1. I think that despite it all, Neel had a pretty nice birthday. We had sushi for lunch and went to see Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. We're both big John LeCarre fans, and this book is one of my all time favorites. Tricky to condense into just over 2 hours, but it didn't disappoint. And look what lovely gifts his lab gave him! A too-too generous gift certificate to one of our favorite restaurants, a gorgeous tie wrapped up as only a science lab can do, and these stunning cookies! Test tubes, beakers, viruses. What more could a tried and true science dork ask for? I am so touched and not at all surprised that these folks feel so kindly towards my husband that they go out of their way in such a big way for him.

2. I think I plan on spending a serious chunk of my weekend with my camera and notes from my class. One of my classmates suggested Bailey's in my coffee, and I may take her up on it.

3. I think it was really, really nice to talk to my friend Debbie this week.

4. I'm thinking I'm sad that it's the last weekend of football of the year. I know, I said it. Sad. I'll probably lose readers over this too.

5. I think it's probably really good that we went to Callum's school for Bowls for the Hungry last night. It was so good to be there and see Callum among his friends. Sixth grade has been hard, no lie. And part of me has to wonder if his anxiety and disquiet stems from school. Are we asking too much of him by asking so much? But he is happy there, it's terribly clear. And part of the reason he is at this school at all is because he was ready to step up his game. We chatted for a minute with his social studies teacher, (and trust me Callum loves him some social studies.) and the irony was not lost on me when his teacher immediately said, "I love Callum. He has such a positive attitude. He has a smile on his face 24/7." It was just what I needed to hear.

1. I think winter has been a total bust so far. No snow. Minimal cold. If it's not going to snow, I don't really want it to be terribly cold. Just enough for sweaters and fires in the fireplace. Thanks.

2. I think the pace of the start of the year has not been to my liking. Too rushed. Too harried. Things slipping through the cracks (I have yet to really pick up my camera!) I'm hoping to get myself on a little straighter next week. I've been missing your blogs. I've been neglecting to give mine necessary attention. I've been neglecting to give lots of things the necessary attention.

3. I think so far we're doing okay on side dishes. It's been a near thing, though. Last night, after taking an hour to make my normal 20 minute trip to get Callum (rain), I texted Neel when I got to school and said, "Let's get pizza!" We never do that, but it was just about the best pizza ever. And still, I made us some snap peas to go along side.

4. I think that aside from the pace of the year, 2012 has gotten off to quite a somber start. No less than three of my friends have lost their mothers. Since Christmas, another lost an uncle and a grandfather. Another lost her beloved dog, a woman known only on my photography forum lost her very young son to a tragic accident. On top of this, my dear friends Mark and Fred struggle to keep their family intact. These are dark days, and they remind me that my complaints about the pace of my days or the laundry piling up or the traffic on I-64 in the rain are thankfully small.

5. I think I will do what I always do when days are dark. Camera in hand (and sometimes not), I will look for the light.

five things, january 20th edition

five things, january 13th edition