I did it again!

Well, damn!  I let the blog lapse again.

Now, before you judge me too harshly, I have been trying to dig my way out from under a pile of dirty laundry.  Wait, that's not exactly true.  I have changed the laundry from dirty to clean, but now I have this big pile of clean laundry that needs to go where it lives.  I can get the laundry into the washer, swapped to the dryer and then taken out of the dryer to be heaped in a pile on a piece of furniture in our living room or to languish in a basket. 

Usually, we dress from the piles until things get scattered around on the floor where they are walked on and those pieces go back into the washer for another ride.

Also, it's spring break for my kids.  Zoe and Will are out of school for a whole week.  This year, it's coincided with the time change forward an hour.  I don't know about you but the whole daylight savings thing kicks my ass every year, twice a year.  Falling backwards isn't so bad, but the shift in the spring causes all kinds of strife in our household.  The kids protest starting to get ready for bed when it's still light outside and getting them up at the right time of morning becomes difficult.  Having the week off to attempt the resetting of the schedule their little bodies helps.

Since it is spring break, I'm making sure we have things to do every day this week to keep everyone from going crazy.  Monday, we spent a bunch of time at the Ultimate Moms Club, a place where I pay a monthly memebership that allows me to drop in from 10-2 five days a week.  There's a big yard with a sandbox, playhouse, swings and toys.  The club also features a big playroom, an intern who helps out with the kids, a full kitchen, a big front yard, a garden and will have chickens soon.  There are other kids to play with and other moms to chat with.   I took my sewing machine with me and made the tunics that the kids will need for the Sherwood Forest Faire this weekend.  While I was doing this I ended up giving a spontaneous sewing class for the kids.  They handed me pins and scissors, carefully watched what I did and where impressed with the simple shirts I made.  Then they danced around with the scrap fabric. 

Yesterday, we rode the new Metro Rail train downtown and went to the Children's Museum. Taking the train downtown costs more than it would to park, but  then one doesn't have to deal with parking.  Parking downtown during the week is tough. Street parking is always full, leaving either the pay to park lots or the parking structures. Parking on weekend nights, if you arrive after eight p.m. is frustrating. You can always find a space near the emergency shelter, but it's darker and a little scary for women from the 'burbs.

When any kind of big event is happening the parking issue doubles.  And this week is a good one to not have to deal with parking because SXSW (South by Southwest music festival, a city wide event featuring mulitple shows and events.  It's a huge deal and the city is packed for several days) is getting started.  People are arriving, the tents for wristband pick-up are set up, vendors are passing out flyers and all kinds of excitement is going on. When we got off the train and started towards our destination, I texted Scott "It's hipsters as far as the eye can see!"  I garnered at least a glance from the too-cool crowd in their skinny jeans and fedoras because I was rockin' the victory rolls and saddle shoes while I walked with my kids. 

One of the coolest moments of my life was the first time I was recognized as a local at the Capitol grounds.  If I go downtown on graduation weekend or during tourist season in the summer I'm usually asked directions at least once.  Again, this makes me feel all kickin' and neat-o. 

Between the train rides, the walk to and from the station, playing at the museum and the drive to and from home the outing ate up the late morning/early afternoon.  Woot!  Day two down!

Today, we're getting ready to host a play date at our house and then hosting a play date at our house.  The picking up and readying of snacks will take up our morning. Playing with friends will take up a good chunk of the afternoon.  Boom!  Day three down! 

Two days left and I'll be golden!

Keep me in your thoughts as I continue to fill our days this week. 

Amanda's beauty tip of the day:  Ironing clothing is a pain-in-the-ass, but is essential in keeping your look crisp.