back to normal

Sunday, January 4, 2004

First off, have I ever mentioned how incredibly cold our house is? Well, it is freezing partly because we keep it that way and partly because our house is 70+ years old. Our office is the worst room in the house, too, so my fingers always get frigid as I sit in here and type. Recently, I came across an article on Xcel Energy's Web site about conserving energy and heating costs. They claim that by "turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save about 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill—a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long." Using that information, we decided to set the house to 55 while we sleep and 68 while we're around. For the most part, this works. But I'm constantly layered in sweatshirts and robes and slouchy socks. So attractive, I tell you.

This is all a very far cry from the apartment days when heat was included and I could run around in shorts all year round.

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Yesterday afternoon, James and I went to see Mystic River. I have been curious to see this for a while now. And with all the Oscar buzz about the film, well, I wanted to know what it was all about. After seeing it, I cannot dispute the fact that all of the performances were phenomenal. Tim Robbins blew me away. But I left the theatre very unsatisfied and slightly depressed. How can you really enjoy such a painful 2-1/5 hours? It was a good film, but I can't say I liked it very much. The story was just so tragic. It hurt similar to when I read the book, House of Fog and Sand, which has also been made into a movie. That book pulled me in and astounded me. But it was too painful for me to recommend.

On the other hand, I finally got around to seeing the final Lord of the Rings movie and adored it. On a sentimental level, I want it to win "Best Picture" -- if nothing more than to reward Mr. Jackson for his 7-year project. But I suspect he and the movie will not win. Not when put up against the acting I saw on the screen yesterday. I almost agree. In the end, however, I prefer my movies to include a little hope. Call me naive. That's just the way I am.

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James and I returned to Minnesota on New Year's Day. Only now are we finally unpacked. The house is still a bit of a mess and our tree still needs to come down. But we're getting back into our groove and I'm honestly happy to be back to work tomorrow -- although, I could use a few more Sunday hours to get chores done.

We drove back from Tennessee on Wednesday, New Year's Eve, not an hour too soon. We arrived at my parent's home after 7pm. There, we enjoyed a subdued evening with dinner and drinks. I worked a bit on cleaning my mother's computer (major issues!) and James and I were in bed not long after 12:30. I think both of us were exhausted from our travels.

The next morning, we packed up the dogs and our bags and headed to Madison for a brunch with buddies before heading home. When we got home after 5pm, we both landed on our furniture with a thud and did little more than order take-out Chinese.

That Friday, I worked from home. I knew there wouldn't be many people in the office, so I took the opportunity not to shower and stay close to my pups. I also returned to my gym to attend James' 6am Spin class. Man, I missed my gym.

On Friday night, we made a healthy, healthy dinner of Wild Rice and Kale with a Mustard-Blue Cheese Sauce (a phenomenal recipe -- I recommend it highly) and baked sweet potato. We really missed "our food" while being away. We then went over to my neighbor's for dessert and to exchange belated Christmas gifts.

Yesterday, we slept in late. LATE! Finally, a full night's worth of sleep in our bed with our pillows and flannel sheets. Yum. Then we went to Yoga. It was an awesome class. At first, I was quite weak and could barely even sustain my planks & crocodile's. Can you say no upper body strength? But, then I warmed up and really began to enjoy the intensity of the workout. I also got to use some of the fabulous Yoga Mat spray that Santa put into my stocking.

I left class with both a sense of peace and sweat-soaked clothing. James and I splurged on smoothies at Jamba Juice afterwards. Then we headed home where I did a bit of domestic goddessing and then we saw the aforementioned movie. When we got home last night, we took the lazy-chef's way out and fixed a Gardenburger riblet (I love those things!) for dinner along with cheese fries and Asian-braised greens compliments of our Whole Food's cookbook. I also spent the rest of the evening making Falafel Balls for a little cocktail hour that we're having this evening. Again, compliments of our Whole Food's cookbook.

This morning has been more leisurely. We didn't workout. We made a Potato and Corn Souffle dish for brunch (again, Whole Foods, I'm their whore). I made out the weekly menu and soon need to get to the store for groceries. I also need to stop at Target. The laundry situation here is at a critical level.

So, all in all, our Christmas vacation went very well. But I'm even more happy that it is over. Over the course of December, I knitted five scarves, baked numerous goodies, gathered other "homemade" gifts (Vanilla Sugar, Cranberry Liquor). We shopped and decorated and did it all with gusto. But, I am now officially sick to death of the music and the clutter, even the poinsettia in our dining room.

I also didn't get around to sending out cards which didn't bother me so much at first. Not until I started receiving so many. I appreciated every single one (thank you, all!) --- but also felt a wave a guilt with every envelope I opened. Perhaps next year.

On the gift front, James and I racked up pretty well in all things material. I purchased him a bike work stand, the Lord of the Ring Two Towers extended DVD, pajama pants, the new Jon Krackauer novel, a Burt's Bees shaving kit. I received a set of snow shoes, hiking boots, both Beck's and Cracker's latest CDs, a My Little Pony, an "undies" cosmetic bag, Harry the Dirty Dog (both book and toy). My parent's are going to build us a nightstand to go along with our dresser. They also got James the Annie Lebowitz American Music book and a knife sharpener. I got a lovely Banana Republic bracelet. My brother and his wife bought us a lamp for our bedroom and a turquoise ring for me. What can I say, we are lucky and got a lot of toys.

So, that is about it for the Christmas-ness. I do have these photos to end with. I took them almost a month ago and never got around the publishing them. Basically, our tree and various decor. Enjoy. And now we can return to our regularly scheduled program...

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