I'll get to my bookshelf in a day or two. 

Watching......  We have this channel in Australia called the "Crime & Investigation Network", and I'm guilty of watching just about anything on this channel; but I've become hooked to a new series called "60 Days In" (it's probably already shown in America); but it's a fascinating, unprecedented look at being 'locked up'.

Listening.....right now, as I type this, Follow You Down by the Gin Blossoms, because I'm at work, I control our work playlist, and I'm having a '90s kind of day.

Juggling.....book challenges (again); but, I ain't complainin'.  I like it.  I'm co-hosting Read My Books that kicked off yesterday, I host Book Challenge by Erin 5.0, annnnnnd I am participating in a few others as well.

Celebrating.....  that a "Tex Mex" restaurant opened in Sydney; if you know me, you know one of the things that I miss the most the food.  I went last night, and I pretty much want to go back and have everything on the menu.  Between 3 of us, we ordered queso, guacamole, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, and sipped on some tequila to end the meal.  I've already scheduled a girls' outing with some friends to celebrate my birthday in a couple of weeks.

Appreciating...... the cool weather has caused my feline babies to be even more snuggly and cuddly than usual. 

Planning.....  actually, this should say that I'm helping to plan a Sydney visit for a friend and her 11 year old son that are coming in December!  I LOVE it when I get visitors!!

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Currently ... linking-up vol.4

Reading.....  Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes - just started this morning.  I was one of the few that didn't love You, but I liked it enough to want to read this.

Watching......  The Voice Australia.  It's the blind auditions time.  We have different coaches, and this season, we've lost my favorite coach, Ricky Martin...and I'm not gonna lie...I'm sadder about this than I should be over a silly singing competition show.

Listening..... to The Armchair Librarians podcast; right now; as I type this; I'm listening to Steph and Jana talk books.  They are on iTunes now, and I was overjoyed the were on Australia iTunes too.

Noticing..... that the "unfollow" option on facebook sure does come in handy during an election year.

Juggling.....  book challenges; I've repeatedly admitted my love of the book challenge; I've quietly snuck in another one to the mix, and you can read about it under the page tab: USA Reading Roadtrip

Feeling.....  slightly terrified; I wrote a "letter to the editor" (first time for that) divulging some personal details with it to my area newspaper back home; they want to ask me a few questions before "going public" with it, and I'm supposed to speak to the editor in the next day or two.  Honestly, I'm worried about getting trolls and being slut-shamed.  I'm mentally preparing for it.

Appreciating...... that my young cousin can be sitting in a piano bar in Vegas, hears the beginning of "Livin' on a Prayer", and sends it to me in snapchat telling me she loves and misses me.  I'm not going to lie.  I like that there is a song and band that causes people that I love to think of me.

Sharing.....  this story: Mourning Minnesota's Prince; Kati Rose gives us a personal view from a blogger, a music fan, and a Minnesota native what it has been like celebrating and honoring their purple son.

Losing my mind.....  over this news story.  A mentally-challenged teenage girl had reported to her school that her step-father impregnated her.  That is terrible enough.  The most vile aspect is yet to come.  Days later, she was found dead in her partially burned home with her throat slit and uterus removed.  I can't stop thinking about this girl.  There is a special place in hell for those people that did this to her.  (I can't even call them parents.)  Her mother and step-father are both in custody.  My mind has been racing with many cruel and unusual punishments that I hope they face.  Humans are capable of inhumane things.  This is one of the worst stories I've ever heard, and my heart is crushed for the teenager that I never knew (and her sister that allegedly was subject to repeated sexual abuse as well.)

Planning..... on my Monday (USA Sunday) to have a virtual viewing party with an old friend of mine from junior high and high school.  We've never done this before, but we're going to try to watch Grease 2 simultaneously and chat (and sing) our way through it.  She lost her mother only a couple of months ago, and Mother's Day is sad for me when I'm living so far away from my mom.  So, this friend and I planned to cheer ourselves up with this silly (and fantastic) idea.  In case you are wondering why we choose Grease 2 over the original, just read this.

Reflecting..... I don't even know how to write this without it being too incredibly depressing, but cancer sucks, and childhood cancer sucks more, and it is depressing.  I have a friend from college...we lived together for a year and were on our college dance team together.  She is a beautiful person inside and out.  She and her husband have a young son and daughter.  Her son, after being cancer-free for several months, has two brain tumors that have recently been detected.  They were advised to contact hospice and devise a plan with them.  Instead, they are traveling to another state this week to enroll in a treatment trial.
I can't imagine.  Their story has served as another reminder to me that we all have battles and struggles, and some are much, much tougher than others.  I am reminded to share my love and appreciation with those that matter to me most.  Life is a gift.  I should never forget that.  I've had this family in my constant thoughts and prayers for the last week.  If you are a praying kind, say a silent one for "Sawyer".

Leaving..... you with a few memes that I've enjoyed lately, since I've hit you with some heavy stuff in this post:

For my Def Leppard blogger buddies:

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Currently.....Linking Up vol.3

Reading.....  Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden; an example why I enjoy book challenges; they encourage me to read books that have been sitting on my "to read" list for years.

Watching......  the American Idol finale is this week; the final finale of the series.  I record it and try to avoid all spoilers.

Listening..... to The Armchair Librarians podcast; right now; as I type this; I'm listening to Steph, Jana, and guest host Erica talk about books; they are on iTunes now, and I was overjoyed the were on Australia iTunes too.

Singing..... the new Sia song "Cheap Thrills"; I hear it once, and it stays in my head for dayssssss.

Noticing..... that several of my single girlfriends are having terrible luck with online dating.

Admitting.....  that in the midst of their horror stories, some are damn funny!, but some are just downright sad and disappointing.

Appreciating...... that I'm not in the single world.

Sharing.....  this story: Steven Tyler fan gets chance meeting of a lifetime because these are the kinds of celebrity stories that make my heart happy.  Do yourself a favor...click the link and watch the video.

Eating..... I had chips & salsa for lunch; I had to spend $7 for a good salsa (instead of Old El Paso), but it was worth it.

Drinking.....  sparkling water

Wearing.....Technically, it is Autumn here, but today is a high of 91*F, so I'm still rocking the Spring clothes as long as I can.

Needing..... to get my nails done; I've been giving them a break and letting them breathe since I typically get Shellac, but they are looking shabby!

Waiting.....  for my permanent residency visa to get approved.  I've been here 7+ years, and I'm ready for the relief of all this to be completed.

Planning..... activities for the 8-year-old stepson next week; he has school holidays, and we have him for a full week, so I'm taking a couple of days to hang with him, and my guy is taking time off too for father/son time.

Visiting.....  the library on Monday with the boy, so he can check out some books for his week at our house.  Who am I kidding?  I'm going to check out books too.

Going.....  to the Sydney Brick Show (a big lego extravaganza); perfect timing for our week with the stepkid.

from Sydney Brick Show's facebook page

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

  

Linking......with another couple of great gals....Kristin and Joey: